Naples Parish Priests Now reside On-Site Following Blessing of New Rectory
NAPLES, FL – Bishop Frank J. Dewane blessed a newly constructed rectory at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples on November 23,2025,bringing the parish’s priests closer to the community they serve. The completion of the project marks a significant improvement in the priests’ ability to engage with parishioners adn fulfill their pastoral duties.
For several years, priests assigned to St. John the Evangelist lived in off-site housing owned by the parish, some located miles from the church grounds. The new rectory,funded by parishioner donations,consolidates their residences on the parish property,fostering greater accessibility and immediacy in their ministry. Construction began in the spring of 2025 and concluded in just over six months.
During the Rite of blessing, Bishop Dewane prayed for those who would live in the rectory, stating, “We have gathered here to bless a house where the love of Christ will bring together those who in charity, celibacy, poverty and obedience desire to follow him as shepherds to the people of God… We pray that those who live here will conform their way of life to what they promised. We ask that with Jesus they will seek the Father’s glory in all things. We ask that, led by the Spirit they will continue to fulfill their vocation so that Christ will dwell among us.” He then blessed each of the four townhomes with holy Water.
The rectory consists of four individual townhomes, each with a private garage, sharing a common backyard space. Father Tomasz Zalewski, Pastor of St.John the Evangelist, along with Parochial Vicars Fathers Mark Harris and Jacob Gwynn, each blessed the exterior of their respective homes.
“Now we will be able to walk to Mass and be here to serve the people of St. john the Evangelist,” said Father Zalewski,expressing gratitude for the parish’s generosity in making the project a reality. A reception followed the blessing in the Pulte Center.