Father Zrallack began his vocation journey to the priesthood at St. Anastasia Church in Fort Pierce, where he was baptized, attended school and first heard the call of God. “I first had a desire for the priesthood when I was in second grade,” he said. “That desire remained a part of who I was as I grew up.” Father Zrallack first stepped into the sanctuary when he was a young boy as an altar server. His parish involvement continued through his teen years, and then, into his young adult life, taking on added responsibilities as a lector, altar server coordinator, sacristan, choir member and head of media ministry. 

Graduating from John Carroll High School in 1995, he entered the University of Central Florida in Orlando to pursue a teaching career. He earned his bachelor’s degree and then received a master’s degree in education from Florida Atlantic University. He ventured into teaching at the St. Lucie County public school system, moving up the ladder into professional development, helping teachers learn technology in the classroom and serving as a curriculum director.  All the while, he remained “closely connected to my faith,” he said. He sometimes doubted his purpose in life and the vocation he selected, however. 

Father Zrallack then applied to the seminary and was accepted by the Diocese of Palm Beach. In August 2016, he entered Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Massachusetts, an institute for men over 30. There he completed four years of theology studies.  Father Nicholas Zrallack was ordained on May 2, 2020, and graduated from Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, in Weston, MA.  Fr. Nick served at St. Helen Vero Beach as parochial vicar for three years.  He was appointed Parish Administrator of St. Clare Church and School in North Palm Beach in July 2023 and Pastor in 2024 and our community has been blessed to have his leadership.

Mrs. Rachel Polak serves as Principal of St. Clare Catholic School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida, and a certificate in Catholic School Management from Villanova University School of Business.

Mrs. Polak began her teaching career at St. Francis of Assisi in Riviera Beach before moving to Atlanta to teach at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School. She returned to St. Clare, teaching for seven years before becoming Assistant Principal in 2018, and was appointed Principal in 2023.

In her leadership role, Mrs. Polak works closely with Father Nick Zrallack and the St. Clare community to strengthen the Catholic faith, support academic excellence, and create new opportunities to enrich the school, parish, and students.

She and her husband, Thomas Polak, a St. Clare alumnus, have been married for over 30 years, and all four of their children attended St. Clare. 

Mr. Hansen serves as Assistant Principal at St. Clare Catholic School, bringing over sixteen years of experience in education and over five years in Catholic school leadership. He most recently served as Assistant Principal at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School in Delray Beach.

Originally from California, Mr. Hansen earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis, and later completed a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Florida Atlantic University. His teaching experience includes The Benjamin School, St. Mark’s Episcopal School, Rosarian Academy, and Cardinal Newman High School.

Mr. Hansen is passionate about fostering lifelong learning and supporting students, teachers, and families in a faith-filled environment rooted in academic excellence and joy in Christ.