St. Frances Cabrini

Parish History

St. Frances Cabrini was founded through the initiative of Father P.J. Gannon, who wrote to Bishop Charles H. LeBlond of the Diocese of St. Joseph, Missouri in 1952 requesting permission to build a church in Paris, Missouri. The bishop granted permission, and eight acres at the edge of Paris were purchased for the site. On October 11, 1953, the completed church was dedicated by Monsignor Thomas Cusak and placed under the patronage of St. Frances Cabrini — the first United States citizen to be canonized. In 1966 the parish became a mission of St. William Church in Perry, Missouri, a relationship that continues today.

Patron Saint: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Mother Cabrini (1850–1917) was an Italian-born religious sister who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart and devoted her life to serving Italian immigrants and the poor in the Americas. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1909, was canonized by Pope Pius XII on July 7, 1946 as the first American citizen saint, and was named Universal Patroness of Emigrants in 1950. Her feast day is celebrated on November 13 in the United States. Choosing her as patron reflected both her recent canonization in 1953 and her mission to immigrants — a fitting spiritual patron for a rural American parish.

• Canonized: July 7, 1946 by Pope Pius XII
• First United States citizen to be canonized
• Patroness of immigrants, hospital administrators, and orphans
• Memorial in U.S. liturgical calendar: November 13

Mission Status and Relationship with St. William, Perry

Since 1966, St. Frances Cabrini has been administered as a mission of St. William Catholic Church in nearby Perry, Missouri. The two parishes share one pastor and a common parish office. The mailing address for both parishes is PO Box 339, Perry, MO 63462, while the physical address of the Paris mission is 25560 Business Highway 24, Paris, MO 65275. Together they form part of the Central Deanery of the Diocese of Jefferson City.

• Became a mission of St. William, Perry in 1966
• Shares pastor and parish office with St. William
• Located in Ralls County (Central Deanery)

Mass and Worship Schedule

St. Frances Cabrini offers one weekend Mass, celebrated on Sunday morning at 10:00 AM in English. Weekday services, additional devotions, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are typically available through the connected parish of St. William in Perry. Parishioners and visitors are encouraged to call the parish office at (573) 565-2852 to confirm the current schedule.

• Sunday Mass: 10:00 AM (English)
• Parish office phone: 573-565-2852
• Fax: 573-565-8012

Clergy and Staff

St. Frances Cabrini is currently served by Rev. John A. Henderson, who also serves as pastor of St. William Church in Perry. Fr. Henderson was ordained in 1987 and may be contacted through the parish office.

• Rev. John A. Henderson — Pastor (ordained 1987)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 573-565-2852

Visit and Directions

The mission church sits just off US Highway 24 Business at the edge of Paris, Missouri. From Highway 154, take Highway 15 to US Hwy. 24 Business (25560 Business Hwy. 24). The church is located past the high school on the right side of the road, just before Industrial Drive. Travelers from Perry or other nearby towns in the Central Deanery will find Paris a short drive away.

• Address: 25560 Business Highway 24, Paris, MO 65275
• Mailing: PO Box 339, Perry, MO 63462
• County: Ralls County, Missouri