It began between 1943 and 1949, with mass celebrated by the Redemptorist and Franciscan fathers at St. Clare School. In 1948 St. Clare was officially established as a parish community. Father Edward Blanchard, a Redemptorist, was the first parish priest. He served the parish for about a year and was followed by Father John Forrest Galvin, a Franciscan Father. At this time the parish had approximately 170 families. In 1949 land was purchased for the Fillmore church and on the feast of St. Clare, the building committee sent an official letter to Archbishop J.H. MacDonald requesting permission to build their first church. Consent to build was granted on September 2nd, 1949.

A wooden army hut, with a seating capacity of 180 people, initially was purchased and moved to the site for the sum of $12,000. Pews were purchased from the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The temporary church was blessed by Archbishop MacDonald during Mass on December 7th, 1950 with the assistance of Fr. John Galvin. A few years later the Franciscans relinquished the pastorate of the parish and a diocesan priest; Father Daniel Martin was assigned to the parish. By 1953 the parish of St. Clare has grown to 300 families and by 1957 a number of parish organizations had been formed including the Men's Club, Catholic Women's League and others. Fr. R.V. Britton replaced Fr. D. Martin in 1957. The parish continued to grow with more parishioners moving into the area. In the late 1950's plans were made to build a larger facility for the parish community to worship. Building and canvassing committees were formed. Their goal was to raise $55,000 before formally submitting a request for building a new facility to the Diocese. The parishioners generously responded. The canvassing committee raised $82,000 and future pledges once the church was built.

In December 1960 a formal request was sent to the Archbishop for permission to proceed with plans to build a new church. Permission was given for a new church with the condition that half the cost be raised prior to construction. A new church was to cost between $129,000. and $153,000 Permission to start the new building was given to Fr. Britton on April 1961. Members of the building committee were the following parishioners: P.J. Doherty chairman, Mrs. J.M. Greener, Vince MacDonald, George Brosseau, Don Bell and Ray Ryan. McRae was hired as contractor and Wm. Meager was the supervisor.

The sod turning and blessing of the corner stone took place on May 7th, 1961 with Archbishop MacDonald in attendance. The first mass was celebrated in the new church in September 1961 at twelve noon, with Archbishop Jordan, co-adjustor in attendance and concelebrated by Fr. Britton, pastor and J.W. Burke in attendance. The official opening and blessing of the church was on November 5th, 1961. Many parishioners and a variety of church groups were represented at the official ceremony.

The design of the church is in a cruciform shape with a cathedral ceiling. It is of brick and masonry construction. It has stained glass windows and columns covered with ceramic tiles.

Students from St. Mary's School built the pews. 

The seating capacity is 500 people. It has a basement and other facilities. Within a short time, construction began on the rectory.

In August 1971, Fr. Britton retired and his successor was Fr. Len Gartner (1971-1979).

During this time the decision was made to renovate the sanctuary to meet the new liturgical needs. Included in the renovation was the installation of new carpeting, a new P.A. system and to finish the church basement.

Between 1979 to the present time, the Catholic Community of St. Clare has been faithfully served by a number of pastors including the following: Fr. Louis Serratto (1979-1986), Fr. William O'Farrell (1986-1992). Sr. Bernarda Lewis was hired to be Pastoral Assistant, helping Fr. L. Serratto. With the transfer of Fr. O'Farrell to another parish, St. Clare was again given to the Redemptorist Fathers, with no resident priest. Among the Redemptorist Fathers who served this church from St. Alphonsus Parish were Fr. Bill Bernard and Fr. Dino Benedet and others.

In August 1996 to the present, a resident priest, Fr, Joe Leszczynski has been assigned to St. Clare Parish. In recent years, some parishioners decided to form a Seniors Social Club, which provided a place for many older parishioners to gather regularly for lunches, games and to socialize. From 1948 to the present time, this community has witnessed many marriages, baptisms, children receiving their First Communion and confirmation in a place they often called their "second home" No doubt, that one of many happy events that took place at St. Clare Parish was an ordination to the Holy Priesthood of one of their own sons, Fr. Les Drewicki. He was ordained in the Parish and celebrated his first Mass in the parish.

Today we still have many pioneers who have helped and supported this parish from the beginning and who are facing a great challenge wondering whether their "little'' church will remain open or not? Many recognize that we have a shortage of priests and in addition older parishes seem to decline in number of parishioners, so the Archdiocese decided to implement a restructuring of parishes in the city of Edmonton and in the rural area.