St. Francis of Assisi

Parish History

St. Francis of Assisi traces its roots to December 1942, when Mrs. Ruth Isabel Strong opened her Old Mill Road home as a chapel so wartime Catholics in rural Gates Mills could worship closer to home. The mission was named for St. Francis of Assisi at Mrs. Strong's suggestion, and on 11 August 1943 Father William Bertram Gallagher became the first pastor — making St. Francis the first parish founded by Bishop Edward Francis Hoban in Cleveland.

• First Mass celebrated December 1942 by Father Joseph Lamontagne, S.S.S., for 48 residents
• First pastor: Rev. William Bertram Gallagher, appointed 11 August 1943
• Walker & Weeks designed the original church, dedicated 3 October 1948
• Present church completed September 1969; original church converted to gym in 1974
• 50th anniversary Solemn Dedication by Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, 3 October 1993

Faith Formation & Religious Education

Children in grades 1–8 who attend public or non-Catholic private schools participate in the Parish School of Religion (PSR), with classes held in the school building on Tuesday evenings from 6:30–7:45 PM, September through May. A home-school option using Pflaum Gospel Weeklies is available with a meeting with the Director of Religious Education. Adult volunteers serve as catechists, assistants, hall monitors, and guest presenters.

• PSR for grades 1–8, Tuesday evenings 6:30–7:45 PM
• PSR Advisory Committee
• PSR Classroom Catechists and Assistants
• Contact: Meg Zetzer, Director of Religious Education & OCIA Coordinator, (440) 449-7880 or (440) 461-0066 ext. 164

St. Francis of Assisi School

The parish school, opened in 1954, continues to serve K–8 students and shares the campus with the Parish Center dedicated in 2000. School staff collaborate closely with parish clergy and the Director of Religious Education.

• School website: sfaschoolgm.org
• Pastor (canonical): Fr. Steve Flynn
• Principal/lead staff listed on sfaschoolgm.org staff directory
• Pastoral Staff Liaison: Meg Zetzer, Director of Religious Education

Youth Ministry

St. Francis offers a two-track youth ministry program: Life Teen for high school students and a middle-school youth ministry, supported by adult Core members who mentor teens in catechesis and community.

• Life Teen — meets Sunday evenings following the 5 PM Mass; mission is to 'transform the hearts and minds of young people through prayer, sacraments, community, knowledge, and service'
• Annual Life Teen Spring Retreat at Hiram House Camp, Moreland Hills, OH
• Middle School Youth Minister: Andrea Rodriguez
• High School Youth Minister: Alex Yates

OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)

OCIA is the parish's process for welcoming new members into the Catholic Church. Inquirers learn about Catholic Christian life in weekly sessions and through Sunday Breaking Open the Word, accompanied by team members who share their own faith stories.

• OCIA Coordinator: Meg Zetzer, (440) 461-0066 ext. 164

Sacraments & Preparation

The parish offers preparation programs for Baptism, Confirmation, and (through PSR/school) First Eucharist and First Reconciliation. A new baptismal font was blessed by Bishop Edward Malesic during his 1 February 2026 visit. Couples should contact the parish office for Matrimony preparation.

• Baptism Preparation Team — contact Meg Zetzer
• Confirmation Preparation Team — contact Meg Zetzer
• New baptismal font blessed February 2026

Evangelization & Adult Faith Formation

The parish partners with neighboring St. Anselm Church on an Evangelization Team that welcomes new members and reaches out to inactive or disengaged Catholics. The Adult Faith Formation Committee plans faith-enrichment programs and experiences that strengthen relationships between the two parishes, families, and the wider community.

• Evangelization Team (joint with St. Anselm)
• Adult Faith Formation Committee (joint with St. Anselm)
• Fr. Steve Flynn and Ben Jackson staff contacts

Hospitality & Parish Life

The Hospitality Ministries set up and serve refreshments and food for parish functions — both spiritual and social — and welcome newcomers. Volunteers are needed for preparation, serving, and clean-up based on availability.

Vacation Bible School

An annual summer Vacation Bible School brings children together for a week of faith, friendship, and fun. The 2026 program will have dates posted in winter.

• Annual summer program
• Volunteer-led

Parish Staff & Clergy

The parish is led by Father Steve Flynn (Pastor) and Father Christopher Stein (Parochial Vicar), supported by a director of music, director of religious education, youth ministers, development director, business manager, and administrative staff.

• Fr. Steve Flynn — Pastor
• Fr. Christopher Stein — Parochial Vicar
• Julia Russ — Director of Music
• Meg Zetzer — Director of Religious Education, OCIA Coordinator
• Andrea Rodriguez — Middle School Youth Minister
• Alex Yates — High School Youth Minister
• Jordan Coleman — Development and Engagement Director
• Jim O'Reilly — Business Manager
• Teresa Szary — Pastoral Associate
• Catharine Zbiegien — Administrative Assistant
• Angel Kardum — Administrative Assistant, Religious Education Office, VIRTUS Coordinator

Campus & Facilities

The parish campus on Mayfield Road includes the 1969 church, the rectory, St. Francis of Assisi School (opened 1954), and the Parish Center dedicated in April 2000. The Parish Center houses school administrative offices, clinic, meeting room, gym, chapel, pre-school room, two kindergartens, art and music rooms, and a concession stand.

• 1969 church (altar consecrated by Bishop William M. Cosgrove)
• Parish Center dedicated 12 April 2000, Bishop A. Edward Pevec presiding
• School expanded October 1960

Visit & Contact

Parishioners and visitors can contact the parish office by phone, fax, or email. The parish has welcomed Bishop Edward Malesic for pastoral visits, most recently on 1 February 2026.

• Address: 6850 Mayfield Road, Gates Mills, OH 44040
• Phone: (440) 461-0066
• Fax: (440) 461-9053
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.stfrancisgm.org/