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St. Mary Church & Adoration Chapel
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St. Mary’s opened its doors in 1865 by the hard work and dedication of 30 Irish and French immigrant Catholic families. The first pastor, Fr. Anatole Oster, helped finance the construction through a parish festival, which raised $700, and even more was raised at the festival the following year. It was estimated the total cost of building the church would be $5,000 to $7,000. The sanctuary and sacristy (now the Chapel) were added in about 1875.
It was in 1878, Fr. John J. Slevin was appointed the first resident pastor. He built a brick rectory in 1880, which was used by St. Mary's priests for over a century. Additions were added 20 and 75 years later.
Fr. James Flemming, who was born on Christmas day 1847 in Kilkenny, Ireland, came to St. Mary's in 1896. It was during his pastorate that the current stained glass windows were installed. An elaborate altar was installed by Fr. Patrick O'Conner in 1900. In 1905, Fr. Hugh McDevitt added the steeple tower, vestibule, and front steps.
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During 1934 - 1935, Fr. Michael McRaith built a four-room school house. With the help of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the school grew to the point that an addition was built in 1949. Fr. John McGuire added a gym and more classrooms to the school in 1964 - 1965.
Fr. McGuire's successor, Rev. Gerald Kenny was part of the school consolidation of St. Mary, St. Mark, and St. Mary of the Purification of Marystown, forming Shakopee Area Catholic School (SACS) in 1970. St. Mary's school building then housed the Middle School (6, 7, & 8th grades) for all three parishes.
In 1976, St. Mary and St. Mark combined their cemeteries, during the pastorate of Fr. James Schoenberger.
The church has been remodeled several times over the years; but never as extensively as the renovation completed in 1983, under the guidance of Fr. Schoenberger. The 'new' church was rededicated on May 6, 1984, by Auxiliary Bishop Robert Carlson, of the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis. In 1985, St. Mary started the first Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Fr. Schoenberger also built the current rectory that replaced the aging, century-old residence in 1986.
The Religious Education Program was also consolidated. In August 1998 the Shakopee Catholic Youth Ministry was started.
A new school building, the Catholic Education Center, was built in 2003 to house Kindergarten through 8th grade Shakopee Area Catholic School students. In the summer of 2005, the old St. Mary school was razed to the ground. In 2016, The Henderson, 55+ senior living apartments were built where the old St. Mary school once stood.
We look back at our parish history and realize the tremendous growth we have achieved as a family. Our liturgical and spiritual past is one built on guidance from our heavenly Father and the breadth of Tradition deposited and entrusted to us. While nourishing us with His Sacraments our Lord Jesus has led us down many paths. Through the Spirit, we have experienced the purest of love. This unconditional love ignites our passion for understanding and continues to build our need to fulfill His will. Our congregation continues to grow in love and understanding. It is our hope and prayer, that you will receive the many gifts waiting for you in accordance with God’s plan. May the Lord continue to watch over you, and guide you through life’s journey.
Father James T. Schoenberger says in the 1985 St. Mary's Church directory, "We must continue to build upon what we inherited from those before us, support each other now, and be the foundation for those who follow."
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Our Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is located on the south side of this church. Covid caused us to close the perpetual (24 hours per day) schedule. We are working hard to continually add adorers. For more information on our Adoration Chapel and the current hours please visit
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