St. Frances of Rome in Holly Has a New Parish Facility

St Frances Parish Office

St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church, Holly, is experiencing the blessings of a growing Parish community. The Parish recently sold its rectory and has purchased the former Colorado East Bank and Trust building located on Main Street. As the new location is renovated, it will provide the Parish with much needed space.

The rectory served the Parish well for decades. With the Parish priests residing in Lamar at St. Francis de Sales, it was no longer necessary to provide housing. Couple that with the fact the community of Holly has experienced a housing shortage since a tornado tore through town several years ago. Therefore, residents often look for available housing and the rectory has provided a home to someone rather than being used a few hours a week.

Father Charles Sena said, “The plan originally was to build a new facility next to the church. However, costs and planning made it too difficult to do. Fortunately, the former bank building is only a block from the church and was made available to us. “

The new facility provides a larger space in order for it to function as the Parish office, meeting space, and religious education space. With the purchase of this building, the Parish is able to offer catechism classes in one central location; previously, the classes were spread out between the church, rectory, and Parish hall. Also, the new building allows for personal meeting space, when needed by the church.

Fr. Sena said, “The generosity of a few donors and Colorado East Bank and Trust offering the building at a reduced cost has provided us with a very useful space. The donations have made the cost to the Parish virtually nothing. It really is a blessing from God.”

The Parish office has already started utilizing the space. Renovations are currently taking place to add the classroom space. It should be completed by the time Catechism starts in September. An official dedication and open house will take place when the facility renovations are complete.

This isn’t the only project the Parish has undertaken recently. The restroom facilities are being upgraded in the Parish Hall making them ADA accessible. The project also is adding a new heating and air conditioning unit to the Hall.

Fr. Sena added, “This is truly an exciting time for St. Frances of Rome.”

Fr Charlie at his Desk