St. Francis of Assisi

Introduction

The present St Francis of Assisi Church on Bismarck Street in Leeds was built in 1984. St Francis of Assisi is part of the Parish of St Maximilian Kolbe together with St Anthony of Padua in Beeston. The church is a simple red-brick building with a modern design reflecting post-Second Vatican Council architecture.

Parish life

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School serves families in Beeston and Holbeck, maintaining a strong relationship with the church. The parish was closely linked with education, with the church and school providing a centre for Catholic family life. Parishioners have given their time to serve at Mass, support the school, organise parish activities and maintain the life of the community. The parish runs a parish-based period of formation in tandem with preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The Parish Priest attends to the sick in hospitals and at home, offering the Sacrament of the Sick. For regular members of the congregation, five weeks notice is required before a baptism formation session can take place. For parishioners who do not attend Mass regularly, the Deanery policy requires parents to endeavour to attend Sunday Mass for six months before baptism. There are no baptisms during the season of Lent.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is administered in the Parish / Deanery annually. Preparation for Confirmation is undertaken in a collaborative programme in the schools and at church, as well as attending Sunday Mass regularly. Adult Confirmation can be arranged and normally celebrated at the Easter Vigil after a period of formation.