The church underwent its first renovation under the leadership of Fr. Edward Safiejko, who was assigned pastor in the fall of 1971. Changes were made to the worship space as directed by the Vatican II Council. A major renovation of the church took place in the summer of 1995. During this time liturgies were celebrated in the parish hall. The remodeled worship space was completed and dedicated by Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland in November of 1995.
Current church: In 2000, the Parish Assessment Renewal Process encouraged parishioners to study and assess the current facilities and prepare a feasibility report on building and renovating the existing church properties. The parish council approved the expansion and renovation of their facilities. This project would include expanding the narthex and building a new gym, library, computer lab, science lab, music room, storage space and meeting rooms.
A capital campaign began in 2002 to fund this major project. Groundbreaking for the expanded gathering space and devotional chapel took place in June of 2003. Bishop Richard J. Sklba dedicated the new facilities in August of 2004.
First pastor: Fr. Carroll Guenther (1960 – 1966)
Current pastor: Fr. Carmelo Giuffre
School: Four Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph came from Hamburg, N.Y., to Milwaukee in summer 1963. Together, the sisters and the parish opened the doors of St. Charles Borromeo School for children in grades one through five. Soon, an addition was built to hold the increasing number of children wishing to attend the school. A hall and five new classrooms were then added.
In the early 1960s, a convent was built on the west side of the parking lot, which provided living accommodations for 10 sisters. The sisters’ original living quarters in the school were then reconstructed to establish more classrooms as the school enrollment continued to grow.
Worth noting: The first priest son of the parish, Fr. Phillip Bogacki, was ordained and celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving at the church in August 2008. Fr. Bogacki is currently temporary administrator at St. John Vianney Parish, Brookfield.
Compiled by Amy E. Rewolinski using resources provided by St. Charles Borromeo Parish.