In 1892, Franklin had a Catholic Church but it was destroyed by a windstorm in 1913. Though there was still a Catholic spirit in Franklin, the church was not rebuilt at that time.
On May 15, 1997 at the initiative of Bishop John McCarthy, the Diocesan Mission Council met in Hearne with a few area Catholics to investigate the possibility of once again having a Catholic Church in Franklin. Several Catholic families met almost weekly at different homes, at the American Legion Hall and at the Oak Grove Country Club. More Catholic families became interested. Then on October 4, 1997 Bishop McCarthy announced the beginning of a Catholic parish in Franklin by celebrating Mass in the Franklin Methodist Church Community Center. There were 120 interested individuals, plus people from the diocese in attendance. Although the group thought Franklin would only be capable of being a Mission Church, the bishop had bigger plans. At the Mass he proclaimed, "I don't deal in missions, I deal in parishes!" What confidence! We had become a parish. At the suggestion of Linda Braswell, the new parishioners chose St. Francis of Assisi as the Patron for the Franklin Catholic Parish Church.
Bishop McCarthy appointed Msgr. John McCaffrey, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Bryan, as Canonical Pastor and Deacon Louis Doriocourt as Administrator. Later, he asked Fr. Joseph Frazer, retired priest, to serve as Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi. Fr. Joe agreed and fondly attended to our parish as pastor for over six years.
Before the church building was completed, Mass was celebrated at Franklin United Methodist Church, the First Baptist Church, the New Baden Community Center, the New Baden Baptist Church, the Worship Center and at some parishioners' homes. Stations of the Cross and Easter services were held outside. Our first Confirmations were celebrated at the Franklin Baptist Church. On June 27, 1998 - Carter Snider, our first infant parishioner was baptized at the Methodist Church. Under the leadership of Evette Correa as RE Director, the Religious Education program thrived and ministered to eighty young people.
To raise funds, parishioners solicited donations and grants, made and sold approximately 20,000 hot tamales, sponsored booths at local events, raffled homemade quilts, held a big rummage sale, served Shrimp & Fish Fry dinners and hosted three very successful Mardi Gras Nights. The parish purchased land and held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 7, 2000. Harold Gassen, the general contractor and supervisor immediately began construction. The Altar, reredos, crucifix, tabernacle and the 18th century candlesticks were a gift from Fr. Joe's friend - Fr. W.T. St. John Brown, also a former episcopalian. The altar arrived in pieces and Mr. Gassen put it together. There is a little plaque on the altar indicating that it was made for an order of sisters. Fr. Emilian Foltyn donated the pews for the Church. The Sacred Heart Statue in the foyer was a gift from Msgr. John McCaffrey. On December 3, 2000 Bishop McCarthy celebrated Mass and dedicated St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. In June 2004, the parish sadly wished Fr. Joe a loving farewell as he retired once again as his family moved to Florida.
In August 2004, the parish welcomed Fr. Melvin Dornak as the new pastor of St. Francis. Lynn and Linda Braswell graciously offered their beautiful garage apartment as temporary quarters for Fr. Melvin. In the summer of 2005, the parish purchased a house contiguous to the Church property for use as Rectory. We are grateful for the leadership provided by Fr. Melvin for over seven years.
In 2012, Fr. David Leibham was the chosen to lead the parishes of St. Mary in Hearne and St. Francis in Franklin. He was assisted by Fr. Joseph Kim, who resided in Franklin.
In July 2013, Fr. Celso Yu and Fr. Richard Dee Du of the Missionaries of Faith were assigned Pastor and Associate Pastor respectively of both St. Francis in Franklin and St. Mary in Bremond.
They work closely with both the Pastoral and Finance Councils in establishing and achieving the goals for the parish. Under their direction, the youth participation in Church activities has grown. The guidance and support provided for the development of the Pathways to Heaven as a spiritual guide for our parish members is sincerely appreciated.
Mr. Luis Doriocourt has served as our Deacon since the beginning of our parish in 1997. He has shepherded many of our youth as altar servers over the years and has made numerous other contributions including responsibility for enhancement to our sound system. He continues to be a valuable and beloved member of the parish in his diaconal capacity.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish continues to grow and flourish, expanding from about 60 to around 110 families today. From the beginning, our Catholic presence was welcomed and we continue to be blessed to enjoy the loving support of the generous people of the Franklin Community.