What:              Official groundbreaking for a new Catholic school. The event includes prayers for the protection of construction workers and the successful completion of the project, as well as a blessing of the grounds with holy water.

When:             Friday, June 13, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m.

Where:            Property is on the campus of St Anne Catholic Church, 106 11th Ave NE, Ruskin

Who:               Bishop Gregory Parkes, Catholic school leaders, and other supporters

The new school in Ruskin will offer classes in PreK through 8th grade, and it should be ready to welcome 300 students at the start of the 2027 school year. The 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. Southern Hillsborough County is a rapidly growing area with thousands of homes and apartments built over the last five years. It has been ten years since the Diocese of Saint Petersburg built a new school.

Background:

In early 2017, Bishop Gregory 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.

The Ruskin site was selected for several reasons. Southern Hillsborough County currently has no Catholic school, and the nearest one is approximately 40 minutes away. Additionally, the area is experiencing significant population growth.

Bishop Parkes chose Mater Dei (pronounced “Day”) as the name for the new school. “Mater Dei” is a Latin term meaning “Mother of God” and refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus. The phrase is a title of honor and reverence.

Photo caption: Children of St. Anne Parish held an unofficial groundbreaking in February of this year. Parish staff purchased 200 toy construction hats with a message printed on the front that said, “I work for God.” Each child had the opportunity to shovel some dirt into one of the wheelbarrows to symbolize the start of construction. Courtesy photo.