Mass to return to Fort Myers Beach Nov. 1

Mass will return to Fort Myers Beach on November 1. This follows a meeting on October 8, 2026, where approximately 50 parishioners of the Church of the Ascension discussed how to meet the pastoral needs of the island community.

The Church of the Ascension lost many buildings during Hurricane Ian in 2022. Because no facilities remain on the Ascension property, the October meeting was held at St. Raphael Episcopal Church. During the meeting, Dan Beeman, the Diocese of Venice director of building and construction, provided information regarding the approval of the site plan and the demolition of certain buildings.

The meeting served as a follow-up to a Mass of Remembrance celebrated by Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., on September 28. Bishop Emilio previously stated that his priorities include arranging a Catholic Mass at a temporary location and keeping parishioners informed about rebuilding efforts. Father Jaroslaw Sniosek, Father Bill Adams, Msgr. Stephen E. McNamara, and Father Bob Murphy spoke on behalf of the bishop during the meeting.