Ave Maria Catholic Church Wheaton, Minnesota

 Ave Maria Parish became an organized corporation on August 11, 1899.

In the early 1900's priests came from Dumont and Collis, Minnesota 

to offer Mass in catholic private homes. 

The first Catholic Church was built in 1902, in the northwest corner 

of the lot where the church stands today.

From 1902 - 1927 the priests that served the Ave Maria congregation were 

Fr. Lambert Haupt, Fr. Emil Steinach, Fr. John Schritz, Fr. William Gumper, 

Fr. Peter Besselaar, Fr. Henry Hirsch, and Fr. Stephen Buljaski.  

In 1927 Fr. Henry Steichen was appointed paster of the small congregation.

Because of the growth in membership, Bishop Busch requested that Fr. Steichen 

establish his residence in Wheaton with Collis as a Mission.

It was a foregone conclusion that Ave Maria would develop into a progressive and healthy parish in future years.  Thought was given to the future for catholics in this western section of the diocese 

and the Building Fund was started.

Fr. Henry Retzek served the parish for a short period of nine months until July 2, 1947, 

when Fr. Nicholas Kraemer received his appointment to Ave Maria parish.

All efforts over the next 7 years were directed toward the growth of their building fund.

Permission was received from Bishop Peter Bartholome to begin the construction of the new 

Ave Maria Church and the ground breaking ceremony was held on July 27, 1953.

On November 11, 1953, Bishop Bartholome laid the corner stone.

After many days and months and years of sacrificing and a loyal spirit on the part of the people of Ave Maria, they had built this church to God's honor and glory.  To give praise and honor to their heavenly Mother, Mary of the Annunciation, their patroness.

With joy in their hearts they dedicated the church in honor of the Blessed Mother,

 in the Marian year of 1954, so proclaimed by His Holiness Pope Pius XII.

The dedication Mass was held on October 7, 1954, 

the Feast of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Fr. Nicholas Kraemer was the resident priest until 1959, 

after which the following priests served Ave Maria. 

Fr. John Symons, Fr. Harold Pavelis, Fr. Richard Wey, Fr. Andrew Nolan, 

Fr. John Eccleston, Fr. Lawrence Botz, Fr. Tony Salzbrunn, Fr. Bernard Gruenes,

 Fr. Stanley Wieser, Fr. Joseph Vanderberg.

Presently serving Ave Maria Parish is Fr. John Paul Knopik.