On May 29 1927 a cornerstone was laid. Saint Anne’s Catholic Church opened its doors. It served the Catholic community in South Auckland. This was between Otahuhu and Papakura.
Saint Anne’s wasn’t just a place of worship. It was the heart of a growing community. The church played a vital role in the lives of many. It was a center for faith and fellowship.
In the early 1950s Bishop James Liston had a vision. He wanted a convent school. The school would be built next to Saint Anne’s Church. It opened on February 24 1952. It was the second school in Manurewa. It quickly became essential to the area. This was due to major suburban growth. The Sisters of Mercy were the first teachers. They lived in a convent near the school.
Initially the school was small. It had just two classrooms and a teacher’s room. By April 1955 more buildings were added. This was necessary because of increasing student numbers. The school’s popularity grew. The student roll climbed from 112 in 1955 to 349 in 1961. The demand was high. Many children couldn’t attend. So the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) was created. It offered night classes for students who couldn’t fit into the day school. Over 400 students attended these night classes at its peak.
In 1983 the school became part of the state schooling system. Saint Anne’s Church and its school have been deeply interwoven for decades. They are landmarks in the Manurewa community. They stand as testaments to faith hope and community spirit. They continue to serve South Auckland today. They remain vibrant parts of the local fabric. Saint Anne’s Catholic Church has a rich history. It’s a place of worship and a community hub. It has touched countless lives. This is a testament to its enduring legacy.