History

On May 13, 1988, Bishop John J. Snyder sent a letter to Fr. Frank Haryasz instructing him to establish a parish in the Argyle area effective September 15, 1988.
The first meeting to discuss the new parish was held at the Polish American Club on September 14, 1988. There were 22 people in attendance.
The first Mass was held on September 18 at 9:30 am in the Terrace Room of the Best Western on State Road 17. Of the 39 people who began the church, two are still members of the parish —Sara and Michael Creech. Deacon Mike Leahy first assisted at Mass on September 25, 1988.
Nancy Bourque was designated our first historian, followed by Jeannie Loftus, Trudy LaSala and Nancy Panger. Sara Creech became historian in December 1993 and continues to this day.
Our faith community then moved to Nice Houce of Music on Wells Road where the first Mass was celebrated on October 16, 1988. Nice House would remain our parish home for the next five years.
On October 31, 1988, Bishop Snyder sent a letter accepting the name submitted by the parishioners and granting permission for the parish name to be Mary, Queen of Heaven.
In 1989, Kathleen Marie Drop was designated our first religious education director and remains in that position today.
Due to our growth, a second Sunday Mass was added on February 5, 1989 at 11:15 am.
In September 1989, the Religious Education program was begun.
In February 1990, Bishop Snyder approved the purchase of 13.5 acres of land on Staples Mill Road. Fr. Frank signed the promissory note for the purchase of the property on December 16, 1990.
On December 30, we held our first outdoor Mass on the new property.
On January 10, 1993, Bishop Snyder celebrated an outdoor Mass with the community on the property as we held the groundbreaking ceremony for our new building.
In August of 1993, the Sisters of St. Joseph donated the wood-carved Stations of the Cross and the Living Christ state. These artifacts had been in the convent in St. Augustine.
The dedication of the new Religious and Social building was held on October 31, 1993.
In 1995, Fr. Frank resigned due to health concerns, and Fr. Houle was appointed as the temporary administrator for the next year.
In November of 1995, a Knights of Columbus Council was formed in our parish.
On May 10, 1996, Msgr. James was appointed as our new pastor.
In 2001, Argyle Forest Blvd. was extended to circle our property and Staples Mill was extended to meet Argyle. Our church went from the little church in the woods to the little church on the corner.
On May 6, 2003, Msgr. James died.
On July 1, 2003, Fr. Caesar Russo was appointed and became our third pastor.
In July 2008, Fr. Russo was reassigned to the Tribunal, and Father Denis O’Shaughnessy was appointed pastor of our parish.
On August 24, 2008, the parishioners of Mary, Queen of Heaven celebrated that twentieth anniversary of the parish, and Fr. Haryasz’s 50th Anniversary of Ordination.
On January 9, 2011, Fr. Frank Haryasz died.
On November 21, 2010, we began a Capital Campaign to accumulate the funds necessary to construct a new purpose-built church.
On December 8, 2014, Bishop Estevez celebrated Mass and blessed the building site for our new church.
On January 31, 2015, we celebrated Mass and had a BBQ lunch al fresco as we had the official groundbreaking ceremony.
On January 17, 2016, Bishop Estevez celebrated dedication Mass in the new building.
On July 1, 2019, Father Denis O’Shaughnessy retires and Father Philip Timlin becomes parish administrator.

About Us

Serving the Argyle/Oakleaf area of Jacksonville Florida since 1988

We are a Eucharist centered, Giving focused Parish, who strives to more fully know, love, and serve God, neighbor and church, while faithfully learning and living-out His Word. See Parish History

God's Word

Proclaim the word; Be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, and encourage through all patience and teaching.

2 Timothy 4:2

Our Clergy

Father Philip Timlin

Pastor

Deacon Paul Testa

Deacon

Deacon David Williams

Deacon

Support when you need it

Our Staff

Sara Creech

Secretary

Debbie Novotny

Office Assistant

Jean Datuin

Bookkeeper

Kathleen Marie Drop

Director of Religious Education

Lisa Moser

Music Director

Michael Creech

Facilities Manager

Bill Cole

Business Manager

Contact Us

Argyle/Oakleaf area of Jacksonville Florida

9401 Staples Mill Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32244