Our community is excited to participate alongside all parishes, missions and Catholic centers in the Archdiocese to strengthen and renew our Church for the future. Please continue reading to learn how this campaign will benefit us.
The Catholic presence in Azusa dates back 135 years. The priests of Mission San Gabriel and St. Andrew Parish in Pasadena served the Catholic population until Bishop Conaty granted permission for construction of a church building here in February 1905. In those days, our parish encompassed the crest of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, the San Gabriel River to the west, all of what is now Irwindale, Covina, West Covina, and Baldwin Park to the south, and to the east, all of Glendora, Charter Oaks, and parts of San Dimas and La Verne.
St. Frances of Rome serves as the mother church to the surrounding parishes formed from us. Our ancestors in faith were committed to growth, proclamation, and education of the Catholic community, as evidenced by the presence of the Hermanas Guadalupanas, the Benedictine Sisters, the Manresa Retreat Center, and the Our Lady of Victory Sisters. All served to aid our community in strengthening our relationship with God.
As we move into a post-pandemic world, we, as a community of faith, are challenged to again take up the call of renewal and evangelization. As we move forward with a new vison and plan for renewal, I ask that we also take up the call of the Called to Renew campaign. Each parish has been given a goal for the campaign. Our goal is $1.160 million, of which 50 percent will remain at our parish. We will also retain 100 percent of the funds we collect over our goal. Details of how we plan to use our share of campaign funds are on the following page.
For 115 years, St. Frances of Rome has served as a spiritual home for welcoming community members to strengthen their relationship with God, celebrating baptisms, joining couples in marriage, and returning loved ones to God. Called to Renew will ensure that as we look to the future, St. Frances of Rome will continue to use wisely the gift our parish founders entrusted to us.
Your past generosity will ensure the enduring presence of St. Frances of Rome for the future and the success of this campaign. Remember, we can achieve all things, “for the love of Christ, and with generosity and sacrifice.
Pledged over 5 years for the Called to Renew Campaign.
Our Parish Receives
$580,000
To renew our parish and strengthen ministries.
Parish Needs
Remodeling of Restrooms
Renovating the restrooms in the parish hall, auditorium, catechetical building, church, and school will ensure the current plumbing issues they continually experience will not worsen over time. We will also update all of the restrooms with fresh paint and new fixtures, flooring, and lighting.
Remodeling of Church
Completing the church renovation will create a place of beauty where God is celebrated among His faithful followers. We will hang a large crucifix above the altar, install a new audio system specially designed to assist the hearing impaired, install a new bell system, remove the carpet and fix the cement floor, refurbish the pews, make repairs to the area featuring the saints and create a statue of St. Frances of Rome, and expand the church lighting. We will also repair the stained glass windows, remodel the Blessed Sacrament chapel, and clean and paint the interior and exterior of the church.
A Bold Plan of Renewal
We — the Catholic faithful — are the agents of renewal for Church and society. I am grateful for this opportunity to walk alongside clergy and parishioners in strengthening our parishes and ministries, the heart of our Archdiocese.