The purpose of the Polish Mission of the Orchard Lake Schools, which were founded in 1885 by Polish immigrants, is to promote Poland and Polish language, culture, tradition, and history for present and future generations. The Polish Mission organizes programs, courses and events that promote Polish and Polish American culture and accomplishments, and maintains a repository for artifacts, archival materials, works of art, and publications. The Polish Mission recognizes that Polish Culture and Catholicism are inextricably linked.

Celem Polskiej Misji funkcjonującej przy szkołach w Orchard Lake założonych w 1885 roku przez polskich imigrantów, jest promocja Polski, języka polskiego, kultury, tradycji i historii dla obecnych i przyszłych pokoleń. Polska Misja organizuje programy, kursy i imprezy okolicznościowe promujące polską i polsko-amerykańską kulturę i osiągnięcia oraz prowadzi repozytorium artefaktów, materiałów archiwalnych, dzieł sztuki i publikacji. Polska Misja jest łącznikiem Szkół Orchard Lake z Polonią i Polską. Polska Misja uznaje, że kultura polska i katolicyzm są ze sobą nierozerwalnie związane.

• Polish Mission Dept. is financed almost exclusively by the Edward and Josephine Wikiera Foundation established specifically to promote Polish language & culture.
• Polish Mission Dept. does receive some voluntary monetary contributions.
• Polish Mission Dept. does not receive any funding from the Orchard Lake Schools, Corp.

The Orchard Lake Schools, originally known as the “Polish Seminary,” were founded in the late 19th century when the need arose for priests to minister to the huge numbers of Poles emigrating to the United States at the time. In January 1879, Fr. Leopold Moczygemba, a Polish Franciscan priest, secured permission from Pope Leo XIII to establish a Seminary in the United States to train men for the priesthood to minister to these immigrants. Fr. Moczygemba entrusted this papal charter to Fr. Józef Dąbrowski, another Polish immigrant. In July 1885, the cornerstone was laid for Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary on Detroit’s east side. The first class of students enrolled in December 1886.

After 24 years of growth and expansion, larger quarters were required and the Seminary, under Fr. Witold Buchaczkowski, moved to Orchard Lake, Michigan in 1909, some 25 miles northwest of Detroit, scenic grounds of the former Michigan Military Academy. Remodeling and new construction from 1912 through 1928 permitted further growth in enrollment. Three distinct schools: Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, St. Mary’s College and St. Mary’s Preparatory emerged from a restructuring of the Seminary in 1927-28, each with a four-year program. Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary and St. Mary’s Preparatory still function to this day. The Seminary boasts graduating over 2,000 seminarians who became ordained priests.

With their deep Polish heritage it is natural that the Orchard Lake Schools are home to the Polish Mission.

More Detailed History of the Orchard Lake Schools