Author: Bob Reddy

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

Posted on by Bob Reddy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Founder of St. Jude Parish retires

Posted on by Bob Reddy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Relic of St. Jude visits Naples Parish

Posted on by Bob Reddy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Magical” Gala commemorates Parish 50th

Posted on by Bob Reddy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hundreds of couples recognized for lasting marriages

Posted on by Bob Reddy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lakewood Ranch Parish reflects on 25 years

Posted on by Bob Reddy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News briefs for the week of March 1, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Parish helps feed local children

Volunteers, ranging in age from teens to their 80s, could be found at St. Katherine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral for a food packing event on Feb. 17, 2024. The event supports Feed My Starving Children, and the volunteers exceeded the goal of packing 178,848 meals (23 pallets consisting of 828 boxes), enough to feed 490 children every day for a year. The event also collected 665 pounds of food for the Cape Coral Caring Center to combat local hunger issues. What an impressive effort!

Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life March 5 in Sarasota

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

Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference March 16

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

Pray to Defeat Florida’s Abortion Amendment

The Florida Supreme Court is currently deciding the fate of the proposed Pro-Abortion Amendment, specifically whether or not the wording is misleading and should be blocked from inclusion on the November 2024 election ballot.  By law they must release their opinion by April 1. Please pray that they make the right decision and not a allow the amendment to appear on the ballot, so that voters will not be misled into voting for this dangerous amendment.  To learn more, go to TooExtremeforFL.com. For questions, contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.

Rite of Election – Record 662 set to enter Church in Diocese at Easter Vigil

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A large number of women and men set to enter the Catholic Church within the Diocese of Venice at the Easter Vigil were recognized during the annual Rite of Election at Epiphany Cathedral on the First Sunday of Lent, Feb. 18, 2024. This annual tradition is a formal Rite during which catechumens are presented and their names are entered into the Book of the Elect.

The 316 catechumens (individuals who are not yet baptized) were joined by an additional 346 candidates (already-baptized Christians preparing for confirmation and First Eucharist). The candidates participate in the formal ceremony and are recognized during the celebration for answering the “Call To Their Continuing Conversion.” The Cathedral was at capacity as family members were also present to show their support.

The Rite of Election was presided over by Bishop Frank J. Dewane who said the large number of catechumens and candidates was impressive, noting that the 662 are the most ever set to enter the Church in the Diocese in a single year through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program, topping the 2023 total of 567.

“The Diocese is blessed and graced by the presence of the catechumens and candidates,” Bishop Dewane said. “That 662 is a massive number for a Diocese our size.”

The group was complimented by Bishop Dewane for making a commitment to publicly announce the call of the Holy Spirit in a particular way by becoming active members of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Venice. “All of you should see the strength and demonstration of the Holy Spirit in bringing you together for the Rite of Election.”

The catechumens and candidates, who were recognized by Bishop Dewane, are on a continuing journey that will culminate when they come into full communion with the Catholic Church at the March 30 Easter Vigil Mass in their respective Parishes.

“As you prepare, come to realize the Lord calls you to continue your journey,” Bishop Dewane said. “That doesn’t end at the Easter Vigil. That is a continuation of the journey that the Holy Spirit has prompted from each one of you and continues to prompt you in your daily lives. If you listen and pay attention, you will come to evidence the Holy Spirit in your life to become more that man or woman of God the Lord calls us all to be.”

Bishop Dewane encouraged each catechumen and candidate telling them that they are each given a task by the Lord to continue to be the leaven to their family and those around them.

“Each one of you has received a call to holiness,” the Bishop said “What are you doing to be ever more holy? Your response is found in the Word of God. You must be aware and know that Word of God; that it is the voice of the Lord in your heart and soul. Let these words grow and resonate in your heart!”

Many who participated in the Rite of Election expressed their joy in joining with others on this important step in their faith journey. One candidate from Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto said, “What a beautiful celebration! I will remember the Rite … the rest of my life. With a deep sense of awe and gratitude I thank Almighty God for blessing me so!”

The group of catechumens and candidates come from 47 Parishes/Missions in the Diocese of Venice and are accompanied by tens of thousands of others across the country that will also join the Catholic Church this year. The largest groups of catechumens and candidates came from the following Parishes: Jesus the Worker in Fort Myers, Our Lady Queen of Heaven in LaBelle, St. Peter the Apostle in Naples, Holy Cross in Bradenton, Ave Maria in Ave Maria, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Immokalee. St. Leo the Great in Bonita Springs, and St. Katherine Drexel in Cape Coral.

The catechumens are part of the OCIA, which is for those who are unbaptized and unchurched, who come to inquire about becoming part of the Roman Catholic Faith in a process that takes about a year. Often catechumens are those who have begun to seek and understand God in their lives and have been led by the Holy Spirit to become Catholic. OCIA is a journey of discovery and faith. This is most commonly done in three distinct phases: discernment, acceptance into the catechumenate, along with purification and enlightenment.

Each catechumen will go through a series of scrutinies during which they examine their readiness to accept Christ and the Catholic Faith in the form of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation). This time culminates at the Easter Vigil when the catechumens are received through Baptism into the Catholic Church. The final period of the OCIA is the time of “Mystagogy” (post-baptismal catechesis). During the weeks following the Easter Vigil, the newly initiated live more profoundly their experience of Baptism and the Eucharist as they begin the journey of discipleship and their growing union with Christ.

For candidates, those who have been correctly baptized with a Trinitarian formula, the Catholic Church does not require re-Baptism. Candidates have already experienced a journey of faith and understand how Jesus leads us to the Father through the work of the Holy Spirit. In fact, many have been attending Mass with their families for years but may have never received the Sacrament of Holy Communion or the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The candidates are invited to the Cathedral for the Rite of Election as a form of welcome, but because they are already in the Book of the Elect as baptized Christians, they do not bring their names forward. To symbolize that baptism, and as a sign of their continuing conversion, they come forward and make the sign of the cross with holy water.

Everyone is encouraged to pray for and welcome the catechumens and candidates at their own Parish as they continue their journey of discovery in their Faith.

Health care ethics conference draws 140

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The first-ever Converging Roads 2024 Conference on health care ethics received rave reviews from 140 medical professionals and students who participated on Feb. 17, 2024, at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs.

Presented by the Diocese of Venice, the St. John Paul II Foundation, and Ave Maria University, the Conference theme was “Catholic Medicine in a Secular Society.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in a letter to Conference participants, stated that it was his prayer that, “This Conference will offer opportunities for you to reflect upon the varying manifestations of these secular ideologies that are opposed to the dignity of the human person and the gift of human life… that you professionals will be nourished with the light of the Gospel in the important work that you do.”

Arland K. Nichols, president and founder of the St. John Paul II Foundation, opened the Conference by explaining that the topics covered during the day would focus on pressing issues confronting medical professionals, handpicked by Conference committee members and presented by expert faculty.

“The hope is that following today’s Conference you will be able to walk away with fundamental principles and ideas that will help you further your own knowledge of heath care ethics, how to practice medicine and the practical tools to serve the patients you care for,” Nichols said.

The Conference presentations were as follows: “The Well-Formed Conscience of a Health Care Professional,” Father Columba Thomas, OP, MD; “Truth, Conscience, and Religious Liberty in Health Care,” Mary Rice Hasson, JD; “The Unique Mission of Catholic Health Care,” Cody F. Feikles, MA, MTS, HEC-C; “The Role of the Sacraments and Prayer in the Care of the Sick and Dying,” Roger Nutt, STL, STD; “Ethical Standards in the Pharmaceutical Industry,” Sister Michaela Serpa, FSE, MA, PharmD, BCPS; “The Role of the Medical Community in Service to the Sick and Dying in a Throwaway Culture,” Natalie King, MD, MA; and “Approaching Gender Dysphoria with Compassion and in Light of the Science,” Deacon Patrick W. Lappert, MD.

Health care professions were also offered 7 continuing education credits for their participation in the Conference.

Comments from Conference participants included: “This was excellent and one of the best educational experiences I have had.” “It was a great opportunity to network with other medical professionals and students.” “The topics were meaningful and will benefit in my ministry as a faith community nurse.”

The St. John Paul II Foundation is a national Catholic apostolate proclaiming the Good News about life and family through education and formation.

Carrie Harkey, Director of the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life, which was instrumental in bringing the Converging Roads Conference to the Diocese, said the turnout far exceeded expectations for a first-ever event such as Converging Roads. “For a first event we were told to expect about 100, but 140 is great. This positive response will help promote the program when it returns in the future.”

In addition to the Converging Road initiative, the Foundation supports continuing education for clergy (Shepherd’s Heart for priests and Servant’s Heart of Permanent Deacons), and marriage enrichment with its “Together in Holiness” program.

“Together in Holiness” is a one-day Conference series for couples and a year-round formation series which has been active in the Diocese of Venice for four years.

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

Posted on by Bob Reddy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting, Auction and Dinner Dance, 5:30 p.m., Feb. 29, Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice. The event will benefit the mothers and children at Our Mother’s House, a 2-year transitional living program located in the heart of Venice, dedicated to empowering single mothers and their young children. Tickets are $90. Register online at http://bidpal.net/2024omh. For more information, 941-485-6264 or email omh@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
  • Venetian Charity Ball, 6 p.m., March 9, at St. Leo the Great Parish Hall, 28290 Beaumont Rd., Bonita Springs. The theme is “Restoring Our Community.” This event supports the programs in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties, the communities hardest hit by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Tickets are $250. Register online at http://bidpal.net/vb2024. For more information, call 239-334-4007 ext. 2100 or email VenetianBall@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
  • Emerald Ball, 5:30 p.m., March 14, at Ritz-Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Dr., Naples. This event celebrates 40 years of Catholic Charities in Collier County. Tickets are $400. Register online at http://bidpal.net/eb2024. For more information, call 239-455-2655 or email emeraldball@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

For additional information about the good works of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

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