Dear Friends,

It is a holy privilege to serve as pastor of Saint Rita Catholic Church in the coastal community of Santa Rosa Beach. My faith journey has its roots in the Florida panhandle, and it is a joy to live among you as a priest.

The history of Saint Rita Parish is closely connected to the broader church in northwest Florida, the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. We have all been witness to the development of South Walton County. Now, standing on the shoulders of those who have laid a foundation of faith, the Holy Spirit is prompting us to grow as a family in charity as well as in number along this expanse of Scenic Highway 30A.

I invite you to join me in the response to Lift High the Cross. This is a call to make our Catholic presence known among our beach neighbors and to be more visible as a sacrament of grace. Our task is to expand our campus by building a parish grade school, serving grades K through 8, to ensure the passing on of the faith to future generations. We also wish to broaden access to these sacred grounds with a new main entrance from Highway 98, along with additional parking surfaces.

This moment inspires generosity as a way of life, requiring sacrificial giving. I ask that you not so much give to a need, but remind yourselves of the need to give. As our material good is intended to benefit our spiritual wealth, please prayerfully consider how your contributions will have eternal consequences. May God bless Saint Rita Catholic Church and grant success to the work of our hands.

Yours in Christ,