To the Suburb, in the City, and with the Community: The Changing Loci of Mid-Twentieth-Century Franciscan Parishes

Franciscans in the mid-twentieth century reorganized their parochial commitments, altering where and to whom they served as pastors. New demographic and geographic realities, including the Baby Boom, the explosion of suburbs, and urban out-migration, shaped Franciscan commitments: rural parishes, without moving location, became suburban; city parishes declined and closed or became downtown "service churches" without parishioners residing nearby; and new experimental church models impacted parish life, governance, and worship. At the same time, the Franciscans themselves reflected on their place in the mid-century Church, especially parish life's compatibility with the Franciscan charism. An examination of three types of Franciscan parish communities—suburban, urban, and experimental—will highlight the Franciscans' changing loci of ministry. This shift provides an essential context for understanding the evolution of U.S. parishes and the role of Franciscans in the latter half of the twentieth century.