About St. Rita · Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Saint Rita Catholic Church is a vibrant parish located in the heart of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, established in 1983 as part of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. With over 40 years of service, the parish has grown significantly, especially in the last decade, offering a wide range of ministries, faith formation, and liturgical opportunities. The community invites all to encounter Christ through worship, fellowship, and stewardship, emphasizing discipleship and service to others.
- Established
- 1983
- Patron
- St. Rita
- Rector
- Fr. James Valenzuela
- Diocese
- Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Why belong here
Join a community that offers opportunities to encounter Christ through worship, faith formation, fellowship, and stewardship. Engage in liturgical ministry, discipleship programs for all ages, and serve others using your time, talent, and treasure. The parish emphasizes growing in relationship with God and sharing that faith with family, friends, and the wider community.
Mass times at St. Rita
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- by appointment
Adoration times
- Friday 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- First Friday of the month 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
About Us
Established in 1983, Saint Rita Catholic Church is located in the heart of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and is part of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. With over 40 years of service, the parish has experienced significant growth and expansion, especially in the last decade. The parish offers numerous opportunities for people to encounter Christ through worship, faith formation, fellowship, and stewardship opportunities utilizing time, talent, and treasure.
Ministries
Saint Rita offers a variety of ministries including Liturgical Ministry, Faith Formation for children, youth, and adults, Preschool, Mission & Evangelization, and Guardians of the Blessed Sacrament. These ministries are designed to help parishioners grow in their relationship with God and serve others in accordance with their baptismal call.
Faith Formation
Sacramental preparation and faith formation for children, youth, and adults with emphasis on discipleship formation. We are learning about our Catholic faith, growing in our relationships with God, and learning the importance of sharing it with our families, friends, and communities.
Liturgical Ministry
Participating in liturgical ministry is a wonderful way to serve others in accordance with your baptismal call. Our community's talents and gifts from God are fully utilized during our liturgies, whether in the planning stages or during the Mass itself. Your contributions, whether visible or behind the scenes, help to make our celebrations truly life-giving.
Guardians of the Blessed Sacrament
We offer Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every Friday for one hour after morning mass and from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on the first Friday of the month. Those who commit to a rostered hour are Guardians of the Blessed Sacrament whose presence ensures that Jesus is never left alone. Parishioners are invited to give honor and praise to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament by spending an hour in His presence.