The year was 1901, and just a year into the new century, the small town of Manistique opened the doors to the Upper Peninsula’s newest Catholic school, St. Francis de Sales. Now, 120 years later, the school continues to thrive with its nearly 150 students. The first official day of classes occurred in November 1901. The parish hall had been converted into a six-room school, after a handful of Catholic families in the area had been discussing how they could make the idea of a Catholic school work. “It’s fascinating thinking about our school being around in our small town for 120 years now,” said Don Erickson, principal. Father Joseph Kunes, pastor of SFDS parish at the time, helped start the school by writing to the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowac, Wis. to see if they would staff it. They agreed, and the sisters served SFDS for more than 100 years, until 2004. In 1914, the first school building was constructed. The building that currently holds the school was built in 1966, consisting of eight classrooms, a library, kitchen, conference room, and a multiple purpose room. A highlight of the school building is that it is right next door to the church, allowing easy access to weekly school Mass, and the sacraments. “I think that’s one of the things that has really helped our school thrive here in Manistique, is the location of the school to the church,” said Erickson. Regardless of where the school has been physically located, the importance of a Catholic education has not changed. “Being a part of this school family is sometimes hard to put into words,” said Erickson. “However, if I could sum it up in one word it would be love. This is the third school I’ve worked in, and I’ve never worked in a building like this, where you can truly feel Christ’s love in everything. I enjoy coming here every day because of the love I feel.” The hope for all students who walk through the doors of SFDS is to build a strong foundation so they may carry that with them in all they do for their entire life. Erickson cited the example that during a recent service-learning project each class made tie blankets, which will go to older parishioners. Each tie they knotted; the students said a prayer for the person receiving the blanket. “Those are seemingly small things, but the students do so many of those things throughout the days, weeks and months, they become bigger things. It truly gives them that strong foundation,” said Erickson. He also added that the families “really understand the value of the education their children get when they send them to SFDS, which is evidence by our enrollment.” Father Ben Paris, pastor of the school and St. Francis de Sales Parish, echoed Erickson. “If you’re looking for quality education, Catholic education is the way to go. I was educated at a Catholic school, but I’ve never really noticed the effects on other students until I became a pastor of a parish with a school,” said Father Paris. “I’m really proud to be involved with this school. I can see why it’s been around for 120 years and will be for another 120 and further!” The school hopes to have a series of events celebrating the special anniversary during the 2021-22 school year. More information will be forthcoming and be dependent on the state of the pandemic. St. Francis de Sales Catholic School continues to accept new students. For more information, or to schedule a visit, contact the school at (906) 341-5512.