A new Catechetical Center at San Jose Mission in Fort Myers was dedicated and blessed by Bishop Frank J. Dewane March 22, 2026, the Fifth Sunday of Lent.
The building was dedicated to the people of the Parish and replaces what was destroyed during Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Bishop Dewane, who celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass prior to the dedication and blessing, said the new Catechetical Center will serve many purposes for the community, but most importantly to pass on the faith to following generations.
“This is where the young will learn of their Catholic Faith and the adults will deepen their commitment to live as Christ has taught us,” Bishop Dewane said.
As part of the blessing, Bishop Dewane said, “We pray that the Word of God will be echoed in these walls… we bless all who will use this Catechetical Center, and pray that all who come here know the presence of Christ, experience the joy of His friendship and grow in His love.”
Bishop Dewane blessed the people of San Jose Mission with holy water before entering the building, saying, “Let this blessing flow to all of you also.”
A large crowd present for the dedication and blessing cheered when the ceremony was concluded. Many then visited the building which houses four classrooms and has a prayer garden at its base. The building, made from portable classrooms, was built and is elevated about 8-feet about the ground, as the area was severely flooded during Hurricane Ian.
Father Benjamin Casimir, who is the Administrator of San Jose Mission and its parent Parish, Jesus the Worker, thanked Bishop Dewane for taking time out of his busy schedule to bless the new building. “This community has been through a great deal since Hurricane Ian, and this is an important milestone in our recovery.”
Sister Rosemary Le, FMI, Director of Religious Education for the Mission and Parish, expressed her joy at having new classrooms and meeting spaces for the young people of San Jose. “It is so beautiful. I can’t wait to prepare it for the children to encounter Christ every time they come here.”
A celebratory luncheon followed the blessing.
