History

The Catholic church in Tracy began as a mission, which was covered by many priests from the local area.  Most churches were missions and St. Mary’s was served by priests from Minnesota and Currie in the early days.  The first Catholic church in Tracy was built in 1885.  Prior to this, people gathered for Mass in homes, usually once per month.  The first home Mass was held in the home of Pat Summers on South and Sixth St.  A dresser was used at the altar and is at the current church in Tracy.

In 1896, The Church of St. Mary of Tracy Minnesota was reincorporated with the state as a legal entity.  The Catholic church in Tracy was becoming more cohesive and growing stronger through the early years.  Improvements to the church were made in the early years of the 20^th century.  A new bell, which is in the current church, was dedicated in 1906.  Calvary Cemetery was deeded to the church in 1906, after being in use since 1894.

The current church was built early in the 1900s.  The church was the result of much planning and hard work of the dedicated people of the parish.  The construction of the was completed in 1921.  The first Mass celebrated in the new church was the first Sunday of May, 1921. The stained glass windows were installed in 1929.

Through the years, children were formed in their faith.  Early religious education included classes with the early pastors.  In 1896, classes in Catechism and Bible history were held.  This was a trend that would last for a long time.  Instruction was also given by sisters who came in the summer for three weeks.  Classes were held in the Hollywood theatre and at the church. 

Eventually the dream of a Catholic school came true for the people of St. Mary’s.  In May of 1955, ground was broken for the new school.  St. Mary’s school opened its doors in September of 1956.   The school was first served by the Sisters of St. Francis of Rochester.   After the Franciscans moved on, the school was served by the School Sisters of Notre Dame of Mankato and lay staff.  The faculty and staff today are lay people.

In 1968, the tornado that hit Tracy caused some damage to the church that was repaired.  Some work was done on the interior of the church in the next years.  In the early 1980s, a fund was established to build a new church.  However, the new church never materialized.  Instead, an extensive renovation and restoration of the church began in the 1990s. 

The restoration of the church was a major project.  The church was renovated inside and outside.  The parish community preserved a jewel of a church that serves them well.  Besides tuck pointing and a new roof, the interior was refinished, walls were painted, the windows were repaired and the original wood floor was restored.  New altar furnishings were added and a large cross was made by a parishioner.  A new elevator was installed and access to the church basement was improved.  The organ, a Hook and Hastings tracker organ from 1888, was restored.

Today, the Church of St. Mary is blessed with many dedicated people.  The people of the parish are involved in many areas of ministry, including St. Mary School, Religious Education and Youth Ministry, Mission Group, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), Worship, Community of Christian Workers (CCW), and more.

St. Mary parish is also proud of its Catholic school.  The school is accredited with the Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association.  The school has an enrollment of 58 students in grades K – 6.  Our school emphasizes teaching Catholic Christian values.  The children in the school learn these values throughout the day as they learn, play and pray together.

Our parish has begun the process of sharing life and ministry with other parishes in an Area Faith Community.  The Area Faith Community will include the churches of St. Mary Tracy, St. Paul Walnut Grove, and St. Michael Milroy.  We will be sharing gifts, resources, common worship and much more as we continue to build up the Body of Christ.