Saint Benedict parish was established in 1973, the first pastor Father Thomas Barry celebrated Mass at Milam Elementary School, and at the Palm Lakes Elementary School. Later, four store fronts in Malecon Shopping Plaza functioned as a meeting place and parish center until a church structure was constructed and dedicated in 1980. The new church contained a chapel, a hall, parish offices, and a kitchen.
Six years later, parishioners erected a parish center with an auditorium for 500 people, eight classrooms, four offices, and a kitchen. As the parish grew, so did the need to renovate and expand the church. Throughout 1992 and 1993, parishioners constructed an addition to the worship to accommodate 300 more parishioners.
A multicultural and bilingual community with a majority of Spanish speaking worshipers, the parish has adopted a motto: “Ora et Labora,” or “Work and pray.” Parishioners demonstrate their commitment to the motto through bilingual Bible study, prayer groups, and other spiritually enriching activities. They support Respect Life, Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary, prayer groups, Cursillos, Emmaus and other outreach ministries that serve the needy.