It was back in October of 2025, to much fanfare, that pictures of a new Catholic Church were revealed to the public with high hopes to rebuild at 6025 Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach. The Church had originally planned to break ground in January of this year and be back open by the middle of 2027. That plan has been scrapped.
We were told this week that Church of the Ascension Pastor Father Bill Adams is on a small committee working on the new church and campus with the new Diocesan Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero. A new plan is being developed by the committee for something “much more practical and less costly.”
Father Adams and the Poor Clare nuns were on the church campus when Hurricane Ian came through bringing with it 18 feet of storm surge. Everyone who stayed through the storm at the property survived.
The church did have insurance and was covered for catastrophic loss.
A kickoff mass and update will be held Sept. 28th at 9 AM in an air conditioned tent on the Ascension property if people are interested and available. The event is open to the public.
Father Bill sent us the following message: “Bishop Emilio of the Diocese of Venice has appointed myself and three other local Pastors to address the rebuilding of Ascension Catholic Church. The other three are: Monsignor McNamara of Church of the Resurrection, Fr. Lorenzo Gonzales of St. Columbkille and Fr. Jarek Sniosek of St. Leo’s. On Monday September 28 at 9 am. (the 4th anniversary of hurricane Ian) There will be a Celebration of Mass on the property of Ascension, followed by refreshments and announcements about the rebuilding of the Church. At that time, questions can be asked. A new plan will be shortly revealed and the rebuilding of Ascension will proceed. The former plan didn’t suit the needs of Ascension.”
I agree. All we need is a place to worship on the Island, so that our parishioners will return. Jesus said when two or three are gathered in my name I am in their midst. I am sure He will be with us even in a tent
God bless our new bishop, who are ready, has made himself so visible to the people
Thank God for this announcement; it is the result of the elevation of the new Bishop who is an OFM Franciscan. In my opinion, the original plans were much too ostentatious and unnecessary. Simplicity is best!