Author: Bob Reddy

Mooney girls team ends season with impressive record

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Every player who participates in a team sport dreams of finishing a season with a win, this often means a championship and glory. For the team that falls in the last game of the season, there is the disappointment of what could have been.

For the Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Lady Cougar Girls Basketball Team, the last four seasons have ended in the Florida State High School Athletic Association 3A State Championship Game. Each game was a heartbreaking loss.

The Cougars from Sarasota fell to Miami Country Day 75-51 on March 1, 2024, at RP Funding Arena in Lakeland. Mooney was seeking its first state title while Country Day earned its 9th, and third in 4 years over Mooney.

Cardinal Mooney’s defeat signaled the end of their 14-game winning streak.The Cougar girls defeated Seffner Christian High School 66-52 on Feb. 28, to earn their trip to the state title game.

Mooney was led by two junior stars, Kali Barrett (12 points, 5 rebounds) and Sy’Monique Simon (11 points and 9 rebounds), as well as a huge contribution from freshman Madi Mignery (11 points and 14 rebounds). Sam Kotasek, the only senior on the team, had 11 points.

After the game, Sy’Monique said the team thrived through adversity and made the journey from the Suncoast all the way up to Lakeland. “This was our final goal, this is where we wanted to be… Every day we were fighting in practice to get here, and we did it.”

Barrett reached a milestone on the court with her 1,000th career point on Jan. 30.

Prior to the trip to the championship games, the teams took part in a rally at the school before being cheered on by students at neighboring St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy. A large group of supporters also travelled to Lakeland for the game.

While the Cougars finish the season with a loss, their 22-7 record was impressive, as was this fourth run at a state title.

Galas support Catholic Charities programs

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Helping mothers who might otherwise be homeless become self-sufficient and productive members of the community is what Our Mother’s House is all about, while the Boca Grande Preschool provides a nurturing and educational haven for children.

These two programs of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., were showcased during special events in the past week. The annual Wine Tasting, Auction & Dinner event to benefit Our Mother’s House was held Feb. 29, 2024, at the Venice Community Center in Venice. The Beach Ball benefitted the Boca Grande Preschool, and was held March 4, at the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club in Boca Grande.

Hundreds showed their support for Our Mother’s House. Attendees made bids on silent auction items and an enthusiastic live auction.

Shannon Hoyt, the Program Director for Our Mother’s House, said for more than three decades the program keeps getting better at promoting self-sufficiency and pushing young mothers towards independence. When young mothers face homelessness, the impact is greater than many realize, including on an emotional and behavioral level. In addition, the young child feels what their mom is going through.

“Your support of Our Mother’s House is having an impact,” Hoyt said. “We couldn’t do what we do for mothers and their children without your help.”

The Boca Grande Preschool is situated on the serene campus of Our Lady of Mercy Parish and is dedicated to providing exceptional early education and childcare services for families residing or working on Gasparilla Island. The school staff is committed to providing a high-quality learning environment, catering to children aged 1 to 5, and offering a comprehensive preschool curriculum that stimulates intellectual, social, and emotional growth. The property received extensive damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and all major repairs have been completed.

Both the Beach Ball, as well as the Wine Tasting, had successful “Gift from the Heart” appeals.

To learn more about the Preschool, please call 941-964-2885 or email bocagrandepreschool@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

For more information about Our Mother’s House or to help, please call 941-485-6264 or email omh@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Support both programs by visiting www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Bishop prays rosary on national radio broadcast

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was a special guest of Relevant Radio – the largest Catholic radio network – which hosted a live national broadcast on Feb. 28, 2024, of the “Family Rosary Across America” in conjunction with Ave Maria University and Ave Maria Parish.

The special broadcast, hosted by Father Francis J. Hoffman (best known as “Father Rocky”), executive director and CEO of Relevant Radio, was intended to pray for peace and unity in our families, in our country, in the Church, as well as for peace in the Holy Land and in the Ukraine.

Bishop Dewane led the praying of the rosary, while Father Rocky described the Glorious Mysteries (used each Wednesday on the program). Those present, including leaders and students at Ave Maria University, were able to offer their prayer intentions, forgoing the usual option of taking prayer intentions from callers across the country.

Father Rocky estimates that between 50,000 and 100,000 pray the rosary in that half hour, daily at 8 p.m. (EST) on 250 AM/FM stations, with about 40,000 watching the livestream in their homes. Many of the listeners are on west coast, where it broadcasts at 5 p.m., the peak of rush hour.

“The more people praying the rosary at the same time, the more powerful the prayer,” Father Rocky said.

Bishop Dewane said it is an honor to be asked to participate and lead the praying of the rosary.

In fact, this was the third time Bishop Dewane has joined Father Rocky in the “Family Rosary Across America” broadcast. The first time was for a special joint broadcast with Archbishop Bernard Hebda, of Minneapolis – St. Paul, which took place in March 2022 from St. Isabel Parish in Sanibel. That broadcast also included an interview with the two guests. The second time occurred on Ash Wednesday, in February 2023 from Ave Maria.

Relevant Radio can be heard on 106.7 FM and 1410 AM in Fort Myers and 93.3 FM and 1660 AM in Naples and is also available online at https://relevantradio.com/.

Bishop Dewane has a monthly radio show “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,” which can be heard on Relevant Radio at 8:30 a.m. on the last Friday of each month. The next broadcast is March 29, Good Friday. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts.

News briefs for the week on March 8, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in consultation with the Priest Personnel Board, announces the following:

Father Celestino Gutierrez, retired as Pastor of St. Jude Parish, Sarasota, effective February 19, 2024, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Jude Parish, Sarasota.

Father Jiobani Batista, as Pastor of St. Jude Parish, Sarasota, effective March 11, 2024, and thus is relieved of his duties as Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle.

Father Marcial Garcia, as Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle, effective March 11, 2024, and thus relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Moore Haven.

Father Remigious Ssekiranda, as Administrator of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Moore Haven, effective March 11, 2024, and thus relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Parish in Arcadia.

Father Pawel Kawalec, as Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, effective March 11, 2024, and thus relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Catherine Parish in Sebring.

Father Anthonio Jean, as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Bradenton, effective February 26, 2024, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral.

Father Shawn Roser, as Parochial Vicar of Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Fort Myers, effective March 11, 2024, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch and as Director of Vocations and Seminarian Formation for the Diocese of Venice.

Father Alexander Pince, as Director of Vocations and Seminarian Formation for the Diocese of Venice, effective March 11, 2024, while retaining half time duties as Parochial Vicar of Epiphany Cathedral, Venice.

Father Alan Baldarelli, as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch, effective March 11, 2024.

Last chance to register for Diocesan Eucharistic Conference

March 12, 2024, is the deadline to register for the Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference on March 16 at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. This effort, in support of the Church’s National Eucharistic Revival, is 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, and a video invitation from Bishop Frank J. Dewane, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/eucharistic-conference-2024/.

Cheer team wins competition

Congratulations to the Incarnation Catholic School Elementary Cheer Team for winning first place in the East Coast Championships – The Takeover 2024 Cheerleading Competition March 2-3, 2024, in Wesley Chapel. Great job girls, coaches and parents for all your hard work and dedication!

Arcadia youth take part in Stations of the Cross

Youth from St. Paul Parish in Arcadia learned about and took part in the Stations of the Cross on March 1, 2024. Led by Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Light, the youth dedicated their prayer for peace in the world.

Naples high school hosts eighth graders

St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples was overrun by more than 120 enthusiastic 8th graders who were at the school to experience a day in the life of a Celtic student. From hitting the weights in the gym to finding solace in the chapel, the future Celtics explored every corner of the vibrant campus. But the excitement didn’t stop there! The young guests were hands-on with a chemistry experiment, embarked on a scavenger hunt, and put their knowledge to the test in a lively trivia session with some of Nuemann’s amazing teachers. The students were from nearby St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School and St. Ann Catholic School and many are discerning whether to attend St. John Neumann in the fall.

Walk for the Poor in Punta Gorda March 16

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s 15th annual Walk for the Poor is set for March 16, 2024 at Gilchrist Park. The yearly event raises money to help Charlotte County’s four St. Vincent de Paul conferences Sacred Heart, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Maximillian Kolbe and San Antonio, which provide assistance to those in need, including clothing, linens, housewares, furniture and limited financial assistance.  Registration is at 8 a.m., followed by the walk at 9 a.m.  You can register and donate at svdpswfl.org.  For more information, call 917-549-0555 or svdpflcc@gmail.com.

Patriot’s Plaza marks 10th anniversary

Diocese of Venice Chancellor Dr. Volodymyr Smeryk is seen with Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School students on March 2, 2024, at the 10th anniversary celebration of the opening of Patriot’s Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota.

New affordable housing community marks new beginning for many in Fort Myers

Posted on by Bob Reddy

With praise from local and state officials, the first phase of the St. Peter Claver Place affordable housing community, with 136-units, was blessed by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Feb. 27, 2024.

The Diocese of Venice partnered on the project with National Development of America, Inc. (NDA), and was supported by the City of Fort Myers, the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

During the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony, Bishop Dewane thanked each of the officials and NDA for their support in getting the much-needed project built. A second phase of 78 units is already in the works.

“We had this property and believed this was the perfect place to build quality housing that is affordable for families,” Bishop Dewane said. “By creating this housing, families with children will stay together, and they can remain in Fort Myers and be great contributors to the community.”

Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson said events, like the ribbon-cutting for St. Peter Claver Place, make the struggles and challenges of governing a city like ours all worthwhile. “Bishop, thank you for pulling this all together.  This shows how government can work to address housing needs working with great community partners.”

City Council member Johnny W. Streets Jr. said he has been on the Council long enough to remember when the project was first proposed more than eight years ago and the results were spectacularly better than he ever imagined.

“This is probably one of my brightest moments since I have been on the Council,” Streets said. “It started with a dream, a vision and now to fruition. Thank you!”

Humbled by the collaborative spirit that has brought St. Peter Claver Place into existence, Michelle Hylton-Terry, Executive Director, Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency, said the project is the culmination of a shared mission that has strengthened the community by addressing a critical need.

“The buildings of St. Peter Claver are not merely structures, but they are cornerstones of hope,” Hylton-Terry said. “They provide a foundation for families to build their lives, nurture their dreams, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Fort Myers. This development not only fills a crucial need, but serves as a catalyst for growth, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous city.”

Ryan Benson, Chair of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors, said he was proud his agency could facilitate the project and was impressed by the quality of the development and promised support for future projects.

Although the project faced numerous delays and massive price increases since its first proposal in 2016, National Development’s Rick Miller said the time and effort has been worth every moment.

“Not everyone can afford decent housing,” Miller said. “But these apartments are offered at prices families can actually afford. That is the most rewarding part of this.”

The 136 apartments are two- and three-bedroom units, built to hurricane standards and complete with new appliances. There is an on-site playground and clubhouse. An added amenity is the proximity to AFCAAM of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. This program, on the adjacent property, offers after-school care and tutoring, as well as summer programs for children and teens.

Monthly rent ranges from $630 to $1,300, less than half the market rate. Without promotion or advertising, Miller said there is already a waitlist of more than 1,500 for the 136 apartments that will be available in mid-March. Phase 2 is in the planning stages, and total build out would reach 214 units.

Previously, the Diocese and NDA worked together in Arcadia to build San Pedro at Meadow Park affordable housing, Casa San Juan Bosco I & II, 97 duplex homes used for farmworker housing, and later the adjoining St. John Paul II Villas, a 64-unit senior housing complex. Other projects include the recently completed Casa San Alfonso, an affordable housing community in Zolfo Springs. Additional affordable housing projects are currently in development for Lehigh Acres and Immokalee.

In addition, the Diocese has built several low-income elderly housing communities in Sarasota (2), Fort Myers (4), Port Charlotte (2), and Palmetto (2), as well as creating transitional emergency housing for individuals or families in need in partnership with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. in North Port and Englewood.

Bishop Dewane concluded a blessing prayer service by saying, “May Christ always be here among the residents, nurturing in love, sharing in joy, and comforting in sorrow. Inspired by His teaching, His graces, and His example, may the residents seek to make each home a dwelling place to be shared with God.”

Founder of St. Jude Parish retires

Posted on by Bob Reddy

There was an overwhelming show of love and support for Father Celestino Gutiérrez, founding Pastor of St. Jude Parish in Sarasota, as he celebrated his final public Mass at noon on Feb. 25, 2024, before a crowd that overflowed out into the parking lot.

Father Gutiérrez, who is retiring after nearly 60 years of service to the Church, 17 of those at St. Jude, and 39 within the Diocese of Venice, celebrated his farewell Mass. The large crowd did not deter anyone who wished to offer their gratitude to the man who had served as their spiritual leader for many years.

“I have been blessed by the Holy Spirit to have served the wonderful people of St. Jude for so many years, but it is time for me to step away,” Father Gutiérrez said. “I love you all. You are my family; you are my life.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said “Father Celestino’s tremendous influence on St. Jude Parish and indeed, the Diocese of Venice, cannot be overstated. His great joy, which he always credits as a gift of the Holy Spirit, is contagious, and has been a bright light in our Catholic community.  Father Celestino’s pastoral guidance for almost 40 years here in the Diocese has brought many closer to Christ, especially those in the Hispanic community. He had a clear passion for service and taught that so much can be learned about faith through the simple act of helping others.”

A native of Bercimuel, Segovia, Spain, Father Gutiérrez, 83, entered seminary at age 12. He was ordained on June 24, 1964, in Madrid, Spain, and shortly after was sent to Guatemala to serve the poor indigenous population during the civil war. It was there that he developed a passion for serving and working with the poor, whom he said taught him so much about faith, hope and joy, especially in the face of terrible persecution.

“It was a tough experience, but the faith of those people helped me grow in my own faith,” Father said. “There I experienced the gift of the Holy Spirit – joy – that has helped me be a better servant to the People of God throughout my life. When I came to Sarasota (in 1985 at St. Martha Parish), I knew I had found a home.”

While at St. Martha, Father Gutiérrez served the growing Hispanic American Catholic community in Sarasota. He celebrated Mass for migrant workers, created a Christmas program for the needy and focused his efforts to ensure the children took part in religious education programs.

The growing Hispanic Catholic community warranted the establishment of a new Parish and St. Jude was formally erected in May 2006. Hundreds of children participate in the religious education program. Each year as many as 100 receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion and nearly as many teens receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

A signature event at the Parish has been the Hispanic Festival, which for 19 years has attracted more than 10,000 on the first Saturday in November, in a grand celebration of the cultural heritage of the diverse community. The day includes musical performances and ethnic dancers as well as food from many nations. The proceeds of the Hispanic Festival support the various outreach efforts of the Parish, including a food pantry two days a week and other direct support as needed.

Many expressed their sadness at Father’s retirement, but joy for having been blessed to have him serve as their spiritual leader for so many years.

Maria Sanchez received her First Communion from Father Gutiérrez while he was serving at St. Martha. She was married at St. Jude in 2006, and each of her four children were baptized and received their Sacraments at the Parish.

“This was a sad day, because Father has been part of my life for so long,” Sanchez said after having a photo taken with Father at a post-Mass reception. “He has served this community with all his heart and that is what we will all miss; his big heart, and the joy he brought to the community.”

Father Gutiérrez, who is recovering from a recent illness, said he is not leaving the area or the Parish forever, and will return when he can for special occasions. “I love you all. Thank you for your prayers and support throughout the years. God bless you all!”

Relic of St. Jude visits Naples Parish

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A nationwide pilgrimage of a unique first-class relic of St. Jude Thaddeus – patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations – visited the Diocese of Venice on Feb. 27, 2024.

The relic – the forearm of St. Jude, encased in a wooden reliquary carved into the shape of an upright arm imposing a blessing – was on display at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naples. This ancient relic of St. Jude – often called the “Apostle of the Impossible” – is currently traveling in the U.S. for the first time. The tour started in Sept. 2023 and concludes in May 2024. Making stops in 100 cities, its mission is to bring comfort and hope to those in need.

Fourth through eighth-grade students from St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School were given the privilege of being the first to be in the presence of the relic. Displays noting the history of St. Jude and of the relic, were placed at the back of the church as each students awaited their turn to approach the display case. Fourth grade teachers used the opportunity to take have a mini retreat for the students, doing a deeper dive into the life of St. Jude, the apostles, and of relics of saints in general.

Father Casey Jones, Pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton, said it was a privilege to have the relic at the Parish. He was afforded the opportunity to touch the relic to a statue of St. Jude on the east side of the church. “This was a great honor to be able to handle the reliquary. This is allowed only in this special circumstance.”

Father Jones was unsure of whether people would participate in the visitation, but before the official public display began at 2 p.m., more than 100 were waiting patiently by the front doors and the line never diminished throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Confessionals were open prior to a 7 p.m. Mass. The display visit concluded at 10 p.m. The Fourth Degree members of the Knights of Columbus stood as an honor guard throughout the display of the relic.

As the faithful proceeded forward, some paused while others knelt before the relic, pressing their hand to the case, or touching a rosary or other religious article to the case.

Catherine Jackson of Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers said she was near tears being so close to the relic. “St. Jude was someone who knew Jesus personally. And to be that close to even a part of that person is incredible. I feel so blessed.”

The nationwide tour of the St. Jude relic was presented by Treasures of the Church, a traveling ministry of evangelization that brings a host of relics to various Catholic churches nationwide. Father Carlos Martins, Director of Treasures of the Church, is accompanying the St. Jude relic on the tour. Treasures of the Church is a Vatican-sponsored ministry utilizing the saints’ relics which has visited the Diocese of Venice in the past with groupings of relics of more than 150.

Father Jones and Father Martins concelebrated a Mass in honor of the visiting relic at 7 p.m.  Father Martins, a priest of the Companions of the Cross, was the homilist and spoke of St. Jude’s close family relationship to Jesus, and his missionary work as an apostle.

Speaking to a packed church filled with diverse pilgrims, Father Martins described how St. Jude was Jesus’s first cousin, whose mother, Mary of Cleophas, was a sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He told the congregation that the relic was actually bones from the arm of St. Jude, documenting how and where the saint died and that he was buried where he was martyred with his body undisturbed, due to Roman law and superstition.

St. Jude suffered martyrdom in Beruit during the first century together with another Apostle, St. Simon the Zealot, with whom he is usually connected. St. Jude’s body was transferred from Beirut to Rome during the time of Emperor Constantine and placed in a crypt within St. Peter’s Basilica. His remains are under the main altar of St. Joseph, in a tomb along with those of St. Simon. The arm was removed from Saint Jude’s tomb centuries ago and placed into the reliquary. Its permanent residence is the Church of San Salvatore in Lauro, in central Rome.

Pilgrims were able to receive an extraordinary Plenary Indulgence issued by Pope Francis for attending this event.

The tour of the relic continues with additional stops in Florida before going on to Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Texas.

“Magical” Gala commemorates Parish 50th

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A champagne toast kicked off the St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish 50th Anniversary “Magical” Gala on Feb. 23, 2024, on Longboat Key.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane gave the blessing before the meal, adding that his blessing was for all the faithful, living and the dead, and for those priests who have served in the Parish throughout the years.

Father Robert Dziedziak, Pastor of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, said it was appropriate to celebrate, but “we are here because of our faith; our relationship with Christ; and our love of the Church; as we want to grow in our relationship with Christ in serving others.”

Father Dziedziak said that he considers the faithful of the Parish his family.

Linda Olsen, Pastoral Council member and Gala event chair, agrees with that sentiment, having been regularly attending Mass on Longboat Key for 30 years while splitting time between a home in Illinois.

“It is not just about sitting in the pews, but everyone loves everyone, and we all get involved,” Olsen said. “We are a Parish family filled with gratitude for the blessings we have been given by the Lord to be here at St. Mary, Star of the Sea.”

Masses were first celebrated in Longboat Key by Father Edward Pick at a youth center and then at a firehouse on the north end of the island between 1969 and 1973. When it became a Parish, on Dec. 8, 1973, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with Father Pick named as the first Pastor, St. Mary, Star of the Sea was in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The current Parish church was dedicated in 1978 and the hall, now named after Father Pick, was dedicated in 1991.

Following Father Pick’s retirement in 2008, Msgr. Gerard Finegan was appointed second Pastor, serving until 2019. Father Dziedziak was appointed as third Pastor in 2020. The Parish has about 1,000 registered families, but the numbers increase greatly during the winter months.

The Gala concluded a series of celebrations commemorating the history of the Parish.

Hundreds of couples recognized for lasting marriages

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Hundreds of couples were honored during a Feb. 24, 2024, Diocese of Venice celebration of their lasting witness to Sacramental Marriage.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice recognizing 356 couples, who were celebrating a combined 17,635 years of marriage, for their accomplishment which brings hope to their families, to the community, to society and to the Universal Church.

The Bishop described the couples, married 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50+ years, as both radical and countercultural, but also a true inspiration for others to follow and emulate.

“The Sacrament of Marriage doesn’t always get the respect it should,” Bishop Dewane said. “Some say ‘No, it’s just ceremony.’ Or maybe it is a ‘social event;’ a ‘mere formality;’ but maybe something that is an ‘abstract ideal.’ Pope Francis calls it a ‘reality of which God is the author.’ The world might look at you and say you are not normal and not natural for staying married for many years. Well, you look very normal to me.”

Bishop Dewane called upon the couples to continue to live the fullness of their life together, using the grace the Lord has bestowed upon them, and guided by the Holy Spirit as they continue to live out the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

The 356 couples present for the Mass represented 41 Parishes and included 46 couples who have been married for 50 years. Of those couples, Paul and Patricia Chase, of St. Raphael Parish in Englewood, celebrated their 50th on the day of the Mass. Also celebrating their 56th anniversaries during the Mass were Ronald and Suzanne Hostetter, of St. Therese Parish in North Fort Myers, and Gerald and Karen Przybylski, of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Sarasota.

The couple recognized as being present with the longest marriage was Russell and Jean Stanley, having celebrated 73 years on January 6. The couple grew up in New Jersey as high school sweethearts and were married in Springfield, at St. Joseph Church, which later closed and became a bank. Before arriving in Southwest Florida 34 years ago, they both had successful careers in education, Jean as a third-grade teacher, and Russell as a high school chemistry and physics teacher, as well as baseball and wrestling coach. The couple has four children, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. They attend St. Bernard Parish in Holmes Beach.

Other couples recognized during the Mass were Thomas & Dolores Martorana, 73 years, from Epiphany Cathedral; Carl and Natalie Pensak, 72 years, from Epiphany Cathedral; Marvin and Carol Peschel, 71 years, from St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Port Charlotte; and George and Helen Magnan, 70 years from San Pedro Parish, North Port.

During the Mass, the married couples renewed their wedding vows. In addition, for their participation, each couple was presented with a commemorative certificate, signed by the Bishop, for their enduring commitment to marriage. A reception followed the Mass with lunch and the opportunity to have complimentary pictures taken with the Bishop.

Masses are celebrated each year in the northern and southern sections of the Diocese of Venice to accommodate the large number of couples wanting to attend. The first Mass was Feb. 3 at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs, bringing together 240 couples representing a combined 12,480 years of marriage.

Lakewood Ranch Parish reflects on 25 years

Posted on by Bob Reddy

There were just 96 parishioners at the first Mass of Our Lady of the Angels Mission in Lakewood Ranch on Feb. 7, 1999. The first Catholic Church east of Interstate 75 in Manatee County celebrated 25 years of serving the faithful with a Mass on Feb. 24, 2024, the Second Sunday of Lent, with more than 1,000 in attendance.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the main celebrant for the Mass, and commended the faithful for their commitment to growing the Parish community through the years, impressed by how much has been accomplished in a relatively short period of time.

“The 25 years is relatively few when compared to the 2,000 years history of the Church founded by Jesus,” Bishop Dewane said. “But the role the faithful have at Our Lady of the Angels is as important as it was years ago; that is to build up the Body of Christ. That is who you are; called to spread the Good News about Our Lady of the Angels to those who should or could be here. Just as Jesus called His disciples to be the messengers to carry the Word of God out into the world. Every one of us, as followers of Jesus Christ, have that command.”

Father Sebastian Szczawínski, S.A.C., Pastor of Our Lady of the Angels, remarked that he was very grateful for the support and prayers of the faithful in working to positively impact the lives of people across Lakewood Ranch and beyond.

“Church growth doesn’t happen by accident,” Father Szczawínski said. “It takes hard work, prayer and commitment. It also takes the holy blessing of the Lord. That is why we are here today, to acknowledge that He has richly blessed us over the last many years.”

In 1999, Our Lady of the Angels was established as a Mission of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish in Sarasota, sharing worship space with Our Living Lord Lutheran Church. Franciscan priests initially serving the pastoral needs of the community as the Parish was formally erected in 2002. A multi-purpose building was opened in 2003 and Masses were celebrated there until the current Parish Church was dedicated in 2019 by Bishop Dewane.

Since those humble beginnings, the growth in Lakewood Ranch has been reflected in the massive growth of the Parish community. Our Lady of the Angels currently serves more than 3,200 registered families with up to seven weekend Masses offered during the peak season.

As the Parish continues to grow, new construction is ongoing for a 12,580-foot Parish Activity Center and duplex rectory on the west side of the property. The work began in November 2023 and is expected to take 12-16 months to complete.

Following the Mass of celebration, a reception was held in the Parish Hall.

Find a Parish
Clergy
Find a School
TV Mass
Español
Ways to Give