St. Francis of Assisi and Christ the
King were parish communities split from Most Holy Trinity near Overfelt
High School and St. Maria Goretti on Senter Road. St. Francis
began 13 years ago with 250 families in the San Jose region of Evergreen
which would serve the Villages, Creekside, and Estates areas. The
parish has now grown to 2600 families and from two worship communities
to ten communities of 100-300 families. Worship takes place in
schools, the Grange Hall, and the Cribari Center in the Villages as well
as St. Francis of Assisi Chapel and Hall.
Since
its inception St. Francis of Assisi Parish has focused on the community
outside itself. It has partnered with Evergreen Schools, St.
Vincent de Paul, Martha's Kitchen, Day Laborers, The Family Shelter, and
to help those in need in both neighboring & downtown parishes. It
has reached out to those hungry in the world through C.R.S., C.N.D., &
has partnered with Catholic Charities and more. St. Francis parish
was able to do what it does because of the generosity of its
parishioners. Over 700 adult volunteers give their time and talent
in numerous efforts for the parish and community. Forty families
were involved in religious education, 160 newly baptized and 300 High
School students received confirmation.
The facility on any given day or night may be used for
meetings which include Eagle Scouts, Community Management, Juvenile
Prevention Programs, Senior Day Care and a Preschool which operates on a
daily basis for the community.
A vineyard is located on the property. Last fall
was the first harvest from the 800 vines and this year the parish will
have the opportunity to taste the fruit of their efforts. The
vines are a symbol. They tie us together and as they mature, they
produce more fruit. The wine from the grape nourishes, so as the
community grows it also nourishes the community at large.
The Worship Space on the hill of St. Francis of Assisi
looks out on the growth of Evergreen. It has grown and changed as
the community has grown in population and it has benefited by the growth
and now is able to nourish the grown by giving back.
The parish has been a welcoming presence to those of
many languages and cultures. Celebrations continue in the
languages of Evergreen -- English, Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese to name
just a few. Celebrations take place such as Simbang Gabi, Posadas,
Santa Nino, Salubong, Flores de Mayo, Our Lady of Guadalupe. The
voices rise in song in Tagalog, Vietnamese and Spanish as part of our
worship.
Stations of the Cross are located in the
Memorial Garden along a peaceful path, respecting the final resting place of
loved ones. A place for all -- St. Francis of Assisi.
