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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.)
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.
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.
Since his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese in 2006, Bishop Dewane has conferred the Sacraments of Confirmation, First Communion and Baptism for dozens of inmates. In April and June of this year the Bishop conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on two groups of inmates at Avon Park Correction Institute in Avon Park, and also in June for a group at DeSoto Correctional Institute in Arcadia.
