St. Mary Help of Christians Parish to Part Ways with Catholic Community Schools; Future of School in St. Augusta Uncertain

(KNSI) – The Catholic Community School system in St. Cloud and St. Mary Help of Christians School in St. Augusta are cutting ties.

According to a letter from Catholic Community Schools President David Fremo, the parish announced on April 7th that the school would be closed due to significant financial and declining enrollment. In the wake of that announcement, parents and parishioners asked for time to develop a long-range plan to try and continue operations. Parish leaders presented the plan on May 1st to the diocesan staff and Bishop Patrick Neary.

According to the letter, after careful review and discussion, CCS and SMHCS parish have decided to dissolve their management agreement effective June 30th, 2025. Fremo stated, “While we may have different paths ahead, we are grateful for the years of partnership with St. Mary Help of Christians school and for the teachers, staff, families, and parishioners who have supported Catholic education through times of change. To families continuing or exploring Catholic education, we warmly welcome you to consider schools in our CCS system.”

During the 2025-2026 school year, CCS will operate All Saints Academy, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Katharine Drexel School, all in St. Cloud, along with St. Joseph Catholic School in St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier School in Sartell and St. Cloud Cathedral Middle and High School.

Several messages left with SMHCS parish leaders haven’t been returned. It’s unclear whether the school will close or the church will try to operate independently, or join another school-church cluster.

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