History :

The founding of St Francis of Assisi Parish can be traced back to Ruth Isabel Strong, a convert to the Catholic faith on July 27, 1942. She quickly realized that the few Catholic’s residing in Gates Mills had to travel a long distance to attend Sunday mass. It was not long before Mrs. Strong made an offer to Bishop Schrembs to use the library-garden room of her Old Mill Road home as a temporary chapel. On December 20, 1942, Father Joseph Lamontagne, celebrated mass for forty-eight Catholics from the surrounding area. On March 4, 1943, Bishop Schrembs visited the chapel and confirmed Mrs. Strong. She suggested placing the congregation under the patronage of Saint Francis of Assisi. On August 11, 1943, Bishop Hoban appointed Father William B. Gallagher as the founding pastor.

When Mrs. Strong sold her home in 1945, Father Gallagher began a search to purchase property that eventually would bring them to our current site. Ground was broken for the new church on June 12, 1947. The architectural firm of Walker and Weeks designed a church that would accommodate 350 parishioners. Bishop Hoban dedicated the new Saint Francis of Assisi Church on October 3, 1948.

About Us :
We, the people of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Gates Mills, Ohio, recognize that we are a large cosmopolitan parish, representing a broad spectrum of age, nationality, educational background and financial status.

Recognizing that our diversities are many, we are a loving, united community of Christ’s people and our goal is salvation. We care for every person within our parish. Asking the help of the Holy Spirit, our mission is to enable the people of God in Saint Francis of Assisi to carry out their Christian commitment, to be strengthened by Eucharistic participation, and to work and grow according to the law of Christian charity.

The teachings of Vatican II offer insights into the meaning of our vocation as Catholic Christians. We are all the people of God, called to use the many gifts, which we have graciously received, for the good of our bothers and sisters.

Saint Francis of Assisi, our patron saint, has left us a powerful example of how to appreciate the wonderful world around us and how to share the goods of the world which we have been given with those who are less fortunate or more needy. In this way we build up the Body of Christ.

"We adore you and bless you, Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all the churches which are in the whole world, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world" (St. Francis of Assisi).