Trinity Catholic High School

"LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME AND DO NOT HINDER THEM. IT IS TO JUST SUCH AS THESE THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD BELONGS" Mark 10:14

For many years, there has been a desire in the greater Ocala Community for a Catholic high school. Until 1992, it was determined that the Ocala area was not ready to build and support such a project.

Several years later, in 1996, two surveys, one conducted in the local parishes and the other by the Diocese of Orlando, yielded positive results. The surveys showed that there were strong desires by parents to see their children have a Catholic high school education and that all age groups in the greater Ocala community were willing to serve as benefactors for the high school.

While the surveys were being taken, a group of staunch supporters, under the leadership of Fr. Patrick Sheedy, were making pledges for a Capital Campaign and 4.1 million dollars were raised. By the time the Campaign went public, it became easier to believe that the twelve to fifteen million dollars needed to fund the project could be realized. Soon, a Capital Campaign fund was announced and strongly endorsed by Bishop Norbert Dorsey of Orlando. He said; "One of the fundamental missions of our church is to teach, motivate, and inspire children. Building Trinity Catholic High School is a forceful indication of our intentions to accomplish that mission". The campaign slogan, "Building in Faith---Creating a Legacy", underscored the commitment.

A local board of professional educators, builders, and business people was put together to help design the plan, buildings, and other facilities that would become Trinity Catholic High School. This committee held numerous meetings with the Building Committee of the Diocese, the architectural firm of Shenkel Shultz (Orlando), and Edwards Construction Services, Inc. (Ocala), to provide invaluable help and insight into the project. Bishop Norbert Dorsey formally approved "Trinity Catholic" as the name of the new high school in 1999. It was envisioned that initially students would come from at least three counties- Lake, Sumter, and Marion.

On July 1, 2000, Brother Thomas Andrew Prendergast, of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, was solicited as Trinity Catholic's first Principal. A High School Search Committee had recommended Brother Prendergast to Bishop Dorsey and Bishop Dorsey approved the Committee's recommendation. Over 1000 enthusiastic people showed up for an open air Mass and ground breaking ceremony on the site for TCHS in April 2000.

The actual starting construction date of May 2000 was delayed until December 2000 due to a number of unforeseen circumstances. The Charter Class of 2004 completed its first year of high school at Blessed Trinity School. In August 2001, the 9th and 10th grade classes of Trinity Catholic High School were moved to portable classrooms set up in the main parking lot of the actual school site. The school construction was completed in January 2002 and the students moved into their wonderful new facility that January. The new facility included thirty two classrooms, a media center with a television studio, computer labs, resource rooms, up to date technology, gymnasium, cafeteria, administrative building, chapel, band and choral rooms, a beautiful courtyard, a football stadium and baseball, soccer and softball fields.

Trinity Catholic High School is a tribute to the thousands of people who have made sacrifices of time, talent, and treasure. This resulting school is a fine example of what a community can create when working and praying together. Our school is committed to the vision of excellence in Catholic education and creating a legacy for the future, under the patronage of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.