About

OUR HISTORY

Saint Olaf Parish was originally established as a mission housed in a mobile trailer, traveling around to serve the small Catholic community in southern Davis County.  Bishop Duane G. Hunt chose Saint Olaf, the Viking king and patron saint of Norway, as the mission’s patron in recognition of the area’s Scandinavian residents.  On September 1, 1949, Saint Olaf officially became a parish.  Over the next few years, the parish thrived to the point of outgrowing several locations until five acres of land located at 1793 Orchard Drive in Bountiful were purchased.  Father John J. Sullivan finalized the purchase on March 20, 1955, with the goal of building a permanent parish building and school on the land.

On March 14, 1959, the parish broke ground on the structure that would serve as both the school and the church for nearly 20 years.  The Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent DePaul arrived in the fall of 1960 to open Saint Olaf Catholic School.  Two religious Sisters and three lay teachers taught grades Kindergarten through Fifth in the school’s first year and opened grades Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth over the next three years.  

On July 8, 1979, ground was broken on Saint Olaf Catholic Church, separating the church building from the Legacy school building.  Under the guidance of Father Thomas L. McNamara and Father Robert Pollack, the permanent church was completed with the help of volunteer parishioners and dedicated on July 29, 1980.

The Legacy building was reconfigured for use exclusively as a school upon completion of the new church.  Reverend Andrzej Skrzypiec oversaw the construction of a new extension over two years, which was dedicated on March 18, 2024.  Several new classrooms, administrative offices, and a multipurpose Great Room were added to Saint Olaf Catholic School, in conjunction with major renovations in the Legacy building.

Over six decades, Saint Olaf Catholic School has grown and evolved to support the academic, emotional, and spiritual growth of thousands of students.  We continue to RISE as we foster an environment of academic excellence, a sense of community, and a love for Christ in our students.

Saint Olaf Catholic School Vikings RISE as they actively engage in faith through daily prayer, participation in Mass, and religious instruction. They learn about Catholic teachings, scripture, and the sacraments, helping them develop a strong spiritual foundation. Students who are baptized Catholics undergo preparation to receive their First Eucharist and First Reconciliation in second grade, and Confirmation in middle school. Our Vikings incorporate faith-based service projects, encouraging students to live out Gospel values by helping those in need. Additionally, students celebrate religious holidays, take part in seasonal traditions like Advent and Lent, and develop a sense of community through shared worship. This faith-centered environment helps students grow in their relationship with God while reinforcing moral and ethical values.