Bob Reddy, Author at Diocese of Venice

Hunger is focus of Pope’s May prayer intention – Diocese is on the frontline to feed those in need

Posted on May 11, 2026May 11, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Catholic Social Teaching tells us that food is a fundamental human right, not a commodity, emphasizing that every person requires access to adequate nutrition to live with dignity.

Pope Leo XIV, with his May 2026 prayer intention as a platform, prays “That everyone might have food. Let us pray that everyone from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.”

Pope Leo demands a moral response to hunger to ensure that everyone has access to quality food while also avoiding waste, calling on the faithful to confront the problem of food insecurity with both prayer and concrete action.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said that since all human life is sacred, access to food is a basic right necessary to life. “Hunger is not someone else’s problem; it is a shared moral responsibility for all to act.”

Within the Diocese of Venice there are more than a dozen food pantries of varying sizes which combine to help hundreds of families each day and tens of thousands each month.

Among the 15 largest food pantries in the Diocese, including those run by Catholic Charities, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and individual Parishes, tens of thousands of people are spared from going hungry each month.

Food pantries were initially established at Parishes and in communities to help families in a crisis. However, because of rapidly rising costs of not just food, but also gasoline, medicines, and other necessities, combined with season layoffs and a tight local job market, pantry staff and volunteers are now seeing people entering their doors who have previously never needed food before.

To maximize donations, nearly all of the larger food pantries in the Diocese have transitioned from the drive-thru model, which created tremendous waste, to a “Choice Pantry.”

A “Choice Pantry” is when someone comes to a pantry needing food and they have a “mini shopping experience” (similar to shopping at a chosen retail grocery store) where they choose the foods their family will eat. Volunteers explain the “points system” – how everything on the shelves has a point value and where each household is assigned points for shopping based on the number of people needing food. There is no cash, only points, for food. Remarkably, most families don’t use all their points as they select only the food their family will eat, meaning food waste is virtually nonexistent.

“The need is growing, and we are doing everything we can to keep up because no one should have to wonder where their next meal will come from,” said Jenny Muñoz, Catholic Charities Desoto County Regional Director. The DeSoto County office in Arcadia hosts a “Choice Pantry” which serves about 2,600 individuals and families each month, up from only 800 a month just six months ago.

Muñoz said the massive increase in demand can be attributed to multiple factors, such as the conversion from a drive-thru to a Choice Pantry distribution, and an expansion of operating hours, including two evenings each week.

“It is really about meeting the needs of the community,” Muñoz said. “Parents, grandparents and neighbors come through our food pantry and shop with dignity for only the items they need and leave with full carts and full hearts. But behind every cart is a growing need. With the generosity of our many benefactors helping to keep our shelves stocked and our doors open, we are providing hope for every family who walks through.”

In the most recent fiscal year, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc. provided food to 95,588 at six locations and is projected to reach 119,500 by the end of the current fiscal year. This is in addition to disaster relief operations after Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024, which distributed food to 8,100 families in a two week period. Following Hurricane Ian in 2022 Catholic Charities distributed 2,504 tons of supplies, and provided food to 115,747 people, plus an additional 22,492 hot meals, in the first month after the storm. In addition to those impressive numbers, Catholic Charities also provides after school food for 75 children each week, a number that jumps to 150 each week for children participating in summer camps.

Sadly, most of the increase in demand at Catholic Charities and other pantries is from fixed-income senior citizens, said Catholic Charities CEO Christopher M. Root. “The seniors must make hard choices when it comes to expenses. Catholic Charities is there to provide the food they need to survive.”

Dan Freidrich, Director of the St. Joseph Food Pantry in Bradenton, noted that 31 percent of the population of Manatee County does not earn enough to sustain their standard of living. “People must make choices everyday between paying for childcare, paying for medicines, rent or groceries. At St. Joseph Food Pantry we believe nobody should go hungry.”

On a smaller scale, the more than 200 families every month who receive food at the St. Michael Parish Choice Pantry in Wauchula rely on donations from regional food banks, as well as other Parishes and individual benefactors, said Pantry Director Sister Maria de Talpa, a Servant Sister of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara.

“We have Knights of Columbus who bring trailers of food, and we have good relationships with other providers,” Sister Maria said. “Sometimes I worry if we will have enough to meet the demand, but it all comes down to Divine Providence.”

One of the newest food pantries in the region is the Twelve Baskets Food Pantry at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota. Open every Wednesday, the pantry was opened in 2025 to meet a demand in the community to help people with food insecurity.

Another new food pantry is Table of Plenty at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral. The pantry operates out of the Parish Hall and had only four visitors when it debuted in 2022. Kathy Anderson, who helped found the food pantry, said the pantry “now serves 40 to 60 families on the third Friday of each month. We distributed more than 30,000 pounds of food in 2025.”

The St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Conference in Punta Gorda has Choice Pantry hours three days a week and provides five days of food to 17,437 individuals each year.

Tony Rivera, Vice President of the Sacred Heart Conference said the switch to a Choice Pantry made a huge difference in lowering the waste and helped streamline the food distribution process. “We help our friends and neighbors in a dignified way,” Rivera said. “It is not easy for someone to come asking for food. We understand that.”

The food pantries in the Diocese of Venice receive food from donations, Parish food drives and regional food banks, such as Midwest Food Bank of Florida based in Fort Myers, All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota, Harry Chapin Food Bank in Fort Myers and Naples, and Feeding Tampa Bay.

If you need food, or would like to support a food pantry in your area, please contact individual food pantries, or Parishes to learn of an affiliated food pantry, as well as to learn details on future food collections or how to volunteer.

Helping Catholic Charities food pantries

You can support each food pantry by donating food directly to each location, or by specifying your financial donation by visiting https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

Food Pantries within the Diocese of Venice

Arcadia – DeSoto County Catholic Charities – 863-494-1068 – 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Monday and Wednesday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. – 11a.m. Friday,
Bokeelia – Pine Island Food Pantry – Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish – 760-529-7238 – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Monday and Thursday,
Bonita Springs – Juan Diego Outreach Center, Catholic Charities – 239-390-2928 – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Fridays,
Bradenton – St. Joseph Food Pantry – 941-756-3732 – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Monday – Friday. For details visit https://www.stjoepantry.com/,
Cape Coral – St. Katharine Drexel Food Pantry – 239-283-9501 – 9 a.m. – noon, third Friday of each month,
Clewiston – St. Margaret Parish, Catholic Charities – 239-334-4007, ext. 2103 – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday,
Fort Myers – Elizabeth K. Galeana Food Pantry, Catholic Charities – 239-334-4007, ext. 2103 – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thursdays,
Fort Myers – Jesus the Worker Food Pantry – 239-693-5333 – 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Tuesday and Saturday,
Grove City – St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry – 941-697-4899 – 9:15 a.m. -11:15 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday,
Immokalee – Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities 239-657-6242, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday – Friday,
Naples – Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, of Catholic Charities – 239-793-0059 – 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Wednesday and Thursday,
Naples – St. Vincent de Paul Family Assistance Center – 239-775-2907: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday. For details visit https://www.svdpnaples.org/,
Punta Gorda – St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference – 25200 Airport Road – 941-575-0767: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday. For details, visit https://www.svdppg.org/,
Sarasota – St. Jude Food Pantry – 941-955-3934 – 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday,
Sarasota – St. Thomas More Food Pantry – 941-923-1691 – 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday,
Wauchula – St. Michael Food Pantry – 863-773-4089 – 7 a.m. – 8:45 a.m., Saturday.

St. Joseph the Worker, Patron of the Universal Church recognized in May

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Bob Reddy

To foster deep devotion to St. Joseph among Catholics, on May 1, 1955, Pope Pius XII instituted the Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker to provide a Christian context for labor, specifically to coincide with International Workers Day. He aimed to highlight the dignity of work, calling St. Joseph “the humble workman of Nazareth” and the “provident guardian of families.”

The Catholic Church has long placed an importance on the dignity of human work. By working, we fulfill the commands found in the Book of Genesis to care for the earth and be productive in our labors.

The Catholic Church teaches that work is a fundamental dimension of human existence, a form of continuing participation in God’s creation, and a means of personal fulfillment. Work possesses dignity because it is performed by the human person, not just to produce goods or profit, and is, therefore, a right.

“Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation,” said Bishop Frank J. Dewane. “Working can draw us closer to God by helping us to find and fulfill our purpose on this Earth. Work can be sanctified by the idea that every task has been given to us by God and is completed for His greater glory.”

St. Joseph is one of the few saints who is celebrated in the Liturgical Calendar with two Feast Days (St. John the Baptist, birth and martyrdom, St. Peter, Chair of St. Peter and Solemnity, St. Paul, conversion and Solemnity, and St. Benedict, traditional death and translation of relics). In addition to May 1, St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19, when he is honored as Patron Saint of the Church, which he cares for just as he cared chastely for the Son entrusted to him by the Lord, and his wife, Mary.

“St. Joseph is a figure who led by example, while also offering powerful prayer and protection as Patriarch of the Universal Church,” Bishop Dewane said. “As a worker, St. Joseph offers fruitful protection of the workers who learn from his example and entrust themselves to his intercession.”

Pope Leo XIV on the Dignity of Work

Throughout the first year of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV has returned repeatedly to the topics of labor, economics and the dignity of work. To a group of young professionals on April 18, 2026, the Holy Father said, “Be a living presence in the Church in the places where you work; in international institutions, in diplomacy, in organizations, in the world of work. Be men and women who build bridges, while others raise walls. Be credible in the silence of deeds, rather than visible in your words. Be a sign, not merely a presence.”

During an audience for the Jubilee of the World of Work on Nov. 8, 2025, Pope Leo said, “Work must be a source of hope and life, allowing the expression of individual creativity and capacity for good.” And then on Dec. 22, 2025, to the employees of the Roman Curia, the Holy Father said, “Sometimes we are so caught up in our occupations that we do not think about the Lord or the Church; but the very fact of working with dedication, trying to give our best, and also — for you lay people — with love for your family, for your children, gives glory to the Lord.”

St. Joseph the Worker as Saint

In some images, St. Joseph is seen holding lilies, which symbolize integrity and indicate that he was the earthly spouse of the Blessed Mother, whose purity is represented by a white lily. A group of three lilies can represent the Trinity. It is believed that St. Joseph died before Jesus began his public ministry.

In addition to being the patron of the Universal Church and workers in general, St. Joseph is also the patron saint of several professions including craftsmen, carpenters, accountants, attorneys, bursars, cabinetmakers, cemetery workers, civil engineers, confectioners, educators, furniture makers, wheelwrights, and lawyers.

The Diocese of Venice has several locations named in honor of St. Joseph including the following: St. Joseph Parish and Catholic School in Bradenton; St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Moore Haven; San Jose Mission in Fort Myers and Campo San Jose Retreat Center in Lake Placid.

New men’s choir blessed by Bishop

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Bob Reddy

“Dei Verbum,” the newly formed Men’s Choir at Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers, was blessed by Bishop Frank J. Dewane after making their debut during a Mass for the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 2, 2026.

Before blessing the choir and accompanying musicians, Bishop Dewane praised their skill and expressed his certainty that their music will inspire all who hear them. During the blessing, Bishop Dewane called upon God to instill courage upon the men who have answered a specific call of the Lord in their lives.

Father Benjamin Casimir, Administrator of Jesus the Worker Parish, encouraged the formation of the choir, modeling them after the Haitian Men’s Choir at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, where Father served prior to his assignment at Jesus the Worker.

It was on Jan. 6 when Father Casimir presented the idea of the men’s choir to the Parish, and quickly enthusiastic singers and musicians offered their talents to the endeavor. Since then, they have been rehearsing for their debut for Bishop Dewane. The name of the choir, “Dei Verbum,” is Latin for “Word of God,” something Father Casmir said best reflects their purpose in “serving the people of God by singing to the Lord.”

Dressed in black suits, with a white dress shirt, red tie and a red rose on their lapels, the coordination of color added to their presence. After the choir was blessed by Bishop Dewane, the members were enthusiastically applauded. Following the conclusion of the Mass, Father Casimir joined the choir while the newly confirmed had family photos taken.

The principal leader of the choir is Jose Osmin Garcia, and during the Confirmation Mass, the director was Maynor Alexander Ramirez Torez.

“Thank you everyone for your unconditional support and constant prayer,” Father Casimir said to the Parish faithful.

Catholic Charities receives $25,000 Grant from the Community Foundation

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc. (CCDOV) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support its Casa San Juan Bosco 2Gen Educational Program, expanding access to critical educational resources for families in rural DeSoto County.

The Casa San Juan Bosco program addresses the intergenerational barriers to education faced by low-income, primarily Spanish-speaking families, many of whom are agricultural, migrant, or seasonal workers. Through a two-generation (2Gen) approach, the program provides coordinated learning opportunities for both children and their parents – strengthening literacy, workforce readiness, and long-term family stability.

“Catholic Charities is honored to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for their generous grant,” said Christopher M. Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice. “The vital funding will support our 2Gen Educational Program, furthering our mission to provide critical support to children and families in DeSoto County.”

Grant funding will support the addition of a part-time Educational Assistant and provide access to Renaissance educational software, a data-driven platform that delivers individualized learning pathways in reading and math. With this additional staffing support, the program will expand its capacity to serve children, increasing enrollment from 22 to 32 participants, while ensuring services remain free and accessible to families.

Children in the program benefit from afterschool tutoring and summer literacy enrichment, while parents participate in English language classes, workforce development, and life skills training. By equipping both generations with the tools to succeed, the program helps break cycles of poverty and builds a foundation for long-term success.

Looking ahead, CCDOV aims to further strengthen the program by improving emotional resilience and academic engagement among participants, expanding therapeutic and family support services, and demonstrating outcomes that can be replicated in other underserved communities.

Funding for this program was provided by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County through the Community Impact Grant.

News Briefs for the week of May 8, 2026

Posted on May 11, 2026May 11, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Ascension Solemnity moved to Sunday, May 17

The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Sunday, will be celebrated in the Diocese of Venice on May 17, 2026 (moved from May 14). The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops voted in the year 2000 to transfer the Solemnity of the Ascension from the Thursday, 40 days after Easter, to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, in accord with an indult granted to the US. Conference of Catholic Bishops by the Holy See. Therefore, for the Catholic Churches in the State of Florida, the Seventh Sunday of Easter is replaced by the Solemnity of the Ascension.

Cape Coral teacher and students recognized

St. Andrew Catholic School teacher Tonya Roberts, as well as students Carter Willoughby, 5th grade, and Linnea Kerr, 8th grade, were recognized during the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education Awards on May 4, 2026. The annual event honors educators and students from each of the local schools. Each honoree is presented a plaque and gifts provided by local businesses. Congratulations to the honorees!

Two Cardinal Mooney seniors achieve Eagle Scout rank

Beatrice Airey and Will Ittig, two graduating seniors from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Beatrice earned an impressive 31 merit badges. For her Eagle Scout project, she led a fundraising effort to purchase a band trailer and worked on outfitting it with the necessary fittings and equipment – leaving a lasting impact on the school community. Will also earned 31 merit badges. For his Eagle Scout project, he built Stations of the Cross at Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto creating a lasting and meaningful space for prayer and reflection, For both students, the Eagle Scout rank was earned through dedication, leadership, and service. Congratulations to Beatrice and Will for this remarkable achievement!

Students write prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Fourth grade students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers spent time on May 5, 2026, to write prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary after learning about Marian Apparitions and the significance of Mary as the Mother of the Church. The month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Mother Mary and the lesson took place in the school butterfly garden where a statue of Mary is on display.

House Olympics lots of fun in Naples

The annual House Olympics at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples took place on April 29, 2026, with Raley House taking the victory. Neumann has four “Houses” which serve as a form of student government, dividing students into different teams. Throughout the year these teams earn points for success in various academic and athletic individual and team competitions. The House Olympics was the final competition. The House system helps younger students become more familiar with Neumann as freshman and through the years the older students serve as mentors to their House members.

Student choir recognized at Law Day

The St. Catherine Catholic School Choir was invited to perform at the Highlands Country Bar Association Law Day 2026 in Sebring on April 30, 2026. In addition, three St. Catherine students were recognized for their work in the Bar Associations American Dream contest which included posters and essays. Mayra Trejo-Bautista took first place in the sixth – eighth grade division poster contest and won a prize of $100. Isabella Mier took third place and received a $25 prize. In the essay contest, Francis Rivas Largaespada finished second in the sixth – eighth grade division for a prize of $50.

Catholic Scouting Mass May 17 in Fort Myers

The annual Catholic Scouting Mass and Recognition Luncheon with Bishop Frank J. Dewane will be held at 11:30 a.m., May 17, 2026, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. For more information, please contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-441-1122

Ignatian Preached Retreat at OLPH May 8-11

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is hosting an Ignatian Preached Retreat May 8-11, 2026. This three-night silent retreat will introduce participants to the great themes of the Spiritual Exercises in a group setting. The schedule includes conferences each day, daily Mass, and an opportunity to meet at least once with the retreat director for Confession and/or spiritual direction. Conference topics center on Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment. Total cost is $525 per person for a private room and $360 per person for a shared room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained). To register, please visit www.olph-retreat.org.

Bereavement Retreat in Spanish May 15-17

For Spanish-speaking parents grieving the death of a child, a weekend Bereavement Retreat will be offered in Spanish, May 15-17, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice, 3989 S. Moon Drive. Led by Deacon Roberto Landron and a team of grieving parents, this retreat offers a safe space to find comfort, peace, and healing through prayer and reflection. To register, click here. For more information contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice, 941-486-4754.

Retiro de Duelo en español, del 15 al 17 de mayo

Para padres de habla hispana que están atravesando el duelo por la muerte de un hijo, se ofrecerá un Retiro de Duelo de fin de semana en español, del 15 al 17 de mayo de 2026, en el Centro de Retiros Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro (Our Lady of Perpetual Help), ubicado en 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Dirigido por el Diácono Roberto Landron y un equipo de padres en duelo, este retiro ofrece un espacio seguro para encontrar consuelo, paz y sanación a través de la oración y la reflexión.Para inscribirse, haga clic aquí. Para más información, comuníquese con Jim Gontis, 941-486-4754.

Charity Golf Tournament

The annual St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament has an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start May 16, 2026, at Heritage Harbour Golf Club, 8000 Stone Harbour Loop, Bradenton. The cost is $150 per player. Please call Connie Taft at 941-685-2108 to register or for sponsorship opportunities.

Theology on Tap May 21 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., May 21, 2026, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The featured speaker is Father Thomas Carzon, O.M.V. Pastor of San Pedro Parish in North Port, who will be leading a talk called, “Do whatever He tells you. (John 2:5),” which was advice offered by Blessed Mother during the Wedding at Cana. 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.

Pentecost Retreat May 23 in Fort Myers

The Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish is hosting a one-day Pentecost Retreat, 9 a.m.-3:25 p.m., May 23, 2026, in the Parish Center, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The retreat, titled “Come Holy Spirit, Come Bless US with the Fire of Your Love,” will include a light breakfast and lunch. The retreat concludes in time for the Pentecost Vigil Mass at 3:30 p.m. There is no charge. Register by contacting Janet Almen at 708-525-4352.

Catholic Singles event May 23 in Naples

The Catholic Fellowship Around Singles Ministry Presents is calling all Catholic singles in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, to a summer singles event, 6-8 p.m., May 23, 2026, at the St. Agnes parish Center Hall, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. The presentation titled, “Prolonged Singleness: Walking With God in the Wait,” will be offered by Father Alan Baldarelli. Dinner will be provided free of charge.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter in Tampa June 5-7

Successful marriages don’t work on automatic pilot, like a garden, they require constant attention: fertilizing, watering, and weeding. Join the Worldwide Marriage Encounter and discover God’s plan for joy, romance and passion in your marriage June 5-7, 2026, at the Franciscan Center in Tampa. This is the closest Worldwide Marriage Encounter to the Diocese of Venice in 2026. Apply today at www.wwme.org or call 813-270-7832.

Rummage Sale in Punta Gorda June 6

The Sacred Heart Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is hosting its next Rummage Sale 8 a.m.-11 a.m., June 6, 2026, at 25200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda. Items available for purchase will include household items, furniture, linens, clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, books and toys Proceeds will go toward the Society’s continuing efforts to raise money to assist those in need in the community. For more information, please call 941-575-0767.

Inter-Parish “Life in the Spirit” seminar in Naples June 13

St. William Parish, 750 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting an Inter-Parish “Life in the Spirit” seminar, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., June 13, 2026, in the Blessed Mother Center. The seminar will be facilitated by representatives from St. William, St. Agnes, St. Ann and St. John the Evangelist Parishes. The seminar will include talks, discussion groups, and a prayer service for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your personal life. There will be music and fellowship and a light lunch is included. RSVP by email and include your name and contact number to Susan Westly at susan@saintwilliam.org. Please include “Life in the Spirit Seminar” in the subject line. For additional details call 239-397-5757.

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 of married couples, and a priest, 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.

Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Missionary Opportunity for Summer 2026

The Diocese of Venice is now accepting applications for college-aged young adults to serve as Totus Tuus Missionaries for the 2026 Parish evangelization and catechesis Summer Program. This role involves traveling in teams to approximately seven parishes throughout the Diocese, leading catechetical sessions for children and youth. Responsibilities include teaching the Catholic Faith using the Totus Tuus curriculum, facilitating activities, including skits and songs, working collaboratively as a team, teaching about the Mass, leading Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, discussion groups for teenagers and Evening Prayer. This is a paid position. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a High School graduate and must be available for the complete program schedule, May 20 – July 24, 2026. Visit the Diocese of Venice website for more information or to register, or contact Andres Prias, Diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

WARNING – Text/Email SCAM Alert

It has been brought to the attention of the Diocese of Venice 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. 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!

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 is in need of 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.

May – month dedicated to Mary – Growing closer to Jesus through His Mother

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Bob Reddy

The Blessed Virgin Mary’s path of faith and hope serves as an example to all.

This is just one of the reasons that the Universal Church dedicates the Month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The month serves as an opportunity to reflect upon the season of the Liturgical Year which largely corresponds with the fifty days of Easter. Therefore, time should be taken to reflect on Our Lady’s participation in the Paschal mystery and in Pentecost at which point the Church has its beginning through the arrival of the Holy Spirit.

The path of faith and hope the Blessed Virgin Mary provides to the world is something that is celebrated during the month of May. This path brings us into a closer relationship with Christ.

When Mary, the Immaculate handmaid of the Lord, said “Yes!” to the message of the Archangel, She followed the One who bestows universal favors, and the human race would never, ever be the same. Mary trusted in the will of God to the fullest measure: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled (Luke 1:45).”

Pope Leo XIV said Mary’s “Yes!” was not a one-time act but a daily commitment. “Jesus invites us to be part of his Kingdom, just as he asked Mary for her ‘yes,’ which, once given, was renewed every day,” Pope Leo said.

Pope Leo has a great affection for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Two days after he was elected, his first trip outside of Rome on May 10, 2025, was to Genazzano, a small town of just over 5,000 inhabitants located about 19 miles southeast of the Italian capital, to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel. This shrine was founded in the 15th century by an Augustinian nun, Blessed Petruccia, and is cared for by an Augustinian community.

When Pope Leo went to the Shrine, he said that after choosing to “offer his life to the Church,” he wanted to reiterate his “trust in the Mother of Good Counsel,” describing her as a companion “of light and wisdom.” The Holy Father later said we must always be faithful to the Virgin Mother, recalling the words of the Virgin Mary during the episode of the Wedding at Cana in the Gospel of St. John: “Do whatever he tells you.”

During a Mass for the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, Pope Leo said, “Our affection for Mary of Nazareth leads us to join her in becoming disciples of Jesus. It teaches us to return to Him and to meditate and ponder the events of our own lives in which the Risen One still comes to us and calls us.”

Pope Leo XIV concluded his remarks during the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality with a prayer entrusting the Church to the Blessed Mother. “May Mary Most Holy, our hope,” he prayed, “intercede for us and continue to lead us to Jesus, the crucified Lord,” he prayed. “In Him, there is salvation for all.”

May is also the time when young Catholics often receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time. Further, at Parishes and Catholic Schools in the Diocese there are May Crowning ceremonies in which a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is given a crown of flowers. In addition, many teens receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, added that May should also be a time to renew a commitment to praying the Mysteries of the Rosary (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous). Our Lady has 117 titles but selected this title at Fatima: “I am the Lady of the Rosary.” St. Francis de Sales said the greatest method of praying is to “Pray the Rosary.”

“Praying the Mysteries of the Rosary strengthens us in faith, in our vocation and in our mission,” Bishop Dewane added. “By Her example of humility and openness to God’s will, She helps us to transmit our faith in a joyful proclamation of the Gospel to all, without any reservation.”

Bishop Dewane, in unity with the priests and faithful of the Diocese of Venice, formally consecrated the Diocese to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Dec. 24, 2017, the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The consecration was the culmination of the structured 33-day “Diocesan Advent Journey to Jesus through Mary.” By this Act of Consecration, the faithful conferred the Diocese and its good works to Our Lady so as to strive fulfill the will of her Divine Son for His Church.

Our Lady is an important symbol throughout the Diocese. Our Lady of Mercy is the Patroness of the Diocese of Venice and is the name of a Parish on Boca Grande. In addition, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice bears Her name, and numerous other Parishes are named in honor Our Lady including: St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Longboat Key; Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch; Our Lady of Grace, Avon Park; Our Lady of Guadalupe, Immokalee; Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, Bokeelia; Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Osprey; Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Sarasota; and Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle.

Pope Paul VI wrote an encyclical in 1965 citing the Month of Mary devotion as a means of obtaining prayers for peace. May is the month during which the piety of the faithful has especially dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Paul VI wrote, and May is the time for a “moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world [pay] to the Queen of Heaven. During this month Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance”

The Christian custom of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin arose at the end of the 13th century. In this way, the Church was able to Christianize the secular feasts which were to take place at that time. In the 16th century, books appeared and fostered this devotion.

May is not the only month dedicated to Mary, October, with its celebration of Our Lady of the Rosary (Oct. 7), is also dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. The rededication of this month to praying the rosary is used to help bring the faithful closer to Christ. The month is also designated as Respect Life Month as the faithful seek the intercessions of Mary and Jesus Christ to bring an end to abortion in the U.S. and the world.

Youth Center blessed in Fort Myers

Posted on May 5, 2026May 5, 2026 by Bob Reddy

After much work and prayer, and little bit of time, the faithful of St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers gathered for the blessing of the newly constructed St. John Bosco Youth Center.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane presided over the Youth Center blessing on April 26, 2026. “We pray that the Word of God will always echo from its walls,” Bishop Dewane said. “We bless all who will use this Youth Center, and that all who come here know the presence of Christ, experience the joy of His friendship and grow in His love.”

During the blessing, Bishop blessed the people, including dozens of youth who will benefit from the Center, and then the facility. In addition, he blessed a plaque dedicated to Marilyn Brummer, whose generous gift helped to make the Youth Center possible. Two family members were present for the blessing and dedication.

Father Jay Raju, Pastor of St. John XXIII, Father Raju thanked the Bishop for supporting the project, ensuring its success.

Father Raju also thanked all who contributed to making the Youth Center possible. “Many in our community have been generous with their dedication, skills, and talents, in finally being able to celebrate the long-awaited completion of the Youth Center. I appreciate everyone’s role in bringing this project to life and helping transform it into such a beautiful building; a home for future generations to nurture faith and leadership.”

Laura Cerna, Youth Council President, and part of the Faith In Action Team (F.I.A.T), a group responsible for planning youth and family events for the Parish, welcomed everyone to the grand opening and said she prays it becomes a space filled with laughter, learning, and a strong sense of community.

Kinsey Peplinski, F.I.A.T. co-event coordinator, quoted the Gospel of Matthew, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20).” This will be a place of prayer, joy, faith, friendship and growth, guiding our youth who are walking through life today and for years to come.”

Kelly Evers, Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, said it was “a glorious day for our youth and for our Parish.”

Evers said the Youth Center has been in the planning stages for many years and its completion can be traced back to the first Parish Youth Councils seeking a place to call their own. “We’ve come a long way since then. Isn’t it wonderful. We have such a generous Parish and we are blessed to have so many families.”

The Youth Center is named for an Italian Saint who was a priest and educator in the 19^th century and includes a large gathering room, as well as smaller meeting spaces. There is also a covered pavilion for outdoor gatherings, as well as facilities for games, such as volleyball, and other fun. Eventually, the outside of the building will have mosaics and a statue of St. Carlo Acutis, the newest Catholic saint who was canonized by Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 7, 2025. St. Carlo was an Italian teen who died in 2006 at the age of 15 and was known for his devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist and his use of digital media to promote Eucharistic Miracles around the world and is recognized as the first 21st Century Saint.

Following the blessing, the Youth Praise and Worship Team performed music, while pizza and refreshments were offered. In addition, a round-robin volleyball tournament took place, with Father Raju joining in the fun.

Championship rings presented to Mooney football team

Posted on May 5, 2026May 5, 2026 by Bob Reddy

The Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Class 2A state championship football team from Sarasota was recognized during a Ring Ceremony in the school gymnasium on April 23, 2026.

The players, coaches, cheer team, and support staff were each presented with a championship ring. The ring is emblazoned with a Cougar head logo enameled in gold and black in the center; State Champions written in gold on either side; and diamond chips throughout.

The Cougars took the Class 2A title in December 2025 after finishing the year with a 14-1 record. The championship was the team’s second in three years (2023), and third overall (1972).

The rings were blessed by Father Michael Scheip, with Mooney Principal Ben Hopper, and Head Coach Jared Clark presenting the rings. Each player was hugged by Clark and the other coaches. Many family members, students and teachers were present for the ceremony cheering on the championship team.

“You know I look out at the team and the parents and I just feel blessed,” Clark told reporters following the ceremony. “The 2025 team was a special team. I think it’s the most talented team that we’ve ever had here in the history of the school.”

Senior Center Ethan Salata, wearing two championship rings (2023 and 2025), told reporters, “You know, it’s the second one, but this team’s a lot different than the first one… we really came out together as one, and grew a lot throughout the year.”

Senior Cornerback Hayden Pettit added, “I think that we can just look back at this moment, and it will remind us of our friends and stuff, and what we did here, and how special this was.”

To win the Class 2A state championship the Cougars defeated the Bolles School of Jacksonville 52-28 in a game played Dec. 10, 2025, in Miami. Cardinal Mooney won the state championship in 2023, then fell in the state semifinal in 2024. Previously, Cougar football teams only made it this far in the playoffs a few times, earning a state title in 1972 and reaching the semifinals in 2006.

The championship team was led by quarterbacks Davin Davidson, who finished the season with 2,192 yards passing, and 21 passing touchdowns, and Devin Mignery, who had 348 yards, 4 touchdown passes, while also rushing for 423 yards and an additional touchdown.

The leading rusher was Connail Jackson, who had 190 carries, for 2,547 yards, and 39 touchdowns. The top receiver was Kymistrii Young, who led the way with 42 receptions for 936 yards and 8 touchdowns.

The defense was led by KJ Brown, with 109 tackles; and Jayden Burnett, with 102 tackles. Elijah Golden had 67 tackles, including 14 sacks, while Bryce Fulda had 59 tackles, including 13 sacks. Vantrez Yarn led the team with 7 interceptions.

The Cougars finished their 2025 championship season ranked by MaxPreps as the No. 6 team in the State of Florida, and No. 60 in the nation.

2026 Boots & Bandanas celebrate work of Catholic Charities

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Cowboy hats and boots, as well as colorful bandanas were on display during the annual western-inspired Boots & Bandanas event took place on April 24, 2026, at the St. Paul Parish Hall.

Boots & Bandanas was held to support the good works of Catholic Charities in DeSoto County which reach young and old alike with services that range from food, financial support, youth programs, counseling and housing.

The evening put a spotlight on what Catholic Charities does each day to support food security and education programs serving families across DeSoto County.

Christopher M. Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, spoke about the incredible team of staff and volunteers who step up each day to support the community.

“There are beautiful things being done here in Arcadia,” Root said. “We assist people and try to help everyone with every need, but first we strive to give everyone who comes to us dignity. We want them to know and understand who they are, made in image and likeness of God. They are important to us… When they no longer need our assistance, we are giving them the one thing they will carry with them forever, the love we share with them, the love of Christ that we give them that they can take to eternal life and that is endlessly shared with everyone with whom they come in contact.”

The event included dinner, dancing, a silent auction and a gift from the heart. Proceeds will stay in DeSoto County. Father Luis Pacheco, Pastor of St. Paul Parish, offered the blessing before the meal.

Catholic Charities in DeSoto works out of several locations in Arcadia. The main is near St. Paul Parish. Through this office, financial assistance is offered to individuals and families facing hardships, with counselors working diligently to alleviate this burden by offering financial aid for rental/mortgage payments, transportation costs, utility bills, and medications as funds are available.

The food pantry, located in the former Parish Hall of St. Paul Parish, has expanded its operations going to 5-days-a-week, exponentially reaching more people, from about 800 a month, to 2,600. The walk-in food pantry offers a dignified process to allow individuals and families facing food insecurity to choose the items they need, including fresh produce, pantry staples and essential household essentials, while avoiding unnecessary waste. Due to the rising cost of food and other items, the food pantry continues to see an increase in demand. Financial and food donations are always welcome.

Catholic Charities also operates Casa San Juan Bosco housing, which includes dozens of single-family homes for low-income families in the farming industry. Adjacent to that is St. John Paul II Villas, a housing for low-income seniors. Both programs have associated support programs to ensure the residents have the support they need including offering life skills courses for adults. In addition, Casa San Juan Bosco hosts an educational enrichment program with an after-school and summer programs for children.

If you are interested helping Catholic Charities in DeSoto County, please call 863-494-1068. If you would like to make a financial donation, please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

News Briefs for the week of May 1, 2026

Posted on May 5, 2026May 5, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Parish celebrates Children’s Day

St. Michael Parish in Wauchula and Holy Child Mission in Bowling Green held a Children’s Day “Celebrating the Innocence of a Child,” April 26, 2026. The gathering included a kid-friendly costume contest, pinatas, inflatables, and food. The event took place at the future home of Holy Child Mission, and included an open house of the facility, which is being renovated into a Catholic Church.

Big bubbles educate students

Creating soap bubbles is not just for fun. It takes patience and perseverance to get the big bubbles. Making bubbles at St. Mary Academy in Sarasota on April 28, 2026, the experiments with soap bubbles offered significant educational and developmental benefits for the children. The benefits included enhancing fine/gross motor skills, visual tracking, language development, and emotional regulation. It promotes sensory play, oral motor development, and provides early exposure to scientific concepts like surface tension. The students and teachers had a blast!

Food drive supports Catholic Charities

St. Ann Parish in Naples hosted a food drive the weekend of April 18-19, 2026, to benefit the Catholic Charities food pantry at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center. Boy Scouts from the Parish Troop 165 and their parents helped gather the full bags and load a truck.

WARNING – Text/Email SCAM Alert

It has once again been brought to the attention of the Diocese of Venice 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, which were more frequent during the Christmas Season, 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 SPAM often claims that the priest/Bishop/staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child, relative, or parishioner. The message then asks the person to purchase gift cards/money and then to text/email the redemption code and PIN number. It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. Without this awareness, some have responded to the spoofed messages, with consequences, including loss of funds. 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 SCAM text or email, please immediately contact the Diocesan/Parish/school directly!

Catholic Scouting Mass May 17 in Fort Myers

The annual Catholic Scouting Mass and Recognition Luncheon with Bishop Frank J. Dewane will be held at 11:30 a.m., May 17, 2026, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/scouts-award-ceremony-2026. The deadline to register is May 4. For more information, please contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-441-1122

Ignatian Preached Retreat at OLPH May 8-11

Bereavement Retreat in Spanish May 15-17

Retiro de Duelo en español, del 15 al 17 de mayo

Charity Golf Tournament

Theology on Tap May 21 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 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, a very special night of fellowship, faith, and fun with fellow Catholic young adults from across the Diocese, is 7 – 9 p.m., May 21, 2026, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The featured speaker is Father Thomas Carzon, O.M.V. Pastor of San Pedro Parish in North Port, who will be leading a talk called, “Do whatever He tells you.(John 2:5).” Advice from our Blessed Mother.Don’t miss this chance to grow in faith, connect with others, and enjoy an evening out with friends old and new. Theology on Tap meets on the third Thursday of every month. 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.

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 of married couples, and a priest, who will share their experiences and information, enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. Register new at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2026-day-of-reflection-mp-retreat. Please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-486-4754.

Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Missionary Opportunity for Summer 2026

Mental Health Counseling Services

Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese

Retreat Center seeks volunteers

Free Rosary Repair Service