SS. FRANCIS AND CLARE PARISH is the new name for two parishes that each have a WONDERFUL history in our diocese. Sacred Heart Parish in Birch Run began in 1869 when a small frame church was constructed on the corner of Linden and Willard Roads. It was always referred to as “Country Line Church!” In 1915, a new Parish church was built in the community of Birch Run. In the beginning, Sacred Heart was Predominately Irish in its makeup. Sacred Heart opened a school with the sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth, Michigan, in charge. In the early years, the school operated for grades one through twelve. In 1947 it was for students in grades one through eight. It closed in June of 1967. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish began in 1889 on Bell Rd., Fosters, Michigan. It began as a predominately Polish Parish. Assumption Parish was known for its very dedicated parishioners who established a very vibrant and alive parish. Attached to the parish was a well-kept cemetery to honor their beloved dead. For many years they were served by Franciscan priests from Wisconsin. Because of a shortage of priests, many parishes were merged on July 01, 2013, throughout the diocese. Sacred Heart and Assumption were part of that merger. Ss. Francis and Clare Parish have been blessed by this amalgamation of wonderful people from the two parishes. The Holy Spirit continues to guide us as we follow and serve the Lord Jesus.

Local Church History