Bob Reddy, Author at Diocese of Venice

Cathedral teacher honored

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Bob Reddy

Staff Report

The Christian Chamber of Southwest Florida has honored Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School teacher Joyce Kiegher with its “Golden Halo Award” during an April 5 gathering in Naples.

Kiegher won the Grade 3-5 category and to mark the occasion she received a special congratulations at the school in Venice during the April 11 morning assembly and prayer service.

Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School Principal MC Heffner described 3^rd Grade Teacher Kiegher as someone who embodies Catholic Education in everything she does, by giving all of herself to her students each day.

Heffner presented Kiegher with a vase of flowers and a pair of students shared a banner saying “Congratulations” with a golden halo mounted on top, as the entire student body applauded and cheered.

“This is just so incredible,” Kiegher said. “I do what everyone else does – I care about my students. They are my children.”

She noted that she started her teaching career in public schools but that didn’t last long. “I found a beautiful home in Catholic Schools and here at Epiphany,” Kiegher said. “I feel so blessed to have the opportunity each day to come here and help young minds learn. That is a wonderful gift I have been given.”

Each year since 2007, the Christian Chamber of Southwest Florida honors the very best teachers in Christian education with the “Golden Halo Awards.” The mission of the awards is “Recognizing Christian teachers who educate motivate and Inspire their students.”

The organization has grown over the years and with the inception of the “Golden Halo Awards” has made it possible for teachers in Christian based schools to be recognized for their professionalism, love for teaching, and love of their faith. There are four awards that are presented each year, one for each category for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

The awards process includes nominations, school visits and interviews and references. The Golden Halo Program gives a $1,000 scholarship to the school of each winner.

Also nominated in the same Grade 3-5 category was Michelle Marks of St. Ann Catholic School in Naples. St. Ann teacher Lynn Hoffman, who won the 2018 Grade 3-5 Golden Halo Award, was a feature speaker at the awards banquet.

Second Diocesan Walk to Our Lady May 4

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Bob Reddy

Staff Report

The month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary who serves as a guide for us to grow closer to the Lord.

To help celebrate Our Lady, the Diocese of Venice is holding its second annual “Walk to Our Lady: A Marian Pilgrimage to the May Crowning,” a public display of Faith and Devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Everyone is encouraged to register now for the May 4 walk in Venice from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive.

Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane and other participants as they process 6.6 miles in prayer and song. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and then at 8 a.m., the walk will begin. The route takes walkers along Venice Avenue, then first under, and later over, Interstate 75 as they make their way to the Retreat Center.

The walk will have a Sheriff’s Office escort and have multiple rest stations with snacks, water and bathrooms available along the route. A trolley will follow the walkers for those who were unable to make the whole distance on foot or need the opportunity to cool off and rest.

At a steady pace, the walk will conclude around 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center where a May Crowning prayer service will take place. Once concluded, everyone is invited for a lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers. Trolleys will be available to drive people back to the starting point at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.

The walk is co-sponsored by the Diocese Office of Communications and Evangelization and is building upon the success of the 2018 walk. During the first walk, more than 100 people took part, giving a powerful public witness and expression of devotion to Our Lady as they walked down streets while praying and singing aloud with joy. The rosary was recited as an International Rosary, meaning it was shared in multiple languages (Spanish, Vietnamese, Polish and English).

The walk is free, but advanced registration is required to help prepare for the number of participants. Please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/events/2019-walk-to-our-lady/ to register. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Gail Ardy at 941-484-9543 or ardy@dioceseofvenice.org.

News from Around the Diocese for late April

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Bob Reddy

News from across the Diocese for April 2019

Staff Report

Mission Possible Immokalee 2019: June 10-14

The deadline to register for the June Mission Possible Immokalee 2019 trip is May 10. All teens between the ages of 15-17 years old are invited by the Diocese of Venice Mission Office to participate in the trip, which is June 10-14. This is a Mission experience of service to the marginalized in Immokalee and will include daily sites visits, Mass as well as evening prayer and reflection. The cost is $180 per person and includes meals, lodging and transportation to work sites. Registration is through local Parish Youth Group or Catholic Schools only. For more details about Mission Possible Immokalee 2019, please contact Lisa Dahn at 239-241-2233 or missionoffice@dioceseofvenice.org.

Lent project focuses on Passion

This Lenten Season students at St. Martha Catholic School were asked to draw the image of Jesus on the Cross. The drawings were put on display on the walls closest to the school Chapel. Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who was at the school April 17 to celebrate the Mass, was shown the images and he commented on how well they were done and appreciated that art is a unique way for students to connect with Jesus and His Passion.

Knights support St. Vincent de Paul Society

The Knights of Columbus San Marco Council 6344 sponsored the April 9 St. Vincent De Paul Dinner in the San Marco Parish Center on Marco Island. The event included a barbeque dinner and included lots of fun for more than 250 people who came out to support the programs at the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Society provides emergency financial support for needy families in the area and thanks to the support of the Knights they will be able to help even more people this coming year.

Bible on the Beach in Venice

Epiphany Cathedral youth took part in a Bible of the Beach at Venice Beach following the Palm Sunday Mass. The annual gathering helps prepare the youth as they head into Holy Week. Diocese of Venice Director of Evangelization offered words of encouragement to the group.

2019 Jubilarians

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Bob Reddy

Staff Report

2019 Diocese of Venice Jubilarians recognized during the Chrism Mass, April 16 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

50 years

Monsignor Rollin J. Darbouze

Born June 24, 1938, in Port-Salut, Haiti, the fifth of nine children of Hiram Francois Darbouze and Patiana Vante, Msgr. Rollin J. Darbouze was a sickly child who did not begin attending school until age 11. He studied as a seminarian at St. Jean l’Evangeliste in Camp-Perrin and later Notre Dame Seminary in Port-au-Prince where his education was put on hold when the seminary was closed by François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, the Hatian Dictator. He resumed his discernment to the priesthood at St. Joseph Seminary in Memramcook, New Brunswick, Canada. He was ordained June 28, 1969 in Quebec, Canada. Fluent in Creole, Spanish and English, Msgr. Darbouze first served at a parish in the Diocese of Nicolette in Quebec but was soon asked to serve the growing Haitian community in the Diocese of Brooklyn. For Brooklyn, he served in several different parishes in Brooklyn and Queens as well as in the Archdiocese of New York. He retired in 2010 and moved to Florida. For the Diocese of Venice, Msgr. Darbouze assists at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Port Charlotte and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice.

Father Frederick J. Tillotson, O. Carm.

Carmelite Father Frederick J. Tillotson was born Oct. 4, 1942 in Pekin, Ill., the oldest of four children of Kenneth Foster Tillotson and Mary S. Cappel-Tillotson. He grew up in Puerto Rico and Sumatra, Indonesia, and attended high school at Aquinas College in Perth, Australia. He received his undergraduate degree from the Carmelite seminary and St. Bonaventure College (University) in Allegany, N.Y. Father Tillotson also holds degrees from the Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, and the University of San Francisco. He also pursued graduate studies at Oxford University in England, University College in Dublin, Ireland, and the University of London. He was ordained to the priesthood in Joliet, Ill., on Aug. 23, 1969. He has taught and held administrative posts in several institutions including Director and instructor for The Kino Institute (the Academy of Religious Studies for Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, an affiliate school of the University of San Francisco); president of Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, Calif.; Head of School/CEO for Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson Ariz.; administrator of St. Cyril of Jerusalem Parish, Tucson; and as president of the Washington Theological Union in Washington D.C.; Director for Clinical Ethics for the Franciscan Health System of Philadelphia; member of the Institutional Review Board of the University of Arizona for Human Subject Research; member of the Bishops Committee on Sexual Misconduct; chaplain to the Tucson Notre Dame Alumni Association; member and chaplain to the Equestrian Order of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher with the rank of Knight Commander. While with the Diocese of Phoenix, he served on numerous diocesan councils and committees. He has held Carmelite provincial positions as coordinator of school ministry and member of the provincial council, as well as for the Carmelite General Curia in Rome. For the Diocese of Venice, Father Tillotson has served as Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish for nearly eight years.

25 years

Deacon John J. Mulvey

Deacon John J. Mulvey was born Nov. 27, 1931 in Syracuse, N.Y., to John J. and Mary O’Hara Mulvey. He was veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served for 30 years before retiring in 1982 and later worked as a glazier at Syracuse University. He studied at Le Moyne Jesuit College in Syracuse and was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on May 14, 1994 in the Diocese of Syracuse. Deacon Mulvey served at the two parishes in the Diocese of Syracuse. For the Diocese of Venice, he serves at St. Katherine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral and St. Therese Parish in North Fort Myers. He is married to Patricia (Wood) and they have four children and five grandchildren.

Deacon Armand R. Ragosta

Deacon Armand R. Ragosta was born May 23, 1946 in Providence, R.I.to Armando and Etta Zompa Ragosta. He has a graduate degree from of Providence College in education and religious studies and has an undergraduate degree from the Boston Conservatory of Music. He retired in 2002 after 33 years as a music teacher for the Cranston (R.I.) School Department. He ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on Oct. 15, 1994 in the Diocese of Providence. There he served in three different parishes. Deacon Ragosta winters in Englewood and since 2015 for the Diocese of Venice he serves at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice. He was married to his wife Ann Fiedorowicz for 48 years before her passing in 2017. They have two children.

2019 Holy Week Mass times

Posted on April 9, 2019April 15, 2019 by Bob Reddy

Staff Report

4/9/19

The following is a listing of Holy Week Mass times (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter) for the Parishes and Missions of the Diocese of Venice in alphabetical order by city. For any other information please contact the Parish/Mission directly.

ARCADIA

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 10 p.m. (Spanish)

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

AVE MARIA

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY -3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Latin)

AVON PARK

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Spanish), 7 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish)

BOCA GRANDE

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m.

BOKEELIA

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 5 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

BONITA SPRINGS

■ St. Leo the Great, 28290 Beaumont Road; 239-992-0901; stleocatholicchurch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

BOWLING GREEN

■ Holy Child, 4315 Chester Ave.; 863-773-4089; michaelwauchula.weconnect.com

EASTER – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

BRADENTON

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Spanish), 3:30 p.m. (Creole)

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

■ St. Joseph Parish, 2704 33rd Ave. W.; 941-756-3732; www.sjcfl.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

BUCKHEAD RIDGE

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 6:30 p.m.

EASTER – 10 a.m.

CAPE CORAL

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. (Spanish)

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7:30 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 7:30 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

CLEWISTON

■ Santa Rosa de Lima, 835 N. Mayoral St.; 863-983-8585

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – noon (Spanish)

EASTER – 8 a.m. (Spanish)

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 4 p.m., 6 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 10 a.m., noon (Spanish)

ENGLEWOOD

■ St. Raphael, 770 Kilbourne Ave.; 941-474-9595; strapheng.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

EVERGLADES CITY

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

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER – 10:30 a.m.

FORT MYERS

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – 9 a.m. (Spanish), noon (Spanish)

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

■ Resurrection, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive; 239-481-7171; resurrectionch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 4 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:35 a.m., noon, 2:15 p.m. (Latin)

■ San Jose, 10750 Gladiolous Drive; 239-481-1143; jesustheworker.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – noon (Spanish)

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 2 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

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

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 5:30 p.m.

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2 p.m. (Polish), 4 p.m. (Creole)

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 8 p.m. (Vietnamese)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m. (Spanish), 5 p.m. (Vietnamese)

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

FORT MYERS BEACH

■ Ascension, 6025 Estero Blvd.; 239-463-6754; https://discovermass.com/church/church-of-the-ascension-fort-myers-beach-fl/

HOLY THURSDAY – 5:30 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:45 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m..

GROVE CITY

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon

HOLMES BEACH

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

IMMOKALEE

■ Our Lady of Guadalupe, 207 S. 9th St.; 239-657-2666

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

GOOD FRIDAY – 6 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Bilingual), 10:30 p.m. (Creole)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m. (Spanish), 9 a.m. (English), 10:15 a.m. (Creole), 12:15 p.m. (Spanish), 2 p.m. (Spanish), 7 p.m. (Spanish)

LA BELLE

■ Holy Martyrs, 4290 Crescent Ave. S.W.; 863-675-0030; olqh.weconnect.com

GOOD FRIDAY – noon (Spanish)

■ Our Lady Queen of Heaven

355 S. Bridge St.; 863-675-0030; olqh.weconnect.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish), 1:30 p.m. (Spanish)

LAKE PLACID

■ St. James, 3380 Placid View Drive; 863-465-3215; stjameschurchlp.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 6 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:15 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m.

■ Mision Santiago Apostol, 685 County Road 621 E.; 863-385-0049; stjameschurchlp.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – 10 a.m. (Spanish)

LAKEWOOD RANCH

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

LEHIGH ACRES

■ St. Raphael, 2514 Lee Blvd.; 239-369-1831

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 5:30 p.m. (Spanish)

LONGBOAT KEY

■ St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive; 941-383-8758; www.stmarylbk.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 5:30 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

MARCO ISLAND

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m. (Tommie Barfield School), 10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m. (Tommie Barfield School), 12:30 p.m.

MOORE HAVEN

■ St. Joseph the Worker, 24065 U.S. Highway 27; 863-946-0696

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 6:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8 a.m. (bilingual)

NAPLES

■ Corpus Christi, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road; 239-592-1949; www.corpuschristifssp.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 5:30 p.m. (Latin)

GOOD FRIDAY – 5 p.m. (Latin)

EASTER VIGIL – 10 p.m. (Latin)

EASTER – 8:45 a.m. (Latin),

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10 a.m. (Palmetto Ridge High School), 11 a.m., 11:15 p.m., 1 p.m. (Spanish), 5 p.m.

■ St. Ann, 475 9th Ave. S.; 239-262-4256; naplesstann.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m.

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Bilingual), 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Bilingual)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 4 p.m. (Spanish)

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., (Spanish), 10 a.m., 11:45 a.m.

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:45 a.m., 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 5 p.m.

■ St. Peter the Apostle, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road; 239-774-3337; stpeternaples.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Creole), 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

EASTER – 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. (Spanish), 3:30 p.m. (Creole)

■ St. William, 601 Seagate Drive; 239-261-4883; saintwilliam.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m.

NOCATEE

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

EASTER – 1 p.m. (Spanish)

NORTH FORT MYERS

■ St. Therese, 20115 N. Tamiami Trail; 239-567-2315; sainttheresechurch.net

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

NORTH PORT

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 7 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

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

OSPREY

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., noon

PALMETTO

■ Holy Cross, 505 26th St.; 941-729-3891; holycrossdov.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Spanish)

PARRISH

■ St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, 12001 69th St. E.; 941-776-9097; sfxcparrish.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – Noon

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

PORT CHARLOTTE

■ San Antonio, 24445 Rampart Blvd.; 941-624-3799; sanantoniorcc.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 6:30 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m.

■ St. Charles Borromeo, 21505 Augusta Ave.; 941-625-4754; www.stcharlespc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

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

■ St. Maximilian Kolbe, 1441 Spear St.; 941-743-6877; stmaxcatholic.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL -8:30 p.m.

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

PUNTA GORDA

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

SANIBEL

■ St. Isabel, 3559 Sanibel Captiva Road; 239-472-2763; saintisabel.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

SARASOTA

■ Christ the King

1900 Meadowood St.; 941-924-2777; christthekingsarasota.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Latin)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Latin)

EASTER VIGIL – 10 p.m. (Latin)

EASTER – 8:30 a.m. (Latin), 10:30 a.m. (Latin)

■ Incarnation, 2929 Bee Ridge Road; 941-921-6631; incarnationchurch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Polish)

■ Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, 833 Magellan Drive; 941-755-1826; olqm.net/

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m.

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Bilingual)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. (Spanish), 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., noon (Spanish), 1:30 p.m. (Spanish)

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

HOLY THURSDAY – noon (Low Mass), 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Vietnamese)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Vietnamese)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (Vietnamese), 11 p.m. (Low Mass)

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m. (Spanish), 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, noon (Vietnamese/Hall), 5:30 p.m.

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m.

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.

■ St. Thomas More, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive; 941-923-1691; stthomasmoresrq.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

SEBRING

■ St. Catherine Parish, 882 Bay St.; 863-385-0049; www.stcathe.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon (Spanish)

VENICE

■ Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota St.; 941-484-3505; www.epiphanycathedral.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Polish)

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – noon, 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon

WAUCHULA

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

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (bilingual), 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. (Spanish)

ZOLFO SPRINGS

■ San Alfonso, 3027 Schoolhouse Road; 863-773-4089; michaelwauchula.weconnect.com

EASTER – 10 a.m. (Spanish)

Masses Praying for Victims of Abuse in April

Posted on April 9, 2019September 18, 2020 by Bob Reddy

Staff Report

4/9/19

For the 12th year in a row, during Child Abuse Awareness Prevention Month – April, the Diocese of Venice will be offering Masses to pray for the victims of abuse. These Masses will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and take place at 8:00 a.m., April 24 at Epiphany Cathedral 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice; and then at 8 a.m., on April 25 at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

The Diocese of Venice, and its entities, take very seriously the safety of all young people and vulnerable adults. To this end, the Diocese works to prevent any instances of abuse, particularly against minors and vulnerable adults with a zero-tolerance policy.

“As Christian adults, we have a moral and legal responsibility and are entrusted by God with the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of minors and vulnerable adults,” Bishop Dewane said. “The Diocese of Venice is steadfast in its commitment to providing a comprehensive program to protect the most vulnerable from all types of abuse while raising awareness to prevent abuse from happening in the first place.”

In 1983, recognizing the alarming rate at which children continued to be abused and neglected and the need for innovative programs to prevent child abuse and assist parents and families affected by maltreatment, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives proclaimed April the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In keeping with continued efforts to nationally promote the awareness of child abuse and neglect, the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) joined in promoting this effort.

In addition to the Masses, each year the Diocese of Venice conducts Safe Environment Program training sessions for thousands, including clergy, religious and laity who work or volunteer in the Diocese.

As minors and vulnerable adults participate in activities within or sponsored by the Diocese, the mission of the Safe Environment Program is:

To provide required education for all employees (clergy, religious and laity), those volunteers and others regularly involved with minors, and parents, as to the issue of abuse of children including the detection, prevention and reporting of child abuse.
To provide required training programs for children and young people in our Catholic schools and religious education programs. This includes age appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety and information about improper touching and relationships. Children are not expected to be fully knowledgeable about child abuse or of the laws governing care of children but they need to know when they should seek assistance from a trusted adult.
To thoroughly screen and evaluate the background of all diocesan employees – clergy, religious and laity – and those volunteers who work with children and young people.
To hold those who minister in the name of the Church in the Diocese of Venice – all diocesan employees (clergy, religious and laity) and those volunteers who work with children and young people – to Christ-centered and professional codes of conduct.

Since 2002, the Diocese has engaged a professional company to conduct background screening through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with results available to the Diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator within 24-48 hours. There have been more than 35,500 background screenings and 33,700 persons trained in safe environment. In the last five years alone, more than 13,000 were background screened and more than 11,000 trained in safe environment.

The mission of the Safe Environment Program is to provide education for all employees (clergy, religious and laity), those volunteers and others regularly involved with minors, and parents, about the issue of abuse of children, including the detection, prevention and reporting of child abuse. In addition, the Safe Environment Program has a component which includes training sessions for children and young people in Catholic schools.

The Diocese annually undergoes a comprehensive audit from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection to ensure that the Diocese of Venice is in compliance with current directives.

For a more detailed information about what the Diocese of Venice does to prevent abuse or where the nearest Safe Environment class is being held, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/safeenvironment.

During April, the Secretariat encourages the faithful to recite the “Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse.

”God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.

Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth.

Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Courtesy of the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

UNA ORACIÓN DE SANACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSO

Dios del amor infinito, Siempre presente, siempre justo; Tú nos cuidas y nos proteges Y nos diste a tu único Hijo Para salvarnos con su sangre en la cruz. Jesús manso, pastor de la paz, Dígnate unir a tu propio sufrimiento El dolor de todos los que han sido heridos De cuerpo, mente y espíritu Por parte de aquellos que traicionaron la confianza puesta en ellos.

Escucha el clamor de nuestros hermanos y hermanas Que han sido lastimados gravemente, Así como el clamor de aquellos que los aman. Dales la esperanza que mitigue el desosiego de sus corazones, Dales la fe que calme sus espíritus perturbados. Concédeles justicia para su causa, Ilumínalos con tu verdad.

Espíritu Santo, consolador de corazones, Cura las heridas de tus hijos e hijas Y devuelve la integridad a lo que ha sido quebrantado. Concédenos el valor y la sabiduría, La humildad y la gracia, para actuar con justicia. Sopla tu sabiduría en nuestras oraciones y empeños. Que todos los que han sido heridos por el abuso encuentren paz y justicia.

Te lo pedimos por Cristo, nuestro Señor. Amén.

Venice seminarian takes a big step on his long road to the priesthood

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Bob Reddy

Linda Reeves – Florida Catholic correspondent

4/9/19

The journey to the priesthood for one seminarian began in Haiti and meandered throughout several countries. However, April 6 he was ordained a transitional deacon, one small step on his spiritual journey.

“This ordination for me is a moment of grace, a time of thanksgiving to God for his fidelity to me,” said Diocese of Venice Seminarian Franckel Fils-Aime, who was ordained by Bishop Frank J. Dewane at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Boca Raton.

Bishop Dewane ordained a total of 15 seminarians of different seminarians from Florida arch/dioceses, most being from St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. The Church was filled with family members, friends, guests, seminary faculty and leaders, priests and brother seminarians, all a witness of great support for the candidates soon to be ordained to the diaconate and to the Church.

The Bishop noted the special reason for the Mass and went on to say: “We celebrate your presence here today… of who you are, and who you are becoming.”

During the homily, Bishop Dewane explained that the ministry is much more than taking on specific Church duties. “What you are called to do is to reflect the love of Jesus Christ,” he said. “You are called to demonstrate this love in many ways; this you do with the help of the Holy Spirit.”

The Bishop also encouraged the men to “sow hope and trust in the Lord. You will teach Holy Doctrine to others but must be men of God and examples of living a life of prayer, high moral values and faith. May God bless each one of you for this decision you have made in your life and for your blessedness going forward.”

During the ordination, the new deacons promised to live a life of prayer, celibacy and obedience to their Diocesan Bishop. Deacon Fils-Aime will have an additional year of theological studies and spiritual formation before petitioning for Ordination to the Priesthood in 2020. As part of the ordination rite, the Bishop placed the Book of Gospels in the hands of each candidate being ordained and said: “Receive the Gospels of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

Deacon Fils Aime was joyful afterwards and reflected to the day so long ago when he told his parents about his vocation decision.

“They were praying that God would call one of their children to the priesthood, and even more happy because I am the oldest son,” Deacon Fils Aime. “They understand as the Bible says, the first fruit is for God. I thank my family here in United States and in Haiti for their prayers and support.”

Born in Cornillon (Potino), in west Haiti, Deacon Fils-Aime celebrated his 40^th birthday one month ago. The son of Voguel Fils-Aime, residing in Haiti, and the late Philomène Remy, he is the oldest of nine. His father and two siblings were present for the ordination.

From a young age, the new deacon felt at home in the Church and first met Jesus through the Sacraments while witnessing the ministry of the priests who served as examples of Jesus Christ’s love and mercy. “I heard the voice of God calling me for His services.”

Deacon Fils-Aime began formation at age 26 with the Order of Friars Minor. He lived in community with the Franciscan Capuchins and continued to study and discern in the Dominican Republic and Brazil. It was in 2014 when he heard God calling, loudly and clearly, to become a diocesan priest. He subsequently joined the Diocese of Venice in 2015.

Now carrying the new title of Deacon, this last phase of his formation before being called to priesthood, Deacon Fils-Aime, can baptize, witness marriages, perform funerals and burial services, distribute the Eucharist and preach the homily.

Former Director of Diaconate Personnel dies

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Bob Reddy

Staff Report

4/9/19

Deacon Frank Camacho is being remembered fondly for his compassion and reflecting the love of Christ to others. The longtime Director of Diaconate Personnel, as well as serving as a deacon for more than 14 years at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers, passed away March 29. He was 81.

Deacon Frank J. Camacho, former Diocese of Venice Director of Diaconate Formation and Director of Diaconate Personnel, as well as serving for more than 14 years at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers, died March 29. He was 81.

A Mass of Christian burial was held for Deacon Camacho on April 1 at Our Lady of Light Parish. The Mass was celebrated by Parish Pastor Father Hugh McGuigan, OSFS, and other priests of the Diocese. Along with Bishop Frank J. Dewane, more than 50 permanent deacons were present to honor Deacon Camacho for whom they had utmost respect.

Father McGuigan spoke of Deacon Camacho, a dear friend, as a man who lived his life as a servant of the Church fully, and who felt blessed to each day serve the People of God. “There was not limit to the love he gave to the people of Our Lady of Light and beyond.”

Bishop Dewane said that Deacon Camacho was a respected friend and confidant who offered good advice and someone whose judgement was spot on; but had a sense of humor to handle any situation, no matter how difficult.

“I can see he and Lil (his wife who passed away in 2018) coming together again in their eternal lives, with an embrace and good laugh, but with certain joy and love,” Bishop Dewane said. “This man of faith – he knew who Christ was in his life. He knew the image and likeness of God in every person he saw; and he left that impact on us all.”

Deacon David Reardon, the current Director of Diaconate Personnel, spoke on behalf of his fellow deacons and noted that Deacon Camacho was a man who not only loved the Lord as much as other, but he lived that love more completely and in a most integrated and honest way than anyone he has ever known.

“Frank was so in touch with the wellspring of love in the heart of Jesus,” Deacon Reardon said. “It poured out of everything he did, and he gave his heart to everyone with who he came into contact.”

Born in Cambridge, Mass., Deacon Camacho was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and later worked for the federal government General Services Administration in the Boston area for 37 years before retiring in 1994. He earned a degree from Northeastern University and was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in 1980 for the Diocese of Fall River, Mass. He served at Our Lady of the Cape in Brewster, Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, and as the Assistant Director of the Diaconate in Dartmouth.

Upon moving to Florida in 2003, Deacon Camacho served at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs before moving on to Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers. He also assisted at several other parishes through the years taking on temporary administrative roles when called upon by the Bishop. For the Diocese of Venice, he served as past-President of the Diaconate Council and as the Director of Diaconate Personnel.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian B. Camacho; a son, Joseph Camacho and a daughter, Barbara Peters. He is survived by three children, Leo Almeida, Susan C. Franze and Francine E. Camacho, as well as nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Hugh McGuigan, with Bishop Dewane and other priests present on April 1 at Our Lady of Light Parish. Additional services will be held in Cape Cod, Mass., with burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery, South Dennis, Mass.

WARNING: text/email SCAM alert in the Diocese

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Bob Reddy

Staff Report

4/9/19

The faithful of the Diocese of Venice need to be careful when responding to requests for financial help from Diocesan/Parish priests and staff.

It has once again been brought to the attention of the Diocese of Venice that parishioners have received text/email messages from people pretending to be clergy – including Bishop Frank J. Dewane – or parish staff, requesting donations in the form of gift cards and/or wire transfers.

These messages often come from text/emails that look similar to official Diocesan/Parish numbers or accounts and often greet the recipient by name and have the priest’s, Bishop’s, or staff member’s name in the from line and/or closing signature of the message. The recent SPAM claim that the priest/Bishop/staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child or relative. The gift cards/money requested are often for gaming systems. The message then asks that the person purchase the gift card and text/email the redemption code and PIN number.

“This is a well-crafted and targeted attack on the Catholic Church across the country which continues to repeatedly affect our Diocese,” explained Diocese Information Technology Director Roger Navarro. “These text/email messages are fakes that should not be responded to. Whenever in doubt, people should call the parish or school and verify the validity of the request.”

It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priest or staff to request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. Without this awareness, some have responded to the spoofed messages, with bad consequences, including loss of funds.

It has been common that the email addresses used have been nearly identical to the actual Diocesan/parish email. but instead of being an ORG email it is from a gmail.com, yahoo.com or other common email service provider.

There is already an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the parish.

Whenever a parishioner is worried about any request for money from the parish or a priest, they should immediately call their parish and under no circumstances should they respond to these scam requests.

“The best defense against this sort of serious scam is to raise awareness in the community,” Navarro said. “Do not respond to the messages; do not click links in these messages; and do not open any attachments in these messages,” Navarro said. Warning notifications have been sent out to all Diocesan parishes several times in the past year, he added.

It is recommended that this information is shared immediately, as this situation requires vigilance on everyone’s part before anyone else becomes victims of this crime.

Pastors installed at Fort Myers and Port Charlotte parishes

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy – Florida Catholic

4/9/19

There are moments in the life of each Parish that are well remembered: the dedication of a new building, significant anniversaries, and of course, the installation of a new pastor.

For the faithful of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Fort Myers and San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte, such a day occurred in March. It was on March 24 that Father Murchadh O’Madagain was installed at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, and on March 30 that Father Leo Riley was installed at San Antonio Parish.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane presided over the installations which he said marks a key time in the life of the respective parishes.

Bishop Dewane noted that the pastor of a parish and the various priests who serve put a great deal of life into a parish. “A pastor must be supported by the faithful because he will be called to make difficult decisions that not everyone will appreciate.”

The Bishop added that the Holy Spirit will speak through a pastor and the faithful must be open to listen and learn. “A pastor has eyes that see with faith. Take advantage of the richness that all pastors bring. The Spirit will also speak through the People of God, and the Pastor must all listen and learn.”

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

Following the installation, two members of the parish, representing the entire congregation, served as witnesses and signed the formal documents. Bishop then introduced the new pastors to rousing applause.

Both new pastors thanked Bishop Dewane for their respective appointments and they commented on how hospitable their own parish community was from the day they were first assigned.

After the installations, receptions were held in the parish halls. The installation of Father Riley coincided with his birthday, so it was a double celebration, cake and all.