Groundbreaking for our new Family Life Center

Yesterday St. Vincent de Paul Parish began a new chapter in its life when Bishop Noonan (Orlando) celebrated our noon Mass and then led us all in the groundbreaking for our new Family Life Center. Many of us, representing the parish and those responsible for designing and constructing the new building, participated in the symbolic groundbreaking, tossing the dirt heavenward with the requisite golden shovels...all very exciting! Here are a couple of photos:

Fr. Peter, Bishop Noonan, and Fr. John wielding shovels
Deacons Dana & Greg observe

That's me (L), Fr. Peter, and Deacon Greg Shoveling

while Bishop Noonan and Fr. John Supervise

The new Family Life Center will be a large building constructed on the site of our original church, which first must be demolished. The demolition and construction will begin right away and the entire project is estimated to require slightly more than a year to complete.

Because our parish has grown so rapidly, and continues to grow, the new center will be a blessing. As our seasonal parishioners (aka, snowbirds) return, weekend Mass attendance climbs to six to seven thousand people. And given the large number of active ministries, all competing for classroom and meeting space, we have a dire need for the new facility. I'll provide occasional updates on the blog.

In the meantime, we thank God for all those who have contributed to make the new Center a reality, and we thank God for making it happen.