Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish closes

St. Joseph Parish in Port St. Joe will absorb the parishioners and their parish culture.

FLORIDA CATHOLIC STAFF REPORT

Posted: 06.19.09

MEXICO BEACH | With sadness, the people of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Mexico Beach said farewell as their church closed for the final time June 14 following the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

Although the parish is closing due to staffing constraints, according to diocesan sources, the people of the parish have been and will continue to be welcomed to worship and participate in parish life at St. Joseph Parish in Port St. Joe. In addition, various architectural elements from the church at Our Lady of Guadalupe will be incorporated into the church and parish hall at St. Joseph.

Father Phil Fortin, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, said, “Throughout this transition, we’ve been praying for and with our brothers and sisters at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Incorporating the architectural elements will give them, I hope, a sense of coming home again. We’re also planning a welcome luncheon for (Sunday,) June 21, to allow members of the two communities to become acquainted and begin the process of becoming one. We are, after all, one congregation in Christ, wherever we are or wherever we go.”

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