Bob Reddy, Author at Diocese of Venice

2023 Holy Week Mass Times

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Below, please find the 2023 Holy Week Mass times for the Parishes and Missions of the Diocese of Venice, including the address and phone number. The list is in order of the cities where the Parish/Mission is located. If you have any questions, please contact the Parish/Mission directly.

ARCADIA

St. Paul, 1330 E. Oak St.; 863-494-2611; https://www.stpaularcadia.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon (Spanish)

AVE MARIA

Ave Maria, 5068 Annunciation Circle, Suite 101; 239-261-5555; www.avemariaparish.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Latin), 5 p.m. (Spanish), 7:30 p.m.

AVON PARK

Our Lady of Grace, 595 E. Main St.; 863-453-4757; www.ologap.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish)

BOCA GRANDE

Our Lady of Mercy, 240 Park Ave.; 941-964-2254

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m.

BOKEELIA

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, 12175 Stringfellow Road; 239-283-0456; www.miraculousmedalch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 6 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

BONITA SPRINGS

St. Leo the Great; 28290 Beaumont Road; 239-992-0901; www.stleocatholicchurch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m., (bilingual)

EASTER – 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

BOWLING GREEN

Holy Child Mission, 4315 Chester Ave.; 863-773-4089; www.stmichaelwauchula.org

EASTER – 7 p.m.

BRADENTON

Sacred Heart; 1220 15th St. W.; 941-748-2221; www.sacredheartbradenton.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. (Spanish), 4 p.m. (Creole)

Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles; 2850 75th St. W.; 941-795-1228; www.sspeterandpaul.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

St. Joseph Parish; 2704 33rd Ave. W.; 941-756-3732; www.sjcfl.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

BUCKHEAD RIDGE

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus; 1027 Chobee Loop; 863-946-0696

HOLY THURSDAY – 4 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 7 p.m.

EASTER – 10 a.m.

CAPE CORAL

St. Andrew; 2628 Del Prado Blvd. S.; 239-574-4545; www.standrewrcc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., noon (Spanish)

St. Katharine Drexel; 1922 S.W. 20th Ave.; 239-283-9501; www.drexelcc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

CLEWISTON

Santa Rosa de Lima; 835 N. Mayoral St.; 863-983-8585

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – noon (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 6 p.m. (Spanish)

St. Margaret; 208 N. Deane Duff Ave.; 863-983-8585

HOLY THURSDAY – 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 4 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 10 a.m., noon (Spanish)

ENGLEWOOD

St. Raphael; 770 Kilbourne Ave.; 941-474-9595; www.strapheng.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

EVERGLADES CITY

Holy Family; 200 Datura Ave.; 239-394-5181; sanmarcochurch.com

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER – 10:30 a.m.

FORT MYERS

Jesus the Worker; 881 Nuna Ave.; 239-693-5333; www.jesustheworker.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL- 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – 9 a.m. (Spanish), noon (Spanish)

Our Lady of Light; 19680 Cypress View Drive; 239-267-7088; www.ourladyoflight.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

Resurrection; 8121 Cypress Lake Drive; 239-481-7171; www.resurrectionch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1;30 p.m. (Latin)

San Jose; 10750 Gladiolous Drive; 239-481-1143; www.jesustheworker.org

The Mission is not open as repairs continue due to damage from Hurricane Ian. The closest Spanish Masses are available at Jesus the Worker; 881 Nuna Ave., Fort Myers, 239-693-5333.

St. Cecilia; 5632 Sunrise Drive; 239-936-3635; www.saintcecilias.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 2 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.

St. Columbkille; 12171 Iona Road; 239-489-3973; www.stcolumbkille.com/

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 5:30 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier; 2157 Cleveland Ave.; 239-334-2161; www.stfrancisfm.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. (Polish), 4 p.m. (Creole)

St. John XXIII; 13060 Palomino Lane; 239-561-2245; www.johnxxiii.net

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 8 p.m. (Vietnamese)

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Spanish), 4 p.m. (Vietnamese)

St. Vincent de Paul; 13031 Palm Beach Blvd.; 239-693-0818; www.stvincentftmyers.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

FORT MYERS BEACH

Ascension; 6025 Estero Blvd.; 239-463-6754;

All Masses are suspended due to Hurricane Ian. The nearest Catholic Parishes are St. Leo the Great in Bonita Springs and St. Columbkille in Fort Myers. The Holy Week Mass times a listed here.

GROVE CITY

St. Francis of Assisi; 5265 Placida Road; 941-697-4899; www.sfoachurch.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 6:30 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

HOLMES BEACH

St. Bernard; 248 S. Harbor Drive; 941-778-4769; www.stbernardcc.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

IMMOKALEE

Our Lady of Guadalupe; 207 S. 9th St.; 239-657-2666

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

GOOD FRIDAY – 4 p.m. (Spanish), 5 p.m. (Creole), 7 p.m. (English)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m. (Spanish), 9 a.m. (English), 10:15 a.m. (Creole), 12:15 p.m. (Spanish), 7 p.m. (Spanish)

LA BELLE

Holy Martyrs; 4290 Crescent Ave. S.W.; 863-675-0030; www.olqhhmm.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 4 p.m.

Our Lady Queen of Heaven; 355 S. Bridge St.; 863-675-0030; www.olqhhmm.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Spanish), noon (Spanish)

LAKE PLACID

St. James; 3380 Placid View Drive; 863-465-3215; www.stjameschurchlp.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 6:45 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m.

Mision Santiago Apostol; 685 County Road 621 E.; 863-385-0049; www.stjameschurchlp.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – 10 a.m. (Spanish)

LAKEWOOD RANCH

Our Lady of the Angels; 12905 State Road 70 E.; 941-752-6770; www.olangelscc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:15 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

LEHIGH ACRES

St. Raphael; 2514 Lee Blvd.; 239-369-1831; www.saintraphaelcc.net/

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Spanish), noon, 5:30 p.m. (Spanish)

LONGBOAT KEY

St. Mary, Star of the Sea; 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive; 941-383-8758; www.stmarylbk.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 7:45 p.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

MARCO ISLAND

San Marco; 851 San Marco Road; 239-394-5181; www.sanmarcochurch.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m. (The Charter School), 10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., (The Charter School), 12:30 p.m.

MOORE HAVEN

St. Joseph the Worker; 24065 U.S. Highway 27; 863-946-0696

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 6:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8 a.m. (bilingual)

NAPLES

Corpus Christi; 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road; 239-592-1949; www.corpuschristifssp.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 5:15 p.m. (Latin)

GOOD FRIDAY – 4 p.m. (Latin)

EASTER VIGIL – 9 p.m. (Latin)

EASTER –8:45 a.m. (Latin)

St. Agnes; 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road; 239-592-1949; www.stagnesnaples.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10 a.m. (Palmetto Ridge High School), 11 a.m., 11:15 p.m., 1 p.m. (Spanish), 5 p.m.

St. Ann; 475 9th Ave. S.; 239-262-4256; www.naplesstann.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m. (Jubilee Center), 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m. (Jubilee Center)

St. Elizabeth Seton; 5225 Golden Gate Parkway; 239-455-3900; www.stelizabethseton.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

St. Finbarr; 13520 Tamiami Trail E.; 239-417-2084; www.stfinbarr.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., (Spanish), 10 a.m., 11:45 a.m.

St. John the Evangelist; 625 111th Ave. N.; 239-566-8740; www.saintjohntheevangelist.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m.

St. Peter the Apostle; 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road; 239-774-3337; www.stpeternaples.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Creole), 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

EASTER – 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. (Spanish), 3:45 p.m. (Creole), 7 p.m. (Spanish)

St. William; 601 Seagate Drive; 239-261-4883; www.saintwilliam.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. (Latin)

NOCATEE

Capilla Católica de San Juan Diego

5247 S.W. Highway 17; 863-494-2611

EASTER – 1 p.m. (Spanish)

NORTH FORT MYERS

St. Therese; 20115 N. Tamiami Trail;

239-567-2315; www.sainttheresechurch.net

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

NORTH PORT

San Pedro; 14380 Tamiami Trail; 941-426-2500; www.sanpedrocc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 7 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m. (Spanish)

OSPREY

Our Lady of Mount Carmel; 425 S. Tamiami Trail; 941-966-0807; www.olmc-osprey.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon

PALMETTO

Holy Cross; 505 26th St.; 941-729-3891; www.holycrossdov.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. (Spanish)

PARRISH

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini; 12001 69th St. E.; 941-776-9097; www.sfxcparrish.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 2 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m.,10:15 a.m.

PORT CHARLOTTE

San Antonio; 24445 Rampart Blvd.; 941-624-3799; www.sanantoniorcc.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

St. Charles Borromeo; 21505 Augusta Ave.; 941-625-4754; www.stcharlespc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:15 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. (Creole)

St. Maximilian Kolbe; 1441 Spear St.; 941-743-6877; www.stmaxcatholic.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon

PUNTA GORDA

Sacred Heart; 211 W. Charlotte Ave.; 941-639-3957; www.sacredheartfl.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m. (Ponce de Leon Park), 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

SANIBEL

St. Isabel; 3559 Sanibel Captiva Road; 239-472-2763; www.saintisabel.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 7 p.m.

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m.

SARASOTA

Christ the King; 1900 Meadowood St.; 941-924-2777; www.christthekingsarasota.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Latin)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Latin)

EASTER VIGIL – 10 p.m. (Latin)

EASTER – 8:30 a.m. (Latin), 10:30 a.m. (Latin), 12:30 p.m. (Latin)

Incarnation; 2929 Bee Ridge Road; 941-921-6631; www.incarnationchurch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Polish)

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs; 833 Magellan Drive; 941-755-1826; www.olqm.net

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

St. Jude; 3930 17th St.; 941-955-3934; www.stjudesarasota.com/

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Bilingual)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. (Spanish), 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish), 1:30 p.m. (Spanish)

St. Martha; 200 N. Orange Ave.; 941-366-4210; www.stmartha.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Vietnamese)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Vietnamese)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (Vietnamese)

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m. (Spanish), 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, noon (Vietnamese), 5:30 p.m.

St. Michael the Archangel; 5394 Midnight Pass Road; 941-349-4174; www.stmichaelssiesta.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon

St. Patrick; 7900 Bee Ridge Road; 941-378-1703; www.churchofstpatrick.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

St. Thomas More; 2506 Gulf Gate Drive; 941-923-1691; www.stthomasmoresrq.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m., noon

SEBRING

St. Catherine Parish; 882 Bay St.; 863-385-0049; www.stcathe.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish – Youth Center)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. (Spanish – Youth Center)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (Spanish – Youth Center)

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon (Spanish)

VENICE

Epiphany Cathedral; 310 Sarasota St.; 941-484-3505; www.epiphanycathedral.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:10 a.m. (Parish Center), 11 a.m., 11:10 a.m. (Parish Center), 12:30 p.m. (Polish), 2 p.m. (Spanish)

Our Lady of Lourdes; 1301 Center Road; 941-497-2931; www.ollvenice.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – noon

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon

WAUCHULA

St. Michael; 408 Heard Bridge Road; 863-773-4089; www.stmichaelwauchula.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 5 p.m., 7: p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. (Spanish), noon (Spanish), 1:30 p.m. (Creole)

Six months since Ian – Progress being made as recovery continues

Posted on March 31, 2023March 31, 2023 by Bob Reddy

“We are making progress.”

This simple phrase, repeated in recent weeks by people throughout the Diocese of Venice, represents the resilience, hope and bright future as the region marks the six months since Hurricane Ian struck on Sept. 28, 2022.

The statistics from the National Weather Service do little to tell the scope of the impact of Hurricane Ian. Maximum sustained winds were 155 mph, the storm surge reached 18 feet, flooding rain exceeded 30 inches, and this was followed by catastrophic river flooding days later. The death toll in Florida was 148 (104 within the 10-county Diocese of Venice). In Lee County alone, 5,000 homes and businesses were destroyed and another 50,000 had significant damage with upwards of $60 billion in overall insured losses.

Ian took a heavy toll on the Diocese, with more than 800 reports of damage to various properties and significant damage to more than 400 structures.

Under the leadership of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, teams from the Diocese, as well as Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., were preparing for the hurricane’s arrival and then sprang into action by getting on the road assessing damage and taking action to mitigate further damage while also bringing emergency supplies to areas in greatest need.

The small staff of Catholic Charities, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, set up 10 distribution sites, with the help of the Parishes, where water, food and other supplies were distributed to more than 110,000 people during the initial weeks following the storm. That response has transitioned into long-term disaster recovery because within the 10-county Diocese more than 400,000 applications for FEMA assistance have been made.

Bishop Dewane praised the staff, Parish volunteers, and supporters of Catholic Charities for coming together in the wake of Hurricane Ian. “Catholic Charities accomplished a tremendous amount and did a great deal of work. There is much more that needs to be done, and the team is in position, on the front lines, making a difference each day.”

Joe Rego, Diocesan Director of Building and Construction, said that after mitigation work was done to prevent further damage to Diocesan properties, the long process of rebuilding began immediately.

“While there was a will and desire to work fast, the realities of the moment became immediately apparent,” Rego explained. “The issue across the area was that there are limited numbers of contractors and supplies available to do the work.”

Rego went on to say that priorities were placed on Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Pine Island, Fort Myers and elsewhere, but only so much could be done with the resources that were available immediately after the storm.

“Now, with more supplies and contractors available, the Diocese is ramping up work at every location,” Rego said. “We have contractors working as fast as possible at dozens of sites. Parishes and schools are now seeing the fruits of the hard work.”

With one exception, nearly all reconstruction is expected to be substantially completed by the fall. The exception is Ascension Parish and the adjacent Poor Clare Monastery of San Damiano on Fort Myers Beach, which experienced a 15-foot storm surge and destroyed all but two buildings.

“The two surviving buildings (the rectory and monastery convent) are safe and secure, but they both need to be rewired and have new pipes due to saltwater intrusion put in just to make them functional,” Rego said. “We are targeting the fall for that work to be done. The other buildings will be torn down and it will take several years for the rebuild to be complete.”

That overall reconstruction timeline is very similar to the aftermath of Hurricane Charley in 2004, when two Parish churches were destroyed, and it took four years for the reconstruction to be completed. However, as we all know, prices have risen substantially since 2004.

Bishop Dewane said that the amount of work already achieved in Parishes and Diocesan Catholic schools and other properties, has been impressive. During his travels throughout the Diocese, he regularly witnesses firsthand the progress being made in the hardest hit areas.

“While we want this work done as quickly as possible, we don’t have to look too far around the community to see that no one is rebuilding quickly,” Bishop Dewane. “But from that destruction strength and resilience bloomed, mixed in with lots of patience, as the recovery from Hurricane Ian continue.”

As the rebuilding and recovery from Hurricane Ian continues within the Diocese of Venice, the details of several of the large rebuilding efforts will be updated in the Florida Catholic.

For those interested in making a financial donation to the Diocesan response to Hurricane Ian, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/hurricaneian, or send a check to Diocese of Venice in Florida, ATTN: Hurricane Ian Relief, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285.

Englewood Pastor installed

Posted on March 31, 2023March 31, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed Father Robert Murphy as Pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Englewood on March 26, 2023, in the context of the Mass.

“To cater to the spiritual needs of the faithful of St. Raphael, it is appropriate that I come here to install your new Pastor,” Bishop Dewane said. “Father has been here a while, and you have come to know him, but I ask that you continue to pray for him as he continues on this path of leading your Parish into the future.”

St. Raphael Parish was established in 1964 and is in the southern end of Sarasota County near the Charlotte County border. Primarily a retirement and snowbird community, the Parish has more than 1,500 registered families. Father Murphy is the 10^th Pastor of St. Raphael.

As part of the installation process, Bishop Dewane first calls the priest to the ambo following the homily. The priest then recites, along with the faithful, the profession of faith, including an additional part solely for him. The priest then recites an Oath of Fidelity in which he promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the college of bishops enunciate when they exercise authentic magisterium.” The installation also includes prayers to provide the new Pastor the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the Parish.

The Bishop then presents the new Pastor to the faithful gathered. Documents are later signed by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish Community, who serve as witnesses on behalf of all of the parishioners. Copies of these documents are put in the Diocesan files for the Parish and Father, while a copy is kept in the Parish records.

After Mass, Father thanked the Bishop for appointing him as Pastor, and the faithful of St. Raphael for being so supportive since his appointment as Administrator in 2019. Father Murphy also expressed his joy that his 101-year-old father, and his sister and brother-in-law, were present to see the installation. A reception followed in the Parish Hall.

Retired religious sister who served Diocese, dies

Posted on March 31, 2023March 31, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Sister Mary Regis (Constance) Krusniewski, School Sister of Notre Dame, a former longtime Diocese of Venice Director of Catechetical Ministries and later Vicar for Religious, died in Baltimore on March 26, 2023, at the age of 92.

Sister Regis was born in Baltimore to Agnes and Benjamin Krusniewski on Aug. 12, 1930. After 12 years of education in School Sisters of Notre Dame schools, she earned a degree in English from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She went on to earn two advanced degrees, first in history from Villanova University and then in administration of religious education from La Salle University. She made her vows as a School Sister of Notre Dame in 1952.

Sister Regis had nearly 20 years of experience as teacher and principal in Catholic schools in Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey. Beginning in 1971, she focused her work in Diocesan catechetical ministry (religious education), serving in New Jersey and Maryland before coming to the Venice Diocese in 1985.

Named Diocese of Venice Director of Catechetical Ministries in 1985, one year after the founding of the Diocese of Venice, she remained in that capacity until 2001, when she went on sabbatical for a year. Upon her return in 2002, she was appointed to serve as Vicar for Religious in the Diocese before retiring in 2007. Sister Regis remained active in promoting the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Baltimore.

Upon reaching her 50th anniversary of consecrated life in 2002, Sister Regis said, “I was attracted to the School Sisters of Notre Dame because of the women who taught me. I have always wanted to share my gifts in an educational setting… I have had wonderful experiences in ministry and as a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the Diocese of Venice has been blessed to have had Sister Regis serve within its boundaries.

“May Almighty Lord reward her for hard work and complete dedication to serving others. Her valuable contribution in the Diocese of Venice Education Department and later in the Office for Religious will always be remembered,” Bishop Dewane said. “Please pray for the family of Sister Regis and the repose of her soul.”

Funeral arrangements will be in the Baltimore area and have not been finalized.

News Briefs for the week of March 31, 2023

Posted on March 31, 2023March 31, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Lenten school Masses continue

Following the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Bishop Frank J. Dewane continued to celebrate Mass for students at each of the 15 Diocesan Catholic schools during the Lenten Season. The most recent Masses were March 27, 2023, at St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring, March 28 at St. Ann Catholic School and St. John Neumann Catholic High School, both in Naples, and March 29 at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples.

Fun STREAM day for students

The Bishop Verot Catholic High School Science National Honor Society hosted a STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, math) event March 27, 2023, on their Fort Myers campus for students from St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers and St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral. The students each got a chance to interact with three different experiments. First, they learned about the principles of carbon dioxide by observing soda bubbles; next up was a lesson about everything plants need to grow; finally, things got a little messy as everyone learned how to make silly putty with shaving cream!!

Universal Diocesan Confession times ahead of Holy Week

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Bob Reddy

With Holy Week just days away, it is not too late to ponder how well prepared we are for the Resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday.

One way to help in this effort is through participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

To facilitate this requirement, every Parish in the Diocese of Venice will be open with a confessor present from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday, March 31, 2023, and from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 1. These opportunities, facilitated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, are made available so that the faithful may find ample opportunity to receive God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Lenten Season.

Bishop Dewane said that many people view the idea of confessing one’s sins as so unbearable that they either completely avoid the Sacrament or go infrequently.

“It is heartbreaking to hear stories from those who have avoided confession for many years after carrying around a burden,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is heartwarming to talk to people of all ages who go to confession and are relieved and overjoyed at the benefits. Some even scold themselves for missing such a beautiful Sacrament for so long.”

Throughout the Lenten Season, Parishes have offered extended hours for the Sacrament, in addition to offering Penance Services, where multiple priests from the region were made available to hear the confessions of a large number of people.

Pope Francis often speaks about the healing benefits of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, saying that he goes about once every two weeks. On March 17, Pope Francis spoke about the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

“In Confession, let’s give God first place,” the Holy Father said. “Once He is in charge, everything becomes beautiful and confession becomes the Sacrament of joy, not of fear and judgement, but of joy.”

As the Catechism teaches, the priest is acting in Persona Christi, the person of Christ, within the confessional. So, like presenting oneself at the altar to be nourished by Christ in the Eucharist, a person going to Confession, is not ultimately confessing to a priest, but confessing to and receiving forgiveness from Jesus Christ.

“The Lord comes to us when we step back from our presumptuous ego… He can bridge the distance whenever, with honesty and sincerity, we bring our weaknesses before him,” Pope Francis said. “He holds out his hand and lifts us up whenever we realize we are ‘hitting rock bottom’ and we turn back to him with a sincere heart. That is how God is. He is waiting for us, deep down, for in Jesus he chose to ‘descend to the depths.’”

The Pope emphasized that God waits for us, especially in the Sacrament of Penance, where he said the Lord touches our wounds, heals our hearts, and leaves us with inner peace.

Please contact your local Parish for additional available confession times.

Two Pastors installed in Sarasota

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Two Parishes in Sarasota had much to be grateful for during the weekend of March 18-19, 2023, the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday), when they were witnesses to the installation of their respective Pastors.

Father Paul Nguyen was installed as Pastor of St. Patrick Parish on March 18, while Father John Hoang was installed as Pastor at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs on March 19.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed both priests in the context of the Mass. Father Nguyen and Hoang have been serving their Parishes in the capacity of Administrator since 2020.

Bishop Dewane first thanked Fathers Nguyen and Hoang for answering the call to the priesthood, a call from the Lord, a giving over of themselves in a very particular way, so as to serve the People of God.

“You have come to know Father these past years but he needs your continued prayers and support,“ Bishop Dewane said. “A Pastor imparts knowledge of the Lord, and offers spiritual leadership and guidance, as you journey together into a closer relationship with God.”

St. Patrick Parish, located on Bee Ridge Road, east of Interstate 75, was first established in 1988, with the current church dedicated in 1992. The Parish Hall was competed in 1996.

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, located in a neighborhood just north of the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, was established in 1959 for the Diocese of St. Augustine. The current church building was built in 1984, and the original church was converted into a Parish Hall.

The Bishop then presents the new Pastor to the faithful gathered. Documents are signed by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish Community, who serve as witnesses for all of the parishioners. These documents are kept at the Diocese in the Parish and priest’s files, while a copy is kept in the Parish.

Following the Mass, congratulatory receptions were held in the respective Parish Halls.

Longtime Pastor retires

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Father Robert D. Tabbert has retired after serving as Pastor at three different Diocese of Venice Parishes. Father Tabbert has been a priest for 44 years, having been ordained in 1979.

For the past 16 of those years, Father Tabbert has been in Fort Myers as Pastor at St. John XXIII Parish. There he oversaw the construction of a new Parish Life Center, Adoration Chapel and a senior affordable housing project on the campus.

Prior to his arrival at St. John XXIII, Father Tabbert was Pastor at St. Ann Parish in Naples from 1996 to 2007, where he led the campaign which built the Jubilee Center and a major addition to the Catholic school.

In 1990, Father was named Pastor at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, also in Naples. He served there for six years and was instrumental in helping get the current Parish church built.

Father was born in 1953 in Chicago. He attended St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 1979, for the Diocese of St. Petersburg (the Diocese of Venice was not erected until 1984) and his first Mass was celebrated at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral.

Early assignments for Father Tabbert included serving as Parochial Vicar first at St. Martha Parish in Sarasota and then at St. Jude Cathedral in St. Petersburg. He was then Director of Vocations for the Diocese of St. Petersburg and the first Director of Vocations of the Diocese of Venice. He also assisted at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice before being assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. Ann in Naples prior to his first assignment as Pastor in 1990.

A retirement message from Father asks for support and prayers for the next Pastor of St. John XXIII.

“I know that St. John XXIII Parish will continue to thrive, and I pray that your next Pastor will have your support and prayers. God bless you all.”

Emerald Ball dazzles

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Bob Reddy

The 39th Annual Emerald Ball was a great success! Held on March 16, 2023, at the Ritz Carlton Tiburon in Naples, proceeds from the elegant evening will go to support the many programs of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., in Collier County.

The annual event was forced to relocate from the Ritz Beach Resort due to the impacts of Hurricane Ian. The hurricane was on the minds of many as the community continues to recover from the storm which flooded coastal areas and wreaked havoc in the area.

The enthusiastic crowd was dressed in elegant eveningwear and the Ball included fine dining, lots of dancing, upbeat music, and a spirited live auction with the “Gift from the Heart” bringing in many enthusiastic bidders. The theme, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin,” was inspired by a quote from St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Peggy Rodriguez, District Director, welcomed everyone to the evening and explained the different outreach work Catholic Charities is doing and continues to do for the community daily.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane presented the James A. McTague Humanitarian Award to Richard and Josephine (Dick and Jo) Rogan. The Rogan’s are active at St. Peter the Apostle Parish and volunteer in many different capacities. Dick has served as a member of the Catholic Charities Collier County Advisory Board and is past Chairman of the Catholic Charities Board. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, he helped mobilize and lead more than 300 volunteers to assist with relief efforts distributing food and water to more than 25,000 people.

Programs supported by the Ball include the Judy Sullivan Family Resources Center, Family Counseling Center, Golden Gate Senior Center, and Guadalupe Social Services, each offering a variety of targeted outreaches to help those in need.

Barbara L. Siniscalchi served as chair of the Emerald Ball Committee with the support of many co-chairs. Bishop Frank J. Dewane offered the opening invocation and presented the McTague Humanitarian Award.

If you would like to support the programs of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

News Briefs for the week of March 24, 2023

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Appointments

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

Father Robert D. Tabbert, retired as Pastor of St. John XXIII Parish, effective March 4, 2023, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers.

Father Emmanuel R. Saint-Hilaire, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, effective February 13, 2023, and thus has returned to his native country of Haiti.

Lenten school Masses continue

Following the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Bishop Frank J. Dewane continued to celebrate Mass for students at each of the 15 Diocesan Catholic schools during the Lenten Season. The most recent Masses were March 21, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers and St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral, and then on March 22 at Cardinal Mooney Catholic School in Sarasota.

St. Joseph Feast celebrated in Italian

Epiphany Cathedral in Venice hosted a Mass for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was celebrated in Italian on March 20, 2023, and included the active involvement of the Italian-American Club of Venice. Following the Mass, the statue of St. Joseph was carried to the Parish Hall in a procession led by the Knights of Columbus. There, Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Cathedral Rector, blessed the traditional St. Joseph’s table of bread and sweets, which were later distributed. While usually celebrated on March 19, the Solemnity was transferred to March 20 since the liturgy of the Lenten Sundays take precedence.

Students “Make A Difference”

Service to others is part of St. Andrew Catholic School’s mission and vision. “Make A Difference Day” is an example of putting the mission and vision of service to others into practice. The school was able to partner with community businesses and individuals to assist. This year, the 8th grade students were fortunate to assist in a Hurricane Ian clean-up on Pine Island. They cleaned out a damaged kitchen, moved construction materials, created a yard debris pile to be removed from the property, just to name a few of the jobs that were completed. Seventh grade students were split into groups and worked at various locations including St. Katherine Drexel Parish, Bishop Verot High Catholic School in Fort Myers, Ronald McDonald House, Thrive Therapy Mental Health & Wellness, and Cape Coral Caring Center. Students participated in campus clean-ups, cleaning vehicles, stocking food items for the community at large and general cleaning maintenance as needed. Sixth grade remained on the school campus and provided a car wash for teachers and made Easter cards for those who are in a nearby rehabilitation facility. Way to go!

Leprechaun traps and house built in Bradenton

St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton offers a comprehensive STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, math) curriculum at all grade levels. In time for St. Patrick’s Day, the pre-kindergarten students have been studying building construction, as well as using “imagination” to create in their “Creative Me” unit. In their STREAM class, the students put construction and imagination together to create leprechaun traps and leprechaun houses!

Naples Model UN team shines in New York

The St. John Neumann Catholic High School Model UN team from Naples took on New York during their spring break from March 13-17, 2023. The team competed against thousands of other high school delegations from around the world and got to experience diplomacy in a global way. A huge congratulations to Jake Marks and Hunter Lund for winning Best Delegates and to Connor Shea and Alessio Cirino for winning the Award of Merit. While in New York, the students visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Times Square, Rockefeller Center and even got to hear a speech on the floor of the United Nations General Assembly!