Totus Tuus summer program continues
The Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus summer program continues to inspire young people to grow in faith. The week-long program is visiting different Parishes each week and offering day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, as well as evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12. Three missionary teams are leading the campers. In the first two weeks, the program has taken place at five Parishes, with the most recent at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. Paul parish in Arcadia, and Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria. Upcoming host Parishes include the following: St. Agnes Parish, Naples, San Pedro Parish, North Port, St. Michael Parish, Wauchula, and St. Leo the Great Parish, Bonita Springs (June 14-19); St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral, and Sacred Heart Parish, Bradenton (June 21-26); St. James Parish, Lake Placid, St. Catherine Parish, Sebring, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Avon Park, and Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle (July 5-10); St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton, and Our Lady of Light Parish (Day Session)/ St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers (Evening Session) (July 12-17); Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch, and St. Jude Parish, Sarasota (July 19-24). Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/. For more information, contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseovenice.org, or 941-441-1122.
Parish hosts breakfast in the park for homeless in Naples
The St. William Parish Homeless Ministry hosted a “Breakfast in the Park” for homeless men and women at East Naples Park May 30, 2026. More than 20 were treated to a warm meal and handmade goodies from Sunshine Delites, as volunteers from St. William and nearby St. Peter the Apostle Parish helped prepare and serve the food. A monthly outreach, the next “Breakfast in the Park” will take place June 27. For more information, please visit www.saintwilliam.org.
Cardinal Mooney grad qualifies for golf U.S. Open
Robbie Higgins, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School graduate from 2020, has qualified for the U.S. Open golf tournament June 18-21, 2026, in Shinnecock Hills, Pennsylvania. Higgins, from Sarasota, played in a U.S. Open qualifying tournament on June 8, at Hawks Ridge Golf Club in Ball Ground, Georgia, shooting a combined score of 133. He was one of five to qualify out of more than 40 golfers. Niko Gordic-Ronderos, age 14 and a Cardinal Mooney freshman, was the youngest golfer to try to qualify for a spot in the U.S. Open. Niko played at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens but failed to make the cut. He made it to the qualifying round by scoring well in a local qualifier a week earlier.
Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible series
Have you ever wanted to read the Bible but didn’t know where to start? St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, is hosting an “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible” series, 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, from June 24 to Aug. 12, 2026. Each evening will include short and engaging videos, small group discussions, great conversation and a delicious meal. Free childcare will be provided along with dinner. No prior Bible knowledge needed – just come as you are. For more information, please contact Robert Massey at 239-592-1949 ext. 150, or robert@stagnesnaples.org.
Bradenton food pantry seeks food for children on summer vacation
The St. Joseph Food Pantry, 2704 33rd Ave. W., Bradenton, is seeking food for children on summer vacation through the end of July. Food needed includes but is not limited to: fruit jelly in plastic containers, cereal, granola/breakfast bars, protein bars, raisins, shelf staple milk boxes, mac & cheese, canned vegetables, canned meat, canned tuna, spam, etc. Drop off times at the St. Joseph Food Pantry are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and bins are also available in the Parish office during regular daily hours. For more information, please call 941-756-3732.
Theology on Tap June 18 in University Park
Calling all young adults! Join Catholic young people from across the Diocese for an evening of fellowship, faith and fun. Theology on Tap meets on the third Thursday of every month and is an opportunity for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. The next gathering of Theology on Tap is 7 – 9 p.m., June 18, 2026, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The featured speaker is Chris Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, who will be leading a talk called, “Encountering Christ Through Service to Others.” There is no cost to attend, and no registration required. Bring a friend. For more information, contact Andres Prias at 941-441-1122 or prias@dioceseofvenice.org.
Catholic classical education Conference June 19-21 in Fort Myers
The 3rd annual AMICE Conference hosted by Ave Maria Catholic Academy of Ave Maria will take place June 19-21, 2026, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. The conference offers an excellent opportunity for teachers, staff, administrators and parents to learn more about classical education. This year’s theme “The Great Conversation: The contributions of the Great Books in a Catholic Classical Education,” will be presented by outstanding educators who have years of experience in the Classical Educational model. There will be keynote speakers and discussions as well as 12 breakout sessions. The AMICE conference is for all who are exploring or deepening their knowledge of Catholic classical education, particularly in the Diocese of Venice, to offer a bold response to the Church’s call for the renewal of Catholic education in the modern world. The cost is $129 per person, which includes meals. There is a group rate of $89 per person if your school or organization registers at least five participants. Register at https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/bc65a052-b716-4a2d-a526-53ee20dae8a4. Please more information, contact Donahue Academy’s Advancement Director Wil Hampton at wil.hampton@donahueacademy.org.
Day of Reflection Marriage Retreat June 20
A Day of Reflection Marriage Retreat is scheduled for June 20, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. The retreat offers a specially prepared volunteer team who will share their experiences and information, enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. Register at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2026-day-of-reflection-mp-retreat. Please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-486-4754.
Summer educational series in Naples
St. William Parish, 750 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting a Summer Educational Series beginning at 1 p.m., June 24, 2026, in the Church Hall. The theme for June is “What You Should Know About Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias,” presented by Mark Beland, Co-Chair of the Collier County Dementia Care and Cure Initiative and Community Liaison of the Baker Senior Center. Topics to be covered include: gaining a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; increasing awareness of behavioral symptoms; equip others to communicate effectively with people with dementia; discover local resources available to assist those with dementia, their families, and caregivers; and learn about the risk factors regarding dementia and how to manage them. This event is open to all, and free to attend, and no RSVP is required. For more information, please call 239-330-2267.
Retreat Center open house June 27
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is inviting the faithful to join them for a day of prayer, rest, renewal, and fellowship for an Open House, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., June 27, 2026, the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Come spend time exploring the peaceful grounds, touring the facilities, meeting the team, and learning more about the retreats and programs offered at the Center. Whether you have visited many times or have never been before, the OLPH team would love to welcome you. OLPH is located at 3989 S. Moon Dr., in Venice. Please RSVP by June 20, by calling 941-486-0233.
Independence Day bike and golf cart parade to be held in Ave Maria
The Knights of Columbus Assembly 3862 of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria is hosting its 10th annual “God Bless America: Independence Day Bike and Golf Cart Parade for our Nation’s 250th Birthday.” The opening ceremony will take place in the Piazza in front of Ave Maria Parish church at 10 a.m. (following 9 a.m. Mass), with the parade, led by fire trucks, immediately following. All are welcome to attend and encouraged to decorate their bicycles, tricycles, golf carts, skateboards, and strollers. The route is approximately 2 miles long, but a shorter route, around the church, is available for younger riders. Light refreshments, including birthday cake for the Nation, will be available at the conclusion of the parade.
The Year of St. Francis
Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City to serve as a pilgrimage destination for the Diocese of Venice in the extraordinary Jubilee Year of St. Francis, honoring St. Francis of Assisi on the 800th anniversary of his death. All are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to the Parish during this Jubilee Year for a unique experience of encounter, prayer and renewal. The Church and its Poor Clare Adoration Chapel are open to welcome pilgrims every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at other times by arrangement. For details, please visit the St. Francis of Assisi Parish website at https://www.sfoachurch.com/jubilee-2025.
Beware of text and email scams
It has been brought to the attention of the Diocese that parishioners have received text/email messages from people pretending to be clergy – including Bishop Frank J. Dewane – or Parish/school staff, requesting donations in the form of gift cards and/or wire transfers. These messages often come from text/emails that look similar to official Diocesan/Parish/school numbers or accounts and often greet the recipient by name and have the priest’s, Bishop’s, or staff member’s name in the “From” line and/or closing signature of the message. The fake message often claims that the priest/Bishop/staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child, relative, or parishioner. THIS IS A SCAM! It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. There is an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the Diocese, Parish, or school. If you receive such a text or email, please immediately contact the Diocesan/Parish/school directly.
Donations needed for Our Mother’s House
Our Mother’s House, a transitional housing program for homeless mom’s with young children operated by Catholic Charities in Venice, is making an appeal for donated cleaning supplies and other items. To learn more about the need, and how to drop off supplies, please call 941-485-6264, or email ckane@ccdov.org, or omh@ccdov.org.
Mental Health Counseling Services
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice is offering Mental Health Counseling, and Tele-Health Counseling, for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information, please call 239-455-2655 or visit Catholic Charities online.
Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese
Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice for pastoral outreach, to distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.
Retreat Center seeks volunteers
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice needs your help; they are looking for volunteers. Help provide a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who come to OLPH seeking transformation in Christ. Areas of need include reception, gardening, dishwashing, and serving meals. Contact the office to sign up at 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/new-volunteer.
Free Rosary Repair Service
Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, Free Rosary Repair Service, 7930 Estero Blvd., Unit 502, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Rosaries will be repaired and returned within the week of receipt. Donations of old rosaries are also accepted, which will be repaired and sent to missions. Include a note indicating repair or donation. For more details, please call 239-463-3993, 860-595-6370 or holdenbnd@gmail.com.
Private retreats available
The fall schedule of private retreats at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is posted and has openings for Desert Days, 3, 5, and 7-night individual (directed) retreats. Group retreats are also available: To learn more or to register for a group or private retreat, please visit our website: http://www.olph-retreat.org/individual-retreat-overview.
