St. Francis of Assisi Parish – Norton

Founded 1889

Father Louis Mollier, based in St. Joseph, first celebrated Mass in Norton in 1878. In 1889, a school building was purchased, and the parish was known as the Nativity of Our Blessed Lord. When the present church was dedicated in 1904, the parish was named for St. Francis of Assisi.

In a parish history, Father Richard Daly writes that he selected the name because “I had a great devotion to St. Francis of Assisi.” But there were other factors, namely several benefactors named Frank, he notes. “When I arrived in Norton, Nov. 12, 1901, there was absolutely not a particle of bed clothing in the house, and I slept the first night in the old house with my overcoat for a covering. Next day, when I let my wants known, Frank Ward took me a blanket and comforter. Third, there were many Franks in the parish, and they were among the best contributors. Fourth, the bishop of the diocese (John Francis Cunningham) had Frank in his name.”

A rectory was built in 1915 and a parish hall constructed in the 1930s. In 1951, the church was enlarged and renovated. A parish center opened in 1962.