Author: Bob Reddy

One week in and students fully engaged

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Sounds such as the trudging of feet in the hallways, the ringing of the first bell, morning prayers, and classroom instruction, are what make up a typical school day.

However, the sounds have a new ring in each of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools as the halls are full with a combined complement of more than 6,200 students. That equates to a record enrollment for the 2023-2024 Academic Year, which began on Aug. 9, 2023.

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

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

Jesuit Father John Belmonte, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, started the year by celebrating Mass for students at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples on Aug. 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Father Belmonte encouraged the students to turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary for guidance as a pathway toward heaven. The solemnity celebrates Mary’s Assumption, body and soul, into heaven and eternal life, so that she might be more fully conformed to her Son, Jesus Christ, the conqueror of death.

“This is another exciting year in our Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools,” Father said. “We are full up with every school having some sort of waitlist. We have new initiatives which are being implemented to ensure that each of our students receives the educational experience that parents have come to expect from the Diocese: that is a quality education that helps to build the mind, body and spirit, all focused on building up the glory of God in the world.”

Diocesan schools have fully integrated the STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) learning model into all classrooms. At the same time, the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence,” is the norm.

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

Many classrooms showed off their STREAM skills in the first days of school with second graders at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers, using blocks to make homes and churches. They created a Tree of Knowledge story/drawing and stained-glass art.

Just after school began, the three Catholic schools in Lee County were the beneficiary of the Catholic Schools Night on Aug. 11, at The Mighty Mussels minor league baseball game at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. Part of the proceeds benefited St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral, as well as St. Francis Xavier and Bishop Verot Catholic High School, both in Fort Myers. The Mighty Mussels mascot visited the students at St. Andrew the morning of the game.

The first Friday at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples was a House Retreat Day, where new students are assigned to one of four Houses which serve as their center of social and school spirit activities throughout the coming year. Each of the four teams competes for points to earn different rewards or prizes throughout the year, with a trophy for the winners at the end.

Students at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice are now participating in daily Mass. This builds upon the lessons from the last school year when the students learned about the Most Holy Eucharist.

At St. Mary Academy in Sarasota, STREAM was part of a fun and messy hands-on lesson with toothpaste. The experiment focused on the question: Can you get all of the toothpaste back into a tube once it is all squeezed out? Some of it might end up back inside, but the majority of it sticks elsewhere. During the expansive lesson, the students learned that our words and actions are like toothpaste. We have to stop and think about what we say and do towards others so that our kindness is what sticks to others. It is very hard to take back unkind words or actions- just as hard as trying to get all of the toothpaste back into the tube. This was such a strong lesson in how words must be chosen carefully and not say things you will regret.

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

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

School buildings get summer makeover

Posted on by Bob Reddy

When students returned to Diocesan Catholic schools the week of Aug. 7, 2023, school administrators were in a last-minute rush to complete summer improvement projects which ranged from a fresh coat of paint, the installation of portable classrooms, to new roofs.

The work across the Diocese took advantage of students being off campus as crews with heavy equipment conducted loud and dusty work. The work is expected to continue in some locations right up to and beyond the first day of school, which was Aug. 9.

At Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, crews have been working at various locations across the campus. Work included the installation of six new portable classrooms behind the theater to accommodate the growing number of students as well as other cosmetic upgrades throughout. Meanwhile, the finishing touches are being put on a new entrance to Viking Stadium. In its final phase in mid-August, the new plaza is being dedicated to Coach Mike Gill, who has been a teacher at Verot for more than 50 years. The work is expected to be completed by the first kickoff of the coming football season in late August.

Workers also descended on Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, throughout the summer. One building received a new roof, while there was new paint in the hallways and bathrooms, updates to the gymnasium roof and major renovations to the baseball field. Unexpected repair work was needed due to a mid-summer thunderstorm, which caused damage to the roof of the media center and a covered walkway, but that work was completed by the first day.

There have been several upgrades at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples. Work included installing two new modular classrooms to handle increased enrollment, new middle school lockers, an audio/visual system in the gymnasium, renovated restrooms in the cafeteria, smart boards, shiny floors, and much more.

Four additional classrooms were added to Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Catholic School in Ave Maria. These rooms had been used for various purposes, such as storage and other school activities, but the need for the class space became pressing as there has been a massive increase in enrollment in the past few years.

A new covered basketball court is being installed at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton. This court is nearing completion as the finishing touches are added. The covered area will allow more outdoor activities for students, including sports such as tennis and pickleball.

For Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, much of the work focused on completing roof repairs from Hurricane Ian. The main school building was temporarily unusable following the Sept. 28, 2022, storm. Temporary repairs to the interior building and roof allowed students to return to the building by early January 2023, but the installation of the new permanent metal roof took most of the summer. St. Ann Catholic School in Naples also received a new roof in an upgrade to protect from future storms.

All ongoing work is expected to be completed soon, putting the 15 Diocesan Catholic schools in good shape for the more than 6,200 in the classrooms this year!

Silver Rose completes journey through Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Escorted by a member of the Knights of Columbus Knights on Bikes, a white-gloved man, wearing a biker vest, solemnly lead the opening procession at a prayer service. In his hands was a small object, a silver rose.

When the procession reached the front of the church, the rose was then displayed on a table in front of the altar.

Each year, since 1960, from early March through mid-December, eight Silver Roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Silver Rose Program demonstrates the unity between Knights of Columbus in Canada, the United States and Mexico, and reaffirms their dedication to the sanctity of human life.

The Silver Rose was transferred from the Diocese of Orlando Aug. 6, 2023, when members of the Knights on Bikes met with their counterparts in Davenport. It was put on public display at six Parishes in the Diocese of Venice. The first stop was Aug. 7, at St. Martha Parish in Sarasota, and was followed by St. Catherine Parish in Sebring on Aug. 8, St. Katharine Drexel Parish and St. Andrew Parish, both in Cape Coral and both on Aug. 9, Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria on Aug. 10, and St. Ann Parish in Naples on Aug. 11. The Silver Rose was then transferred by members of the Knights on Bikes to their counterparts in the Archdiocese of Miami at exit 50 on Interstate 75, which is the border of Collier and Broward counties and the two Dioceses.

While at Ave Maria, the Silver Rose was on display in the church on a table in front of a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, for 24 hours. During the 24 hours, the rosary was prayed 75 times (3 rosaries per hour), each led by Ave Maria Grand Knight John Lanham, who stayed with the Silver Rose from 8 a.m. Aug. 10, to 6 a.m. Aug. 11.

During each of the prayer services, the faithful joined in praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary (the Resurrection, the Ascension, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, and the Coronation of Mary as Queen), and an Act of Consecration, as well as hearing select readings, including the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the Gospel of Luke (1:26-38).

Afterward, many came forward to have a closer look at the Silver Rose, which is only 6-inches tall. Still others remained behind to continue to pray.

Before each prayer service, an escorting Knight shared the history of the Silver Rose, which dates to 1960. It was in Mexico where Columbian Squires, a youth organization of the Knights, wanted to give something back to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. It was decided that a rose would travel from Knights Council to Knights Council on a path from Canada to the Old Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Monterrey, Mexico.

Our Lady of Guadalupe has a long history in Mexico dating to 1531 when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Indian peasant, St. Juan Diego, near the present-day Mexico City. To help convince the local Ordinary of the message of Our Lady, St. Juan Diego was able to present his garments which contained live roses in winter and an emblazoned image of Our Lady on the fabric, in what is known as the “Miracle of the Roses.” The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is Dec. 12, the day each of the Silver Roses concludes its nine-month journey.

While six of the eight travelling Silver Roses will arrive at the Old Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the others will conclude their journey at key locations in the U.S. which honor Our Lady. One of these will complete its journey at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., while the other will end at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Friary in Griswold, Connecticut.

The Silver Rose, which visited the Diocese of Venice previously, made stops in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. In Florida since July 23, the tour will continue throughout the state until Sept. 2, before moving on to Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and finally Mexico.

The Knights of Columbus expansive pro-life initiative includes taking part in prayer vigils at abortion facilities, supporting the National March for Life in Washington, D.C., and placing more than 1,000 ultrasounds in pregnancy resource centers throughout the world, including many within the Diocese of Venice.

That Man is You program expanding in September

Posted on by Bob Reddy

14 Parishes to host men’s program

A summer initiative to promote the That Man is You (TMIY) Catholic men’s program bears fruit as 11 new Parishes have signed on to start this important outreach starting in September.

TMIY is a program which honestly addresses the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers. The program 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, more than 100,000 men have been involved in TMIY. The transformative effects in participants have been most evident in helping men become better husbands and fathers, strengthening them in virtue, and in increased Parish participation.

The program began in the Diocese several years ago at Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria and expanded afterward at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Parrish and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City.

James Gontis, Diocesan Director of Evangelization, hosted 11 information sessions early in the summer to spread the word to more Parishes with the full support of Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

“This program has a proven track record throughout the country,” Gontis said. “We had three Parishes with active programs and the result speak for themselves.”

The information nights consisted of prayer and then a presentation from the TMIY program representatives at Ave Maria Parish, including Dominic Micillo, the Core Team Leader, and Deacon Jeffrey Ball.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with men committing to participate in the program once it arrives at their home Parish. In one Parish alone, at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch, more than 40 made that commitment during the June 29, 2023, session.

TMIY program has Core Teams at each host Parish who will serve as the guide through the weekly sessions. Organized around a central theme for each program year and presented through the lens of seven steps that make it simple for men to follow, this engaging content is delivered in 13 sessions.

Each week is divided into three roughly equal parts: 30 minutes for a meal; 30 minutes for the presentation; and 30 minutes for small group discussions.

The 13-week program is free, with no pre-registration required. Participants are not required to attend every week and can drop in at any time during the length of the program. You also do not need to be a registered member of the host Parish to attend.

For more information about the program, and to find a host Parish nearest you, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/evangelization/that-man-is-you/, or contact Jim Gontis, Diocesan Director of Evangelization, at 941-486-4754, or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

 

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That Man Is You locations

Parishes that will be starting TMIY programs beginning in September are listed below. Please note that the 13-week program is free, with no pre-registration required. Participants are not required to attend every week and can drop in at any time during the length of the program.

 

Epiphany Cathedral, Venice

Saturday mornings 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m., beginning Sept. 9

Core Team Leader: Deacon Scott Little – little@epiphanycathedral.org

 

St. Frances Cabrini, Parrish

Saturday mornings 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m., beginning Sept. 9

Core Team Leader: Paul Dadowski – dadowski@yahoo.com

 

St. Patrick, Sarasota

Fridays 6 a.m.–7:30 a.m., beginning Sept. 15

Core Team Leader: Joe Gomez – zemogrj@comcast.net

 

St. Charles Borromeo, Port Charlotte

Saturday mornings 9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., beginning Sept. 9

Core Team Leader: Michael Barrett – michaelb@stcbc.org

 

St. Agnes, Naples

Saturday mornings 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m., beginning Sept. 16

Core Team Leader: Isaac Mejias – iosc7@yahoo.com

 

St. Joseph, Bradenton

Saturday mornings 7 a.m. – 8:15 a.m., beginning Sept. 16

Core Team Leader: Miguel Rodriguez – rod730@gmail.com

 

Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch

Saturday mornings 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m., beginning Sept. 16

Core Team Leader: Mike Gonzales – gonzalesmichaelpaul@gmail.com

 

San Pedro, North Port

Saturday mornings 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m., beginning Sept. 16

Core Team Leader: Mike Lyons – lnmlyons@gmail.com

 

St. Paul the Apostle, Arcadia

Sunday mornings 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., beginning Sept. 17

Core Team Leader: Brad Dixon – braddixon82@gmail.com

 

St. Katharine Drexel, Cape Coral

Thursday evenings 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 21

Core Team Leader: Timothy Altieri – Altieri@altierilawfirm.com

 

St. Francis of Assisi, Grove City

Thursday mornings 7 a.m. – 8:15 a.m., beginning Sept. 21

Core Team Leader: John Coyne – johnp@yahoo.com

 

Ave Maria, Ave Maria

Saturday mornings 7 am – 8:30 a.m., beginning Sept. 23

Core Team Leader: Dominic Micillo – dmicillo@aol.com

 

St. John the Evangelist, Naples

Saturday mornings (Times TBD), beginning Sept. 23

Core Team Leader: Brandon Karas – brandonkaras1993@gmail.com

 

Incarnation, Sarasota

Saturday mornings 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m., beginning Sept. 23

Core Team Leader: Steve Jendrysik – CATHYSTEVEMARIE@msn.com

 

For more information about individual Parish session, please contact the Core team Leader.

News Briefs for week of August 18, 2023

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Knights honor clergy

The Knights of Columbus of Saints Cosmas and Damian Council 13341 of Bradenton hosted a Clergy Appreciation Dinner on Aug. 12, 2023, at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch. Among the honorees were Bishop Frank J. Dewane; Father Sebastian Szczawínski, Pastor of Our Lady of the Angels; Father Shawn Roser, Parish Parochial Vicar and Diocesan Vocations Director; Msgr. Joseph Stearns who is retired but assists at the Parish; Deacon Jack Milholland; and Deacon G. Thomas Harencher. The evening included dinner for more than 200 and each of the honorees was presented with a commemorative compass. Grand Knight Jerry Graceffo Jr. said it was appropriate for the Knights to honor the clergy who serve the spiritual needs of the faithful is many different ways.

High school welcomes new assistant director

Bishop Verot Catholic High School has announced the hiring of a new Assistant Director of Special Events, Donor & Alumni Relations. Crystal Melton will lead Bishop Verot’s events and alumni relations efforts as the school continues to have record enrollment and growth. Melton brings with her experience in the field of events, fundraising and community relations. Melton earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. She previously was on the Verot School Board and the chair of the Curriculum & Academic Affairs Committee for the school. Most recently, she was a teacher and Director of Development at St. Andrew Catholic School.  Melton grew up in Alaska and Virginia, before moving to Florida in 2010 with her husband and their two children. Her daughter is a Verot Alum and her son is an 8th grader at St. Andrew Catholic School, and a future Viking.

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 on September 24, 2023, 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 13 men in various seminaries and a donation of any amount would be a great help (The donation amount will not be revealed to the recipient). To take part, please send your donation, made out to VDCCW Seminarian Fund (plus $1 to cover postage and printing) to: Cornelia Zaneƫti, Seminarian Fund Guardian, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Early bird registration for the Marriage Conference

Registration is now open for the Oct. 21, 2023, Diocese of Venice “Together in Holiness” Marriage Conference, presented in partnership with the Diocese of Venice Office of Family Life and the St. John Paul II Foundation. This marriage enrichment conference will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. All Catholic married and engaged couples throughout the Diocese of Venice and beyond are welcome. Grow together in holiness, learn to form your children in the Catholic Faith, enjoy a day of quality time with your spouse, witness dynamic presentations! The day will include the Mass and the availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This special event is for all couples, engaged, newlywed or long married! On-site childcare will be provided. Early bird couple registration is $54, ($64 after Aug. 28). To register, please visit https://forlifeandfamily.org/events/th23-vnfl/. Please contact Carrie Harkey at harkey@dioceseofvenice.org for further information.

Catholic Charities event to benefit programs in DeSoto County

The 2023 Boots and Bandannas event to benefit the programs of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., in DeSoto County will take place, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at Our Lady of Angels Parish, 12905 SR. 70 E., Lakewood Ranch. Enjoy a fun night of great food, live auction, and live music by Andy Pursell and his band.  Kick up your heels for a great cause with programs such as a food pantry, farmworker and senior housing, youth and afterschool educational enrichment programs, financial and housing assistance and disaster response and recovery.  For more details, and to register for Boots and Bandannas 2023, please visit, https://one.bidpal.net/2023boots/welcome.

Red Mass for legal professionals to be held in Sarasota

The Red Mass, a medieval tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, is observed annually in the Diocese of Venice. The Red Mass will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m., Oct. 18, 2023, at St. Martha Parish, 200 N. Orange St., Sarasota. Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop will be the main celebrant. A reception hosted by the Catholic Lawyers Guild (CLG) follows immediately at the Fr. Fausto Parish Hall. The first recorded Red Mass was held in the Cathedral of Paris in 1245. The popular name “Red Mass” refers to the traditional red vestments of the clergy and the judges when convened at the royal courts in Europe. Prayers at the Red Mass are offered to invoke the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon those who serve in law and the administration of justice. Hence, lawyers, judges, public officials, law enforcement officers, and law students are specifically invited to participate at the Red Mass, although everyone is welcome to attend. In the United States, an annual Red Mass is held in Washington, D.C., before the opening of the U.S. Supreme Court. Similarly, Red Mass is held at the start of the legislative session in Tallahassee. The first Red Mass in the Diocese of Venice was held in March 2008 at St. Martha. At the Red Mass, prayers are for wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord, to help us through these challenging times. For further information, please contact Atty. Paul Consbruck at 866-558-7285; 941-966-6706 or adoptfla@yahoo.com.

World Youth Day 2023 – Universal Church inspires Diocesan teens

Posted on by Bob Reddy

We are all part of one Universal and one Local Church – that is the Mother Church that spans the globe and the Diocese in which you reside. This was a profound lesson learned by the Diocese of Venice pilgrims as they took part in an epic journey to World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.

From July 29 to Aug. 8, 2023, Bishop Frank J. Dewane was joined by 52 Diocesan pilgrims who were able to take in the culture of this European country while also seeing the Lord in many things great and small.

Highlights for the young pilgrims included being among people from all corners of the world, Mass with Pope Francis and, most importantly, truly feeling God’s presence in all they were doing, seeing and hearing.

Bishop Dewane met with the group at their hotel each morning and saw a change in them as the week progressed. At a dinner following the Mass that closed World Youth Day 2023, the Bishop realized that the young men and women had grasped the sacredness of the moment and had a new realization of the idea of the Universal and Local Church (Diocese).

“It was wonderful to see how excited everyone was,” Bishop Dewane said. “The young people shared how they felt, which can be difficult. However, this showed how immersed they were in the experience of this holy journey and being among friends who they could trust.”

The young people heard the message of Pope Francis who said they are an important part of society and their gifts from the Lord are not to be used later, but now.

Videos of the brief encounter with Pope Francis showed the pure joy of the moment for the youth. For example, Antonio LaPorta, of St. Agnes Parish in Naples, said it was a surreal and awesome experience seeing the Holy Father. “You see him on TV and you don’t think he is a real person. Then you see him in real life, and everyone is cheering and jumping because the Pope is there… I loved the joy and praise he gets.”

Luke Dalton of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice was similarly impressed by the Holy Father. “It was cool being that close to the earthly leader of the Church. I got a video and was pretty close.”

Tatiana Lopez, of Our Lady of the Angels in Lakewood Ranch, said seeing and hearing the message of Pope Francis and being part of the whole World Youth Day pilgrimage was a “very unique experience. We got involved with all the different countries and getting to know the different people. Being here with my mom (Krista Lopez) was special. Then we heard Pope Francis at the (closing) Mass. Hearing him speak and seeing him in person was incredible.”

In addition to Epiphany Cathedral, St. Agnes, Our Lady of the Angels, the Diocesan group represented nine parishes including: Jesus the Worker in Fort Myers, St. Martha in Sarasota, Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria, Our Lady Queen of Heaven in LaBelle, Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, and St. Joseph in Bradenton. Leading them throughout the week was Marthamaria Morales, the Diocesan Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry. The group also included several priests, seminarians and other adults.

Morales said the entire journey brought the Diocesan group closer together as they shared incredible spiritual experiences from Mass, to prayer, to Eucharistic Adoration, to listening to amazing speakers and musicians and finally the closing Vigil and Mass with Pope Francis.

First, they were united by a long flight, and a shared adventure as they visited key religious sites in Coimbra, Fatima, Santarem before arriving in Lisbon. The group participated in the Opening Ceremony and Mass in Colina de Econtro (Parque Eduardo VII), and took part in a daily “Rise Up” catechesis.

During the catechesis, which took place Aug. 2-4, the youth learned about how they are loved by the Lord and because of this they were challenged to put Jesus first in their lives above outside distractions.

Speakers at the English-language catechesis included Bishop Robert Barron, of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, and Christopher West, who spoke on the Theology of the Body. Morales was one of the presenters for the Spanish-language catechesis.

Each afternoon of WYD, a Youth Festival took place throughout the city. In Cidade da Alegria, there was a Vocational Fair and Reconciliation Park. During the Vocational Fair, young pilgrims encounter various movements, associations, communities, religious orders, and projects of social nature. The Reconciliation Park is where pilgrims encountered the Merciful Christ through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The group was present at the welcoming ceremony for Pope Francis on Aug. 2, and for the Stations of the Cross on Aug. 3. In their “down time” the pilgrims were able to explore the historic city and waterfront while also meeting and exchanging small gifts and tokens with pilgrims from across the globe.

Daisy Trejo, of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in LaBelle, started the pilgrimage as a generally “shy” person, but throughout the journey she opened up, getting signatures on her Diocesan T-shirts from people from around the world.

Meanwhile, Jesus Ismael Hernandez of Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers, traded bracelets with dozens of others.

A special moment occurred when Father Krzysztof “Chris” Piotrowski, Parochial Vicar at Epiphany Cathedral, crossed paths with the Agata Kornhauser-Duda, the First Lady of Poland. Father is a native of Poland and the two spoke briefly and posed for photos.

The World Youth Day Vigil was Aug. 5 at “Campo de Grace” (Parque Tejo). This was an evening and overnight celebration for the pilgrims which included speakers, musicians, adoration and much more. Diocesan priests celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the pilgrims in the field before the celebration began. The pilgrims then spent the night on air mattresses and in sleeping bags ahead of the Closing Mass with the Holy Father the following morning.

Bishop Dewane and the Diocesan priests concelebrated the Closing Mass. Pope Francis’ message to the youth was to shine, to listen, and to be unafraid.

“To all of you, dear young people, who are the present and the future, yes to all of you, Jesus now says: ‘Have no fear,’ ‘Do not be afraid!’ Pope Francis said.

“Now, in a brief moment of silence, (I ask) each of you repeat these words, in your own heart: ‘Do not be afraid!’

“Dear young people, I would like to look into the eyes of each of you and say: Do not be afraid. I will tell you something else, also very beautiful: it is no longer I, but Jesus Himself who is now looking at you. He knows each of your hearts, each of your lives; He knows your joys, your sorrows, your successes and failures. He knows your heart. Today, He says to you, here in Lisbon, at this World Youth Day: ‘Have no fear, take heart, do not be afraid!’”

Donna Kuo, of Our Lady of the Angels and mother of two of the Diocesan WYD pilgrims (Bryce and Lindsay), was one of several parents who travelled with their children. Kuo explained how it was such an honor to be a part of the Diocesan pilgrimage.

“We are walking away changed for life. With memories for life. What I will treasure the most is the time to reflect and pray with my children and grow in our faith together” Kuo said.

Following the closing Mass, Bishop Dewane and pilgrims went out for a final meal in Lisbon as a group. The next day, they travelled to Porto, Portugal (where they arrived and departed from) and had a tour of the city.

There, Bishop Dewane celebrated Mass for the group for the final time at the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto in Portuguese), which is the most important religious edifice in the city and dates from 1110.

Perhaps Christian DiGioia of Epiphany Cathedral said it best about his experience: “It feels great to be part of a giant Catholic community. People from everywhere united by God.”

The pilgrims returned to the U.S. on Aug. 8, ready to live out what they learned. As they reflect upon their journey, they can start to make plans for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea.

Students return to classroom

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The opening bell rings and a few tears flow as thousands of children across the Diocese of Venice return to school for the 2023-24 School Year.

From pre-kindergarten to seniors in high school, the students will face rigorous course work which will develop them academically, physically – and most importantly – spiritually.

On the first day, friendships are renewed, new bonds are formed, and new challenges are accepted by students at every level.

At St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral, Principal David Nelson and his team of staff and faculty were ready to go as 636 students – the most ever in the school’s 34 years history – arrived on the steamy morning of Aug. 9, 2023, for the first day of school.

Nelson and other staff were outside the front entrance for the carline – opening doors and greeting familiar and new faces alike. Wearing their school uniform – shirt or sweatshirt with the school logo, and tan or blue shorts – some of the students were tired, others were excited to be back, but all entered the school with a smile.

For the first day many parents escorted their child to the classroom where there were hugs, with parting comments from the parents including: “Have fun!” “Good luck!” “Miss you already!” and “I love you!” Following a few last “First Day of School” photos, the parents departed, and everyone quickly settled into their seats comforted in the knowledge that they now had many new friends.

These scenes were repeated at each of the 15 Diocesan Catholic schools. The high schools had less tears and more fun as those students settled into their year. At each Diocesan Catholic high school – Bishop Verot in Fort Myers, Cardinal Mooney in Sarasota, St. John Neumann in Naples and Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Catholic School in Ave Maria – there were special “Senior Sunrise” welcomes for the graduating class of 2023. Each school was completely open by Aug. 10, with some staggering their starts over two days.

St. Andrew and nearly all of the 15 Diocesan Catholic schools are full, with extensive waitlists at several schools, and final enrollment numbers expected to exceed 6,100, up more than 1,000 in two years.

Diocesan Catholic schools work conscientiously to provide Christ-centered learning experiences that are transportable to the real world and provide the opportunity for children to develop life-long learning skills and to be successful beyond the classroom.

Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, said he expects great things from the students within the Diocese in the 2023-2023 Academic Year as a great effort has gone into increasing academic standards while focusing on developing a strong “Catholic School Culture.”

“This culture is the vision, values, systems, language, expectations, behaviors, and beliefs that increase a school’s and Diocese’s chances of accomplishing the strategy of fulfilling its mission: to introduce the world to its Savior,” Father Belmonte said.

Assumption: a beautiful reflection on Mary Most Holy

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Holy day of obligation on Aug. 15

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

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

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

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

While the Blessed Virgin has entered into heavenly glory, the Holy Father added that it does not mean that She is distant or detached from us. “The Assumption should bring eternal hope to the faithful… Mary is always there… She accompanies them, suffers with them, and sings of hope with them and brings victory over death.”

This Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the oldest celebration of Our Lady. The original celebration, known as the “Memory of Mary” or “Falling Asleep of Mary” for it initially centered on the end of her earthly existence, is commonly known as her “dormition.”

Soon the name was changed to the “Assumption of Mary,” since there was much more to the feast than the end of her earthly life. The belief that Mary had been taken up, body and soul, into heaven dates back to the Apostles themselves.

Clear from the beginning was that there were no relics of Mary to be venerated, and that an empty tomb stood on the edge of Jerusalem near the site of the end of her earthly existence or dormition. That location also soon became a place of pilgrimage. (Today, the Benedictine Abbey of the Dormition of Mary stands on the spot.)

In 1950, Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Assumption of Mary a dogma of the Catholic Church, therefore, an ancient belief became Catholic Doctrine and the Assumption was declared a truth revealed by God.

The declaration of the dogma was to “make our belief in our own resurrection stronger and render it more effective,” Pope Pius XII stated in a proclamation.

The proclamation went on to say that the definition of the Assumption “will contribute in no small way to the advantage of human society, since it (reflects and builds up) the glory of the Most Blessed Trinity, to which the Blessed Mother of God is bound by such singular bonds.”

It was also expected that the faithful would be stirred up to a stronger piety toward their heavenly Mother and that those who meditate upon the glorious example Mary offers, be more convinced of the value of a human life entirely devoted to carrying out the heavenly Father’s will and to bringing good to others.

Pope Francis said that the current devotion the faithful throughout the world have toward the Blessed Virgin confirms the earlier expectations of Pope Pius XII. “We pray to Mary in a particular way, through the Rosary. This prayer brings us closer to the Blessed Mother and to her Son. We join in her suffering and her glory and rejoice looking to eternity and giving us hope that we, too, will follow Our Lady when our life is ended.”

All the feast days of Mary mark the great mysteries of her life and her part in the work of redemption. The central mystery of her life and person is her divine motherhood, celebrated both at Christmas and a week later (Jan. 1) on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8) marks the preparation for that motherhood, so that she had the fullness of grace from the first moment of her existence, completely untouched by sin. The Assumption completes God’s work in her since it was not fitting that the flesh that had given life to God himself should ever undergo corruption.

Our Sunday Visitor contributed to this report.

Holy day of obligation

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary is a Holy Day of obligation this year. Holy days of obligation are feast days on which Catholics are required to attend Mass and to avoid (to the extent that they are able) servile work. The observance of Holy Days of Obligation is part of the Sunday Duty, the first of the Precepts of the Church. To accommodate this obligation, many Parishes throughout the Diocese offer vigils or extra Masses on the Solemnity. Every Sunday, the Lord’s Day, is recognized as a holy day of obligation and Catholics are bound to participate in Mass on Sunday or at an anticipated Mass on Saturday in the late afternoon or evening. In the United States, the following feasts are considered Holy Days of obligation: Mary, Mother of God (Jan. 1), Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Aug. 15), All Saints (Nov. 1), Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8), Nativity of the Lord Jesus (Christmas – Dec. 25). All Saints, Mary, Mother of God and the Assumption are not days of obligation if they fall on a Saturday or Monday.

Execution prayer vigils held

Posted on by Bob Reddy

James Barnes was executed by the State of Florida at 6 p.m., Aug. 3, 2023.  He was sentenced to death for the 1988 murder of a young woman named Patricia Miller in Melbourne, Florida. He has been on Florida’s death row since 2006.

To mark this solemn occasion, prayer vigils were held at San Pedro Parish in North Port, and at Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda.

Barnes was convicted of the murders of two women: his wife, Linda Barnes, in 1997 (for which he received a life sentence); and in 2005, he confessed to the 1988 rape and murder of Patricia “Patsy” Miller, a 41- year-old nurse in Melbourne.

During these vigils, which joined Floridians around the state, the faithful gathered to pray for Ms. Barnes and Ms. Miller, for their families, for all who have been harmed by Mr. Barnes’ actions, for him, for those directly or indirectly involved in the execution, for everyone affected by violent crime, and for an end to the use of the death penalty.

On behalf of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishop’s, Michael Sheedy, executive director, sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis seeking a stay of the execution and commuting the sentence to life without parole. In the letter on behalf of the Florida Bishops, Sheedy acknowledged that Barnes’ violent crimes have brought immense grief and suffering to the families and friends of his victims.

Sheedy also noted the unique circumstances of the case. Barnes represented himself at the trial for Miller’s murder, where he pled guilty and waived mitigation as well as a jury for sentencing. He was convicted and sentenced to death in 2007. Since the signing of his death warrant, Barnes has moved to discharge counsel, waive any final appeals, and proceed with the execution.

“Mr. Barnes’ willing acceptance of death, the punishment put in place by the justice system, does not absolve the state from bringing it about,” wrote Sheedy. “Simply put, no one should be executed in our modern penal system, even if they willingly accept it. The alternative punishment of life in prison without parole is a severe penalty that still provides closure to victims and protects society.”

At San Pedro Parish in North Port, Deacon Richard Frohmiller led the prayer vigil and said they were there not to debate the guilt or innocence of Barnes, but to pray for his soul, and the souls of all who are put to death by the State on our behalf.

“We are taught to respect the dignity of every person and we pray that we are never silent about the deliberate taking of a life,” Deacon Frohmiller said.

The prayer service included hymns and a reading from the Gospel of Matthew 5:38-48, when Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.” Jesus teaches that we should step beyond our rights in love. While the Old Testament includes some passages about taking the life of one who kills, the Old Testament and the teaching of Christ in the New Testament call us to protect life, practice mercy, and reject vengeance.

The North Port group also prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and offered intercessions seeking a change to the laws which allow capital punishment in Florida and elsewhere.  The prayer service poignantly paused at 6 p.m. (the time of the execution) to pray in silence.

In Punta Gorda, the prayer vigil took place outside, next to a Last Supper statue, which includes the image of Jesus.

Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in Florida in 1976, 104 have been put to death, including Barnes. This was the fifth execution this year in the State of Florida. Florida is also among the top four states for executions in the U.S., behind only, Texas, Oklahoma and Virginia.

News Briefs for the Week of August 11, 2023

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Knight’s Silver Rose visits Sebring

A special prayer service was held Aug. 8, 2023, at St. Catherine Parish in Sebring, when members of the Knights of Columbus brought the travelling Silver Rose to the Parish. Each year, from early March through mid-December, Silver Roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes from Canada to Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Knights of Columbus expansive pro-life initiative includes supporting the National March for Life in Washington, D.C., and placing more than 1,000 ultrasounds in pregnancy resource centers throughout the world, including many within the Diocese of Venice.

Youth pray for priests

On the Feast of St. John Vianney, Aug. 4, 2023, youth from St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral offered a Holy hour & Divine Mercy Chaplet for all priests in honor of the feast day of St. John Vianney. The French saint (1786-1759) was known for his faithfulness, his devotion to the Virgin Mary, and to St. Philomena, and for dedication to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) for his parishioners. St. John Vianney was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925. He is the patron saint of clergy throughout the world.

Student commits to West Point

Sophia McCartney, a senior at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, has announced her commitment to accept an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 2024. McCartney is a star basketball player at Neumann and intends to play at West Point.

Rosary makers hold luncheon

The rosary makers of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria held a luncheon on Aug. 5, 2023, to honor Our Blessed Mother. Our Lady’s Rosary Makers is a nationwide apostolate founded by Xaverian Brother Dylan in 1949. Rosary makers of Ave Maria meet Wednesdays 1-3 p.m. in the Oasis Club Craft Room – Del Webb. All are welcome; however, reservations are required. For more information, please contact Virginia Patterson at 916-616-8007, or Virginiapatterson37@gmail.com.

Bradenton students represent school in golf tournament

Congratulations to St. Joseph Catholic School students Niko and Tobias on attending the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship. Niko placed 72 among 170 in his division, and Tobias placed 33 among the 200 in his division. The Championship is played every August in Pinehurst, N.C., and gathers 1500 plus golfers in the age range of 5-12 years old from many different countries around the world. Niko and Tobias are pictured with family and friends at the event.

 

Youth celebration in Fort Myers Aug. 27

St. John XXIII Parish Youth Council in Fort Myers is hosting a Youth Celebration Family Event from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, in the Parish Hall, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. The evening is titled: “Celebrating the Catholic Family,” and will include a live performance by The Camp Veritas Band, dynamic speakers, adoration, a 50/50 raffle, and concessions. The event is free and is for youth (middle and high school age) and parents. For more information, please contact Kelly Evers at 239-561-3022 or kelly@johnxxiii.net.

Retreats Returning to OLPH

Registration is now open for several retreats at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. The Monthly Days of Prayer start September 13. Also, several dates are available for our Desert Day retreats, a one day overnight private retreat. In addition, starting this fall, OLPH is offering single-day Youth Retreats for grades 6-12. The following Fall group retreats are also available for registration: Matt Talbot Men’s Retreat scheduled for October 15-17, and the Can You See Me? retreat scheduled for October 27-29. If you are interested in the 3-night, 5-night, or 7-night private, directed retreat schedule, fall dates are now available. To learn more or to register for a group or private retreat, please visit https://www.olph-retreat.org/, or call 941-486-0233.

Vocational Retreat in Arcadia Aug. 26

St. Paul Parish in Arcadia is hosting a one-day Vocational Retreat, “Encounter with Christ” from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Aug. 26, 2023, for males and females ages 15 to 30. The cost for the day is $20 and includes meals and materials. Pre-registration is available by emailing retreatreg20@gmail.com. For further information contact the Parish office at 863-494-2611.

Scam Alert

Parishioners of several Parishes in the Diocese of Venice have been contacted by imposters pretending to be their pastor and/or Parish staff, and asking them to send gift cards, cash or money orders via email or text. These requests are a scam and under no circumstances should you reply to these emails or comply with these requests. Nor should you divulge any personal information to anyone that is not a trusted source. If you are contacted with a request for money via email or text, and the message appears as though it is from a Diocesan priest or employee, do not reply. Instead, make direct contact with the person by calling the Parish and asking to speak with the priest or employee.

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