Serving as a beacon of the light of Christ in the community, the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish community celebrated 50 years in Fort Myers on Oct. 20, 2024.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Parish’s Golden Jubilee Mass, with Resurrection Pastor Msgr. Stephen E. McNamara, and Parochial Vicars Father Patrick Oliver Toner and Father Shawn Roser among the concelebrating priests.
“Reaching 50 is a true accomplishment,” Bishop Dewane said. “This is a celebration for the Diocese, the Parish, the parishioners, and the priests, those who are here now and those who have come before. It is my prayer that you rejoice in the goodness of God having blessed you for these 50 years knowing God will continue to provide for many years to come.”
Bishop Dewane said the Golden Jubilee is a perfect time to reflect, looking back at what has been accomplished, but also a time to look forward and be challenged to continue the legacy that has been put forth.
“A Parish is a testament to Jesus Christ as it provides His faithfulness and His sustained power for the world,” Bishop Dewane said. “We can’t do these things on our own. We must continue to be faithful to the Lord, allowing His grace to give us guidance as the Parish continues to be that beacon for the community and the world.”
Established as a Mission in 1974, Msgr. McNamara is the only Pastor to have served through the 50 years, overseeing the construction on numerous buildings including the church while the community in south Fort Myers grew. That growth was so strong that St. Columbkille and Our Lady of Light were established in the 1990s as Missions to serve the influx of residents to the area.
“It is a blessing to have Bishop Dewane here to be part of this celebration,” Msgr. McNamara said. “It is amazing to think that 50 years has passed since Resurrection was established. Where does the time go?”
During the reception, there was a string trio, and a slideshow of images on a large screen. The conversation focused on each person’s first time they attended Mass at Resurrection. Some were initially seasonal residents before becoming permanent parishioners, while others told of being present for decades. “It is our spiritual home,” one woman said.
Resurrection Parish currently has more than 2,600 registered families.
