St. Ambrose Church (Diocese of St. Augustine)
St. Ambrose Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located at 6070 Church Road in Elkton, Florida. Established in 1875, the parish is one of the oldest in the Diocese of St. Augustine, serving a diverse community with a rich history tied to the Minorcan heritage of St. Augustine.[1][2] The parish is known for its vibrant ministries, including liturgical services, faith formation, and community outreach, such as the Homebound Ministry and Respect Life Ministry, which emphasize service to the sick, elderly, and advocacy for life.[3]
The church hosts annual events like the St. Ambrose Church Fair, a tradition since 1882, and maintains a historic cemetery on parish grounds, reflecting its deep community roots.[1][4] St. Ambrose also supports faith formation through programs like the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and a Grief Support Group, fostering spiritual growth and community care.[3] The parish’s active engagement with the Minorcan Cultural Society and its welcoming atmosphere for newcomers highlight its commitment to preserving heritage while embracing modern needs.[1]
| St. Ambrose Church | |
| Dedication: | Saint Ambrose |
| Venerated Saints: | |
| Diocese: | Diocese of St. Augustine |
| Deanery: | Unknown |
| Address: | 6070 Church Road, Elkton, FL 32033 |
| Coordinates: | 29.805556, -81.424167 |
| City: | Elkton, FL |
| Subdivision: | Florida |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | St. Johns County |
| Website: | https://saintambrose-church.org |
| Founded: | 1875 |
| School: | No |
| Email: | officeassistant@saintambrose-church.org |
History
St. Ambrose Church was founded in 1875 in Elkton, Florida, as one of the earliest Catholic parishes in the Diocese of St. Augustine, established to serve Minorcan settlers from St. Augustine.[1] The parish’s origins are tied to the Minorcan community, who brought their Catholic faith and cultural traditions, including devotion to Our Lady of La Leche, to the region.[1] The current church building, constructed in 1908, replaced an earlier structure and has been a central hub for worship and community activities.[1]
The parish has grown while maintaining its historical ties, notably through the annual St. Ambrose Church Fair, which began in 1882 and continues to draw the community together.[4] St. Ambrose has adapted to modern needs with ministries like the Homebound Ministry, which brings the Eucharist to the sick, and the Respect Life Ministry, which advocates for life from conception to natural death.[3] The parish also manages a historic cemetery, offering a space for reflection and remembrance.[1]
Special features
- *Minorcan heritage*: The parish celebrates its historical ties to the Minorcan community through events like the St. Ambrose Church Fair and partnerships with the Minorcan Cultural Society.[1][4]
- *St. Ambrose Church Fair*: A tradition since 1882, this annual event fosters community spirit with food, games, and cultural activities.[4]
- *Homebound Ministry*: Volunteers bring the Eucharist to the sick and homebound, ensuring their inclusion in the parish’s liturgical life.[3]
- *Respect Life Ministry*: Meets monthly to promote the sanctity of life through events like the Respect Life Contest and 40 Days for Life Campaign.[3]
- *Grief Support Group*: Led by a certified counselor, this group offers support for those coping with loss, meeting weekly to provide comfort.[3]
- *Historic cemetery*: Located on parish grounds, it serves as a place for prayer and remembrance, reflecting the parish’s long history.[1]
Related parishes
No specific related parishes are documented in the provided sources for St. Ambrose Church in Elkton, Florida.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 "History". https://saintambrose-church.org/history.
- ↑ "St. Ambrose Parish". https://www.dosafl.com/parish/st-ambrose-parish/.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Ministries". https://saintambrose-church.org/ministries/parish/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Church Fair". https://saintambrose-church.org/church-fair.