Parish History
History of St. Francis of Assisi
The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi in Raleigh, North Carolina, was founded in 1982 in response to the rapid growth of the Catholic population in northwest Wake County. Beginning with just 125 families seeking a parish closer to home, the community quickly developed a strong Franciscan identity rooted in hospitality, service, and outreach.
What began as a small parish celebrating Mass in temporary spaces has grown into one of the largest and most vibrant Catholic communities in the Diocese of Raleigh. Over the decades, the parish has expanded its worship spaces, ministries, schools, and outreach efforts through the dedication of parishioners who generously shared their time, talent, and resources.
Inspired by the spirit and values of St. Francis of Assisi, simplicity, compassion, and care for others, the parish continues to foster a welcoming community committed to faith, service, and lifelong spiritual growth.
Below is a timeline highlighting key moments in our parish history. Learn more about the history of the Franciscan Order at St. Francis of Assisi.
Before St. Francis of Assisi Parish existed, many Catholics living in northwest Raleigh were members of nearby parishes such as St. Raphael and Our Lady of Lourdes. As the area began to grow, parishioners faced long drives to attend Mass, participate in religious education, and attend parish events.
In the late 1970s, a small group of parishioners began discussing the possibility of establishing a new Catholic parish in the area.
One pivotal meeting took place at the home of Yvonne and Henry Foglia, where approximately 40–50 people gathered with Bishop Joseph Gossman and local clergy. During the meeting, parishioners asked the bishop directly when a new parish might be created in northwest Raleigh.
Following that meeting, the Diocese began studying the area and searching for property where a future parish might be established. Finding land proved challenging. According to parish history accounts, some property owners in the area were hesitant to sell land for a Catholic church.
Eventually, an eight-acre parcel of land on Leesville Road was located and purchased for approximately $50,000 with assistance from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
This land would become the future home of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
1982 – Parish Established
- The parish was officially established on April 25, 1982, by Bishop Joseph Gossman to serve the growing Catholic population in North Raleigh.
- The founding pastor was Fr. Jim English, SJ.
- Approximately 125 families formed the first parish community.
- Fr. English temporarily lived in a small, rented house across the street from the newly purchased parish property. When parishioners learned that he had moved in with little more than a suitcase and an empty house, they organized what became known as a “Rectory Shower.” Parishioners brought furniture, cookware, linens, and household items to help furnish the rectory.
- This spirit of generosity would characterize the parish for years to come.
Early Masses and Community Building
- Before the parish had its own church building, the first Masses were celebrated at Lynn Road Elementary School. Parishioners gathered weekly in the school cafeteria while planning for a permanent church.
- During this time, Fr. English hosted a series of meetings at the rectory to organize the parish community. Parishioners sat on the floor of the empty house discussing the needs of the new parish and volunteering for their talents.
- Parishioners gathered frequently for community events and helped raise funds for the new church.
- From those meetings, several foundational committees were formed:
Parish Building Committee, Finance Committee, Education Committee, Social Concerns Committee, Liturgy Committee, and the Pastor’s Advisory Committee.
Many of these early groups eventually evolved into ministries that still exist today.
1982 – Building the First Church
- Plans for a permanent church building began in 1982. Several ideas were explored, including temporary structures and rental spaces before a final design was selected.
- Fr. English ultimately chose a New England-style “pole and beam” design, inspired by traditional barns. The design reflected simplicity, beauty, and practicality.
- Parishioners raised over $200,000 in fundraising efforts to build the church.
- The first church building was completed in 1983 and could seat approximately 450 people.
- The Early Childhood Learning Center in 1982. It was later renamed SFA Preschool. Nancy Bourke was the first director of the school.
1983 – First Church Dedicated
- The original church building was completed and dedicated.
- The structure seated about 450 people and featured a “barn-inspired” design using reclaimed wooden beams.
1983 –1987 Early Ministries
- One of the first priorities of the parish was religious education. Under the leadership of Marylyn Kaus, the parish quickly organized a faith formation program.
- Within the first year: Over 200 children were enrolled, and 35 volunteer teachers helped lead classes. Classes were held in multiple locations, including the rectory and private homes nearby Leesville Baptist Church.
- Youth ministry also began quickly. A parish chapter of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) was formed with the support of diocesan youth minister Larry LeNoir.
1983 –1987 Outreach and Social Justice
- The parish’s commitment to social outreach began immediately. The Social Concerns Committee organized early service projects, including assisting families served by Madonna House, a shelter for people in need in Raleigh, and organizing Christmas gifts for the children of prisoners at the Wake Advancement Center.
This project was particularly meaningful because it allowed incarcerated parents to give gifts to their children—something that was rarely possible at the time.
1987 – Franciscan Friars Arrive
- The Diocese invited the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province to lead the parish.
- Fr. David McBriar, OFM, became pastor and helped shape the parish’s strong Franciscan identity and commitment to outreach.
- Under Franciscan leadership, the parish emphasized: hospitality, community participation, social justice and outreach, and care for creation.
- Fr. Dan Kenna, OFM, joins the parish as Associate Pastor.
During the 1990s, the Raleigh area experienced significant population growth, and St. Francis parish grew quickly as well.
1991 – Parish Center and Preschool
- Clare Hall (the parish center) was dedicated. This provided space for meetings, gatherings, and ministries.
- The St. Francis Preschool opened the same year and quickly became an important ministry for families. This offered early childhood education rooted in Catholic values.
Mid-1990s – Planning for a Larger Church
- Rapid growth led to the need for a larger worship space as many liturgies were overflowing with standing room only.
- 1991 Passage Home was founded by parishioners Jeanne Tedrow and Paul Williams. They began as a program that renovated houses to provide homes for the underprivileged. It became nationally recognized as a community economic development program. Now Passage Home is an independent nonprofit organization.
- By 1993, the parish was at 2300 families.
1995 – New Pastor
- Fr. Dan Kenna, OFM, became the third pastor of the parish.
1996 – New Church and Columbarium Dedicated
- A larger church was completed and dedicated in 1996. The building and development of the new church began with Fr. David and was completed with Fr. Dan Kenna. Frank Kacmarcik, Jon Condoret, and Mark Stromm were instrumental in the construction of the new church.
- The parish also established one of the first Catholic columbaria in the United States, located within the parish Memorial Garden.
- The LGBTQ+ ministry was formed in 1999, known then as the Gay and Lesbian Ministry. In 2010, parishioner Joe Pietrus suggested a monthly support group for parents and allies of LGBTQ+ people. The program Always God's Children (AGC) was established to provide a safe, confidential space for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and friends, following the 1998 U.S. Bishops' pastoral letter, "Always Our Children."
2000 – The Franciscan School Opens
- The Franciscan School opened with 320 students and quickly expanded and became an important ministry of the parish community.
- The school became fully accredited within its first year.
2001 – New Pastoral Leadership
- Fr. Bill McConville, OFM, joins as Associate Pastor
2004 – New Pastoral Leadership
- Fr. Mark Reamer, OFM, became the fourth pastor.
Campus Expansion
As the parish continued to grow, several important facilities were constructed or expanded, including:
- St. Mary of the Angels Chapel
- Assisi Community Center
- Siena Center for Lifelong Learning
- Expansion of the St. Francis Preschool
These developments helped support the parish’s expanding ministries and educational programs. A heavy emphasis was placed on the care of the environment in all of the construction. The church received awards for these measures.
- The church also purchased two homes located on Leesville Road that are now part of the property. One serves as a rental for adult women with disabilities (San Damiano), and the log cabin (LaVerna) was for ministry use.
The parish continued to grow as one of the most active Catholic communities in the Diocese of Raleigh. Ministries expanded, outreach programs increased, and thousands of parishioners became involved in parish life.
2010 - parishioner Joe Pietrus suggested a monthly support group for parents and allies of LGBTQ+ people. The program Always God's Children (AGC) was established to provide a safe, confidential space for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and friends, following the 1998 U.S. Bishops' pastoral letter, "Always Our Children."
2014 – Fifth Pastor
- Fr. Steve Patti, OFM was appointed pastor.
- Fr. Steve Kluge, OFM joins the parish in 2014 as Associate Pastor
- Fr. James Sabak, OFM joins the parish in 2016 as Associate Pastor
Throughout this decade, the parish strengthened its commitment to:
- Social justice and outreach
- Faith formation and lifelong learning
- Community events and parish engagement
During this time, the Sister Parish Ministry expanded to include Social Justice pilgrimages to countries beyond Guatemala, with trips to Morocco, El Salvador, and Cuba. The Fair Trade and Alternative Gifts Market also grew into a large and well-attended annual event.
Staff members began collaborating on Social Justice initiatives throughout the region. Each fall, they serve with organizations such as Passage Home and Habitat for Humanity, participate in the Pen-Pal Ministry, package meals for underserved communities, and prepare brown-bag lunches for families in need in Durham. This spirit of collaboration continues today.
2020 – Transition to Diocesan Leadership
- After more than three decades of Franciscan leadership, the Franciscan Friars concluded their ministry at the parish.
- Sept 2020 – June 2024 Msgr. Michael Clay became the first diocesan priest to serve as Pastor to the parish.
- Sept 2020-June 2022 Fr. Jairo Maldonado-Pacheco joined the parish as a Parochial Vicar
- July 2022-June 2023 Fr. John- Alex Gonzalez joined the parish as a Parochial Vicar
- July 2023 Fr. James Singarayar joined the parish as a Parochial Vicar
- June 2024 Fr. Chris Koehn joined the parish as our new pastor. Fr. Michael Clay retired and remained as Pastor Emeritus.
- August 2025-June 2026 Fr. Joseph Ita-Sam joined the parish as a Parochial Vicar
- December 2025 Fr. Jim Sabak, OFM, who was the last friar living in residence while working for the Bishop of Raleigh, moved to take on a new position in San Diego, CA.
- Fall of 2025 the log cabin (LaVerna) is now a place for seminarians to stay during transitions between assignments.
Continuing the Franciscan Spirit
- The parish continues to embrace its Franciscan heritage through ministries focused on hospitality, social outreach, and care for creation.
- During the pastorate of Fr. Michael Clay, the Franciscan Garden was created as a space for prayer, reflection, and education about the Franciscan tradition and the friars whose legacy helped shape the parish. During this time, a San Damiano processional cross was also commissioned for the church. The cross was designed by Ann Chapin.
Today, St. Francis of Assisi continues to grow as a vibrant Catholic community committed to faith, education, service, and fellowship.