St. Francis Xavier Cathedral - Green Bay, Wis.

(Observer photo/Penny Wiegert)

Destination: Given that we live in a diocese where people quip that “mixed marriages” involve Bears and Packers fans, anyone from here might make a trip to Green Bay or Door County in Wisconsin. In addition to planning a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, Wis., plan a stop at the cathedral in this very Catholic city, too.
Mass times are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m.

(Observer photo/Sam Lucero, The Compass)

Photos: (Left) Behind the main altar at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay is   a 40 by 25 foot mural entitled “The Crucifixion,” one of several paintings restored during recent renovations.
(Right) St. Francis Xavier Cathedral is a short walk from several downtown hotels.
Why to go: Consecrated in 1881, but founded as a parish in 1851, the most recent renovations at Green Bay’s cathedral were made in honor of the diocese’s 150th anniversary. In addition to beautifully restored paintings, updates included the altar of white Carrara marble with relics of SS. Boniface, Timothy, Tiburtius and Francis Xavier in the altar stone. The figures of the four evangelists painted on the ceiling of the sanctuary were among paintings restored. An altar dedicated to Our Mother of Perpetual Help on the left side of the sanctuary is the only original altar from 1881. Known as the Peace altar since World War I, it honors the men and women of the parish who served in the armed forces. The Bishop Wycislo Center (the building connected to the cathedral on the north side) houses the diocese’s museum.
Handicapped accessibility: This cathedral is loaded with steps, but there is an elevator entrance from the Bishop Wycislo Center.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course kids are welcome in this active parish.
Info: Address — 139 S. Madison, Green Bay, WI 54301
 Phone — 920/432-4348 
Website — https://sfxcathedralgb.com/
—  Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story.
Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org