Our History

A faith-filled legacy of learning, service, and community.

Growing through the years

  1. 1956

    A vision takes root

    Bishop Edward Kelly purchased land at Cole and Northview with plans to establish a new parish. Fr. James Hallissey first used the property to build Sacred Heart Mission School, laying the foundation for the future St. Mark's community.

  2. 1967

    The school opens

    Sacred Heart Mission School opened with three classrooms serving first, second, and third grades. With significant help from parent volunteers, the school added a classroom each year.

  3. 1970

    St. Mark's receives its name

    Bishop Sylvester Treinen approved the new parish in June. While Mass was celebrated at Bishop Kelly High School, space in the parish school was remodeled into a 300-seat chapel. That summer, parishioners selected Saint Mark as the name of their church and school.

  4. 1974

    Early leadership

    Sr. M. Amelia served as the mission school's first principal, followed by Sr. Agnes, Sr. Mary Romanus, and Sr. Dorothy Mary. Bishop Treinen later appointed Fr. Raymond Peplinski as pastor and principal.

  5. 1975

    A new church home

    On Christmas Eve, the parish celebrated its first Mass in the new St. Mark's Church.

  6. 1982–83

    Middle school begins

    Two classrooms were added for seventh and eighth grades, along with a gymnasium, stage, and adult education room. St. Mark's celebrated its first graduating eighth-grade class in 1983.

  7. 1998

    Kindergarten arrives

    Two portable classrooms created the space needed for St. Mark's to begin offering kindergarten.

  8. 2001

    Investing in learning

    Funds raised by the Home and School Association supported a remodeled library and the construction of a new computer lab.

  9. 2004–05

    More room to grow

    Former parish offices were converted into two classrooms and two restrooms to serve the expanding school community.

  10. 2007

    Completing the middle school

    Ground was broken for four additional classrooms, completing the school's dedicated middle school space.

  11. 2015

    Welcoming preschoolers

    St. Mark's opened its preschool program in classrooms provided by the church.

  12. Today

    The story continues

    St. Mark's serves students from preschool through eighth grade with a values-based Catholic education. Continued campus improvements—including classrooms, a library, preschool facilities, offices, and a chapel—help the school carry its mission into the future.