On Sept. 29, 2025, there was much to celebrate at St. Michael the Archangel Parish on Siesta Key. In addition to being the Parish Feast Day, the Feast of the Archangels, it was also time to finally break ground on a new Parish Ministry Center.
With a great number of parishioners looking on and cheering their support, the Pastor, Father Michael Cannon, led a prayer service and blessing before a large group joined in turning some dirt.
“We are blessed that this day has finally come,” Father Cannon said. “This is a momentous occasion for the long-awaited groundbreaking. We are here to pray, sing, and shovels will finally let the dirt fly.”
The initial plans for the Ministry Center date back to 2019 and the “Reignite the Flame” campaign. The project was delayed for a number of reasons, including in part due to the COVID-19 global pandemic in 2020, then emergency roof repairs in 2022, and hurricane damage in 2024 to the Parish offices and to the greater island community.
Father Cannon credited the support of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, as well as the staff of the Diocesan Buildings and Construction Office, for helping the Parish get to this point in construction.
“Work will begin tomorrow,” Father Cannon said. “I had to take a photograph of the bulldozer to make sure it was really there and not just a dream.”
Patty Smith, who has been a parishioner since 1984, spoke on behalf of the parishioners, sharing her joy at the start of construction. “I am so happy that we are here, it is such a blessing,” Smith said, adding that “all my joy has been here, in this place.”
The new 5,000 square-foot multipurpose hall will feature administrative and ministry offices, as well as classroom and meeting rooms.
Joining Father Cannon in the groundbreaking were members of the Parish Building Committee as well as two young children who represent the future of the Parish, and some longtime parishioners who represent the many who have called St. Michael the Archangel their spiritual home through the years.
The architect for the project is PRA Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP, and the contractor is ME&S General Contractors, Inc.
