Seeking Christ Together
Our Mission
We, the faith family of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by Prayer, Sacraments and the Word, are pilgrim people striving to become faithful and committed followers of Jesus Christ. In response to our Gospel call, we seek to be a viable and welcoming community which ministers to the People of God through responsible stewardship of our time, talent and treasure.
– Originally Adopted by the Pastoral Council January 23, 2006
Our Parish History: A Legacy of Faith and Growth
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church has been a pillar of faith and community since its establishment in 1953. Over the decades, our parish has grown through dedicated leadership, significant milestones, and a strong commitment to serving God and our parishioners.
The Beginning of Our Parish
- In March 1953, Archbishop Thomas J. Toolen announced plans for a new parish.
- By June 1, 1953, St. Francis Xavier Parish was officially established, with Rev. Frederick O. Hughes appointed as the first pastor.
- On June 25, 1953, a 50-acre tract of land was purchased to serve as the parish site.
- The first Mass was celebrated in Mountain Brook City Hall on August 23, 1953.
- By July 1, 1953, the parish census recorded 137 families.
Early Growth and Expansion
- In June 1954, construction of an all-purpose building, including a church, pastor’s housing, and classrooms, was completed.
- The first Mass was held in the new church on July 3, 1954.
- Archbishop Toolen officially dedicated the church on April 24, 1955.
- Under the leadership of Auxiliary Bishop Joseph A. Durick (appointed in June 1957), the parish expanded, adding a two-story school, convent, and rectory.
- Additional buildings were dedicated on April 19, 1959.
Continued Growth and Leadership
- In May 1967, Rev. Joseph Allen was appointed pastor.
- To accommodate a growing congregation, construction of a larger church began in August 1969.
- The first Mass was celebrated in the new (second) church on May 10, 1970, and Bishop Joseph Vath dedicated the building on November 29, 1970.
- Rev. Msgr. William Houck was appointed pastor in June 1974, followed by Rev. Michael Sexton in early 1979.
From our humble beginnings to our thriving parish today, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church remains a beacon of faith, welcoming all to worship, learn, and grow in the love of Christ.
Building a Stronger Community
- The 1980s marked a period of further development, including:
- The groundbreaking for a new reception hall and nursery on April 14, 1985.
- The dedication of the new parish hall on April 20, 1986.
- The opening of a chapel in memory of Katie Rosato Bruno on November 25, 1986.
- Rev. Henry McDaid’s appointment as pastor in 1987.
- Rev. Joseph Culotta serving as administrator in July 1992, followed by Rev. Paul Rohling’s appointment as pastor in February 1993.
Renovation, Resilience, and Renewal
- The church underwent renovations in 1994 and was re-dedicated on October 22, 1995.
- In July 2001, Rev. Patrick J. Sullivan was appointed pastor.
- A fire damaged the church in July 2001, leading to reconstruction efforts.
- The new (third) church was completed, with the first Mass celebrated on June 29, 2003.
- On September 28, 2003, Bishop Foley dedicated the church during our 50th Anniversary celebration.
Recent Years and Ongoing Commitment
- A columbarium was dedicated on May 15, 2005, with an expansion in August 2013.
- Rev. Robert J. Sullivan was appointed pastor in July 2007.
- In October 2020, Rev. Joe Culotta was appointed pastor, continuing our tradition of faith and service.
Visit Our Ministries
St. Francis Xavier Ministries enriches parish life through faith formation, liturgy, service, and fellowship—welcoming all ages with programs for children, youth, adults, and seniors in both English and Spanish.
Our Core Values
Learn more about our values and our story as a church by visiting the about us page.
We value the Lordship of Jesus Christ!
We acknowledge Jesus Christ as the head of our church and fully submit ourselves to His will. In every aspect of our ministry our goal is always to honor and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.
We value Bible-centered Preaching and Teaching!
We believe the Bible is God’s inspired authoritative and trustworthy rule of faith and practice for Christians. Therefore, we submit ourselves to its teaching, commit ourselves to do what it says, and yield our lives to become what Christ desires for us to be.
We value Prayer!
We believe in the power of prayer. Therefore, the ministries and activities our church will be characterized by a reliance on personal and corporate prayer in all areas of our lives and ministry.
We value Evangelism and World Missions!
We believe in the Great Commission commanded to us by Jesus Christ and we are committed to reaching unsaved and unchurched people locally, nationally and worldwide. We will use every available Christ-honoring means to pursue, win and disciple the people in our sphere of influence.
We value the Family!
We believe God ordained the family to glorify him. We are committed to cultivate an atmosphere which promotes spiritual growth within the family by reaching families with the gospel, discipling them in Christ-like character and teaching each family member how to fulfill their God-given role.
Sister Sara Burress, O.S.B
Pastoral Care
205-803-5414
Sister Emma Rueda, SCTJM
Pastoral Ministry
205-803-5422
Deacon Neal Kay
Permanent Deacon
205-532-1105
Sam “Jay” Tumminello
Director of Liturgy
205-803-5417
Brenda Bullock
Hispanic Ministry
205-803-5421
Shaun Byrne
Director of Religious Education
205-803-5425
Mary Paige Griffin
St Francis Xavier School Principal
205-871-1687
Elijah Newcomb
Youth Ministry
205-803-5402
Nancy Grundhoefer
Music Coordinator
205-803-5415
Kathy Kononchek
Finance
205-803-5418
Ayded "Dede" Martinez
Receptionist
205-803-5410
Windy Beals
Secretary & Bulletin Editor
205-803-5426
Nancy Heck
OCIA
205-803-5427
Antonio Payne
Maintenance/Security
205-803-5410
Join us!
Our vibrant community sets us apart. We are blessed with a diverse congregation of both English- and Spanish-speaking parishioners. Our campus, home to both our parish and school, serves the Birmingham communities of Irondale and Mountain Brook.