St. Rose of Lima Parish has its roots in the homes and hospitality of those Catholics who lived in the Franklin area during the 1860's.  The first actual church was a wood frame building on South Home Ave. By 1905, the growing faith community moved into a small  brick church building on the corner of Madison and Yandes Streets and, on June 4 of that year, adopted St. Rose of Lima as the Patron Saint of the Parish.

The Parish was first served by Diocesan priests and Franciscan friars from surrounding areas including Indianapolis and Columbus.  In 1934 Fr. Anthony Seger was named the first resident pastor of St. Rose of Lima.  The parish continued to grow steadily through Fr. Seger's pastorate as well as that of his successor, Fr. John Bankowski, who served St. Rose until 1957.

Again, the need for a larger worship space became apparent.  Fr. Paul English was pastor when the existing building of St. Meinrad sandstone was built on State Road 144 on the west side of the city. Ground was broken in June of 1964 and the first Mass in the new Church was celebrated on Easter Sunday in 1965.  In 1967, the new pastor, Fr. James Byrne, saw the need for additional parish space for religious education and gatherings for the more than two hundred parish families. Subsequently, Camelot Hall was built and dedicated in November of 1968, the centennial year of the parish.

Fr. Albert Ajamie was pastor from 1970-74.  He was succeeded by Fr. Robert Mazzola who served for nine years until 1983.  Fr. Harold Ripperger was pastor from 1983-86.  Fr. Fred Schmitt led the parish from 1986 until his sudden death in 1989.  Fr. John O'Brien was pastor from 1989-92. Each priest made a significant contribution to both the spiritual and temporal vitality of the parish.

In March of 1992, Fr. Daniel Mahan was appointed pastor.  Early in his tenure as pastor Fr. Dan learned of the strong desire of many young parents for a Catholic School experience for their children. In collaboration with parish and educational leaders Fr. Dan began a planning process which resulted in St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, dedicated by Most Rev. Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlien on August 20, 1995.  The current pastor, Fr. Paul Shikany, continues the work of expanding the school and providing much needed space for religious education and all other parish activities.  A capital fund campaign will insure the financial stability of the parish during another period of significant growth.  Fr. Paul is also the Pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Edinburgh.  We are very grateful for his dedication to guide and serve both parish communities.  The future holds great promise for St. Rose of Lima Parish. We give thanks to God for the blessings the parish has received from all who supported and sustained it as a true community of faith over the past 127 years.