Catholic schools existed in our area before there was a Spokane Diocese.
The territory was called Nesqually and Washington's statehood was yet several years away. The pioneer population of this beautiful territory was increasing rapidly. It was a time of Christian missionaries.
Father Joseph Cataldo, a Catholic Jesuit priest, had come to the territory in the 1860s. He served as a peacemaker among the Native Americans and helped establish several Catholic schools to educate and spread the Word of God to both the Native Americans and the settlers of the area. In years to come, Father Cataldo would be given credit for founding Catholic education in the Inland Northwest.
The first Catholic school in the territory known today as the Diocese of Spokane was St. Vincent de Paul Academy in Walla Walla. It was opened by three pioneers Sisters of Charity of Providence on February 18, 1864. In December 1913, St. Pius X signed documents creating the Diocese of Spokane. By that time, there were nine Catholic schools in the newly created diocese providing primary, secondary and college education, from Walla Walla to Colville and beyond.
Over the course of time, some nineteen religious communities would settle in this region. Thanks to these pioneer men and women who were dedicated to the spiritual and intellectual growth of children, the Catholic schools of today continue the tradition begun almost 145 years ago. |
