About St. Francis of Assisi · San Jose, California
St. Francis of Assisi Parish is a Roman Catholic parish in the Evergreen neighborhood of San Jose, California, belonging to the Diocese of San Jose. Canonically established on May 15, 1997 by Bishop Pierre DuMaine from earlier worship communities in the area, the parish has grown to nearly 3,000 registered families. It is a notably multilingual community celebrating Mass in English, Vietnamese, and Spanish, and it sits high on a hilltop site surrounded by vineyards, wildlife, and the mountains of eastern San Jose. In February 2026, Bishop Oscar Cantú designated the parish as the Primary Pilgrim Church of the Diocese of San José for the Franciscan Jubilee Year commemorating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis's death.
- Established
- 1997
- Patron
- St. Francis of Assisi
- Rector
- Rev. Vincent Pineda
- Diocese
- Diocese of San Jose
Why belong here
St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most intentionally multilingual Catholic parishes in the Diocese of San Jose, with regular Sunday Mass celebrated in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, plus a vibrant Simbang Gabi Filipino tradition at Christmas. With nearly 3,000 registered families and a hilltop campus in the Evergreen neighborhood that includes a chapel, gathering spaces, outdoor gathering tents, and a Memorial Garden, it offers a full life of faith: weekday and Sunday Mass, Saturday Confession, monthly Social Justice gatherings, weekly Legion of Mary and Prayer Shawl groups, a year-round OCIA/RCIA process for adults, a children's faith formation program (J.O.Y.), junior high (ECHO) and high school (IGNITE) youth ministries, a North Star Young Adult Ministry, Filipino Ministry Team, and an active Homeless Project that feeds the hungry. As the designated Primary Pilgrim Church of the Diocese for the 2026 Franciscan Jubilee Year, it stands at the spiritual heart of the diocese for this once-in-eight-centuries celebration.
Mass times at St. Francis of Assisi
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the Reconciliation Room (Chapel) — year round
Adoration times
- First Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM in the Chapel
History & Identity of St. Francis of Assisi Parish
St. Francis of Assisi Parish was canonically erected on May 15, 1997 by Bishop Pierre DuMaine, the first Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose, with Msgr. John Sandersfeld as its founding pastor. The parish's roots reach back to two earlier Sunday worship communities in San Jose's Evergreen neighborhood: a Mass at the Villages Retirement Community that began in 1972, and a Mass started in 1985 by Most Holy Trinity Parish at the Mt. Hamilton Grange Hall. Over its first 25 years the community grew to nearly 3,000 registered families and retired its roughly $7 million establishment debt in June 2022 with a 'burning of the mortgage' celebration. The parish's mission statement is that it is 'a Catholic community of diverse people who gather together to proclaim and live the Gospel message of Jesus Christ … a prayerful, inclusive, and explicitly hospitable people who follow the example of our patron, St. Francis of Assisi, continuously reaching out to serve others and to build up the Kingdom of God.'
- Canonically established May 15, 1997 by Bishop Pierre DuMaine
- Worship at Villages Retirement Community since 1972
- Worship at Mt. Hamilton Grange Hall since 1985
- Founding pastor: Msgr. John Sandersfeld (died August 10, 2022)
- 25th Anniversary Year of Jubilee: May 15, 2022 – May 28, 2023
- Mortgage burned June 2022 after retirement of ~$7M debt
- Current pastor: Fr. Vincent Pineda
Parish Mission & Vision
The parish states that 'St. Francis of Assisi is a Catholic community of diverse people who gather together to proclaim and live the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. We are a prayerful, inclusive, and explicitly hospitable people who follow the example of our patron, St. Francis of Assisi, continuously reaching out to serve others and to build up the Kingdom of God.' Its threefold commitment is to be Christ-centered and dedicated to Evangelization, Service, and Fellowship.
- Christ-centered community
- Pillar 1: Evangelization
- Pillar 2: Service
- Pillar 3: Fellowship
Clergy & Parish Staff
The parish is led by Pastor Rev. Vincent Pineda, supported by Parochial Vicars Rev. Phong Nguyen and Rev. Eddie Obero, and three permanent deacons: Deacon Sunny (Sylvanus) Offorjebe, Deacon Andrzej Sobczyk, and Deacon Joe Cabrido. Parish staff includes Rosie Olivas (Parish Administrator — Funerals, Weddings, Baptisms, Quinceañeras, Volunteer Compliance), Victor Espinoza (Business & Operations), Divina Orogo (Accounting), Leslie Marie Campos (Director of Music), Ranilo Dungo (Facilities & Maintenance), Lerma Simpson (Director of Faith Formation), and Therese Bao (Youth Minister & Communications).
- Pastor: Rev. Vincent Pineda
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Phong Nguyen
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Eddie Obero
- Deacon Sunny (Sylvanus) Offorjebe
- Deacon Andrzej Sobczyk
- Deacon Joe Cabrido
- Parish Administrator Rosie Olivas (ext. 301 — Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Quinceañeras, Mass Intentions)
- Director of Faith Formation Lerma Simpson (ext. 316 — OCIA, Adult Confirmation)
- Director of Music Leslie Marie Campos
- Youth Minister & Communications Therese Bao
- Business & Operations: Victor Espinoza
- Facilities & Maintenance: Ranilo Dungo
- Accounting: Divina Orogo
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Faith Formation at St. Francis of Assisi is led by Director of Faith Formation Lerma Simpson and includes programs for children, youth, and adults. Children in 1st grade through high school participate in J.O.Y. — Jesus, Others & Yourself — a once-a-month family-based catechetical program held on the second Thursday of each month, in which parents attend alongside their children. Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation all flow through this process. Adult inquirers enter the Church through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly RCIA), which meets Sundays and prepares catechumens for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Adult Confirmation and a separate Youth Confirmation process are also offered. The annual report describes faith formation sessions covering topics such as how to read the Bible, the meaning of Advent, and the importance of the Blessed Mother.
- J.O.Y. (Jesus, Others & Yourself) — 1st grade through high school, 2nd Thursday evenings monthly
- OCIA / RCIA — Sundays, led by Lerma Simpson (ext. 316)
- Adult Confirmation — ext. 316
- Youth Confirmation — ext. 324
- Lectio Divina scripture prayer group
- Catechist recruitment open to all adults of faith
Youth Ministry — ECHO & IGNITE
The parish's youth ministry, run by Youth Minister & Communications coordinator Therese Bao, is split into two age groups: ECHO for junior high youth and IGNITE for high school students, with the motto 'to lead teens closer to the Heart of Jesus Christ with the help of our Blessed Mother Mary.' ECHO (Encounter Christ, Help Others) holds weekly sessions and an annual retreat at Camp Maymac in the Santa Cruz Mountains. IGNITE meets on Sunday afternoons and engages teens in service, social outings, and diocesan events — including feeding the hungry at the Tully Public Library the day before Thanksgiving, in collaboration with the parish's Homeless Project. Two of the parish's ECHO coordinators were recognized at the Diocese of San Jose's 'Saints in the City' banquet. Youth Ministry has its own dedicated website.
- ECHO Junior High Ministry — Friday weekly sessions
- ECHO Annual Retreat at Camp Maymac, Santa Cruz Mountains
- IGNITE High School Ministry — Sunday afternoons
- Thanksgiving feed-the-hungry outreach at Tully Public Library
- Diocesan Youth Retreat at South Lake Tahoe
- Youth Ministry website: www.sfoasjyouth.com
Young Adult Ministry — North Star
North Star is the parish's young adult ministry for college-aged, single, and married young adults. Its mission is to be 'living witnesses of His Gospel in our world today' through faith sharing, socials, and prayer events. The group gathers monthly for faith sharing, social events, and prayer opportunities; members follow the ministry on Instagram @sfoanorthstaryam.
- North Star Young Adult Ministry
- Monthly faith sharing, socials, and prayer events
- Instagram: @sfoanorthstaryam
- General inquiries: [email protected]
Filipino Ministry & Simbang Gabi
The Filipino Ministry Team (FMT) gathers monthly on the third week to coordinate the parish's Filipino Catholic life, including the beloved Simbang Gabi novena of Masses in the days leading up to Christmas. The 2021 Christmas season saw the return of Simbang Gabi after the pandemic, with various priests joining the parish's grace-filled liturgies.
- Filipino Ministry Team (FMT) — monthly, third week
- Simbang Gabi novena of Masses before Christmas
Prayer Groups & Devotions
The parish supports a rich devotional life with multiple prayer groups meeting weekly throughout the week. Two Legion of Mary praesidia meet in the evenings; a parish prayer group meets Thursday mornings in the Chapel, and a separate SFOA Prayer Group meets Wednesdays in the Chapel. The Prayer Shawl Ministry gathers Thursdays at 4:00 PM in the Evergreen Room. First Friday Eucharistic Adoration is held in the Chapel from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Legion of Mary — Our Lady of Assumption: Wednesdays 8:00–9:00 PM
- Legion of Mary — Our Lady of Angels: Fridays 7:00–8:00 PM
- SFOA Prayer Group: Wednesdays 10:00 AM, Chapel
- Parish Prayer Group: Thursdays 9:15 AM, Chapel
- Prayer Shawl Ministry: Thursdays 4:00 PM, Evergreen Room
- First Friday Adoration: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Chapel
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena: Wednesdays 6:30 PM
Outreach & Social Justice
St. Francis of Assisi lives out the example of its patron through active outreach. Its Homeless Project feeds the hungry at the Tully Public Library each Thanksgiving, often in collaboration with the Youth Ministry. The Social Justice Committee meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Garden Rooms, and the parish shares diocesan bilingual resources such as 'Putting Our Faith Into Practice: Support for Families Impacted by Immigration Enforcement.' The parish highlights its dedication to reaching 'out to serve others and to build up the Kingdom of God' as a core element of its identity, following the Poverello ('poor little man'), as St. Francis is sometimes called.
- Homeless Project Ministry — Thanksgiving outreach
- Social Justice Committee — 4th Monday, 7:00 PM
- Diocesan bilingual handout for families impacted by immigration enforcement
- Prayer Shawl Ministry outreach to the homebound and bereaved
Music & Liturgy
Music and liturgical celebrations are led by Leslie Marie Campos, Director of Music. The parish emphasizes that 'the Eucharist is the source and summit of the church's life' and works to provide 'prayerful and joyful liturgies.' Hundreds of parishioners volunteer each year as liturgical ministers — altar servers, lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion — and the parish maintains registration forms for those who wish to serve.
- Director of Music: Leslie Marie Campos
- Liturgical Minister registration available
- Altar Server registration available
- Special liturgies include Simbang Gabi and Jubilee Year celebrations
Franciscan Jubilee Year — Pilgrim Church
In February 2026, Bishop Oscar Cantú issued a decree designating St. Francis of Assisi Parish as the Primary Pilgrim Church of the Diocese of San José for the Franciscan Jubilee Year, marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi's death. The parish's doors are open to pilgrims most Saturdays and First Fridays from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM and Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Confession is available Saturdays 11:00 AM to noon. The Jubilee Year is being celebrated with events for all ages, pilgrimage opportunities, and special programs designed to bring St. Francis's spirit alive in the local community and beyond.
- Designated by Bishop Cantú, February 2026
- Church open to pilgrims Mon–Fri 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Sat & First Fri 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Pilgrim Confession: Saturdays 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Events for all ages planned throughout the Jubilee Year
- Pastor's note signed 'Pax et Bonum, Fr. Vincent Pineda, Pastor'
Facilities — Chapel, Gathering Hall & Memorial Garden
The parish campus includes its main Chapel (where most Masses and Reconciliation are held), the Villages Cribari Auditorium (site of the 8:15 AM Sunday Mass at the adjacent Villages retirement community), a gathering hall, and outdoor tents that continued in use after the pandemic for outdoor Mass and parish gatherings. The Memorial Garden is a dedicated interment / columbarium space on the campus. The parish office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed for lunch 12:00–1:00 PM), and an after-hours answering service through the Diocese of San Jose is available at 408-834-4116 for emergency sick calls.
- Main Chapel — site of daily Mass, Vigil Masses, Reconciliation, First Friday Adoration
- Villages Cribari Auditorium — 8:15 AM Sunday Mass at Villages Retirement Community
- Outdoor gathering tents for Mass and parish events
- Memorial Garden on campus
- Parish office: Mon–Fri 9 AM–4 PM (closed 12–1 PM)
- After-hours emergency sick calls: 408-834-4116 (Diocese of San Jose answering service)
Sacraments & Pastoral Care
Parish Administrator Rosie Olivas (extension 301) coordinates Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Quinceañeras, and Mass Intentions. OCIA/RCIA, J.O.Y., and Adult Confirmation are coordinated by Lerma Simpson (extension 316); Youth Confirmation is handled through the youth office (extension 324). Emergency Anointing of the Sick and after-hours pastoral emergencies are handled through the 408-834-4116 line. The parish encourages families to register as parishioners using its New Parishioner Registration Form.
- Baptism, Weddings, Funerals, Quinceañeras, Mass Intentions — ext. 301
- OCIA/RCIA, J.O.Y., Adult Confirmation — ext. 316
- Youth Confirmation & Young Adult Ministry — ext. 324
- Emergency Sick Calls — 408-834-4116
- New Parishioner Registration Form available on website
Giving, App & Staying Connected
The parish offers online giving through its website and a dedicated mobile app (eCatholic) that allows parishioners to give, view recorded Sunday Masses, and stay connected with the church. In addition to the regular Sunday Collection, the parish schedules Second Collections throughout the year and a Year-End Giving campaign. A Constant Contact email newsletter is available for parishioners who want to stay up to date on parish news and notices.
- Online Giving via website
- Parish mobile app (eCatholic) for online giving, recorded Masses, news
- Regular Sunday Collection
- Second Collections scheduled throughout the year
- Year-End Giving campaign
- Constant Contact email newsletter signup
Contact, Location & Hours
St. Francis of Assisi Parish is located at 5111 San Felipe Road, San Jose, CA 95135, in the Evergreen neighborhood on a hilltop overlooking the eastern San Jose countryside. The main parish number is 408-223-1562, with a direct staff line at 408-223-1770 (enter extension or '0' for the general mailbox). After-hours emergency sick calls are routed through the Diocese of San Jose answering service at 408-834-4116. The parish office is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, closed daily from 12:00–1:00 PM; the office is also open Fridays from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and Sundays from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM for limited hours.
- Address: 5111 San Felipe Road, San Jose, CA 95135
- Main phone: 408-223-1562
- Direct staff line: 408-223-1770 (with extensions)
- After-hours emergencies: 408-834-4116
- Office hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–4 PM (closed 12–1 PM)
- Limited hours: Fri 9 AM–12 PM, Sun 9 AM–2 PM
- Website: http://www.sfoasj.com/
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Msgr. John Sandersfeld1997 – August 10, 2022
Founding pastor; canonically erected the parish on May 15, 1997 with Bishop Pierre DuMaine. Funeral Mass was celebrated at the parish on August 10, 2022. Remembered as 'the consummate good shepherd'.
- Rev. Fr. Athanasius Kikobafrom late summer 2021
Served as parochial vicar (not pastor) under the third pastor; later departed. Mentioned in 2021–22 annual report.
- Rev. Matthew Stanley
Identified in the 2021–22 Annual Report as the 'third pastor of St. Francis of Assisi'; led the 25th anniversary Year of Jubilee (May 2022 – May 2023) and presided at the 'burning the mortgage' celebration in June 2022.
- Rev. Vincent Pineda
Current pastor; identified as pastor in the Jubilee Year communications and the Diocese of San José's Franciscan Jubilee Year designation page.