ORIGINS & FOUNDING

Holy Faith was established as a parish on March 1, 1973 by Bishop Paul F. Tanner. The first pastor was Fr. Flannan Walsh. From 1972 until 1976, Mass was celebrated at the Gainesville Women's Club while the parish secured land and planned a permanent campus.

NAME & HERITAGE

The parish name "Holy Faith" is the English translation of "Santa Fe", inspired by a 17th-century Spanish mission in the Gainesville area: Santa Fe de Toledo.  The mission was one of a group of Spanish-Franciscan missions serving indigenous people in early Florida - a heritage Holy Faith connects with.  Because of that connection, the parish keeps a spiritual bond with St. Francis of Assisi.

(coming soon) more on our Franciscan origins & heritage

DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH

In 1976 the parishioners built the Social Hall and Education Building.  The "Upper Hall" served as a temporary worship space.  As the congregation expanded, a new church building was constructed and dedicated on February 28, 1982 by Bishop John J. Snyder.  According to Bishop Snyder, the People of Holy Faith showed an outstanding witness of faith, vitality, and vibrancy. The 1982 building, designed to seat approximately 700 people, features a distinctive architectural design: a "pagoda" shape with a high ceiling forming a Maltese cross. To this day, Holy Faith is distinctive for the beautiful, park-like beauty of it grounds.

PARISH LIFE, MINISTRIES, & EXPANSION

Leadership changed over time: Fr. Walsh was succeeded in 1987 by Monsignor Joseph James.  Starting in 1990, under Fr. Michael Williams, the parish grew significantly.  A new Ministry Center -- housing offices, a library, nursery -- was completed in 2001.  In 2002, Fr. John Phillips became pastor.  Under his leadership the parish expanded ministries and purchased additional land to support growth. In October 2004, Holy Faith also adopted the local Catholic Worker House of Gainesville, which provided hospitality and outreach to people experiencing poverty (program ran over a decade).  The parish has continued to emphasize compassion and service, both locally and globally -- aiming to build "a community of compassion and in Christ".

RECENT HISTORY & GROWTH

In 2013 (the parish's 40th anniversary), Holy Faith launched a capital-building campaign to expand its facilities.  On September 25, 2016 the new Holy Faith Parish Life Center was dedicated -- a facility intended to support parish life and ministries for decades to come.  After the unexpected death of Fr. John M. Phillips in 2019, Fr. Emmanuel Pazhayapurackal, CMI  became pastor in 2020.  Under his leadership, with other parochial vicars and the parish staff,  the parish guided its community through the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining community and faith. Later, Bishop Felipe Estevez re-dedicated the Parish Life Center to the memory of Fr. John Phillips.  Currently called Fr. John M. Phillips Parish Life Center, the new building honors the legacy and memory of a beloved Pastor, whose outstanding leadership and pastoral care of compassion left a profound mark in the life of Holy Faith.  Fr. Emmanuel retired in January, 2022.

THE PAST THREE YEARS & BEYOND

Fr. Jose Kulathinal, CMI

On February 14, 2022, Bishop Felipe Estevez appointed Fr. Jose Kulathinal, CMI,  as Pastor of Holy Faith.  Under his leadership Holy Faith not only has continued its mission of compassion and spiritual growth, but it has increased participation and involvement of many people reflecting a robust and active parish life.  By supporting this broad involvement, Fr. Jose helps Holy Faith thrive as a worshiping community, a living, active community of faith and service.  Because of Fr. Jose' leadership and outreach, Holy Faith remains a vibrant, active parish offering a home for people at different stages of faith, long-time parishioners, newcomers, and all seeking deeper faith, formation, and discipleship.  In the last three years we have experienced a significant  growth in our faith and in our numbers as we add and welcome more people to our parish family.