St. Francis of Assisi Parish is a thriving Catholic Parish located in downtown Bakersfield. From the first store front Mass offered in 1871 to six Catholic families, to the opening of the first parish Church in July 1881, to the bustling center of faith it is today, St. Francis Church has served the Bakersfield community well. Today, under the leadership of Msgr. Craig F. Harrison, the parish is growing rapidly in both attendance and property needed to better serve over 6,500 families. St. Francis is also a member of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno led by Bishop Armando Xavior Ochoa.
Authentic Christian worship deeply rooted in history each Sunday, 9am in person and on Facebook. We'll meet with God as we follow the ancient liturgy to collectively confess our sin, hear the promise of absolution, learn from God's word, recite the Creed, pray for the Church and the world, greet and celebrate with one another, and partake in communion. At Ascension, all baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion. If you will not be receiving the bread and wine, you are welcome to come forward for a blessing--simply cross your arms in front of your chest to let us know your intent. This ancient form of service directs our focus on God instead of ourselves.
