Our History
In 1988, our parish acquired the property in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, with the intention of establishing a church and school for the growing Catholic community. This purchase marked the beginning of what would become St. Anne’s Academy, a place devoted to preserving and handing on the traditional Catholic Faith. Shortly after settling here, Father founded the Academy for the children of the parish. The school had originally begun at the Church of Saints Processus and Martinian in St. Paul, Minnesota, but with the new chapel came a new name and a renewed purpose. Father desired that the youth of this parish receive a solid, traditional Catholic education—one that would prepare them to contribute meaningfully to society, live faithfully in the world, and ultimately to save their souls. For over a decade, he personally oversaw the school, supported by dedicated lay men and women whose efforts helped make his vision a reality. Because of him, countless young people received not only an exceptional education but also a strong formation in the Faith.
A major turning point came in 2003. Father Mroczka saw that if the Academy was to flourish—not just for a few years, but for generations—something more would be needed. He wanted the school to have a firm foundation, a stable future, and a religious spirit that would permeate everything the children learned. And so, in 2002 Father invited the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Our Savior to assume leadership of the school. The Congregation, founded in 1984 by the then-Father Clarence Kelly, is devoted above all to making reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; among their apostolates, the education and formation of youth holds a privileged place. The Sisters graciously accepted Father’s invitation, and in August of 2003, five Sisters arrived to take charge of the Academy. Their presence strengthened the school’s mission immeasurably, bringing stability, religious example, and the spiritual depth that has long been a hallmark of Catholic education. With their arrival, the Academy—until then a first- through eighth-grade school—formally established its high school division. The first graduating class completed its studies in 2006. At the time the Sisters arrived, total enrollment stood at just 33 students. Over the past two decades, God has blessed the Academy with steady growth. Today, twelve Sisters reside and teach at St. Anne’s, forming students from grades 1–12 according to the timeless truths of the Catholic Faith. They labor not only to educate but to inspire—to instill in every child a love of God, reverence for family, and a sincere devotion to their country. St. Anne’s Academy remains one of the few traditional Catholic schools in the nation where the Baltimore Catechism is faithfully taught, the traditional Latin Mass is lovingly preserved, and the objective moral teachings of the Church are upheld without compromise.
Today, we stand at the threshold of another chapter in the history of Saint Anne’s Academy. Currently, the Academy enrolls 75 students—a tremendous blessing, but one that brings its own challenges. Our classrooms are filled to capacity, and in recent years we have even had to turn away families seeking admission. With a projected increase in incoming students, additional space has become an urgent necessity. We invite you to support our expansion project, which will allow us to welcome more families to the Academy in the near future.
Saint Anne’s Academy is a private, parish-supported institution and receives no financial assistance from the diocese. We depend upon the generosity of those who value traditional Catholic education and the sacrifices required to preserve it. Your support sustains the work established here and helps ensure its continuation for generations to come.
A major turning point came in 2003. Father Mroczka saw that if the Academy was to flourish—not just for a few years, but for generations—something more would be needed. He wanted the school to have a firm foundation, a stable future, and a religious spirit that would permeate everything the children learned. And so, in 2002 Father invited the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Our Savior to assume leadership of the school. The Congregation, founded in 1984 by the then-Father Clarence Kelly, is devoted above all to making reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; among their apostolates, the education and formation of youth holds a privileged place. The Sisters graciously accepted Father’s invitation, and in August of 2003, five Sisters arrived to take charge of the Academy. Their presence strengthened the school’s mission immeasurably, bringing stability, religious example, and the spiritual depth that has long been a hallmark of Catholic education. With their arrival, the Academy—until then a first- through eighth-grade school—formally established its high school division. The first graduating class completed its studies in 2006. At the time the Sisters arrived, total enrollment stood at just 33 students. Over the past two decades, God has blessed the Academy with steady growth. Today, twelve Sisters reside and teach at St. Anne’s, forming students from grades 1–12 according to the timeless truths of the Catholic Faith. They labor not only to educate but to inspire—to instill in every child a love of God, reverence for family, and a sincere devotion to their country. St. Anne’s Academy remains one of the few traditional Catholic schools in the nation where the Baltimore Catechism is faithfully taught, the traditional Latin Mass is lovingly preserved, and the objective moral teachings of the Church are upheld without compromise.
Today, we stand at the threshold of another chapter in the history of Saint Anne’s Academy. Currently, the Academy enrolls 75 students—a tremendous blessing, but one that brings its own challenges. Our classrooms are filled to capacity, and in recent years we have even had to turn away families seeking admission. With a projected increase in incoming students, additional space has become an urgent necessity. We invite you to support our expansion project, which will allow us to welcome more families to the Academy in the near future.
Saint Anne’s Academy is a private, parish-supported institution and receives no financial assistance from the diocese. We depend upon the generosity of those who value traditional Catholic education and the sacrifices required to preserve it. Your support sustains the work established here and helps ensure its continuation for generations to come.