ORLANDO | After serving as parochial administrator of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Orlando for four years, Bishop John Noonan installed Father Roberto Marquez as pastor Sept. 13, 2026.
Grateful parishioners gave Father Marquez a chalice to commemorate the occasion. He asked Bishop Noonan to bless it just before the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Father Marquez was ordained May 29, 2021. He first served at St. James Cathedral as parochial vicar and then went to St. Charles Borromeo in October 2022.
“(This parish) has become a family,” said Father Marquez about his flock. “I came here to serve, and it’s been a wonderful experience. Serving and being part of this community has been an amazing experience and it’s something I am really looking forward to continuing as long as I am supposed to be here — to help this community to continue to grow closer to Christ. That’s the most important thing.”
Recalling his original appointment, he acknowledged he was a little intimidated by the assignment, not only to one parish, but three schools — Bishop Moore High School, St. Charles Borromeo, (K thru eight) and Morning Star.
“To be a spiritual father for these schools has been a blessing,” he said, adding a highlight of his year is celebrating the Sacraments with the Morning Star OCIA students. “To bring in three or four students into the Church is one of the most beautiful and exciting days of the year for me. It’s just a great joy to be with them.”
Father Marquez also appreciates walking the campuses and having students approach him for confession. He said it emphasizes the importance of the presence of a priest on campus.
“These (students) are the future of the Church, and I think it’s important to be there with them and walk in their path.”
Despite the usual maintenance of facilities and administrative work that needs to be done he reiterated, “The primary thing is bringing souls closer to Christ. That is the primary focus and should always be the focus.”
By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, September 17, 2026