Brief History of St. Francis Xavier Parish

In 1866 the Church of St. Francis Xavier became a parish with missions
in Hingham, Cohasset and Scituate. Previous to this date, itinerant priests celebrated Mass as early as 1841 in private homes and other buildings.

The first Catholic church in Weymouth was built on land near the present parish cemetary in
1859. In 1869, a fire labeled by the town as "malicious arson," completely demolished the edifice.
Bishop John Williams dedicated the second St. Francis Xavier Church in 1871. The present rectory for
the priests was constructed in 1908. Richard Cardinal Cushing dedicated the third St. Francis Xavier Church in 1959.

St. Francis Xavier School opened in 1958 under the direction of the Sisters of Divine Providence. The
convent, which is now the parish center, was opened in 1962. In 1990, a pre-school was opened for 4 year-
old children. In 1992 the Kindergarten was expanded to include a second session. This expansion has
necessitated the opening of double grades to accomodate a growing student population.

Many wonderful, dedicated priests, religious and laity have ministered and are ministering in the parish. A great number of lay people now serve in roles of leadership in the parish. They serve as lectors,
Eucharistic ministers, youth leaders, Parish Religious Educations teachers, alter services, visiting the
homebound, providing food and clothing to the hungry, Baptismal preparation and marriage preparation - just
to mention a few ways that we are stewards of God's words, "Love one another as I have loved you."