Following World War II, a nationwide housing boom transformed the area and brought rapid growth to the local Catholic community. As families settled in the neighborhood, the need for a larger church and parish school became clear. Developer Ross Cortese, builder of Rossmoor and Leisure World, generously presented Archbishop J. Francis Cardinal McIntyre with the land that now encompasses the St. Hedwig campus. Under the leadership of Monsignor Dominic Daly, construction began on a new church, an eight-room school, and a convent.

St. Hedwig Parish was officially dedicated on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1960, and in September 1960, St. Hedwig Catholic School opened its doors under the leadership of Fr. Dominic Daly and Sr. Stanislaus, R.S.C. The founding faculty included four Religious Sisters of Charity, two lay teachers, and 320 students—forming the school’s first vibrant community.

Growth came quickly. In 1962, Monsignor Daly retired and was succeeded by Father Desmond Quinn, who later became Monsignor. That same year, a second unit of classrooms was added to accommodate increasing enrollment. the school continued to flourish, it celebrated its first graduating class in 1965. Continued growth in enrollment led to a unique milestone in 1967, when St. Hedwig proudly graduated two eighth-grade classes.

As the school continued to flourish, it celebrated its first graduating class in 1965. Continued growth in enrollment led to a unique milestone in 1967, when St. Hedwig proudly graduated two eighth-grade classes.

Under Monsignor Quinn’s guidance, the parish and school facilities expanded steadily over the following decades, eventually including additional classrooms, a hall, rectory, auditorium, library, kindergarten classrooms, a computer lab, and a dedicated math classroom. These physical developments were accompanied by flourishing spiritual and social life. Guilds, clubs, prayer groups, and parish ministries strengthened the sense of community that became a hallmark of St. Hedwig.

During the late 1980s, a complete renovation of the church was undertaken. For several months, Mass was celebrated in the hall while the church was reconstructed. The first Mass in the newly renovated church was celebrated on Christmas Day, 1989—a joyful moment of renewal for the parish community.

For forty years, the Religious Sisters of Charity faithfully served the St. Hedwig community, providing academic excellence, compassionate care, and a strong foundation of faith. Their charism—rooted in the vision of their foundress, Mary Aikenhead, and dedicated to serving those in need—deeply shaped the identity of the school. Although their ministry at St. Hedwig concluded in June 2000, their legacy continues to inspire the school’s mission, particularly its commitment to service and providing financial assistance to families in need.

A new chapter began in June 1996 when Sr. Mary Beausang, R.S.C., retired and St. Hedwig welcomed its first lay principal. Since then, school leadership has continued in close partnership with the parish pastor—currently Father Tran—to guide the school forward while remaining firmly rooted in its Catholic identity and traditions.

In 2025, the parish entered yet another significant chapter in its history with a major renovation of the church. Once again, the community gathered in the hall during construction, demonstrating the same faith and unity that marked earlier generations. The parish joyfully returned to the renovated church to celebrate Mass at Christmas 2025, continuing a beautiful tradition of renewal at the heart of the liturgical season.

In honor of its heritage, St. Hedwig School awards two scholarships each year to deserving graduating students: the Mary Aikenhead Scholarship and the Religious Sisters of Charity Scholarship. These awards ensure that the spirit and values of the Sisters remain alive in future generations.

Today, St. Hedwig Catholic School remains committed to nurturing the whole child—spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally—continuing a legacy of faith and excellence that began more than six decades ago. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to honoring our heritage while focusing confidently on our future.