In September 1918, Fr. Thomas Lenahan came to Tuscaloosa as the pastor of St. John Catholic Church.

In 1923, Fr. Lenahan established the first Newman Club for Catholic Students at the University of Alabama using his mother's house as the first Catholic Student Center.

In 1929, St. Francis Chapel was erected under the leadership of
Fr. A.J. Hackett.

A new student center was built in 1960.

St. Sophie's Chapel, replaced St. Francis Chapel in 1974.

Full parish status was granted to St. Francis of Assisi University Parish in January 1982.

In 1985, the Mulvoy Education Building was added to the St. Francis campus.

In 1993 the parish expanded the Social Hall and the Student Center , added a Choir Room to the church, and added a new wing of classrooms.

A new playground area was added in 1995.

A new rectory was acquired in 2007
and renovation of the Student Center and Parish Offices was completed in 2008.

Pastors of St. Francis

Fr. Gerald Holloway 2003 - present

Fr. Andrew Sullivan 1998 - 2003

Fr. Raymond Dunmyer 1985 - 1998

Fr. John Fallon 1973 - 1985

Fr. Michael Mulvoy 1940 - 1973

Fr. A.J. Hackett 1929 - 1940