Author: Bob Reddy

Reflect upon St. Joseph this Father’s Day

Posted on by Bob Reddy

“With a father’s heart: that is how Joseph loved Jesus, whom all four Gospels refer to as ‘the son of Joseph.’”

This was the opening sentence of the apostolic letter “Patris Corde” of Pope Francis on the 150th Anniversary of the proclamation of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church by Pope Pius IX in his decree Quemadmodum Deus.

The 1870 decree stated, “Jesus Christ our Lord… whom countless kings and prophets had desired to see, Joseph not only saw but conversed with, and embraced in paternal affection, and kissed. He most diligently reared Him whom the faithful were to receive as the bread that came down from heaven whereby, they might obtain eternal life.”

Therefore, it is appropriate to reflect on this most honored of Saints as a second Father’s Day is taking place during a global Pandemic on June 20, 2021.

In his apostolic letter, released in conjunction with the start of the “Universal Year of St. Joseph” which began Dec. 8, 2020 and concludes on Dec. 8, 2021, Pope Francis reflected on the fatherly qualities of St. Joseph, describing him as beloved, tender and loving, obedient, accepting, and “creatively courageous.” He also underlined that he was a working father.

The Holy Father referred to the Saint as “a father in the shadows,” citing the novel “The Shadow of the Father,” published by the Polish author Jan Dobraczyński in 1977.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who for the Diocese of Venice instituted a “Year of St. Joseph” on March 19, 2020 in the context of the Pandemic and under the title of Protector of the Universal Church, proclaimed “St. Joseph is a figure who led by example, while also offering powerful prayer and protection.” The Diocesan celebration of the “Year of St. Joseph” was extended to coincide with the “Universal Year of St. Joseph” and will continue until Dec. 8, 2021.

As a model of obedience of what God asked of him, Bishop Dewane, said St. Joseph freely and willingly accepted a vision he was given in life… “to be the foster father of Jesus but also the head of the Holy Family; the provider and the Protector.”

Saints and Popes through the centuries have spoken on St. Joseph’s influence to intercede as the faithful have turned to the Saint as a powerful patron and faithful guardian, father and friend. Many seek the intercessions of St. Joseph for healing and conversion, help with their children, a new job or home, and for all their needs of body and soul.

Pope Leo XIII presented St. Joseph as a model at a time when the world and the Church were wrestling with the challenges posed by modernity wrote in his 1889 encyclical on devotion to St. Joseph “Quamquam pluries,” “Men of every rank and country should fly to the trust and guard of the blessed Joseph.”

In his own 2020 letter, Pope Francis wrote: “The greatness of St. Joseph is that he was the spouse of Mary and the father of Jesus. In this way, he placed himself, in the words of St. John Chrysostom, “at the service of the entire plan of salvation.”

Pope Francis also cited St. Paul VI who pointed out that St. Joseph concretely expressed his fatherhood “by making his life a sacrificial service to the mystery of the incarnation and its redemptive purpose. He employed his legal authority over the Holy Family to devote himself completely to them in his life and work. He turned his human vocation to domestic love into a superhuman oblation of himself, his heart and all his abilities, a love placed at the service of the Messiah who was growing to maturity in his home.”

At the conclusion of his apostolic letter, Pope Francis explained that his goal was to increase “our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and is zeal.”

The saints help all the faithful “to strive for the holiness and perfection of their particular state of life,” the Holy Father added. Their lives are concrete proof that it is possible to put the Gospel into practice.

“Jesus told us: ‘Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart’ (Mt 11:29). The lives of the saints too are examples to be imitated. St. Paul explicitly says this: ‘Be imitators of me!’ (1 Cor 4:16). By his eloquent silence, St. Joseph says the same.”

Therefore, on this Father’s Day, turn to St. Joseph as an example to follow as we all strive to grow closer to the Lord.

For links to the Apostolic letter (in English and Spanish) or other resources in celebration of the ongoing “Year of St. Joseph,” please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/a-year-of-st-joseph/.

Parish holds dual celebration

Posted on by Bob Reddy

An installation of a new Pastor is a punctuation in the life of a Parish, and a recent one was made more memorable because it also coincided with the Parish Feast Day.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed Father Elbano Muñoz as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton on June 11, 2021, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The installation was within the context of the Mass, celebrated in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, reflecting the different cultural members of the community.

A Pastor is someone who serves the faithful but at the same time leads them in a closer relationship to Christ, Bishop Dewane said. A Pastor needs the support of the faithful in order to succeed in his task, which is to call on people to be true disciples, evangelizers and messengers of their Faith.

“You are all witnesses of the Faith,” the Bishop continued. “Your presence here in support of your new Pastor shows that Father has the support he will need to succeed… Let this moment be a new chapter in the history of Sacred Heart Parish here in Bradenton.”

Father Muñoz expressed his gratitude to Bishop Dewane for having the confidence in him as the new Pastor. He thanked the faithful for their support and understanding since his arrival. Father also recognized his fellow priests, nine of whom concelebrated Mass with several having had connections to the Parish.

The history of the Parish dates to the post-Civil War era, when in 1868 Jesuit missionaries established a mission in Bradenton dedicated the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Eventually, when a new church, St. Joseph, was built nearby, Sacred Heart became a Chapel at its current location on 12th Avenue. It was not until 1968 when it was elevated to Parish status. The Parish Center and administration building were built in the following years while the Parish Church received several upgrades to include new stained glass and a renovation of the sanctuary. A Grotto of Our Lady of Guadalupe was added in 2004. There are approximately 800 families with Mass celebrated in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.

As part of the installation process, Bishop Dewane first introduces the priest as Pastor to the parishioners. The priest later recites a profession of faith for all to hear, including an additional part solely for him. The new Pastor then recites an Oath of Fidelity and promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the College of Bishops enunciate when they exercise authentic magisterium.” The installation also includes prayers to provide the new Pastor the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the Parish.

The 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.

A celebratory reception was held in the Parish Hall with dinner and several cakes honoring both Father Muñoz and the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Diocese welcomes new Incarnation principal

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice Office of Catholic Education has announced the hiring of a new principal for Incarnation Catholic School in Sarasota.

The hiring of Amy Yager was announced jointly on June 9, 2021 by Diocese Superintendent of Catholic Education Father John Belmonte, SJ, and Incarnation Parish Pastor Father Eric Scanlan.

Yager joins Incarnation from New York, where she was a high school principal for nine years (2012-2021) at Cypress Hills Collegiate Preparatory School in Brooklyn. A native New Yorker who grew up on Long Island, she met her husband, Chris, in high school and they both attended St. John’s University in Queens. There she graduated with a degree in psychology. Yager went on to get an advanced degree in counseling at Long Island University and secured a position as a School Counselor at a New York City public high school.

She was recruited by the New York City Department of Education to train to become a Principal and was admitted into an accelerated Principal preparation program through Baruch College. During her time as principal, she increased enrollment, increased the graduation rate from 49 percent to more than 90 percent, and created an all-inclusive environment where students felt welcome and safe.

Yager, with her husband and three boys, relocated to Sarasota where they enjoy spending their time outdoors at Siesta Key beach and on the Legacy Trail. They are now members of Incarnation Parish and looking forward very much to getting to know the community

Father Belmonte said a comprehensive selection process brought the best candidate to Incarnation Catholic School. The process included a dedicated search committee which was represented by the teachers, parents, and school board.

Father Scanlan thanked the search committee for the effort in finding the person who best fits the needs of Incarnation Catholic School.

“We are very excited about the leadership Principal Yager will bring to further our mission of faith, excellence, and education at Incarnation,” Father Scanlan said.

Yager will officially assume her new role on July 1, 2021.

Religious Liberty Week June 22-29

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Feast of Ss. Thomas More and John Fisher on June 22, 2021 marks the start of Religious Freedom Week, a call by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) for all Catholics across the United States to pray, reflect and take action in support of Religious Liberty in our country and abroad.

It is appropriate that the week begins on such a day, as Ss. Thomas More and John Fisher are remembered for being martyred in 1535 for standing up for the Sanctity of Marriage and the Freedom of the Church in opposition to England’s King Henry VIII.

Continuing through the Solemnity of Ss. Peter & Paul the Apostles on June 29, 2021, the Religious Freedom Week theme is “Solidarity in Freedom,” and stems from a Pope Francis quote: “Solidarity means much more than engaging in sporadic acts of generosity. It means thinking and acting in terms of community.” This quote is from the Pope Francis encyclical “Fratelli tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship)” which was released in October 2020.

During Religious Freedom Week, Catholics are encouraged to pray each day for specific causes related to religious freedom. The USCCB’s “Pray – Reflect – Act” Series aims to help Catholics build solidarity with people of faith who are persecuted and find strength to carry out the mission of the Church. Religious freedom allows the Church, and all religious communities, to live out their faith in public and to serve the good of all.

The Diocese of Venice joins with other Dioceses to promote Religious Freedom Week. Bishop Frank J. Dewane encourages the faithful of the Diocese of Venice to educate themselves about the issues of religious freedom but to be aware of the threats faced both domestically and abroad.

The USCCB has prepared resources which may be found at: www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek. Each day focuses on different religious liberty topics of concern for the U.S. Bishops.

The USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty collaborated with the Office of International Justice and Peace to raise awareness and show solidarity with people throughout the world who suffer for their faith, from the persecution of Christians in Nicaragua to highlighting Pope Francis’s trip to Iraq this year. Domestically, a major area of concern continues to be freedom for Catholic institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and child welfare service providers, to carry out their missions free from government intervention..

Materials prepared by the USCCB are made available to help people understand religious liberty from a Catholic perspective, reflect on the application, pray about particular issues, and act on what they learn by advocating for policies that promote religious freedom.

Through prayer, reflection, and public action during Religious Freedom Week, the USCCB hopes to promote the essential right of religious freedom for Catholics and for those of all faiths.

The USCCB materials can be found in English (https://www.usccb.org/committees/religious-liberty/religious-freedom-week) and in Spanish (https://www.usccb.org/committees/religious-liberty/semana-de-la-libertad-religiosa).

Connect with the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty by texting “FREEDOM” or “LIBERTAD” to 84576 and sign up for the First Freedom News, the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty’s monthly newsletter.

FOCUS missionaries commissioned by Bishop

Posted on by Bob Reddy

More than 500 FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionaries and staff were commissioned to serve the Church during the coming year during a ceremony presided over by Bishop Frank J. Dewane

The commissioning was part of the annual FOCUS New Staff Training which took place at Ave Maria University. Bishop Dewane celebrated Mass for the group on June 10, 2021.

The Gospel reading for the Mass was from the conversion of the Apostle Matthew, which Bishop Dewane said was apt as it is the moment when Jesus summons Matthew and says, rise up and “Follow me!”

“Matthew becomes a new man by rising in response to the Lord,” the Bishop continued. “I pray each one of you has taken the opportunity in deciding to be a missionary by rising up to the expectation God has for you. You have to go out and decide the type of missionary you are going to be and then live that response by going forward as a new creation in the Body of Christ.”

Father John Lager, OFM Cap. and FOCUS National Chaplain, said the missionaries are being sent to preach the Gospel and make disciples for Jesus Christ accompanied by the prayers of the faithful.

As part of the commissioning, Father Lager first called each missionary to stand by naming the Dioceses in which they will serve. Next, Father read out the colleges and universities to which the missionaries are assigned.

“All missionaries and staff will accept the official teachings of the Holy Father on matters of faith and morals and the Pope’s authority as the head of the Catholic Church. As a positive expression of Catholic character, a public Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity is part of our service.”

Following the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity by the missionaries, Bishop Dewane gave the group a final blessing noting how the Lord sent His Apostles to proclaim the Gospel to all peoples. FOCUS is now sending forth new messengers of salvation and peace, marked with the sign of the cross.

Following the commissioning, Bishop Dewane blessed special crosses which were given to each FOCUS member identifying them as a missionary.

Father Lager concluded by noting that the missionaries are now in the hands of the Lord and urged them to “be zealous, be bold, be Jesus to others.”

Bishop Dewane concluded the Mass by thanking the missionaries for their “generous yes. You are a beautiful sight. You are in my prayers as you go forward remembering to continue to hear that voice of Christ in your life.”

FOCUS is a Catholic apostolate whose mission is to share the hope and joy of the Gospel. FOCUS missionaries encounter people in friendship, inviting them into a personal relationship with Christ and accompanying them as they pursue lives of virtue and excellence. Through Bible studies, outreach events, mission trips and discipleship, missionaries inspire and build up others in the faith, sending them out to live out lifelong Catholic mission wherever they are. Each year some 800 FOCUS missionaries serve on more than 150 campuses across the U.S. and Europe, as well as seven parishes for good measure.

Hurricane Prayer for 2021

Posted on by Bob Reddy

As we continue through the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season (June 1-Nov. 30), a prayer is presented here by which one asks God for protection and safety from the storms that often threaten Southwest Florida. With the formation of Tropical Storm Ana in mid-May, it promises to be another busy season of watching the tropics. We must all remember the devastating effect of Hurricane Irma from 2017 and what was witnessed when Hurricane Michael struck the Florida Panhandle in 2018. Everyone in the Diocese of Venice knows and understands the power of these storms and the suffering which follows in their wake.

Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season

O God, Master of this passing world,

hear the humble voices of your children.

The Sea of Galilee obeyed Your order

and returned to its former quietude.

 

You are still the Master of land and sea.

We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control:

the Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant,

can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries,

invade our land, and spread chaos and disaster.

 

During this hurricane season we turn to You, O loving Father.

Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid

and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with passing of time.

 

O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our beloved Mother, we ask you

to plead with your Son on our behalf,

so that spared from the calamities common to this area

and animated with a true spirit of gratitude,

we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son

to reach the heavenly Jerusalem,

where a stormless eternity awaits us. Amen.

 

Oración para la temporada de huracanes

O Dios, Señor de este mundo pasajero,

escucha la humilde voz de tus hijos.

El Mar de Galilea obedeció Tu orden

y volvió a su anterior quietud.

 

Tu todavía eres el Señor de tierra y mar.

Vivimos en la sombra del peligro sobre el cual no tenemos control;

el Golfo, como un violento gigante, puede despertar de su aparente letargo,

sobrepasar sus límites, invadir nuestra tierra y sembrar caos y desastre.

 

Durante esta temporada de huracanes acudimos a Ti, O Padre Misericordioso.

Líbranos de tragedias como las pasadas que están tan vivas en nuestra

memoria y cuyas heridas rehúsan ser curadas con el paso del tiempo.

 

O Virgen, Estrella del Mar, nuestra amada Madre, te pedimos

que intercedas ante tu Hijo por nosotros,

para que nos libre de las calamidades comunes a esta área,

y animados con un verdadero espíritu de gratitude

caminemos en los pasos de tu Divino Hijo

para llegar a la Jerusalén Celestial,

donde una eternidad sin tormentas nos espera. Amen.

The Eucharist – Deepening ones Union with Christ and the Church

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Little girls in beautiful white dresses. Boys in their first suit and tie. These sights are common each spring in churches across the Diocese of Venice as thousands of young people receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist for the first time.

But this isn’t simply a first communion, but hopefully the first of many communions.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “As bodily nourishment restores lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens our charity, which tends to be weakened in daily life; and this living in charity wipes away our venial sins. By giving Himself to us Christ revives our love and enables us to break our disordered attachments to creatures and root ourselves to Him.” (CCC 1394)

Primarily, the Eucharist brings one into a deeper union with Christ. Through Baptism, all become a child of God, entering into the Church. The Eucharist then draws the faithful more deeply into union with Christ. The Lord said, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.” (John 6:56) Through the Eucharist, one may become more and more like Christ, as St. Paul said, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

The Catechism says that “the Eucharist makes the Church,” (CCC 1396); meaning that without the Eucharist, there would be no Church, just a collection of men and women that would eventually dissolve through petty bickering and divisions. But through the Sacrament of the Eucharist – the “Sacrament of Unity” – the Church is more than a man-made institution, it is a Divine Institution, Mystically United through Christ. Not merely a social organization or a political party, the Church is one Body.

During a May 8, 2021 First Communion Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton, Pastor, Father Rafal Ligenza told the First Communicants that they are starting a new chapter in their lives by opening their heart for Christ.

“You are committing to receiving the Body of Christ and to be in Communion with the Lord forever,” Father Ligenza said. “Yes forever. Not only today, for one week, for one month, but forever… You will receive this miracle into your good hearts and become a most beautiful monstrance because Jesus will be alive in you and you will glorify the goodness of God.”

Father urged the adults present to recall their own First Communion when they heard the words for the first time “The Body of Christ.” “You answered with love in your heart “Amen” and you decided to be faithful to your beloved Jesus and to his invitation to love one another. This is the commitment by those who receive their First Communion today. They made the decision to love Jesus for their whole life.”

Pope Francis said the Eucharist is not simply something that we do: “It is an act of Christ! It is a gift from Christ, Who is made present and gathers us around Him, to nourish us with His Word and His life. This means that the mission and the very identity of the Church spring from this, from the Eucharist… Through the Eucharist, Christ wishes to enter into our existence and permeate it with His Grace, so that in every Christian community there is coherence between Liturgy and life.”

All benefit in a multitude of ways by receiving communion regularly, Pope Francis said. There is a gain of grace against sin, forgiveness of venial sins, and strength for the spiritual life; regular reception of the Eucharist is essential for a strong spiritual life.

The Holy Father encourages the faithful to “live the Eucharist with a spirit of faith and prayer, of forgiveness, of care for the needs of many of our brothers and sisters, in the certainty that the Lord will grant that which he has promised – eternal life.”

Catholic Community Foundation presents 17 scholarships

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, joined by Board members of the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc., led a virtual presentation ceremony on May 27, 2021 from the Catholic Center in Venice to honor 17 Foundation scholarship winners.

The recipients of the Mary Fran Carroll, Coseglia and Schaerf scholarships were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and for their commitment of continuing their education in pursuit of wide-ranging career paths such as education, medicine, business, engineering and more. The Foundation Scholarship Committee carefully reviewed 84 applications before determining the worthiest applicants.

Bishop Dewane opened the presentation with prayer and said he was impressed with the new Foundation Scholars noting their academic success and ambition to seek out distinctive goals. “God has blessed you each with different gifts. Enjoy what you are going to do but keep an eye on that goal.”

Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation, congratulated the new scholars, saying the young men and women are worthy to forever be known as Foundation Scholars. “Every one of you, from what we learned, is unique, special, strong and smart; embrace that.”

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship provides a total of 11 academic scholarships, each valued at $3,000, to residents of Sarasota County and is available for tuition, books and fees. This year there were 10 traditional scholarship winners (high school graduates pursuing an undergraduate degree) and one non-traditional winner (an adult learner seeking an advanced education after being away from school for a number of years). The scholarship is renewable annually up to a total of five academic years for students maintaining a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.2 or greater, while also making progress toward their career goal. In the past year, there were 31 students who had their scholarship renewed.

Mary Fran Carroll Scholar Ausiana Laguerre graduated from Sarasota High School and will be attending the University of Florida to study business and finance to help others who struggle with debt. “Thank you. This scholarship will allow me to look forward to focus on my education without the need for student loans.”

The Frank and Florence Coseglia Scholarship provides a one-time scholarship of $1,106.06 to one graduating senior from each of the four Catholic High Schools within the Diocese of Venice. The winners were nominated by their high schools and approved by the Foundation Board.

Coseglia Scholar Sam Hall of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota will be attending the University of Florida to study construction management and thanked the Foundation as the scholarship will assist in covering the costs of the many materials needed for someone starting college.

The Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship provides a $4,000 one-time scholarship to a graduating senior from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience. This was the second year the scholarship was offered.

The Foundation also presented a one-time Foundation Scholarship for $7,500 which was offered by an anonymous donor.

During the virtual scholarship ceremony, the recipients shared their personal experiences as well as college and career goals. Each expressed their appreciation for the scholarship from the Foundation. Many specifically explained how the scholarship money will assist in lessening the financial burden of attending college and pursuing their career goals.

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. was established to provide philanthropic opportunities for individuals, such as Mary Fran Carroll, to create lasting gifts in support of Catholic programs and ministries within the Diocese of Venice. This year, the Foundation is on track to distribute $2.4 million in endowed support for Catholic Schools, Parishes, Seminarian education, programs for the needy, college scholarships and more.

To learn more about the Catholic Community Foundation, please contact Michael Morse at 941-441-1124 or by email at Morse@dioceseofvenice.org. You can also visit the Foundation website at www.CCFDioceseofvenice.org.

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars

Ashley Pelton, Riverview High School, Georgia Tech University, neuroscience;

Sophia Pearce, Venice High School, College of Florida Keys, marine biology;

Alexis Coleman, Venice High School, Eastern University of Pennsylvania, education;

Roseanna Chan, Pineview High School, University of Florida, medicine;

Clarissa Miller, Riverview High School, University of South Florida, social work;

Alana Sotolongo, Pineview High School, Florida State University, industrial engineering;

Danial Staas, Venice High School, Georgetown University, biochemistry;

Ausiana Lguerre, Sarasota High School, University of Florida, business and finance;

Jovanna Patino-Murillo, Sarasota High School, University of Tampa, public health;

Jessica Contreras-Franco, Suncoast Polytechnical High School, Florida State University, political science;

Stacey Chaisson, non-traditional, State College of Florida, education.

Schaerf Neuroscience Scholarship

Madilyn Dwyer, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, University of Arizona, neuroscience.

Coseglia Scholarship

Sam Hall, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, University of Florida, construction management;

Gabriella Agostino, St. John Neumann Catholic High School, Florida State University, education;

Emma Perreault, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria, Ave Maria University, business and theology;

Camila Gonzalez, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Florida Atlantic University, nursing.

Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Scholarship

Manuel Declet, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Florida Gulf Coast University, marine biology.

Donahue Catholic Academy students graduate

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Anne Patterson is proud of her fellow graduates at the Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria for turning to Jesus and the Blessed Mother as they completed their education during trying times.

Graduation for the Class of 2021 took place May 27, 2021 and included a Baccalaureate Mass in the Ave Maria Parish Church, followed shortly afterwards by the Commencement Exercises at the school less than a mile away.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Mass for the graduates and remarked how the challenges faced by the Class of 2021 during a Pandemic have taught them to value what is important: their family; their friends; their school; and most importantly, their relationship with the Lord.

The Bishop stressed that through their Catholic education they have been given a great gift of Faith, a call for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. With that gift comes great responsibility, to grow the gift of Faith and continue to build upon their relationship with Christ.

“Never underestimate yourself, particularly in your relationship with the Lord,” Bishop Dewane continued. “Do the good things; stand up; speak out; let the world know who you are… Have the confidence you need in yourself. Hear that call of the Lord and follow it wherever it leads.”

The Donahue class included 17 graduates. Seated behind them at the Mass were family and friends. Across the aisle were the students of Donahue Catholic Academy who were present to share in their final Mass together.

The opening procession was led by Principal Dr. Dan Guernsey, playing bagpipes, and he was followed by the Class of 2021. Each student carried a single white rose which was placed in a vase before a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the front of the altar.

Bishop Dewane thanked the parents for selecting to send their child to a Catholic school. The Bishop appreciated the sacrifice, as well as the confidence each family had in entrusting their child’s education to the care of a Diocesan Catholic School. Following the Mass, the Bishop took photos with the graduates on the steps of the Parish church.

The celebration continued at the nearby school. This was the first time the Commencement Exercises took place outside of the Parish church. Guernsey explained that it was a more appropriate location as the graduation atmosphere is more raucous.

The Commencement included prayers led by Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese Superintendent of Catholic Education and Father David Vidal, Pastor of Ave Maria Parish.

Valedictorian Anne Patterson said that the education provided the Class of 2021, anchored in Faith, instilled the group with invaluable gifts, creating a strong foundation upon which to go forth and succeed. “We are one big spiritual family. This family goes beyond the high school – this sense of unity and family make me sorry for leaving. I know that because of what has happened within these walls, the Class of 2021 and I have the tools to persevere beyond Donahue Academy.”

Patterson concluded her remarks with words of advice to the school and to her fellow graduates. “Pray to Jesus and stay close to His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary; they will get us through (any obstacle) in the best and most beautiful way.”

Students earn advanced degree in Theology

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Liliana Ronderos is grateful to the Diocese of Venice for the opportunity to earn an advanced degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville.

When Ronderos first thought of earning her MA in Theology it seemed to be a dream that she couldn’t dare pursue as it meant more time and money than she could afford. “Nine years later I now know in a personal way that nothing is impossible for God. I am thankful for the intercession of St Joseph of Cupertino, patron saint of students.”

Ronderos joins two others, Suzanne Thompson and Ed Hale, who recently completed their degrees thanks to a partnership between the Diocese Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation and Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS). As part of that association, Diocesan students receive a one-third discount off tuition for two online degrees offered by the university: the MA in Theology and the MA in Catechetics.

“My new degree has enabled me to work for the Lord in His Church, even before completion of the studies,” said Ronderos, who serves as the Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton. “There are many persons in need of a word; a word of hope, and of Good News.”

Thompson felt blessed to have had the opportunity to complete the degree from her home while also continuing to work in the Diocese Vocations Office and serve in outreach at St. Martha Parish in Sarasota.

“The combination of growing together through local fellowship and having access to the world-renowned professors that FUS provides has brought a tremendous growth in friendship and knowledge for my classmates and me but more importantly, in strengthening our relationship with Christ and his Church,” Thompson said.

Institute Director John Gresham explained that with their new degrees, these graduates are qualified to serve in a Parish or Diocese in a number of ways.

“This graduate training equips students for service as Directors of Religious Education, Youth Ministers, or Adult Faith Formators,” Gresham said. “The MA is excellent preparation for teaching theology in schools. The degree can also provide a foundation for further theological study on the doctoral level.”

Through this partnership with FUS, the Institute is also able to provide prerequisite courses for students enrolling in these master’s programs. This Fall, the Institute will be offering the course Ecclesial Nature and Mission of Theology. This course introduces students to the study of Catholic theology on the graduate level and meets one of the prerequisite requirements for the MA degrees.

Thompson unreservedly recommends the FUS program to anyone who wishes to come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic Faith, draw closer to Christ, and to be better equipped to tackle the current challenges that the Church faces in areas such as society, family life, marriage and the human person.

“I know that this degree has helped me become a better wife and a stronger catechist – to hand on the faith with greater joy, and better address the questions our students pose,” Thompson said. “It has also allowed me to go outside my comfort zone, to engage respectfully with those who have no belief in God, and to try to help explain the reasonableness and beauty of our Faith to those who are searching for meaning in their lives.  FUS has definitely lived up to their mission statement, “to educate, to evangelize, to send forth joyful disciples.”  It has been an experience like no other!”

In addition to the partnership with the graduate school of FUS, the Diocese of Venice also has a partnership with Steubenville’s Catechetical Institute, Gresham added. The Catechetical Institute provides the program “Franciscan At Home,” which offers online workshops for certification of catechists, schoolteachers, youth ministers and adult faith formators in the Diocese of Venice. “Franciscan at Home” also has courses for parents, RCIA teams and much more, including many courses in Spanish.

The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation also offers courses for life-long learning, ongoing transformation and equipping for service. In just the past year, courses offered by the Institute included: “Encountering St. Joseph,” “Encountering God in Prayer,” “Methods of Religious Education: Course Planning,” “What is Catholic Theology (Ecclesial Nature and Mission of Theology)” and “Evangelizing Catechesis.”

To learn about upcoming courses or for more information about Diocesan partnerships with Franciscan University of Steubenville, visit the Institute website https://institute-dov.org/ or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/InstituteForCatholicStudies/.

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