Diocese of Superior - Bishop Hammes Center

The Bishop Hammes Center is located in the former Rectory of Holy Trinity Church in Haugen. It is six miles north of Rice Lake. Take Hwy 53 North to the Cty V exit to Haugen. Turn left toward Haugen. Cross Cty SS. Drive west two blocks then turn right and drive about three blocks to top of hill. Bishop Hammes Center is to the right of the church.

Address:
P O Box 280
315 W. 5th Street
Haugen, WI 54841

The Bishop George A. Hammes Center is the site of the Offices of Catholic Formation and Marriage, Family and Youth for the Catholic Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin. The Hammes Center is the inheritor of new perspectives of catechesis of the Second Council of the Vatican (Vatican II) established by Most Rev. George A. Hammes, Bishop of Superior, upon his return from Rome in 1965. He saw the need for the local Church of Superior to make use of Vatican II perspectives of theology, scripture, and catechesis as the doctrinal source for catechesis. Pastors and parishes would need new catechetical programs based on an organic model of adult learning and adult faith.

Accordingly, Bishop Hammes created the Christian Renewal Centers. The Centers were staffed by priests, sisters and lay people whose task was to teach adults, especially catechists and parents, how to use the "new" catechesis. They also assisted pastors in getting new programs started. New instructional materials were introduced throughout the Diocese.

The Christian Renewal Centers served their purpose well. However, as time passed, several of the Centers were phased out. By 1986 only the Cameron and Woodruff Centers remained. The staff of these Centers had been designated as the diocesan Office of Religious Education (ORE).

In 1990 long range planning for diocesan needs indicated the desirability of establishing a single site for ORE. At this time the former rectory of Holy Trinity parish, Haugen, became available. This site was central to the diocese and offered adequate space for ORE functions. Most Reverend Raphael M. Fliss, Bishop of Superior, gave his permission to re-locate ORE at Haugen and close the Cameron and Woodruff sites.

To coincide with Bishop Hammes' vision of modern catechesis, the Center had boasted a large Media Center which offered parishes an extensive collection of audio, video and print materials for instruction and adult faith formation. Parishes paid a modest subscription which allowed unlimited usage.

Bishop Hammes (then retired) was asked if the new Center could be named for him to recognize his leadership and foresight in diocesan catechesis. He graciously agreed to this and presided at the dedication of the Bishop George A. Hammes Center in November, 1990.

Again in 2012, planning for diocesan needs led to change for the Center. Bishop Peter F. Christensen restructured the offices by adding the emphasis of marriage and family to formational needs. The Bishop Hammes Center now provides office space for staff that service the areas of Religious Education, Adult Formation, Schools, Sacramental Preparation, Youth Ministry and Marriage and Family.

The Bishop Hammes Center is open five days a week. Please call if you need assistance - 715-234-5044

Staff: