Bob Reddy, Author at Diocese of Venice

News Briefs for the Week of March 11, 2022

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Students excel at Knights free throw contest

Congratulations to St. Joseph Catholic School students from Bradenton who competed in the Knights of Columbus State Free Throw Contest on March 5, 2022, at Melbourne High School in Melbourne. Bendli took 1st place for 12-year-old boys; Serafina was second for 13-year-old girls; Nathan was third for 11-year-old boys; and Rodnel won at the regional level for nine-year-old boys. Students competed in their age level divisions after having won local, district, and regional levels.

Cheer Team wins Championship

The Incarnation Catholic School Cheer Team from Sarasota took first place in the Feb. 28, 2022, East Coast Cheer Championships in Tampa. Congratulations Ladies!

Stations Prayer Garden unveiled in Fort Myers

A new Stations of the Cross Prayer Garden was designed and constructed by Bishop Verot Catholic High School woodshop students to encourage everyone to visit and meditate on the Passion of our Lord. It was unveiled in Fort Myers on March 3, 2022, and includes the 14 Stations of the Cross, which depict the last hours of Jesus’ life: from His condemnation to His burial.

Junior Olympics held in Naples

Another great retreat is in the books at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples. The Junior Olympics for the class of 2023 was held March 3, 2022, as the students spent the day learning, working, and competing together.

Middle school students help NASA

Middle school students at St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral have been assisting NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) with beta testing on a new generation of electric-powered aircraft that can fly safely while conserving resources and reducing pollution. The St. Andrew students had a unique opportunity to assist NASA by beta testing a new lesson that the agency developed to inspire the next generation of aeronautic engineers. The lesson, titled “Wingin’ It,” is a multiphase STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, Math) lesson for engaging students in experimental aircraft research. The students worked in teams and worked on building and testing the flights of different styles of airplanes; testing the effect of adding weight incrementally; designing and building a support system to reduce flutter in wings; and modifying a paper airplane to improve its performance. The students also provided feedback to NASA on the positive aspects, challenges and ideas for improving the lesson. With the help of the St. Andrew students, NASA will finalize “Wingin’ It” before publishing it for use by students across the country.

40 Days for Life spring campaign opens

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Praying for life and the unborn has taken on a renewed urgency in recent months with the hope that comes with the possibility that the landmark Roe vs. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision might be overturned soon.

“These are exciting times,” said Janice Cooper of Resurrection Parish in Fort Myers, as she took part in the opening Candlelight Prayer Vigil for the 40 Days for Life spring campaign on March 1, 2022, in front of a Planned Parenthood abortion facility. “Years of praying may be coming to fruition.”

Father Ricky Varner, Pastor of St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral, opened the vigil and remarked that those gathered were peacefully joined together in prayer to promote a culture of life and love. Father added that it is indifference to the moral teachings of Christ which has created a culture where many have no regard for innocent human life, particularly of the unborn.

“We are here because of how sacred life is – babies, human beings inside their mother’s womb, who belong to God,” Father Varner continued. “Our prayers for life rise up throughout the world as part of 40 Days for Life. Jesus Himself showed us that prayer and fasting are the most effective forces against evil.”

Also speaking during the opening vigil were Paul and Ivette Ladato of the Christian TV Network SWFL. The vigil was livestreamed through Christian TV Network and will also be available nationally on the station which has affiliates throughout the country.

The Prayer Vigil in Fort Myers kicks off the spring campaign which officially runs from March 2 to April 10. A campaign in Sarasota will also be taking place throughout Lent.

This year, the 40 Days for Life has 588 cities participating in what is described by 40 Days Co-Founder and CEO Shawn Carney as one of the largest mobilizations of pro-lifers in history. The Diocese of Venice has been active in the 40 Days for Life movement since its inception in 2007.

The excitement for change in the Pro-Life movement comes from a pivotal Mississippi abortion case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, that many see as the best chance to change the law that has led to more than 62 million abortions across the United States. A decision in the case isn’t expected until the end of the court’s term in June.

Anyone interested in standing peacefully and praying during local 40 Days for Life vigils will do so in the public right-of-way outside Planned Parenthood in Fort Myers or Sarasota.

The Fort Myers prayer vigil is 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, at 6418 Commerce Park Drive. The Sarasota prayer vigil is daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 736 Central Ave.

Check with your local Parish to learn the days they are committed to standing up for life. Most participants are encouraged to spend at least one hour in silent prayer in front of a local abortion facility seeking an end to legalized abortion in the U.S.

With a landmark case now before the U.S. Supreme Court, there has never been more reason for hope and prayer. For 40 Days for Life information on the two Diocesan locations, please go to www.40daysforlife.com/sarasota or www.40daysforlife.com/fortmyers.

For more information about ongoing efforts to defend life from conception to natural death within the Diocese of Venice, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-484-9543 or berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org.

Program for young mothers gets needed support

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Helping mothers who might otherwise be homeless become self-sufficient and productive members of the community is what Our Mother’s House is all about.

The annual Wine Tasting, Auction & Dinner Dance “Child’s Play” event to benefit Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., was held Feb. 24, 2022, at the Venice Community Center in Venice.

Hundreds showed their support for the program with their presence, their bids on virtual silent auction items and an enthusiastic live auction, plus donations made during a “Gift from the Heart” appeal. Bishop Frank J. Dewane thanked everyone for their continued support of the program and offered the blessing before the meal.

Joyce Scott, the Program Director for Our Mother’s House, said after 35 years, the program keeps getting better at promoting self-sufficiency and pushing young mothers towards independence.

“it has been 35 years and we’d like to go on helping mothers who continue to do so well with their lives,” Scott said while explaining how the program receives no federal, city or state funding, instead relying solely on the support of the community.

Two examples of the positive impact Our Mother’s House has was represented in unique ways during the evening. The first was the announcement that a former resident has now returned as a caseworker, offering unique insight into the effectiveness of the program.

The second good news story was represented in the smiling face of Christina, a former resident, who shared her emotional story. Christina entered the program scared and having no clue how to care for herself, let alone a newborn, and emerging two years later with a career and a new, positive life path.

The regular therapy, life skills classes, a steady job and the overall support the staff and volunteers at Our Mother’s House combined to radically change Christina’s life. She explained how there were moments when she wanted to give up and leave the program, but the directed support gave her the courage to push forward in reaching her goal of becoming a licensed practical nurse.

“I will never have enough words of thanks for Our Mother’s House and everyone who came into my life during that time. They have really changed me into a better person and planted the seed that continues to grow.” Christina received a standing ovation.

The annual event to support Our Mother’s House was a hybrid event with the Wine Tasting, Auction & Dinner Dance livestreamed for those unable to attend. The 2021 event was a virtual event due to the pandemic.

In addition to financial support, the program is in need of diapers, baby wipes and other supplies. For more information about Our Mother’s House or to help, please call 941-485-6264 or email joyce.scott@catholiccharitiesdov.org. You can also visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org to donate or find the Wish List.

Lady Cougars fall short in State Final

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Lady Cougars fall short in State Final

The Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Lady Cougars basketball team fell short of their goal of winning a State Championship during a return trip to the Class 3A Finals on Feb. 25, 2022, at RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

The Lady Cougars dropped their game to Westminster Academy of Fort Lauderdale 44-41, falling short in a comeback attempt on a night when scoring was at a premium. The Sarasota women finished the season 19-7.

This season tied for the Lady Cougars deepest run in the state play, having reached finals in 2021. The previous best effort by the ladies was in 1997 when they lost in the state semifinal game.

A rough night scoring, making only two of 18 three-point attempts, and falling behind early was the challenge. The team was down by 7 points entering the fourth quarter and made a valiant comeback before faltering late.

While the loss is disappointing, the team has nearly its entire roster returning for another run next season. The team is led by two juniors, Jordyn Byrd (12 points and 13 rebounds), and Olivia Davis (7 points and 5 rebounds), and two freshman Kali Barrett (8 points, 9 rebounds) and Sy’monique Simon (8 points).

To reach the finals, the Lady Cougars defeated King’s Academy of West Palm Beach 50-42 on Feb. 23. They earned their berth in the Final Four with a Regional Title on Feb. 18.

The Lady Cougars were not the only Diocesan basketball team in the state tournament. The St. John Neumann Catholic High School Lady Celtics from Naples made its first trip to the State Final Four since 2008. They earned their own Regional Title on Feb. 18 but fell on Feb. 23 in the Class 2A semifinal to Miami Christian, the defending and eventual State Champs. The Lady Celtics ended their season with a 23-6 record.

New Pastor installed in Bradenton

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Father Rafal Ligenza was installed as Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Feb. 27, 2022.

For Bishop Dewane, the installation of a Pastor reinforces the leadership role of the priest as a guide in the spiritual life of the Parish, as each person lives the call of Christ in his/her own way. Father Ligenza has been serving as Administrator at St. Joseph Parish since 2019.

A key to the success of a Pastor is the support by the faithful in differing ways, the Bishop explained. This can be accomplished through words of encouragement, advice on business matters, or just a kind word. This support must always be present for the Pastor to succeed. “I call upon each of you to help Father Rafal as he goes forward on this journey with you here at St. Joseph Parish.”

During the installation, the priest begins with selected words leading to the start of the Creed at which point he is joined by the faithful. At the end of the Creed, the new Pastor has extra lines which are exclusive for him. In addition, the Pastor takes an Oath of Fidelity to the Bishop and his successors, formalized by placing his hand upon the Book of Gospels.

The installation ceremony concluded with the signing of documents by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish community who serve as witnesses for all of the parishioners.

Father Ligenza thanked Bishop Dewane for having the confidence in him as Pastor, the spiritual leader of St. Joseph Parish and St. Joseph Catholic School. “This is a beautiful Parish, I am so blessed to be here.”

Following the Installation Mass, a reception luncheon was held in the Parish Hall.

Emmaus leaders gather

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Bob Reddy

The advisory council of Emmaus Retreats in the Diocese of Venice recently organized a daylong meeting for more than 100 Parish retreat leaders.

The meeting was Feb. 19, 2022, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in LaBelle, and the focus was on finding ways to reenergize the Emmaus Retreats within the Diocese of Venice in the wake of the global pandemic. Emmaus Retreats are offered in numerous Parishes and available in both English and Spanish.

The advisory council includes three spiritual directors – Father Jiobani Batista, Father Luis Pacheco, and Father Luis Albarracin – as well as 10 lay faithful. Meeting topics also included refresher presentations on “The vision and mission of Emmaus,” “What does Emmaus mean?” as well as updates on Diocesan regulations and guidelines. It has been more than two years since Emmaus retreat leadership met.

“We can truly say the day was filled with the love of God and the Holy Spirit,” said Diana De La Fuente, Diocesan Coordinator for Emmaus Retreats. “We shared discussions of how we can bring our groups back to the way we were prior to the pandemic. We have noticed a great reduction in participation in our groups and we all want to regain what we had before.”

As disciples of Jesus, the Emmaus Retreat provides an opportunity for lay faithful to bring the Word of God to others, so they too might recognize Jesus, experience burning in their hearts, and invite Jesus to stay with them and with their families (Lk 24: 32). Lay faithful present their personal experiences and offer a new way of life, an open invitation for participants to seek God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit at all times in their life.

“As we are now able to invite parishioners once again to experience for themselves this retreat, we are faithful that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will be able to foster Evangelization and faithful involvement in the life of the church in a very special and unique manner,” De La Fuente said.

The basis of the Emmaus Retreat is taken from Luke 24:13-35. This is an account of the profound encounter of Jesus with the two disciples on the road of Emmaus. In a similar way, retreatants are invited to enter into the same journey with its summit in the breaking of the bread. This experience offers participants the tools they need to return to their daily lives, with their hearts burning within them as they walk with the Risen Lord.

“With the help from our Lord, Jesus Christ, we are confident that we will be able to serve the Church as enthusiastically as this movement was prior to the pandemic,” De La Fuente said.

To learn more about Emmaus Retreats, please email emmaus@dioceseofvenice.org.

7 Diocesan high school seniors named National Merit Finalists

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Seven Diocese of Venice Catholic high school seniors have been named Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program!

This is a great achievement for the students and for Catholic Education in the Diocese of Venice. All seven of the semifinalists were named finalists and at least one finalist comes from each of the four Diocese of Venice Catholic high schools. This honor places the seven finalists among the top one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

The finalists include – Alexis Camina (St. John Neumann Catholic High School, Naples), Sophia Miller (Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Fort Myers), Catherine Graham and Winston Fairchild (Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria), and Hallie Monserez, Peter Etz and Sofia Cava (Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Sarasota).

Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, said it comes as no surprise.

“Having finalists represented from each of our Diocesan high schools this year is an indication of the commitment to excellence that defines our schools and inspires our mission,” Father Belmonte said. “From pre-kindergarten through high school, our teachers, school leaders, and Pastors educate children in the truest and fullest sense by providing them with the tools to learn and direction to live in service of God and others.”

Finalists have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million. The process to become a Finalist included submitting a detailed application with information about academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, as well as honors and awards received.

To learn more about Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/catholicschools/.

International speaker visits Diocese

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and television host, Chris Stefanick made multiple stops during a visit to the Diocese of Venice inspiring and challenging his audiences to reexamine their faith.

Primarily in the Diocese at the request of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice for two talks, Feb. 27 and Feb. 28, 2022, Stefanik, who is also the founder and president of Real Life Catholic, brought energy and passion about living a life of joy. He also spoke on Feb. 28 to an assembly of students in the gymnasium at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota.

The youth-based talk is called “I AM,” an inspiring message for teens and families based upon a book Stefanik wrote which focuses on inviting everyone on a journey to discover their real identity in Christ.

The second talk at the Cathedral was called “Living Joy – 9 rules that will change your life.” Speaking in broad terms, Stefanik challenged his audience to rethink the way they view the world. He noted that everyone tends to dwell on negative aspects of their life – bills, traffic, disappointments, annoyances, temporary happiness when worry takes over, triggers that cause fear and anger, and much more.

“That is not what the Lord wants,” he said. “Every success in life is meaningless without joy. Joy is God’s dream for you. Heaven is called a ‘wedding banquet.’ And Jesus’ whole mission was to share that joy with you. He said it Himself. ‘I’ve told you these things so my joy may be in you.’ Think about that. The joy of GOD in YOU!”

Stefanik encouraged all to give thanks for everything God has provided. “Give thanks in all things. Simple. The beauty of the flower. The colors of a sunset. The fact that you have what you have – a family, a job, food, clothes, shelter. These are not burdens, these are gifts.”

He cited the example of poor children who are grateful for food. “They are always smiling, because they know what it is to be grateful for the little things. These little things are great and given to them by God, just as they are given to you and me.”

Stefanik said it is up to the individual to make the changes in one’s life to grow spiritually, stressing that it is not up to the Pope, the Bishops or the priests to do everything.

“It is about doing Catholic stuff your entire life. Go to Mass. Go to confession. Smells, bells, incense, rosaries, icons; all of it. Why? Because all of it does for us as St. Paul wrote – ‘Think of What is above and not of what is on earth (Colossians 3:2).’ Something is bigger than our circumstances.”

After the second talk, Stefanik was surrounded by many people who thanked him for his presence and for offering a fresh perspective on such a simple theme: “In all things, give thanks.”

Diocesan Phase of Synod prayer and schedule updated March 4 2022

Posted on March 4, 2022March 4, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Prayer for the Synod: Adsumus Sancte Spiritus (We stand before You, Holy Spirit)

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;

Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life

and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time,

in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.

Amen.

“For A Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”

Listing of 11 Diocese of Venice Listening Sessions

(Completed) Feb. 9, St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota (Eng.);
(Completed) Feb. 16, Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W. Venice (Eng./Sp.);
(Completed) Feb. 22, Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish, 2850 75th St. W., Bradenton (Eng./Sp.);
(Completed) March 3, St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral (Eng./Sp.);
Monday, March 14, St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers (Eng.);
Wednesday, March 16, Sacred Heart Parish, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda (Eng.);
Thursday, March 24; St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 5225, Golden Gate Parkway (Eng./Sp.).
Monday, March 28, St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples (Eng.);
Monday, May 9, St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring (Eng./Sp);
Monday, May 16, St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (Eng.);
Monday, May 23, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, 355 S. Bridge St., LaBelle (Eng./Sp).

To allow for the most participants, please register for only one Listening Session at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2022-synod-listening-sessions. A virtual Listening Session is in the planning stages and will be announced soon. Email synod@dioceseofvenice.org for any questions or comments regarding the Listening Sessions.

Lenten journey begins

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent, but we are reminded to do these things privately because the Lord knows us and what we are doing.

Grand displays are not what the Lord wants, explained Father Robert Tatman, Parochial Vicar of St. Jude Parish in Sarasota. The clear example of this is represented in the ashes marked on one’s forehead to open Lent on Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

“They don’t last very long, but it is not something we want to wear on the outside, just to be seen,” Father Tatman said. “We want it to cleanse and purify our inner heart.”

In addition to opening the Lenten Season, which concludes on Holy Thursday, April 14, on Ash Wednesday the faithful across the Diocese of Venice joined in fasting and prayer for peace in Ukraine as called for by Pope Francis.

As Bishop Frank J. Dewane noted in a letter to the faithful on March 1, “Our Catholic Faith calls each of us to care for those in need, and, at this time in particular, for those who are suffering in the wake of this terrible tragedy.”

In the letter, Bishop Dewane stated that donations made to the collection on Ash Wednesday will support charitable relief for the Ukraine and assist in providing humanitarian aid, as well as necessary recovery efforts.

For those not prepared for the collection, donations may be sent to the Diocese of Venice, with “Ukraine” indicated in the memo or note line at the following address: Diocese of Venice in Florida, Ukraine Relief, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285.

As the Lenten Season progresses, the precept of confessing grave sins and receiving Holy Communion at least once during the Lenten Season merits a reminder to all. To facilitate this requirement, every Parish in the Diocese of Venice will be open with a confessor present from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday, April 8, and from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 9. Check with your local Parish for additional confession times or the availability of a Penance Service. These opportunities are made available so that the faithful may find ample opportunity to receive God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Lenten Season.