Bob Reddy, Author at Diocese of Venice

News briefs for the week of Jan. 4, 2021

Posted on January 7, 2021 by Bob Reddy

“A Seminarian Story” fifth installment available

The Diocese of Venice in Florida Office of Vocations launched a video series titled, “A Seminarian Story,” to celebrate the 16 Seminarians currently in formation. The first four videos have been released and more will follow approximately every few weeks. The most recent video is about Seminarian Christian Chami who is doing formation at Pontifical North American College in Rome. Developed with the assistance of the Diocese Communications Department, the goal of the series is to inspire others to follow in the path to the priesthood or religious life, as well as encourage the faithful to continue to support the seminarians as they continue their formation process at different seminaries. “A Seminarian Story” featuring Christian Chami can be found at https://vimeo.com/443069438.

Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life

The 23rd annual Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life will be held on Jan. 22, 2021. The day begins with the 8:30 a.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane at St. Martha Parish, 200 N. Orange Ave. A shuttle bus will run after Mass until 3 p.m. to Planned Parenthood, 736 Central Avenue, where participants will circle the block in prayer for an end to abortion. An additional Parish Mass is available at noon. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, space is limited and advanced registration is required by Jan. 11, 2021, at www.dioceseofvenice.org/2021prayerwalk. The 8:30 a.m. Mass will be livestreamed as part of the national 9DaysforLife.com campaign at facebook.com/DioceseofVenice. Masks will be required. Questions? Contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.

Time to Take Holiness Seriously with virtual class

Enjoyed the Catholic Mysticism series and want to go deeper? Or did you miss the opportunity to join us with our first series? You are welcome to join a 10-week Catholic book study on Catholic Spirituality using the book “Knowing the Love of God” by Father Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange. Learn from this true spiritual master with a group of your peers and see how you can actually become a Saint and grow in your spiritual life (no matter the circumstances!). The sessions will be held virtually 10 a.m. each Tuesday beginning Jan. 12, 2021, and concluding March 16, 2021. Please contact Joshua Mazrin for more details at mazrin@dioceseofvenice.org.

Catholic Charities Ball Feb. 13

Please join us Feb. 13, 2021, for an elegant evening at one of Sarasota’s beautiful Jewels on the Bay, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Bring your valentine to an elegant evening featuring exquisite cuisine and wine pairing event by Michael’s on East. The beautiful and unique setting of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens reminds us that, despite this pandemic, we are surrounded by God’s majesty and Mother Nature’s glory. The event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails. Tickets are $350 with a limit of 150 guests. For more information call 941-909-7817 or email hilles.hughes@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Our Mother’s House Child’s Play Virtual Event

Our Mother’s House is hosting a Virtual Fundraiser to support the mothers and babies we serve. Join us for a night of interactive fun in support of Our Mother’s House with wine, auction, and more at 7 p.m., Feb. 25, 2021. For information about the event, contact Lisa Ventura (941) 485-6264, email Lisa.Ventura@CatholicCharitiesDov.Org or visit https://ccdov.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/OurMothersHouse2021VirtualGala/tabid/1147646/Default.aspx.

Registration open for January Faith & Wine Lee County Virtual Event

Faith & Wine of Lee County will hold its next Virtual Zoom Event at 7 p.m., Jan. 21, 2021. The guest speaker is Kitty Cleveland on the topic “Beloved: Finding My Identity in Christ.” Registration is now open for this free event at faithandwineleecounty.com.

Virtual Catholic Days at the Capitol

Through the use of technology, Catholics will continue to bring their values and voices to Tallahassee to promote and protect human life and dignity. Register now to participate in the Feb. 2-3, 2021, virtual event to include a legislative briefing on key bills, a rosary with the Florida Bishops, an award presentation to a legislator, meetings with legislators and the Red Mass of the Holy Spirit. Join us for all or any part of the event! For details see flaccb.org/cdac or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.

Anniversary Masses

All couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more than 50 years of marriage are invited by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an Anniversary Mass in their honor to be celebrated in two locations. This year, considering the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, each location will have two Masses to allow for appropriate social distancing. The Masses are 10:00 a.m. and noon on Feb. 6, 2021, Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., and 10:00 a.m. and noon, March 6, 2021, St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. All registration is being handled through your local Parish. Please reserve seats at least one week before the Mass you wish to attend.

Save the Date for Men’s and Women’s Conferences

Mark your calendars for the 2021 Men’s and Women’s Conferences which will be held at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. The Men’s Conference will be 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 20, and the Women’s Conference will be held 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 13. Stay tuned for registration details! Please contact the Office of Evangelization with any questions at evangelization@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543.

Safe Haven Sunday

Pornography is one of the leading causes of addictions, abuse, adultery, divorce, and even human trafficking: it is, in short, a pervasive evil inflicting grave wounds on our families. Pornography creates unsafe environments for children and confuses others about attitudes towards sex and marriage. It is a moral issue. For this reason, March 7, 2021, has been designated as Safe Haven Sunday in the Diocese of Venice. This day for awareness will give an opportunity to address the harmfulness of pornography in marriages, families, and culture, while providing helpful resources for all. Detailed information about the implementation of this program will be shared in the coming weeks through your Parishes. If you have any questions, please contact Carrie Harkey, Diocesan Coordinator of Family Life at harkey@dioceseofvenice.org.

Christmas message from Bishop Dewane

Posted on December 21, 2020 by Bob Reddy

Below, please find the Christmas message from Bishop Frank J. Dewane in English, Spanish and Creole:

Merry Christmas to the Faithful of the Diocese of Venice.

Indeed, it is encouraging to affirm the Birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ as a sign of joy and hope in the midst of the challenges in today’s world.

Allow the wonderment brought about by His Incarnation, the birth of Jesus in a manger, to fill your hearts and minds with comfort, peace and joy bringing warmth and assurance to all. It is my prayer that this will be especially true for the sick, elderly, the lonely, vulnerable and those who have lost a loved one. Please join me in this prayer.

Like the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, we face struggles and uncertainties. However, the Light of the World has come! Christ extends His light to us all and asks that we in turn extend that light to others. Pope Francis urges all the Faithful to recall the true meaning of Christmas — the Birth of Jesus — and lend a hand to the neediest. “There’s no pandemic, there’s no crisis that can extinguish this light.” Christ is the light.

It is humbling to ponder the Birth of Jesus designed by God to show the world a Creator’s love for us all and to light the way that directs us. Have a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!!

+ Frank J. Dewane

Bishop of the Diocese of

Venice in Florida

Feliz navidad a los fieles de la diócesis de Venice.

En verdad, es alentador afirmar que el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador Jesucristo es un signo de gozo y esperanza en medio de los desafíos del mundo de hoy.

Permitan que el asombro provocado por su Encarnación, el nacimiento de Jesús en un pesebre, llene sus corazones y mentes de consuelo, paz y alegría, trayendo calidez y seguridad a todos. Ruego que esto sea especialmente así para los enfermos, los ancianos, los que estén solos, los vulnerables y los que han perdido a un ser querido. Por favor, únanse a mí en esta oración.

Al igual que la Santísima Virgen y San José, nos enfrentamos a luchas e incertidumbres. Sin embargo, ¡la Luz del Mundo ha llegado! Cristo nos extiende su luz a todos y nos pide que, a su vez, extendamos esa luz a los demás. El Papa Francisco insta a todos los fieles a recordar el verdadero significado de la Navidad —el nacimiento de Jesús— y a dar una mano a los más necesitados. “No hay pandemia, no hay crisis que pueda apagar esta luz”. Cristo es la luz.

Es consolador meditar en el nacimiento de Jesús planeado por Dios para mostrar al mundo el amor por todos nosotros de un Creador que ilumina nuestros caminos. ¡Que tengan una Feliz Navidad y un próspero año nuevo!

+Frank J. Dewane

Obispo de la Diócesis de

Venecia en Florida

Joye Nwel pou tout Fidel Dyosez Venice yo.

Sa vreman ankourajan pou pou nou afime fet nésans Seye JeziKri kom siy la jwa ak lespwa nan mitan tout défi ke nap fè fas nan le monde jodia

Se poun kite emèveyman fet Inkanasyon a, Jezi ki fet kote yo gade bet la, ranpli Kè nou ak lespri nou , pou l ban nou kè kontan, lapè, la jwa, anpil chalè ak asirans.

Se lapriyè m tou pou tout swè sa yo ak ve sa yo, touche moun ki malad, sa yo ki age yo, moun ki pou kont yo ak sa ki vinerab yo, e sa kap Kriye pou fanmiy yo ki mouri.

Mwen sipliye Nou pou Nou akonpaye m nan lapriyè sa.

Menm jan ak Manman Marie ak St. Joseph nou fè fas ak anpil batay, ak anpil bagay nou pa konpran. Sepandan, nou wè limyè a klere! Kris la klere nou ak limyè li e Li mande n pou n klere lòt yo tou. Pape François mande tout fidèl pou raple yo de vrè sansNwel la-Jezi ki fèt-e ki longe men l bay moun Ki plis nan bezwen yo. “Pa gen pandemi, pa gen Keizer Ki ka eten limyè Sa.”

Se yon privileg, men se ak anpil imilite Nou ka eseye konpran e viv nesans Jezi Jan Bondye desine l pou l montre le mond lanmou kreatè a pou nou tout e pou klere wout kap dirige Nou an Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!

+Frank J. Dewane

Bishop nan dyosèz la nan

Venice nan Florid

Catholic schools celebrate Christmas early in a variety of ways

Posted on December 21, 2020December 21, 2020 by Bob Reddy

The modern struggles facing all of society of trying to inject the Christmas spirit into the season dominated harrowing by COVID-19 Pandemic news, can be viewed in a microcosm at Diocese of Venice Catholic schools.

Appropriate time was taken out to have pre-Christmas festivities to ensure some light and festive moments took place in a socially distanced manner. At the same time, service projects took special meaning as items collected and distributed provided holiday cheer and kindness to others who may be alone or struggling this year.

St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School celebrated “The Reason for the Season” at an outdoor Family Christmas Event on Dec. 11, 2020. There was a live student nativity, Christmas story narration, student decorated Christmas tree, lights, hot chocolate, goodies and fellowship. Donated gifts were gathered under the Christmas tree, destined for children at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Immokalee.

St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota had students collect snacks and treats which were sent to military serving oversees in mid-December. Just before their holiday vacation, the youngest students participated in a special Christmas prayer service with religious songs before a large Nativity scene and concluded with a Christmas carol singalong. Meanwhile, some of the older students thought they were having a pop spelling quiz when instead the quiz papers became part of an outdoor “snowball” fight.’

Also taking place in Sarasota, the Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society collected new toys which students delivered just in time for Christmas to the pediatric ward of Manatee Memorial Hospital, Mothers Helping Mothers and Sarasota Memorial Hospital Center for Behavior Health. Stuffed animals were collected and delivered to the Sarasota Department of Children and Families. Meanwhile, the Cardinal Mooney students also provided gifts for the 60 residents of the Sunshine Meadows Nursing Home in Sarasota.

The students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School National Junior Honor Society in Fort Myers helped to organize the collection of more than 700 gifts as part of the annual St. Nicholas Gift Drive to benefit Catholic Charities of Lee County. Students, along with help from the Knights of Columbus, provided warm coats for children in Bonita Springs. The children. in pre-kindergarten. had a special visit from Mary, Joseph and the Three Wise Men as they learned about the Miracle of the Christ Child.

Meanwhile, at St. Ann Catholic School in Naples, a pajama dress-up day helped to collect new pajamas for local children. Early in December, the students received a visit from St. Nicholas for a view of Santa’s workshop as well as for fun and games.

Decorating is a big part of Christmas, so students at St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral decorated their own “Christmas trees” in art class using various materials to create their tree and decorations.

Construction was on the minds of students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton as they were asked to build their own crèche.

In lieu of in-person holiday concerts or presentations, many schools opted to pre-record performances and later shared the results for all to hear and see online.

Vocations column

Posted on December 21, 2020 by Bob Reddy

“A voice cries out in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord.”

By Father Shawn Roser, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Venice in Florida,

In many ways, the year 2020 can be compared to traveling through a difficult, unknown, and challenging wilderness. Yet God’s voice and message still rings out loudly through His messengers.

As the holy season of Advent comes to an end and we look in eager anticipation toward Christmas, there are many preparations to be made. From decorations to gifts, to cards, our lists can become full. Yet, even more importantly, how have we prepared our hearts and souls to receive Christ once more?

In a similar way, there is a group of people in our midst, who are living their lives in total preparation for a mission, a vocation, to come. These men are the seminarians of the Diocese of Venice, studying to become future priests.

During their years of seminary training, their whole lives are dedicated to preparation for active ministry as God’s priests. Time and time again, they have shared with me their anticipation of serving God’s people and walking with them to the light of the Gospel truth.

This past summer, during our annual seminarian convocation and retreat at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice, Florida, we consecrated ourselves to St. Joseph, during the Diocesan “Year of St. Joseph” initiated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on March 19, 2020. And so, it is fitting that Pope Francis, has now declared a Year of St. Joseph for the Universal Church through Dec. 8, 2021.

God’s timing is indeed marvelous, for St. Joseph’s role in salvation history cannot be overstated. Joseph is a powerful intercessor, and in a particular way, an essential example for all those training for spiritual fatherhood. Like St. John the Baptist, he shows us the way- the way to the Father. Joseph was a simple craftsman of a small town, who hailed from a royal bloodline long bereft of power or glory, and yet was known by all as the “just man” for his personal sanctity. Although not a word of St. Joseph is recorded in Sacred Scripture. However, he always followed the path the Lord asked him to travel. By his own simple yes to God, he guided the Holy Family on that difficult journey to Bethlehem and helped raised Our Lord to manhood alongside Our Blessed Mother, Mary.

Our seminarians are preparing to lay down their lives in service to you, God’s people. And so, one day soon, God willing, you will hear their words, “This is My Body, Given Up for You” echoing at Holy Mass. And so, we turn to you and ask your support for them on their journey towards ordination.

As the upcoming Annual Seminarian Collection (the first weekend of 2021) approaches, it is proper to reflect on the fact that it takes a great deal of time and resources to “make” a priest, but above all, it is prayer that sustains the journey. The funds we received from this important collection go directly to assist our seminarians with their tuition, room and board, and other necessary expenses during their years of preparation. Won’t you prayerfully consider supporting these sons of St. Joseph, these spiritual sons of ours, who one day will become our spiritual fathers in Christ?

May the Lord reward you for your generosity of heart and faithfulness to Him! While we do not know what the future may hold, we do know who holds the future: Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us prepare for His coming!

To learn more about the Diocese of Venice Vocations Office, please visit venicevocations.org. You can contact Father Shawn Roser at 941-484-9543 or roser@dioceseofvenice.org. To support Diocesan seminarians, please https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/office-of-vocations/ and click the DONATE button or go to the Timothy Fund page at https://dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/timothy-fund/.

Retired Monsignor dies

Posted on December 21, 2020December 21, 2020 by Bob Reddy

Msgr. Joseph A. Ferraro, a retired priest who served 30 years as a military Chaplain, was a priest of the Diocese of Oakland and in retirement assisted at Parishes in Manatee County, died Dec. 18, 2020 at the age of 79.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1942, as a young man Msgr. Ferraro attended Catholic schools is Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania. and later attended Holy Trinity College and St. Mary’s Seminary, both in Baltimore, Maryland, and he was ordained to the priesthood May 20, 1967, in Baltimore for the Trinitarian Order (Order of the Most Holy Trinity).

As a priest, Msgr. Ferraro first served as a Prison Chaplain in New Jersey, as well as assisting at St. James Parish in Trenton, New Jersey before becoming a teacher at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland.

In 1969 he was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy, which led to a 30-year career as a Navy Chaplain. While a Chaplain, he served with the U.S. Third Marine Division, Vietnam, followed by duty with the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, Okinawa; U.S. Coast Guard Training Center, Petaluma, California; Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan; Construction Battalion Center-Seabees, Port Hueneme, California; Naval Support Activity, Naples, Italy; Oakland Naval Hospital, Oakland, California; and the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, Alameda, California. He was promoted to Captain in 1986. Father also served as Command Chaplain, U.S. Pacific Submarine Force, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California; Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California; and then with the U.S. Naval Forces, Rota, Spain. Msgr. Ferraro was Incardinated to the Diocese of Oakland in 1988.

It was in 1999 that he was selected by St. John Paul II as honorary prelate, garnering the title of Monsignor. That same year Msgr. Ferraro was also awarded the Legion of Merit, a military award of the U.S. armed forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. In 1979, he was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps medal for heroism when he saved the lives of a family in Oxnard, California, which was being held hostage by a distraught woman.

Within the Diocese of Venice, Msgr. Ferraro assisted primarily at Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto as well as at Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles in Bradenton and Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch and at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota. He was recognized as a Golden Jubilarian during the 2017 Diocese of Venice Chrism Mass.

Funeral arrangements are pending. A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Cross Parish at a later date. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Msgr. Joseph Ferraro and for the consolation of his family.

News briefs for the week of Dec. 21, 2020

Posted on December 21, 2020December 21, 2020 by Bob Reddy

Bishop celebrates Mass for students in Bradenton

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass for students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton on Dec. 17, 2020. The fifth through eighth graders were present in the Church, while the younger students, and students who a learning virtually, participated via a livestream to ensure social distancing was maintained. Afterwards, the Bishop spoke to the eighth graders.

“A Seminarian Story” fourth installment available

The Diocese of Venice in Florida Office of Vocations launched a video series titled, “A Seminarian Story,” to celebrate the 16 Seminarians currently in formation. The first four videos have been released and more will follow approximately every few weeks. The most recent video is about Seminarian Juan Contreras who is doing formation at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. Developed with the assistance of the Diocese Communications Department, the goal of the series is to inspire others to follow in the path to the priesthood or religious life, as well as encourage the faithful to continue to support the seminarians as they continue their formation process at different seminaries. “A Seminarian Story” featuring Juan Contreras can be found at https://vimeo.com/456677189.

Last Bishop radio show of 2020 available

The December edition of the “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,” his monthly radio program on Relevant Radio, will be available to listen on at 8:30 a.m., Dec, 26. The show focuses upon reflections on the incredible year that was 2020 while at the same time looking forward to what is coming next in the Diocese of Venice in 2021. The December program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts. You can also find links to previous broadcasts at the same location.

Students participate in “Hour of Code’

The week of Dec. 7-13, 2020, the students at St. Martha Catholic School participated in the “Hour of Code,” a national effort to make computer science fun and takes place annually during Computer Science Education Week. It started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify “code,” to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with one-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts. Participation in the “Hour of Code” is just one of many aspects of STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, mathematics), which is part of the comprehensive education available in all Diocese of Venice Catholic schools.

Annual Mass for Catholic Haitian Community Jan. 1

The annual Mass celebrating the 217th anniversary of the independence of Haiti will take place at 2 p.m., Jan. 1, 2021, the Solemnity of Holy Mary, Mother of God, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The Main Celebrant is Bishop Frank J. Dewane. There is ample seating available at the Parish with social distancing and masks required. A drive-thru dinner will follow in lieu of a reception. For more information, please contact Father Fritz Ligondé at 239-210-1018.

Televised Christmas Day Mass for the Homebound

The televised Christmas Day Mass for the Homebound, with Celebrant Bishop Frank J. Dewane, will air for a full hour on Christmas Day. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Mass will air at 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Mass will air at 8 a.m. on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). You will also be able to find the Christmas Day Mass on the Diocese of Venice website at www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass. Please check your cable provider for channel listings. Leaflet missals are available upon request by calling Gail Ardy at 941-486-4714 or by writing: TV Mass, Diocese of Venice, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. For more information email ardy@dioceseofvenice.org.

Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal

The annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is happening now through January. A donation to the 19th Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal will give those struggling the means to move beyond their battles and strengthen our communities during these times of high unemployment and despair. During this season of sharing, please consider a contribution to Catholic Charities so we can continue to provide help, create hope, and serve all. Thank you for your giving spirit! To donate, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or mail a donation to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 5824 Bee Ridge Road PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.

Year of Saint Joseph

On the Solemnity of St. Joseph, March 19, Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in the context of the Coronavirus, consecrated the Diocese of Venice to the care and protection of St. Joseph. The Bishop announced a “Year of St. Joseph” beginning March 19, 2020. In light of Pope Francis recently dedicating a “Year of St. Joseph,” the Diocesan celebration will continue through Dec. 8, 2021. St. Joseph, often referred to as the Protector, can be our protector during this time of the pandemic. To pray a Novena to St. Joseph please visit the Year of St. Joseph webpage at https://dioceseofvenice.org/a-year-of-st-joseph/.

Dispensation

As Bishop Frank J. Dewane continues to listen to public health data and hear from Priests and Parishioners about the experiences at Diocesan Parishes, the dispensation given to attend Sunday Mass has been extended into 2021. At the same time, Bishop Dewane invites the Catholic Faithful who are able, to return to their Parish for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Please check the Diocese of Venice website for any updates.

New statue installed at OLPH Shrine

Posted on December 21, 2020December 21, 2020 by Bob Reddy

For nearly a quarter century Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice has been providing spiritual solace for the faithful of the Diocese of Venice on the banks of the Myakka River.

To help enhance the experience, a new Shrine to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is nearing completion. A major milestone was reached on Nov. 19, 2020, when workers installed a one-ton statue of Mary holding the Child Jesus. Long-delayed by the COVID-19 Pandemic and other logistical considerations, the new white marble statue majestically stands in a niche of a large piece of limestone atop a waterfall.

Prominently located on the property, the Shrine is next to the Bell Tower, along a path which leads in one direction to nearby St. Joseph Chapel and in the other direction to the outdoor Stations of the Cross. It is also a short distance from the bridge which leads to the main conference areas.

The concept of the Shrine Project began with several donations made to memorialize Redemptorist Father Charlie Mallen, the founding director of the Retreat Center, known by most as OLPH. The Diocese of Venice added to these donations so construction could be done in a beautiful and enduring way.

Father Mallen founded OLPH at the direction of then-Bishop John J. Nevins. With the assistance of Sister Carmella DeCosty, Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Father Mallen developed an overgrown piece of land into a spiritual refuge. The first buildings were blessed and dedicated in January 1996.

Although there will be a plaque to memorialize Father Mallen when completed, the large marble statue of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is the centerpiece of the Shrine. While the statue was being made and delivered, a temporary statue of Our Lady was in its place.

The backdrop of the statue consists of a single large piece of limestone and several Italian cypress trees which produce a vaulted cathedral effect. There is a small waterfall at Mary’s feet which is lit at night to striking effect. The reverse side of the limestone has a crucifix.

The main feature of the Shrine, the monument, is made of 15,000 pounds of Oolitic limestone quarried in Coral Bay Florida by Epic Stonework. The same material was used to create a series of benches, each weighing two-tons. The stairs and floor of the Shrine are made of keystone, and the ramp access is made of travertine.

Features include a variety of landscaping such as assorted bromeliads, two Montgomery palms, 14 Italian cypress, five Adonidia palms, three European fan palms, and three Ligustrum trees.

Diocese Buildings Project Manager Joe Rego said the statue is from Fynders Keepers of Stillwell, Kansas, made with marble from China. Treasure Cove of Sarasota, operated by Patrick Hebda, installed the statue and benches, as well as fabricated the crucifix to which the corpus was attached. The landscaping, hardscaping and water feature were installed by Appel Horticultural Services, LLC of Sarasota.

OLPH Director, Father Mark Yavarone, Oblate of the Virgin Mary, said a few finishing touches remain before the Shrine is complete, but that when appropriate, a blessing and dedication will take place.

“We will see when we can do it safely; but expect a big celebration, maybe this time next year, to celebrate the full 25 years,” Father Yavarone said.

News briefs for the week of Dec. 14, 2020

Posted on December 21, 2020December 21, 2020 by Bob Reddy

Bishop celebrates Mass for Sarasota Catholic school

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass on Dec. 10, 2020, Thursday of the Second Week of Advent, for the students at Incarnation Catholic School in Sarasota. Bishop Dewane reminded the students to not only prepare for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas but for the Second Coming of Christ. Following the Mass, the Bishop spoke to the eighth graders and fielded questions from the group.

Televised Christmas Day Mass for the Homebound

Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal

Annual Mass for Catholic Haitian Community Jan. 1

Students send get well cards to COVID patients

St. Martha Catholic School second-graders in Sarasota made “Get Well Cards” for the patients on the COVID-19 Floor of Sarasota Memorial Hospital, as well as “Thank You Cards” for the staff which were delivered the week of Dec. 7, 2020. The students also collected treats to make Gift Baskets.

Toiletries added to food distribution

Thanks to a generous donation, toiletries were included in the Dec. 11, 2020, food pantry distribution by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. in Arcadia. The items allow the recipients to focus on the purchasing of other more urgent needs without having to pay for toiletries and food as they struggle to become more financially stable.

2021 Catechetical Conference Feb. 13

The 2021 Catechetical Conference, “Encountering Christ in the Classroom” will be held Feb. 13, 2021, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. The day will begin with Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. This will be followed by keynote addresses and workshops in English and Spanish. All workshops will be geared around how to engage both catechists and students the lesson about the Faith while having Jesus Christ at the center. Exhibitors will be present, making possible the viewing new and creative ideas on using technologies, resources and teaching techniques. The cost for the day is $25 a person and includes lunch. Registration for this event can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2021-catechetical-day

Sunday Mass In Spanish available on the radio

St. Jude Parish in Sarasota broadcasts the Holy Mass in Spanish, celebrated by Pastor Father Celestino Gutiérrez, every Sunday at 9 a.m. on radio station 99.1 and at 11 a.m. on 105.3. We thank the sponsors for this Mass and SOLMART Media for their collaboration in this effort.

Misa Dominical En Español

La Iglesia de San Judas en Sarasota transmitirá la Santa Misa en español, oficiada por su Párroco, el Padre Celestino Gutiérrez, todos los domingos a las 9 a.m. por la emisora de radio 99.1 y a las 11 a.m. por la 105.3. Agradecemos a los Patrocinadores para esta Misa y a SOLMART Media por su colaboración en este esfuerzo.

Safe Haven Sunday coming to Diocese

Pornography is one of the leading causes of addictions, abuse, adultery, divorce, and even human trafficking: it is, in short, a pervasive evil inflicting grave wounds on our families. Pornography creates unsafe environments for children and confuses others about attitudes towards sex and marriage. It is a moral issue. For this reason, March 7, 2021, has been designated as Safe Haven Sunday in the Diocese of Venice. This awareness day will give us an opportunity to address the harmfulness of pornography in marriages, families, and culture, while providing helpful resources for all. Detailed information about the implementation of this program will be shared in the coming weeks through your Parishes. If you have any questions, please contact Carrie Harkey, Diocesan Coordinator of Family Life at harkey@dioceseofvenice.org.

Online “Introduction to Catholic Theology” offered by Diocesan Institute

The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation is offering a 16-week online course starting Jan. 11, 2021, that introduces students to the principles, practices, and sources of Catholic Theology. The course “What is Catholic Theology? (Ecclesial Nature and Mission of Theology)” counts as a pre-requisite for those beginning the online MA in Theology and Christian Ministry at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Anyone interested in a graduate-level introduction to Catholic Theology is welcomed to access the course for half-price. The course is taught by Dr. John Gresham, Executive Director of the Institute. For cost and other information and to register for the course, visit https://institute-dov.org/ and click on the link to COURSES. For more information, contact Dr. Gresham at 941-766-7334 or john.gresham@institute-dov.org.

Anniversary Masses coming soon

All couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more than 50 years of marriage are invited by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an Anniversary Mass in their honor to be celebrated in two locations. This year, considering the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, each location will have two Masses to allow for appropriate social distancing. The Masses are 10 a.m. and noon on Feb. 6, 2021, Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., and 10 a.m. and noon, March 6, 2021, St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. All registration is being handled through your local Parish. Please reserve your seats at least one week before the Mass you wish to attend.

St. Clare Fraternity Welcomes Four New Members

Posted on December 21, 2020 by Bob Reddy

By Beatrice T. Sanford, OFS, Special to the Florida Catholic

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, 2020, was a cause for celebration as the St. Clare Secular Franciscan Fraternity welcomed four candidates who made their permanent profession in a socially distanced ballroom on the campus of Ave Maria University in Ave Maria.

St. Francis of Assisi, who founded the Secular Franciscan Order in the 13th century, was known for his devotion to the Blessed Mother. Father Rick Martignetti, OFM, Ave Maria University Catholic Campus Minister, celebrated Mass which included the Rite of Profession.

The newly professed members of the St. Clare Secular Franciscan Fraternity are Mary Ellen Becker of St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres, David Bowen of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, and Richard Nozewski and Robert Schoenborn of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria.

The St. Clare Secular Franciscan Fraternity is a community of 25 men and women from various parishes in Southwest Florida called by God to follow the Gospel life after the example of St. Francis of Assisi, to share his charism, and to make it present in the world. Members pray daily and gather on the first Sunday of the month in Ave Maria Parish Hall. Secular Franciscans express the teachings of Jesus Christ through their daily lives, both in prayer and in action, going from the Gospel to life and from life to the Gospel.

To become a Secular Franciscan, there is a process that can last between 18 months to almost three years. It begins with orientation to determine the basic disposition to Franciscan Charism and life in fraternity. What follows next is the first phase of initial formation known as Inquiry or discernment where one determines if they truly are being called to this vocation. Inquirers learn about lay spirituality, the life of St. Francis of Assisi, the history and structure of the Secular Franciscan Order as well as the Rule of the Order written by St. Francis.

If the person is ready to embrace the consecrated life there is a period of Candidacy with focus on the Pauline Rule and Prologue, Sacred Scripture, Franciscan Spirituality, Franciscan Apostolic Life and the Ritual of the Secular Franciscan Order. The Rite of Profession is the final step and lasts a lifetime. As you may surmise, the key word is commitment and guidance by the Holy Spirit.

The hallmarks of the Order’s spirituality are simplicity, poverty, humility, a sense of minority, a complete and active abandonment to God, conversion, transformation, and peacemaking.

For more information, contact Carol Bart OFS at cabart51@gmail.com.

Diocesan 2020 Christmas Eve and Day Mass times

Posted on December 16, 2020December 22, 2020 by Bob Reddy

Below please find the Christmas Eve and Day Mass times for Parishes/Missions of the Diocese of Venice, with address and contact information provided. The Parishes/Missions are listed in alphabetical order by the city in which they are located. Masses times in a language other than English are also noted. Face masks are required to attend all Masses within the Diocese of Venice. Social distancing will also be maintained.

Special notes of interest

LIVE – Parishes which are livestreaming Mass on their website, Facebook or YouTube page will have a notation indicating this fact. In all such cases, Masses will be available to view anytime afterwards on the different platforms.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – Several Parishes are requiring reservations to address increased demand while ensuring appropriate social distancing. Please contact the Parish/Mission as soon as possible to learn how make reservations as several have deadlines as early as Dec. 21 to take this action.

Televised Mass for the Homebound

The televised Christmas Day Mass for the Homebound with Celebrant Bishop Frank J. Dewane will air for a full hour on Christmas Day. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Mass will air at 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Mass will air at 8 a.m. on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). Please check your cable provider for channel listings. The Mass will also be available for viewing at www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass.

ARCADIA

■ St. Paul, 1208 E. Oak St., 863-494-2611

Christmas Eve

5 p.m., 8 p.m. (Spanish)

Christmas Day

11 a.m., 1 p.m. (Spanish)

AVE MARIA

■ Ave Maria, 5068 Annunciation Circle, Ste. 101, www.avemariaparish.org, 239-261-5555

Christmas Eve

5 p.m., midnight

Christmas Day

10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Latin)

AVON PARK

■ Our Lady of Grace, 595 E. Main St., www.ologap.org, 863-453-4757

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish), 10 p.m.

Christmas Day

8 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

BOCA GRANDE

■ Our Lady of Mercy, 240 Park Ave., 941-964-2254

CHRISTMAS EVE

3 p.m., 5 p.m.

CHRISTMAS DAY

8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

BOKEELIA

■ Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, 12175 Stringfellow Road, www.miraculousmedalch.org, 239-283-0456

Reservations required for all Masses

Christmas Eve

3 p.m., 5 p.m.

Christmas Day

8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

BONITA SPRINGS

■ St. Leo, 28290 Beaumont Road, www.stleocatholicchurch.org, 239-992-0901

Christmas Eve

3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m.

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

BOWLING GREEN

Holy Child, 4315 Chester Ave., http://michaelwauchula.weconnect.com, 863-773-4089

Christmas Day

2 p.m. (Spanish)

BRADENTON

■ Sacred Heart, 1220 15th St. W., mysacredheart.com, 941-748-2221

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 9 p.m. (Spanish), 9 p.m. (bilingual)

Christmas Day

8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon (Spanish), 1:30 p.m. (Spanish)

■ Ss. Peter and Paul, 2850 75th St. W., www.sspeterandpaul.org, 941-795-1228

Christmas Eve

4:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m.

Christmas Day

9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

■ St. Joseph, 3100 26th St. W., www.sjcfl.org, 941-756-3732

Christmas Eve

4 p.m. (live), 7 p.m., 10:30 p.m.

Christmas Day

9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (live)

BUCKHEAD RIDGE

■ St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, 1027 Chobee Loop, 863-946-0696

CHRISTMAS EVE

5 p.m.

CHRISTMAS DAY

10 a.m.

CAPE CORAL

■ St. Andrew, 2628 Del Prado Blvd. S., www.standrewrcc.org, 239-574-4545

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m., midnight

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish)

■ St. Katharine Drexel, 1922 S.W. 20th Ave., saintkatharinedrexelparish.org, 239-283-9501

Christmas Eve

4 p.m. (live), 4:15 p.m., 6 p.m., midnight

Christmas Day

8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (live), 12:30 p.m.

CLEWISTON

■ Santa Rosa de Lima, 835 N. Mayoral St., Montura Ranch Estates, 863-983-8585

Christmas Day

8 a.m. (Spanish)

■ St. Margaret, 208 N. Deane Duff Ave., 863-983-8585

Christmas Eve

5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish).

Christmas Day

10 a.m. (live), noon (Spanish) – reservations required

ENGLEWOOD

■ St. Raphael, 770 Kilbourne Ave., www.StRaphEng.org, 941-474-9595

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 8 p.m.

Christmas day

7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

EVERGLADES CITY

■ Holy Family, 200 Datura Ave., 239-394-5181

Christmas Day

10:30 a.m.

FORT MYERS

■ Jesus the Worker, 881 Nuna Ave., www.jesustheworker.org, 239-693-5333

(All Masses in Spanish and live)

Christmas Eve

7 p.m., 11 p.m.

Christmas Day

10 a.m., noon

■ Our Lady of Light, 19680 Cypress View Drive, www.ourladyoflight.com, 239-267-7088

Christmas Eve

4 p.m. (live), 6 p.m., 8 p.m.

Christmas Day

7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

■ Resurrection of Our Lord, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, www.ResurrectionCh.org, 239-481-7172

Christmas Eve

3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m.

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. (Latin)

■ San Jose, 10750 Gladiolus Drive, www.jesustheworker.org, 239-639-5333

(All Masses in Spanish)

Christmas Eve

7 p.m.

Christmas Day

Noon

■ St. Cecilia, 5632 Sunrise Drive, www.saintcecilias.org, 239-936-3635

(All Masses live – reservations required by Dec. 21)

Christmas Eve

3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.

Christmas Day

9 a.m., 11 a.m.

■ St. Columbkille, 12171 Iona Road, www.stcolumbkille.com, 239-489-3973

Christmas Eve

3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.

Christmas Day

7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

■ St. Francis Xavier, 2157 Cleveland Ave., www.stfrancisfm.org, 239-334-2161

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 10 p.m.

Christmas Day – available of YouTube channel

7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. (Polish), 4 p.m. (Creole)

■ St. John XXIII, 13060 Palomino Lane, www.johnxxiii.net, 239-561-2245

(All Masses live)

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 9 p.m., 11 p.m. (Vietnamese)

Christmas Day

7:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Spanish)

■ St. Vincent de Paul, 13031 Palm Beach Blvd., www.stvincentfortmyers.org, 239-693-0818

All Masses are live

Christmas Eve

7 p.m.

Christmas Day

9 a.m., 11 a.m.

FORT MYERS BEACH

■ Ascension, 6025 Estero Blvd., 239-463-6754

CHRISTMAS EVE

7 p.m., 9 p.m.

CHRISTMAS DAY

8 a.m., 10 a.m.

GROVE CITY

■ St. Francis of Assisi, 5265 Placida Road, www.sfoachurch.com, 941-697-4899

Christmas Eve

4 p.m. (reservations required), 8 p.m.

Christmas Day

8 a.m., 10 a.m. (reservations required), 11:30 p.m.

HOLMES BEACH

■ St. Bernard, 248 S. Harbor Drive, www.stbernardcc.com, 941-778-4769

Christmas Eve

4 p.m.

Christmas Day

8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

IMMOKALEE

■ Our Lady of Guadalupe, 219 S. 9th St., 239-657-2666

Christmas Eve

6 p.m., 8 p.m. (Spanish), 10:30 p.m. (Creole)

Christmas Day

10 a.m., noon (Spanish), 2 p.m. (Spanish), 4 p.m. (Creole)

LABELLE

■ Holy Martyrs, 4290 Crescent Ave. S.W., https://www.olqhhmm.org, 863-675-0030

Christmas Eve

7p.m. (Spanish)

■ Our Lady Queen of Heaven, 355 S. Bridge St., https://www.olqhhmm.org, 863-675-0030

(All Masses are live)

Christmas Eve

5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

Christmas Day

9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Spanish), noon (Spanish)

LAKE PLACID

■ St. James, 3380 Placid View Drive, https://www.stjameschurchlp.com, 863-465-3215

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 10 p.m.

Christmas Day

8 a.m., 10 a.m.

■ Santiago Apostol Mission, 685 County Road 621 E., https://www.stjameschurchlp.com, 863-385-0049

Christmas Eve

8 p.m. (Spanish)

Christmas Day

10 a.m. (Spanish)

LAKEWOOD RANCH

■ Our Lady of the Angels, 12905 State Road 70 E., www.olangelscc.org, 941-752-6770

Christmas Eve

4 p.m. (live), 6 p.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m.

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. (live), 11 a.m.

LEHIGH ACRES

■ St. Raphael, 2514 Lee Blvd., https://www.saintraphaelcc.net, 239-369-1831

Christmas Eve

5 p.m., 7 p.m., midnight

Christmas Day

9 a.m., 11 a.m.

LONGBOAT KEY

■ St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, www.stmarylbk.org, 941-383-1255

(Mass is posted to website by afternoon)

Christmas Eve

3:30 p.m.,5 p.m., 9 p.m.

Christmas Day

8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., noon

MARCO ISLAND

■ San Marco, 851 San Marco Road, www.sanmarcochurch.com, 239-394-5181

Christmas Eve

3:45 p.m. (live), 5:30 p.m. (live), 10 p.m.

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m.

MOORE HAVEN

■ St. Joseph the Worker, 1800 N. U.S. Highway 27, 863-946-0696

Christmas Eve

8 p.m. (Spanish)

Christmas Day

8 a.m.

NAPLES

■ Corpus Christi, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, www.corpuschristifssp.com/, 402-659-5531

(All Masses in Latin and reservations are required)

Christmas Day

8:30 a.m., 10 a.m.

■ St. Agnes, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, www.stagnesnaples.org, 239-592-1949

(All Masses are live)

Christmas Eve

3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., midnight

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. (Spanish), 5 p.m.

■ St. Ann, 985 Third St. S., www.naplesstann.com, 239-262-4256

Christmas Eve

3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m.

Christmas Day

9 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m.

■ St. Elizabeth Seton, 5225 Golden Gate Parkway, www.saintelizabethseton.org, 239-455-3900

Christmas Eve

4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. (Spanish), 6:45 p.m. (Spanish), midnight

Christmas Day

8 a.m., 10 a.m.

■ St. Finbarr, 13520 Tamiami Trail E., www.stfinbarr.org, 239-417-2084

(All Masses are live)

Christmas Eve

3 p.m., 4:30 p.m.

Christmas Day

8 a.m. (Spanish), 10 a.m.

■ St. John the Evangelist, 625 111th Ave. N., www.saintjohntheevangelist.com, 239-566-8740

Christmas Eve

3 p.m. (live), 3:15 p.m., 5 p.m.,5:15 p .m., 7 p.m., midnight

Christmas Day

7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m.

■ St. Peter the Apostle, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, stpeterchurch.naples.net, 239-774-3337

(All Masses are live)

Christmas Eve

3;30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 9 p.m., 9 p.m. (Creole), midnight (Spanish)

Christmas Day

8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 3:45 p.m. (Creole)

■ St. William, 750 Seagate Drive, www.stwilliam.org, 239-261-4883

(All Masses are live)

239-261-4883

Christmas Eve

2:45 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 10 p.m., midnight (Latin)

Christmas Day

7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

NOCATEE

■ Capilla Católica de San Juan Diego, 5247 S.W. Highway 17, 863-494-2611

Christmas Eve

6 p.m. (Spanish)

NORTH FORT MYERS

■ St. Therese, 20155 N. Tamiami Trail, www.sainttheresechurch.net, 239-567-2315

Christmas Eve

3 p.m., 5 p.m.

Christmas Day

8 a.m., 10 a.m.

NORTH PORT

■ San Pedro, 14380 Tamiami Trail, www.sanpedrocc.org, 941-426-2500

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., midnight

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m.

OSPREY

■ Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 425 S. Tamiami Trail, www.olmc-osprey.org, 941-966-0807

(Reservations required for all Masses)

Christmas Eve

3 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m.

Christmas Day

8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

PALMETTO

■ Holy Cross, 505 26th St. W., http://www.holycrossdov.org, 941-729-3891

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 9 p.m. (Spanish)

Christmas Day

9 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Spanish)

PARRISH

■ St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, 12001 69th St. E., www.stfrancesxcabrini.org, 941-776-9097

Christmas Eve

3 p.m., 5 p.m. (live), 7 p.m., midnight (live)

Christmas Day

10 a.m. (live)

PORT CHARLOTTE

■ San Antonio, 24445 Rampart Blvd., www.sanantoniocatholicchurch.com, 941-624-3799

Christmas Eve

3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. (live)

Christmas Day

9 a.m.

■ St. Charles Borromeo, 2500 Easy St., www.stcharlespc.org, 941-625-4754

Christmas Eve

4 p.m. (live), 6 p.m., midnight

Christmas Day

7 a.m., 9 a.m. (live), 11 a.m., 1 p.m. (Creole)

■ St. Maximilian Kolbe, 1441 Spear St., Stmaxcatholic.org, 941-743-6877

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 4:05 p.m. (Parish Center), 8 p.m.

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

PUNTA GORDA

■ Sacred Heart, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., www.sacredheartfl.org, 941-639-3957

(Mass will be posted on Christmas Day)

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 9 p.m.

Christmas Day

7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

SANIBEL

■ St. Isabel, 3559 Sanibel Captiva Road, www.saintisabel.com, 239-472-2763

(All Masses are live, reservations required)

Christmas Eve

3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Christmas Day

10:30 a.m.

SARASOTA

■ Christ the King, 1900 Meadowood St., www.Christthekingsarasota.org, 941-924-2777

(All Masses in Latin and live)

Christmas Eve

midnight

Christmas Day

8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

■ Incarnation, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, www.incarnationchurch.org, 941-921-6631

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m.

Christmas Day

7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

■ Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, 6600 Pennsylvania Ave., http://olqm.net/, 941-755-1826

Christmas Eve

3 p.m., 5 p.m., 10 p.m.

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 10 a.m.

■ St. Jude, 3930 17th St., www.stjudesarasota.com, 941-955-3934

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 11 p.m. (Spanish)

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. (Spanish), 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish)

■ St. Martha, 200 N. Orange Ave., www.stmartha.org, 941-366-4210

(One Mass will be posted on website)

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (Vietnamese), 10 p.m., midnight

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, noon (Vietnamese/Hall), 5:30 p.m.

■ St. Michael the Archangel, 5394 Midnight Pass Road, www.stmichaelssiesta.com, 941-349-4174

(Reservations required)

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m.

Christmas Day

8 a.m. (live), 10 a.m. (live)

■ St. Patrick, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, www.churchofstpatrick.org, 941-378-1703

(All Masses are live)

Christmas Eve

4:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m.

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

■ St. Thomas More, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, www.stthomasmore.org, 941-923-1691

Christmas Eve

3 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 5 p.m., 5;15 p.m., 10 p.m.

Christmas Day

10 a.m., noon

SEBRING

■ St. Catherine, 820 Hickory St., www.stcathe.com, 863-385-0049

(All Masses are live)

Christmas Eve

4 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish), 9 p.m.

Christmas Day

8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon (Spanish)

VENICE

■ Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., www.epiphanycathedral.org, 941-484-3505

(All Masses are live, reservations required)

Christmas Eve

3:30 p.m., 3:40 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 9 p.m. (Polish), midnight

Christmas Day

7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:10 a.m.

■ Our Lady of Lourdes, 1301 Center Road, www.ollvenice.org, 941-497-2931

Christmas Eve

3 p.m. (live), 5 p.m., 8 p.m.

Christmas Day

8 a.m. (live), 10 a.m., noon

WAUCHULA

■ St. Michael, 408 Heard Bridge Road, http://michaelwauchula.weconnect.com, 863-773-4089

Christmas Eve

5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish), 9 p.m. (Spanish)

Christmas Day

8:30 a.m. (live), 10 a.m. (Spanish), noon (Spanish) (live)