About St. Lawrence Catholic Church · Tampa, Florida
St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida, is a vibrant parish rooted in service and community, established in 1959 by Father Laurence E. Higgins. It serves a diverse congregation through multiple languages, active ministries, and sacramental programs for all ages. The parish offers Mass in both English and Spanish, and is known for its outreach, faith formation, and spiritual enrichment opportunities. It is part of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and led by a dedicated clergy team including Father Chuck Dornquast, the pastor.
- Established
- 1959
- Patron
- St. Lawrence
- Rector
- Father Chuck Dornquast
- Diocese
- Diocese of St. Petersburg
Why belong here
Join a parish that offers deep faith formation for adults and youth, vibrant ministries like the Hispanic Ministry and Seniors in Service, and a strong emphasis on community through outreach, prayer, and sacramental life. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth, fellowship, or service, St. Lawrence welcomes you with open arms and a rich tradition of Catholic ministry.
Mass times at St. Lawrence Catholic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturdays 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
- Sundays 4:15 – 4:45 pm
Parish History
In 1953, newly ordained Father Laurence E. Higgins was sent from Ireland to develop a new parish in Tampa. After years of searching for a Mass site and recruiting parishioners, the first Mass was celebrated on February 8, 1959, at Hillsborough High School. Additional Mass sites were added in 1959, and on November 5, 1959, Archbishop Joseph Hurley canonically erected the parish. Father Higgins chose the name 'St. Lawrence' after the early Church deacon who served the poor, with the spelling adjusted to 'Lawrence' at the archbishop’s request.
Ministries
- Ministry Fair
- Latinos Ministry
- Liturgical Ministry
- Outreach Ministries
- Seniors in Service Program
- Spiritual Enrichment
- Children and Youth Ministry
- Walk with the Saints
- Prayer Cards
Sacraments
- Baptism
- Reconciliation
- First Holy Communion
- Youth Confirmation
- Adult Confirmation
- Holy Matrimony
- Holy Orders
- Anointing of the Sick
Staff
The parish is led by Pastor Father Chuck Dornquast and Parochial Vicar Father Zach Brasseur. Deacons Mark DeSio, Dixon Braden, and Greg Lambert serve the community. Parish office staff includes Keishla Espinal (Director of Communications), Marta Rodriguez Montero (Director of Youth Faith Formation), Audrey Boston (Sacramental Services Director), Luisa M. Long (Adult Faith Formation & Hispanic Ministry Director), Danah Lee (Director of Development), Nicole Alvarez (Events Manager), Glenda Paschall (Parish Manager), Vivian Mena (Receptionist), and Rebecca Steinke (Director of Music).