Bob Reddy, Author at Diocese of Venice

2024 Christmas Message

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Merry Christmas! Let the light that was brought into the world on this day, the Light of Christ, be ignited in your heart! So great is God’s love that He sent His only Son as our Savior, an unprecedented and astounding gift.

The joy, hope and peace of Christmas is available each and every day. Jesus calls out to unite with Him in the Eucharist. His Blood, His Body, welcomes and invites us to have a personal relationship with Him.

Allow the message of joy and hope that Christmas brings to live in your heart throughout the year, accompanying you, enlightening others, and providing the grace and peace that only God can bestow. Please join me in prayer also for all who feel hopeless in this Christmas Season, that the Light of Christ may burst through the darkness of despair and fill them with His love.

May the blessings of Christ be with you and your family this Holy Season. Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

+Frank J. Dewane

Bishop of the Diocese of

Venice in Florida

Mensaje de Navidad 2024

¡Feliz Navidad! ¡Que la luz que llegó al mundo en este día, la luz de Cristo se encienda en su corazón! Tan grande es el amor de Dios que envió a su único Hijo como nuestro Salvador, un regalo asombroso y sin precedentes.

La alegría, la esperanza y la paz de la Navidad están disponibles todos los días. Jesús llama a unirnos a Él en la Eucaristía. Su Sangre, su Cuerpo, nos acoge y nos invita a tener una relación personal con Él.

Permita que el mensaje de alegría y esperanza que trae la
Navidad viva en su corazón durante todo el año, acompañándolo, iluminando a los demás y brindando la gracia y la paz que solo Dios puede otorgar. Por favor, únanse a mí en oración también por todos los que se sienten desesperados en esta época de Navidad, para que la Luz de Cristo pueda irrumpir a través de la oscuridad de la desesperación y llenarlos con su amor.

Que las bendiciones de Cristo estén con usted y su familia en este tiempo santo. ¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo!

+Frank J. Dewane

Obispo de la Diócesis

de Venice en Florida

Mesaj Nwèl 2024

Jwaye Nwèl! Sepoulimyèki te vini nanmondlanjousaa,limyèKrisla, limen nankèou! LanmouBondyetelman gran kelivoyesèlPititli-a kòmSovènouan,yonkadoetonan e san parèy.

Lajwa, lespwa ak lapè Nwèl la toujou la chak jou e toulejou. Jezi rele n pou ini avèk li nan lekaristi. San li, kò li, akeyi-n e envite-n pou nou gen yon relasyon pèsonèl avè-l.

Kitemesajkèkontan-anak lespwakeNwèlpote-a vivnankè-w pandantoutanea,akonpaye-w,eklerelòtyo,bayfavè lagrasaklapèkesèlmanBondyekabay.Tanprirantrenanmenmlapriyè avè-m poutoutmounkisanti yo san zespwa nan sezon Nwèl sa a, pou limyè Kris la ka eklate nan fènwa a nan dezespwa e ranpli yo ak lanmou li.

Se pou benediksyon Kris la avè-w, ak fanmi-w nan sezon sakre sa a. Se pou w gen yon Nwèl kè kontan ak yon nouvel ane beni!

+Frank J. Dewane

Evèk dyosèz la

Venice nan Florid

Our Lady of Guadalupe honored throughout Diocese

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Prayer, reverence, and music marked the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, throughout the Diocese of Venice.

Celebrated on Dec. 12, the Feast is often linked to the Dec. 9 Feast of St. Juan Diego, the day in 1531 when Our Lady first appeared to the saint near modern day Mexico City.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day celebrations are a longstanding tradition in the Diocese of Venice. In addition to celebrating this special day with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, there were a variety of other events, including overnight vigils, large processions, early morning prayer, as well as outdoor festivities. Many of these celebrations included a variety of dancers dressed in elaborate costumes or traditional garb.

“Our Lady of Guadalupe means so much to me and my family,” said Maria Lopez of St. Paul Parish in Arcadia after Mass on Dec. 8, 2024. “It is a devotion I grew up with and learned about from my grandparents and parents. We all pray to the Blessed Virgin when there is an illness in the family or we need guidance in our lives. Our Lady of Guadalupe gives me great comfort.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass in a field at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia. The Mass was celebrated ahead of the Feast Day to accommodate the maximum number of families. As a result, more than 1,500 took part.

A festival followed the Mass with a wide variety of food as well as dancers. Many of the young girls were dressed as Our Lady, while the young boys dressed as St. Juan Diego, the peasant who saw the apparitions of Our Lady in Mexico City.

A large gathering of the faithful from St. Michael Parish in Wauchula and Holy Child Mission in Bowling Green also took place on Dec. 8 at Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs. The Mass was in three languages, Spanish, English, and Creole, representing the diversity of the Parish. Before Mass, a procession with a statue of Our Lady followed by children carrying flowers led to the park pavilion. A cultural celebration followed.

For the first time, St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte held its own community-wide celebration of Our Lady on Dec. 8, highlighted by a procession around the Parish grounds and a wide variety of food and music.

Many Parishes held vigils, some lasting until dawn. These included a retelling of the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, mariachi bands, the singing of songs to Our Lady as well as prayer and contemplation before the image of Our Lady.

At St. Jude Parish in Sarasota, Aztec dancers led the opening processing with a standing-room-only Mass beginning at 11 p.m. on Dec. 11. Father Jiobani Batista, Pastor of St. Jude, told the faithful that honoring Our Lady and following her example is a pathway to growing closer to Her Son, Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile, at Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto, hundreds gathered before dawn to hear a mariachi band serenaded Our Lady prior to a Mass which lasted until sunrise.

The celebration at St. Peter the Apostles Parish in Naples took place on Dec. 12, when nearly 100 dancers led a procession around the Parish grounds and into the church for Mass. Carlos Martinez said the Feast Day is an important one for people with Mexican heritage. “The Blessed Virgin Mary embraced us with open arms. What an important moment that deserves our thanks and a true celebration.”

It was in 1531 when Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared, dressed like an Aztec princess, to St. Juan Diego, a poor widower who was on his way to Mass. She asked, in his native language, to have the Bishop of Mexico build a church in Her honor. Skeptical, after a second visit, the Bishop asked for a sign. The Blessed Mother instructed St. Juan Diego to climb to the top of Tepeyac Hill where he would find flowers to pick and place in his tilma, a garment made from cactus. St. Juan Diego gathered the dark pink roses into his cloak with the help of the Blessed Mother.

For a third time, St. Juan Diego was ushered in to see the Bishop with a sign that the apparitions were real – Castilian roses. That alone was a miraculous sign since these roses were not from that region and did not grow in winter, but were in fact from Castile, Spain, the hometown of the Bishop. St. Juan Diego did not realize – until after he opened his cloak letting the roses tumble out – that an image of Our Blessed Mother was emblazoned on his tilma.

This apparition led to the conversion of Mexico almost overnight, with nine million Mexicans baptized into the Catholic Church within a decade, when up to that time Catholic missionaries from Europe had made very little headway. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City was built on the site of the apparitions and is one of the most visited religious shrines in the world. It is also home of the actual tilma of St. Juan Diego, which can still be seen, with the image clearly visible, nearly 500 years later.

Our Lady of Guadalupe was first declared “Patroness of the Americas” by Pope Pius XII in 1946, a title reaffirmed by St. John Paul II in 1999.

Sarasota student’s Christmas art earns “grand prize”

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Natalia Lesniewski has a passion for swimming. However, if the people at the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Christmas Artwork Contest are any judge, Natalia may want to consider becoming a professional artist

Natalia is a sixth grader at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota and was one of two grand prize winners amongst 17 finalists, chosen from thousands of entries from elementary school age children across the country.

Her art, and that of the other grand prize winner, will be featured on the official Christmas cards of The Pontifical Mission Societies (TPMS), which will be sent to hundreds of people, including Pope Francis! The card to the Pope, handwritten, will be signed in the name of all the children who took part in the contest.

The artwork of all the winners is on display throughout the Advent and Christmas Seasons at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Natalia’s winning artwork was of her own interpretation from her creative mind. It features the Blessed Virgin Mary weeping with joy as she gazes upon the newborn Child Jesus outside of Bethlehem.

“The inspiration for my artwork was Mary since she went thru so much for God,” Natallia said. “I felt really ecstatic and thrilled that I won my first art project. This recognition makes me want to continue making art and to join other contests.”

Her father, Maciej Lesniewski, said the family was at first shocked, but also thrilled and proud when they learned of the MCA recognition.

In announcing the 2024 MCA Christmas Artwork Contest winners, Alixandra Holden, National Director of the Missionary Childhood Association, shared her enthusiasm: “Art has a unique power to bring the Gospel to life. These young artists have captured the heart of Christmas in their drawings. Through this contest, we aim to nurture a missionary spirit in children, connecting them with the universal Church and their brothers and sisters in the missions.”

Holden will be present at St. Martha Catholic School on Dec. 20, where Natalia will be formally recognized and given a commemorative plaque following a family Mass celebrated by Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education.

This is not the first time a St. Martha Catholic School student has been honored through the MCA Christmas Artwork Contest. In fact, this is the fourth year in a row a St. Martha student has been a finalist in the MCA contest!

Throughout the years, Mary Jo Salomone, Natalia’s art teacher, takes time to ensure all her students take part in the different art competitions both nationally and locally, never losing sight that each award is a gift from God which should be shared with others.

“We are extremely pleased that Natalia was able to be recognized for her artistic talent and creativity,” Salomone said. “The Lord has really blessed the St. Martha art students with the many awards that we have received.”

In each of Salomone’s art classes, the following prayer is given, “We offer all that we create for the honor and glory of God through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.”

Since its inception in 1933, the MCA Christmas Artwork Contest has received thousands of submissions annually, showcasing artistic depictions of key Christmas story elements: shepherds and angels, the Three Kings and the Holy Family, the animals present by the manger, and the Baby Jesus. The tradition of featuring children’s artwork began with Christmas seals and later evolved to include cards and eGreetings, introduced in 2005 and 2007, respectively.

The MCA was founded by the Pontifical Mission Societies in France in 1843 to encourage all children to be aware of the needs of children living in mission Dioceses throughout the world and support them both spiritually and sacrificially. Under its banner “children helping children,” monies raised through schools are directed towards self-help programs involving the building of schools, the provision of health and nutrition programs and medications, school fees, as well as teaching and learning resources.

Father Joseph Gates is the Director of the Diocese Office of Propagation of the Faith (Mission Office), which coordinates activities regarding foreign, domestic, and Diocesan mission work. For more information, please call 941-776-9097 or email missionoffice@dioceseofvenice.org.

News Briefs for the week of December 20, 2024

Posted on January 9, 2025January 10, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Haitian Independence Mass

Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites all to participate in the Annual Mass celebrating the 221st Anniversary of Haitian Independence on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, at St. Leo the Great Parish, Parish Life Center, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The 2 p.m. Mass, which takes place on the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, brings together the various Haitian communities within the Diocese of Venice for one celebration. Bishop Dewane and priests serving the Haitian Catholic community of the Diocese will welcome Most. Rev. Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, who will be the Principal Celebrant and Homilist. There is a reception after the Mass in the Parish Hall. For more information, please contact Father Fritz Ligondé at 239-210-1018.

WARNING – Text/Email SCAM Alert

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/school staff, requesting donations in the form of gift cards and/or wire transfers. These messages, which are more frequent during the Christmas Season, often come from text/emails that look similar to official Diocesan/Parish/school 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 SPAM often claims that the priest/Bishop/staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child, relative, or parishioner. The message then asks the person to purchase gift cards/money and then to text/email the redemption code and PIN number. It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. Without this awareness, some have responded to the spoofed messages, with consequences, including loss of funds. There is an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the Diocese, Parish, or school. If you receive such a SCAM text or email, please immediately contact the Diocesan/Parish/school directly!

Catholic Charities Annual Christmas Appeal needs your support!

The Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is underway and needs your support! The Christmas Appeal continues through January 2025 and is Catholic Charities’ largest annual fundraiser, critical to operating this social service organization. Gifts provide funding for the many Catholic Charities programs and services available throughout Southwest Florida. Your generosity enables Catholic Charities to serve those seeking help all year long. To donate please mail a contribution to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

Verot basketball player reaches career milestone

Cameron O’Halloran, a senior on the Bishop Verot Catholic High School Girl’s Basketball Team, scored her 1,000^th career point on Dec. 13, 2024, during a 49-42 victory over Lemon Bay High School in Englewood. Congratulations Cameron!

Students create Advent posters

Fourth grade students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers made interactive Advent posters. The posters included the four candles, with the words: “Hope,” “Peace,” “Joy,” and “Love.” Three of the candles are purple with the “Joy” candle a rose color for “Gaudete Sunday.” Each week of Advent, the students added a “flame” to the top of the corresponding candle. The lesson for the students is that Advent is a time to prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas.

Students honored for patriotic essays

Six St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School students in Naples were honored by the Collier and Lee County VFWs on December 14, 2024, for their outstanding Patriot’s Pen essays on, “How do you use your voice for America’s democracy?” Three additional students were also recognized, as well as Seton’s own Dana Hilmoe being named Elementary Teacher of the Year. The ceremony, presented by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other dignitaries, highlighted the students’ exceptional ability to connect history with life in America today. Their insights and reflections were truly inspiring, offering hope and confidence in our future leaders.

Volunteers Needed for Prison Outreach

Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will “shadow” experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker at 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.

Faith & Ale Fort Myers in January

The next gathering of Faith & Ale Lee County, “A Gather of Catholic Men,” is at 6 p.m., Jan. 16, 2025, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School, 5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is John Beilein, a retired basketball coach at the University of Michigan and Cleveland Cavaliers. His talk is titled “Leadership in Basketball and Beyond.” Register at faithandale.com. A donation of $10 is appreciated. For additional information, please contact Damian Hanley at damianpatrick@gmail.com.

Retreat for Grieving Parents Jan. 18 in Port Charlotte

The Diocese of Venice Office of Evangelization is offering a one-day retreat for parents who grieve the loss of a child. The retreat is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 18, 2025, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 1441 Spear Street, Port Charlotte. The retreat will be led by Deacon Henry de Mena, M.A. Registration is required, please register online at dioceseofvenice.regfox. For more information, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Faith & Wine Lee County Jan. 23

The Faith & Wine Lee County will have its next gathering of the season at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 23, 2025, at St. John XXIII Parish, Parish Life Center, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. The speaker is Stephanie Burke, and the title of the talk is “The Perfume of Our Tears: God Heals Broken Hearts.” Tickets are $28 and include dinner with wine followed by the presentation and the opportunity to connect with other faith-based women. For more information and to register online please visit faithandwineleecounty.com.

Sunshine State Championship Steak Cook-Off Jan. 25 in Ave Maria

The 15^th Annual Sunshine State Championship Steak Cook-Off is 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Jan. 25, 2025, in the Ave Maria Town Center. Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 the day of the event), and include a 16 oz. boneless ribeye, potato salad and water. Dinner is served at 5 p.m. The day will also include an arts and crafts festival, beer vendors, live music and a bounce house. Tickets are available now at www/sssco.org. All proceeds benefit local charities supported by the Knights of Columbus.

2025 Catholic Charities Ball Feb. 1 in Sarasota

The 2025 Catholic Charities Ball will be held at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, at 6 p.m., Feb. 1, 2025, to benefit the programs and services in Sarasota County. Please join Catholic Charities for an elegant evening to celebrate the program’s mission to serve all of those in need who come for help, regardless of race or religion. “Creating Miracles Through Faith and Service.” Tickets are $500. Register at https://one.bidpal.net/ccb2025/welcome. For more information, call 941-376-7854 or email CCBall@ccdov.org.

Milestone 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. The Diocese hosts two Anniversary Masses each year (one in the northern part of the Diocese and the second in the southern part) to accommodate the demand. The first Mass is at 11 a.m., Feb. 1, 2025, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The second Mass is at 11 a.m., March 8, 2025, at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. A luncheon follows each Mass. Free pictures with Bishop Dewane will also be available for the couples. To register for either Mass, please contact your local Parish office for reservations no later than one week before the event you choose to attend. For additional information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-484-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Catholic Charities 2024 Christmas Appeal comes at critical time

Posted on December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

As we soon gather to celebrate the birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the immense hope and renewal that His arrival brings to the world. This spirit of hope has guided the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., throughout 2024 as they worked tirelessly to serve the most vulnerable across Southwest Florida.

Thanks is given for the generosity of benefactors who support the many programs and services of Catholic Charities that making its work possible throughout the year.

Catholic Charities assisted more than 350,000 people in need, providing a wide range of services throughout the 10-county Diocese of Venice this year. The support of the faithful allowed Catholic Charities to meet the overwhelming demand for aid following the devastation caused by the double-barreled shot-gun approach of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which collectively displaced tens of thousands of families across Florida. Additional services offered include food and housing assistance, counseling and mental health services, and programs for seniors and children. For example:

$4 million was provided in financial assistance to stabilize families in crisis, keeping them housed, employed, and hopeful;
Disaster relief for more than 50,000 individuals, including essentials like food, clean water, and recovery supplies following Hurricanes Helene and Milton;
Housing assistance for more than 1,200 families and seniors, offering safe havens for those in desperate need and those who have lost everything;
39,000 pantry services, ensuring no child or family goes hungry.

To enable Catholic Charities to continue to do its vital work, the Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is taking place now through January 2025. A donation strengthens Catholic Charities to provide this much-needed support (www.catholiccharitiesdov.org).

Bishop Frank J. Dewane noted that the continued support of Catholic Charities by the faithful of Southwest Florida is inspirational and critical, “ensuring our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to receive the help and support they need. Please remember that every number represents a child, family or individual who relies on the support of Catholic Charities to get through a crisis. Catholic Charities does a tremendous job in providing programs that not only help in a crisis but assist in improving the daily lives of those they reach. Your support is appreciated and critical!”

In an appeal letter to supporters, Christopher M. Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., and Rita Cavuoto, Chair of the Board of Directors, wrote,

“This Christmas, we turn to you in this Season of Giving, our most critical appeal of the year. Your generosity during this Holy Season has the power to transform lives. Each family we serve comes to us with unique challenges, and it is only through your partnership that we can respond with the love and resources they need. In alignment with Catholic social teaching, we strive to embody the virtues of charity, justice, and mercy in every service provided. These principles remind us that caring for our neighbors is not just an act of kindness, it is our sacred duty as followers of Christ.”

One of the most inspiring stories this year is that of Maria, a mother of two who lost her home to Hurricane Helene. With your support, Catholic Charities provided her with shelter, job assistance, and access to childcare. Today, Maria has secured stable housing and meaningful employment, and her children are thriving. Her resilience is a testament to the strength that emerges when compassion meets hope.

“Please prayerfully consider making a gift that will continue to bring hope and healing to those in need,” Root and Cavuoto wrote. “Every dollar you contribute furthers our mission to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the afflicted, and uplift the vulnerable in our community. Thank you for standing with us as we bring the light of Christ to those in darkness. May your Christmas season be filled with His love and peace, and may the new year bring abundant blessings to you and your family.”

No matter the amount of your gift, when combined with others, it will make a significant difference for those who turn to Catholic Charities for help.

To support the Catholic Charities 2024 Christmas Appeal, please mail a contribution to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

Thanksgiving across the Diocese 2024

Posted on December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

The idea of giving thanks, knowing that we are here because of gifts given to us by God, is at the core of what Thanksgiving is all about.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane described the holiday this way while celebrating Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch on Nov. 28, 2024.

As hard as we try, Bishop Dewane added, “being who God called us to be is difficult, and we will fail along the way. But, the Bible records the wonderful gifts of God, which we can find within ourselves and in others who are all made in the image and likeness of God.”

The Gospel reading of the day (Luke 17:11-19) was the parable of the 10 lepers, when only one returned to thank Jesus upon being cured of the debilitating illness. Jesus asks where the other nine were. Bishop Dewane stressed how we are all among the missing nine at certain points in our life, but we must always strive to be among the ones who return.

“By your presence at Mass on Thanksgiving, you are counted among those who returned to Jesus, just as you came to give thanks to God today. Know the Lord sees the goodness in you and thanks you,” Bishop Dewane said.

Meanwhile, Bishop Dewane went from the Mass in Lakewood Ranch to take part in a free community Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Victory Council 3358 at their Hall on Fruitville Road in Sarasota.

The Knights delivered more than 200 meals to the elderly and homebound and then served hundreds more meals to those who needed a hot meal or didn’t have anywhere to go for the holiday. Guests were also encouraged to take meals home. Those meals included turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, cranberry sauce, roll, and pumpkin or apple pie with whipped cream.

Bishop Dewane offered the opening prayer for the Knights and other volunteers before the dining room was opened. Then, the Bishop took his traditional spot in charge of serving the corn on a buffet line in the dining room and assisted with the mashed potatoes and gravy as needed. The dining format was a change from previous years of table service which allowed guests to opt in or out on their favorite foods and return for seconds.

Being grateful for what they have was a strong theme during Traditional Thanksgiving activities throughout the Diocese of Venice.

Multiple faiths on Longboat Key came together for the 44^th annual interreligious Thanksgiving Worship Service on Nov. 19. Included was Father Robert Dziedziak. Pastor of Our Lady, Star of the Sea Parish. The service and gathering took on a special meaning of healing for the island community which was inundated by storm surge and devastated during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

At several locations throughout the Diocese, turkey giveaways were common. Catholic Charities volunteers provided a hot holiday meal to the homeless on Nov. 26, at the Judy Sullivan Family resource Center in Naples.

At St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, Pastor Father Gerard Critch started the Parish Thanksgiving dinner more than 10 years ago to ensure “no one will spend Thanksgiving alone.” Following a trilingual Mass (English, Spanish, Creole), the annual dinner served hundreds.

For those watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, 14 senior cheerleaders from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers were part of the Spirit of America cheer team. This was the 10th year in a row a group of cheerleaders from Bishop Verot has received this high honor.

Ahead of the Thanksgiving break, young students at several Diocesan Catholic schools had the opportunity to participate in their own local “Macy’s” parade, with the youngest students dressing up as characters and carrying balloons with some creating floats.

First grade students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton recently used their math skills to complete Thanksgiving themed STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and math) games and worksheets. One of the activities included measuring how tall they were compared to the average turkey.

Another holiday tradition takes place at Bishop Verot Catholic High School. Coach Mike Gill’s talented woodshop students crafted wooden turkeys, hand-made treasures for their families that are not only a test of skill but a festive addition to any holiday table. Many alumni of Verot still display their wooden turkey from decades ago.

Gratitude for the many blessings enjoyed by the Diocese of Venice was widespread, and heartfelt!

16 local Secular Discalced Carmelites reach milestones

Posted on December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Sixteen members of the Queen of the Holy Rosary Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) community in Punta Gorda recently achieved important milestones in their response to God’s call in their lives.

During a Mass and formal Rite on Dec. 7, 2024, at Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, Bishop Frank J. Dewane accepted the commitment of the various candidates, who are on different parts of their spiritual journey with the Discalced Carmelites

Four aspirants received their Brown Scapular and were given a copy of the Gospels and of the Rule of St. Albert. Seven Made their First (Temporary) Promise. Five made their Definitive (Final) Promise to embrace fully the demands and rewards of living the way of life inspired by the Rule of St. Albert and outlined in the OCDS Constitutions. Finally, one woman made the Rite of Making the Vow, a lifelong commitment which includes vows of obedience and chastity.

Tears of happiness filled the church as everyone celebrated the profound joy of those very special people who made the commitment to continue their journey in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites.

Bishop Dewane praised those entering or advancing in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites for their clear response to a call of the Lord in such a profound way.

“Just listen to what it is the Lord is saying to you; how is the Lord prompting you,” Bishop Dewane said. “Whether you are just beginning your journey, or it is your final vows you take today, you have expressions of promises along the way. I have no doubt His call will become more profound but so will the love of God in your life that leads you to Him. May each of you be blessed in your response.”

Aspirants

During the Clothing Ceremony, a large ceremonial Brown Scapular was given to the candidate, an outward symbol of affiliation with the Order and a sign that the Blessed Virgin Mary is both Mother and Model of Carmel. A small wool scapular or scapular medal is worn for everyday use. These candidates progressed in their journey of the Carmelite way of life of prayer and apostolic activity after one year of study. This step marks their admission to begin formation into the Punta Gorda secular order. The state of formation, with God’s help, will lead to an Evangelical commitment. Those who received the Brown Scapular were: Elizabeth (Bette) Bonjean, Lora Dominic, Kim Chapman and Kay Hoffmeyer.

First Promise

The First Promise to the Superiors of the Order of Teresian Carmel is a commitment to embrace a form of life by the example of St. Teresa of Jesus and of St. John of the Cross which is set forth in the Constitutions of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites for three years. When making this Promise, the candidate’s baptismal name is retained, to which the candidate may add an approved devotional name. Those who made their First (Temporary) Promise: Leslie Bruce “Leslie Ann Karen Therese of the Sacred Heart,” Linda de Gonzague “Linda Marie Therese of Jesus Incarnate Wisdom,” David Hamm “David Mary Joseph of St. John of the Cross,” Sally Mills “Sally Marie Teresa of the Holy Family,” Cynthia Mullholland “Cynthia Mary Therese of the Child Jesus,” Mary Reichel, “Mary Elizabeth of the Trinity,” and Patty Larker “Patricia Anne of the Immaculate Conception.”

Final Promise

After living the experience of commitment for three years, the Final Promise is made to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world in union with Mary, Mother of God, as a Secular member of the Teresian Carmel for the rest of their lives. Those who made their Definitive (Final) Promise: Nancy Arciero “Nancy Mary Teresa of the Holy Family,” Kathleen Cummings “Kathleen of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary,” Earl Le Bon “Earl Thomas Frances Mary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Jeanne Le Bon “Jeanne Key Mary Christine of the Immaculate Heart,” and Maggie Ruiz “Maria Tomasina of the Holy Spirit.”

Making of Vows

The Rite of Making of Vows for Discalced Carmelites involves a voluntary petition to the local community council to make vows of obedience and chastity after at least three years have passed since the Definitive Promise. Making the Vow is a renewal of the covenant of love between Christ and the Church and a lifelong commitment to live a life of allegiance to Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Making the Vow: Kathryn Brogan “Kathryn Ann of the Mother of Sorrows.”

During the Vow Ritual, the following petition is made by the candidate: “With the help of God, I wish to follow more perfectly Christ, the chaste and obedient one. I therefore ask you, Father, to allow me to make the vows of chastity and obedience in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites for the glory of God.”

Jeanne Le Bon “Jeanne Key Mary Christine of the Immaculate Heart,” who made her Final Promise alongside her husband Earl, openly wept tears of joy while making her vows before Bishop Dewane.

“I am so happy,” Jeanne Le Bon said. “We began our journey with the Discalced Carmelites in Minnesota to improve our prayer life. We were very active in many activities at Church, but we were looking for more. We heard the call of the Lord in the Carmelites. Our move to Florida delayed our progress with the Carmelites until we found the Order here at Sacred Heart Parish. We are so blessed because our prayer life has grown and now we have a deeper, more permanent bond with the Lord by making this Final Promise.”

The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites are faithful members of the Church, called to live “in allegiance to Jesus Christ” through “friendship with the One we know loves us” and in service to the Church. The Order’s roots can be traced back to the 12th century hermits of Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross established the order in 1562 and 1568 to renew its commitment to simplicity, contemplation, and community. Under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in the biblical tradition of the prophet Elijah and inspired by the teachings of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, members seek to deepen their Christian commitment received in Baptism.

Secular Carmelites come from all walks of life, men and women, young and old, married and single – each one trying to respond to God’s call to “meditate on the Lord’s law, day and night.” They try to show God’s love in their everyday lives, wherever God leads us and with the people God gives us. They also follow the Rule of St. Albert, the OCDS Constitutions and the Provincial Statutes, which are used to help us transform participants into the people that God intends them to be. Their daily obligations include silent prayer, attending Mass, and praying Morning and Evening Prayer.

At present, Discalced Carmelite Seculars number around 25,000 members throughout the world and more than 6,000 in the United States.

For information regarding Queen of the Holy Rosary, Secular Discalced Carmelite Community, please contact Formation Director Marie Ludwig at marieludwig@comcast.net.

Mooney football falls in the State Semifinals

Posted on December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

The dreams of another state championship for Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Cougar Football Team from Sarasota came to an end with a Florida State High School Athletic Association 2A State Semifinal home loss on Dec. 6, 2024.

The Cougars who were 2023 Florida State High School Athletic Association 1S State Champs, fell 31-21 to Cocoa High School from Brevard County. Cocoa has a high-powered offense and is heading to its fourth consecutive appearance in the state championship game.

The home crowd continued to cheer for the team, even after the loss, for the many achievements the players and coaches had reached, even if they were short of their ultimate goal of winning another title. The team finished the season with a 12-1 record and had an 18-game overall winning streak, including the state title, dating to September 2023. Previously, Cougar football teams only made it this far in the playoffs a few times, earning a state title in 1972 and the semifinals in 2006.

Although the season ended in disappointment, reaching the State Semifinals is no small accomplishment. What made the run more impressive was that many from the 2023 state championship had graduated and this current team was led all year by a strong defense and dynamic offense filled with underclassmen.

The Cougar offense was led by junior quarterback Devin Mignery and sophomore running back Connail Jackson. Jackson rushed for an average of 128.8 yards per game for a total of 1,545 yards. He finished the season with 29 total touchdowns.

To make the State Semifinal game, Cardinal Mooney defeated archrival Bishop Verot Catholic High School of Fort Myers on Nov. 29, 2024, in Sarasota, the day after Thanksgiving in the Class 2A-Region 3 championship. Both teams held Thanksgiving Day public workouts on their home field ahead of the rivalry game.

Cardinal Mooney took the game 35-14 even though Cougar running back Jackson left the game with an injury in the first quarter. Mooney also beat Verot 49-28 during the regular season in September and leads the overall series 24-22.

With many young players returning for 2025 season, the Cougar Football Team has a bright future ahead. Congratulations on a great 2024 season!

News Briefs for the week of December 13, 2024

Posted on December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Florida Bishops hold retreat in Venice

The Bishops of Florida held an Advent Retreat at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice in early December. The retreat spanned to include the observance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Dec. 9, 2024. (The celebration of the Solemnity was transferred to Dec. 9 from Dec. 8 to not interfere with the Second Sunday of Advent.)

Seminarian instituted into Ministry of Lector

Diocese of Venice Seminarian Bao Quoc Nguyen was among six who were instituted into the Ministry of Lector by the Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia, Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse, on December 4, 2024, at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Those who are in formation to be ordained as Catholic priests must serve in the Ministry of Lector. This role prepares them to proclaim the Word of God through their work in the community and through the celebration of Mass and other liturgical rites. The principal duties of the lector at a Sunday Mass are to proclaim the first and second readings. In the absence of a deacon and/or cantor, the lector may carry the Gospel Book to the altar, proclaim the petitions for the Universal Prayer, and lead the responsorial psalm.

Bishop helps Parish celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the principal celebrant for a Mass at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia. The Mass included prayers, petitions and music in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A full celebration of the Feast Day, which is Dec. 12, followed and included traditional dancers and music as well as food. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas and is an important symbol of the Catholic faith, particularly among Catholics of Hispanic descent. Large celebrations take place at Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice for this Feast Day each year. Please read the Dec. 20 e-edition of the Florida Catholic for full coverage of the local Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations.

Street Evangelization training takes place in Cape Coral

The latest offering of the St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) Training took place on Dec. 7, 2024, at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral. Adam Janke, Vice-President of SPSE was the presenter, offering guidance on how to share the faith in the public square. Following the classroom training, participants were offered the opportunity to use what they learned in a Live Lab at the Coralwood Shopping Plaza in Cape Coral to gain practical, hands-on experience in real street evangelization. There were 27 people in attendance at the all-day training and many participated in the Live Lab.

Bradenton robotics team participates in large competition

Three robotics teams from St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton have been busy building machines and learning how to implement new code for competitions. On Dec. 7, 2024, they had an opportunity to test their skills at a local FIRST Robotics Event at the State College of Florida. The teammates had a great time learning together, and with every attempt to run their programs, they showed improvement.

Sarasota Catholic School awarded $10,000 grant

St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support the implementation of a donor database. The grant was provided by the George J. & Alice Pugh Donor Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Implementing a donor database at St. Martha Catholic School will streamline the management of donor information, allowing the school to efficiently track contributions and target outreach efforts. This system will be instrumental in securing the necessary funds to provide educational opportunities and financial assistance to students in our community who need it most. For more information about St. Martha Catholic School, please visit www.stmarthaschool.net.

Advent: Expectant Delight for the Coming of the Lord

Posted on November 27, 2024November 27, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Ordinary Time has come to an end and the Season of Advent is upon us. This Season, which marks the beginning of the Liturgical Year of the Church, commences on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, and will come to an end on Christmas Eve.

Advent is a time of preparation and expectation, a time leading to Christmas when we repeatedly pray, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

“It is a time when we have to live by that phrase, not just say it,” Bishop Dewane said. “This is an invitation to pause in silence to recognize the signs of the coming of the presence of the Lord.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#524) states: “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, She makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the Faithful renew their ardent desire for His second coming.”

During the opening of Advent 2023, Pope Francis proclaimed: “So, in a special way during these weeks, let us prepare the house of the heart with care, so that it is orderly and hospitable. In fact, keeping watch means keeping the heart ready. It is the attitude of the sentinel, who in the night is not tempted by weariness, does not fall asleep, but remains awake awaiting the coming light. The Lord is our light and it is good to dispose the heart to welcome him with prayer and to host him with charity, the two preparations that, so to speak, make him comfortable.”

Advent has a two-fold characteristic, the First Coming of the Son of God, which we know as Christmas or the Nativity, and we prepare for that, Bishop Dewane explained. Also, in this Advent journey we prepare for the Second Coming of Our Lord.

“Advent is a time of devout and expectant delight,” Bishop Dewane said. “We don’t usually think of it as delight, we have delight in who the Lord as our Savior comes into our life.”

The Advent Season in the Church is separate from the Christmas Season. Whereas the Advent Season is from Dec. 1 through the vigil of the Nativity of the Lord., the Christmas Season in the Church runs from First Vespers of the Nativity of the Lord up to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Jan. 12, 2025.

Therefore, the main focus of the Advent Season is preparation through prayer, quiet reflection, weekday Mass attendance and even fasting, Bishop Dewane said. Taking time to quietly reflect and grow in Faith can be a challenge.

“During Advent, we are each called to put distractions aside, even for a few minutes a day, which allows the love of God to fill one’s life with joy,” Bishop Dewane said.

A key symbol in Churches for this Season is the Advent Wreath. The lights of the candles on the Advent Wreath symbolize breaking through the darkness, reminding us of the Light of Christ that we anticipate during this Holy Season. The liturgical color of Advent is a particular shade of purple, a color which is most often associated with royalty. This color is used to symbolize the anticipation of the birth of Christ, who is our King and Savior.

Each Sunday of Advent, an additional candle of the wreath is lit, with the rose-colored candle lit on the Third Sunday of Advent. Best known as Gaudete Sunday, this celebration derives its name from Scripture: “Gaudete in Domino semper” (“Rejoice in the Lord always”) and marks the mid-point in the Season.

In addition to the Sundays of Advent, the Church also celebrates two important Marian feasts, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, on Dec. 12. We are also called to seek the intercession of the saints as we make this journey towards Christmas, particularly those saints whose feasts we celebrate during Advent, such as St. Francis Xavier, St. Nicholas, St. Juan Diego, St. Lucy, and St. John of the Cross. They modeled for us the way to salvation and assist us in our own pilgrimage to Heaven.

The First Sunday of Advent also marks the start of the new Liturgical Year of the Church. In it, the Church marks the passage of time with the celebration of the main events in the life of Jesus and the story of Salvation. In so doing, Pope Francis said the Church illuminates the path of our existence, which supports us in our daily occupations and guides us towards the final encounter with Christ.

Bishop Dewane stated, “Advent is a continuous call to hope and a time of preparation for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas. Let us resolve to help bring Him into the hearts of those we encounter throughout each day. Let us take advantage of what is new in the Advent Season as the Universal Church prepares for the birth of Christ. And let us grow in Faith during this portion of the Liturgical Year on our journey toward Salvation.”