ABOUT US
We are Taking Small Steps to Build a Better Community!
Our journey begins in the late 1970s when a vibrant Haitian community began to take root in the southern reaches of Palm Beach County. By the late 1980s, thousands of Haitian natives called Delray Beach home, yet they lacked a spiritual haven of their own. It was during this time that Father Thomas Wensky, a dedicated missionary and later the Archbishop of Miami, took it upon himself to bridge this gap. Learning the Haitian Creole language, he tirelessly traveled across land and sky, connecting with the Haitian community's spiritual needs.
In 1986, Father Wensky extended an invitation to the Scalabrini Fathers, seeking a priest to serve the burgeoning Haitian population in Delray Beach. Father Roland Desormeaux, C.S., answered this call, landing in the Palm Beaches in 1987. With his arrival came the inauguration of "Our Lady of Perpetual Help" in December 1987, a milestone as the first Catholic church in the United States exclusively devoted to the Haitian community. Since then, Father Desormeaux has been our guiding light, providing spiritual and social guidance within the Diocese of Palm Beach. Today, we proudly continue this legacy of faith, community, and service.
In 1986, Father Wensky extended an invitation to the Scalabrini Fathers, seeking a priest to serve the burgeoning Haitian population in Delray Beach. Father Roland Desormeaux, C.S., answered this call, landing in the Palm Beaches in 1987. With his arrival came the inauguration of "Our Lady of Perpetual Help" in December 1987, a milestone as the first Catholic church in the United States exclusively devoted to the Haitian community. Since then, Father Desormeaux has been our guiding light, providing spiritual and social guidance within the Diocese of Palm Beach. Today, we proudly continue this legacy of faith, community, and service.
“Pray! And listen to God! You can do this alone, but find somebody to do it with you”
Our Priest
Rev. Roland Desormeaux
Father Roland Desormeaux is a dedicated and compassionate Haitian priest who has devoted his life to serving the Haitian community in Delray Beach, Florida, since 1987. His unwavering commitment to his faith and his people has made him a beloved figure in both the church and the broader community.
What we do?
In our community, our church holds a vital role. We continually explore fresh and inventive ways to engage and positively influence the lives of those who grace our threshold. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with skilled individuals from our community to establish diverse ministries that encourage meaningful connections among our members. These ministries are designed to embrace individuals from all walks of life, encompassing the less fortunate, newcomers, children, seniors, and every segment that enriches our vibrant community.
Our Mission
At Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission, we are driven by our Catholic faith to live and share the Gospel, embodying Christ's mission. Together, as one community, we collaborate with our priests to nurture a loving and faith-filled environment. We welcome all Catholics of goodwill to unite with us as we collectively witness Christ's presence in our city and neighboring areas.