A little over a month ago, from June 16-18, I had the great joy and privilege of making a pastoral visit to Ascension Church in Boca Raton, located in the southern region of Palm Beach County. It was my first visit to this beautiful parish, and I was immediately struck by its vibrant family spirit and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Its pastor, Father Carl Hellwig, prepared an exceptionally thoughtful program for the occasion, paying remarkable attention to every detail — including an abundance of delicious meals and refreshments that reflected the parish’s generous hospitality.
Ascension Parish was established by Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll of Miami on Oct. 25, 1968, as the second Catholic parish in Boca Raton. Its founding pastor, Father Brian Redington, began celebrating Masses that same year in the attic of the nearby University National Bank, located at 3900 N. Federal Highway. With donated candlesticks, ciboria, a crucifix and vestments lovingly sewn by a parishioner, the first community gathered in humble surroundings. Yet, that small beginning was firmly planted on fertile soil.
The following year, Father Redington relocated the growing parish to a new facility equipped with air conditioning, where a chapel and the first rectory were established. As the parish continued to flourish, Father Richard Murphy acquired the vacant building of the former Calvary Community Church on North Federal Highway in 1972. Following an ambitious capital campaign, Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy dedicated the new church on the parish’s 10th anniversary in 1978. In 1984, Ascension became part of the newly established Diocese of Palm Beach.
Today, nearly six decades after its founding, Ascension continues to grow with the same missionary zeal that marked its earliest days. The parish is home to more than 29 ministries and apostolates, including 23 vibrant small groups that emerged from the parish’s Rebuilt pastoral initiative, which continues to play a central role in parish life. These small communities — some meeting in person and others virtually — offer parishioners opportunities to deepen their faith through prayer, fellowship, mutual support and authentic Christian friendship. Each group is carefully accompanied and supported by Father Hellwig and his pastoral team.
One of the parish’s most vibrant organizations is its Council of Catholic Women, whose membership now exceeds 80 women. During my visit, its president, Lauren, graciously introduced me to the many activities of the organization. At the conclusion of our conversation, she handed me a sealed envelope. When I opened it, I discovered a personal invitation to her wedding this fall. Moments like that beautifully capture the spirit of Ascension — a parish where people truly know one another, celebrate life’s joys together and live as one family in Christ.
Ascension also takes seriously the Church’s call to care for the elderly and the homebound. Its Homebound Ministry currently serves more than 100 parishioners who are unable to attend Mass regularly, ensuring that they remain spiritually connected to their parish family. Likewise, the parish remains deeply committed to serving those in need. Through its Social Justice Ministry, Ascension operates a dedicated assistance line to help families facing difficulties with rent, utilities and food insecurity. Its Mission Committee also partners with Cross Catholic Outreach to prepare food packages for communities in need around the world.
A defining feature of Ascension’s pastoral life — and undoubtedly one of the keys to its vitality — is its outstanding music ministry. Reverently preserving the rich musical heritage of the Catholic Church while embracing contemporary praise and worship, the ministry enriches the liturgical life of the parish and inspires the active participation of the faithful. Week after week, its gifted musicians and singers help lift minds and hearts to God, reminding us that sacred music is not simply an ornament of the liturgy but an authentic form of prayer.
Another remarkable strength of Ascension is its unwavering commitment to evangelization. The parish understands that the Church does not exist merely to preserve what has already been built, but to proclaim Jesus Christ anew to every generation. Through its ministries, formation programs, outreach initiatives and vibrant community life, Ascension continues to invite people to encounter the Lord, deepen their relationship with Him and become joyful missionary disciples.
As I concluded my pastoral visit, I departed Ascension Church with profound gratitude to God for the many blessings He continues to bestow upon this vibrant parish family. I thank Father Carl Hellwig, the parish staff, the many dedicated volunteers and every parishioner for their generous witness of faith, charity and joyful discipleship.
In a world that so often experiences loneliness, division and uncertainty, Ascension stands as a beautiful reminder that the Church is, above all, a family — a family gathered around the Eucharistic table, strengthened by the Word of God, and sent forth to proclaim the Gospel through lives of love and service. It is a parish where strangers quickly become friends, visitors are welcomed as family, and the love of Christ is made visible through countless acts of generosity and compassion.
May Ascension Parish continue to grow in holiness, unity and missionary zeal, always remaining a welcoming home where every person can encounter the living Christ. Entrusting the entire parish family to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide and inspire this wonderful community for many years to come. May the Lord, who has begun such good work among you, bring it to fulfillment, and may Ascension Church continue to shine brightly as a beacon of faith, hope and charity in the heart of Boca Raton and throughout our diocese.
