Bob Reddy, Author at Diocese of Venice

Two evangelization training opportunities being offered

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Bob Reddy

To learn what authentic, non-confrontational, joyful evangelization looks and sounds like, be sure to attend one of two upcoming workshops sponsored by the Diocese of Venice Office of Evangelization and presented by Saint Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE).

The first workshop is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 28, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, and is a deep dive into how to carry the Good News of the Lord into the public square. The second workshop is 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 29, at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 12905 E. State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch, and will focus on incorporating apologetics in a non-confrontational way. Space is still available for both workshops.

Adam Janke, vice president of SPSE, will lead the workshops. 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. This is a return to the Diocese by SPSE which previously hosted training sessions in both Sarasota and Naples.

Janke said the goal of SPSE is to learn about how to share one’s faith in everyday life, with family, friends, fallen away Catholics, people you meet in the grocery store or anywhere.

The premise of SPSE is a relational ministry, where small groups, or pairs, of people go out and offer rosaries or Miraculous Medals to strangers. That simple offering then opens the door for a personal interaction.

The Fort Myers workshop covers Basic Evangelization Training. This will help the faithful to gain the courage needed to become enthusiastic and joyful evangelists and discern what role prayer might take in their work of evangelization.

The Lakewood Ranch workshop will focus on Apologetics in Evangelization Training, helping participants learn how to approach answering questions about the Catholic Faith, as more of a “Road to Emmaus” moment and less of a boxing match. The goal is to allow participants the opportunity to learn how to be better at sharing the Faith, overcoming objections to Jesus and the Church.

Registration for each workshop is $25 and includes lunch and training materials.

Register for the Sept. 28 workshop in Fort Myers at https://evangelizationschool.com/store/product/basic-evangelization-training-venice-fl/. For the Sept. 29 workshop in Lakewood Ranch, visit https://evangelizationschool.com/store/product/apologetics-in-evangelization-training-lakewood/.

If you have any questions, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

News Briefs for the week of September 20, 2024

Posted on September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Fall 40 Days for Life begins Sept. 25 in Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples

Join others in praying for an end to abortion during the fall campaign of 40 Days for Life with prayer vigils each day Sept.25 to Nov. 3, 2024, in Fort Myers, Naples and Sarasota. This peaceful prayer movement needs everyone to join in praying for the unborn and families on the public sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood. The need for support is more important than ever as there are efforts to push to dispense the abortion pill and to pass more extreme abortion measures onto the people of Florida.

The prayer vigil in Fort Myers is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon. – Sat.), at 6418 Commerce Park Drive. For more information, contact Maureen at 40daysforlifefmsp@gmail.com, or visit 40daysforlife.com/fortmyers. The Naples prayer vigil is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Mon. – Sat.), at 1425 Creech Road. For details, contact Ricki at 40DFLnaples@gmail.com, or visit 40daysforlife.com/naples. In Sarasota, the vigil is daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 736 Central Ave. For more details, contact Rich at 40DFLSarasota@proton.me, or visit 40daysforlife.com/sarasota.

Sarasota high school earns special distinction

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota has earned the certification as an Apple Distinguished school. Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of leadership and educational excellence that demonstrate Apple’s vision for learning with technology — and are recognized as some of the most innovative schools in the world.

Youth enjoy special retreat

St. John Paul II Young Adult Ministry of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples welcomed more than 100 youth from Collier County for a daylong retreat on Sept. 14, 2024. The focus of the day was on the Eucharist and vocations. The retreat helped to create a truly special and transformative experience for the youth.

Classroom talk focus on invasive species

Second graders at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples were treated to a fascinating presentation on Sept. 10, 2024, by Faith Kruis, of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kruis shared her expertise on one of Florida’s most notorious invasive species—the Burmese python. The students learned all about where these reptiles are found, how they’re caught, how to identify them, and many other interesting facts.

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. 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.

5K Walk/Run for Life in Naples Oct. 5

This annual event will take place Oct. 5, 2024, at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Registration on the day of the event opens at 6:00 a.m. with the race beginning at 7:15 a.m. This event is meant to promote a respect for life message and raise funds for pro-life causes while encouraging healthy living. The entry fee is $25 for adults and $10 for children under 12 if registered by October 4. For a T-shirt please register by Sept. 29. Fees for all entries on the day of the race/walk is $30. Please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Naples/StAgnes5KWalkRunforLife.

Pro-Life program in Naples Oct. 11

St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting a pro-life program on Oct. 11, 2204, at 1 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The program, titled: “Wisdom in the Constitution and America’s Religious Legacy: Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness – how can we uphold it?” is presented by Dr. Seana McGuire Sugrue, D.C.L. Sugrue is the Ambassador Michael Novak Chair of Politics at Ave Maria University, where she has previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty. The program will address relevant topics being debated in the 2024 General Election here in Florida and nationwide. The event is free and light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact St. William Parish at 239-261-4883.

Together in Holiness Marriage Conference Oct. 19

Calling all Catholic engaged and married couples! Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for the fourth annual Diocesan “Together in Holiness” marriage conference, 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Oct. 19, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The Conference, a collaboration between the Diocese of Venice and the St. John Paul II Foundation, is a great opportunity for all Catholic engaged and married couples in the Diocese to gather for a day dedicated to prayer, conversation, fellowship, and reflection on the beautiful vocation of marriage. Registration is now open for the day-long event which includes a Mass and Marriage Blessing celebrated by Bishop Dewane, and inspirational talks by Catholic speakers Renzo & Monica Ortega, Rev. Alex Pince and Mallory Smyth. Childcare, as well as full and partial scholarships, are available. To register or for further information, please visit togetherinholiness.org.

Red Mass Oct. 22 in Sarasota

The 16th Annual Red Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice at 5:30 p.m., Oct. 22, 2024, at St. Martha Catholic Church, 200 N. Orange Avenue in Sarasota. Judges, lawyers, lawmakers, their families and staff are cordially invited to attend. A reception hosted by the Planning Committee of the Catholic Lawyers Guild will follow in the Fr. Fausto Parish Hall. Please send RSVPs before October 11 for the Red Mass and/or reception to Tina Mroczkowski at 941-366-5510 or tinam@bowmangeorge.com.

Adoration: Spending time with the Lord

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Placing a greater emphasis on the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist has been the ongoing focus of the National Eucharistic Revival, an ongoing initiative called for by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Bishop Frank J. Dewane notes how an encounter with presence of the Lord in the Most Holy Eucharist during Adoration or at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, “must have an impact on your life, bringing you into a deeper relationship with the Lord. We must spend time intentionally approaching the Lord in every Mass, and spending time adoring Him in the Blessed Sacrament. In this way, we will come to know Him more deeply.”

During the Revival, numerous events within the Diocese of Venice have included Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, including at the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress in 2023, and Eucharistic Conference in 2024. An additional Eucharistic Conference is scheduled for March 2025 to continue to teach the faithful about the importance of the Most Holy Eucharist in their lives. Meanwhile, resources have been provided to Parishes, encouraging them to promote this effort at the local level.

Several Diocesan Parishes have Adoration Chapels, some available 24-hours-a-day and others for multiple hours daily. In addition, several Parishes have added extra hours to monthly First Friday Adoration, or additional times following daily or Sunday Masses.

At San Pedro Parish in North Port, the First Friday Adoration, Sept. 6, 2024, followed the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Father Nathan Marzonie, OMV, led the faithful in the opening prayers for the Adoration for a Holy Hour. The First Friday Eucharistic Adoration Holy Hour has a dedicated following of people who find beauty and peace during their time in the presence of the Lord.

“It’s absolutely wonderful,” said one devotee. “The power is sometimes overwhelming.”

At the moment of exposition of the Most Holy Eucharist, Father Marzonie raised the monstrance and sang Tantum ergo, with the faithful joining. Father then led everyone in silent prayer, kneeling before the altar and the Blessed Sacrament.

The faithful are encouraged to take the intervening time before the closing Benediction to pray silently before the Lord.

While Adoration at San Pedro was for an hour, the First Friday Devotion at other Parishes often lasts many hours from morning into the evening, to include Evening Vespers, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. A few Parishes, such as at St. Peter the Apostle in Naples, offers liturgical readings, music and intercessions.

While not every Parish in the Diocese has a First Friday Holy Hour, Adoration at Parishes is typically available on the First Friday or on another designated day each month. Meanwhile, many Parishes, such as Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. Raphael in Lehigh Acres, St. John the Evangelist in Naples, St. John XXIII in Fort Myers, St. Charles Borromeo in Port Charlotte, St. Michael in Wauchula, San Marco on Marco Island, Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton, and others, have Adoration Chapels where extended adoration is offered. Check with your Parish, or nearby Parishes, for adoration hours. For Parish contact information please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org and click the “Find a Parish” link.

Fall 40 Days for Life begins Sept. 25 in Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Join others in praying for an end to abortion during the fall campaign of 40 Days for Life with prayer vigils each day Sept.25 to Nov. 3, 2024, in Fort Myers, Naples and Sarasota.

This peaceful prayer movement needs everyone to join in praying for the unborn and families on the public sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood. The need for support is more important than ever as there are efforts to push to dispense the abortion pill and to pass more extreme abortion measures onto the people of Florida.

A number of events are taking place for the fall campaign. In Fort Myers, a 6:30 p.m. kickoff will be Tuesday, Sept. 24, in front of Planned Parenthood, 6418 Commerce Park Drive, Fort Myers. The Sarasota campaign has its own special kickoff event from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Sept. 26, at Community Pregnancy Clinic, 1419 7th Street Sarasota, around the corner from the regional headquarters of Planned Parenthood.

“The Pro-Life movement is all about people coming together in every way they can to be a witness for the unborn, being a voice for the voiceless,” said Diocese of Venice Respect Life Director Jeanne Berdeaux. “Participating in 40 Days for Life is one way to do that. Another way to act is to vote NO on Amendment 4!”

The 40 Days for Life vigil takes place in hundreds of locations nationwide as the faithful stand in prayer, in the public right of way, outside of abortion facilities seeking an end to abortion in the U.S. and the world. At the direction of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, the Diocese of Venice was one of the first Dioceses in the country to participate in 40 Days for Life campaign in 2007.

The fall campaign encompasses October, which is National Respect Life Month, and includes Respect Life Sunday (Oct. 6). Since its inception, 40 Days for Life participants report having saved 24,853 lives from abortion during a campaign. That’s the type of impact that led an ACLU spokesperson to describe 40 Days for Life as the “greatest threat to choice.” 40 Days for Life has contributed to a groundswell of pro-life support worldwide. More than 155 abortion centers, along with numerous referral centers, where campaigns have been hosted, have closed their doors forever.

The prayer vigil in Fort Myers is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon. – Sat.), at 6418 Commerce Park Drive. For more information, please contact Maureen at 40daysforlifefmsp@gmail.com, or visit 40daysforlife.com/fortmyers.

The Naples prayer vigil is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Mon. – Sat.), at 1425 Creech Road. For more details, please contact Ricki at 40DFLnaples@gmail.com, or visit 40daysforlife.com/naples.

In Sarasota, the vigil is daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 736 Central Ave. For more details, please contact Rich at 40DFLSarasota@proton.me, or visit 40daysforlife.com/sarasota. A mid-campaign event will take place 10:30 a.m. – noon, Oct. 17 10:30, at St Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota. The speakers are Dr Haywood Robinson, former abortionist, Medical Director of 40 Days for Life, and Art Reilly, former Board Chair of Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center and speaker for Vote No On 4.

While 40 Days for life is taking place the faithful are all reminded to be inspired to put their love for others into action by protecting, supporting, and accompanying mothers and their children.

To help live out this call, Catholics are invited to join “Walking with Moms in Need.” Through this process, Catholic Parishes and communities accompany local pregnant and parenting women to better understand, support, and respond to their needs. It is important for them to know they are not alone. For resources, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.

For those suffering from the impacts of abortion, there is hope and healing. Many women and men experience deep pain and grief after an abortion and don’t know where to turn. Project Rachel is the outreach of the Catholic Church to those who are suffering this loss. The program offers help through the sacraments, retreats, and referrals for professional counseling. For confidential information, contact Sylvia Jimenez, Project Rachel Coordinator, 941-412-5860 (English and en español), project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org, or visit https://hopeafterabortion.com. Help is also available at Support After Abortion at https://supportafterabortion.com/.

Additional opportunities to support pro-life activities within the Diocese of Venice:

Amendment 4 ad now available for viewing and sharing

Keep your eye out for the new VOTE NO ON AMENDMENT 4 television ads! View the commercial by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls-sAaGUq98. Please share this commercial far and wide. Let everyone know about the dangers of this misleading amendment! Share the link on your social media and send it to your contacts. Many are unaware of the true nature of this amendment and would likely vote NO once they learn what it really means for our state. Thank you for helping to spread the word! For more resources regarding Amendment 4, please visit the dedicated Diocesan Respect Life website at https://dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife/amendment4.

5K Walk/Run for Life in Naples Oct. 5

Pro-Life program in Naples Oct. 11

St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting a pro-life program on Oct. 11, 2204, at 1 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The program, titled: “Wisdom in the Constitution and America’s Religious Legacy: Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness – how can we uphold it?” is presented by Dr. Seana McGuire Sugrue, D.C.L., Ambassador Michael Novak Chair of Politics at Ave Maria University, where she has previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty. The program will address relevant topics being debated in the 2024 General Election here in Florida and nationwide. The event is free and light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact St. William Parish at 239-261-4883.

That Man is You program now at 17 Parishes

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Venice – That Man Is You (TMIY), a program which addresses the pressure and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers, will be offered throughout the Diocese of Venice beginning this month at 17 different Parishes.

The men’s program serves to bring men together as a “band of brothers in Christ” in encouragement and support of one another to fulfill their crucial roles in the family, the Church, and society.

Jim Gontis, Diocese of Venice Director of Evangelization credited the growth of the TMIY program in the Diocese to the encouragement and leadership of Bishop Frank J. Dewane. This support, combined with the enthusiasm of Diocesan Priests, and Deacons, as well as the many at the Parishes, how made the initiative thrive.

“Men everywhere, and the culture itself, is thirsting for men to become the best husbands, father, sons, brothers, and friends they can be,” Gontis said. “They want to grow in fellowship with their brothers in Christ. Finally, they are thirsting to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and His Catholic Church. That Man is You is helping to do just that.”

The program began in the Diocese several years ago at Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria and then quickly expanded afterward to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Parrish and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City. The 2023-2024 season included 12 Parishes.

The weekly gatherings will run for 26 sessions through April 2025. The program is free, with no registration. In addition, there is no requirement to attend each week, and men can drop in at any time during the length of the program. Also, participants do not need to be a registered member of the host Parish to attend.

TMIY program has Core Teams at each host Parish who will serve as the guide through the weekly gatherings. A session is about 90 minutes, broken into three, 30-minute segments: breakfast and fellowship; featured video; and small group discussions.

TMIY harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive. Since its inception, approximately100,000 men nationally have been involved in TMIY.

For more information, please contact Jim Gontis, Director of Evangelization, 941-486-4754, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Parish listings – meeting day, time, (start day), Core Team Leader contact

Ave Maria Parish, 5088 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria

Saturdays, 7 a.m.-830 a.m., (Sept. 21, 2024), Dominic Micillo, 904-536-1480, dmicillo@aol.com.

Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

Saturdays, 6:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m., (Sept. 14), Deacon Scott Little, 814-241-5590, little@epiphanycathedral.org.

Incarnation Parish, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota

Saturdays, 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m., (Sept. 14), Steve Jendrysik, 215-205-8655.

Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 12905 E. State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch

Saturdays, 6:20 a.m. – 7:50 a.m., (Sept. 14), Mike Gonzales, 913-424-8255, gonzalesmichaelpaul@gmail.com.

San Marco Parish, 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island

Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., (Sept. 4), Tom Gunkel, 239-394–5181.

San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port

Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 8:15 a.m., (Sept. 7), Jack Todaro, 860-559-1596, jacktod24@gmail.com.

St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples

Saturdays, 6:45 a.m.–8 a.m., (Sept. 14), Isaac Mejias, 732-986-8572, iosc7@yahoo.com.

St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 21505 Augusta Ave., Port Charlotte

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., (Sept. 25), Michael Barrett, 941-625-4754, michaelb@stcbc.org.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, 12001 69^th St., Parrish

Saturdays, 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m., (Sept. 14), John Kreger, 941-993-9988, kregerjd@aol.com.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 5265 Placida Road, Grove City

Thursdays, 7 a.m. – 8:10 a.m., (Sept. 19), John Coyne, 724-316-5263, coyne.johnp@yahoo.com.

St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111^th Ave. N., Naples

Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., (Sept. 14), Brandon Karas, brandonkaras1993@gmail.com.

St. Joseph Parish, 3100 26^th St. W., Bradenton

Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 8:15 a.m., (Sept. 21), Miguel Rodriguez, 718-300-1992, rod730@gmail.com.

St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1922, SW 20^th Ave., Cape Coral

Thursdays, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., (Sept. 19), Timothy Altieri, 239-810-1093, Timothy.Altieri@altierilawfirm.com.

St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota

Fridays, 6 a.m. –7:30 a.m., (Sept. 13), Joe Gomez, 303-549-4739, zemogrj@comcast.net.

St. Peter the Apostle, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples

Saturdays, 6:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m., (Sept. 14), Jeff Tenbarge, 239-839-3354, jtenbarge15@gmail.com.

St. Therese Parish, 20115 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers

Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., (Sept. 21), Jason Dudley, 239-722-9119, jasdudley1@gmail.com.

St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota

Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m., (Sept. 28), Chris Parisieau, 443-994-7397, parisieau314@outlook.com.

For more information, please contact Jim Gontis, Director of Evangelization, 941-486-4754, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

News Briefs for the week of September 13, 2024

Posted on September 13, 2024September 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Appointment

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

Father Mark Ruckpaul, as Parochial Vicar of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria, effective Sept. 5, 2024.

Verot runner receives State Champ ring

Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers honored a senior track star prior to a home football game on Sept. 6, 2024. Prior to the game, Mackenzie DeLisle was presented with her 2024 State Championship ring. Mackenzie won the 1,600-meter race at the Florida High School Athletic Association 2A Track and Field Championships. Her winning time was 4:59.82. Mackenzie will be attending the University of Florida upon graduation in May 2025.

Seniors paint their parking spots

In a tradition for members of the Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, members of the senior class had the opportunity to paint their individual parking spots on Sept. 6, 2024. Despite the heat, the creativity of the students shone through which reflected both their personalities and passions.

School honors grandparents

Students at St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring welcomed their grandparents for a special celebration on Sept. 11, 2024. The grandparents were welcomed into the classroom for fun activities.

Support our seminarians

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 Art Reilly, Culture of Life Chair for the Knights of Columbus at Incarnation Parish, Sarasota. Reilly will discuss why everyone should vote no on Amendment 4. For questions, please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

Sarasota Parish to host St. Padre Pio relics Sept. 28

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, 6600 Pennsylvania Ave., Sarasota, is hosting a visit of the relics of St. Padre Pio, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 28, 2024. St. Padre Pio is known for many extraordinary gifts, including the stigmata, prophecy, ability to speak languages he had never studied, gift of conversions and more. The day will begin with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, 4 p.m. Mass, with the relics. The Mass will be followed by the praying of the Holy Rosary which will include blessings with the relics. Afterwards, the celebration moves to the Parish Hall, with a new video about the St. Padre Pio Shrine located at the Parish, short talks, as well as the relics on display. Food will also be available. There is no charge to attend any of the activities but space is extremely limited in the hall. Reservations are required by Sept. 18. To make a reservation, please contact Donna Hrycyk at dhrycyk@olqm.net or call 941-755-1826.

Formation Program in Spanish

The next session of the Hispanic Apostolate’s Formation Program will begin on Sept. 27, 2024. As we are in the year of prayer and in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee. The topic of study will focus on the “Prayer in the Christian Life, Catechism of the Catholic Church.” There will be a total of seven classes held from 7 p.m. to 9 pm. on Fridays, through Feb. 28, 2025. The cost for all of the classes is $35 and includes a catechism for those who do not have one. Students who register and attend a minimum of 6 classes at one of the participating parishes or online using the Hispanic Apostolate APP (www.pastoralhispanavenice.com) will qualify to receive a Diocesan Certificate of Completion.

Programa de Formación en Español

La próxima sesión del Programa de Formación a cargo del Apostolado Hispano comenzará el 27 de setiembre del 2024. Siendo éste el año de la oración y en preparación al Jubileo del 2025 enfocaremos nuestro tema de estudio en “La Oración Cristiana en el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica.” Habrá un total de 7 clases que se darán los viernes por la noche de 7:00 pm a 9:00 pm. concluyendo el 28 de febrero del 2025. El costo de todas las clases es de $35 incluyendo un Catecismo para quienes no tienen uno. Los estudiantes que se inscriban y atiendan un mínimo de 6 clases ya sea en una de las parroquias participantes o vía online usando nuestro APP (www.pastoralhispanavenice.com) calificarán para recibir una Certificación Diocesana.

Evangelization Training Sept. 28 in Fort Myers

To learn what authentic, non-confrontational, joyful evangelization looks and sounds like, be sure to attend the upcoming workshop with Adam Janke, Vice President of St. Paul Street Evangelization. The workshop is 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 a.m. 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 is open to all adult parishioners from any Catholic Parish. Registration is $25 and includes a light breakfast, lunch and all training materials. Please register at http://stpaulse.com/venice.

Together in Holiness Marriage Conference Oct. 19

Red Mass Oct. 22 in Sarasota

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.

Kristallnacht commemoration Nov. 17 in Naples

The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County (CJD) invites the community to its annual commemorative service of Kristallnacht or “Night of Broken Glass,” which historians consider the beginning of the Holocaust. The free public event take place at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. The guest speaker is Joh Koenigsberg, who will share his experiences as a young boy during the Holocaust. At the age of 5, Koenigsberg was brought to the home of a Catholic family by the Cutch Resistance and hid from the Nazis for two years. Kristallnacht recounts the attacks on Jewish communities throughout Germany on Nov. 9-10, 1938. The Kristallnacht commemorative event memorializes the six million Jews and millions of others who were exterminated during the Holocaust. The event is sponsored by CJD, the Diocese of Venice in Florida, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, GenShoah of SWFL, and the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center. Please register at www.jewishnaples.org. A reception will follow the talk.

Bishop speaks out on Amendment 4

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Bob Reddy

This week, Bishop Frank J. Dewane shares his thoughts about the dangerous Amendment 4 in a newly released video message to the faithful. This misleading and deceptive amendment would drastically expand access to abortion in Florida, and is dangerous for full-term babies, women, and girls. The full text of Bishop Dewane’s message is below, as are links to key resources to defeat Amendment 4. (Follow this link to watch the video: https://vimeo.com/1006710968?share=copy

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

News of Amendment 4, a dangerous pro-abortion amendment which will appear on the Florida ballot this fall, has no doubt reached you by now. The amendment is misleading in its language, and dangerous not only for full-term babies, but women, and girls. It is my hope that once you look into the facts of this proposed change to Florida’s state constitution, you will unequivocally vote “no” in November.

Keep in mind, if you will, that the word “no” is not always negative. In this case, it is not only a “positive,” it is positively crucial, and even lifesaving! Plan to do something positive by saying “yes” to life by voting “no” in November.

Why vote “no” on Amendment 4?

Titled “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion,” this amendment would embed unregulated abortion in the state constitution, establishing an unlimited right to abortion throughout the pregnancy, making Florida one of the most pro-abortion states in the nation.

Amendment 4 would allow for second and third trimester abortions, a stark contrast to Florida’s current Heartbeat Protection Law which allows abortion up until a heartbeat can be detected, at about six weeks gestation. Although in a perfect world any abortion would be unthinkable, it is certainly preferable to have some limits on when it is legal.
This amendment allows for abortion for any reason, including consideration of the “patient’s health,” which is undefined in the amendment. Current Florida law includes an exception for when the pregnant woman’s life is in danger, among many other exceptions.

Further, Amendment 4 puts not only babies, but women and girls at risk. The amendment weakens the current medical doctor requirement, allowing “healthcare providers,” not just physicians, to determine if an abortion is necessary to protect the mother’s health. This is dangerous for women.

The Amendment also eliminates the currently required parental “consent” for a minor to have an abortion, preserving only parental “notification.” This is reckless, and destructive, for girls, and their families.

In short, Amendment 4 goes dangerously beyond even what was permitted in the Roe v. Wade ruling. It is extreme, and unnecessary. There is simply no need to expand what is an already expansive abortion law in Florida.

Some have said that the Church has no place in politics. It is true that the Church would never suggest you vote for a particular candidate. However, in this election year, it is critically important to remember that shaping the moral character of society is a responsibility of people of faith, and a basic part of the mission we have received from Jesus Christ. In this case, when confronted with such a clear threat to human life and dignity, the Church must not be silent and simply cannot remain on the sidelines.

Let us unite in prayer to defeat this expansive, pro-abortion amendment, and vote “no” on Amendment 4 in November.

I take this opportunity to extend to each of you assurances of my continued consideration as well as my prayers.

To view the video message, visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife/amendment4.

For more information about Amendment 4

Vote No on 4 – www.votenoon4florida.com

Florida Conference for Catholic Bishops – https://flaccb.org/abortion-amendment

Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office – https://dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife/amendment4

If you have any questions about Amendment 4, or to get involved in helping to defeat Amendment 4 contact Jeanne Berdeaux or berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068

Prayer to Defeat Florida’s Abortion Amendment

Ever-living God, you give life and desire a future for all your children. Take hold of our nation, state, and community and awaken in every heart awe for the gift of life. Send your Spirit to strengthen us with wisdom and fortitude as we defend mothers and children in Florida from laws that disregard their health and safety.

Mary and Joseph trusted in you and welcomed Jesus into our broken world. God Almighty, we ask their intercession to protect the preborn and their mothers, and to guide all parents in raising their children. May they help us build a civilization of love by upholding the sacredness of life and accompanying pregnant women in need. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Our Lady, Mother of the Family, pray for us!

St. Joseph, Protector of the Unborn, pray for us!

Oremos Para Derrotar la Enmienda del Aborto en Florida

Dios eterno: Tú das la vida y deseas un futuro para todos tus hijos. Apodérate de nuestra nación, estado y comunidad, y despierta en cada corazón la admiración por el regalo de la vida. Envía tu Espíritu para reforzarnos con sabiduría y fortaleza mientras defendemos a las madres y a los niños de Florida de las leyes que desprecian su salud y su seguridad.

María y José confiaron en ti y recibieron a Jesús en nuestro mundo quebrantado. Dios todopoderoso, pedimos que ellos intercedan para proteger a los niños por nacer y a sus madres, y dirigir a todos los padres y madres en la crianza de sus hijos. Que nos ayuden a construir la civilización del amor al defender el carácter sagrado de la vida y acompañar a las mujeres embarazadas que así lo necesiten. Te lo pedimos por Cristo, nuestro Señor. Amén.

Nuestra Señora, Madre de la Familia, ¡ruega por nosotros!

San José, Protector de los No Nacidos, ¡ruega por nosotros!

Courtesy of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops

Summer camps bring love of Christ to young faces

Posted on September 6, 2024September 6, 2024 by Bob Reddy

“Learned about Jesus!” “Learned about the Bible!” “Took part in fun and games at my Parish!” “Took a trip with friends from my Parish!” “God loves me, no matter what!” “I developed skills to help one day become an engineer!” “Gained a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary!” “Grew closer to the Lord!”

These are just some of the answers which children from across the Diocese of Venice offered to their friends and teachers when they returned to the classroom and were asked: “What did you do this summer?”

At nearly every Parish in the Diocese, there were captivating summer camps, with faith at their core. During these camps, thousands of children were engaged, and their young minds were, at least temporarily, focused on the Lord.

At 12 Parishes, the Diocese of Venice Department of Evangelization brought “Totus Tuus” camps for children and teens. This program was dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic Faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness and Eucharistic worship. The camps were directed by a team of missionaries. Parish staff and volunteers augmented the team and together they made the week memorable for all who participated.

Vacation Bible School programs were also offered at 40 Parishes in the Diocese this summer. This weeklong Bible themed camp focused on learning the important lessons of Scripture in a fun and engaging way. The most common theme this summer was “Scuba: Diving into friendship with God.” At Vacation Bible School, children attended daily Mass and participated in Eucharistic Adoration. They also learned uplifting songs and dances, made crafts and generally had a great time.

Several Parishes also hosted summer activities for the teens, some included taking part in service projects, while others went on retreat, either locally or even out-of-state.

A dozen different Diocesan groups took part in Camp Covecrest 2024, a Life Teen retreat in northern Georgia which focuses on leading teens closer to Christ. This is an intensive retreat which focuses the teens on building their relationship with the Lord through team activities, reflection, and prayer. The focus of these retreats included Eucharistic Adoration, opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and participating in Mass.

In addition, at St. Michael Parish in Wauchula, the women religious of the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, hosted three different summer camps, one each for young boys, young girls, and for teens. These camps included taking part in the Mass and rosary processions, as well as arts and crafts, games, and a visit to an area entertainment center.

Meanwhile, multiple Diocesan Catholic schools hosted STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) camps. Some of these camps covered several weeks and introduced the eager students to new projects such as arts and crafts, engineering various objects and other activities that incorporated the different aspects of STREAM. The longer camps stressed different skills and included field trips to augment the in-class experience. The camps actively incorporated Catholic values and virtues through the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence.”

For the athlete in many of our young people, the area Catholic high schools hosted a variety of sports camps for soccer, football, basketball, cheerleading and many others. These camps offered a chance for younger children to learn the skills needed to excel in different sports while having fun with their peers.

These are just some of the examples of the exciting activities that took place for the thousands of young people in the Diocese during the “slow” season.

Lee County Initiative Leads to County Resolution Opposing Amendment 4 – Warning of Its Inherent Dangers

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Lee County’s Board of County Commissioners has passed a resolution expressing its strong opposition to Amendment 4. The Board stated on Sept. 3, 2024, that it “believes that the language of the proposed amendment is vague, deceptive, and overbroad.” Further, the Board stated that the amendment “would strike already enacted protections instituted by the State of Florida by broadening the definition of healthcare providers to those not medically licensed and allowing the life of the unborn to be taken right up to the moment of birth; and . . . that the passage of Amendment 4 would be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Lee County and the State of Florida.”

Bob Reynolds, a pro-life advocate in Lee County, said that one of the pro-life initiatives in Lee County has been to solicit the Lee County Board of Commissioners to draft and approve a resolution opposing Amendment 4.

“After many hearings over the past five weeks, yesterday the Board approved the resolution 4-1,” said Reynolds. “We’re thrilled! Lee County is the eighth largest county in Florida. Several other counties in the state have also passed a resolution opposing Amendment 4, and at least three more county resolution drives are currently in play.”

Reynolds is co-leader of the Lee County Coalition to oppose Amendment 4 and is a parishioner at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers.

In addition to Lee County, five other Florida counties have passed resolutions opposing Amendment 4, including Collier, Okaloosa, Liberty, Bradford, and Gilchrist.

Bishop Verot welcomes largest freshman class

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Preserving the culture and traditions that make Bishop Verot Catholic High School a beacon of Catholic education in Fort Myers is important. The rapidly growing school lives by the mantra: “It’s Just Different Here!” The newest Bishop Verot students had an opportunity to see that mantra brought to life in an exciting Freshmen Retreat.

With a freshman class of 227, the largest ever at Verot, the retreat had to be modified to accommodate so many students while still maintaining the unique bonding experiences past retreats have offered. The freshmen boys stayed overnight on Aug. 21, 2024. The girls arrived on Aug. 22, after doing service work in the community. A joint mixer then took place before the boys left and the girls spent the night.

“The freshman retreat is a great experience for freshmen to get acclimated into the school,” said Camilla Motley, a senior retreat leader. “They meet new people and experience the Verot family to learn what we are all about.”

A key component of the annual retreat included participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

“Going to Mass really helps the students get adjusted to the faith life, because faith life is such a big part of Verot,” Camilla said.

The students also participated in a candlelight vigil in the school courtyard, where they heard inspirational talks and prayed together. This is when the students learn the alma mater, and the importance of the motto: “Non Exidet – We will not fail.”

Another tradition is going into the community to volunteer and perform service hours at locations such as the Calusa Nature Preserve, Children’s Advocacy Center, Community Cooperative Inc., Ronald McDonald House, Special Equestrians, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, and the VA Clinic.

Bobby Lecker, another senior retreat leader, explained how the freshmen were taught how “service is more the idea it is not about you and that the student’s mission is in God. It is to go out and help other people to provide to the community and to strengthen it through our service.”

For the freshmen, the retreat helped them to feel more welcome while also meeting many more people than they had in the first week of school. One freshman admitted that he barely spoke to anyone at school before the retreat, but now he feels more comfortable at Bishop Verot and talks with everyone.

Freshman Taylor Hoffman said she didn’t know what to expect attending Bishop Verot, but after meeting the senior leaders she felt everyone was very welcoming.

“The retreat makes us feel good about being freshmen and that we are actually getting welcomed into high school and that we are excited for the next four years of our lives,” Taylor said. “I kind of just hope to become part of the school culture. The seniors are definitely a big influence on that, and I look up to them as role models.”

The goal of the retreat is to incorporate the freshmen into the school and make them feel special and wanted at Bishop Verot, Camilla explained. “We try to invite them in and get them the new experiences so they can have the best experience possible.”

Small group discussions take place to allow each student to share their story and what they expect to get out of Bishop Verot. The retreat offers new experiences outside of the classroom while the new students are given advice to stay true to themselves.

Freshman Ethan Alexander left the retreat thankful to the senior leaders.

“It is awesome to be welcomed in to start the high school career,” Ethan said. At Bishop Verot, he aspires “to grow my faith in Jesus and to make friends who also love God how I do.”

Camilla said she hopes the big takeaway from the retreat is that the freshmen get new connections. “I think connections are an important thing at Verot so this can be the start of what can be an amazing four years.”

After learning about the culture and traditions of Bishop Verot, the 227 freshmen are certain to become an important part of the school’s culture and history.

The total enrollment is 893 and the freshman application process in now open for the 2025-2026 school year. To reserve a spot for the Freshman Placement Exam, please apply at bvhs.org/admissions/application-process.