School History

The Parish of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Worcester, Massachusetts, which was then within the Diocese of Springfield, was organized in 1903. In 1913, Reverend Boleslaus A. Bojanowski was appointed the pastor, and a year later he began the construction of St. Mary's parish school. Upon his request, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth consented to conduct th parish school. They arrived in Worcester in August, 1915, and on September 5th the opening of the school took place with an enrollment of 145 children.

In 1936, Fr. Bojanowski was pleased to realize the opening of the parish high school with an enrollment of thirty five students. Each year the program was advanced to another level so that in 1940, St Mary's High School held a graduation for its first graduates, eighteen in number.

January 20, 1950, Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish and thus St. Mary's Elementary School and St. Mary's High School, became a part of the Diocese of Worcester under the Most Reverend John J. Wright, its first Ordinary.

On Monday, May 10th 2004, Bishop George E. Rueger came to St. Mary's Elementary School to bid farewell to Sister M. Dulcissima Kolakowska and Sister M. Roberta Garczynski. Bishop Rueger expressed thanks from himself and the diocese to the two Sisters for the work they had done for the school- Sister Dulcissima for 18 years and Sister Roberta for 27 years of teaching at the school. Bishop Rueger presented a certificate and a beautiful written letter to Sister Dulcissima honoring her for 66 years of dedicated service in the teaching profession. May God bless & protect her.

On Sunday, June 6 2004 The Ladies Guild of Our Lady of Czestochowa parish hosted an afternoon tea for the school principal Sr. Roberta and her assistant Sr. Dulcissima. Many former students, parishioners and faculty members came to wish the Sisters well. Although unable to attend due to illness, Sister Victoria Wozniak was remembered by many for her years of service to the high school students. She worked in the school library and the students remembered her for her patience, kindness and willingness to assist them in their work. Sisters Dulcissima and Victoria reside at Immaculate Heart of Mary Provincialate in Monroe CT.

As of June 30, 2004, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, no longer minister to the families and students of St. Mary's School. This was indeed a painful decision but one that was necessary. We thank the many Sisters who have ministered to the families of St. Mary's School. We ask God to continue to bless the parishioners of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish and the students of St. Mary's School. The School remains open with lay staff.