St. Frances of Rome

From the Pastor

Dear Friends in Christ,

 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. 

Peace in Christ,

Rev. Richard Vega