Our History:
In December of 1979, Archbishop Patrick Flores authorized the formation of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. One hundred people living in the new parish boundaries celebrated their community’s first Mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Over the next four years, Masses were celebrated in a variety of locations and education classes took place in parishioners’ homes.
In 1983, construction on a permanent church building began, and Ash Wednesday of the following year, pastor Fr. Robert (Bob) Kownacki and parishioners celebrated their first liturgy in the new sanctuary (now Henke Hall). During this decade, the parish grew in size, members planned and led through Pastoral Council, and Richard McGarry and Tom Franklin served as permanent deacons. RCIA, choir, ministry to shut-ins, engaged couple direction and the RENEW program began during this time.
By 1991, when Fr. James Henke was named pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Parish’s vibrant, spiritual identity was apparent. That year, the first fall picnic was held, St. Vincent de Paul Ministry formed, women hosted their first ACTS retreat and small church communities (SCCs) began meeting. 1993 and 1994 brought an administration building, Parish Hall, education building and athletic fields. Men’s ACTS retreats, Silver Star meetings, and the Women’s Council luncheon and style show began. Parishioners continued to serve each other and the broader community through ministries including Boy Scouts, CYO, Habitat for Humanity, Men’s Club and Teen ACTS. In 1997, Sr. Frances Briseno joined St. Francis Parish as it first Pastoral Associate.
Mass attendance having reached 1,800, the parish constructed and dedicated a new worship space in October of 2001. With parishioners’ input, the building was intentionally designed as a “church in the round,” to reflect the communal aspect of Catholic liturgy. The octagonal shapes incorporated throughout the worship space remind us of the eighth day—eternity. Under Fr. Jim’s and Sr. Frances’s leadership, parishioners participated actively in liturgies and weaved their faith into their daily lives. Youth at St. Francis Parish served others and were served through programs such as Teen ACTS, mission trip, Life Teen, Vacation Bible School and the Kids Day Out program.
In 2009, our parish said farewell to Sr. Frances, and Sr. Rose Kruppa became the new pastoral associate. The San Damiano Building was completed, providing extra meeting space for parish youth meetings, ACTS, team formation, Bible study and sacramental preparation classes. On January 30, 2010, St. Francis of Assisi celebrated its 30th anniversary with a theme “Pearl of Great Price” reflecting the parish’s hospitality and generosity.
Upon Fr. Jim’s retirement in June 2010, Fr. Larry Christian became pastor. Under his leadership and true to the spirit of its patron saint and its founders, St. Francis of Assisi Parish continued to exhibit Catholic generosity, hospitality and stewardship with its own unique style. Parish priorities included a focus on young adults and young families, spiritual growth, and formation as Christ’s disciples in all areas of our lives. St. Francis started a Young Adult Ministry in early 2016, providing adults in their twenties and thirties a way to come together to participate and serve in the life and ministry of the parish community as well as our greater San Antonio community.
When Fr. Larry received a new assignment in 2016, Fr. Tony Vilano became pastor in June. Fr. Tony and parishioners started a new Sunday Mass at 1:30 pm in Spanish, and the parish also added an additional Mass on Fridays at noon. Under the leadership of Fr. Tony and our Finance Council, we paid off our parish debt. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Fr. Tony and the parish staff worked together to keep the community spirit of St. Francis alive and thriving through live streaming, Zoom meetings, and other creative methods that fostered engagement. St. Francis continues to journey toward our Christian mission to know, love and serve Christ as the story of the parish continues.
