About US
Saint Francis of Assisi is a growing Catholic Family located in Vista, California. St. Francis of Assisi Church provides a nurturing environment and programs where everyone can grow spiritually, intellectually, psychologically. Our community works together to change lives and hearts through action and prayers, solidarity and stewardship, for the common good and well-being of our society, and those who are in greater need. We recognize the potential of each of our community members, sponsors, and donors in being the primary supporters and facilitators of our mission to serve, sanctify, and teach for a more humane and just society, rooted in Gospel values and the Catholic faith.
HISTORY OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH
✦ HISTORY OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH✦
✦ 1852-St. Francis started In a chapel in the lavish home built by the C. J. Couts family at Rancho Guajome where Franciscan priests from Mission San Luis Rey first celebrated bimonthly Masses.✦ 1916-The first attempt to raise funds for a permanent church by parishioners.✦ 1929-1936--Mission Fathers said Mass in various homes and buildings around Vista. A parishioner, Mrs. Skinner, found a "church" building in a storeroom in the alley behind McDougall's Pharmacy. Parishioners numbered about ten people.✦ 1938-The property where St. Francis now stands was purchased for $900 plus back taxes of $200. An old county school house, now Founder's Hall, was moved onto the property to be used as the church and was dedicated by Bishop Francis Charles Buddy of San Diego Diocese. At that time, it was officially named St. Francis of Assisi Church.✦ 1946-ln September of 1946 a new church building, with a seating capacity of 285, was begun, and a bell tower, 55 feet tall, was constructed and still stands today.✦ 1947-On November 29th, the new church was dedicated and consecrated by Bishop Francis Charles Buddy.✦ 1951-The rectory was constructed and still stands.✦ 1953-Bob Hope was invited and attended a parish festival at St. Francis. He was late because, "I couldn't find the place".✦ 1958-On March 9th, the original Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel was dedicated. It was built by the Hispano Club.✦ 1961-St. Francis School was opened and staffed by six sisters of the Order of Poor Clares, now Sisters of St. Clare, who arrived from Ireland to staff Grades 1-6. A convent was built for them on the property.
✦ 1962-Kindergarten was added and in 1963, 7th and 8th grades were added. At that time, total enrollment was 298 students.✦ 1962-A ship's bell from a Navy destroyer, that was being deactivated, was arranged through a Catholic Chaplin in San Diego, to procure the bell and then was raised into position into the empty belfry.✦ 1968-The church community was over 1500 families, so a new building campaign was begun.✦ 1973-On May 61\ the new church building was dedicated by Bishop Leo T. Maher. The church was built to represent the different cultural communities of St. Francis.✦ 1980-A house was purchased for the Sister's on Santa Clara Drive and the convent building was used for Parish and Religious Education offices, and for the new Preschool. The Kindergarten was reestablished and Modular units were put on the upper level to house additional classroom. Later more modular were added for the School office, the Preschool, computer lab, the school library, etc.✦ 1984-1985-Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel was taken down and St. Clare Hall was built on that site. Our new chapel was reconstructed where It now stands next to the parish Library building.✦ 1989-The Sisters of St. Clare purchased their own property and the parish house on Santa Clara Drive was sold by the church for the church's needs.
✦ 1990h-The large glassed Baptistry/Cry Room was added to the main part of the Church. The Hospitality Kiosk was also added to the church property.
Fr. Ullman