The roots of our faith are found in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a Catholic community, the roots of St. Mary's Parish are traceable to the 16th century Spanish explorers and the priests who sailed with them, and early governors of the Spanish colonies in Florida. For over 200 years, priests from the coastal colonies occasionally visited the Rockledge area. From the mid 1500's, and into the 1800's, efforts to convert mostly hostile Indians of the Sorruque and Ais tribes met with measured success. Before 1800, the Catholic population of Florida was centered around the St. Augustine area.
Records indicate that Fr.
John F. R. Chambon of Jacksonville made infrequent visits to this area between 1859 and 1867. Later his successor Fr. Henry P. Clavreul traveled mostly by sailboat to visit the coastal missions. His diary reports visits to Dummit's Grove, Merritt Island and to Titusville. Felix Ghione of Palatka was placed in charge of all Catholics in Brevard, Volusia, Putnam, Orange and Marion Counties.