Tag: construction

Ascension Parish Church to be rebuilt – Bishop shares exciting news with parishioners

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Ascension Parish is rising from the rubble as a new church is set to be built in the place of what was destroyed when Hurricane Ian struck Fort Myers Beach in 2022 with 150 mph winds and 15 feet of storm surge. The new church will serve as a beacon of recovery for a community that continues to struggle rebuilding after the storm.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane shared the exciting news with more than 75 displaced faithful from Ascension Parish Oct. 10, 2025, during a presentation at St. Leo the Great Parish Auditorium. Hundreds more watched the presentation via a livestream, while others watched the recording at a later time.

“We hope the news and plans we bring today of a new Church of the Ascension brings you hope for a better tomorrow, and great joy! Your Parish Church is rising anew!” Bishop Dewane said.

The presentation began with an opening prayer from the Jubilee Year, with Bishop Dewane recognizing that the faithful of Ascension have gone through so much since Hurricane Ian.

“We gather here today in the shadow of the terrible devastation,” the Bishop continued. “Dear God, we remember and pray for all those who were impacted by that tragic storm, especially those who lost their lives, and we look forward together with hope to a new future for the Parish community here. We remember too, those who came before, the faithful of Ascension Parish since its inception in 1962. Without them, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Bishop Dewane explained the long process of first clearing the hurricane debris, as well as site preparation and planning the design of the new church. The Bishop added that due to the disaster it was originally expected to take up to 5 years before reconstruction could begin. “We are at the 3-year mark, and we are doing well. We have overcome many obstacles to get to this point, and we are very pleased to be moving forward.”

Richard Cain, a parishioner at Ascension for 55 years, said he was overjoyed by the announcement and the look of the proposed church.

“I didn’t know what to expect, and I am very happy to see we will have a beautiful church that will be on Fort Myers Beach for many years to come,” Cain said. “This is a great day.”

Father William Adams, the retired Pastor of Ascension, was also present for the presentation and complimented the Bishop for the vision of the new Parish church.

Conceptual drawings and a site map were shared by Adrian Karapici, an architect with AM Design Group.

Karapici explained that the new construction includes a single 14,670 square foot structure which is both a church and Parish Hall. The church will seat 738, a significant increase over the previous church.

The exterior features soaring roofs lines and a hurricane resistant glass front, as it rises above the sanctuary as a symbol of faith and unity. Trinity symbolism is integrated into the face. A bell tower will have an open cross with a backlit component visible after sunset. The tower height and cross makes it a landmark, emphasizing the church’s spiritual and community importance.

The property includes an enhanced Memorial Garden, ample parking, new street access, an elevated driveway to the front of the church, a connected level walkway from the front entrance of the church to the Parish Hall, and much more.

The structure is designed to withstand 175 mph winds and will be elevated to protect against potential storm surge, ensuring durability over time.

The narthex, with high vaulted ceilings, will incorporate elements preserved from the destroyed church, including the chandeliers as well as parts of the original wooden roof. Additional elements from the old church will be on display in this area, which is being done to create a meaningful connection to the past.

The sanctuary itself emphasizes natural light and acoustic perfection. The interior includes stained glass windows casting vibrant hues creating a tranquil and reverent environment.

The altar stands out with a modern, yet sacred, design and will be made of white marble. Behind the altar will be a luminous backdrop with a statue of the Ascension.

The sanctuary stained-glass fills the space with colorful light uniting with contemporary design and traditional religious symbolism.

The versatile Parish Hall features a commercial kitchen, classrooms and offices, and can be partitioned into smaller spaces as needed. Large windows look out upon an enhanced lake feature.

Following the architect’s presentation of the new Church of the Ascension plan, the faithful offered enthusiastic applause.

Will McKannay, Town Manager for Fort Myers Beach, complimented Bishop Dewane for announcing the rebuild of Ascension Parish and what that action means for the recovery of the island community.

“Today’s announcement is not just about Ascension; it is a powerful reminder that recovery is not just about rebuilding structures, it is about restoring the heart of our community,” McKannay said. “We stand with you, and we look forward to seeing Ascension Parish rise again, stronger than ever. Thank you.”

Following the presentation, the meeting was open to questions. Some asked about details of the project, such as various liturgical elements, while other questions related to the timeline and cost.

The timeline is dependent on many factors, including getting permitting from the Town of Fort Myers Beach. The targeted goal is to break ground in early 2026 and for completion to be in late spring 2027. The final cost to rebuild is estimated at $14.5 million. However, Bishop Dewane said the Diocese had already spent in excess of $2.5 million in the cleanup and site work on the property and final costs are subject to change due to the continual price increase of construction materials and labor.

Before the presentation, approximately 850 letters and emails were sent to parishioners of Ascension. A website (dioceseofvenice.org/ascension-parish/) has been created to help the faithful stay informed about the progress of the construction. The presentation video, livestream recording, and related slideshow are also there.

Anyone interested in supporting the reconstruction of Ascension Parish is asked to visit the site. Parishioners who are interested in naming opportunities for an aspect of the new construction are asked to email newascension@dioceseofvenice.org.

St. Leo the Great Parish, where many of the faithful have been going to Mass, will continue to serve the worship and Sacramental needs of Ascension parishioners until the new Ascension is finished.

Parish breaks ground for new Ministry Center

Posted on by Bob Reddy

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.

Boca Grande Parish thriving one year after two hurricanes

Posted on by Bob Reddy

It has been one year since two hurricanes inundated Boca Grande and while the tranquil island community seems to be on the road to recovery, many scars remain.

Our Lady of Mercy Parish was severely impacted by more than 3 feet of storm surge during Hurricane Helene on Sept. 26, 2024, and then by 5 feet of surge on Oct. 9 when Hurricane Milton roared ashore.

Cleanup and mitigation work was well underway following Helene when Milton wiped away that progress and caused additional damage. In the church, the water reached the top of the pews and spread into the sanctuary and sacristy. In addition, Milton’s water reached the rectory. While the water did not destroy the flooring, it did damage the garage and crawlspace where various utilities were located. There was also roof damage.

Fortunately, the Parish Spirit Center, which was completed in 2022 and built high enough to stay dry, was spared. Masses were celebrated in the Spirit Center until the church repairs were sufficiently completed by April 2025.

“We were back in for the Easter Vigil; the perfect time to be back in our sacred space,” said Father Anthony Hewitt, Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy, following Mass on Sept. 28, 2025. “It has been a long year, but Our Lady of Mercy is doing well.”

The repairs required removing the entire contents of the church, including the pews, altar and reredos (the expansive back wall piece of the altar). Each item was accessed and, when possible, salvaged. The Parish needed art restorers and specialists to care for the damage to the paintings, statues, and reredos.

“It was an amazing process,” Father Hewitt said. “Even the pews (made of hardwood) were saved and refinished.”

Some furniture in the sacristy was lost, as were the piano and organ. A new piano has been installed but the organ is on order.

Father Hewitt credits the support of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, the Diocese of Venice Buildings and Construction Office and the various local contractors for how quickly the church repairs were completed.

The disruption to the island community from the storms was extreme and the rebuilding continues throughout the area.

One couple who attended Mass on Sept. 28 said the damage to their home was shocking but that their faith and the knowledge that Our Lady of Mercy was still operating gave them the hope and courage to rebuild.

“Our little church was a mess, but we went to Mass and came closer together as a community because everyone was dealing with the same recovery. It was a sign of resilience for us all as the church repairs were taking place, and people and businesses became whole, we all felt relief. Having Mass in the church again was wonderful. It marked an important milestone.”

Our Lady of Mercy was one of several Parishes within the Diocese to experience damage from the 2024 hurricanes. Most damage to Parishes and Catholic schools has now been repaired, however St. Bernard Parish in Holmes Beach and Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda both had extreme storm surge damage, most significantly to their Parish Halls. Repairs continue on both Parish Halls.

Cathedral renovations reach significant milestones

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The renovations at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice are making great progress with significant milestones reached in recent months.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, joined by Diocesan Chancellor Dr. Volodymyr Smeryk and Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Cathedral Rector, took a tour of the construction site on Aug. 28, 2025. The tour was part of a regularly scheduled contractor update to review the progress of the work and to address any issues.

Bishop Dewane expressed his pleasure at the progress of the work, which addressed many of the structural needs that required the work to be done in the first place, as well as forming the renovated building to conform to the liturgical and pastoral needs of a Cathedral.

As a Cathedral is considered the “Seat of the Bishop,” many Diocesan-wide Masses are held there, such as the Chrism Mass where the Bishop blesses the Holy Oils used by Parishes for sacramental needs throughout the Diocese all year, the Rite of Election where the Bishop welcomes candidates for entry into the faith, the ordination of priests, the ordination of permanent deacons, and much more.

Epiphany was originally built as a Parish church and not as the “Seat of the Bishop.” With the building showing its age with water leaks, electrical outages, crumbling walls, sinking floors, and a cracked foundation, a major renovation was the best and most practical way to not only repair the church, but create a proper Cathedral.

Within the past month, significant project milestones have been reached: hurricane-proof windows have been installed, the scratch brown coat of plaster has been completed on the exterior walls, the concrete slab throughout the building has been poured and finished, and the interior ceiling layout finalized. The roof is expected to be completed in a few months. Inside, the wall near the sanctuary is already being built and will soon serve as the foundation for a magnificent Epiphany mosaic scene.

With the installation of the hurricane windows, the Cathedral is protected should a storm threaten. This has addressed one of the preeminent concerns of Bishop Dewane as the work has progressed. Temporary barrier walls were in place during the destructive 2024 hurricane season.

Bishop Dewane was also able to see sample representations of the ceiling for the sacristy as well as what the stained-glass windows will look like when they are installed closer to the completion of the building. The glass reflects the major themes which were present in the Cathedral before the renovation. The original windows, which were made of glass embedded in a concrete frame, were not salvageable and required extensive repairs and maintenance through the years. Of note, the donors who contributed to the former windows will be honored on the new windows.

More of the interior’s transformation will include a new, semi-circular sanctuary with the Cathedral’s Tabernacle at its center and a beautiful, custom mosaic behind it, brand new pews, and gleaming marble flooring throughout.

Viewed from the exterior, many of the main elements have been completed. The new barrel-roofed, extended Narthex immediately signals that one has entered a sacred space of importance. Inside the main worship space, the soaring ceiling height inspires awe, and will eventually be a beautiful wooden, Cathedral-height ceiling, which will add warmth to the great space. Expansion for an additional 300 seats and more parking spaces means the Diocesan-wide Masses held at the Cathedral will easily accommodate those who travel from other Parishes to participate.

Outside, a 75-foot double-bell tower with real Church bells will replace the current electronic bell system and will bring the clarion cry of authentic Church bells to downtown Venice, calling all to worship, and prayer. That work will come closer to the conclusion of the project.

The Memorial Garden, which sits on the southeast corner of the Cathedral, is intact and has been preserved to be incorporated in the updated design of the project. Among other improvements, the garden will receive new fencing and a statue of the Pieta.

Msgr. Dubois said he is delighted that the renovations at Epiphany Cathedral are progressing beautifully. He is deeply thankful to Bishop Dewane for his constant paternal encouragement and leadership, which provides strength as the project moves forward.

“God’s providential hand also guides the Cathedral’s renovation,” Msgr. Dubois said. “That is why we cannot but be truly grateful to the parishioners of Epiphany, as well as to many beyond our Parish, for their generosity, their patience, prayers, and their steadfast support during this time of waiting…As we move forward, let us look ahead with ever renewed hope and joy to that day when we return to our renewed Cathedral, giving thanks to God who ‘makes all things new’ (Revelation 21:5).”

The Diocese of Venice is funding 50% of the project’s cost. Epiphany Cathedral’s parishioners, and contributions from all the other Diocesan Parishes combined, will cover the remainder of the cost.

To learn more about the differences between a Cathedral and a Parish Church, and for regular renovation updates, visit: www.epiphanycathedral.org/renovation.

To donate to the Epiphany Cathedral project, please visit www.epiphanycathedral.org/capital-campaign.

A New Cathedral Begins to Emerge in Venice

Posted on by Bob Reddy

By Karen Barry Schwarz, Special to the Florida Catholic

Hundreds of faithful Epiphany Cathedral parishioners have been attending daily and Sunday Mass in Epiphany’s Parish Hall in Venice for the last year, watching in wonder as a new Cathedral takes shape next door.

Msgr. Patrick Dubois, V.F., Rector of Epiphany Cathedral, recently opened the construction gates for groups of curious parishioners, updating the area faithful on the progress of the project.

“This is their Parish, their home,” explained Msgr. Dubois. “I want the parishioners to be involved every step of the way.”

Viewed from inside the construction project one felt the vastness of the empty space, as the outside structure was the first priority, including temporary hurricane barrier walls that successfully protected the ongoing project from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the fall of 2025.

A second immediate need was addressing critical infrastructure issues with the aging Parish church, such as crumbling walls, sinking floors, and a cracked foundation. With necessary renovations now well underway, the path is clear for the interior’s transformation, which will include a new, semi-circular altar with the Cathedral’s Tabernacle at its center and a beautiful, custom glass mosaic behind it, new hurricane-protected stained-glass windows, brand new pews, and gleaming marble flooring throughout.

Although still in its early stages, already it is clear that a true Cathedral is beginning to emerge from the former Parish church. The new barrel-roofed, extended Narthex immediately signals that one has entered a sacred space of importance. Inside the main worship space, the soaring ceiling height inspires awe, and will eventually be a beautiful wooden, Cathedral-height ceiling, which will add warmth to the great space. Expansion for an additional 300 seats and more parking spaces means the Diocesan-wide Masses held at the Cathedral, such as Ordinations and Rite of Election, will easily accommodate those who travel from other Parishes to participate.

Outside, a 75-foot double-bell tower with real Church bells will replace the current electronic bell system and will bring the clarion cry of authentic Church bells to downtown Venice, calling all to worship, and prayer.

“Remember, what is Epiphany Cathedral was never designed as a true Diocesan Cathedral,” pointed out Monsignor Dubois. “It was simply built as a regular Parish church, as the Diocese of Venice was formed after the Church of the Epiphany was built.”

As a Diocesan Cathedral is considered the “Seat of the Bishop,” and holds many Diocesan-wide Masses such as the annual Chrism Mass where the Bishop blesses the Holy Oils used by Parishes for sacramental needs throughout the Diocese all year, the Diocese of Venice will fund 50% of the project’s cost. Epiphany Cathedral’s parishioners, and contributions from all the other Diocesan Parishes combined, will cover the remainder of the cost.

“Every member of Epiphany Cathedral thrives from the gifts shared by those who have come before us,” said Msgr. Dubois. “This is a privileged time to forge a path for those who will follow us. I hope that the faithful throughout the Diocese of Venice will take advantage of this opportunity to be part of the Church’s future in Southwest Florida. Together we will create an awe-inspiring sanctuary for worship and reflection, giving glory and honor to God.”

The question on everyone’s mind: “When will it be done?”

“The construction crew is on time, and on budget, at the moment,” said Msgr. Dubois.  “The entire project is expected to take about two years, and we began work last June.  We’re already almost halfway there!”

To learn more about the differences between a Cathedral and a Parish Church, and for regular renovation updates, visit: www.epiphanycathedral.org/renovation.

To donate to the Epiphany Cathedral project, please visit www.epiphanycathedral.org/capital-campaign.

Many continue to struggle in wake of Milton – Parishes mostly spared, much work needs to be done

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The winds, rain and storm surge have long passed since Hurricane Milton struck the Diocese of Venice on Oct. 9, 2024, but the recovery process is only just beginning.

Most Diocesan Parishes and Catholic schools were spared severe impacts but there are clear exceptions, most notably Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Boca Grande; St. Bernard Parish in Holmes Beach; St. Joseph Parish and Catholic School in Bradenton; and Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane has been at the forefront in ensuring the response to Hurricane Milton continues to be effective throughout the Diocese.

Once access to Boca Grande was possible, the true extent of the damage done to Our Lady of Mercy Parish was evident. More than five feet of storm surge swept through the property, inundating the church, Boca Grande Preschool and the rectory. The new Parish Hall was spared damage having been built in 2022 to a higher elevation.

The Parish was still recovering from storm surge damage during Hurricane Helene in late September and the mitigation of that water was completed before Milton’s arrival. Unfortunately, Milton’s water was several feet higher. In the church, the water reached the top of the pews and spread into the sanctuary. The preschool, where drywall had been cut following Helene, now has all walls cut to the bare studs.

In addition, Milton’s water reached the rectory. While the water did not reach the flooring, it did damage the garage and crawlspace where various utilities were located.

Father Anthony Hewitt, Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy, said the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass returned on Oct. 13, with daily Mass taking place at noon instead of 8 a.m., as access to the island community is restricted. It is deemed too hazardous to stay in the community as there is no running water. Early each morning there are long lines of traffic going through checkpoints. This is occurring even though access is restricted to residents, business owners, recovery workers, and contractors.

Working under the direction of staff from the Diocese of Venice Buildings and Construction Office, contractors have removed all the debris from the church, preschool and rectory as part of the mitigation work. How best to proceed with the reconstruction of each building will be determined in the coming days and weeks.

Huge piles of debris, or dumpsters, stand in front of each residence and business in the community, a testament to the force of the water.

“The parishioners, as well as the community, are all turning to God in this difficult time and the comfort and strength from the Holy Eucharist has been a tremendous blessing,” Father Hewitt said.

The same can be said in many other area island communities.

St. Bernard Parish in Holmes Beach had additional damage to the rectory and Parish Hall during Milton, as the area was also still recovering from Hurricane Helene. The latest storm damage set back the progress of mitigation and reconstruction efforts by several weeks, if not longer, as resources for the cleaning and rebuilding are being stretched to the limit by the widespread destruction caused by back-to-back hurricanes.

Diocesan Building and Construction Director Joe Rego said the Diocese was well prepared to cope with the impacts of the hurricanes, but the recovery process takes time.

At Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, the mitigation work to remove storm surge water from the Parish Center and rectory is progressing well. The same is true at St. Joseph Parish and Catholic school in Bradenton where the damage was limited to roofs and some water leaks. Each of the roofs has been temporarily sealed while repairs await plans and contractors.

While some of the focus has been on the damage caused by Hurricane Milton, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., is focusing on the human impact of the storm, the thousands who have lost homes or jobs because of the flooding. These include service workers at restaurants, businesses, hotels, resorts, and more.

Catholic Charities very quickly set up several different points of distribution in Palmetto, Sarasota, Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. These sites allowed people to drive through and receive food, water and other disaster supplies.

The Catholic Charities Disaster Response Team also includes case management services which are being offered for survivors of the disaster with the goal to meet an individual’s or family’s immediate need. Many are in need of permanent housing, rental assistance or utility payments. This effort also assists those in need to cope with changes while home repairs are being made and helps them access available resources.

In the first 10 days following Hurricane Milton, Catholic Charities assisted more than 7,000 people. This help included water and food, as well as emergency financial assistance.

In the wake of Hurricane Milton, the Diocese of Venice has activated its Disaster Relief Fund to aid in the necessary repairs to churches and schools. To support this fund, you can visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/disasterrelief.

To learn how you can help support the disaster relief efforts of Catholic Charities, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

 

Parish demolishes offices, makes room for growth

Posted on by Bob Reddy

After being condemned following Hurricane Debby, the St. Michael the Archangel Parish office building was demolished by an excavator on Sept. 14, 2024, making way for a new Parish Center and offices.

The demolition of the offices comes as the Parish is in the middle of a fundraising campaign to cover the final costs of the new Parish Center and offices. The office was initially damaged during Hurricane Irma in 2018, then again during Hurricane Ian in 2022, and the final damage came on Aug. 4, 2024, when the winds of Hurricane Debby compromised a wall.

The former Parish Hall was torn down following damage from Irma. In the meantime, the Parish church underwent a major renovation to include a new roof and renovated sanctuary which included a new altar. While the Parish offices were scheduled to come down in the future, the impact of Hurricane Debby forced the demolition to take place sooner than expected.

The “Demolition Day” ceremony took place prior to the 4 p.m. Mass, with Kathy Rudolph, Parish Liturgy Coordinator, serving as emcee for the event. Rudolph said the demolition is a monumental event in the history of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, where the faithful of the Parish are ready to put the past behind them and look to the future.

Rudolph stressed the immense value of the support of the Diocese of Venice, particularly from Bishop Frank J. Dewane, during the entire process from the initial damage years ago to now helping to ensure the new Parish Center is constructed in a timely manner. Present at the ceremony was Joe Rego, Director of the Diocese of Venice Building and Construction Office.

Dave Campbell, chair of the Parish Construction Committee, said the condemning of the office building spurred the demolition and fast-tracked the start of the construction of the new Parish Center. This project was designed using value-engineering to ensure the financial support is being used wisely and for the benefit of the entire Parish community.

Doug Lumpkin, from the Parish Finance Committee, shared how the funding for the project is progressing and will be financed. This included a commitment from donors to match up to $2 million. Lumpkin called the project a Catholic legacy that is given to children, grandchildren and future generations. “We want everyone to be part of this story.”

Father John Belmonte, SJ, who is assisting at St. Michael the Archangel on the weekends, offered an opening prayer and a few remarks.

Once the ceremony concluded, the excavator tore a hole in the side of the two-story office building. After a few more swipes, large portions of the building were torn down, to the delight of the crowd of parishioners.

The next phase of the construction project, the building of the new Parish Center, is expected to commence in the coming months. Meanwhile, portable offices will be placed on the property for temporary use.

Two years later, Ian recovery continues

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian in September of 2022 was unprecedented and felt across the entire Diocese of Venice, with thousands of people and hundreds of buildings affected.

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the Diocese of Venice, along with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, prioritized the emergency needs and wellbeing of residents throughout the Diocese, including food, and shelter.  This support is ongoing, even now, as many are still without homes, or jobs, resulting from that terrible storm.

Simultaneously, the Diocese’s immediate focus was on preventing further, crippling damage to the affected buildings throughout the Diocese, with the goal of getting as many Parishes back up and running as soon as possible. Bishop Frank J. Dewane, and Diocesan Chancellor Dr. Volodymyr Smeryk made an immediate tour to assess the extent of damage and offer assistance. Both have made numerous subsequent visits to monitor the progress of the recovery efforts.

Within the Diocese of Venice, the Building and Construction Department reported 93 locations (Parishes, schools, Catholic Charities, and other entities) that constituted damage reports on 841 buildings or land improvement structures (landscaping, fencing, lighting, and other infrastructure), with 404 of the buildings receiving enough significant damage to require an insurance claim and/or major reconstruction.

While huge strides have been made in most locations, there are several notable exceptions which include Ascension Parish on Fort Myers Beach, St. Isabel Parish in Sanibel, and to a much lesser extent at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, and in Fort Myers both San Jose and Sagrada Familia Missions.

In the aftermath of Ian, mitigation work began immediately to prevent additional damage, but the widespread scope of the damage overwhelmed the available resources. Supply chain issues, as well as surging costs continue to complicate the recovery efforts.

Most significantly impacted was Ascension Parish on Fort Myers Beach, where every building on the property suffered massive damage, leaving the church destroyed. Because of the unprecedented nature of the storm damage and resulting saltwater intrusion, it was necessary to first determine what might even be possible at that location moving forward. Due to the extreme nature of the damage, as well as new and changing building codes and insurance requirements, this first decision took some time.

Bishop Dewane made several visits to the site and consulted with other areas in Florida where Parishes have been similarly drastically impacted on other occasions. Taking into consideration the pastoral needs of Fort Myers Beach, the decision was made to rebuild on the site, including preserving the existing Memorial Garden, and plans are making progress. An architectural firm as well as a construction firm have been engaged and are actively working on the site re-development.

Factors in the delay have been many, including simply clearing the massive amounts of debris from the property. It also took a year for electricity to be restored. In addition, the finalization of new FEMA requirements, including a rule for new construction to be built six feet above sea level, have slowed down attempts by the Bishop, and other Diocesan officials, to develop a concrete plan for the future.

“Although a final plan has not yet been approved, we are well on our way,” Bishop Dewane said. “I can tell you that a new church will be built at a more central location on the property, with increased capacity for parishioners. While it will not be the original church, it is going to be a beautiful new place of worship and community.”

Chancellor Smeryk explained that at Ascension Parish, and at all reconstruction efforts across the Diocese, factors in rebuilding include an emphasis on safety and durability, as well the history and beauty of the property as contributing factors.

The timeline for completion of Ascension church is anticipated to be 3-4 years, which is similar to the recovery following Hurricane Charley in 2004 when it took the same amount of time to rebuild two Parishes. Regarding staffing, Father William Adams and the Poor Sisters of Saint Clare will not be returning to the “new” Ascension; Father has recently retired, and the Sisters have elected to move elsewhere and not live under the threat of a repeat occurrence.

Many former parishioners of Ascension are no longer in the area, having returned to homes up north, or to live with family elsewhere since Hurricane Ian. Those who remain in the area have been encouraged to attend nearby St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs for Mass as well as for any other pastoral or Sacramental needs; many have found welcome there.

At St. Isabel Parish on Sanibel, the damage was also extreme, with storm surge destroying the rectory and invading the church and Parish hall. While the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass returned to the church three months after Ian, the situation was not ideal, as the church floors and walls were bare after much was removed for mitigation purposes.

The priority at St. Isabel was to first repair the Parish hall and then the focus would switch to the church. The hall was completed in the spring of 2024. At that time, the celebration of the Mass moved to the hall and the focus of the reconstruction switched to the church. That work is expected to be completed by Christmas. The rectory, which was destroyed, will be built new at a future date.

Sagrada Familia Mission in Fort Myers has had delays in its own roof repairs due to the nature of the original construction. In addition to roof repairs, the infrastructure (outdated wiring, HVAC, etc.) also need to be upgraded. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

At San Jose Mission, also in Fort Myers, the Mission church had extensive flood damage and reopened in May. However, portable classrooms used for religious education were damaged beyond repair and will be replaced in the coming months.

Meanwhile, at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, most of the major roof damage was repaired within nine months, but there has been a significant delay in completing the work. This occurred because the chapel roof is domed and has a unique skylight. While the chapel roof could have been replaced without a skylight, the necessary structural reinforcements to the building were cost prohibitive. The new skylight is expected to be installed in November, with the final roof repairs completed soon thereafter.

Bishop Dewane expressed his gratitude for the patience and understanding the faithful have shown through the arduous recovery process following Hurricane Ian.

“The resilience of the faithful has been inspiring to witness,” Bishop Dewane said. “Let us continue to pray for safety during this hurricane season in Southwest Florida.”

Progress seen in school construction project

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The long-awaited construction of a new Administration Building at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples is making remarkable progress.

In just a few short months of work, the foundation was excavated and built, while the first walls have already been raised.

This new 1,971-square-foot building will free up much-needed classroom space, house a clinic, conference room, administrative offices and essential services, and most importantly, provide a secure single point of entry. The existing administrative offices have been operating out of a second-floor classroom since Hurricane Irma caused significant damage to the school in 2017.

Founded in 1981, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School has been experiencing rapid growth to the current enrollment of 305 students, while at the same time upgrading existing facilities and adding others along the way. The larger expansion project began with the addition of two permanent portable classrooms as well as the creation of an “Arts Center.”

“This is our time,” stated Principal Maria Niebuhr. “Our moment to advance, to continue to expand and improve while staying true to our core values.”

This project is a reality thanks to the incredible generosity of parents, area Parishes and parishioners, donors, and sponsors, explained Gina Groch, Seton Communications Director.

For more information about St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School, call 239-455-2262 or to support the campus expansion program, please give to the Seton Forward Fund at https://saintelizabethseton.com/giving/, or, checks may be made to: St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School, Seton Forward Fund, 2730 53rd Terrace SW, Naples, FL 34116.

 

Prayer service and groundbreaking kicks off major Cathedral reconstruction project

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A special prayer service and groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice took place on May 30, 2024, led by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

Bishop Dewane was joined by Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Cathedral Rector, the Cathedral Parish priests and Deacons, members of the Parish Advisory Council, and the mayor of Venice, Nick Pachota, as well as parishioners.

“We gather in prayer to call down the Lord’s blessing upon the work that will be done and that all doing the work will be safe,” Bishop Dewane said. “We pray that this House of God will become ever more a witness to the Lord of All, a place of worship for us, and a fitting and glorious temple for the Lord of Hosts. May almighty God bless this endeavor and all who gather here.”

Joined by other dignitaries for the turning of the dirt, Bishop Dewane said, “With faith in Jesus Christ, this work is begun, and this ground is broken in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” And all responded, “Amen!”

Afterward Bishop Dewane blessed the building site and the people gathered who cheered in approval for the start of this long-awaited project.

Among those in the crowd, one man exclaimed that the renovation project is an “important journey” for the Parish and Cathedral and when the work is completed, it will be something that will last for generations to come.

Epiphany Cathedral was dedicated in 1980, and not built as a formal Cathedral, but as a regular Parish church. The Diocese of Venice was erected in 1984, four years later.

In a public message to parishioners, Cathedral Rector Dubois stated that cosmetic renovations made in 1984 were always intended to be temporary, and that “sometime in the future a more major, permanent renovation/rebuild would take place, transforming the normal Parish church into a proper Diocesan Cathedral.”

Msgr. Dubois stated that several factors have contributed to the idea that now is the time to transform Epiphany, through reconstruction and renovation, into a proper Diocesan Cathedral.

These factors include the continued growth of the Parish and Diocese, the changing needs of the faithful of the Diocese for a proper space and liturgical décor to hold celebrations, some unique to a cathedral, which were never considered when the church was constructed. Additionally, in recent years, the building has shown its age, with structural, electrical, plumbing and other issues requiring more and more upkeep generating ever-growing maintenance costs which were projected to increase dramatically. Therefore, in 2021, discussions began regarding a renovation and reconstruction of the Cathedral.

“The condition of our current church building calls for immediate attention to address issues of safety, of sustainability, of functionality, of creating an enhanced liturgical and spiritual environment capable of serving the needs of the faithful, of our Parish community, and of the Diocese at large, for today and for future generations to come,” Msgr. Dubois stated. Adding that it is “far more economical and sustainable if we proceed with a more thorough renovation of the present aging structure rather than continuing to “patch” things as we go.”

The destruction that came to the Diocese of Venice in the wake of Hurricane Ian in 2022 delayed the project to 2024, with a construction time estimated to take approximately two years.

Brain T. Baker, President, Baker Liturgical Arts, LLC, a liturgical restoration and renovation company, said this renovation will include a new front entrance and gathering space, a new barreled vault ceiling, from the narthex (entrance) to the nave (sanctuary).

“It’s a full restoration from top to bottom,” Baker said. “It will transform the Cathedral tremendously.”

Among the major new aspects of the Cathedral will be the energy-efficient HVAC system, a fire protection system with sprinklers, new pews, a marble reredos (altarpiece) with a large-scale mosaic of the Epiphany, and new liturgical appointments including altar, ambo, throne, cathedra, baptismal font, and more. In addition, a statue of the pieta will be added adjacent to the Memorial Garden, which will remain undisturbed.

Before the renovation began, the Parish Hall, the original Parish church, was renovated to accommodate all worship services during the construction. To lessen the inconvenience during the construction, additional weekend Mass times have been added. Please check the Parish website www.epiphanycathedral.org, for times. While some Diocesan liturgical celebrations will continue to take place at Epiphany during the renovation, necessarily some will be relocated to larger churches in the region.

Demolition of the Cathedral began on June 3.

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