The San Juan Diego Mission will provide sacraments to the faithful and other pastoral care to the people of God. The mission is located at San Jose Mission, a residential community in Dover, operated by Catholic Charities, that serves local farmworkers.

The beginning of San Juan Diego Mission dates back more than 15 years. In recent years, it has operated as a ministry of St. Clement Parish in Plant City. However, taking into account the growing Spanish-speaking population in the area, Bishop Gregory Parkes has approved for the ministry to become a diocesan mission and has appointed Father Rafael Martos to serve as its administrator. Father Martos, a priest of the Diocese of Santiago de Cuba, has served in parishes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg since 2000.

“This change is a recognition of the tremendous growth at San Juan Diego and the breadth of spiritual and pastoral ministries they have been able to offer the faithful,” said Bishop Parkes.

On June 2, 2023, Bishop Parkes confirmed more than 50 young people at San Juan Diego Mission. Also, over 800 people participate in weekend Masses at San Juan Diego each week. San Juan Diego Mission currently offers Masses in Spanish and serves residents in Dover, including recent immigrants from Central and South America.

There are currently four other missions in the Diocese of St. Petersburg:

Immaculate Conception Haitian Mission (Tampa)

Catholic Student Center at USF (Tampa)

Mercy of God Polish Mission (St. Petersburg)

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission (Wimauma)