A Warm Welcome

St. Therese Parish sits on the sunny stretch of 20115 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers, Florida. Anyone who steps through its doors feels an immediate sense of kindness, compassion, and genuine hospitality. A friendly smile from a parishioner or a volunteer greets visitors, and the gentle hum of conversation and prayer fills the air. The church feels like a home where everyone knows each other and is eager to make newcomers feel comfortable. This warm, welcoming atmosphere is the hallmark of St. Therese Parish and a key reason why people from all walks of life return.

A Glimpse Into History

The story of St. Therese Parish began in the early 1970s, a time of rapid growth in North Fort Myers. A small group of devoted Catholics gathered in a modest building, sharing a desire to create a faith‑centered community of love and service. Over the decades, that modest gathering grew into a thriving parish that now serves more than 3,000 families. The parish’s evolution mirrors the growth of the surrounding community, yet its core mission remains the same: to be a beacon of hope and a place where God’s love is experienced in everyday life.

A Growing Family

Today, St. Therese Parish is more than a church; it is a vibrant, extended family. The parish is shepherded by dedicated priests, deacons, and pastoral staff who bring spiritual wisdom and a personal touch to their ministry. They work hand‑in‑hand with lay leaders, volunteers, and committee members, creating a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued. Whether a longtime member who has celebrated countless sacraments or a new neighbor, visitors quickly discover that the parish welcomes them into a family that cares, prays, and celebrates together.

Spiritual Life and Worship

At the heart of any Catholic parish is its liturgical life, and St. Therese Parish offers a rich calendar that meets diverse spiritual needs. Weekday Masses provide a quiet, intimate space for those seeking peace amid a busy day. Weekend celebrations draw larger crowds for a communal worship experience. The parish’s liturgies are reverent yet approachable; chants, prayers, and readings are delivered with warmth, making sacred mysteries both profound and accessible.

In addition to Mass, the parish hosts prayer groups, Bible study sessions, and devotional gatherings. These smaller settings allow members to delve deeper into faith, ask questions, and build lasting friendships. The parish’s liturgical music program adds beauty to celebrations, with a choir that lifts the spirit and instrumental ensembles that provide a gentle backdrop.

Youth Ministry: Growing the Next Generation

St. Therese Parish’s youth ministry is dynamic and engaging. Recognizing that the Church’s future rests in young people’s hands, the parish offers programs that are both fun and formative. Teenagers and young adults join Bible study groups that relate Scripture to everyday challenges—school stress, friendships, and family dynamics. Prayer circles offer safe spaces to share hopes and fears while learning to lean on God.

Beyond study, the ministry organizes service projects, retreats, and social events that foster community and responsibility. Weekend camping trips, charity walks, and collaborative art projects encourage faith in action. The result is a generation of parishioners who are knowledgeable, passionate, and ready to live out their faith in tangible ways.

Outreach and Social Justice

St. Therese Parish believes that faith without works is incomplete. A dedicated social‑justice committee leads robust outreach initiatives. The group partners with local shelters, food banks, and disaster‑relief organizations to serve the most vulnerable. Volunteers prepare hot meals for soup kitchens, organize clothing drives, and help families facing hardship.

When natural disasters—hurricanes, floods, fires—strike, the parish acts quickly. Members pack emergency kits, raise funds, and travel to affected areas. Their commitment is woven into everyday parish life; every family is encouraged to give a little time or a small donation. This ripple effect of compassion extends far beyond the church walls.

Arts, Music, and Creative Expression

Creativity is a core identity of the parish. The arts program showcases diverse talents—painters, sculptors, photographers, writers—providing a platform to share gifts. Seasonal art exhibitions transform the parish hall into a mini‑gallery, reflecting themes of faith, hope, and community.

Music also plays a pivotal role. The choir rehearses weekly and performs at Masses, weddings, and celebrations. An instrumental ensemble—organists, pianists, string players—adds melodic depth to liturgical events. Musicians, artists, and anyone who loves beauty find a place to contribute and grow.

Joining the Community

Those considering becoming part of St. Therese Parish receive a warm invitation. Newcomers receive a “Welcome” packet with Mass schedules, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. Parish staff answer questions quickly—whether about sacramental preparation, prayer groups, or volunteering.

Families find ministries that match their interests. Parents appreciate a safe environment for their children. Seniors enjoy the senior’s circle, meeting for coffee, prayer, and gentle exercise. Those exploring faith can attend an “Explore Catholicism” series, where basic teachings are explained simply and relate to everyday life.

Shared experiences—potlucks after Sunday Mass, community clean‑up days, candle‑light vigils—strengthen belonging. Over time, these moments weave a tapestry of relationships that make the parish feel less like an institution and more like a close‑knit family.

Stay Connected: Follow St. Therese Parish on Tabella

To stay updated on news, events, and inspirational messages, St. Therese Parish encourages members to join its Tabella community. Through Tabella, parish members receive updates about Mass times, youth retreats, outreach opportunities, and artistic showcases directly on their phone or computer. The app offers an easy, friendly way to stay in the loop and participate in the parish’s mission of spreading love, compassion, and faith throughout North Fort Myers and beyond.

Physical Address: 20115 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, FL 33903

Phone Number: (239) 997‑3494

Email Address: info@stthereseparishnm.org