Middle-schoolers at St. Patrick School in Hudson smile after celebrating the first Mass of the 2026-2027 school year. Older students led their younger “Mass Buddies” in prayer and served as readers, altar servers and audio-visual facilitators for the livestream. These students will be among the first eligible to apply for the Diocese of Superior’s Solanus Catholic High School, set to open Fall 2027 in St. Croix County. The high school will be open to new applicants, but expects to attract students from the county’s four Catholic elementary schools: St. Patrick in Hudson, St. Bridget in River Falls, St. Anne in Somerset and St. Mary’s in New Richmond. (Submitted photo)
Jenny Snarski
Catholic Herald staff
The Diocese of Superior is warmly welcoming Solanus Catholic High School, a new secondary school set to open in St. Croix County for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Diocese of Superior Superintendent of Schools and Chancellor Peggy Schoenfuss commented, “It is an exciting time for the Catholic Church in St. Croix County to be planning for a Catholic high school.
“It has been 57 years since there has been a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Superior. Much thanks and appreciation goes out to the committee that has been working hard to get to this point.
“As things progress to the anticipated opening in fall of 2027, there is much to be done and we hope that everyone will offer their prayers and support to this initiative.”
As stated in a Sept. 17 press release, “We are grateful to report that Bishop James Powers has approved this effort.” In late July, the committee behind the initiative announced they had received the bishop’s blessing for the project, and that the school would be part of the Diocese of Superior.
“We are pleased to announce that the school will be named Solanus Catholic High School in honor of Bl. Solanus Casey, whose early life was closely connected to our local communities.”
The press release continued, “Born in Oak Grove, Wisconsin, in Pierce County in 1870, he moved with his family to Hudson in Saint Croix County in 1878. The family later relocated to Burkhardt, Wisconsin. His deep faith, humility, and life of service make his name a meaningful inspiration for the new school and its future students.”
More information on Bl. Fr. Casey can be found at www.solanuscasey.org.
Moving forward with planning
With this approval in place, the planning committee is moving forward with the next phase. “We are currently in the process of hiring a principal for the new high school and hope to have that person on board shortly after the start of the new year.
“This leadership role will be essential as we continue preparing for the school’s opening and building a strong foundation for its future,” organizers announced.
Solanus Catholic High School is expected to open in the fall of 2027, beginning with an initial ninth grade class. Additional grade levels will be added over the following years as the school grows.
The press release shared further details: “At the outset, the high school will be located at St. Patrick Catholic School in Hudson, Wisconsin, while work continues to identify and secure a more permanent site.”
Expressing excitement “about this important step forward and grateful for the continued prayers, encouragement, and support of our families and parish communities,” the announcement concludes, “We are excited about this important step forward and grateful for the continued prayers, encouragement, and support of our families and parish communities. We look forward to sharing additional updates as the planning process continues.”
Volunteer Committee members behind the initiative include Fr. John Gerritts, pastor of Hudson’s St. Patrick Parish and school and supervising pastor of area parishes with Catholic elementary schools.
Connected with St. Patrick’s Parish and School in Hudson are school principal Dan Bell; Brian Hinz, Hudson architect, community leader and parent of St. Patrick’s graduates; Steve Lorence, human resources professional and member of the parish finance council whose daughter teaches at St. Patrick’s; and Larry Mitchell, a 1971 graduate of St. Patrick’s, and a parent of school graduates with capital campaign coordinator experience.
From the New Richmond area are Steve Harrold, parishioner of St. Patrick’s in Erin Prairie, family physician in New Richmond and parent of four daughters who attended St. Mary’s School; and Maria Helgerson, parishioner at St. Patrick’s, Erin Prairie, mother of seven and school parent who is herself a fourth-generation graduate of the Catholic school.
Representing St. Bridget’s Parish and school in River Falls is Maureen Koranda, business lawyer, school parent and fundraising and strategic planning volunteer.
From St. Anne’s Parish and School in Somerset, Joe Studnicka is a commercial construction professional and parent of St. Anne’s graduates who currently serves on the parish finance council; and Paul Wenzel, who has served in various parish leadership roles and is a retired teacher of St. Anne’s and parent of St. Anne’s graduates.
Additionally, Drew Rohl and Neal Ziller were named in the press release as members of the new high school’s implementation committee.
Support the school
Those interested in additional information or completing the online student inquiry form with intent to register or to be added to enrollment communications list, visit the temporary website at www.scchighschool.org.
Anyone wanting to make a gift in support of this mission, make checks payable to the Saint Croix Valley Catholic Education Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 20-5075747), and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Support can be mailed to 1754 220th Ave., New Richmond, WI 54017.
A founders event is being planned for early 2027.
Solanus Catholic High School mission, vision statements
Our mission is to form students in the fullness of the Catholic tradition through a Christ-centered education that cultivates intellectual curiosity, spiritual maturity, moral virtue, and joyful service. Grounded in the life of the church and inspired by the harmony of faith and reason, we challenge students through rigorous academics, meaningful formation, the arts, athletics, and opportunities for leadership. In partnership with families, we seek to prepare young men and women to pursue truth, live with integrity, and faithfully serve God and neighbor.
We envision a vibrant Catholic school community where every aspect of student life is shaped by the Gospel and animated by the sacramental life of the church. Through deep spiritual formation, academic excellence, and authentic community, our students grow into courageous disciples, thoughtful leaders, and lifelong seekers of truth, beauty and goodness. Rooted in Catholic tradition and responsive to the needs of the modern world, our school aspires to form graduates who will positively impact culture through lives of faith, wisdom and service.
