About / Our History
Our History
St. Mary has served Mayville families for well over a century — through pastors and Sisters, new buildings and new beginnings, always with the same mission: to know and love every child.
Our Mission
St. Mary Catholic School is rooted in Catholic values and academic excellence. We are committed to providing an environment rich in diversity, inclusion and belonging, where children of God learn, love and live the faith.
1896–1915
The parish takes root
Father Joseph Heder led the parish for nearly two decades. Under his direction, the parish built a school in 1904 and the rectory in 1915.
c. 1916
The Sisters of St. Agnes arrive
The Sisters of St. Agnes convent was built and the Sisters staffed the school for more than sixty years, until 1978.
Mid-century
A new St. Mary School
Father Oliver Zinnen, a former Navy chaplain, gave 17 years to the parish. During his pastorate the present St. Mary School was built — 8 classrooms, a gym, a kitchen, and a large playground — to house the day school and CCD program.
1998
A second campus at St. Andrew
St. Mary opened a second campus at St. Andrew in LeRoy, housing daycare, preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1–2.
2009
Home together in Mayville
The LeRoy campus closed and renovations brought all classes back to the Mayville campus, where they remain today.
2026–27
A new chapter: St. Mary Middle School
The family grows again with the opening of St. Mary Middle School — extending our promise of a Christ-centered, family-sized education through the middle grades.
Be part of the next chapter
A century of faith. A future written with your family.
Come walk our halls, meet our teachers, and see where your child's story could begin.