Bishop Gregory Parkes blessed the grounds with holy water as diocesan clergy, staff, supporters and public officials gathered together for this momentous occasion.

“Anybody who drives through here or spends any time here can see how many homes are being built here and how many new families are moving into this community. So, the potential is here, and the need is here, and that's why we're here today,” said Bishop Parkes in his remarks.

In early 2017, Bishop Parkes initiated a series of listening sessions to gather insights into the needs of the people of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. As he collected the community's thoughts, hopes, and dreams, one clear goal emerged: the need for an additional Catholic school within the Diocese. Following a period of prayer and discernment, the grounds of St. Anne Parish, in Ruskin was selected as the site.

Father Kevin Yarnell, pastor of St. Anne Parish and Spiritual Pastor of Mater Dei, believes the location is perfect for families in the area.

“Given the growth and the people already here, they won't have any trouble filling the school,” said Father Yarnell.

Longtime St. Anne parishioner Janet Mecsko sees the need for a Catholic school in Ruskin. Southern Hillsborough County currently has no Catholic school, and the nearest one is approximately 40 minutes away.

“When we moved here 38 years ago with our five kids, we assumed there was a school here, because where we came from, there was a school every five miles,” she shared. Then we get here and find out there is no school. Our youngest was two-and-a-half when we moved here. She's now 40, and her two young children will have an opportunity to come here, so this is huge.”

The new school will serve families in Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Gibsonton, and surrounding areas seeking a faith-based education, including families living below the poverty line who have historically faced challenges providing the same educational opportunities as affluent families.

“Florida has been a pioneer in educational choice. What that means is that every student will be able to get a scholarship from the state to be able to attend school here,” said Chris Pastura, Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Pastura shared optimism and hope for the future.  

“We here in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg continue to grow,” he said. “One hundred years from now there will still be children here being educated in the goodness of Jesus Christ here at St. Anne’s and Mater Dei Catholic School.”  

Mark Majeski, who currently serves as Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools will transition to the newly created role of Coordinator of Mater Dei Catholic School starting on July 1, 2025.

“The time has come after many years of prayer and preparation. I often think of Father John McEvoy, the previous pastor of St. Anne Parish. Father John said, ‘God’s plan will reveal itself one day. Continue to pray. God knows our heart,’” said Majeski. 

Quick School Facts:

Name: Mater Dei, a Latin phrase that honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and means Mother of God. 
Cost: Construction of the school will cost between $18.5 million to $20 million dollars.
Size: The building will be approximately 30,000 square feet and will accommodate approximately 300 students. 
Location: The Campus of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ruskin.
Website: www.mdcsfl.com
Architect: Sweet Sparkman
Construction Company: Tandem Construction