Bob Reddy, Author at Diocese of Venice

Reflections on the National Eucharistic Congress

Posted on August 30, 2024August 30, 2024 by Bob Reddy

A group of more than 70 pilgrims from the Diocese of Venice joined Bishop Frank J. Dewane at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana, which took place July 17-21, 2024. They were among the estimated 60,000 participants in the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, an epic moment in the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival promoted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The pilgrims to Indianapolis were encouraged to share the message of the Cogress to the world, that of placing a greater emphasis on the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist. at home and in their Parishes as the Revival enters the final Year of Mission.

One pilgrim, Deacon Dr. David Reardon, who is the Diocesan Director of Diaconate Personnel and serves at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Fort Myers, was inspired to write a reflection on the experience. This reflection appeared in the Aug. 25, 2024, bulletin of Resurrection Parish and is reprinted with permission.

“My wife, Mary, and I were blessed to attend the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in July as part of the delegation from the Diocese of Venice. The experience was perhaps the greatest faith experience we have had in our lives. Certainly, in the top 5.

The most striking thing at the Congress was the great joy expressed by everyone and the peace that we all experienced.

Every Mass, every opportunity for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and every presentation we attended was profoundly inspiring and moving. To be in Lucas Oil Stadium with 50 to 60 thousand faithful Catholics all praying, singing, worshiping, loving and being loved by Our Lord in His Eucharistic Presence in complete unity brought us to tears regularly. Walking through downtown Indianapolis in an Eucharistic Procession with the Blessed Sacrament exposed for the world to see made us proud to be Catholic.

At Mass in the stadium, the entrance procession alone inspired awe. There were hundreds of seminarians, Deacons, Priests, and Bishops all vested, all moving in unison toward the altar of Our Lord’s altar of sacrifice, which gave us a glimpse into the heavenly liturgy of the wedding feast of the Lamb described in the Book of Revelation. It was truly heavenly.

What we carried home from this experience which brought all there into a deeper conversion and faithfulness to Jesus Christ can be summarized in three points.

First, we are all continually called to deeper conversion. The Bishops’ message is clear; Eucharist, Eucharist, Eucharist is the primary means to encounter the Risen Jesus Christ and come to know his deep love for each one of us. To be drawn into deeper conversion we must intentionally approach the Lord in every Mass, we must spend time adoring him in the Blessed Sacrament, and we must come to know him more deeply in reading and praying with Holy Scripture.

Secondly, through these practices that must become integral to our lives, we begin to live differently. We come to understand and trust in God’s wisdom and will for us. In so doing we lean on him completely and thank him in all circumstances. To live Jesus is to eliminate unforgiveness, selfishness, anger, jealousy and all other manner of sin in our lives. Many speakers at the Congress emphasized there can be no Eucharistic Revival in our lives without repentance, turning away from those things in our life that impede the flow of God’s grace. A good confession regularly is essential to grow in love of Jesus Our Lord.

Third, the Church is missionary and evangelistic by her very nature. Year three of the Eucharistic Revival is missionary evangelization. Christ came to spread the Good News of his saving power that rescues us from our fallen nature. If we live parts one and two from above, we will not be able to stop spreading the message of love and salvation that Jesus freely offers. Our most compelling witness is living a life of joy and peace. But in today’s culture, words and actions will also be necessary.

To that end the Bishops have asked us to “Walk With One,” a program to help us in this mission. Accompany someone you know who has drifted away from the Church back into full communion with the Body of Christ. This might be a coworker, a family member, a friend or someone that God puts in your path for this purpose. For more information and tools to help you with this, please visit https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/walk-with-one.

We encourage you to watch the speakers at the National Eucharistic Congress on You Tube. All were excellent, but noteworthy speakers include Msgr. James Shea, Father Mike Schmitz, Chris Stefanik, and Bishop Robert Barron.

Jesus lives, he feeds us with his Body and Blood and asks us to live this love of self-donation in our lives and share this love freely.

I want to thank Bishop Frank Dewane for calling together a delegation of representatives from the Diocese of Venice and accompanying us to the National Eucharistic Congress. His generosity is great, his faith sincere and profound, and his love for Jesus is expressed in all he does as our shepherd.”

During the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival, the Diocese of Venice has hosted two Diocesan Eucharistic Congresses which drew more than 6,400 people in the two years. Additional initiatives in the Diocese and at the Parish-level have continued. Parishes throughout the Diocese have organized Catholic speakers, adoration, Eucharistic processions, and other exciting events.

While the National Eucharistic Revival has transitioned to a mission role, with the faithful spreading the word about the Most Holy Eucharist to the whole world, the Diocese of Venice will continue to provide local opportunities to participate in this important Revival. For example, the annual Diocesan Youth Rally is Nov. 16, 2024, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda, and a Diocesan Eucharistic Congress will be held in March 2025. Other events are being planned and will continue the theme, celebrating the Most Holy Eucharist.

For additional resources on the National Eucharistic Revival, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/eucharistic-congress/year-of-mission/.

Bishop celebrates opening Mass for university school year

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Bob Reddy

The Ave Maria University 2024-2025 Academic Year opened with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Aug. 26, 2024.

Prior to the opening hymn, students carrying banners representing different Households of the resident halls of the university came forward. They were followed by faculty, dressed in their academic robes and seated up front while the students sat behind. Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Dewane were the priests who serve the spiritual needs of the students on campus and in Ave Maria Parish.

The Bishop and priests wore red vestments, to mark the celebration of a Mass of the Holy Spirit, whereupon the community gathers to thank God for the gifts of creation and salvation and to seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the coming year.

Bishop Dewane called upon the Lord to bless the works of the faculty and staff of the university as they are dedicated to the task of building up the students on all levels, but most importantly in their spiritual and faith formation.

The Bishop welcomed new and returning students and noted that they have each been provided with a great opportunity to be at Ave Maria University and said he was praying that they find success in their studies. He encouraged the students to be open to hear the call of the Lord in their lives and to live that answer each day.

As students, they come to Ave Maria University with goals and dreams to enter into a profession or career, but the Bishop remarked how that is secondary to what their commitment to attending a Catholic University is all about.

“Your commitment must be about listening to the Lord and responding in a particular way,” Bishop Dewane continued.

One way to respond to the Lord, Bishop Dewane explained, was through living out a Gift of the Holy Spirit that must take a new meaning in our society and in their lives – civility.

“You need to search it out, and demonstrate one to the other, as civility is sadly often lacking in the world,” the Bishop said. “At the heart of civility is helping someone else through difficulty, and this is where civilization starts. Bring civility here to Ave Maria University and to your own life, and we must all ask ourselves: ‘Are we doing all we can to truly help others, or is it just a convenience?’”

As Jesus offered with His Sermon on the Mount – which the Bishop described as an inaugural address – we are all given a mission in life, that is to give dignity, respect and time to others, as we all “labor with Him under the banner of the Cross,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is in faith you join the Cross.”

The Bishop encouraged the students and faculty to recall the Sermon on the Mount frequently, and to recommit themselves to follow the agenda Jesus sets out, taking the opportunity during their time at Ave Maria University to grow closer to the Lord.

“It will make you more the man or woman of God the Lord calls you to be,” Bishop Dewane said. “You are a blessing, and have been given great opportunities and a mission, promoted by the Holy Spirit, to be civilized. That is, to stay with those who may fall along the way and to carry them to the safety of the Lord.”

Following the closing prayer, the Bishop presided over a commissioning ceremony for four new doctoral students in theology who received the mandatum. As part of the doctoral program, they will be engaged as instructors and teaching assistants for courses in Catholic theology at the University. As such, they are required to obtain the mandatum from the Local Bishop. The object of the mandatum is the content of the professor’s teaching, and thus the mandatum recognizes both the professor’s “lawful freedom of inquiry” and the professor’s commitment and responsibility to teach authentic Catholic doctrine and to refrain from putting forth as Catholic teaching anything contrary to the Church’s magisterium. As part of the ceremony, before Bishop Dewane and the entire school community, each made a Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, vowing to remain faithful to the Teachings of the Church.

After the Mass the Bishop greeted the students who thanked him for his presence and inspiring homily.

News briefs for the week of August 30, 2024

Posted on August 30, 2024August 30, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Bishop offers video invitation to Diocesan marriage Conference

Click this link https://vimeo.com/1003280007?share=copy, to view an invitation from Bishop Frank J. Dewane to all Catholic married and engaged couples to join him at the Diocese of Venice 4th Annual Together in Holiness Marriage Conference on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Faith, fellowship, and a beautiful celebration of the vocation of marriage. Space is limited! To reserve your spot, visit http://www.togetherinholiness.org/venice.

Food donations needed in Naples

To help fight hunger in Collier County, the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. food pantry, located at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, 3174 Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112, is seeking donations. The food pantry is in need of perishable foods such as: canned vegetables and fruits; rice, pasta and grains; peanut butter and canned protein (chicken, tuna, etc.), cereal and other pantry staples. For more details, please contact Allegra Belliard, Program Director, at 239-793-0059 ext. 3304, or at allegra.belliard@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Support our seminarians

Support, encourage and educate future priests through the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Seminarian Fund. Join the VDCCW in celebrating Priesthood Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in a special and lasting way by sending your Parish Priest a Seminarian Fund “IN HONOR OF” card. This is a gift that keeps on giving. The Diocese is currently educating 18 men in various seminaries and a donation of any amount would be a great help (The donation amount will not be revealed to the recipient). To take part, please send your donation, made out to VDCCW Seminarian Fund (plus $1 to cover postage and printing) to: Cornelia Zanetti, Seminarian Fund Guardian, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

High school hosts evening Eucharistic Adoration for students and families

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota hosted a Eucharistic Adoration with praise and music in the All Saints Chapel on the evening of Aug. 21, 2024. The Adoration was open to all families and led by Father Christian Chami, Parochial Vicar at nearby St. Jude Parish.

Backpacks blessed for school year

Father Eric Scanlan, Pastor of Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, blessed the backpacks of the students at Incarnation Catholic School following an all-school Mass on Aug. 26, 2024. Blessings were for the backpacks to help carry our students strongly, successfully, and safely throughout the school year. Father Scanlan also visited the classrooms to pray with the students and offer a blessing as well.

Young students tour Bradenton church

Kindergarten students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton were treated to a tour of the Parish church on Aug. 23, 2024. Liliana Ronderos, St. Joseph Parish Director of Religious Education, and Michelle Szczepanski, Parish Youth Minister, were the tour guides. The tour included stops at the various statues, the sacristy, the chapel and other key locations in the church. Each part of the Mass was explained to help the students better understand what they see each week. In the sacristy, some of the students were allowed to try on the priest vestments. During each stop, the students asked great questions, and they were eager to learn more.

Knights escort Silver Rose through Diocese

Each year, from early March through mid-December, Silver Roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes from Canada to Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Silver Rose visited 14 Parishes in the Diocese of Venice from Aug. 21 to Aug. 27, 2024. Stops included prayer services, the praying of the Holy Rosary or the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This custom started in 1960 between Mexico and Texas. Now there are a total of eight silver roses, including one blessed by Pope Francis. The journey now starts in Canada and it travels to Mexico. The intent is the same: to reaffirm the Order’s commitment to the sanctity of life and honor the Blessed Virgin under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.

Catholic Thinkers Men’s Group 4th Season begins Sept. 4 in Naples

The Catholic Thinkers Men’s Group of St. Agnes Parish begins its fourth season at 9:30 a.m., Sept. 4, 2024, at Perkins Restaurant, 3585 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. The topic is; “National Eucharistic Congress: Were the Revival Objectives Achieved?” The discussion will last no more than 90 minutes and registration is limited to 30 participants. Admission is free; breakfast is not. You will need to register for every session at www.stagnesnaples.org to reserve your space. For more information, please contact Dr. George Blewitt, gblewitt5183@gmail.com.

15th annual Diocesan Veterans Day Mass to be held in Sarasota

On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, the Diocese of Venice will hold a Memorial Mass in honor of the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve and protect us today. This is the 15th year the Diocese has held a Mass on Veterans Day. The opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 p.m., with the Mass at 3 p.m. in the Amphitheater at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72/Clark Road, approximately five miles east of I-75. The priests, deacons and Knights of Columbus in the Diocese will join in the celebration of the Mass. All are invited to attend, and active military personnel are asked to wear their uniform. Attendees are also encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is ample seating and parking at the cemetery. For further information please contact Gail Ardy at ardy@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4714.

Diocesan Youth Rally Nov. 16

All students Grades 9 to 12 are invited to attend Diocese of Venice Youth Rally from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Nov. 16, 2024, at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. The theme for this year’s Rally is “Ignite.” This is a day dedicated to faith, fellowship, and fun, where all come together to have hearts ignited by the Lord Jesus, so that He can draw each person present into a deeper relationship with Himself. The Diocesan Youth Rally will feature inspiring talks, uplifting music, and opportunities to connect with other youth from across the Diocese. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience to grow in your faith and make lasting memories. Register now through your Parish. For further information please contact Andres Prias, Youth and Young Adult Outreach Director, Diocese of Venice Department of Evangelization prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543.

Legion of Mary Annual Retreat Sept. 28

The Legion of Mary Manasota Curis invites men and women for a day of prayer from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 28, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. The day includes breakfast, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, lunch and talks. The guest speaker will be Bob Wilson, Director of Saint Paul Street Evangelization. The cost is $45 and seating is limited. RSVP by Sept. 9 to your Parish Legion of Mary Representative or to Kathi Bragdon at 908-419-7619.

Catholic Charities Summertime Appeal concluding

Every day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., serves the most vulnerable population in the 10 counties that constitute the Diocese of Venice by feeding, housing, empowering, and helping all in need. This summer, you can be the one that makes a difference. Your acts of kindness have the power to transform lives and leave a positive impact in our community. The Catholic Charities “Summertime and the Giving is Easy” Appeal is asking for your support. Any gift will make a positive impact on our less fortunate brothers and sisters! To donate to Summertime and the Giving is Easy Campaign, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or mail a check to Catholic Charities, “Summertime and the Giving is Easy,” 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285.

Evangelization Training in September

Would you like to know what authentic, non-confrontational, joyful evangelization looks and sounds like? If so, be sure to attend the upcoming workshop with St. Paul Street Evangelization Vice President Adam Janke from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 28, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. Mass will be offered at 8 am in the Parish Chapel. There will also be an optional “Live Lab” experience from 4 p.m.- 5 p.m., giving participants the chance to put into practice what they have just learned. Saint Paul Street Evangelization is a non-profit, grassroots organization that has mobilized thousands of ordinary Catholics to take the Gospel to the public square and be instruments of God in the salvation of souls. The one-day Basic Evangelization Training with SPSE is open to all adult parishioners from any Catholic parish. Registration is $25 and includes light breakfast, lunch and all training materials. Please register at http://stpaulse.com/venice.

A Walk With Jesus For Grieving Parents retreat in October

The pain from grief can be extreme, but the death of a child is even more intense. Parents experience an emptiness like no other. If you are mourning the loss of a child (from infancy to adulthood), consider attending a Catholic faith-based weekend retreat from Oct. 11 until Sunday Oct. 13, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Deacon Henry De Mena will lead the Retreat. The cost is $150.00 per person based on double occupancy and $250.00 for single occupancy. Financial assistance is available. For further information contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Theology on Tap Sarasota Sept. 19 in Sarasota

Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed and social setting. On Sept. 19, 2024, the gathering will be held at Big Top Brewing – Restaurant and Brewery, 3045 Fruitville Commons Boulevard, Sarasota. The evening begins with food and refreshments at 7 p.m. Presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith begin at 8 p.m. The speaker will be Jeanne Berdeaux, Director of the Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office. Jeanne will discuss Amendment 4, Just Say No! For questions, please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

Women’s Bible Study in Naples

St. William Catholic Church, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples will once again be hosting the Naples Area Inter-Parish Women’s Bible Study entitled “Walking with Purpose.” This bible study was voted in the top 10 for Catholic programs in the country and last year the Church Hall accommodated close to 250 women. The bible study take place from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays, from Sept. 24 to Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. This year’s theme is “Reclaiming Friendship” and each participant is asked to purchase the book by the same name at https://walkingwithpurpose.com or on Amazon. Babysitting is available. For questions, details regarding babysitting and to register please contact Lisa McGowan by calling or texting 484-432-5128, or email mcgowanlh@gmail.com.

Two years later, Ian recovery continues

Posted on August 28, 2024August 28, 2024 by Bob Reddy

The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian in September of 2022 was unprecedented and felt across the entire Diocese of Venice, with thousands of people and hundreds of buildings affected.

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the Diocese of Venice, along with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, prioritized the emergency needs and wellbeing of residents throughout the Diocese, including food, and shelter. This support is ongoing, even now, as many are still without homes, or jobs, resulting from that terrible storm.

Simultaneously, the Diocese’s immediate focus was on preventing further, crippling damage to the affected buildings throughout the Diocese, with the goal of getting as many Parishes back up and running as soon as possible. Bishop Frank J. Dewane, and Diocesan Chancellor Dr. Volodymyr Smeryk made an immediate tour to assess the extent of damage and offer assistance. Both have made numerous subsequent visits to monitor the progress of the recovery efforts.

Within the Diocese of Venice, the Building and Construction Department reported 93 locations (Parishes, schools, Catholic Charities, and other entities) that constituted damage reports on 841 buildings or land improvement structures (landscaping, fencing, lighting, and other infrastructure), with 404 of the buildings receiving enough significant damage to require an insurance claim and/or major reconstruction.

While huge strides have been made in most locations, there are several notable exceptions which include Ascension Parish on Fort Myers Beach, St. Isabel Parish in Sanibel, and to a much lesser extent at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, and in Fort Myers both San Jose and Sagrada Familia Missions.

In the aftermath of Ian, mitigation work began immediately to prevent additional damage, but the widespread scope of the damage overwhelmed the available resources. Supply chain issues, as well as surging costs continue to complicate the recovery efforts.

Most significantly impacted was Ascension Parish on Fort Myers Beach, where every building on the property suffered massive damage, leaving the church destroyed. Because of the unprecedented nature of the storm damage and resulting saltwater intrusion, it was necessary to first determine what might even be possible at that location moving forward. Due to the extreme nature of the damage, as well as new and changing building codes and insurance requirements, this first decision took some time.

Bishop Dewane made several visits to the site and consulted with other areas in Florida where Parishes have been similarly drastically impacted on other occasions. Taking into consideration the pastoral needs of Fort Myers Beach, the decision was made to rebuild on the site, including preserving the existing Memorial Garden, and plans are making progress. An architectural firm as well as a construction firm have been engaged and are actively working on the site re-development.

Factors in the delay have been many, including simply clearing the massive amounts of debris from the property. It also took a year for electricity to be restored. In addition, the finalization of new FEMA requirements, including a rule for new construction to be built six feet above sea level, have slowed down attempts by the Bishop, and other Diocesan officials, to develop a concrete plan for the future.

“Although a final plan has not yet been approved, we are well on our way,” Bishop Dewane said. “I can tell you that a new church will be built at a more central location on the property, with increased capacity for parishioners. While it will not be the original church, it is going to be a beautiful new place of worship and community.”

Chancellor Smeryk explained that at Ascension Parish, and at all reconstruction efforts across the Diocese, factors in rebuilding include an emphasis on safety and durability, as well the history and beauty of the property as contributing factors.

The timeline for completion of Ascension church is anticipated to be 3-4 years, which is similar to the recovery following Hurricane Charley in 2004 when it took the same amount of time to rebuild two Parishes. Regarding staffing, Father William Adams and the Poor Sisters of Saint Clare will not be returning to the “new” Ascension; Father has recently retired, and the Sisters have elected to move elsewhere and not live under the threat of a repeat occurrence.

Many former parishioners of Ascension are no longer in the area, having returned to homes up north, or to live with family elsewhere since Hurricane Ian. Those who remain in the area have been encouraged to attend nearby St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs for Mass as well as for any other pastoral or Sacramental needs; many have found welcome there.

At St. Isabel Parish on Sanibel, the damage was also extreme, with storm surge destroying the rectory and invading the church and Parish hall. While the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass returned to the church three months after Ian, the situation was not ideal, as the church floors and walls were bare after much was removed for mitigation purposes.

The priority at St. Isabel was to first repair the Parish hall and then the focus would switch to the church. The hall was completed in the spring of 2024. At that time, the celebration of the Mass moved to the hall and the focus of the reconstruction switched to the church. That work is expected to be completed by Christmas. The rectory, which was destroyed, will be built new at a future date.

Sagrada Familia Mission in Fort Myers has had delays in its own roof repairs due to the nature of the original construction. In addition to roof repairs, the infrastructure (outdated wiring, HVAC, etc.) also need to be upgraded. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

At San Jose Mission, also in Fort Myers, the Mission church had extensive flood damage and reopened in May. However, portable classrooms used for religious education were damaged beyond repair and will be replaced in the coming months.

Meanwhile, at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, most of the major roof damage was repaired within nine months, but there has been a significant delay in completing the work. This occurred because the chapel roof is domed and has a unique skylight. While the chapel roof could have been replaced without a skylight, the necessary structural reinforcements to the building were cost prohibitive. The new skylight is expected to be installed in November, with the final roof repairs completed soon thereafter.

Bishop Dewane expressed his gratitude for the patience and understanding the faithful have shown through the arduous recovery process following Hurricane Ian.

“The resilience of the faithful has been inspiring to witness,” Bishop Dewane said. “Let us continue to pray for safety during this hurricane season in Southwest Florida.”

Students fully immersed in studies for 2024-2025 school year

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Bob Reddy

The ubiquitous car line, the trudging of feet in the hallways, the ringing of the first bell, morning prayers and then classroom instruction.

These scenes are repeated each day, in one form or another, at the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools which began instruction for the 2024-2025 Academic Year on Aug. 12, 2024, with the full complement of 6,524 students engaged in schoolwork by Aug. 14.

The first days were full of everyone figuring out where to go, reuniting with old friends or making new ones, participating in their first academic lessons and taking part in any of a myriad of extracurricular activities.

At Diocesan Catholic Schools, each student attended an opening Mass, either the first day of school, or within the first week.

Jesuit Father John Belmonte, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, celebrated Mass for several schools in the first days of the year exclaiming that these are exciting times in Diocesan Catholic Schools.

“We have new initiatives which are being implemented to ensure that each of our students receives the educational experience that parents have come to expect from the Diocese: that is a quality education that helps to build the mind, body and spirit, all focused on building up the glory of God in the world,” Father Belmonte said.

With the support of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, there is a comprehensive and inclusive STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) model in all classrooms. This includes the incorporation of the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence.”

This effort also includes a growing robotics program where interested students learn new skills, including construction, planning, teamwork and more, to create machines that they use to complete tasks and later to enter into competitions.

“The broad approach of using the STREAM model and robotics in the classroom, places students ahead of the curve in primary fields while at the same time it continues to promote core Catholic virtues,” Bishop Dewane said. “This effort is helping students to develop cognitive thought processes and gain skills such as leadership, communication, complex problem solving, teamwork and creativity.”

At St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers, the second-grade students used this approached to brainstorm ways they can “Be Like Christ” at school, in the home and in the community. They also practiced their handwriting and saying their prayers.

Throughout the first week of school, students at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples participated in a goal-setting workshop, learned stress management techniques, and discussed proper planning. The all-school Mass was a beautiful moment of unity and reflection, grounding the students, faculty and staff in their shared faith. The week ended with the annual House Retreat that allowed students to bond with their classmates and race against each other in a fast-paced Scavenger Hunt. That afternoon, there was a “Club Rush” so that all could learn about the different clubs and activities that St. John Neumann has to offer.

At nearby St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples, the middle school students dove into the fun with hands-on team-building activities. This was part of a back-to-school “Boot Camp,” during which the students learned the importance of being Christ-like in their lives and in the manner in which they treat others.

These are just a few of the examples of what took place during the first week at Diocese of Venice Catholic School and doesn’t even come close to covering the full scope of the exciting things that are taking place each day. Stay tuned as we follow our students throughout the school year.

To learn more about Diocese of Venice Catholic schools, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/education.

Diocese honors Mary on Solemnity of Her Assumption

Posted on August 28, 2024August 28, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Pope Francis described why on Aug. 15 the Church celebrates one of the most important feasts dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary: the Solemnity of Her Assumption. “At the conclusion of Her earthly life, the Mother of Christ was raised in body and soul to Heaven, that is, in the glory of eternal life, in the full communion with God,” said

In celebration of this important Solemnity, Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice offered additional Mass to allow the faithful to participate in this Holy Day of Obligation. In addition, Diocesan Catholic Schools also celebrated school-wide Masses.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the Assumption as follows: “The Immaculate Virgin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of death.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane stated, “Since the corruption of the human body is a consequence of sin, it would not be right that the Virgin Mary – who is free from sin – should be affected by this natural law. It is a privilege granted to Mary, as the Mother of Jesus.”

Pope Francis said that “Mary’s Assumption is a great mystery that concerns each one of us; it concerns our future. Mary, in fact, precedes us on the way in which all those go that, through baptism, have bound their life to Jesus, as Mary bound her life to Him. This (Solemnity) pre-announces the ‘new heavens and the new earth,’ with the risen Christ’s victory over death and the definitive defeat of the Evil One.”

Students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton observed the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the celebration of the first Mass of the 2024-2025 Academic Year. This was also the case at many other Diocesan Catholic Schools, as they prayed that all students hold Mary’s example close to their hearts as they navigate new classes, experiences, and friendships.

Following a Solemnity Mass for students St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers, third graders took time to reflect on ways they can be more like Mary throughout this year. They also created works of art which depicted the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers joined as a student body for the first Mass of the academic year, which was celebrated by Father Shawn Roser. Father is the new school Chaplain and is also Parochial Vicar at nearby Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish.

Jesuit Father John Belmonte, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, celebrated Mass on the Solemnity at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota. Father Belmonte also reminded the students to grow in their devotion to the Blessed Virgin in their lives, using Mary as an example.

To stress this point, Father Belmonte spoke how in the New Testament, the last words spoken by Mary occurred during the Wedding at Cana: “Do as He says!” Her instruction to the servants – who represent the faithful throughout the generations – was to always do as Jesus, Her Son, says. “This is the lesson we must all learn and live by in our lives,” Father said.

Diocese to host fourth annual marriage enrichment conference on Oct. 19

Posted on August 28, 2024August 28, 2024 by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice recognizes and supports the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and celebrates the vocation of marriage by offering supportive preparation course, inspiring conferences, and celebrating the longevity of married couples with during annual Masses. The importance of forming and accompanying all married couples, from newlyweds to empty nesters, to live out their vocation in holiness and joy is a priority! As St. John Paul II famously said, “As goes the family, so goes the nation, and so goes the entire world in which we live.” It is of crucial importance that families in the Church are empowered to their sacred covenant.

Therefore, to promote greater formation for couples, Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life are working in collaboration with the St. John Paul II Foundation to present the fourth annual “Together in Holiness” Marriage Enrichment Conference on Oct. 19, 2024, at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers.

In a video message encouraging engaged and married couples to attend this important Conference, Bishop Dewane said the day is a way to celebrate the essential and beautiful vocation of marriage together with God.

“Come together for a day dedicated to your marriage, and the union union you are as a couple, with God,” Bishop Dewane said. “The day will be filled with prayer, fellowship, and reflection, and presents a rare opportunity to focus on what is truly important. Know that your commitment to one another represents hope not only for yourselves and your family, but for the future of the Church. As you grow together in love, embracing your vocation as husband and wife, our Church flourishes.”

Bishop Dewane will celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at the conference. This will include a special marriage blessing from the Bishop for all couples present.

The Conference is a great opportunity for all Catholic engaged and married couples in the Diocese to gather for themselves and their marriage.

Registration is now open for the day-long event (8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.), which includes inspirational talks by Catholic speakers Renzo and Monica Ortega, Mallory Smyth, as well as Father Alex Pince, Diocesan Director of Vocations and Parochial Vicar at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

The “Together in Holiness” Conference made its Diocese of Venice debut in 2021, and the event has grown each year with more than 250 people attending in 2023. The conference has received rave reviews from participants who remark not only how wonderful the speakers are but also the supportive atmosphere the entire day offers. “It was wonderful. Each speaker offered something of value that will enrich us as a couple, and as a family going forward,” one couple from Naples said in 2023.

The following are additional comments from previous attendees:

“We enjoyed the ‘Together in Holiness’ Conference so much! It was a refresher from our marriage prep retreat, and we would definitely recommend more couples attend this Conference!”
“It was a wonderful day to spend time away from the constructs of everyday, busy life and just focus on time with my best friend.”
“It was encouraging to see so many couples committed to growing in their faith and marriage.”

The cost is $54 for registration before Sept. 9, and $64 afterwards. Childcare ($5 per child), as well as full and partial scholarships, are available.

For those interested in attending the Together in Holiness marriage enrichment conference, registration information is available at www.togetherinholiness.org/venice. You can also contact Conference Coordinator Ellen Santoro at ellen@forlifeandfamily.org or 832-779-1070 for more information.

Continuing the Journey

For couples who wish to continue enriching their marriage—whether or not they attend the Conference—the “Together in Holiness” Formation series is offered. The Formation series is year-round marriage enrichment for small groups of four to six couples gathering to explore a particular theme based on the life, teaching and witness of St. John Paul II. At the gatherings, couples share a meal, watch a brief video and have guided prayer, Scripture and discussion. If you would like to participate in or learn more about the Together in Holiness Formation series in the Diocese of Venice, contact THFormation@forlifeandfamily.org.

News briefs for the week of August 23, 2024

Posted on August 28, 2024August 28, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Catholic Charities Summertime Appeal continues

Weekly Catholic Young Adults of Naples gathering

All Catholic young adults are welcome to attend weekly small groups to help strengthen their relationship with God and build community with each other at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays for ages 35-55 and Thursdays for ages 21-39 at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. No RSVP is required and for further information, please email catholicyoungadultsofnaples@gmail.com.

Magnificat Breakfast September 14

The next Magnificat breakfast for women will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sept. 14, 2024, at the Crown Plaza Fort Myers Gulfcoast Hotel, 9931 Interstate Commerce Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is Esperanza Lisweski. Esperanza moved to Florida from Michigan and became very involved in growing in her faith. In 2016 she introduced and continues to facilitate the Divine Mercy Cenacle at St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers. Please send a $26 check, payable to Magnificat Fort Myers, to Felice Gerwitz, 15720 S. Pebble Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Your mail request must be postmarked by Friday, Sept. 6, or make reservations online at https://magnificatfortmyers.com/order-tickets/.

Legion of Mary Annual Retreat Sept. 28

Monthly Days of Prayer at OLPH

The Monthly Days of Prayer at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center resume in September. Father Mark Yavarone, OMV, will be the presenter on Sept. 8, 2024, and Sept. 11. The topic is “Catholic Principles and Voting.” The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with continental breakfast, and includes two conferences, lunch, Eucharistic Adoration, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation, and prayer. The day concludes with Mass that ends at 3:15 p.m. The topic is the same for both dates, so choose the day that works best for your schedule. OLPH is located at 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. To register, please visit:// https://olph-retreat.org/monthly-day-of-prayer.

Evangelization Training in September

A Walk With Jesus For Grieving Parents retreat in October

The pain from grief can be extreme, but the death of a child is even more intense. Parents experience an emptiness like no other. If you are mourning the loss of a child (from infancy to adulthood), consider attending a Catholic faith-based weekend retreat from Oct. 11 until Sunday Oct. 13, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Deacon Henry De Mena will lead the Retreat. The cost is $150.00 per person based on double occupancy and $250.00 for single occupancy. Financial assistance is available. To register scan the QR code in the flier below and for further information contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org for further information.

Catholic students return to School for new academic year

Posted on August 19, 2024August 19, 2024 by Bob Reddy

In addition to anticipation, excitement and joy, some tears were shed on the first day of School as students returned the week of Aug. 12, 2024, for the 2024-2025 Academic Year at the 15 Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Venice.

Most of the tears were from parents who were reminded that their children are growing up. Calls of “Love you!” “Miss you already!” “One more hug!” “Have a great day!” “Have fun!” sounded through the hallways. Some of the younger students had their own trouble leaving their parents behind on the first day, but most calmed down once they reached their first classroom. Once settled in the classroom, the students found new wonders to explore and quickly learned that they had many new friends.

Meanwhile, the older students dove right into classwork and made preparations for a long School year. Each of the students left after that first day knowing that many new and exciting possibilities await them, on many levels, during the coming months.

A record enrollment of more than 6,500 meant the hallways at each of the Schools were crowded with bustling boys and girls as they went from the morning carline drop off into their first classes. Several Schools held morning prayer services, setting the appropriate tone for the day.

Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education, Jesuit Father John Belmonte, said Diocesan Catholic Schools work conscientiously to provide Christ-centered learning experiences that are transportable to the real world and provide the opportunity for children to develop life-long learning skills and to be successful beyond the classroom.

With enrollment up across the Diocese by more than 40 percent in the past four years, each School had summer projects to either reimagine the usage of existing space or to add portable classrooms. Many Schools also go through an annual upgrade of facilities such as renovating classrooms, putting in new flooring, adding new equipment and technology, while also applying fresh coats of paint.

“There has been a focused effort to let the community in on the secret that Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools provide a top-notch education at all grade levels,” Father Belmonte said. “There are exciting things happening in our Schools and families are taking notice.”

This includes the implementation of an inclusive STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) model into all classrooms while incorporating the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence.” This is all part of an incorporated Diocesan robotics program which broadens the opportunities for each student.

This approach, fully supported through the generosity of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, places students ahead of the curve in primary fields while at the same time it continues to promote core Catholic virtues by helping students to develop cognitive thought processes and gain skills such as leadership, communication, complex problem solving, teamwork and creativity.

In the weeks before the students returned, teachers set up their classrooms for instruction and received safety training. The faculty and staff of the three Schools in Lee County – St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers, and Bishop Verot Catholic High School, also in Fort Myers – all gathered on Aug. 8 at St. Andrew for a joint retreat. This day includes a variety of fun activities and stresses the unity of the Schools in the region.

Each of the Diocesan Schools also hosted open houses for families the week before classes began. Some were exclusively for new students, while others were open to every family. These served as opportunities to meet new teachers, tour the School grounds and get a better idea (or reminder) of what is expected of both students and parents at Diocesan Catholic Schools.

In addition, at three of the Diocesan Catholic High Schools – Bishop Verot in Fort Myers, Cardinal Mooney in Sarasota, and St. John Neumann in Naples – there were special “Senior Sunrise” welcoming events for the graduating class of 2025. These gatherings take place on the respective football fields and are traditions at each of the Schools, and include breakfast, a class photo and some fun for everyone.

As the 2024-2025 Academic Year progresses, Father Belmonte has stressed that each School focuses on making this the “best year ever” for the students, families, faculty and staff.

For more information about Diocesan Catholic Schools, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/catholicschools/.

Examining the Issues of the Day . . . In Church?! Yes!

Posted on August 19, 2024 by Bob Reddy

The Church’s Role in Matters of State

By Karen Barry Schwarz, Special to the Florida Catholic

Some have said that the Church has no place in politics, and it is true that the Church is non-partisan and would never presume to tell you for whom to vote. However, the Church plays an important role here, which is not only to encourage the faithful to carry out their responsibilities in political life, but to help them to do so regarding the issues.

Bishops, aided by priests, deacons, and lay ministry, must share pertinent Catholic Social Teaching and guidance on the moral dimensions of the issues of the day, particularly involving public decisions with real and lasting consequences. Church Teaching and Mission, such as the defense of human life, the innate dignity of every human being, and dignity and the protection of the weak and vulnerable, must be shared, and advanced. These are but a few examples of what must be defended.

History of the Catholic Church and The State

The close relationship between the Catholic Church and the state has a long history, dating all the way back to the year 494. In the document Famuli Vestrae Pietatis, written by Pope Gelasius I to the Emperor, the Pope expresses that the Church and the state should work together in society, and that the state should recognize the Church’s role in society, with the Church holding superiority in moral matters, and the state in temporal matters.

More recently, the 1965 Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et spes, “Joy and Hope”), points out that “the Church has always had the duty of scrutinizing the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel.” Here the Church not only recognizes but also encourages the role of the laity in the life of the Church in the secular world, viewing the laity as much-needed agents of change in order to bring about a transformation of society more in line with Catholic teaching.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The obligation to participate in political life is rooted in our Catholic Catechism, and in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

It is necessary that all participate, each according to his/her position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person . . . As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life (CCC 1913-1915).
The social duty of Christians is to respect and awaken in each man/woman the love of the true and the good . . . Christians are called to be the light of the world. Thus, the Church shows forth the kingship of Christ over all creation and in particular over human societies (CCC 2105).

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

To facilitate the Church’s role in shaping a moral society and getting involved in the issues of our time, the U.S. Bishops offer a teaching document to guide Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (https://www.usccb.org/offices/justice-and-peace/forming -consciences-faithful-citizenship).

“The obligation to teach the moral truths that should shape our lives, including our public lives, is central to the mission given to the Church by Jesus Christ. Moreover, the United States Constitution protects the right of individual believers and religious bodies to participate and speak up without government interference, favoritism, or discrimination. Indeed, our Church’s teaching is in accord with the foundational values that have shaped our nation’s history: ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,’” the guide explains.

From Bishop Frank J. Dewane

“The Church’s obligation to participate in civil discourse is a basic part of the mission we have received from Jesus Christ, who offers a vision of life revealed to us in Sacred Scripture and Tradition,” explains Bishop Frank J. Dewane. “As such, standing for, or against, issues that support or undermine Catholic values is a responsibility of all people of faith, including clergy. This kind of political participation reflects the social teaching of our Church and the best traditions of our nation.”

Bishop Dewane points to this election year, and specifically the dangerous and misleading pro-abortion amendment, Amendment 4, as things that should be top of mind for all Catholics in Florida right now.

“It is my hope that you will receive your Parish’s guidance regarding the issues of the day with an open heart, and an open mind, and that you will let your conscience guide your voting decisions this fall,” said Bishop Dewane. “Specifically, I hope you will vote no on the dangerous pro-abortion Amendment 4! When confronted with issues that represent a threat to our shared Catholic values, the Church must not be silent and simply cannot remain on the sidelines.”

Prayer

May God bless you as you consider and pray over your voting decisions in this Election Year. May God bless our nation with true wisdom, peace, and mutual forgiveness, that we may decide together, through our democratic processes, to uphold the dignity of life and the common good. Amen.

“You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:1)