St. Francis Parish, the second Catholic parish in the City of Rochester, was established on August 22, 1937.  The first Mass was celebrated in the current church on November 30, 1941—one week before the attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II. The church’s distinctive stained glass windows were installed in 1949. The large window at the west end of the church was a gift of the St. Mary’s Rosary Society.

St. Francis of Assisi School opened in 1952. The school campus has been expanded and beautified through many projects over the years. The convent, today known as the Parish Center, opened in 1958. The rectory, which now serves as the pastor’s residence, opened in 1952. The Gathering Space of the church was dedicated in 2001.

Celebration of the Eucharist, along with multiple opportunities for fellowship and service—at the local, regional, national and international levels—characterize the faith family of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

You are cordially welcome to visit and join our faith community!

Pastors
Throughout its history, St. Francis Parish has been blessed to have pastors who are both servants and leaders:

Father Francis A. McCarthy      1937-1946
Msgr. Raymond J. Jansen          1946-1967
Father Francis P. Kunz              1967-1971
Father Thomas P. Adamson      1971-1975
Father James D. Habiger           1975-1980
Father Harry P. Jewison            1980-1985
Father Robert G. Meyer             1985-1993
Father Donald J. Lovas             1993-1999
Father Timothy T. Reker           1999-Present