Picture a bustling cattle drive trail. It’s the late nineteenth century. Frisco is just a watering hole. Few permanent settlers exist. Then comes the twentieth century. Dallas explodes with growth. This growth spills over into nearby towns. Catholics in Frisco? Scarce until the 1950s. Spanish-speaking ranch hands and farmworkers start settling. The closest Catholic churches? Denton Plano and McKinney. Long-time members of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Dallas remember a time without Mass in Frisco.
This is the story of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish. It’s a story of growth. It’s a story of faith. A testament to the resilience and devotion of its community. For years they traveled far for Mass. They prayed for a church of their own. Their dream eventually took shape.
After over two years of construction. After many long years of planning. A new church and chapel opened. It was a glorious Mass. The date was December 7 2013. Bishop Kevin J Farrell dedicated the new building. Around 1300 parishioners braved icy roads and freezing temperatures. They came to celebrate this historic event. The weather kept some priests from attending. But Father Holmberg and Father Cloherty joined the celebration. Msgr Pichard Fr Webb Fr Ascencio Deacon Gregg Kahrs and Deacon John Carlisle were also there. They joined Bishop Farrell in celebrating this glorious dedication Mass.
Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish continues to grow with Frisco. Today it has over 30000 parishioners. This wasn’t just building a church. It was about building a community. It was about fostering faith in a growing city. It was a testament to the unwavering spirit of the parishioners. This is a story of hope perseverance and shared faith. A beautiful church standing as a symbol of unity and spiritual strength.
Before their beautiful new church was completed the parish celebrated Mass in a 40000 square foot multi-purpose building. Since Christmas Day 2001 parishioners have served over 90 ministries. As the parish grew their need for a separate church grew as well. A campaign called “St Francis of Assisi Rebuilt God’s Church and So Shall We” raised almost $6.9 million.
Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a place of prayer. It’s a place of community. It’s a vibrant place of worship. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. It’s a testament to the dedication of its people. It’s a beautiful story unfolding in the heart of Frisco.