For nearly 140 years, Holy Trinity School has provided Catholic education to the Pierz community — and it has no plans to stop. In fact, the school is looking ahead, with the goal of increasing enrollment to over 200 students by 2030.
In order to achieve that goal, the school’s current building needed some renovation and expansion — leading to the first addition to the school building since it was constructed in 1952.
Bishop Patrick Neary blessed the new addition and the renovations after an all-school Mass March 20.
“We are incredibly blessed to be part of a supportive and generous community that truly believes in our school,” said principal Michelle Litke. “Many of our families are hardworking local business owners who give so generously of their time, talent, and treasure, and we are intentional about supporting them in return. At the heart of all we do is our mission to form disciples, and this strong sense of shared purpose is what continues to unite and inspire our community.”
A capital campaign was launched during the Christmas program in 2024, and by Christmas 2025, the proposed project was fully funded.
“That milestone is a testament to the strength, generosity and faith of our community,” Litke said.
The $4.2 million project, which broke ground on April 25, 2025, includes a new secure entryway, offices for administration and the business department, a conference room for staff meetings, board meetings and meetings with families, a teachers lounge, an elevator and ADA accessible bathrooms.
“The front offices are a very noticeable and wonderful improvement,” said Father Aaron Nett, pastor of the Father Francis Xavier Pierz Area Catholic Community, which includes Holy Trinity School.
An on-site cafeteria will make lunchtime easier, as the school previously shared space with St. Joseph Church across the street.
“Having our own cafeteria takes the pressure off the church to provide maintenance for that heavily used space and eliminates the need to plan around our lunch times for funerals during the week,” Litke said.
“[The students] have straight and easy shot right to the playground after lunch too, which I am sure they don’t mind,” said Father Nett.
An unsafe and hard-to-maintain floor was replaced in the school’s gym, opening up the opportunity to generate extra revenue by renting out the gym for community groups to use.
The addition of bathrooms and renovation of classrooms in the school’s early childhood area allows for better supervision of children in a space that is more appropriate for the littlest learners, she said.
“I think this project will impact the parishes as well as the students in great ways,” Father Nett said. “It has already been an exciting project to see come to completion for the people.”
Another key element was the construction of the St. Mother Teresa Chapel, an adoration space in the school for both students and parishioners.
“We now have almost 200 adorers signed up and it is open 24/7,” Father Nett said. “It allows teachers to take their classes to adoration during the day and both students and adults can stop in to pray at random times.”
Students will even come and pray together in the chapel before sporting events.
“There have been many graces flowing from it,” he said.
Father Nett said the 7,240 sq. ft. addition, along with the renovations, made very significant and sensible and practical improvements to the school which effect the daily routine and operations of the school in positive ways, not just for staff but for everyone.
“It is important that we continue to uphold the tradition and mission of Catholic education in our community for years to come,” Litke said. “In doing so, we ensure that the children and grandchildren of our current families have the opportunity to receive a Catholic education, and that those who are new to the area, like I once was, can come to understand and experience its lasting value.”
