Immaculate Conception Catholic Church — Attraction in Eau Claire

It's a very active Catholic Church in Eau Claire Wisconsin. I was there to bury my father, sadly. The staff couldn't have been nicer. The parishioners are wonderful. They have an exceptional funeral choir and a decent Mass choir.

The priest is a living saint who gave one of the most moving and most personal funeral sermons I have ever heard. (I am a cantor so I've heard many.) Father is extremely faith-filled and stayed with my dad the whole time (hours, not minutes) he was in extremis and final agony, bringing Holy Communion, (Viaticum which in the original Latin meant "preparation for a journey" - - a journey indeed, a homecoming) and offering a heartfelt Last Rites. He was extremely solicitous of my mother and stayed much longer than he had to or than is usual. He came to our mother's home to pray with us and also led a second prayerful family meeting so we could figure out funeral and luncheon arrangements. The food for the luncheon was exceptional and the church has a parishioner committee who prepares it. The bereaved are very well served and comforted. We didn't have to do anything.

The parish has devices for the hearing impaired that actually work. They have a ramp for wheelchairs and accessible but not automatic, doors in the back of the church. There are a few very shallow steps leading up to the front door. It's always cleared of snow and ice. Everyone is friendly and accommodating.

I wrote this as much to say thank you and to give grieving people an idea what to expect and to suggest what an exceptional funeral and the rituals surrounding it look like at their best as I did to review the Church. I offer my condolences to anyone who has lost someone dear and who might chance to read this. Update: Dad is home with God two years now and I miss him as much as I ever did but I rejoice with him and others who have lost dear ones, especially this Eastertide. God be with you. You...

It is a beautiful and humble parish dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. I truly appreciate the reverence the priest conveys in each mass. The people are also very kind and inviting as is Fr. Francis. As an outsider and new member, I have always felt welcomed and loved, and I feel blessed and...

My first visit here was not pleasant. Why would a priest leave the altar to pace around in the center aisle to deliver his sermon?? I have spoken professionally for many years and never chose to speak to THE BACKS of...