Ascension Parish

The Renewal of the Church of the Ascension
Parish & Community
Updates and News

Catholic Mass Returns to Fort Myers Beach!

Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., has established the Ascension Mission, with Fr. Bob Murphy serving as the Mission’s Administrator. The Bishop has also announced that while the important work of reviewing and finalizing the plans for the renewal of the Church of the Ascension continues, a Catholic Mass will be offered on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in Fort Myers Beach beginning Sunday, November 1. The Masses will be held in the gymnasium at the Bay Oaks Recreation Center, 2731 Oak Street. All are welcome!

The first Mass, on Sunday, November 1, will be celebrated by Bishop Emilio and subsequent Masses will be celebrated by priests from the Fort Myers area and the Diocese of Venice. The Masses will continue at this location until a temporary location can be safely established on the Ascension Parish grounds.

We thank you for your continued commitment to our Catholic faith, and for your patience and enthusiasm as we work together for the glory of God, rebuilding the Church of the Ascension and the Catholic community of Fort Myers Beach.

Special Notes! Please read.

The Masses will be held in the Recreation Center’s Gymnasium. As such, the flooring, that of the basketball court, must be considered when selecting your footwear! Please: Non-marking soles only, and no high heels!
Parking is limited and may require some walking from your car to the Recreation Center. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Catholic Mass of Remembrance on Ian Anniversary

A Catholic Mass of Remembrance was held on the grounds of the Church of the Ascension on Monday, September 28, 2026, the fourth anniversary of the terrible Hurricane Ian. The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., and concelebrated by priests from the area and throughout the Diocese of Venice, was attended by more than 400 from the Church of the Ascension community! It was a beautiful day of faith and friendship.
View highlights from the day, below!

Help rebuild Ascension Parish!

Storm surge from Hurricane Ian is seen rising inside and outside the walls of the Monastery of San Damiano of the Poor Clares on Fort Myers Beach on Sept. 28, 2022.
The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian, September 28, 2022.
The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian, September 28, 2022.
The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian, September 28, 2022.
The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian, September 28, 2022.
The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian, September 28, 2022.
The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian, September 28, 2022.
The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian, September 28, 2022.
The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian, September 28, 2022.
The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian, September 28, 2022.
The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian, September 28, 2022.

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2025 Updates

Rebuilding the Church of the Ascension, Fort Myers Beach

The Church of the Ascension in Fort Myers Beach was destroyed by the deadly Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022. With great joy and hope for the future, Bishop Frank J. Dewane is pleased to announce that plans are now underway for a new Church of the Ascension! See a letter from Bishop Dewane to the parishioners of Ascension Parish below and watch a recording of the livestream from the October 10, 2025, Information Session here.

Please note: While the Church of the Ascension undergoes its transformation, St. Leo the Great Parish, Bonita Springs, welcomes all Ascension Parish parishioners, and is currently serving the Sacramental needs of the Parish. Address: 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, (239) 992-0901.

UPDATE 11/1/26: Ascension Mission has been established, with Fr. Bob Murphy serving as its Administrator. Beginning on Sunday, November 1, 2026 and continuing until a regular weekly Mass can be safely held on the grounds of the Church of the Ascension, Masses will be held in Fort Myers Beach on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. at the Bay Oaks Recreation Center at 2731 Oak Street.

Site Plan

Fact Sheet

Floorplan


WINK News reports on the new Ascension, here.	Enjoy a virtual “walkthrough” of the new Ascension, here.

History of Church of the Ascension, Fort Myers Beach

Established April 25, 1962

The Church of the Ascension began as a mission of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Fort Myers in 1955 when the original church was dedicated by Bishop Joseph P. Hurley. A rectory was soon added but was damaged heavily during Hurricane Donna in 1960.

In 1962, Church of the Ascension Mission became a parish. On December 17, 1962, a fire broke out in the church. Debris was soon cleared away, and Christmas Mass was held amid the charred altar and pews of the fire-damaged church. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new church were held on September 22, 1963. On January 26, 1964, the new church building was formally dedicated.

In 1972, the parish began clearing land for a new rectory. In 1975, the church grounds were renovated, and the exterior of the church building was painted and restored. The Retirement Center for Priests was also built on church grounds in 1976.

Two years later, in 1978, a capital campaign was launched to renovate and expand the church. The first official Mass for the newly renovated Church of the Ascension was held on May 24, 1979. This was soon followed by a formal blessing on December 7, 1979.

Father Thomas Goggin was appointed Pastor of Ascension Parish in 1990. In 1992, the Retirement Home for Priests became a convent for the Poor Clare Nuns of San Damiano, Monastery of St. Clare. Following Father Goggin’s death on July 23, 2002, Father William Adams became Pastor.

In 2003, the old rectory was torn down to allow construction to begin on a new rectory, which was completed in 2005. In November 2007, a beautiful marble statue of the Ascension, imported from Italy, was installed in front of the church. In 2009, Bishop Frank J. Dewane officially established San Damiano Monastery as a monastery of the Order of St. Clare.

The Church of the Ascension was destroyed by the deadly Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022, with storm surge of 10-15 feet. Plans are now underway for a new Church of the Ascension, Parish Hall, and restored grounds.

Let’s keep in touch!
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