About San Francisco Xavier Mission · Jarales, New Mexico
Our Lady of Belen Parish in Belén, New Mexico, traces its roots to 1741 when the town was established as a royal grant. Though it lacked a resident pastor until 1793, it was spiritually served by the Padres of Isleta for 52 years. The parish has passed through multiple eras of pastoral leadership — Spanish-Franciscan, Spanish-American Secular, French Secular, and Servite — each contributing to its rich history. Today, the parish continues to serve the community with active ministries, regular Masses, and sacramental life, rooted in its deep historical legacy.
- Established
- 1741
- Patron
- Nuestra Señora de Belén
- Diocese
- Santa Fe Diocese
Why belong here
Join our vibrant community of faith where you can participate in ministries like Adoration, Rosary Makers, and Respect Life. Our parish offers regular Masses, sacraments, and opportunities to serve others — whether through the Knights of Columbus, Women’s ACTS, or the Homebound Ministry. We’re committed to bringing the Gospel into your daily life at home, school, and work.
Mass times at San Francisco Xavier Mission
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Friday: After 5:00 PM Mass
- Saturday: 2:30–4:00 PM
Parish History
Belén was established as a royal grant in 1741 by Diego Torres and Antonio de Salazar. The town was named Nuestra Señora de Belén, later shortened to Belén. The town did not have a resident pastor until 1793, when Fray Cayetano Jose Ignacio Bernal was appointed. The Spanish-Franciscan Period (1793–1826) saw the construction of the first church at Plaza Vieja. In 1826, Spanish-American Secular Priests took over, followed by French Secular Priests in 1853. The church collapsed in 1855 due to flooding, and a new Gothic-style church was built in New Town, blessed in 1860. The French Period ended in 1927, when the Servites of Chicago took over.
Ministries
Our parish offers a wide range of ministries to serve the community and deepen faith. These include Adoration, Rosary Makers & Prayer Shawls, Respect Life, Knights of Columbus, and many more.
- Knights of Columbus
- Knights of the Altar
- Men's ACTS
- Women's ACTS
- Catholic Daughters of the Americas
- Homebound Ministry
- Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
- Adoration
- Lectors
- Consolation
- Sacristans
- Rosary Makers & Prayer Shawls Ministry
- O.C.I.A.
- Grupo de Oracion
- Los Pastores De Belen
Sacraments
We offer all the sacraments including Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Reconciliation, and Eucharist. Sacraments are celebrated regularly and are open to all who seek them.
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Reconciliation
- Eucharist
- Anointing of the Sick