Annual Mexican Dinner and Cultural Days

Event Details

Embracing their cultural diversity and promoting unity through Faith, St. Francis of Assisi Parish has humble beginnings. The first Mass of record was in 1964, celebrated in the home of Juan Garza, with about 30 people attending. In 1966, the parish was officially recognized as a Spanish mission. It wasn't until 1997 that St. Francis was designated an official parish. Today, St. Francis accommodates more than 4,000 families and continues to grow, adding more than 700 families annually.
The parish is now a melting pot of cultural diversity, blending its rich Hispanic heritage with the many ethnicities of its ever-growing parishioner base.

In 2008, the event provided a spiritual, educational, entertaining, and unifying experience for the multicultural community that exists in the area which welcomed all to share in a day filled with fun and good food. Organizers of the event provided a fun-filled day for the entire family.

While the Annual Mexican Dinner was not new to St. Francis, it was the first time it was augmented to include a cultural celebration, Mexican and American food was served along with music, dancing, a children's carnival, and other entertainment throughout the day.

More than 20 Cultural Tents were on display. Each cultural tent carried the theme of a specific country, provided fun facts about the country including ways that the Catholic Faith is celebrated in that particular region. The celebration included a very special Children's Sidewalk Chalk Rosary. Children were lead the Rosary in 10 languages, followed by the celebration of a Multi-Lingual Mass. The Mass included English, Spanish, Tagalog and Hindi aspects. Organizers especially encouraged attendance at the Rosary, a prayer shared by all Catholic cultures, and the Mass, central to Catholic life and worship.

After Mass, a Youth Rally and concert was held. Co-Headlining that event was the very popular and talented Manantial Group and The Joe Languell Band. There was no entry fee to attend this event. Food coupons were sold after each Mass leading up to the event and were available the day of the event as well. Coupons were 50 cents each. A family of four will be able to eat for about $20.00.