About Mary, Queen of Heaven · Jacksonville, Florida
Mary, Queen of Heaven is a Catholic parish in Jacksonville, Florida, in the Diocese of St. Augustine, serving the Argyle Forest and Oakleaf communities on Jacksonville's west side. Founded in 1988 by Fr. Frank Haryasz, the parish describes itself as 'Eucharist-centered and Giving-focused,' with weekend Masses in both English and Spanish, daily weekday Masses, Friday Eucharistic Adoration, and an active faith-formation and music ministry. It is pastored today by Fr. Lawrence Peck and assisted by a parochial vicar, two deacons, and a full parish staff.
- Established
- 1988
- Patron
- The Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title Mary, Queen of Heaven (Mary Queen of Heaven)
- Rector
- Rev. Lawrence Peck
- Diocese
- Diocese of St. Augustine
Why belong here
Mary, Queen of Heaven is a mid-sized suburban parish with a genuine bilingual character — Sunday Mass is offered in English at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. and in Spanish at 1:00 p.m., and there are Spanish weekday Masses on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. It also offers Friday all-day Eucharistic Adoration, regular opportunities for Confession (including a 1st Saturday slot and by appointment), a Religious Education program for children, an RCIA coordinated through the deacons, and an active music ministry. For Catholic families and individuals on Jacksonville's west side looking for a welcoming, Eucharist-centered parish rooted in the Argyle/Oakleaf community, it is a natural fit.
Mass times at Mary, Queen of Heaven
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Friday 9:00 a.m. (English)
- Saturday 11:00 a.m. (Spanish)
- 1st Saturday 9:30 a.m. (English)
- Also by appointment
Adoration times
- Friday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Chapel)
Parish History
Mary, Queen of Heaven Catholic Church was founded in 1988 by Fr. Frank Haryasz to serve the people of the Argyle Forest area of Jacksonville, Florida — a suburban community on Jacksonville's west side that has since grown into the Oakleaf area. The parish has identified itself from the beginning as a Eucharist-centered, giving-focused community striving to know, love, and serve God, neighbor, and Church. Today it continues that mission under the leadership of Fr. Lawrence Peck, with the assistance of Fr. Philip Timlin, two permanent deacons, and a lay staff dedicated to faith formation, music, business operations, and facilities.
- Founded 1988 by Fr. Frank Haryasz
- Serves the Argyle Forest / Oakleaf area of Jacksonville
- Pastored today by Fr. Lawrence Peck
- Has grown to include bilingual (English/Spanish) liturgy
Our Clergy
The parish is led by Fr. Lawrence Peck as Pastor, with Fr. Philip Timlin serving as an additional priest. Two permanent deacons — Deacon Paul Testa (who also coordinates the RCIA) and Deacon David Williams — assist at Mass and in pastoral ministry.
- Fr. Lawrence Peck — Pastor
- Fr. Philip Timlin — Priest
- Deacon Paul Testa — Deacon, RCIA Coordinator
- Deacon David Williams — Deacon
Parish Staff
Behind the scenes, a lay staff team keeps the parish running day-to-day. Sara Creech serves as Secretary, Debbie Novotny as Office Assistant, Bill Cole as Business Manager, and Jean Datuin as Bookkeeper. Kathleen Marie Drop is the Director of Religious Education, Lisa Moser is the Music Director, and Michael Creech serves as Facilities Manager.
- Sara Creech — Secretary
- Debbie Novotny — Office Assistant
- Bill Cole — Business Manager
- Jean Datuin — Bookkeeper
- Kathleen Marie Drop — Director of Religious Education
- Lisa Moser — Music Director
- Michael Creech — Facilities Manager
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Faith formation for children and sacramental preparation is coordinated by Kathleen Marie Drop, the parish's Director of Religious Education. The deacons also assist with adult faith formation and the RCIA process that brings new Catholics into the Church.
- Director of Religious Education: Kathleen Marie Drop
- RCIA coordinated by Deacon Paul Testa
- Youth Group coordinated through parish staff
Music Ministry
Music at weekend and weekday Masses is led by Music Director Lisa Moser, supporting congregational singing and the parish's liturgical celebrations in both English and Spanish.
- Music Director: Lisa Moser
Parish Life, Bulletin & Events
The parish publishes a weekly bulletin with news, events, and spiritual reflections, and the website features a '10-10 Challenge' initiative and other ongoing programs. Fr. Lawrence Peck has also hosted a weekly support group announced on the parish site.
- Weekly Parish Bulletin
- 10-10 Challenge
- Weekly support group with Fr. Lawrence Peck
- Calendar of upcoming events on website
Contact & Location
The parish office is located on Jacksonville's west side, easily accessible to parishioners in Argyle Forest and Oakleaf. Inquiries about sacraments, Mass intentions, faith formation, or general parish life can be directed to the parish secretary or the pastor.
- Address: 9401 Staples Mill Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32244
- Phone: (904) 777-3168
- Rectory: (904) 612-8166
- Secretary email: [email protected]
- Pastor email: [email protected]
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Frank Haryasz1988 (founding)
Founded the parish in 1988 to serve the Argyle Forest / Oakleaf area of Jacksonville.
- Rev. Philip Timlinby 2019
Listed as Administrator in the 2019 Diocese of St. Augustine directory.
- Rev. Lawrence Peckcurrent
Current pastor, who leads the parish and writes the pastor's message on the parish website.