Author: Bob Reddy

Men’s Conference Fight the Good Fight of the Faith!

Posted on by Bob Reddy

How can one be a good Catholic father, husband, brother, son or man in a modern world?

The answer to this and other questions was found Feb. 8 during the 2020 Diocese of Venice Men’s Conference at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. The Conference theme was: “Fight the Good Fight of the Faith!” (1 Timothy 6:12).

Hundreds of men gathered to hear from nationally known speakers Mark Hart, Chris Padgett and Father Donald Calloway, Marian Father of the Immaculate Conception.  The talks offered spiritual guidance and inspiration as well practical advice for the Catholic men.

Jim Burke of Resurrection Parish in Fort Myers enjoyed the day, saying the speakers touched on key points when talking about how to stay connected to the faith through the reading if Scripture, prayer and becoming more active in Parish life.

“As a father and almost a grandfather, I worry about my family more than ever, whether or not they are practicing the Catholic Faith,” Burke explained. “I heard things that resonated with me. It boils down to me knowing and understanding the Church better so I can share that knowledge.”

At the beginning of the day Joshua Mazrin, Diocese Director of Evangelization, told the men to have fun and enjoy a nice Saturday when they can be removed from all of their worldly obligations, but added the day was to be about taking “the time to encounter the Lord, to learn more about your Faith, and to grow in fellowship with one another.”

Charlie Vincenzo of St. Therese Parish in North Fort Myers found hope by being around other like-minded men who want the best for their own lives, the lives of their family and the life of Holy Mother Church. “Society seems to want to do away with all religion, when what it really needs are warriors to stand up and fight these battles for our Faith.”

Father Calloway, a convert who has a special affinity for the Holy Family, stressed that when we struggle to understand and overcome difficulties in our life, it is crucial to turn to the Lord for comfort and guidance. In our efforts to find the Lord, turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, through intercessions and following their example.

“We need the Lord in our lives now more than ever,” Father Calloway said. “One way the Church is stressing to do that is through Mary and one of the greatest saints, St. Joseph, step-father of Jesus. His is an example to us, someone we need in our life, for our family and household… Joseph was a spiritual warrior; the terror of demons, pillar of families, warrior of domestic life; guardian of virgins; patron of the Church; and your spiritual father.”

Padgett, a father of nine who is a native of the Diocese of Venice where he entered the Church in 1999, shared his own challenges and experiences in learning about the Catholic Church. Bringing a comedic aspect to his talk, Padgett stressed how being a man of God isn’t about athletics or power tools, it is that we are all called to greatness and this is best demonstrated in our willingness to sacrifice and serve.

Hart, executive vice president of Life Teen International, stressed that having a strong faith life begins with the study of Scriptures. “It is how we come to know God… Even if you just read the parts in the Mass (of Scripture read out as the first, second, responsorial psalm and Gospel), you have 167 hours of reading. That is a good place to start.”

Throughout the day the men enjoyed spiritual fellowship, a burger fest, food trucks and outdoor games. The day also included the opportunity for Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The closing Mass was celebrated by Father Eric Scanlan, Administrator of Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, filling in for Bishop Frank J. Dewane who was unable to attend because he was participating in a “Ad Limina” visit to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Scout builds walking rosary garden for Parish

Posted on by Bob Reddy

When it was time for Cameron Yedlin to choose an “Eagle Scout Project,” it was natural for him to decide to do something for St. William Parish. It was also a natural idea to help promote the praying of the rosary. This was the beginning of a passionate effort that has culminated in the blessing of a new Walking Rosary Garden.

St. William Parish Pastor, Father George Ratzmann, blessed the prayer garden on Feb. 2. Located on the northwest corner of the Parish property, the garden includes a walkway bridge, a full rosary with a cross laid into the ground with pavers, and there is a statue of Our Blessed Virgin Mary overlooking the entire area. There are also two benches for rest and prayer as well as a sign which serves to guide people in how to pray the rosary.

In addition to Cameron’s proud parents, Bruce and Bonnie Yedlin, a small group gathered for the blessing and congratulated the young man for a job well done.

Cameron is an active member of the Parish, an altar server at the 7 a.m. Sunday Mass each week, he also participates in Youth Group. Cameron has taken part in various mission trips and service projects and has taken part in the last several Diocesan Youth Rallies. He also joined the Diocese of Venice group that travelled with Bishop Frank J. Dewane to World Youth Day Panama City in 2019 and Krakow in 2016.

Joining the Scouts in first grade, Cameron worked his way through the ranks during the the next 11 years. He is a Boy Scout and has earned dozens of merit badges for Troop 243, far exceeding the minimum requirement for becoming an Eagle Scout, something he has dreamed about for many years.

“This has been a goal of mine for a long time,” the junior at Gulf Coast High School explained. “When I knew it was time to do an ‘Eagle Scout Project,’ my mind went right to what I could do for St. William Parish.”

Creating a proposal, Cameron approached and received an enthusiastic approval from Father Ratzmann. The proposal included designing the different components of the Rosary Prayer Walk and raising money for the supplies. He then spoke to the Council of Catholic Woman, the Knights of Columbus, the Parish Rosary Makers group, as well as the parishioners, seeking support for the project. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

“This has been a great experience.” He further explained how “so many people came together to help me with this; from the Parish staff to people I didn’t even know. It is humbling to have that support.”

During four weekends, the Rosary Prayer Garden took shape as Cameron cleared out the area of brush and dug the places for each stone paver, marking the location of each bead in the rosary or connection to take the shape of the cross. Utilizing the small space to maximum effect, and to enhance the prayerful nature of the setting, the pavers form a flowing arc around a tree and the statue of the Blessed Virgin.

The Walking Rosary Garden is an important legacy for Cameron, who said he prays the rosary as often as he can, even keeping a rosary close to him. “The rosary gives me great comfort because it is a way for me to pray to Christ through His Blessed Mother. At night, I will pray a decade or more and I have a rosary wrist band as well, so it is always with me.”

Next up for Cameron is completing the paperwork and giving a formal presentation to an “Eagle Scout Project” review board which will then determine if he will earn the elite Eagle Scout status.

Thanks to Cameron, the parishioners of St. William Parish in Naples now have a lasting legacy created by one of their own young people. Great job Cameron!!!

Bishop participates in “Ad Limina” visit to Rome

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Having a personal encounter with the Vicar for Christ has a special meaning for everyone privileged to have that unique opportunity.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane has met Pope Francis on several occasions, mostly during brief meetings at the Vatican, during World Youth Day events, and at other Conferences.

“It is always an exciting and moving experience,” Bishop Dewane said. “The Successor of Peter is a profoundly holy man and you see that in him. An audience is a special occasion.”

During the early mid-February Ad Limina visit, in which the Bishops of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina journeyed to Rome and presented their report on the status of their respective Dioceses, the audience on Feb. 13 with the Holy Father was an extraordinary meeting for Bishop Dewane. At the conclusion of the meeting Pope Francis presented Bishop Dewane a medal and rosary.

“We met the Holy Father as a group and were able to ask questions and hear his responses to our issues and concerns,” Bishop Dewane said. “He provided us within an insight that showed his pastoral understanding of the Faith and of the Catholic Church in Florida and in the United States. I was struck by his interest in what we are doing in evangelization and in particular the youth.”

This “Ad Limina Apostolorum” (to the threshold of the Apostles), a reference to the pilgrimage to the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul that the Bishops are required to make every five to seven years.

During his time in Rome from Feb. 8-16, Bishop Dewane and the others made a visit to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to ask questions as well as to share the faith experiences, issues and challenges faced in the local Church. Other stops included visits to other dicasteries or offices, such as the Pontifical Commission on Protection of Minors; the Congregation for Bishops; Congregation for Consecrated Life; Education; Congregation for Laity, Family and Life, and more.

The pilgrimage also included the celebration of the Holy Mass at the four Major Basilicas in Rome: St. Peter’s, St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Bishop Dewane was the principal celebrant for the last Mass with for the regional Bishops at St. Paul Outside the Walls. The day of the meeting with the Holy Father began with an early concelebrated Mass at the Tomb of St. Peter.

In addition to his responsibilities as part of this pilgrimage, Bishop Dewane took time to meet with the three Diocese of Venice Seminarians who are discerning the priesthood at Pontifical North American College. Christin Chami, Alexander Pince and Daniel Scanlan met with Bishop Dewane at St. Peter’s and were present for a special gathering prior to the start of the Bishops’ meeting with Pope Francis. Also present was Msgr. Patrick Dubois, a priest of the Diocese who currently works with the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life.

 

Longtime Pastor in Longboat Key, Sarasota dies

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Msgr. Finegan remembered as a gentle giant

Msgr. Gerard “Gerry” Finegan was known to wear many hats – confessor, confidante, friend, mentor, competitor and much more – but for most people who knew him, he was a gentle giant with a nice Irish accent who was also their Parish priest.

Msgr. Finegan died on Feb. 3 surrounded by family and friends. He was 77. For those who knew the longtime Pastor of Incarnation Parish and Chaplain at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, and recently retired Pastor of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish in Longboat Key, his passing from this earth struck many very deeply.

Hundreds commented on social media in response to the announcement of his passing. Many shared their personal stories of Msgr. Finegan; of how he presided over the marriage, baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, or funeral of various family members through the years, noting the twinkle in his eye and genuine concern about their well-being, no matter what.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Feb. 7 at Incarnation Parish, with Bishop Frank J. Dewane as the Main Celebrant and dozens of priests of the Diocese concelebrating, including Bishop Emeritus Robert Lynch of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Father Eric Scanlan, Administrator of Incarnation Parish and former Parochial Vicar at St. Mary, Star of the Sea under Msgr. Finegan, was the homilist and shared his personal reflections on the man he viewed as friend and mentor. He noted that a priest is called not only to follow Jesus but to go beyond that; to be the one who stands in the person of Jesus Christ (in persona Christi).

“In losing a priest, we not only lost a man but the unique way he showed us God,” Father Scanlan said. “His priestly presence was Christ in our world, was Christ to each one of us; and no one will ever again show us Jesus Christ the way that (Msgr.) Gerry did. That is a real sadness and a real loss.”

Bishop Dewane spoke of the tremendous contribution Msgr. Finegan made to the Diocese through the years. He noted that he was not just assigned to Incarnation Parish, but in fact he was Incarnation Parish. Whether at Incarnation or St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Msgr. Finegan was passionate about his commitment to the people.

“He was a man of faith who had no trouble putting that out to show everybody,” Bishop Dewane said. “The loss to the Diocese is great, but it is also a loss to his family and his many friends. My prayers go with you as you return to Ireland.”

A native of Ireland, Msgr. Finegan was born Jan. 1, 1943, in Cavan, County Kildare, to Joseph and Mary Finegan. He attended St. Patrick College, Maynooth, Ireland. He was Ordained to the Priesthood on June 18, 1967 at St. Patrick’s and Felim’s Cathedral in Cavan for the Diocese of St. Augustine. Monsignor also served at Parishes in Safety Harbor, Largo and was Chaplain at Clearwater Catholic High School, before his 1972 assignment as Parochial Vicar of Incarnation and Chaplain at Cardinal Mooney in the then-young Diocese of St. Petersburg.

In 1976 he was elevated to Pastor of Incarnation and remained there until 2008 when he was named Pastor of St. Mary, Star of the Sea on Longboat Key where he served until his retirement in November 2019. As announced from the Office of the Bishop on June 11, 2010, then-Pope Benedict XVI, bestowed Papal Honors on Father Finegan, along with four other Diocesan priests, in recognition of their dedication and exemplary service to the Church. This Papal Honor elevated him to the rank of Monsignor, as Chaplain to His Holiness. The group of priests was the first recipients of this honor in the history of the Diocese of Venice.

Passionate in his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Msgr. Finegan recited the Angelus at noon and 6 p.m. without fail, regardless of what he was doing. In his rare free time, he played multiple sports in his youth and later enjoyed racquetball, tennis, golf and playing cards. He also regularly returned to Ireland to visit family and friends.

Msgr. Finegan is survived by his sisters: Mary Tunney, Aine Connolly, Catherine O’Leary, Brigid Duffy, Josephine Finegan; six nephews; six nieces; 16 grand nephews, nine grand nieces, and countless friends. Please make memorial contributions in Msgr. Finegan’s name to Incarnation Catholic School. Burial will be in Ireland next to his parents.

English Catholic Charismatic Renewal Annual Conference March 13

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Come join the 2020 Diocese of Venice Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference, “Stir into Flame” a time for praise and worship, personal prayer ministry, powerful teachings, Eucharistic Adoration and fellowship. The Conference is 6 p.m., March 13, and 9 a.m.-8 p.m., March 14 at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers.

“If you have been thinking about how to grow closer to the Lord, or long to hear God’s voice in your life, or if you need to be renewed in your walk with the Lord, this weekend is for you!” said Rene Mazaron, English Catholic Charismatic Renewal Commission President.

Listen to internationally renowned speakers including Auxiliary Bishop Peter L. Smith of the Archdiocese of Portland, Jim Murphy, Sister Linda Koontz, SNJM, and Father Anthony Lukka. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate Mass at 3:30 p.m., on March 14.

“Come as you are and expect to receive God’s healing and Spiritual Gifts,” Mazon said. “Invite friends and neighbors, even those who have been away from the Church. God has etched your name in His plan book.”

The goal of the conference is for participants to encounter Christ in new and powerful ways as the speakers will encourage and challenge everyone to a life more fully “in the Spirit,” Mazaron added. “Take this opportunity to open your heart to the Holy Spirit, because it is the Holy Spirit who fulfills our life. It is the promptings of the Holy Spirit that keep us on the path to heaven.”

Speakers will present talks about living in the Holy Spirit with courage, power, love, self-control, giving testimony to the Lord and becoming a true Disciple of Christ.

Auxiliary Bishop Smith was born in South Africa and is a member of CHARIS (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International); Jim Murphy is a lay Catholic evangelist who previously served in Rome as Director of Leadership Formation and President of CHARIS; Sister Linda lives in El Paso, Texas and ministers to the poorest of the poor in Juarez, Mexico through “The Spirit of the Lord International Mission” outreach program; and Father Lukka serves as Spiritual Advisor for the Diocese of Venice, English Catholic Charismatic Renewal and also serves as Parochial Vicar at St. William Parish in Naples.

The cost is $35 before Feb. 29, and $40 afterwards, and includes refreshments, lunch and a light dinner. Please register at www.dvccr.org. Registrations are limited. No walk-ins.

Sacrament of Holy Matrimony a Sacred Bond

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Two people make up a married couple, but it is so much more than that – the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a sacred bond between a man and a woman which reflects the honor, commitment and fidelity each demonstrates for the other.

To celebrate significant wedding anniversaries, Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites couples married 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50+ years to a Mass in their honor. Two Masses are celebrated each year in the Diocese of Venice so as to accommodate those wanting to attend. The first in 2020 was Feb. 1 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice and a second will be 11 a.m., Feb. 29 at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs. (Registration is through your Parish.)

There were 317 couples present – married a combined 16,591 years – with eight celebrating 70 or more years of marriage. The longest married couple was Donald and Nonna Rassier of Epiphany Cathedral. On Oct. 2, 2020, they will celebrate their 72 years together.

Bishop Dewane said this celebration is of their commitment to each other, as well as to God. The celebration acknowledges the accomplishment they experienced in their lives which is honored and recognized by the Church.

“Your commitment to each other brings hope to the world,” Bishop Dewane said. “You represent something so great. A vocation to marriage. You were the ministers of the Sacrament, with a priest as a witness, and lived it each day during the years that followed… What a beautiful moment of grace and your being here – no matter how many years you are celebrating – is no small accomplishment.”

During the Mass, the married couples renewed their wedding vows. In addition, each couple was presented with commemorative certificates, signed by the Bishop, for their enduring commitment to marriage.

In speaking to one of four couples celebrating their anniversary on the very day (Feb. 1) of the Mass in Venice was Donald and Marilyn Dumas of Epiphany Cathedral.

“What a wonderful treat to have our anniversary on the day of this beautiful Mass,” Marilyn said of their 62nd Anniversary. The couple fell in love the moment they met, when he was on leave from the military and visiting a neighbor of Marilyn’s in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Now, 62 years later, with three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with another on the way, they wouldn’t change a thing. “We joined with each other through Christ,” Donald said. “That bond carried us through all the good times and the bad. The key to our success is that you have to have a sense of humor and have to be able to say I’m sorry.”

A reception followed the Mass with lunch and the opportunity to have complimentary pictures taken with the Bishop.

Present for the Mass were eight couples who were celebrating 70 or more years of marriage:

72 years

Donald and Nonna Rassier, Epiphany Cathedral;

71 years

John Theresa Kromish, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Port Charlotte;

James and Maria Nixon, Epiphany Cathedral;

Leon and Ann Reser, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Grove City;

Paul and Stefie Zielinski, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Venice;

70 years

George and Marcia Equizi, St. Martha Parish, Sarasota;

Eugene and Jeanne Jakos, Our Lady of Lourdes;

and Robert and Elena Ranieri, Epiphany Cathedral.

Finance Councils learn from Diocese leaders

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Each year the Diocese of Venice provides certificates and continuing development opportunities for staff and volunteers to update them on Diocesan, local and potentially federal policies related to their specific area of responsibility.

With this in mind, the Diocese offered a series of seminars in January and early February for members of Parish/School Finance Councils. Members of the Finance Councils are volunteers who generously provide their time and expertise while serving a critical role in support of their Pastor/Administrator. This work is done to ensure all pastoral needs are met, which includes financial stability, charitable work as well as planning for the future.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane welcomed the gathering on Jan. 21 at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota, thanking the laity for sharing their experiences and expertise with their Parish/School and their Pastor/Administrator, as well as other members of their respective Finance Councils.

“We are blessed to have such volunteers who so passionately participate in the life of the parish and/or school,” Bishop Dewane added. “We’d be lost without people like yourselves. You are giving the advice and life experience in your respective areas and we are most grateful. Your contributions make a big difference for the priests of the Diocese who might not have the same experience in managing finances.”

The response to the seminars was overwhelmingly positive. One participant in the seminar said the information offered provided clarity to many questions while also providing context and a greater appreciation for the vastness and complexities of the Diocese.

The seminars, one held in each Deanery, helped to provide updates and a broad overview of Diocesan policies and procedures, future planning, and Diocesan growth related to finances. This was also an opportunity for Council members to understand the structure of the Diocese and to put a face to the names of Diocesan staff with whom they may interact and seek information. Topics addressed included the challenges inherent with rapid growth and seasonal nature of many of the parishioners as well as the fact that each Parish/School is unique and has its own issues.

This partnership between the Finance Council and the Pastor/Administrator is vital to the stable finances of any entity. Finance Councils assist the Pastor/Administrator in budgeting; review of quarterly financial statements; developing a long-term Parish/School capital improvement plan, including implementation and funding sources; developing a program for the care and maintenance of all facilities; development and maintenance of position descriptions for the Parish Business Manager/Accountant (bookkeeper) and other staff/personnel engaged in the management, operation or administration of the Parish; and to serve as a resource to advise the Pastor/Administrator on significant expenditures before making a purchase or lease commitment in accordance with Diocesan policies.

Each Parish/School undergoes a financial review every three years by an independent CPA firm, with which the Finance Council is an integral part. Parishes also participate in safety and security programs which must also be budgeted. One of the most challenging aspect of Parish/School finances is the maintenance and operation of the various buildings. As in a household, the Council must ensure that all expenses, such as electricity, water, security, and maintenance, as well as any salaries, are part of current future budgeting processes.

Long-term planning (three-month, one year, five years) is one of the more important aspects of the Finance Councils responsibilities. This is to ensure that the Parish/School is being a good steward of the money, in support of the Pastor/Administrator

Seminar presentations were from the Diocesan Director of Finance Peter McPartland; Risk Management Director Donna Foti; Director of Internal Finance Lorraine VanLede-Brown, Director of the Office of Stewardship and Development Carla Repollet, as well as the Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Michael Morse.

Because of the complex nature of the Diocese, where each parish/school has its own unique identity and challenges, the gathering about finances was necessarily more of a general overview than a presentation on specific issues. This is because of the great diversity of the Diocese, with unique clusters of population and income ranges.  However, each speaker addressed the most common topics relating to finances. Each seminar also concluded with a question and answer session.

St. Andrew scientists shine at regional fair

Posted on by Bob Reddy

St. Andrew Catholic School was well represented at the 63rd Annual Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Regional Science and Engineering Fair and Inventors Fair which was held Jan. 18 at Florida Gulf Coast University in Estero.

The Cape Coral school sent 16 middle school students to the Science and Inventors Fair, and an amazing 11 students were recognized for their exceptional science and invention projects at the awards ceremonies. Three of those students took first place in their divisions. The event is the largest science and technology competition in Southwest Florida where more than 700 students from schools in Lee and Charlotte counties present their inventions and/or science projects.

The “STARS” of the evening were sixth grader Christopher Pino and eighth graders Naissa Esperance and Andrew Pino. Christopher was awarded First Place in the Jr. Division for Animal Sciences for his project “Cut the Frag: The Effect of Different Starting Coral Fragment’s Weights on Growth Rate.” Naissa received First Place in the Jr. Division for Environmental Engineering for her project “Comparing the Efficiency of Reverse Osmosis and Thermal Desalination for Decreasing the Salt Concentration of Water.” Andrew was awarded First Place in the Jr. Division for Chemistry for his project “The Power of Algae: The Effects of Different Concentrations of Magnesium Sulfate and Magnesium Chloride on Chlorella vulgaris Growth.”

Also recognized were: Zoe Malca (grade 6) Honorable Mention – Jr. Division for Behavioral and Social Sciences; Zachary Engle (grade 7) Third Place – Jr. Division for Physics and Astronomy; Kyle Benson (grade 7) Fourth Place – 7th Grade Inventions; Abigail Cudnik (grade 7) Honorable Mention – Jr. Division for Earth and Environmental Science; Savannah Chase (grade 8) Third Place – Jr. Division for Biomedical and Health Sciences; Declan Derba and Renato Pantoja (grade 8) Honorable Mention – Jr. Division for Engineering; and Marckovsky Ambroise (grade 8) Second Place – Special Transportation Invention.

All three First Place winners are also Grand Award Winners and will present their projects at the prestigious Broadcom MASTERS event and then this spring at the State Science and Engineering Fair in Lakeland.

St. Andrew Catholic School is a STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, Math) certified school and holds the distinction of being the first pilot STREAM school in the Diocese of Venice.

Principal David Nelson congratulated the students on their accomplishments.

“The amount of St. Andrew students who were recognized at the regional science fair is a testament to Mr. James Less and the school’s STREAM program,” Nelson said. “Mr. Less, along with our faculty and staff connect student learning through a variety of activities which promotes all aspects of STREAM. I am so proud of how our students handled themselves throughout the entire process. Congratulations to all Saint Andrew students, faculty, and staff on a job well done.”

For more information about St. Andrew Catholic School, please call 239-772-3922 or visit www.standrewcs.org.

Parish Family Day draws hundreds

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The sounds of joy – laughing, giggling and shouts of ecstasy – echoed across the fields behind the St. Michael Parish Hall in Wauchula on Feb. 1 as parents looked on with big smiles during a break in a daylong Family Day celebration.

When not having fun in the fields, the children and adults took part in small group activities, listening to age-appropriate talks and participating in different exercises that stressed the importance of having Christ as a guide in their daily life.

The youngest children drew and colored images that depicted different scenes, such as “My family goes to Church every Sunday,” or “Jesus loves me.” The teens heard a talk from a visiting priest who explained to them that they never need to worry about making their parents proud of them, because they are always proud. The focus of the teens needs to be on living their life as Jesus Christ would have wanted.

One teen said it was fun to have her whole family participate in a day of fun activities while staying focused on their faith-life. “I’m very active with the youth group, so we do many things together. What’s great about today is to have my younger brothers and sisters, as well as my parents joining in on what I love most about the Church – growing closer to Christ.”

The day included Mass, a rosary procession, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and silent prayer time in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Servants of the Lord the Virgin of Matara, women religious who serve at the Parish, organized and guided the Family Day. The event drew about 520 and is just one of about a dozen such special activities which take place throughout the year for different groups, many are directed to engaging Parish children, but days like this were on a grander scale.

Football players help needy

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Judy Bokorney – Special to the Florida Catholic

For the fourth year in a row, the players and coaches of the Ave Maria University football team treated families at the Casa Mara Soup Kitchen at Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities in Immokalee to a Super Bowl tailgate party.

Instead of the typical meal of soup, the tailgate party consisted of all-American menu of chili dogs, baked beans, potato chips, cupcakes, bread and juice.

The coaches prepared the meal and the players served a total of 120 people on Jan. 31, the Friday before the Super Bowl. To mark the occasion, the soup kitchen dining area was adorned with festive Super Bowl themed decorations.

“We wanted to give our families a fun day with some excitement,” said Guadalupe Social Services Program Coordinator Peggy Rodriguez. “We are grateful to the Ave Maria University Football Team for continuing to come out and do this every year. The interaction between the team and the families is so special.” Three raffle prizes were awarded during the meal as well.

“The players and coaches get a lot more out of it than they give and have the privilege to experience joy, love and gratitude,” said Ave Maria University Football Head Coach Joe Patterson. “Sports is about pursuing excellence and virtue, and you want to be as close to virtue as you can. To engage on a human to human level is integral to the development of the players as men.”

Guadalupe Social Services aims to alleviate the suffering in Immokalee with compassion, integrity, and empathy. By empowering the people through assistance provided to them, the main goals are to ensure human dignity and enhance the quality of life for all individuals served. Guadalupe Social Services focuses on offering the basic needs of food, shelter, clothing, and household items, stability and education.

Thank you to the Ave Maria Football Team for their service!

To learn more about Guadalupe Social Services, the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen and all of the programs of Catholic Charities, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

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