Parishes

A Ministry of Church of the Ascension

Ascension Catholic Academy is a ministry of Church of the Ascension, an anchor on the North Side of Minneapolis for more than a century. The parish community works hard to embody these core values: honoring people as they are; being welcoming, caring, and engaged in our community; and living in gratitude with respect, mutuality, and sacramentality.

The parish celebrates diversity in its many forms, and has as its motto “Life in Abundance,” which captures and expresses the flourishing vitality of the community. All are welcome at Church of the Ascension.

The passion of the parish leaders for rigorous, urban Catholic education began with Ascension Catholic School, which has educated children for more than 125 years.  Ascension Catholic Academy was formed in 2016 as a partnership of Ascension Catholic School, St. John Paul II Catholic School and St. Peter Claver Catholic School.  St. Pascal Regional Catholic School joined the Academy in 2022. Ascension’s Pastor Fr. Dale Korogi serves as Executive Director of the Academy, while Ascension’s Parish Administrator Patricia Stromen serves as Academy President.

The Academy Central Offices are housed along with the Parish Office in the former rectory next to the church.

Our Partner Parishes

With prayers, volunteer support and financial gifts, our partner parishes make a huge difference at Ascension Catholic Academy schools.

The Basilica of St. Mary

1600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Basilica parishioners have long supported scholars at Ascension Catholic School and partnered with Ascension Parish. It is a vibrant relationship built on shared values of Social Justice and faith. An annual second collection is vital to Ascension School’s well-being.  Visit the website of the Basilica of St. Mary.

Our Lady of Lourdes

1 Lourdes Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Pastor Fr. John Bauer leads his parishioners in support for our schools, especially its Northeast Minneapolis neighbor St. John Paul II. Our Lady of Lourdes has served a vibrant faith community since 1877. The church, completed in 1857, is the oldest continually operating church in Minneapolis. Visit the website of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Holy Name of Jesus

155 County Rd 24, Wayzata, MN 55391

HNOJ has been an important partner for Ascension Catholic School for many years.  Holy Name of Jesus parishioners give generously of their time, talent and treasure to Ascension. An annual second collection helps spread the word about the great work Ascension school does. Ascension parishioners participate in the HNOJ Fall Festival by selling tasty Mexican foods. Visit the website of Holy Name of Jesus.

Our Lady of Grace

5071 Eden Ave, Edina, MN 55436

St. John Paul II has a special relationship with Our Lady of Grace. Pastor Fr. Kevin Finnegan is the Chaplain for St. John Paul II School and a member of the Ascension Catholic Academy Board. OLG parishioners give generous financial support, many volunteer hours and countless prayers for our scholars. Students at Our Lady of Grace also support our scholars with gifts from their Santa Shop and with other projects. Visit the website of Our Lady of Grace.

Holy Cross Catholic Church

1621 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

St. John Paul II Catholic School is housed on the campus of Holy Cross, which has served Northeast Minneapolis for more than 165 years.  Fr. Spencer Howe is pastor at Holy Cross. Visit Holy Cross website.

St. Pascal Baylon Catholic Church

1757 Conway Street, Saint Paul MN 55106

St. Pascal Baylon houses St. Pascal Regional Catholic School, the newest member of Ascension Catholic Academy. Pastor Fr. John Mitchell is Chaplain for our school. Visit St. Pascal Baylon website.

St. Peter Claver Catholic Church

369 Oxford Street North, Saint Paul MN 55104

A faith home for Black Catholics for more than 125 years, St. Peter Claver Catholic Church houses St. Peter Claver School. Fr. Chris Collins, SJ, Parochial Administrator of the parish, is the Chaplain for our school and a member of the Ascension Catholic Academy Board. Parishioners offer financial and volunteer support as well as prayers for our scholars.  Visit the website of St. Peter Claver Church.