About Most Precious Blood Catholic Church · Oviedo, Florida
Most Precious Blood Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish in Oviedo, Florida, serving the growing Catholic community of Oviedo and East Seminole County within the Diocese of Orlando. The parish was established in April 2005 by Bishop Thomas Wenski, who named it in honor of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, choosing the patron deliberately because Pope John Paul II had designated 2005 as the Year of the Eucharist. The parish's first Mass was celebrated on April 24, 2005 — the same day Pope Benedict XVI was installed as Pontiff — and it has grown into a vibrant community of more than 2,200 registered families. After beginning life in rented space at Lawton Chiles Middle School, the parish moved into its permanent home at 113 Lockwood Boulevard, where the Parish Life Center hosted its first Mass on Holy Thursday, April 21, 2011, on a 60-acre campus that borders a natural forest preserve.
- Established
- 2005
- Patron
- The Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
- Rector
- Fr. Josh Swallows
- Diocese
- Diocese of Orlando
Why belong here
Most Precious Blood is a warm, growing Eucharistic-centered community of more than 2,200 families in Oviedo with Mass celebrated in both English and Spanish every Sunday, daily weekday Mass, regular Monday and First Friday Eucharistic Adoration, and a full Sacramental Reconciliation schedule. Families find a complete faith-formation track from children's catechesis through middle and high school youth ministry, plus RCIA, sacramental prep, marriage preparation, and adult enrichment. The parish reaches outward through Hispanic Ministry, the St. Ann Mothers Fellowship, Forever Young seniors, ECO (Embracing Christ Outdoors) wellness, and outreach like Caring Cooks and the Ministry of Consolation — giving every member a place to grow in faith and serve.
Mass times at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Tuesday after the 9:15 AM Daily Mass (approximately 9:45–10:15 AM)
- Thursday after the 9:15 AM Daily Mass (approximately 9:45–10:15 AM)
- Saturday 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)
- By appointment — call the Parish Office at 407-365-3231
- Communal Reconciliation Services with individual confessions offered during Advent, Lent, and late summer, with priests from neighboring parishes assisting
Adoration times
- First Friday of each month — Eucharistic Adoration from 10:00 AM (immediately following the 9:15 AM Mass) until approximately 7:00 PM, in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
- Most Mondays — Eucharistic Adoration from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Third Monday of each month — Hora Santa de Adoración (Spanish Holy Hour of Adoration) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the chapel, with music, meditation, and prayer
Parish History & Founding
Most Precious Blood Catholic Church was established by Bishop Thomas Wenski in early 2005 to serve the growing Catholic community of Oviedo and East Seminole County in the Diocese of Orlando. Father Stephen D. Parkes was named founding pastor. Bishop Wenski chose the parish's name in honor of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ during the year Pope John Paul II had designated as the Year of the Eucharist — a deliberate reminder that, at every moment of every day, Mass is being celebrated somewhere in the world. The first Mass was celebrated on April 24, 2005, the same day Pope Benedict XVI was installed as Pontiff.
From Lawton Chiles Middle School to Lockwood Boulevard
In its earliest years the parish met for Sunday liturgies and Faith Formation in rented space at Lawton Chiles Middle School. As the community grew, the parish moved to its permanent home at 113 Lockwood Boulevard, where the first Mass in the new Parish Life Center was celebrated on Holy Thursday, April 21, 2011. Phase I of the property's development gives the parish new and abundant opportunities to 'plant seeds of faith for generations to come' on a 60-acre campus (30 developable) that borders a natural forest preserve on its east side.
Our Mission
Discerned with the Diocese of Orlando Synod, the parish mission reads: 'Empowered by the Eucharist, we humbly commit ourselves as a welcoming community to grow in faith and share Christ's love through our joyful witness and selfless stewardship.'
Clergy & Pastoral Leadership
The parish is currently shepherded by Fr. Josh Swallows, appointed Parochial Administrator in December 2019 by Bishop John Noonan. Fr. Josh is a hometown priest who grew up near the parish, graduated from Lake Howell High School, served as lay Campus Minister at the University of Central Florida Catholic Campus Ministry from 2004 to 2008, entered seminary in 2008, and was ordained May 23, 2015 at St. James Cathedral — an ordination live-streamed back to the Parish Life Center in a first for the parish. In addition to serving as pastor, Fr. Josh is the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Orlando and chaplain for Catholic Campus Ministry at UCF.
Parish Staff
The parish employs staff who assist the pastor with day-to-day operations and ministry coordination.
- Fr. Josh Swallows — Pastor / Parochial Administrator
- Frances Stadler — Director of Faith Formation and Family Life ([email protected])
- Shannon Zahn — Youth Ministry Coordinator ([email protected])
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Faith Formation at Most Precious Blood helps the community 'hear and respond to Jesus' call to Come, Follow Me as his disciples.' Programs are coordinated by Frances Stadler, Director of Faith Formation and Family Life. Children's Faith Formation serves Kindergarten through High School using an approved curriculum and meets weekly during the school year, with registration typically opening in late May.
Children's Faith Formation (K–5)
Provides children in elementary grades with an ongoing opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ and grow in relationship with Him and the Catholic Church. Catechists and assistant catechists spend about 90 minutes in the classroom per week, plus time in prayer and study. Adults may serve as catechists or assistant catechists, and high school youth may serve as assistant catechists and helpers. All volunteers 15 and older must complete the Diocese of Orlando Safe Environment training and fingerprinting.
Middle School Faith Formation & Youth Group
Middle schoolers in grades 6–8 form friendships, learn about the Catholic faith, and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ through large group activities, games, small group discussion, and prayer. Sessions meet weekly during the school year (typically beginning August/September); registration opens in May. A separate Middle School Youth Group meets twice a month with retreats and service projects available. Staff Liaison: Shannon Zahn.
High School Youth Ministry
The High School Youth Group meets weekly on Sunday evenings for fellowship, group games, small group interaction, and large group teaching, plus one Thursday evening a month for faith-based discussion. Retreats, leadership roles, volunteering opportunities, and mission trips are offered throughout the year. Staff Liaison: Shannon Zahn.
Sacramental Preparation for Children
Two-year preparation tracks for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist, and for Confirmation, are offered through the Faith Formation office.
Becoming Catholic (RCIA) & Adult Faith Formation
Adults seeking to become Catholic join the RCIA process, supported by Sponsor and Refreshment ministries. The parish also offers Adult Enrichment Studies, Adult Formation, Adult Confirmation preparation, and ongoing Scripture and fellowship groups including Cursillo, Men's BYOB, Men's Morning Scripture, Men's Fellowship, Most Precious Women, the Forever Young Senior Ministry, Households of Faith, and Retreats & Missions.
Hispanic Ministry & Spanish-Language Life
Most Precious Blood welcomes Spanish-speaking parishioners with a weekly 12:00 PM Sunday Mass in Spanish, a Spanish-language Hora Santa de Adoración on the third Monday of each month (6:00–8:00 PM), Spanish Translators for parish communications, and a broader Hispanic Ministry. The parish's RCIA and various fellowship groups welcome Spanish-speaking participants.
Liturgical & Music Ministries
Beyond the regular Mass, Reconciliation, and Adoration schedule, the parish sustains a Rosary Prayer Ministry, a Rosary Making Ministry, Prayer Partners, a Liturgy Coordinator, and a team of Eucharistic Adoration Guardians. The Communications Ministries (myParish App, Photography/Videography, Social Media, St. Gabriel Graphic Design, and the Parish E-Newsletter) help broadcast the parish's liturgical and community life.
Care, Outreach & Community Service
Outreach ministries care for parishioners and neighbors in every stage of life and grief. The Caring Cooks Meal Ministry provides meals during times of need; the Community Service Ministry organizes service projects; and the Ministry of Consolation walks with families through the experience of loss.
Stewardship & Wellness
ECO (Embracing Christ Outdoors) Wellness integrates care of creation and personal well-being into parish stewardship, complementing the parish's broader culture of stewardship of time, talent, and treasure.
Faith, Family & Fellowship Groups
Parishioners of every age and stage find community at Most Precious Blood: the St. Ann Mothers Fellowship connects mothers in faith, Most Precious Women gathers women for fellowship and formation, Forever Young serves the senior community, the Marriage Preparation ministry supports engaged couples, and Culture of Life advocates for the dignity of every human person.
Vocations & Catholic Campus Ministry at UCF
Most Precious Blood maintains a strong vocational culture through the Vocation Blessing Cup and the fact that its own pastor, Fr. Josh Swallows, also serves as Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Orlando. The parish supports Catholic Campus Ministry at the nearby University of Central Florida with a regular 'Mass & Meal' ministry; Fr. Josh serves as chaplain for that CCM.
Communications & Parish App
The parish communicates through the myParish App, Photography/Videography volunteers, Social Media, the St. Gabriel Graphic Design ministry, and the Parish E-Newsletter, with Spanish Translators assisting in multilingual outreach.
Visit, Contact & Practical Information
Most Precious Blood Catholic Church is located at 113 Lockwood Boulevard, Oviedo, FL 32765 — one mile north of the intersection of Lockwood Boulevard and County Road 419. Parish Office phone: 407-365-3231; fax: 407-365-3313; general email: [email protected]. Office Hours are Monday 10 AM–5 PM (later to 7 PM on some Mondays), Tuesday–Thursday 10 AM–5 PM, and Friday 10 AM–3 PM. Chapel Hours are Monday 8 AM–5 PM, Tuesday 8 AM–4 PM, Wednesday 8 AM–4 PM, Thursday 8 AM–5 PM, and Friday 8 AM–3 PM. The parish maintains an active Facebook page at facebook.com/oviedocatholic.
Diocese of Orlando
Most Precious Blood is one of the parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando, currently led by Bishop John Noonan (the fifth Bishop of the Diocese). The parish follows diocesan policies for Safe Environment training and fingerprinting for all volunteers age 15 and older who work with children or vulnerable populations.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Stephen D. Parkes2005 – June 1, 2011
Founding pastor; appointed by Bishop Thomas Wenski; later assigned as Pastor of Annunciation Catholic Church, Altamonte Springs.
- Fr. Scott CirceJune 1, 2011 – July 1, 2013
Appointed by Bishop John Noonan as Parochial Administrator; later assigned to St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami.
- Fr. David ScotchieJuly 1, 2013 – December 1, 2019
Appointed by Bishop Noonan as Pastor; later assigned to Nativity Catholic Church, Longwood.
- Fr. Josh SwallowsDecember 1, 2019 – present
Appointed Parochial Administrator by Bishop Noonan; the parish's own seminarian, ordained May 23, 2015; also serves as Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Orlando and chaplain for Catholic Campus Ministry at UCF.