In 1931, the pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Church in Reserve, Louisiana, purchased an unused public school building, moved it to his parish property and opened a school for African-Americans with the help of Mother Catherine Drexel. The school was staffed by two lay women, "Mother Catherine's Girls", as they were affectionately known. In 1936, the Josephite Fathers took over the responsibility of opening a parish in Reserve. Fr. Roderique Auclair, S.S.J., the first pastor, said mass in the former St. Catherine School. He had it moved to the new parish site where he also built a church and rectory. The school continued as Our Lady of Grace School, staffed by "Mother Katherine's Girls." In 1942, the Sisters of the Holy Family took over school administration. They lived on the top floor of the old school. Additional classrooms and a gym were built in 1951. In 1957, the old school building was destroyed by fire, and a new convent and classrooms were built. The high school department began in 1952 and continued until 1966 when it was closed. The students consolidated with St. Peter High School.