St. Francis of Assisi is one of the newest churches in the Diocese of Saint John.

"The parish buildings sit on the former Payne property, approximately halfway between Fredericton and Oromocto on the Lincoln road. There had previously been a sizable and active Catholic community the Lincoln area for many years, generally served by St. Dunstan’s or St. Vincent’s parishes. When the property came into church hands, through the generosity of the Payne family, the idea of a separate parish in Lincoln began to flower.

The old Payne house, which was built around 1900, became the Lincoln Catholic Center. It was used for religious education classes for several years, as a residence for priests, and for other church-related activities.

In 1978, the Diocese gave its blessing for St. Francis of Assisi Parish to branch out from its former attachment to St. Dunstan’s. The Catholic Center was extensively renovated to accommodate a chapel capable of seating 130 people for two weekly Masses, and offered space for other parish functions as well. At the time of its establishment, a survey in the area counted 140 Catholic families.

At its very beginning, the parish was actively supported by the Holy Cross Fathers (ED: St Thomas University). Father Donald Layden, C.S.C., the first pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, was instrumental in establishing new parishes on a sound footing both in the Lincoln and New Maryland areas.  Father Layden served as pastor for the first seven years of the parish’s existence. One of his fondest dreams was to see a church building constructed. Under his leadership, and with the continuing support of the diocese and the dedication and enthusiasm of the people of the parish, his dream was realized. In June 1984, St. Francis of Assisi Church was dedicated by Bishop Arthur J. Gilbert. 

From the beginning, St. Francis of Assisi parish has been blessed with parishioners willing to devote their time and effort on behalf of the church. The community spirit helped to adorn the church building after it was constructed and blessed. One parishioner, a master woodcarver, provided a sculpted Crucifix, Stations of the Cross, and a uniquely designed Baptismal font.  Another parishioner supplied the altar sanctuary banners, which beautify the church throughout the liturgical year. “1.

In 2018, under the direction of Bishop Robert Harris of the Diocese of Saint John, St. Francis of Assisi parish was merged with St. Vincent de Paul parish, which includes St. Bridget’s mission church, to create the new parish of St. John Paul II with Father Charles Udeh SMMM as its new pastor.

ED: (1) History obtained from: Pax Vobis:  A History of the Diocese of Saint John its Bishops and Parishes by Rev. Dr. Michael McGowman and published by the Diocese of Saint John.