History

On the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4, 1955, Bishop Woznicki erected the St. Anthony of Padua Parish and entrusted its care to the Capuchin Fathers. At that time, the Capuchin Fathers were building the Queen of Angels Retreat House to serve the clergy and laity of the diocese. Its chapel with 300 seats served the parish of 220 families until the completion of the St. Anthony of Padua Church. Father Cyprian Abler, O.F.M. Cap., was appointed the first pastor. Six months later, on April 1, 1956, the community celebrated first Mass on Easter Sunday at the retreat house. Parishioners continued to attend Mass at the retreat house until the parish hall was completed and dedicated on November 11, 1962. The current St. Francis of Assisi Parish, which was established on July 1, 2013, comprises groupings from three former parishes in the Diocese of Saginaw, namely St. George Parish, St Anthony Parish, and St. Casimir Parish.