Welcome to St. Pius of Pietrelcina Parish! Our parishioners make up a strong, vibrant community of Catholic faithful. This community includes:

• Ss. Anthony & Philip Church, Highland
• St. Joseph Church, Dodgeville
• St. Joseph School, Dodgeville
• Ss. Mary & Paul Church, Mineral Point
• St. Thomas Church, Montfort

Whether you are a visitor or new to our Parish, interested in becoming Catholic, seeking to return to the practice of your faith or already an active member of our Parish, we're so glad you're here! We invite you to join us for Mass or become a part of our Parish.

St. Joseph's first parochial school was built around 1896 and stood in the same location as the present school. A two-story frame building contained living quarters for the Franciscan Sisters. A tiny chapel was later added to the west end. The school opened under the management of three Franciscan Sisters of Charity from Manitowoc, Wi, with an enrollment of 68 pupils, never to go any higher. It closed in 1906 with enrollment down to 40. At that time, there were 4 Benedictine sisters on the staff and reportedly friction existed between the pastor and various sisters; actual cause is unknown.
Soliciting pledges for the new school began in 1940 with Fr. McGuire. The old frame school became a chicken house with it was bought by Robert Rohowetz for $300 and moved to his farm. New Building operations commenced the following year and by the end of April four spacious classrooms plus a large basement recreation area were ready for use. Dedication ceremony took place January 20, 1942. Classes commenced two weeks later with 80 enrolled students. By 1954 it was obvious that larger quarters were needed, so a fourth classroom addition was built into the east end, plus a kitchen-gymnasium to the south. Cost was $107,541. 
 
 In 1965 enrollment topped 300 students. There were three pay teachers plus six sisters. By the end of 1967, a quarter century after it had opened, St. Joe's had graduated 487 boys and girls from 8th grade. 
 
 June 1982 had only eight graduates. In 1966 the Franciscan sisters divided into provinces, and the sisters were reassigned. By 1978, all sisters were gone, and the staff was entirely lay personnel. Originally, one other classroom was temporary living quarters for the sisters, but a convent was purchased in 1947. When it burned, another property was purchased for the sisters and the empty lot became a playground for the school. 
 
 From 1978 to 1980 extensive work was done to the school, predominately, to make it more energy efficient. A new Insulated ceiling, air conditioning and new tile floor were installed in the gym. 
 
 In the fall of 1996, St. Joseph had reached a crossroads. The current school, housing about 180 students, K-8, and another 35 preschool students was bursting at its seams. Lower-level bathrooms had been turned into classrooms, the former cafeteria and library were classrooms, hot lunch was eaten in the gymnasium, urinals backed up on the daily, heating was inconsistent, the roof leaked and electrical problems plagued the building as outlets couldn't support the load needed to prepare and clean up after fish fries. However, enrollment was increasing, teaching staff was stable, and the reputation was strong and positive in the community. A school trust was begun in 1983 and had grown to more than $675,000. The parish was out of debt and with a new Church build in 1987, there were no other big expenses looming. 
 
 Father Kalscheuer initiated pledges to raise money toward a new school at a cost of $1.5 million. Within a month, 1 million was pledged. McCon Construction was selected as the general contract. The new building would include 2700 Sq ft. 
 
 Construction began in 1998 with the new gymnasium build alongside the old school while classes were still in progress. Demolition for the old school was set for late May 1998. The new school was constructed that summer. School resumed after Labor Day, only 110 days after construction began.