Our parish is a part of a cluster of parishes in Northern Wisconsin. This cluster includes St. Anthony of Padua in Park Falls, and St. Francis of Assisi in Fifield, Wisconsin. They are served by our pastor, Father Jim Jackson and Deacon Chet Ball.

We, the people of Immaculate Conception Parish, believe we are called to be an Eucharistic people and a hospitable community. We joyfully share the message of Jesus Christ with each other and the whole world with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through prayer and openness, we are a praying parish family who seek growth, wisdom, love, knowledge, and forgiveness.
We believe it is our responsibility to look for the good in all people and to listen to one another. All people, youngest to eldest, are important and have something to offer to build the Kingdom of God.
We believe we are called to reach beyond our parish to the missions and to others in need. Through our call to be charitable, we hope to grow and reflect God's love for all to see.

We welcome you to our parish family. Please register at the parish offices as soon as possible. Our office hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The office is located at 113 North Fourth Street in Butternut. (Behind the Church)

The CCD programs for grades 1-5 are held every Wednesday of the school year from 2-3 p.m. The children are released, with parental permission, from the Butternut Public School for these classes. Grades 6-8 have religious education on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, while grades 9-11 have instructions on the 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesday. Grade 12 meets on the first Wednesday of each month. All evening classes are from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Adults interested in learning more about our faith are invited to join the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) classes held from September through May each year at St. Anthony's in Park Falls.
Confirmation is two-year program that begins in grade 10 and culminates in the spring of grade 11 when Confirmation is received with our cluster parishes at St. Anthony's. Any member of the parish family not already confirmed is invited and encouraged to contact a parish staff member to arrange for group or independent study.
Registration for any of these educational programs can be done by stopping at the parish office or calling (715)-769-3644.

The Youth Group is an organization of young people made up of all students in grades 9-12. They hold a monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday. The group organizes for prayer and spiritual growth,. social and recreational activities, and service projects. They hold fund raisers for their pursuits, which include a fall gathering, Christmas caroling, Youth Rally, and the diocesan Ski-Blast, as well as picnics and other outings. They help to decorate the church, serve at funeral luncheons, help out at the Knights of Columbus' St. Patrick's Party, and participate in other service projects throughout the year.

Parents wishing to have a child baptized in the parish must attend a Baptism preparation class. Classes are held every other month the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Padua Center Meeting Room at St. Anthony's in Park Falls. We recommend attending the class before the baby is born. Call the parish office to register for the class. Time of baptism will be arranged with the pastor or deacon.

For baptism we ask that a couple be registered, practicing member of the parish or another parish prior to the reception of the sacrament.

We follow the guidelines of the Diocese of Superior. Couples who are planning marriage must notify the pastor six months prior to the proposed date of marriage. The couple must go through an assessment process which includes a premarital inventory, when they meet with sponsor couples. Normally, the wedding takes place at the parish of the bride. If the couple plans marriage elsewhere, the proper permission of the pastor is required.

For marriage we ask that a couple be registered, practicing member of the parish or another parish prior to the reception of the sacrament.

Every month Father visits the homes of the shut-ins. On Sundays and other special times, Communion is taken to some of the shut-ins by Eucharistic Ministers of our Church.

Our parish has many lay ministers who serve in a variety of ways. These ministries are open to all members of the parish. Eucharistic Ministers must have received Confirmation. Lectors, servers, ushers, and greeters are welcome at any time. If interested, call the parish office and training will be provided.

The Christian Ladies' Organization serves the parish by taking care of the funeral luncheons for parish members and their families, sponsoring scholarships for graduating seniors, providing gifts for the pastor and staff of the parish, and liturgical needs of the church. All ladies of the parish are members and are invited to take part in the service work. A major fund raiser is the raffling of a quilt each summer. The winning ticket is drawn on the Sunday before Labor Day. When meetings are scheduled, the announcement of the date and time are put in the parish bulletin.

The Father George Niekamp Council #7132 was chartered in Butternut in 1978. The council holds various fund raisers through out the year. They sponsor the annual St. Patrick's Day Bouya Supper and Card Party/Bingo in March. They also sponsor the annual Mother's Day breakfast in May. They have established a Scholarship Program for graduating seniors, and sponsors youth activities such as the Christmas Poster Contest, Free Throw Contest, Knowledge Contest, and the annual Tootsie Roll Drive. Funds received from activities are donated to victims of tragedy or disaster, shut-ins, community projects, and athletes.