65 years ago a small group of people together with Fr. Thomas Lahart began this parish community on a parcel of land in the midst of vast open spaces. We have pictures of them celebrating Mass in a barn and in a tent. One of the pictures depicts them having to lift up the sides of the tent during the early morning Masses to allow for car lights to illuminate the celebration. They suffered many difficulties and made many sacrifices to build the community that we have today. One of their first projects after building a temporary church was to build and establish a parish school. When the school first opened, three of the first four classes were held in St. Jane’s Hall. The fourth was held in the rectory garage. We are indebted to our early members and to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet who worked so hard in establishing our Parish and School.

Through the years there have been many changes. The parish was founded before the Second Vatican Council. The council brought changes and the parish under the leadership of Fr. Joseph Gilmore, O.Carm. In the late “60’s” began in earnest the implementation of the council documents. In 1983, the Filipino population of the parish had grown to the point that the Filipino Ministries took shape. As time went on the number of Hispanics in our community was on the rise. New Hispanic ministries took root in the parish. The Spanish Prayer Group, Luz del Valle was begun in 1984.

St Jane Frances has been a place where people from many different cultural backgrounds have been welcomed. Each cultural group has arrived offering new life and a new vision for the parish. On our 65th Anniversary we celebrated a cultural fair in the parish and were able to appreciate even more the wealth of the diverse cultures that are in our midst. We are blessed to have two prayer groups in the parish, one in English and one in Spanish. They both add to the spiritual dynamic that is so prevalent in the community.

Outreach to the poor and hungry has always been an important part of St. Jane Frances. Our Pan de Vida Ministry under the direction of José María Ruiz and his wife Olivia has flourished. A large number of parishioners are involved in this important ministry including all those who have been so generous in food and financial donations. Our liturgical ministries include literally hundreds of parishioners. Our choirs, ushers, servers, lectors, extraordinary Eucharistic ministers and ministers to the sick, the homebound and the grieving have all been a true sign of love and dedication.

As we continue in this Year of Mercy, we are constantly reminded that we exist as a church for the sole purpose of Evangelization, living and sharing our experience of the risen Christ with others. We exist, not to concentrate our attention inward but to look outward and assist others. Every celebration of the Eucharist ends with the commission to go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.