“The parish of St. Francis de Sales is a perfect composite of Houston”. These words still echo today. St. Francis de Sales is a gathering place for people of many cultures. We stand before a beacon of faith. It reflects the diverse spirit of Houston itself.
Let’s journey back to July 15th, 1962. Father Albert Beck gathered about 800 families at Sharpstown Country Club. They celebrated their first Mass as the St. Francis de Sales parish family. The parish was officially established on July 1st, 1962. Bishop Wendelin J. Nold of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston founded it.
St. Francis de Sales parish was planned for the heart of Sharpstown. It would serve the rapidly developing neighborhoods of Southwest Houston. A founding member recalled vast fields of farm and ranch land beyond the parish. Under Father Beck’s leadership St. Francis de Sales quickly grew. It became a vibrant faith home for newly arrived Houstonians. Young and mature families purchased new homes nearby. They comprised the parish roster.
Father Beck focused on the faith education of the children. Plans for the church included a day school. It also provided space for CCE classes. The Dominican Sisters were invited to teach at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School. Sister Justin O.P. was the first principal. The Dominican Sisters and lay catechists began a legacy. This legacy of faith education for all children of the parish continues today.
The early years of St. Francis de Sales coincided with Vatican II. The universal church realized the necessity for lay participation. Father Beck encouraged the faithful to take their positions seriously. Liturgy has always been a focus and tradition here. Parishioners were encouraged to receive formal training. They developed a deep love for the prayer of the Church. Many formed for lay leadership still serve today. They hold leadership roles in the Archdiocese.
In 1972 Father Beck was reassigned to All Saints Church. Msgr. Vincent Rizzotto succeeded him. He initiated plans and construction of a new church. It was built on the corner of Roos and Mary Bates. The construction was completed in 1980. The original church building became a gym and parish hall. In 1982 Msgr. Rizzotto became pastor of St. Cecilia’s Church. Msgr. Jack Dinkins was assigned to St. Francis De Sales until 1990. Msgr. William Pickard arrived as Pastor. Father Joseph Limanni was assigned in 2000. Father Wayne Wilkerson followed in 2006. He realized the plan for renovating our church. Father Joseph Son Thanh Phan came to us in July 2014. The parish continues to thrive and grow in unity. Many cultures join together as one family in worship. They share in the glorious beauty of our newly renovated church.
As the fiftieth anniversary neared Father Wayne Wilkerson listened to parishioners’ requests. He initiated plans for renovation. With the Archdiocese’s advice he began developing a “master plan”. This plan would guide the parish’s future growth. A committee formed. Town hall meetings were scheduled. Members shared their vision for an updated worship space. It would reflect Catholic traditions and diverse cultures. The “master plan” compiled information from the committee and parishioners. The Capital Campaign to raise funds began in February 2011. Renovation and new construction began in September 2011.
On December 22 2012 parishioners and guests celebrated the dedication. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo officiated the Mass of Dedication.
St. Francis de Sales has experienced many changes and challenges since its beginning. It is a faith home to those from diverse backgrounds. Liturgy is celebrated in Spanish Vietnamese and English each week. Filipino and African Heritage families meet regularly. They generously support all parish activities. Children from the day school and CCE students continue the legacy of faith formation. They gather on Sundays for Liturgy of the Word.
One parishioner said “St. Francis de Sales is a perfect composite of the city of Houston”. Another added “We are truly united in a universal Church”. St. Francis De Sales continues to welcome all.