St. Francis of Assisi Parish is under the care of the Province of the Pure Heart of Mary of the Order of Carmelites. The Carmelite Order originated as a group of hermits living on Mt. Carmel in the Holy Land about 1207. In 1247 they became mendicant friars. There are about 2000 friars worldwide (in 2008). The attached links to other web sites give more information.