Jacksonville, Florida

Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church

Most Holy Redeemer Church in Jacksonville, Florida, is a Roman Catholic parish located at 8523 Normandy Blvd

The parish was established by the Diocese of St. Augustine and it is diverse community of believers who celebrate and rejoice in the love of God and love of one another. Empowered by the grace of the Holy Spirit, our mission is to invite and welcome all people to our faith by worshiping and praying together and by embracing the needs of our parishioners and the larger community in which we live.

History of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church

  • 1962
    Parish formation
    On March 1, 1962 the Chancery of the Diocese of St. Augustine appointed Reverend Father Thaddeus P. McHugh to establish a mission in the Normandy area to help meet the needs of Catholics living in the Westside of Jacksonville, Florida. With the help of some prospective parishioners Father McHugh set out to locate a suitable place to celebrate Mass. After considering several locations they settled on Normandy elementary school and the first Sunday Mass was celebrated there on April 8, 1962.
  • 1963
    The building fund committee
    On February 17, 1963 Father McHugh, along with a building fund committee and about 70 volunteers launched a building fund appeal with the goal of raising a minimum of $50,000.
  • 1964
    Church building
    In the fall of 1963 Father Francis M. Mouch was appointed as the administrator of the newly formed Most Holy Redeemer parish. It was Fr. Mouch who would break ground for the new provisional church on Normandy Blvd., on Palm Sunday, March 22, 1964.
  • 1964
    First mass
    Fr. Mouch also celebrated the first Mass and the first two baptisms in the new church building on August 9, 1964, before being succeeded on August 16, by Father John McCall.
  • 1964
    Formal dedication
    Formal dedication of Most Holy Redeemer took place on September 6, 1964. The celebration was presided over by Monsignor William J. Mullaly of Daytona Beach. Father Francis M. Mouch returned to give the Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
  • 1965
    First Confirmation ceremony
    March 31, 1965, First Confirmation ceremony. Administered by Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley. There were 78 children and 22 adults.
  • 1965
    First Communion
    May 9, 1965 First class of prospective communicants received First Communion. There were 69 people.
  • 1973
    The C.C.D. building
    The C.C.D. building, which is now the social hall, and the rectory were completed.