Valrico's St. Stephen to break ground on new church

VALRICO When St. Stephen Catholic Church opened in Valrico almost 30 years ago, the congregation met in a temporary building on Bell Shoals Road.

The church planned to build a larger sanctuary off Boyette Road.

But through the years, other things took priority.

First, St. Stephen built a school on its 40-acre Boyette property. Then, the church waited. For increased membership. For funding and support.

In 2010, St. Stephen started an official fundraising campaign, Building Our Future Together, asking parishioners to contribute.

A Building Committee formed.

The church posted updates online encouraging families to take ownership and become part of the process.

Today, on the Feast of St. Stephen, the church will break ground on their dream: a 30,726-square-foot sanctuary.

The building project, which includes the construction of a 19,183-square-foot Family Life Center, will cost $12 million and finish in May 2016.

To celebrate, St. Stephen will host a community groundbreaking ceremony and reception at 4 p.m. today. A celebration will also follow Mass at 11 a.m. Sunday.

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Valrico's St. Stephen to break ground on new church