St. Paul’s Cathedral Mice Continue a Fond du Lac Tradition

St. Paul’s Cathedral stands as one of Fond du Lac’s most iconic landmarks, but beyond its beautiful architecture lies a tradition that has quietly delighted families for generations—the Cathedral Mice.

The Cathedral Mice program is an annual fundraiser for St. Paul’s Cathedral, with one new mouse design (“character”) introduced each year and available by preorder. Collectors look forward to the reveal, and families often make it a tradition—ordering the newest mouse, gifting it, and adding it to collections that span decades. This year introduced the newest mouse addition of “General George Washington.”

Behind every mouse is the Cathedral’s beloved “Mouse Factory,” a remarkable
volunteer-powered effort that has been part of the community since early 1960s.
Dozens of helpers pitch in to create thousands of mice each year—working assembly-line style with cutting, sewing, stuffing, assembling, and dressing. Preorders are typically taken in winter (December through February), with mice distributed in early December at the Cathedral’s annual St. Nicholas Faire event. Held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the St. Nicholas Faire is a feel-good day that brings the whole spirit of the season together in one place. Along with the Cathedral Mice (and occasionally a chance to snag one if you missed the preorder), the Faire features a silent auction, baked goods, and crafts—turning a fundraiser into a festive community
tradition.

For more details on ordering a Cathedral Mouse, and to see the full collection of
Cathedral Mice, please visit: https://cathedralmice.com/.

Author: Ali Faris Helleberg