“Serving All” – Sarasota Ball marks 40th anniversary of Catholic Charities

Serving neighbors with help and hope, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., in Sarasota and Manatee counties strives each day to go out and assist those in need, whether it is an easy problem to fix, or something more complicated.

To ensure that the less fortunate of the community continue to receive the needed assistance, hundreds of like-minded individuals gathered together for the 2024 Catholic Charities Ball, Feb. 17, 2024, at Michael’s on East in Sarasota.

“Thank you for your generosity in making a valuable and essential contribution to what Catholic Charities can do throughout the year as its programs help many people, our neighbors in need, each day,” said Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who was the guest of honor for the evening. “I am grateful for your support, and the goodness you represent by your presence.”

Catholic Charities continues to serve the less fortunate in our community, serving as an emergency support for individuals and families, offering them the help they need to make themselves whole again, Bishop Dewane said.

“The staff of Catholic Charities does remarkable work, and I thank them for their hard work,” Bishop Dewane said. “The people with Catholic Charities witness every day the worst of situations and the best of people as they step forward to help our brothers and sisters in need. They are seen as the presence of Christ in the world, just as they see the presence of Christ in those they help.”

Catholic Charities provides a wide range of services, including emergency assistance, food and housing assistance, counseling and mental health services, and programs for seniors and children.

This help includes shelter for single mothers and their children in need at Our Mother’s House in Venice, and the continuing Hurricane Ian recovery throughout the Diocese. Catholic Charities continues to offer direct financial help and assistance, as well as mental health counseling to those still reeling from the impacts of the 2022 hurricane.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of Catholic Charities, which coincided with the founding of the Diocese in 1984. This added a special significance to the evening, said Bridget Spiess, who served as Chair of the Catholic Charities Ball.

Bridget Spiess, Chair of Catholic Charities Ball, welcomed everyone and said she was pleased with the continued support people have for Catholic Charities and the positive impact its many programs have upon the community. Other event committee members included Sandy Anderson, Virginia Auster, Dawn Burgess, Beth Cannata, Mary Beth Cotran, Sabrina Gison, Christina Hall, Judy Kozlowski, Leah Mihm, William Rex, Marilee Roberts, Alan Rose, Ana Weatherly, and Siobhan Young.

Throughout 2023, Catholic Charities assisted more than 335,000 people in need, providing a wide range of services throughout the 10-county Diocese of Venice.

The opportunity to support Catholic Charities does not end with the Sarasota Ball. If you would like to support Catholic Charities directly, please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

Additional upcoming events will benefit regional or specific programs of Catholic Charities. These events will include a cocktail hour, live and silent auctions, fine dining, dancing, and live entertainment. The list of events is as follows:

  • Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting, Auction and Dinner Dance, 5:30 p.m., Feb. 29, 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 $90. Register online at http://bidpal.net/2024omh. For more information, 941-485-6264 or email omh@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
  • Venetian Charity Ball, 6 p.m., March 9, at St. Leo the Great Parish Hall, 28290 Beaumont Rd., Bonita Springs. The theme is “Restoring Our Community.” This event supports the programs in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties, the communities hardest hit by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Tickets are $250. Register online at http://bidpal.net/vb2024. For more information, call 239-334-4007 ext. 2100 or email VenetianBall@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
  • Emerald Ball, 5:30 p.m., March 14, at Ritz-Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Dr., Naples. This event celebrates 40 years of Catholic Charities in Collier County. Tickets are $400. Register online at http://bidpal.net/eb2024. 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.

Fort Myers student receives national recognition for outstanding service

Leila Tucker, a seventh grader at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers, has been named as one of 12 nationwide recipients of the NCEA 2023-2024 Youth Virtues, Valor and Vision Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). This award is for Catholic school students who embody selfless service, determination, innovation, and ideals that are changing the world while bearing witness to their Catholic Faith.

Leila received her award on Feb. 14, 2024, following the Ash Wednesday Mass, during a presentation before the entire school. Her parents were present for the ceremony. She was one of 12 recipients nationwide, chosen from more than 1.6 million Catholic school students across the country. Laila was presented with a Chromebook tablet from Archangel Education + Technology, sponsor of National Catholic Schools Week (CSW), Jan. 28 – Feb. 3.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School Principal John Gulley said Leila is an example for other students in the community to follow through her leadership and kindness.

According to the award announcement, Leila understands that a servant leader knows that leadership is serving others and meeting the needs of others and not being “the boss.” Leila has been a part of American Heritage Girls since Kindergarten; she has grown from being a “junior” member to being a leader among the troop members.

American Heritage Girls has given Leila two terrific opportunities to be a servant leader in her community. Her first opportunity was to organize a stuffed animal collection to be used by the family courts in Lee County. The second experience was in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Several troop members’ homes were severely damaged by the storm. Leila showed true leadership and kindness by going to their homes and helping them clean up and begin the recovery process. For Leila, this experience reinforced the knowledge that leadership is doing for others, not telling others what to do.

Leila said she was honored to be recognized and takes joy in helping others.

NCEA President/CEO Lincoln Snyder said, “Teaching the whole child is not just about what the student learns in isolation; it’s about how they relate to their community. The students who have won the NCEA Youth Virtues, Valor and Vision Awards articulate the goal of Catholic education to educate and nourish the whole person, to understand that Jesus loves us so much he asks us to do something great for others. These young people have answered that call in light of our Faith and are examples to us all.”

For more information about St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, please visit http://www.stfrancisfortmyers.org/. For more information about NCEA, visit www.NCEA.org.

News Briefs for the week of February 23, 2024

Three Diocesan Catholic students named Merit Scholar Finalists

Three Diocese of Venice Catholic high school seniors have been named Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program! This is a great achievement for the students and for Catholic education in the Diocese of Venice. The finalists are Alexandra Mussey of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota and Patrick Dendis and Stephen Zell of Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. This honor places the three among the top one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Finalists have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million. The process to become a Finalist included submitting a detailed application with information about academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, as well as honors and awards received.

Visit of St. Jude Relic to Naples Feb. 27

The faithful are invited to participate in Tour of the Relics of St. Jude the Apostle on its U.S. visit, featuring the arm of the Saint. The tour will stop in the Diocese of Venice on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 5260 28th Ave. SW, Naples. Veneration begins at 2 p.m. and concludes at 10 p.m. There will be a Mass in honor of St. Jude at 7 p.m. For additional information, contact the Parish at 239-455-3900.

Scholarship Application Deadline Feb. 29

There are currently five different scholarships available from the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida. Applications close on Feb. 29, 2024. The majority of the scholarships are for residents of Sarasota County. These scholarships are for graduating seniors (class of 2023 or 2024), or for non-traditional students who have been out of school for 3+ years and wish to pursue a higher education. To find out which Catholic Community Foundation scholarship you qualify for, please visit www.ccfdioceseofvenice.org/scholarships.

Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life March 5 in Sarasota

Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for a Mass and prayer walk for life. The Mass is at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at St. Martha Church, 200 North Orange Ave., Sarasota.  A free shuttle bus will be provided after Mass to the nearby prayer walk until noon so that participants can circle the block around Planned Parenthood in prayer as many times as desired before returning to the church parking lot. Light refreshments will be available near the Community Pregnancy Clinic on 7th Street. For questions or to volunteer, contact Jeanne at 941-374-1068 or berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org.

Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference March 16

All are invited to attend the Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School, 5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. This effort, in support of the Church’s National Eucharistic Revival to place an emphasis on the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist, will be an all-day event of faith and fellowship, featuring inspirational Catholic speakers, including nationally acclaimed Catholic speaker and author Steven Ray, Crystalina Evert, Kathia Aranga, Father Elvis Gonzalez, and Tim Glemkowski. English and Spanish sessions will be offered. All are welcome. The day will include Mass, as well as adoration, and confessions. For more information, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/eucharistic-conference-2024/. Register by March 12

Construction begins on school project

Construction on the new administration building at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples has begun. Work started in early February on the much-needed building which will serve as a safe, secure, single point of entry with reception area, offices for school staff, a clinic and conference room. Most importantly, the new building will free up valuable classroom space for the students! This project is part of a larger ongoing expansion effort which has been made possible by many generous donors.

Healing After Abortion Retreat March 2

If you had an abortion, no matter how long ago, are having trouble forgiving yourself or need help dealing with the memories, consider attending a one-day women’s retreat on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Call or text Sylvia at 941-412-5860 or email her at project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. Do it today; you will be glad you did!

Pray to Defeat Florida’s Abortion Amendment

The political committee behind a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize abortion up until birth in Florida has surpassed the petition signature requirement for placement on the November 2024 ballot. For ballot placement to be confirmed, the amendment language must be reviewed by the Florida Supreme Court to ensure it is clear and limited to a single subject. In her brief to the Court, the attorney general urged the justices to reject the proposal, identifying several terms in the amendment language that are not clearly defined and could mislead voters. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) also filed a legal brief in opposition to the amendment. The FCCB’s brief argued that the proposed ballot title is misleading. The title states that the amendment “limits” government interference with abortion when the text of the amendment itself actually prohibits all regulation before viability. The ballot language also fails to advise voters that the amendment would largely prohibit the state’s oversight of abortion clinics and provide fair notice of its impact on existing legal protections for women and children. The decision from the Florida Supreme Court is expected April 1, 2024.

Answering the Call – Ordination brings blessings upon new priest

In a public response to a “call to holiness” Alan Baldarelli Jr., 41, was Ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Frank J. Dewane during a Mass on Feb. 10, 2024, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

The poignant and emotional rite places Father Baldarelli in a new role as he is raised to the Order of the Presbyterate where he will now celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, confer the Sacraments and teach the Gospel.

Bishop Dewane congratulated the ordinand for answering the call to holiness and advancing in formation through prayer, discernment, guidance and direction which helped him grow closer to the Lord. Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the ordinand is called to reflect and magnify Christ and bring others closer to Christ. The priesthood was established as coworkers with the Order of Bishops, with whom they are joined in a priestly office, and with whom they are called to the service of the people of God.

“The call for you today is to configure yourself to Christ,” the Bishop said. “It is really for everyone, but for those in the priesthood, there is a particular call to follow in the footsteps and likeness of Jesus Christ as we strive in our humanness to serve the Lord and to be that representative of Christ here on earth.”

Joined to the priesthood, Bishop Dewane said Father Baldarelli is consecrated as a true priest in the New Testament, to preach the Gospel, to shepherd God’s people, and to celebrate Divine Worship – the Holy Sacrifice at the Table of the Lord. By being raised to the Order of the Priesthood, the new priest will exercise the sacred office of teaching – to impart the Word of God upon the world. A priest is called upon to live that life as an example of holiness for others to follow as they invite the faithful to enter into the mystery of the Lord’s death, and to journey with them, pointing always in the direction of the resurrection. This holiness is not developed overnight but is a continual part of the priestly journey.

“It is the joy of that Word that gives inspiration to the people of God, to hear it, to be encouraged to live it, to let it resonate,” the Bishop said. “The life of a priest is to exemplify that Word of the Lord – as we go out – to live, to teach. Keep the example of the one who came to serve and not be served.”

“In the ministering of the Sacraments, be always kind and gentle, aware of following in the footsteps of our Savior Jesus Christ. This is a role that has been given in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, in the saving of those with whom we have contact. May you be blessed with the ability to call others closer to the Lord.”

When the Rite of ordination began, Baldarelli was called forth to the presence of the Bishop by Diocese Director of Vocations Father Shawn Roser, and upon hearing his name called out, he answered “Present.” After the homily, Baldarelli knelt before the Bishop to promise respect and obedience to him and his successors. Then he lay prostrate before the altar for the Litany of Supplication/Litany of Saints. The whole assembly joined in the prayer which invoked God’s grace and the intercession of the saints in heaven.

After this solemn act of prayer, the Sacrament of Ordination was conferred when Baldarelli knelt before Bishop Dewane, who in silent prayer, imposed his hands on the head the ordinand. In the sharing of the priesthood, each priest present laid their hands on the head of the newly ordained Father Baldarelli, one at a time.

The ordinand then knelt once again before the Bishop, who then recited the consecratory Prayer of Ordination; the prayer, together with the Bishop’s imposition of hands, is the essential Rite of the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

After the prayer, the newly ordained was vested in the stole and chasuble, vestments which are worn when celebrating the Eucharist and symbolize the responsibility and authority in service to Christ. Father Baldarelli was vested by Father Dennis Gonzales, who was is a Pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Delray Beach, and served as a spiritual advisor when Father Baldarelli assisted at the Parish while in seminary.

The palms of the new priest were then anointed with the Sacred Chrism by Bishop Dewane, the sign of the special anointing of the Holy Spirit who will make the priest’s ministry fruitful. Next, the Bishop presented Father Baldarelli with the chalice and paten which all priests are called to present to God in the Eucharistic sacrifice saying: “Receive the oblation of the holy people, to be offered to God. Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.”

The Rite of Ordination ended with the Bishop giving a fraternal kiss of peace to the newly ordained priest, welcoming him into the Diocesan Presbyterate or priesthood. The priests present then followed the Bishop’s example. The newly ordained Father Baldarelli then joined Bishop Dewane at the altar to the applause and joy of all present.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist followed. Father Baldarelli joined all the priests for the first time in concelebrating the Eucharist with Bishop Dewane, reciting together the words of consecration. For the first time, he offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, acting in persona Christi. From this sacrifice his whole priestly ministry will draw its strength.

Present for the ordination were his parents and four siblings, as well as other relatives and friends. In addition, present were more than 40 priests, men and women religious, Permanent Deacons, Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta, Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, the Knights of Columbus, as well as hundreds of the faithful.

Originally from Hermitage, Pennsylvania, Father Baldarelli grew up in a loving, faith-filled family. He went on to earn a degree in international business from John Carroll University before working in sales and marketing in various corporate jobs. Not satisfied with the path his life was on, a stray comment from a family friend that he should consider becoming a priest began his path to the priesthood and while working at a university job, he began taking courses on Sacred Scripture.

An annual visitor to Southwest Florida with his family from a young age, Father Baldarelli sought to become a seminarian for the Diocese of Venice.  His formation took place at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and then at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He was ordained as a Transitional Deacon in 2022.

With an easy smile in all humility, on Feb. 11 Father Baldarelli was very emotional while celebrating his first Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte. St. Charles Borromeo is where Father had been on pastoral assignment as a Transitional Deacon in the time leading up to his priestly ordination. Father thanked the faithful for their prayers and encouragement while he served the community.

“It is so profound to be able to do this for Christ and for all of you,” Father Baldarelli said of celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. “This was an imperfectly perfect celebration. We all make mistakes; we trip, we fall, we get back up, but God brushes us off and we are able to go out and be reinvigorated, proclaiming that Jesus is Lord and Savior.”

As a seminarian, Father Baldarelli served pastoral assignments at Holy Cross in Palmetto, St. Paul in Arcadia, St. William in Naples, Our Lady Queen of Heaven in Labelle, Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, as well as at St. Charles Borromeo.

The Ordination to the Priesthood is considered one of the most critical events in the life of the Diocese as it ensures the continuation of the Church and the availability of the Sacraments to the faithful.

A reception followed in the Cathedral Parish Hall where Father Baldarelli formally greeted the public and imparted his priestly blessing upon them, smiling all the while.

Ash Wednesday: Lenten Journey begins

The opening of the Lenten Season began with the traditional Ash Wednesday Mass, starting a journey which ends prior to the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024.

During this journey, one must take time to live the Lenten Season in a particular way, through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three traditional disciplines of Lent.

On Ash Wednesday, the imposition of ashes is a solemn ritual that signals the beginning of the holy season of Lent. The ceremony is distinctive; there is no liturgical action like it throughout the entire liturgical year. Ashes come from a previous Palm Sunday. The palms are burned, the ashes collected and then crushed into a fine, sooty powder and placed into bowls, where they are blessed by the priest during the Ash Wednesday Mass after the homily. Then, in a Communion-like procession, people are invited to come forward, and the ashes are applied to each person’s forehead in the shape of a cross as the minister says either, “Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15), the usual prayer, or “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19), the older, more traditional invocation.

While the ashes marked on one’s forehead do not last very long, their purpose is to cleanse and purify our inner heart. Having a clean heart is a key part of living one’s faith life, and the precept of confessing grave sins at least once during the Lenten Season merits a reminder.

To facilitate this requirement, every Parish in the Diocese of Venice will be open with a confessor present 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 22, and 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 23. Check with your local Parish for additional confession times or the availability of a Penance Service. These opportunities are made available so that the faithful may find ample opportunity to receive God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

 

More than 600 participate in NET retreats

Dynamic, Parish-based encounters for middle and high school teens took place between Feb. 3 and Feb. 11, 2024, throughout the Diocese of Venice.

The NET Ministries (National Evangelization Teams) retreats, visiting seven Parish and one Diocesan Catholic school between Feb. 3 and Feb. 11, 2024, challenged young Catholics, through relational ministry, to hear about, respond to and live for Jesus Christ.

“An absolutely beautiful evening with our Lord!” St. Michael Parish in Wauchula posted to social media. “NET Ministries you did awesome. Keep praying for our youth! Keep giving them opportunities or they will never experience His Love or get to know Him. May God bless all of our youth all over the world.”

The Diocesan Office of Evangelization sponsored the retreats which cumulatively reached more than 600 middle and high school students. The goal was to inspire young people to form personal and profound relationships with Jesus Christ and His Church.

The theme of the retreats in early February was “True Presence,” building upon the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival. The Revival is an initiative of the U.S. Bishops to encourage a greater passion for the Most Holy Eucharist, the Source and Summit of the Catholic Faith. Most of the retreats included the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and when that was not possible due to time constraints, there was Eucharistic Adoration.

The Diocesan retreats took place at the following locations, St. Thomas More, Sarasota; St. Catherine, Sebring; St. Joseph the Worker, Moore Haven; St. Michael, Wauchula; Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; St. Paul, Arcadia; St. Agnes, Naples; and St. Joseph Catholic School, Bradenton. Several Parishes took the opportunity to use the NET visit as a Confirmation Retreat for youth.

The retreats included guided prayer time and a personal invitation to commit to Christ, as the NET members shared the message of God’s unending love for the youth. This was accomplished in small group discussions, games and activities, and live testimony presentations.

Galas support Catholic schools

The 50th anniversary of Catholic Schools Week was a great time to have a celebration. Three Catholic schools within the Diocese of Venice finished the week by hosting elegant galas to support Catholic education on Feb. 3, 2024. An additional school hosted a Gala on Feb. 10.

St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring held its inaugural gala, themed “A Night in Siena,” at the Grogan Center of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Avon Park. More than 220 took part in the event. Funds raised were designated to go toward adding classroom space in the school at the main campus to accommodate recent growth. During the gala, the school Cantor Club performed and artwork from students was on display.

Founded in 2008, St. Catherine’s is the only Catholic school in the Eastern portion of the Diocese. St. Catherine launched with students in pre-kindergarten-3 through second grade scattered throughout a few buildings near the Parish church. Current enrollment is 213 students, up 115 students in the past few years. Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education Jesuit Father John Belmonte attended the Gala and said he was impressed by how much the communities in Highlands and Hardee counties support Catholic education in general and St. Catherine Catholic School specifically.

St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral hosted “A Night of Enchantment” Gala at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers. The evening used this new venue because the gala had outgrown its previous locations as the school has continued its own rapid growth, with more than 635 students at present, nearly double the number from a few years ago. The crowd was entertained by members of the Gulfshore Ballet.

St. Andrew Principal David Nelson said the proceeds from the evening will fund campus security, including the cost of having a Lee County Sheriff’s Schools Resource Officer present for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

The third Gala on Feb. 3 took place in support of the St. Ann School Foundation at the Naples Jet Center. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the guest of honor, and the theme for the evening was “Swingin’ Into the Sixties.” The St. Ann School Foundation supports the work of St. Ann Catholic School, which has also undergone tremendous growth to more than 475 students, up nearly 200 students in the past few years. The Gala proceeds will go toward student scholarships and enrichment programs for the students.

Marking its 70th anniversary, the St. Joseph Catholic School “Heritage of Faithfulness” Gala took place on Feb. 10 at the IMG Academy Golf Club, in Bradenton. As with the other Catholic schools, St. Joseph has seen growth of 29% in the past four years, from 224 students to 319. Money raised during the celebration will go toward supporting and expanding the many opportunities offered to the students. Festivities for the evening included live music, silent auction, photobooth, as well as an awards presentation. Dr. William and Karen Soscia were recognized as honorary chairs; James and Marla Doss were presented the Soaring Eagle Award; Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Esq received the Outstanding Alumni Award, and the Class of 2002 were recognized as the Top Alumni class with donations and attendees. A video presentation about the history of the school was offered, with congratulatory remarks from Bishop Dewane.

As was seen at each of the galas, the enthusiasm for Diocesan Catholic schools knows no boundaries, with many stepping up to help support the tremendous growth seen by Diocesan schools in recent years.

 

 

News Briefs for the week of February 16, 2024

Large group goes to Catholic Days

More than 50 people from the Diocese of Venice, including Bishop Frank J. Dewane and two dozen Catholic school students, took part in Catholic Days at the Capitol in Tallahassee from Feb. 7 to Feb. 8, 2024. This is an annual opportunity for the faithful to voice opinions directly to lawmakers from Southwest Florida on key pieces of legislation which are under consideration during this session. Primary focus was on ensuring the continued limitation on access to abortion. The students from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota and Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers also met with lawmakers and received a tour of the State Capitol.

40 Days for Life opens in Fort Myers, Sarasota and Naples

Show your support for life by simply praying for an end to abortion on the public sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood throughout the Lenten Season until March 24, 2024. For details and flier go to www.40daysforlife.com (add /sarasota or /fortmyers or /naples for a direct link to the location near you). Questions? Contact Jeanne at 941-374-1068 or Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org.

Two Diocesan teams participate in Model UN conference

Teams from St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples and Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Sarasota were delegates to the 23rd Boston University Model United Nations Conference (BosMUN) Feb. 2 to Feb. 4, 2024. The Model UN is a three-day simulation of the United Nations hosted by Boston University for high school students. Jake Marks and Alessio Cirino, of Neumann, took home the prestigious title of Outstanding Delegates, showcasing their exceptional diplomatic skills and commitment to global problem-solving. Fellow delegates Hunter Lund and Kale Van Wart received Verbal Commendations. Congratulations to all the delegates who listened, engaged, and contributed to this wonderful conference of intelligent minds who hope to help guide the world to a better tomorrow.

Bishop welcomes priests, deacons to his home

Ahead of the Lenten Season, Bishop Frank J. Dewane hosted the priests of the Diocese of Venice to his home for a dinner and reception on Feb. 9, 2024. The next evening the Permanent Deacons of the Diocese visited with Bishop for their own dinner and reception. The evenings were intended to create an opportunity for the clergy to gather together in an relaxing atmosphere ahead of busy Lenten Season.

Vocation talk inspires

Sharing her vocations journey, Sister Juliana Alfonso, Salesian Sister of St. John Bosco, and teacher at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, inspired eighth grade girls during a vocation talk at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers. Sister Juliana spoke about her vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, and encouraged the young girls to think about their own relationship with Christ. Sister offered tips about growing closer to the Lord through prayer, reading the Sacred Scriptures, participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and most importantly by being at Mass each Sunday. The girls found Sister Julian engaging and loved having her visit.

Knights on Bikes promotes its Diaper Ride

The Knights on Bikes, a motorcycle club of the Knights of Columbus, took part in the first-ever Diaper Ride to Thrive Pregnancy Clinic in Cape Coral on Feb. 10, 2024. In addition to bringing diapers, they also donated $500. Thrive is a maternity home (formerly known as Lifeline), that brings Christ to women who have chosen life, The Knights on Bikes mission is to promote and adhere to the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, and evangelize through fellowship, charity, and service. For more information about the Knights on Bikes please contact Pete Battle at 239-601-6061 or email konbflvenice@gmail.com.

Scholarship application deadline approaching

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida has opened the 2024-25 online scholarship applications. There are currently five different scholarships available from the Foundation. Applications close on Feb. 29, 2024. The majority of the scholarships are for residents of Sarasota County. These scholarships are for graduating seniors (class of 2023 or 2024), or for non-traditional students who have been out of school for 3+ years and wish to pursue a higher education. To find out which Catholic Community Foundation scholarship you qualify for, please visit www.ccfdioceseofvenice.org/scholarships.

Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Feb. 29

All are invited to attend the Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting, 5:30 p.m., February 29, 2024, at the Venice Community Center, Venice, 326 Nokomis Ave. S. The event will benefit the mothers and children at Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. This is a 2-year transitional living program, dedicated to empowering single mothers and their young children. Tickets are $90. Register online at http://bidpal.net/2024omh. For more information, 941-485-6264 or email omh@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Sacrament of Marriage – A unique gift from God

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. This first such Mass in 2024 was Feb. 3, at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs. Present were 240 couples representing a combined 12,480 years of marriage.

“You have to feel a great accomplishment,” Bishop Dewane said. “Whether you are celebrating 25 years, 50 years or even 70 years of marriage, the grace you have lived out all those years continues to flow and be a sign of hope for many young people. It is the public intention of union and sacrifice given over, one to the other, where love is expressed, over and over again. That is the true reality of marriage.”

Bishop Dewane said in today’s culture there is a different mindset about the Sacrament of Marriage, but the example of the couples present, representing commitments lasting decades, are viewed by young people with awe.

“The grace that you have allowed to enter into you marriage reverberates God’s love within your relationship and is witnessed by others,” the Bishop said. “You give a silent homily by the life you live, day in and day out. It is a true vocation that is born through each of you, giving the gift of one’s self. It has endured and is admired.”

The 240 couples represented 25 Parishes and included 32 couples that have been married 50 years. The longest marriage by couples present was 70 years.

Steven and Violet (Vi) Hvasta, of St. William Parish in Naples, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on June 12. Thomas and Jane Brooks, of St. Leo the Great Parish, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec. 4.

The Hvastas started out as great friends in high school. Steven dated Vi’s best friends, and she would date Steven’s friends, until the love bug hit! It seems they were made for each other. They spent their lives in Connecticut as small business owners, raising four daughters and are blessed with 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. They bought a home in Naples 13 years ago and now split their time between Naples and Connecticut.

Thomas and Jane Brooks met while attending Indiana University in Bloomington. They fell in love immediately and are still very much in love to this day. They married while Thomas was on leave from the U.S. Army, causing Jane to quit college and follow her new husband on deployment in Germany. After leaving the Army, the couple settled back in Indiana where he was a lawyer for 62 years as they raised a family that now includes seven children, seven grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. They have been coming to Florida since the mid-1980s.

Thomas Brooks said the couple’s advice to their children was that “once they became married, it is very important to stay with God. Also, they should always love one another, and never go to bed at night without saying ‘I love you.’”

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 and there was the opportunity to have complimentary pictures taken with the Bishop. At the luncheon, several couples remarked about how wonderful it is to have their lasting marriage recognized.

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. The second Mass is 11 a.m., Feb. 24, at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave., Venice (registration is through the Parishes and walk-ins are welcome).

Catholic education gets deserved spotlight

Behind all of the fun and games which take place during the celebration of Catholic Schools Week each year is faith, which shines forth in everything that is done at all 15 of the Diocesan Catholic schools.

Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, 2024) provides an annual opportunity to celebrate and 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.

Grandparents Day at St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy in Sarasota began with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Feb. 2. Grandparents Day is a special time when the students can show off their school to their elders. Following Mass, the youngest students performed songs, before classroom visits and more fun was had by young and old alike.

Father Leo Patalinghug was a special guest at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers on Feb. 2. A Catholic priest from Baltimore, Maryland, and the founder of Plating Grace, with a mission to strengthen families and communities around the dinner table, Father Patalinghug encouraged the students to become superheroes for our world. An internationally renowned conference speaker, author, TV and radio host, Father told the students to always turn to the Lord, as this is where they will find real strength.

Another key component of Catholic Schools Week is “Community,” and many of the schools took the opportunity to have students complete local service projects.

One such service project included packing and donating emergency food bags (filled with snacks and easy open canned goods) and hygiene bags (filled with toothpaste, deodorant, baby wipes and more), at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte on Feb. 1. The items were donated for distribution by the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition. The emergency food bags are deemed essential by the Coalition for the unsheltered homeless because they don’t always have the means to cook. The hygiene bags were made readily available to anyone in need, as well as to be included during the Homeless Coalition’s weekly food pantry.

Service projects can also take place at one’s own school, as middle schoolers at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers found out on a Feb. 1. The students cleaned up the school prayer garden. The area includes a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto complete with a water feature, as well as Stations of the Cross. The students cleared branches, leaves, and other yard debris, then put down mulch and put young plants into the soil. They also cleaned off the statues and the water feature. They later had a chance to enjoy the fruits of the labor when they returned the same day to pray the Stations of the Cross.

Bradenton Police Department Chief Melanie Bevan as well as K-9 Officer Liberty and his handler were special guests at St. Joseph Catholic School on Jan. 30. The students learned about what the police do to protect the community. The youngest students met K-9 Liberty and give him a few pets and belly rubs.

Sports, too, were cause for celebration during Catholic Schools Week, especially at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, where Kali Barrett, a junior girl’s basketball player, reached a milestone on the court on Jan. 30, with her 1,000th career point. Kali has been on a journey filled with passion, perseverance, and countless hours of hard work. Congratulations!

Praying the Patriotic Rosary and wearing red, white, and blue, were part of celebrating the nation on Jan. 31, at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice. Prayers were given for all 50 states, as well as for all local, state, and national government leaders.

Each of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools participated in a variety of activities throughout this special week which commemorated its 50th anniversary this year.

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