Bob Reddy, Author at Diocese of Venice

News Briefs for the Week of February 14, 2025

Posted on February 13, 2025February 13, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Appointment

After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:

Father Robert G. Mulligan, OSFS, as Parochial Vicar of St. Ann Parish, Naples, effective Jan. 28, 2025.

Immigration Help

The Catholic Church is committed to defending the sanctity of every human life and the God-given dignity, regardless of nationality or immigration status. Catholic Charities has identified a central contact for immigration questions and information. Marco Sanchez’s services are those of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. Sanchez’s contact information is marco.sanchez@catholiccharitiesdov.org or 941-208-2384 (direct office line), 941-599-0851 (cell phone). There is no charge for these services.

Ayuda de Inmigración

La Iglesia Católica está comprometida a defender la santidad de cada vida humana y la dignidad dada por Dios, independientemente de la nacionalidad o el estatus migratorio. Caridades Católicas ha identificado un contacto central para preguntas e información de inmigración. Los servicios de Marco Sánchez son los de Caridades Católicas, Diócesis de Venice, Inc. La información de contacto del Sr. Sánchez es marco.sanchez@catholiccharitiesdov.org o 941-208-2384 (línea directa de la oficina), 941-599-0851 (teléfono celular). No hay ningún cargo por consulta, ya sea por teléfono, correo electrónico o en persona.

Regional Order of Malta retreat held in Naples

Regional members of the Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta took part in a retreat which began included a Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Feb. 7, 2025, at St. William Parish in Naples. Also known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, the Order is a lay religious order of the Roman Catholic Church that seeks to glorify God by promoting the sanctification of each member through witness to the Catholic Faith and service to the sick and the poor. Bishop Dewane lauded the Knights and Dames for their continued charity and service to the Universal Church. The guest speaker for the retreat was Msgr. James Watkins, a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., as well as Chaplain in the Order of Malta in the Federal Association and Assistant Principal Chaplain of the Subpriory of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Order, as well as a Chaplain in the Constantinian Order of St. George.

Schools celebrate 100^th day in classroom

Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools recently celebrated the 100^th day in the classroom with fun activities and themed “dress-out” days. A common activity is for the youngest students to dress up as 100-year-olds. The costumes were very creative with students in oversized glasses, with many with curly silver-haired wigs or bald caps.

Catholic Days at the Capitol deadline Feb. 18

Join others from around the state for the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol in Tallahassee from March 18-20. The three-day trip includes a legislative briefing on important bills relating to human life and dignity, a breakfast with legislators and the Florida Bishops, tours of the capitol and museum, scheduled visits with legislators and the annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit with the Florida Bishops and public officials. Bus transportation is provided at no cost as long as space is available. The registration deadline is February 18; for registration, visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife, or contact Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org.

Faith & Wine Lee County Feb. 20

The next gathering of Faith & Wine Lee County is 6:30 p.m., Feb. 20, 2025, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Barbara Heil, who will discuss “How to Win a Catholic: How a Protestant Minister came into the Roman Catholic Church.” For $28 enjoy a three-course dinner with wine followed by connectivity with other faith-based women. For more information and to register online please visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com/.

Faith & Ale in Fort Myers Feb. 20

Be present with great Catholic men, and have a beer at the Faith & Ale Lee County gathering at 6 p.m., Feb. 20, 2025, at St. John XXIII, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers . Jeremy Rivera, Catholic speaker and writer, and guest on The Chris Stefanick Show, will speak on “What Difference Does it Make? What American Catholics Need Most & Can Do Now.” To register online visit www.faithandale.com.

Boots and Bandanas Feb. 22 in Venice

The Catholic Charities Boots and Bandanas is 6 p.m., Feb. 22, 2025, at The Barn at Thousand Pines Ranch, 1 Ajax Drive, North Venice. Evening with cocktails, dinner, auction, live country music by Andy Pursell, and community spirit, all in support of helping the underserved and those recovering from disasters in DeSoto County. Tickets are $125. Register at https://one.bidpal.net/boots/welcome. For more information, 863-494-1068 or email bootsandbandanas@ccdov.org.

Community Pregnancy Clinics Dinner Feb. 22

Community Pregnancy Clinics in Sarasota is hosting its “Loving them Both” dinner event at 5 p.m., Feb. 22, 2025, at the Grove Event venue, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, to support its Sarasota pro-life pregnancy clinic. The featured speaker is Dr. John Bruchalski. There is no cost to attend; an opportunity to make a financial contribution to support CPCI’s Sarasota clinic and its life-saving mission will be extended. To reserve your spot, please visit https://supportcpci.com/sarasota-2025-dinner-event/.

Kentucky Derby Gala & Auction Feb. 22

Help build a brighter future for St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School by attending the Kentucky Derby Gala, at 6 p.m., Feb. 22, 2025, at Heritage Bay Golf & CC, 10154 Heritage Bay Blvd, Naples. The cost is $175 per person and all proceeds benefit ongoing campus and classroom expansions and improvements. Contact Gina Groch at 239-455-2262 x321 or to register at https://saintelizabethseton.com/Gala/..

Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Feb. 27

The Catholic Charities Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting and Dinner Dance is 5 p.m., Feb. 27, 2025, at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice. The event will benefit the mothers and children at Our Mother’s House, a 2-year transitional living program located in the heart of Venice, dedicated to empowering single mothers and their young children. Tickets are $100. Register online at https://one.bidpal.net/omh2025/welcome. For more information, 941-485-6264 or email omh@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Royal Rummage Sale on Longboat Key

Longboat Key’s “Biggest and Best” Royal Rummage Sale XVII will take place at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive on Feb. 28 and March 1, 2025. The Friday session is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and costs $5 to attend. The Saturday session is free and runs from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call the Parish at 941-383-1255.

Cathedral Mardis Gras Festival March 1

Epiphany Cathedral in Venice is hosting its first-ever Mardis Gras Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 1, 2025, on the Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School field, 316 Sarasota St., Venice. The family-friendly event promises to be a fun-filled day for everyone, featuring live music, Carnival food favorites, kids’ games, raffles, giveaways and much more. The Festival is free.

Conference for health care professionals and others

The annual Converging Road Conference for health care professionals, students and interested lay people, will take place March 1, 2025, at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palamino Drive, Fort Myers. The theme for the Conference is “Catholic Social Doctrine in Medicine,” and will address the increasingly complex and confusing issues of ethics facing medical professionals today. Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m., with Mass at 8 a.m. Opening remarks are at 9:15 a.m. Converging Roads is a program of the St. John Paul II Foundation. Registration is available at https://forlifeandfamily.org/events/cr25-vnfl/. Participation in the conference online is an option (check registration information for details). For more information, contact Gabby Anglin, Conference Coordinator, at 309-397-5436 or at gabby@forlifeandfamily.org. Medical professionals are eligible to earn continuing education credits for participating in the conference and scholarships are available.

Application deadline for Foundation scholarships is March 2

The deadline for entry for college and vocational scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year from the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida is 11:59 p.m., Sunday, March 2, 2025. To apply for all available scholarships, visit ccfdioceseofvenice.org. For more information contact Anna Kollmeyer at 941-486-4722 or ccf@dioceseofvenice.org.

Adoration Night of Worship March 6 in Sarasota

All are invited to an “Adoration Night of Worship: The Fount & Apex,” at Incarnation Parish, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., March 6, 2025. The evening includes a mix of Adoration, Confession, and worship music that spans from the traditional “O Salutaris Hostia” and “Tantum Ergo” to “Praise,” “Lord I Need You” and other contemporary Christian music. All are welcome. For more information, please call the Parish at 941-921-6631.

Vocation Awareness Weekend in March

Discover what seminarian life is all about during the weekend of March 7-9, 2025, at St. John Vianney College Seminary, 2900 SW 87th Ave, Miami. Participants will travel together for a weekend of fellowship, prayer and fun. Speak with seminarian students and teachers about their journey. Transportation is provided. For questions or to register contact Lina Johnson at johnson@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4720.

Second Anniversary Mass in Sarasota on March 8

The second of two Anniversary Masses for married couples recognizing milestone anniversaries (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 50 years plus) will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on March 8, 2025, at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, followed by a reception, and the availability of a photo with Bishop Dewane. If you would like to attend, registration is through the Parishes, but walk-ins are welcome.

Magnificat Catholic Women’s Ministry Breakfast March 8

The next Magnificat Catholic Women’s Ministry Breakfast is 9:30 a.m., March 8, 2025, at the Crown Plaza Fort Myers Gulf Coast, 9931 Interstate Commerce Dr., Fort Myers. Join us for breakfast, fellowship, praise and worship. Reservations can be made online until noon on Monday, March 3 at https://magnificatfortmyers.com/order-tickets/. For more information, contact Margaret Mengle at 239-826-7475.

Event to support homeless outreach in Naples on March 8

St. William Parish in Naples is hosting the inaugural “A Night of Building HOPE,” an inspiring event dedicated to fostering community support and raising awareness for the homeless in the Naples area. The event will take place on March 8, 2025, in the Parish Center at 750 Seagate Drive, Naples. The St. William HOPE (Homeless Outreach Program for Empowerment) program is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Naples. HOPE’s mission is driven by a deep belief in the innate dignity and worth of every individual and aims to empower lives and create a community where everyone feels valued and supported. HOPE has been operating for the past four years, providing hot meals, clothing, transportation and social services to those most in need, in partnership with St. Peter the Apostle Parish and Catholic Charities of Collier County. Tickets and sponsorships are available by visiting: https://BUILDHOPE.givesmart.com. For more information about “A Night of Building HOPE” please contact Sharon Tolnai at sharon@saintwilliam.org or 239-330-2267.

Walks for Life in March

Pregnancy Solutions is hosting three Walks for Life – “A Mosaic of Hope” in March 2025. The first walk is March 1 at Gilchrist Park, 400 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, while the next two are both on March 8, one at Maxine Barritt Park, 1800 Harbor Drive S., Venice, and the other at Morgan Park, 100 W Hickory St., Arcadia. Each walk begins at 9 a.m. Since 2001, Pregnancy Solutions has protected the vulnerable with an approach that is life-affirming, solutions-based, and Christ-centered with clinics in Port Charlotte, Venice, North Port and Arcadia. Pregnancy Solutions serves babies who have no voice to speak for themselves, moms and dads with the support they need to confidently step into the role God has called them to, and students as they navigate relationships and make healthy, Godly choices. For more information, or to register, please visit https://pregnancysolutions.org/walk/.

Bowling Bash 2025 in North Port March 9

Support San Pedro Parish’s “Reason for Our Hope” campaign for the Bowling Bash 2025, at 11 a.m., March 9, 2025, at Treasure Lanes, 1059 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. For more information and to register visit sanpedrocc.org/bowling.

Verot Gala March 15

Bishop Verot Catholic High School presents a formal evening of timeless regency elegance with The Regency Garden Gala, 5:30 p.m., March 15, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs. Dress is formal and proceeds benefit the high school. To secure tickets visit bvhs.org/advancement/g. Call the school at 239-274-6700 for additional information.

Venetian Ball March 22 in Bonita Springs

The Catholic Charities Venetian Charity Ball is 6 p.m., March 22, 2025, at St. Leo the Great Parish Hall, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. This event supports the programs in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties, and the communities still recovering from Hurricane Ian in 2022. Tickets are $250. Register online at https://one.bidpal.net/vb2025/welcome. For more information, call 239.342.1620 or email venetianball@ccdov.org.

Emerald Ball March 26 in Naples

The Catholic Charities Emerald Ball is 5:30 p.m., March 26, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” inspired by Pope Francis in honor of the Jubilee Year, reflects Catholic Charities’ commitment to serving all individuals, regardless of race, nationality, or religion. Tickets are $400. Register online at https://one.bidpal.net/eb2025/welcome. For more information, call 239-455-2655 or email emeraldball@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Community Pregnancy Clinics Dinner Event April 5 in Naples

“Reaching Hearts” is the theme of the Community Pregnancy Clinics Dinner Event, which is 5 p.m., April 5, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Dr, Naples. A reception, dinner and keynote speaker from pro-life advocate and Blaze TV host Liz Wheeler are included. Tickets are $500. To register visit https://supportcpci.com/2025-ycfl-event/ or email events@community4life.com to learn more.

Easter Triduum Retreat at OLPH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, will host its annual Easter Triduum Retreat, April 17-20, 2025. The retreat begins with supper on Holy Thursday and ends with breakfast on Easter Sunday. There will be conferences which will focus on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord. Celebration of the liturgies of the Lord’s Supper, Way of the Cross, Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, Easter Vigil, and Sunrise Easter Liturgy are celebrated. Confessions will also be available. Register at www.olph-retreat.org, and click on “Schedule of Events.”

Chrism Mass to be celebrated in Naples on April 15

The Chrism Mass, which takes place during Holy Week every year, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 15 at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111^th Ave. N., Naples. During this Mass, Bishop Frank J. Dewane will bless the Holy Oils which are used in the administration of the Sacraments at each parish throughout the year. Priests and Deacons celebrating 25 and 50 years of Ordination are recognized at this Mass. All are encouraged to attend in support of our clergy and to participate in this important Holy Week celebration.

Malta Camp USA registration open

Malta Camp USA, inspired by the Order of Malta’s charism, is a unique 5-day experience for adults with disabilities. The camp is free, and will be offered this summer from June 22-27, 2025, at Siena College in Loudonville, New York (outside of Saratoga). Primarily designed for those 21-40 years of age, Malta Camp participants have an opportunity to feel independent, enjoy new experiences, and make new friends. The camp opens doors for many disabled adults who might otherwise live very “shut-in” lives. To learn more, or to apply, visit www.maltacampusa.org Application deadline is March 14.

Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope to Poland

Join Father Greg Cleveland, OMV, for an inspiring pilgrimage of a lifetime to Poland from Sept. 14 – 25, 2025. The pilgrimage is part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed: “In the footsteps of St. John Paul II.” The 12-day trip includes stops in Krakow, Czestochowa, Wadowice, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna. St. John Paul the Great is known as the Witness to Hope. Come and see the places that inspired him, Our Lady of Czestochowa and the Divine Mercy Shrine of St. Faustina, along with some of the most beautiful cities of Central Europe! Departs from Tampa. For more information, please contact Father Cleveland at 303-927-8065. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/ClevelandCentralEurope.

Malades & Caregivers-In-Spirit Program

Are you a member of The Order of Malta? If so you may want to take advantage of a special program, which benefits the most seriously ill among us, and/or their caregivers. Called Malades and Caregivers-In-Spirit, each year the Order invites its members to suggest someone they know of who is seriously ill, or their caregiver, to “attend” their annual Lourdes Pilgrimage, in spirit. The Lourdes Pilgrams then “bring” those people along with them spiritually, holding them in their hearts, including them in their daily prayers, acts of worship and devotion, and remembering them and their intentions during Mass at the Grotto. Members of the Order of Malta are invited to suggest a homebound, physically, or mentally challenged or ill person whom they would otherwise consider proposing as a traveling Malade but who is unable to make the pilgrimage to Lourdes, for inclusion in this program. This effort brings the message of Lourdes to people who may never be able to travel there and/or who may know little or nothing about the wonders of that special place of healing and hope. If you are a member of The Order of Malta and have a candidate for the MIS Program or CIS Program, please speak to that person first; if the person wants to be included in the program, please complete the registration form by April 15. The registration form can be found at www.orderofmaltaamerican.org/members/lourdes-pilgrimage/mis/

Jubilee Year 2025 resources now available

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Bob Reddy

As the Universal Church progresses through the Jubilee Year 2025, as established by Pope Francis, the Diocese of Venice will be hosting five pilgrimage sites, as well as several events which bring to life the Jubilee’s theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The Diocese of Venice website, Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope – Diocese of Venice, will be a clearinghouse of information regarding Jubilee Year 2025 activities in the Diocese as well as general information about the Jubilee Year.

The Jubilee Year includes the option to go through Holy Doors by making a pilgrimage to the major Papal Basilicas in Rome. In addition, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have also designated specific shrines within the country to serve as special pilgrimage sites.

Meanwhile, the five Jubilee Pilgrimage Sites designated Bishop Frank J. Dewane within the Diocese of Venice present local opportunities to participate and celebrate the Jubilee Year. Each of these sites (Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice), will include expanded times for Mass, Adoration, and Confession, as well as Lenten programming. Each of the sites will also be open to individual or large group pilgrimages. Recall that the Holy Doors established by Pope Francis are limited to five pilgrimage sites in Rome.

Bishop Dewane said it is his prayer that the faithful of the Diocese take advantage of the grace of the Jubilee Year and visit at least one of the Jubilee Pilgrimage Sites.

“This is an opportunity to join the faithful from around the world in participating in special Jubilee Year activities,” Bishop Dewane said. “We must be people of hope in the way we live our lives, in our faith, and within our community. We also have an obligation to take the hope the Lord gives us and be a beacon of hope for others.”

A Jubilee Year is a special holy year of grace and pilgrimage that happens at least once every 25 years. The Pope can call for extraordinary jubilee years, such as the 2016 Year of Mercy. During the Jubilee, Catholics are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to Rome. For pilgrims who can’t travel to Rome, the Bishops of the world were encouraged to designate local pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee.

.Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before Mass on Christmas Eve, officially launching the Jubilee Year 2025. Passing through a Holy Door during the Jubilee symbolizes entry into a new life in Christ and the beginning of a journey of conversion.

One grace that “Pilgrims of Hope” on the Jubilee may obtain is the “Jubilee indulgence.” This grace is granted by the Holy Father to anyone who travels to any sacred jubilee site, whether in Rome, the Holy Land, or a locally designated sacred site.

The Jubilee Indulgence is a concrete manifestation of God’s mercy and is a gift of grace specific to the Holy Year. To gain an indulgence during Jubilee Year 2025, the faithful can undertake a pious pilgrimage to a Jubilee Site, including those designated by the Bishop. The person seeking the plenary indulgence must participate in Holy Mass or any of the following: celebration of the Word of God, the Liturgy of the Hours, the Via Crucis, the Marian Rosary, or a penitential celebration, which ends with individual confession. Additional information about receiving a Jubilee Indulgence can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/.

Jubilee Year 2025, a year filled with special spiritual, artistic, and cultural events in Rome, will conclude during the Christmas Season 2025. Two of the biggest events of the Jubilee of Hope will be the canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis, during the Jubilee of Teenagers on April 27, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, during the Jubilee of Young People on Aug. 3. In addition, there will be a celebration of the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly on the weekend of May 30 – June 1.

Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights

The second Youth Jubilee Adoration Night in the Diocese took place Jan. 31, at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral. Youth from St. Andrew, as well as St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral and Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, took part in group Eucharistic Adoration as part of the Jubilee Year 2025. The first Youth Jubilee Adoration Night took place Jan. 16, at St. Agnes Parish in Naples.

At St. Andrew, guest speaker Kyle Van Duser encouraged the youth to become true “Pilgrims of Hope” by using the gifts given to them by God to carry the message of the Lord to others. To do this, they must deepen their relationship with the Lord by regularly attending Mass, going to Confession and doing Works of Mercy. By doing these things, they will serve as a beacon of hope for others to follow, living out their mission as “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The evenings include an inspirational talk, prayer, music, and the opportunity to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, all before concluding with Benediction. While the Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights are geared toward younger Catholics, with youth-centric music and talks, but all are welcome. Each Adoration Night is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Upcoming opportunities to participate are: Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights-. For more information contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

One-day Eastern Deanery Eucharistic Pilgrimage

Coming to the Eastern Deanery on Feb. 15 will be a special Eucharistic Pilgrimage which will visit the Parishes of St. James, St. Catherine, Our Lady of Grace, St. Michael, and St. Paul (this is a designated Diocesan Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site). This is a unique opportunity to respond to the call of the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival Mission and to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope.

The Eucharistic Pilgrimage begins at 7:30 a.m., at St. James Parish, 3380 Placid View Drive, Lake Placid, and will include Mass, a Eucharistic Procession and breakfast. Pilgrims will then travel by their own vehicle to St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring, for a 10 a.m. Eucharistic Procession. The next stop will be at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 595 E. Main St., Avon Park, for a noon Eucharistic Procession, followed by lunch.

Pilgrims will then proceed to St. Michael Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula, for a 3 p.m. Eucharistic Procession, followed by snacks. The final stop will be at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia, for a 6 p.m. Mass, which will be followed by food. Pilgrims can participate in as many of the stops as they wish. For more information, please contact Sister Maria Nikopoia, SSVM, at m.nikopoia@servidoras.org or call 863-232-9284.

Third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference

In addition to previously mentioned activities, the third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference will take place Saturday, March 29, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The theme for the day-long event is inspired by the Jubilee Year 2025 while also building upon the three-year National Eucharistic Revival. The theme for the Conference is “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries” and it offers an opportunity to celebrate the Catholic faith with others.

The Diocesan Eucharistic Conference will feature dynamic presentations by nationally renowned Catholic speakers including Dr. Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig, and Andrés Arango. There will also be breakout sessions in Spanish. The event will include Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. In addition, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the opportunity for Confession, as well as Catholic vendors and exhibitors. The cost to attend is $35. per person and includes lunch. To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/eucharistic-conference. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Twenty-Four Hours for the Lord

On March 28, during the Jubilee Year, the Holy Father called upon all Churches to observe a 24 Hours of the Lord event. Please check with your local Parish for Eucharistic Adoration hours, with designated times for the Sacrament of Confession. (Please note that this will be in addition to the designated Lenten Confession times for the Diocese of Venice, which will be held this year on Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12.)

As the Jubilee Year continues, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/ frequently for updates on the latest Diocesan Jubilee Year activities.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

2025 Catholic Schools Week celebrations: Mass, youth rally, service, fun

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Catholic Schools Week 2025 is in the books. The celebration of Catholic education in the Diocese of Venice included a wide variety of events, among these were the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, a middle school youth rally and much more.

Sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the week (Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, 2025) provides an annual opportunity to share the good news about Catholic Schools. The theme, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” focuses on the important spiritual, academic, and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education firmly rooted in the Truth of the Gospel.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Mass for Catholic school students in Collier County at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naples on Jan. 31. The Mass, which included concelebrating priests from Parishes throughout Collier County, involved the eighth graders from St. Elizabeth Seton and St. Ann Catholic schools in Naples, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria in Ave Maria, and affiliated Royal Palm Academy in Naples. In addition, the entire student body of St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples participated, having walked from their nearby campus to the Mass, and afterward escorted the younger students back for a day of food, fun and games.

The Mass fell on the Memorial of St. John Bosco, priest, founder of a religious order and supporter of youth and Catholic education. The students at St. John Neumann are very familiar with St. John Bosco, as the school is led by religious women who are Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco.

Bishop Dewane said it is appropriate for everyone to come together to worship the Lord at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Supreme Prayer within the Church.

“Using the inspiration of St. John Bosco, as Catholic school students you are called to live your faith day in and day out,” Bishop Dewane said. “Don’t just wait for a religious class or Mass to do this. You know a lot of people your age who are not at Mass. You must do what you can, living out your faith as it should be lived. Build your lives so that you are the witness that Christ will hold up for everyone else to see as the example of how to live a better life. When the Lord says, ‘Who is the greatest?’ If it is not you, why not? Do something about it. Work to respond to the call of the Lord by living morally grounded lives by using the Gifts of Christ every day.”

A Diocesan Catholic Middle School Rally took place on Jan. 30, 2025, at the Marriot Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa in south Fort Myers. The Rally included 929 seventh and eighth grade students from St. Ann, St. Elizabeth Seton, Donahue Catholic Academy, St. Andrew in Cape Coral, St. Francis Xavier in Fort Myers, St. Charles Borromeo in Port Charlotte, Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. Mary Academy in Sarasota, St. Martha in Sarasota, St. Joseph in Bradenton, and St. Catherine in Sebring.

The Rally was divided into three parts, a talk and musical presentation by Shevin McCullough of Studio 3:16, Catholic Trivia led by Jennifer Falestiny, Diocesan Curriculum Coordinator, and Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction led by Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese Superintendent of Catholic Education.

Each student was given a pair of sunglasses because Father Belmonte said, “the light of Christ has been so bright in your lives today,” that they must wear sunglasses.

McCullough, of Studio 3:16, which develops resources and an online Catholic kids TV show, focused on fostering children’s understanding and love of Christ, and used his musical talents to inspire the students with key motivational messages: “Pray! Act! – Trust! Act!”” Let’s Go! Live for God!” “Do Whatever He Tells You!” and “Fighting the Good Fight!”

Madison Shipley of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers said the Youth Rally was fun and that McCoullough’s message resonated with her.

During Catholic Schools Week, each Diocesan Catholic School participated in a service project which focused on raising funds to support Catholics Schools in the Los Angeles area which were devastated by the early January wildfires. This is an opportunity for these students to give back as Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools have been recipients of kindness from Catholic schools across the country in the wake of hurricanes such as Irma, Ian, Helene and Milton.

Other activities which took place during Catholic Schools Week included field days, celebration of family, the nation, the community and more, all while sharing the benefits of Catholic Education with the community.

The 15 Diocesan Catholic Schools educate more than 6,500 students, which serve as an investment in the future. These Catholic School students serve as the heart of the Diocese, building the Catholic leadership of tomorrow. Catholic schools are located in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Sebring, and Ave Maria.

Each school offers a comprehensive STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math) learning model which is combined with the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence,” creating students of good moral character equipped to succeed in the world of today.

The January edition of “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” included a discussion on Catholic Schools Week with Diocesan Curriculum Coordinator Jennifer Falestiny. The program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts/.

To learn more about Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/catholicschools.

36 girls named VDCCW Golden Rose honorees

Posted on February 11, 2025February 11, 2025 by Bob Reddy

There are 36 high school girls who now have the distinct honor of being named Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (VDCCW) Golden Rose Award recipients.

The Golden Rose Awards were presented Feb. 2, 2025, following a Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice.

The Golden Rose Award seeks to recognize the tenets of the Council of Catholic Women – spirituality, leadership and service – in young ladies as they live out their faith in the Diocese, a Parish, or a Catholic school.

Bishop Dewane presented the awards while Karen Verveer, VDCCW President-Elect, gave each young lady a rose.

Bishop Dewane congratulated the young ladies for living out a particular call in their lives and encouraged them to carry that call forward into the future. The award ceremony appropriately coincided with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the temple. The Bishop explained how the temple was viewed for the Jewish people as the dwelling place of the Lord, an earthly expression where humanity and divinity came together. And to be presented at the temple, as Jesus was, meant you were in a “right relationship with the Lord.”

“It is in this right relationship that we are to live out the Glory of God,” Bishop Dewane said. “We must strive for that in our own lives – recognize the presence of Christ in those around us, in ourselves, and in those who have stepped away from the Lord. You are honored today for having done this, but it must continue. Let us pray that we continue to have a deeper appreciation for the Glory of God and His presence in our lives.”

Verveer, VDCCW President-Elect, said it is important for the VDCCW to recognize these worthy recipients who were each nominated by their respective Parishes and Catholic high schools. Nominees are currently in high school, active in their Parish or Catholic school, and practicing Catholics who regularly attend Sunday Mass, while also completing meaningful service projects.

“These young women are the future of our Parishes and communities as their interest and dedication in the stewardship way of life is apparent,” Verveer said. “You are on a path to making a lifetime commitment to serve others in the Lord’s name. God has put you where He wants you to be.”

Ellen Bachman, VDCCW Past-President, helped bring the Golden Rose Award to Venice having learned about similar recognition taking place by CCW groups in other Dioceses. The Golden Rose Award was first awarded in 2020 following the example of CCW affiliates, with the first in-person Venice Diocesan ceremony held in April 2021.

Bachman said the nominations regarding the young ladies were inspiring, showing their leadership skills and kindness to others.

Each Golden Rose Award recipient was presented with a certificate and golden rose, as well as a membership into the National Council of Catholic Women. One awardee will be selected by the VDCCW Board for submission for consideration for the national award.

The recipients of the 2025 Golden Rose Awards are:

Juliana Anderson, Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch; Laura Gabriella Atala-Vega, St. Catherine Parish, Sebring; Verushka Bautista-Cedeno, St. Therese Parish, North Fort Myers; Kiersten Bosse, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Grove City; Sarafina Colonneso, St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton; Gianna Demino, Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch; Amanda Dente, Our Lady of Light Parish, Fort Myers; Serena Estevez, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Port Charlotte, Sarah Falla, San Marco Parish, Marco Island; Valeria Gonzalez, Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Josephine (Josei) Gregorio, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Port Charlotte; Lunna Guajardo, St. Michael Parish, Wauchula; Eve Hare, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Sarasota; Taylor Hennessey, St. Ann Parish, Naples; Vallerie Kappelmann, St. Francis Assisi Parish, Grove, City; Evelyn Lona-De La Cruz, Holy Cross Parish, Palmetto; Madalyn (Maddie) McCombie, San Pedro Parish, North Port; Fatima Munoz, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, Sarasota; Emma Old, Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Fort Myers; Caroline May Papa, St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers; Cristina Peterson, St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton; Samantha Petrilli, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Sarasota; Megan Polaszek, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Venice; Sherlin Ortega Razo, Sacred Heart Parish, Bradenton; Sofia Elisabeth Rodriguez, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Port Charlotte; Julia Rook, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples; Maria Serpa, St. Cecilia Parish, Fort Myers; Dorothy Sinka, St. Agnes Parish, Naples; Carys Smith, Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Ellie Smith, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Myers; Pepper Tocco, St. William Parish, Naples; Gabriella Tomas-Sabastian, Jesus the Worker Parish, Fort Myers; Tatiana Maria Jade Turek, St. John Neumann Catholic High School, Naples; Kacey Uhran, St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota; Chloe Marie Vigneault, St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral; and Lily Zaiser, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples.

Ambassadors of Hope – lasting marriage honored during Diocesan Mass

Posted on February 11, 2025February 11, 2025 by Bob Reddy

God provides unique graces and gifts for married couples to spend their lives together, serving as examples of hope for following generations.

In celebration of that commitment, each year Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites couples married 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50+ years to a Mass in their honor as witnesses to a beautiful vocation. The first of two such Masses to be held in 2025 was Feb. 1, at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs. There were 245 couples present, representing a combined 12,068 years of marriage.

“What a beautiful sight I have before me,” Bishop Dewane said following the opening hymn. “You live out the Sacrament of Marriage – day after day, sacrifice after sacrifice – in a time where the very definition is challenged and the relevance questioned. I congratulate each of you here, because of the example you give, in who you are, and the commitment you made in living out the Sacrament.”

Noting that the theme for the Jubilee Year 2025, as declared by Pope Francis, is “Pilgrims of Hope,” Bishop Dewane said it is apt, as it describes the couples present for the Mass.

“In a year devoted to hope, you are ambassadors of hope,” Bishop Dewane said in his homily. “You are a living witness, an example to many young people – showing that marriage is something that can be lived. By what you do each day, you give the young people strength to go on.”

The 245 couples represented 27 Parishes and included 30 couples that have been married 50 years. The longest marriage by couples present was 70 years, Frank and Carmella Irizarry of St. Leo Parish, who celebrate their anniversary on March 4. In addition, two couples, James and Del Kapala, St. Francis Assisi Parish in Grove City (56 years), and Michael and Ann Federer, Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda (50 years), celebrated their anniversary on Feb. 1.

Frank and Carmella Irizarry first met when they were aged 9 in New York City. Married for 70 years, the couple has six children and 13 grandchildren and four soon-to-be great-grandchildren. They credit their lasting marriage to their commitment to each other through the grace of God.

Michael and Ann Federer, who celebrated their 50^th anniversary on the day of the Diocesan Mass, are from Columbus, Ohio, and have two children and one grandchild. The couple met at a party in college and said a key to their marriage lasting so long can be credited to their faith and that they have been best friends since day one.

“Regardless of how the day went, good or bad, we always kiss each other good night,” Michael Federer said. “It really makes everything else less important.”

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

Following the Mass, lunch was served in the Parish Center and there was the opportunity to have complimentary pictures taken with the Bishop. At the luncheon, many couples remarked about how wonderful it is to have their lasting marriage recognized.

Coordinated by the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life, the Masses are celebrated each year in the northern and southern sections of the Diocese of Venice so as to accommodate the large numbers of couples wishing to attend. A second Mass will be 11 a.m., March 8, at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. If you would like to attend, registration is through the Parishes, but walk-ins are welcome.

2025 Charity Ball supports key programs

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Bob Reddy

The Catholic Charities Ball 2025 “Creating Miracles Through Faith & Service” was a huge success on Feb. 1, 2025, at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort on Longboat Key, the first event of its kind for the brand new resort. The proceeds from the Ball support the programs of Catholic Charities in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the guest of honor and expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support for Catholic Charities as its many programs help families and individuals in the community, ensuring that our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to receive the help and support they need to have hope in the future.

“This was clearly evident when Catholic Charities responded to the hurricanes (Helene and Milton) that impacted us all,” Bishop Dewane said. “Initially, food and water were distributed. Then mold was cleaned out of homes. However, the recovery work continues, and the need for assistance is still great. There is so much more that Catholic Charities does, because they respond to those who are here and may not be able to make it without assistance. If somebody stands in front of us and they are in need, we do what we can. We do not break the law, but we do help when someone is in need. That is how we respond. We are called as a Church, through Catholic Charities, to assist those who are in need of help in that moment. It is who we are.”

The Catholic Charities Ball was chaired by Bridget Spiess, and the elegant evening included silent and live auctions, as well as live music.

Catholic Charities assisted more than 350,000 people in need, providing a wide range of services throughout the 10-county Diocese of Venice last year. The work of the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities providing programs that not only help in a crisis but assist in improving the daily lives of those they reach is an essential act of mercy and fundamental mission of the Church.

In the coming weeks and months, there are additional opportunities to support Catholic Charities during different events throughout the Diocese.

Boots and Bandanas, 6 p.m., Feb. 22, at The Barn at Thousand Pines Ranch, 1 Ajax Drive, North Venice. Evening with cocktails, dinner, auction, live country music by Andy Pursell, and community spirit, all in support of helping the underserved and those recovering from disasters in Arcadia. Tickets are $125. Register at https://one.bidpal.net/boots/welcome. For more information, 863-494-1068 or email bootsandbandanas@ccdov.org.
Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting, Auction and Dinner Dance, 5 p.m., Feb. 27, Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice. The event will benefit the mothers and children at Our Mother’s House, a 2-year transitional living program located in the heart of Venice, dedicated to empowering single mothers and their young children. Tickets are $100. Register online at https://one.bidpal.net/omh2025/welcome. For more information, 941-485-6264 or email omh@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Venetian Charity Ball, 6 p.m., March 22, at St. Leo the Great Parish Hall, 28290 Beaumont Rd., Bonita Springs. This event supports the programs in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties, the communities still recovering from Hurricane Ian in 2022. Tickets are $250. Register online at https://one.bidpal.net/vb2025/welcome. For more information, call 239.342.1620 or email venetianball@ccdov.org.
Emerald Ball, 5:30 p.m., March 26, at Ritz-Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” inspired by Pope Francis in honor of the Jubilee Year, reflects Catholic Charities’ commitment to serving all individuals, regardless of race, nationality, or religion. Tickets are $400. Register online at https://one.bidpal.net/eb2025/welcome. For more information, call 239-455-2655 or email emeraldball@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

For additional information about the good works of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

News Briefs for the Week of February 7, 2025

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Immigration Help

Catholic Charities has identified a central contact for immigration questions and information. Marco Sanchez’s services are those of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. Sanchez’s contact information is marco.sanchez@catholiccharitiesdov.org or 941-208-2384 (direct office line), 941-599-0851 (cell phone). There is no charge for these services.

Ayuda de Inmigración

Caridades Católicas ha identificado un contacto central para preguntas e información de inmigración. Los servicios de Marco Sánchez son los de Caridades Católicas, Diócesis de Venice, Inc. La información de contacto del Sr. Sánchez es marco.sanchez@catholiccharitiesdov.org o 941-208-2384 (línea directa de la oficina), 941-599-0851 (teléfono celular). No hay ningún cargo por consulta, ya sea por teléfono, correo electrónico o en persona.

Annual Walk for the Poor in Cape Coral on Feb. 15

The St. Andrew Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a nonprofit organization that helps local neighbors in need, will sponsor its 4th Annual Walk for the Poor, at 10:30 a.m., Feb. 15, at St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral. The St. Andrew Conference is celebrating 55 years of service to Cape Coral neighbors. Since 1970, the St. Andrew Conference has been providing tangible assistance in the form of rental assistance, food vouchers, water and electric utility assistance, prescriptions, temporary lodging, thrift store vouchers, bus passes, job resources, and referrals to other agencies and organizations. All proceeds and donations from the Walk for the Poor will directly benefit the people in the Cape Coral area served by SVdP. To register for the walk or to make a donation, please visit https://go.rallyup.com/capesvdp/Campaign/Details.

Catholic Days at the Capitol deadline Feb. 18

Theology on Tap in Sarasota Feb. 20

Theology on Tap, a monthly program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed and social setting in the Sarasota area, will next gather at 7 p.m., Feb. 20, 2025, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, Sarasota. The speaker for February is Father Daniel Scanlan, Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota. His talk is titled: “Pilgrims of Hope: Reflection on the Jubilee Year 2025.” The evening begins with food and refreshments with presentations, and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning about 8 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org with any questions.

Community Pregnancy Clinics Dinner Feb. 22

Kentucky Derby Gala & Auction

Royal Rummage Sale on Longboat Key

Longboat Key’s “Biggest and Best” Royal Rummage Sale XVII will take place at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive on Feb. 28 and March 1, 2025. The Friday sessions is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and costs $5 to attend. The Saturday session is free and runs from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call the Parish at 941-383-1255.

Conference for health care professionals March 1 in Fort Myers

The annual Converging Road Conference for health care professionals and students will take place March 1, 2025, at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palamino Drive, Fort Myers. The theme for the Conference is “Catholic Social Doctrine in Medicine.” Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m., with Mass at 8 a.m. Opening remarks are at 9:15 a.m. Converging Roads is a program of the St. John Paul II Foundation. Registration is available at March 1, 2025 | Fort Myers, FL | Converging Roads – St. John Paul II Foundation. Participation in the conference online is an option (check registration information for details). For more information, contact Gabby Anglin, Conference Coordinator, at 309-397-5436 or at gabby@forlifeandfamily.org. Medical professionals are eligible to earn continuing education credits for participating in the conference.

Vocation Awareness Weekend in March

Event to support homeless outreach in Naples on March 8

Walks for Life in March

Pregnancy Solutions is hosting three Walks for Life – “A Mosaic of Hope” in March 2025. The first walk is March 1 at Gilchrist Park, 400 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, the next two are both on March 8, one is at Maxine Barritt Park, 1800 Harbor Drive S., Venice, and the other is at Morgan Park, 100 W Hickory St., Arcadia. Each walk begins at 9 a.m. Since 2001, Pregnancy Solutions has protected the vulnerable with an approach that is life-affirming, solutions-based, and Christ-centered with clinics in Port Charlotte, Venice, North Port and Arcadia. Pregnancy Solutions serves babies who have no voice to speak for themselves, moms and dads as we come alongside them with the support they need to confidently step into the role God has called them to, and students as they navigate relationships and make healthy, Godly choices. For more information, or to register, please visit https://pregnancysolutions.org/walk/.

Easter Triduum Retreat at OLPH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, will host its annual Easter Triduum Retreat, April 17-20, 2025. The retreat begins with supper on Holy Thursday and ends with breakfast on Easter Sunday. There will be conferences which will focus on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord. Celebration of the liturgies of the Lord’s Supper, Way of the Cross, Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, Easter Vigil, and Sunrise Easter Liturgy are celebrated. Confessions also available. Register available at www.olph-retreat.org, and click on “Schedule of Events.”

Malta Camp USA registration open

Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope to Poland

Catholics Schools celebrated in Diocese

Posted on February 6, 2025February 6, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Every Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity to recognize each year the value and contributions of Catholic education to individual students, the Church, and the world.

Sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the week provides an annual opportunity to share the good news about Catholic Schools. The theme, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” focuses on the important spiritual, academic, and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education firmly rooted in the Truth of the Gospel.

In the Diocese of Venice, the week (Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, 2025) kicked off with Catholic school students speaking at weekend Masses in their respective Parishes. There, they spoke about the benefits of a Catholic education and the continuing need to support Diocesan schools to ensure the Church of tomorrow has leaders who are well formed. Many of the 15 Diocesan Catholic schools held open houses for prospective students and their families on Jan. 26, initiating the annual enrollment period.

Each of the 15 Diocesan Catholic Schools participated in a service project which focused on raising funds to support Catholics Schools in the Los Angeles area which were devastated by the early January wildfire. This is an opportunity for these students to give back as Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools have been recipients of kindness from Catholic schools across the country in the wake of hurricanes such as Irma, Ian, Helene and Milton.

Activities for Catholic Schools Week opened on Jan. 27 at St. Ann Catholic School in Naples, with students reflecting on the Stations of the Cross, and then cleaning up the campus. On Jan. 28, there was the presentation of an eighth grade Living Museum, where students brought history to life by researching, presenting information about a historical figure including dressing up as their chosen subject. Also on Jan. 28, there was a family picnic on the sports field.

St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy in Sarasota celebrated their community through a Living Rosary Prayer Service presented by fourth and fifth graders. Students prayed for special intentions throughout the service. Then the students honored our nation with a special flag ceremony.

A highlight of the week at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton was Reading Day on Jan. 28, where special guests, including community leaders, enter the classroom to read to the students as well as teach about their professions. Guests included St. Joseph Parish Pastor Father Rafal Ligenza; Diocese Superintendent of Catholic Education Father John Belmonte, SJ; Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown; Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan; East Mantee Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Paul Wren; as well as doctors, judges and others.

Bradenton K-9 Office Liberty, a bloodhound trained to locate missing persons, was a hit with third grade students. Chief Bevan read to the students before the students learned the work Liberty does from her handler. They answered lots of questions and even signed autographs while the children showed their love by petting and hugging Liberty.

Father Belmonte read “Becoming Father Bob” by Father Jeffrey Kirby, to a group of second graders. The book follows the spiritual journey of a boy from his First Communion, which the second graders will be receiving in coming months, all the way through Confirmation, college, seminary and Ordination to the Priesthood. Father Belmonte answered a variety of questions.

Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers opened the week with an all-school Mass at neighboring St. Cecilia Parish, with the annual presentation of the Christ the Teacher Award. This year, science teacher Pete Orista was the award recipient. Orista first came to the school by assisting with the football team. Next up was the annual Quiz Bowl on Jan. 28, a popular battle of wits which pitted the student “A-Team” vs. faculty. In the Quiz Bowl, the students came out swinging, taking an early lead. Not to be underestimated, the faculty team mounted an impressive comeback, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. In a thrilling finish, the students clinched victory with a narrow score of 31-29, marking their second consecutive win after years of faculty dominance.

There were two school celebrations on Jan. 25, just prior to Catholic Schools Week. The Celtic Ball, benefitting St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, had “The Wizard of Oz” theme and was held in the school courtyard and newly refurbished gymnasium. For St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral, the 5th annual Rhinestone Rodeo Gala was held at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers and had a western glitz theme. Each event was held to support various projects at the schools.

The 15 Diocesan Catholic Schools, educate more than 6,500 students, which is an investment in the future. These Catholic School students serve as the heart of the Diocese, building the Catholic leadership of tomorrow. Catholic schools are located in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Sebring and Ave Maria.

To learn more about Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/catholicschools.

These are just a few examples of some of the activities which took place in the first part of Catholic Schools Week 2025. Please check back in the Florida Catholic next week to learn about more of the festivities!

Nearly 200 from Diocese participate in 2025 March for Life

Posted on February 6, 2025February 6, 2025 by Bob Reddy

About 200 from the Diocese of Venice, mostly youth, joined tens of thousands of other like-minded people from across the country in standing up for life during the 52nd annual National March for Life in Washington, D.C., Jan. 24, 2025.

The Diocesan group, which included students from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, the Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria in Ave Maria, and the Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, was organized by the Diocesan offices for Respect Life as well as Youth and Young Adult Outreach. Also participating were Diocesan Seminarians who are studying at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.

Many national leaders, including Vice President JD Vance, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, as well as former professional surfer Bethany Hamilton spoke during the event. The 2025 theme for the National March for Life was, “Life: Why We March,” which was aimed to highlight the pro-life movement’s core message to protect unborn children and support their mothers.

The night before the March for Life, many of the youth participated in a Vigil Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The morning of the March was a Youth Rally, held in the United Center.

Andres Prias, Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Outreach, said the “youth were incredibly enthusiastic and deeply aware of the reason behind the trip. Despite the freezing temperatures, they marched with courage and boldly proclaimed, ‘We March for Life!’”

Liana, a student from Donahue Academy shared” “We are marching for the babies, those who are not here and can’t be here, and for the mothers who think they have no choice. But they do, and we want them to choose life.”

Alexa, a student from Bishop Verot stated: “At the March for Life, we’re marching against abortion. Many children are having their lives taken away, and (some) think that it’s okay to put laws saying that all these babies can just be killed. No, they still have a life, and we are here to march for their life. They are just people like we are. Even though, like, at Planned Parenthood you’re supposed to see your sonogram at six weeks, they say it’s just a clump of cells. No, it’s not. It’s actually a life, and we are here marching for that life so they can live on. We, as people, cannot take that right away from them. That’s it.”

The March for Life began in response to the 1972 Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision which cleared the way for unlimited abortion in the country. While that decision was overturned in 2022, the fight didn’t end there and is continuing at all levels of government.

The effort to protect life in the Diocese of Venice does not end with the National March for Life or the Jan. 18 March for Life in Ave Maria. Within the Diocese, peaceful prayer warriors stand up as witnesses for life in front of abortion facilities each week.

In addition, the spring campaign of 40 Days for Life peaceful prayer vigil in front of abortion facilities in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5, and continues through Lent. For more details, please visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/.

If you would like to learn more about Respect Life issues and how you can be a witness for life, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.

New Pastor installed in Fort Myers

Posted on February 6, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed Father Jaybalan Raju as Pastor of St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers on Jan. 26, 2025, in the context of the Mass.

“We are all called to go forth, responding every more faithfully to the Lord,” Bishop Dewane said. “That is why I have asked Father to be here – to lead all of you in that spiritual life, to lead each of you in your individual response to the Lord. For this reason, Holy Mother Church calls for a Pastor to accomplish that in each Parish. Father has to be many things to many different people and I ask that you continue to support him and pray for your Pastor and your priests as they serve all of you.”

St. John XXIII Parish was established in 2002, and the first Masses were held in a gymnasium of the Noonan Academy. A new church, which seats 1,350 in the main sanctuary and 350 additional in the Chapel, was dedicated on April 9, 2005, on 40 acres, just north of Daniels Parkway, where there is now a church, Parish Center, rectory and Adoration Chapel. Masses are celebrated each week in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The Parish has more than 3,700 families. Father Raju is the third Pastor of St. John XXIII Parish.

Bishop Dewane initiated the installation process by calling Father Raju to the ambo following the homily. Father then recited an Oath of Fidelity in which he promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the college of bishops enunciate when they exercise authentic magisterium.” Father Raju then recited, along with the faithful, the profession of faith, including additional parts solely for him. The installation also included prayers to provide the new Pastor the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the Parish.

The Bishop then presented Father Raju as the new Pastor to the faithful gathered. Documents were then signed by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish Community, who serve as official witnesses on behalf of all of the parishioners. Copies of these documents are put in the Diocesan files for the Parish and Father, while a copy is kept at the Parish.

After Mass, Father Raju first thanked Bishop Dewane for the honor of appointing him and trusting him to lead St. John XXIII Parish, as well as the faithful for being so supportive since his appointment in 2023.

“I am full of gratitude from the Lord, as this is a special year for me and for all of us,” Father Raju said. “This is a Jubilee Year and this is the year I celebrate 25 years of my priesthood. This is the best gift God has given me… I am really blessed.”

A reception followed in the Parish Hall.