About our pastorate
Four churches under the patronage of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy.
Mary, Mother of Mercy Pastorate unites the Catholic faithful of Sauk City, Roxbury, Mazomanie, and Merrimac. We are part of the Diocese of Madison, in communion with our bishop and with the Holy Father, and our life is centered on Jesus Christ: hearing his word, celebrating the sacraments, practicing the works of mercy, and helping one another grow in holiness.
Under Our Lady’s mantle
Our patroness is the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom the Church hails in the Salve Regina as “Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.” She gave her yes to God, stood at the foot of the Cross, and leads us always to her Son. We seek refuge under her mantle and ask her intercession, that we may receive the mercy of Christ and show it to others in our homes, our work, and our towns.
Three parishes, four churches
The pastorate currently includes Divine Mercy Parish, with St. Aloysius in Sauk City and St. Mary, Health of the Sick in Merrimac; St. Norbert Parish in Roxbury; and Holy Cross Parish, with St. Barnabas in Mazomanie. Each church keeps its own patron saint, history, and devotions, and each remains a house of prayer for the whole pastorate.
We are preparing to become one parish. Until the effective date is formally announced, we continue to use the name Mary, Mother of Mercy Pastorate. Our merger information explains the stages and directs you to dated updates.
Around the altar
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the source and summit of the Christian life, stands at the heart of our four churches. From it flows the rest of our life: regular confession and Eucharistic adoration, preparing children and adults for the sacraments, teaching the faith in our homes and at St. Aloysius School, praying the Rosary, and caring for the sick and those in need.
Whether you have worshiped here for years, are returning to the sacraments after time away, or are seeking the Catholic faith for the first time, come and see. Choose a church, find a Mass, or contact the office to speak with a priest. If you would like to participate in Spanish, tell us when you contact us so we can help you find the right person or celebration.