About St. Ann Catholic Church · Debary, Florida
St. Ann Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish in DeBary, Florida, belonging to the Diocese of Orlando. Tucked into a wooded lot on Dogwood Trail just off US Highway 17-92, the parish serves more than 2,500 registered families from DeBary, Deltona, Orange City and the surrounding west Volusia County communities. Its mission statement — "We are a welcoming Catholic community called by God to live out the message of Christ in love and service to all people" — is lived out through a robust slate of liturgical, formation, outreach and fellowship ministries, daily and weekend Masses, monthly Eucharistic Adoration, and an active Food Pantry that serves neighbors in need.
- Established
- 1961 (first Mass in new church; parish organized 1960; first resident pastor 1967)
- Patron
- St. Ann (Saint Anne), mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Rector
- Rev. Andrzej (Benedict) Jurkiewicz
- Diocese
- Diocese of Orlando (Eastern Deanery)
Why belong here
St. Ann's is a large, family-friendly parish with a packed liturgical and devotional life — daily Mass Monday through Saturday, three Sunday Masses (including a 6pm evening Mass), and monthly First Friday Eucharistic Adoration and First Sunday Holy Hour with Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction. Registration opens the door to sacramental preparation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage), Faith Formation classes for K–8, the S.A.L.T.Y. high-school youth ministry, the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) process, and a remarkable range of parish life — from the Food Pantry and SASS Bags for the homeless to Knights of Columbus #13571, the Council of Catholic Women, the Fabulous 50+ Social Group, the Prayer Shawl Ministry and the Madonna Room religious goods store.
Mass times at St. Ann Catholic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 7:30 AM – 7:45 AM
- Wednesday: 5:30 PM – 5:45 PM
- Saturday: 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Adoration times
- First Friday of the month: Adoration immediately after the 8:00 AM Mass until 12:00 PM (Noon) Benediction
- First Sunday of the month: Holy Hour at 3:00 PM — Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Adoration, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Benediction
About St. Ann Catholic Parish
St. Ann Catholic Church is a large, family-oriented Roman Catholic parish in DeBary, Florida, part of the Diocese of Orlando's Eastern Deanery. The parish community gathers under the motto "Love God + Love All + Inspire Hope" and describes itself as "a joyful community where Christ matters and love inspires, connects, and impacts all." Its stated mission is: "We are a welcoming Catholic community called by God to live out the message of Christ in love and service to all people." The parish serves more than 2,500 registered families from DeBary and the surrounding west Volusia County communities of Deltona, Orange City and beyond.
- Diocese of Orlando — Eastern Deanery
- More than 2,500 registered families
- 26 Dogwood Trail, DeBary, FL 32713
- Phone: (386) 668-8270 — Email: [email protected]
Parish History
Catholic life in DeBary began in the spring of 1952 at the historic DeBary Mansion, where Father William Neuhaus of St. Peter's, DeLand celebrated Sunday Mass for between 65 and 100 people for four months. After a women-led study group met monthly in homes, Father Corry announced a building drive on April 28, 1960, and the first Mass was sung in the new 254-seat St. Ann's Church on October 1, 1961. The parish grew around the St. Ann's Guild, the Holy Name Society and many social events.
Building the Parish — 1967 to 1992
Father John Condon became St. Ann's first resident pastor in October 1967. His successor, Father James Edwards (appointed December 17, 1968), oversaw completion of the rectory on May 8, 1970; groundbreaking for the parish center on November 6, 1973 (with 618 families registered); and the extension of the old church and erection of the parish center on June 30, 1974. The current church was dedicated Saturday, October 31, 1992 — by then the parish had grown to 1,500 families.
- 1967 — Father John Condon named first resident pastor
- 1968 — Father James Edwards succeeds
- 1970 — Rectory completed (May 8)
- 1973 — Parish center groundbreaking (November 6)
- 1974 — Parish center completed (June 30)
- 1992 — New church dedicated October 31 (1,500 families)
Renew, Restore, Rebuild — 2023 Milestones
After a year leading the "Renew, Restore, Rebuild" campaign, Father Andrzej Jurkiewicz was installed as pastor on August 6, 2023, by Bishop John Noonan — the same day the Bishop blessed a new entrance portico initiated by the late Father Peter Henry. A sign next to the statue of Jesus and Children honors Father Henry. Structural updates included a new roof and fresh paint alongside the portico.
- August 6, 2023 — Bishop John Noonan installs Father Andrzej Jurkiewicz as pastor
- New entrance portico blessed; sign in honor of the late Father Peter Henry
- New roof and fresh paint
- Parish commits to Eucharistic Revival
Meet the Pastor & Parish Staff
The parish is led by Father Andrzej (Benedict) Jurkiewicz, who signs his correspondence "Fr. Andrzej" and closes with the Polish blessing "Pan Z Wami" ("The Lord be with You"). A Carmelite priest ordained June 11, 1983, he was appointed Parochial Administrator of St. Ann's on November 1, 2018 by Bishop John Noonan and installed as Pastor on August 6, 2023. He is assisted by Parochial Vicar Father James Tharakan and three permanent deacons: Don Prendergast, David Sorondo and John O'Malley. A small lay staff supports parish operations, communications, faith formation, social ministry, liturgy and facilities.
- Rev. Andrzej (Benedict) Jurkiewicz — Pastor
- Rev. Fr. James Tharakan — Parochial Vicar
- Deacon Don Prendergast — [email protected]
- Deacon David Sorondo — [email protected]
- Deacon John O'Malley — [email protected]
- Lena Castaldo — Business Manager ([email protected])
- Gabrielle Golka — Social Ministry Director ([email protected])
- Zee Parojino — Liturgy Assistant & Communications ([email protected])
- Dr. Lydia Navarro — Faith Formation ([email protected])
- Kelly Carrico — Front Desk, Reception ([email protected])
- Ivan Diaz — Facility Custodian ([email protected])
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Faith Formation (Religious Education) at St. Ann's serves children in grades K–8 with classes meeting September through May on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM in the Education Building. The Office of Faith Formation, under Dr. Lydia Navarro, also coordinates OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) catechists and sponsors, preparing adults and older children for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The parish welcomes inquiries at (386) 668-8270 or [email protected].
- Grades K–8 — Sundays 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, Education Building (Sept–May)
- OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) — Sundays 1:00 PM in the Ed. Bldg.
- OCIA Catechist and Sponsor opportunities
- Faith Formation Catechist opportunities
Youth Ministry — S.A.L.T.Y. / Life Teen
High school youth gather for S.A.L.T.Y. (the parish's High School Youth Ministry / Life Teen program) on Sunday evenings at 7:15 PM in the Education Building / Youth Room. Youth Ministry is listed alongside Adult Faith Formation and OCIA as a primary formation pathway at the parish.
- S.A.L.T.Y. / Life Teen — Sundays 7:15 PM, Ed. Bldg. / Youth Room
- Contact: [email protected] (Leann)
Sacraments
The parish website organizes the seven sacraments into the traditional three groups — Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), Healing (Penance, Anointing of the Sick) and Vocation (Marriage, Holy Orders) — and provides detailed practical information for each.
- Baptism — Saturdays 2 PM or 5 PM, or Sunday after the 11 AM Mass; 3-month registration required
- First Holy Communion — prepared through Faith Formation
- Confirmation — anointing with chrism by the Bishop; two-year preparation
- Penance (Reconciliation) — daily schedule (see Reconciliation section)
- Anointing of the Sick — contact parish office
- Marriage — 4-month registration; 6-month preparation; weddings usually Saturdays at 11 AM or 1 PM
- Holy Orders — encouraged to pray for vocations
Baptism
The parish website teaches the symbolism of the rite — water (cleansing and new life in Christ), oil (priest, prophet and king), light (the baptismal candle lit from the Paschal candle), and the white garment (Christ's victory over death) — and quotes John 3:5 ("no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit").
- Infants and children under 7: Saturdays 2 PM or 5 PM; Sunday after 11 AM Mass
- Children 7+ through adult: contact the Parish Office
- At least one parent must be a practicing Catholic registered 3+ months
Marriage Preparation
Couples are asked to begin early: one party must be a registered, participating member of St. Ann's for at least four months, and a six-month preparation program is required (no date may be set before the initial meeting). Both parties must attend all meetings. Weddings are usually celebrated on Saturdays at 11:00 AM or 1:00 PM.
- 4-month registration requirement
- 6-month preparation program
- Call Parish Office (386) 668-8270 to set up initial meeting
Confirmation
The parish explains that Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace, roots us more deeply in divine filiation and incorporates us more firmly into Christ — citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1316), Lumen Gentium (no. 11), and the scriptural precedents at Samaria (Acts 8) and Ephesus (Acts 19).
- Anointing with chrism and laying on of hands by the Bishop
- Two-year preparation process
Parish Life Ministries
Beyond liturgy, St. Ann's supports a wide range of parish-life groups that build community — from coffee after Mass and a social club for the 50+ crowd to service projects and creative crafts.
- Coffee and Donuts
- Greeters / Hospitality / Welcome Desk
- Fabulous 50+ Social Group
- Family Ministry
- Garden of Eden
- Bring Your Own Project (BYOP) / Stitches
- Seasonal Events / Dinners
- Council of Catholic Women (CCW)
- Knights of Columbus Council #13571
- Order of Secular Franciscans #51-13401
Liturgical Ministries
Lay faithful serve the Mass in many roles, and the parish welcomes new volunteers across all liturgical ministries.
- Altar Server
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
- Lector
- Sacristan
- Ushers
- Liturgical Linen Care
- Madonna Room — Religious Goods Store
- Minister to the Sick / Homebound (MTS)
Social Justice & Outreach
St. Ann's Catholic Community Social Ministries are dedicated to affirming the dignity of all people, especially the poor and vulnerable, reflecting Christ's gospel message of love and compassion and inviting all to build God's kingdom of justice and peace. The parish partners with a network of community agencies to direct help where it's needed most.
- Food Pantry — drive-thru, Mondays & Fridays 10 AM – 12 PM in the Parish Hall; serves DeBary, Deltona and Orange City (Volusia ID required)
- SASS Bags — St. Ann's Samaritan Sacks for the homeless
- First Step Shelter
- Honey Do Ministry — simple home maintenance for parishioners in need
- Back-to-School Supplies drive
- Thanksgiving Basket Brigade
- Giving Hearth / Council on Aging Angel Tree
- Community Resources: Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Council on Aging, HOPE Resource Center, IDignity, Mail Call Ministry, The Bridge Emergency Homeless Shelter, The Good Samaritan Clinic, The House Next Door, St. Vincent de Paul, Volusia County Human Services
Prayer & Bereavement Ministries
St. Ann's nurtures the spiritual life through prayer, formation in the faith, and accompaniment through grief.
- Rosary Prayer Group
- Rosary Makers
- Prayer Shawl Ministry
- Bible Discussion Groups — FORMED Faith Journey
- Bereavement Support — Re-Membering (Part 1)
- Bereavement Support / L.O.S.S. (Part 2)
Getting Involved — Parish Registration
In his welcome letter, Father Andrzej invites new parishioners to register and "become rooted and involved here as, together, we seek to be good and faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus." Registration opens the door to sacramental preparation, Faith Formation, parish groups and community life; the parish website has an online Register Here form.
- Online registration form on the parish website
- Inquire at the Parish Office — (386) 668-8270
Visit, Directions & Hours
St. Ann's is located on US Highway 17-92 across from the Walmart Neighborhood Store in DeBary. The parish office is open Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (closed for lunch 12:00 – 1:00 PM) and Friday 8:30 AM – 12:00 noon; hours may change during holidays. The drive-thru Food Pantry operates Mondays and Fridays 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the Parish Hall — call ahead to confirm.
- 26 Dogwood Trail, DeBary, FL 32713
- Located on US 17-92 across from Walmart Neighborhood Store
- Office: M–Th 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (lunch 12–1 PM); Fri 8:30 AM – 12 Noon
- Phone: (386) 668-8270 — Email: [email protected]
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. William NeuhausSpring 1952
Pastor of St. Peter's, DeLand; celebrated the very first Mass in DeBary at the DeBary Mansion for 65–100 people each Sunday for four months.
- Rev. Father Corry1960–1961
Announced the building drive for St. Ann's on April 28, 1960; oversaw the opening of the first church with the first Mass sung October 1, 1961.
- Rev. John CondonOctober 1967
Appointed the first resident pastor of St. Ann's.
- Rev. James EdwardsDecember 17, 1968 – c.1974+
Found only the church building (half of which was a parish hall); lived in a rented house on Columbine Trail until the rectory was completed May 8, 1970; oversaw the 1973 groundbreaking and 1974 completion of the parish center.
- Rev. Peter Henry2006 – 2018
Born in Northern Ireland (1944), ordained June 16, 1968; died June 20, 2021. Initiated the new entrance portico (completed 2023 and dedicated in his memory) and the 'Renew, Restore, Rebuild' campaign.
- Rev. Andrzej (Benedict) JurkiewiczNovember 1, 2018 – present
Appointed Parochial Administrator by Bishop John Noonan on Nov 1, 2018; installed as Pastor on August 6, 2023; previously served Polish Community ministry at St. Joseph's, Orlando; incardinated into Diocese of Orlando 2008.