OUR EVENTS

 St. Raphael’s is an active congregation that is trying to recover after Hurricane Ian. We have some events that are new (Ashes to Go and Blue Christmas) and other events that are an important part of our tradition (Blessing of the Animals, Blessing of the Fleet, Shrimp Dinners).

A man wearing a robe and tie is holding a rope around his waist.

Ashes to go

Ash Wednesday is a solemn day of prayer and fasting that begins the season of Lent, a time of self-examination and renewed commitment in preparation for Holy Week and Easter. A special Eucharist is offered that day in the Church, including being marked with ashes on our foreheads.

In 2024 we instituted Ashes to Go to those who wanted a blessing but could not attend the service. This is held at TriPower on Estero Blvd.

A man is talking to a woman in a wheelchair

Blessing of the Animals

St. Raphael’s holds a Blessing of the Animals to celebrate St. Francis’ Day on the Saturday

closest to October 4, his feast day.. (St. Francis is known for honoring and loving all of God’s

creation, including the birds and animals.) Sometimes this is held in the churchyard or the parish

hall or church.

Blue Christmas

Even though Christmas is a time of celebration and joy, for many, this is a difficult time of the

year due to loss or other grief. Our Blue Christmas service, held for the first time in 2024, invites

all who are hurting to enter into hope and healing through prayer, music, and reflection. It takes

place in December, about two weeks before Christmas Day.

A man in a white robe with a purple scarf around his neck

Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Dinners

St. Raphaels is well known for its support of our local shrimping industry. We sponsor the Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet as part of the Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival which takes place on the second weekend in March. We also proudly serve fresh local gulf shrimp at our “All You Can Eat” shrimp dinners that were held each year from October through April. Hundreds of residents and visitors look forward to enjoying the best shrimp dinner on the island. We have been out of business since Hurricane Ian but hope to have at least one dinner this season as soon as the kitchen is completed.