Father Joseph W. Hirsch
Director of Vocations and Vicar for Clergy

My name is Father Joseph Hirsch. Born in Medford, Wisconsin, my family moved to Sparta when I was twelve. I come from a family of nine children of which I am the third oldest. I attended Holy Cross Seminary as a high school student for two years and then returned to Sparta. Later on, Fr. Burke and my pastors were influential in getting me to think again about seminary, and I re-entered at age 27 and was ordained a priest in 1986 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph [the Workman].

My first assignment was for three years at the Cathedral under Monsignor Dwyer, and then Assumption High School in Wisconsin Rapids for nine years. I have been pastor at St. Joseph, Altdorf and the Quad Parishes near Norwalk and Cashton.

In 2002 Bishop Burke asked me to be Director of Vocations. I find that working with young people as they ask, "What does God want of me?" is a great privilege and helps me to see the best in so many of our young people. For the past two years, I have also been the Vicar for Clergy under Bishop Listecki.

Please continue to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life for the good of our families and Diocese. Also continue to pray that each of us continue to grow in holiness and in the mission which the Lord entrusts to us in this corner of the world called the Diocese of La Crosse.