Author: Bob Reddy

Diocesan Catholic schools continue to be beacons in the community

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The recent conclusion of the 2024-2025 academic year at the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools was a banner year, as more than 6,500 students received an education that was not only based on faith and prayer life but serves as a beacon in a world full of distractions.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, speaking during the recording of the upcoming Relevant Radio “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” program said, “Catholic education provides not only that faith component and a prayer life but is also so important for young people as a support and as a guide. As various topics come up, they are hearing the context that the Church sets that issue in. This is a reinforcement of moral values – what society calls ethics. The first and best place these values form is in the home, but sometimes there needs to be a supplemental or complementary approach, that is what the Diocese offers.”

In a greater sense, Bishop Dewane explained how Catholic education provides a shared experience of living the faith – wherein Catholic school students are surrounded by not only teachers but peers who also share the same value system – a powerful beacon as they sort through the clutter in their lives.

Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, explained how Catholic schools offer the best value system in the world, providing a world view that can’t be found anywhere else.

“That is why we educate and form the whole person – not just the brain. Truly the head and heart – unapologetically looking for them to be disciples of Christ,” Father Belmonte continued. “We want our young people to pray, become friends with Christ, and to bring that into their adult life.”

The education of students in Diocesan Catholic schools is important work, Father Belmonte added. Done in partnership with families, where the students learn many of their lessons, Catholic education is in the business of teaching students to make the right decisions so that they can do the good that is needed, not only by their families and themselves, but by society.

Each school offers a comprehensive STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math) learning model which is combined with the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence,” creating students of good moral character equipped to succeed in the world of today. This program has a strong robotics component as well.

Annually, a Diocesan Catholic Schools Devotional Project offers leadership opportunities in the middle schools as junior catechists are trained on the annual devotion and then teach their peers on the topic. The method is engaging, captivating and fun, explained Jennifer Falestiny, Diocesan Schools Director of Curriculum.

“This project offers high quality content that is relevant to all students,” Falestiny said.

John Gulley, Principal of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers, echoed Falestiny’s assessment of the Devotional Project, saying that having the junior catechists present lessons has a big impact on the other students as they learn to take ownership of their faith and share it with others.

When questioned about the challenges facing modern Catholic educators, Gulley explained how students face a “fire hose” of unfiltered misinformation/disinformation on a large scale because “it comes in without filters. The best response is our Church. Jesus is Jesus, and the lessons of the Gospel are consistent. It lets us talk about where we come from. As educators, that is approaching the problem from a beautiful place. We are uniquely equipped to help these students and families because we are capable of fulfilling their dreams through the love of Jesus Christ.”

With more than 6,500 students, the Diocese of Venice has been recognized, in a national study done by Boston College, as the fastest growing Catholic school system in the country during the past 5 years.

In May 2025, 481 men and women graduated from the four Diocesan Catholic high schools. The 2025 graduating class is the largest in Diocesan history. The students leave their respective schools with impressive accomplishments, such as completing more than 58,000 community service hours, and earning more than $40 million in scholarship offers. The graduates have been accepted to many of the top colleges and universities in the country with many going on to military service academies and the Ivy League. Most notably, 30% are going on to Catholic college and universities.

To hear the June 27 Relevant Radio “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,”   please tune in at 8:30 a.m. on 106.7 FM and 1410 AM in Fort Myers and 93.3 FM and 1660 AM in Naples. “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” can also be heard anytime at www.dioceseofvenice.org/ourbishop.

For more information about Diocese of Venice Catholic schools, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/catholicschools.

 

Solemnity of Sacred Heart of Jesus celebrated June 27

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an essential part of who we are as Catholics and what is passed along to future generations.

Celebrated by the Universal Church on June 27, 2025, on the Friday after the Corpus Christi octave, the Solemnity “reminds the faithful that Jesus is our friend for life,” said Bishop Frank J. Dewane. “The Lord wants us to be friends. The Sacred Heart of Jesus challenges us to overcome secularism, materialism, and social injustice. It is adopted as a way to address the love of Christ for the poor, the least among us. It is a modern way of thinking.”

In terms of secularism, where society tries to exclude religious viewpoints in public discussions, Bishop Dewane said that is precisely when we must speak out, because it is who we are as Catholics, called to reflect the light of Christ in the world.

Bishop Dewane reflected that this Solemnity has had a significant impact in the areas of art and culture. “You can find it in the stained glass of churches throughout the world. It is always there, depicting Jesus’ flaming heart on the outside of His body – a physical manifestation of His love for us all.”

The modern devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus came in 1673 from St. Margaret Marie Alacoque, a cloistered nun and mystic of the Visitation order. She had private visions and promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, all aflame with love, as the healing remedy for a world full of cold hearts and broken hearts.

During her visions, Sister Margaret Mary learned ways to venerate the Sacred Heart of Christ. These devotions included the concept of a Holy Hour on Thursdays, the creation of the feast of the Sacred Heart after Corpus Christi, and the reception of the Eucharist on the first Friday of every month.

In 1856, after lobbying by French Bishops on behalf of the feast of the Sacred Heart, Pope Pius IX designated the Friday following the feast of Corpus Christi as the feast of the Sacred Heart for the entire Latin-rite Church. On May 25, 1899, Pope Leo XIII promulgated the encyclical Annum Sacrum, which consecrated the entire world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Diocese of Venice is blessed to have two Parishes named for the Sacred Heart, one in Bradenton, the other in Punta Gorda. Each serves their growing communities imbued with the spirituality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In addition, the Sacred Heart of Jesus will be the focus for the annual Diocese of Venice Catholic School Devotional Project for the 2025-2026 school year.

Fort Myers Parish celebrates 60th Anniversary

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Depending on one’s perspective, 60 years can be viewed as a long time or short. For the faithful of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers, it represents a rich history and unlimited potential for the future.

St. Cecilia Parish was established on June 14, 1965, so it was appropriate to have a Parish-wide celebration on that day 60 years later. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the main celebrant for the anniversary Mass, which fell on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Concelebrating the Mass were current and former priests who served at St. Cecilia, as well as priests from neighboring Parishes.

“We gather in thanksgiving; looking backward, looking at today, but most importantly, looking forward as people of God here at St. Cecilia,” Bishop Dewane said. “We are here to look back with gratitude to those who built this Parish community, and praise those who continue to bring life to St. Cecilia each day as they prepare the way for the generations to come.”

St. Cecilia Pastor, Father Paul Dechant, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, said the motto for the anniversary is “Looking back with gratitude, ahead with hope. Live Jesus now and forever.”

“The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have served in the Parish since 1982, and as Pastor, I am honored to carry on the tradition of challenging people to ‘Live Jesus.’” Father Dechant said.

Originally founded as a Mission of nearby St. Francis Xavier Parish in 1963 within the then-Diocese of St. Petersburg, the first Masses were celebrated at neighboring Bishop Verot Catholic High School. The original church was dedicated in 1966 and a Parish Hall and rectory followed in 1972.

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales assumed the administration of the Parish in 1982. Father Stan Dombrowski served as Pastor from 2001 until his retirement in 2020. During his time as Pastor, he oversaw the construction of Marian Hall which was blessed by Bishop Dewane in 2019.

Father Paul Dechant, who had served as Parochial Vicar at St. Cecilia in the past, was named Pastor in July 2020.

A reception was held in Marian Hall and the faithful were presented with a book about the Parish history, as well as many photos covering various milestones throughout the 60 years.

Geoff and Jeannie Becker moved to Fort Myers in 1996 with two young boys. They subsequently had a daughter and became very active in the Parish as Eucharistic Ministers, participating in the weekly rosary group, and helping when needed, including at fish fries, Vacation Bible School and more.

“It has been a blessing to be a part of such a wonderful Parish over the years. We cherish the friendships we’ve made and the priests who have led this flock,” the Beckers said.

St. Cecilia Parish currently has more than 1,300 registered families.

News Briefs for the week of June 20, 2025

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Four weeks remain in Totus Tuus summer program

The Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus summer program continues to inspire young people to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. The week-long program is visiting different Parishes each week and offering day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, as well as evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12. Three missionary teams are leading the campers. In the first two weeks, the program has taken place at six Parishes, with the most recent at St. Agnes in Naples. Upcoming host Parishes include: Ave Maria in Ave Maria and St. Jude in Sarasota (June 22-27); St. Cecilia, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; St. Thomas More, Sarasota (July 6-11); St. Joseph, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 13-18); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch; St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 20-25). Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/. For more information, please visit Totus Tuus 2025 – Diocese of Venice.

Fort Myers coach leading USA baseball team

Casey Scott, a baseball head coach at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, has been selected as manager of the USA Baseball 15U National Team. Scott just finished his sixth season as head coach at Bishop Verot, leading the team to a State Final Four for the second consecutive season. During the summers of 2023 and 2024, Scott served as pitching coach for the USA Baseball 15U National Team.

Independence Day bike and golf cart parade to be held in Ave Maria

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 3862 of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria is hosting is 9th annual “God Bless America: Independence Day Bike and Golf Cart Parade.” The opening ceremony will take place in the Piazza in front of Ave Maria Parish church with the parade, led by fire trucks, immediately following. All are welcome to attend and encouraged to decorate their bicycles, tricycles, golf carts, skateboards, and strollers. The route is approximately 2 miles long, but a shorter route, around the church, is available for younger riders. Light refreshments, including birthday cake for the Nation, will be available at the conclusion of the parade.

Children Throughout the World Need Our Help! 

The Administration is terminating all but two of Catholic Relief Services’ school feeding programs, eliminating a daily school meal for close to 800,000 children in 11 countries beginning in July. For many, this was their only meal of the day.  These terminations aren’t just broken agreements with CRS. They are broken promises to children, to farmers, to entire communities. Please ask your members of Congress to urge the Administration to reverse these terminations.  Visit https://www.crs.org/act/mcgovern-dole to be heard.

Ordination to the Priesthood July 12

Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites the faithful to the Ordination to the Priesthood of Transitional Deacons Joseph Doherty, Jacob Gwynn and Pat Long. The Ordination will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this important event in the lives of Deacons Joseph, Jacob and Pat as well as the Diocese of Venice. The Ordination will also be livestreamed at the following link:  vimeo.com/event/520312.

Respect Life Volunteers Needed!

Do you have a passion for life?  The Diocese of Venice needs you!  We are looking for volunteers and leaders interested in becoming involved in local respect life activities with their Parish. Many new families are moving to Southwest Florida, and we need your help! It’s very rewarding work. For those living in the Palmetto or Parrish area, your assistance is especially needed. To get involved, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1101.

Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13

The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13. The theme for the Conference is “But as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). The Conference will include talks from Sister Maria Jose Socias, SCTJM, Michael Gormley, Mari Pablo, and Father Joseph Lugalambi. Music will be by Epic Music Ministries. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, lodging, meals, t-shirts, a pizza night, and more. Registration is $195. per person. For more information or to register, please visit aveconferences.com/.

Volunteers Needed for Prison Outreach

Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.

Support After Abortion help available

Are you or someone you know struggling because of a past abortion? You are not alone. Know that healing retreats and support are available for anyone who has experienced an abortion, including mothers, fathers and other family members who have been hurt. For help, or to learn more about the Diocese of Venice support after abortion program, Project Rachel, simply call or text 941-412-5860, or email project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org, in either English or Spanish. All contacts are confidential.

Pentecost commemorated – 127 from 23 Parishes confirmed by Bishop

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The journey of the Easter Season is concluded, and the Holy Spirit has descended to provide the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, fortitude, counsel, piety and fear of the Lord.

Celebrated June 8, 2025, the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday marks an important transition in the lives of the Apostles and clarifies their mission in creating the Lord’s Church on earth and is traditionally viewed as the founding of the Church. Pentecost, which literally means 50, falls 50 days after Easter and is 10 days after the Ascension of the Lord. As a symbol of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit, the clergy wear red vestments on this day.

“This is one of the greatest Feast Days of the Church in the context of Salvation History,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is when Jesus establishes His Church on earth … the descent of the Holy Spirit, by the Father and the Son, signals the commencement and founding of the Church and all its works.”

This celebration commemorates when the Apostles, though still afraid, accepted the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and their role in carrying the message of the Lord into the world, the Bishop said.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are sealed in the faithful through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Therefore, Pentecost is the time when those who have been baptized and are seeking to be more fully united to Christ within the Church are confirmed around the world.

At Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers, Bishop Dewane bestowed the Sacrament of Confirmation upon 127 women and men candidates representing 23 Parishes across the Diocese. These candidates were unable (for whatever reason) to be confirmed at their own Parishes during the past several months.

Bishop Dewane thanked the candidates for coming forward to be confirmed and said that the Sacrament of Confirmation must change them as they have been given a new beginning in their lives; they are making a permanent commitment that comes with corresponding responsibilities as an indelible mark is left upon their soul.

“We celebrate your presence here, that each one of you has come forward to be confirmed to receive the Holy Spirit,” the Bishop said. “Every time we receive a sacrament, we have an encounter with Jesus Christ; we must be changed as a result of that encounter. Today, you confirmandi are changed to be more that man or woman of God you are called to be.”

That change comes because living the faith must not flatline (which means spiritual death), it is always a continuing journey to grow closer to the Lord, Bishop Dewane continued.

“You are called to live a better life; called to love your brothers and sisters more dearly; called to respond to the Lord in your lives. It is who you are and who you are becoming as you play your own role in Salvation History,” Bishop Dewane said. “This is because you are called to be doers of your faith as you work to conform yourself closer to Christ. In so doing, when you meet your maker at the end of life, that the indelible mark will be seen and it will be acknowledged, and you will know how you have lived your life.”

During the Sacrament, the confirmandi renewed their baptismal promises, which Bishop Dewane said is done to publicly proclaim who they are as Catholics and to have the courage, hope, faith and perseverance to be true followers of Christ.

As the Rite continues, the Bishop says an introductory prayer and asks all to join him in praying for the candidates. He then recites an additional prayer pertaining to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Finally, the candidates are requested to come forward, with their sponsor placing their right hand on the candidate’s right shoulder. Then with his right thumb, the Bishop makes the sign of the cross on each candidate’s forehead with the Holy Chrism Oil and says “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The confirmed reply, “Amen.” At this point, the Bishop says, “Peace be with you,” and the newly confirmed respond, “And with your spirit.”

One woman from St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral expressed her joy at being confirmed by Bishop Dewane. “It is such a blessing to become a full participant in the Catholic faith.”

A young man from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples explained how his faith journey took place with the encouragement of his parents who recognized the importance of receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. “We moved around a lot so getting confirmed when I was younger was not possible. My mom encouraged me to start the instruction because I want to be married in the Church. I feel complete as a Catholic. A closer relationship to the Lord is what I needed in my life.”

Verot graduate receives Distinguished Stars & Stripes Award

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Samantha Mitchell of Fort Myers has earned the highest recognition the American Heritage Girls (AHG) offers to girl members, the Stars & Stripes Award. In addition to living out the AHG Creed and Oath, award recipients have completed several requirements to achieve this honor.

A member of Saint Francis Xavier AHG Troop FL1203, Samantha is part of the 2025 Class of girls to earn the prestigious Stars & Stripes Award nationally. She is a also recent graduate of Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, having graduated Summa Cum Laude, and attends St. Cecilia Parish. She was recognized in a Court of Honor Ceremony on May 31, 2025, at St. Cecilia Parish Hall, with many Troop members, family members, and friends in attendance.

American Heritage Girls was founded by a group of parents wanting a faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters. The AHG program is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.

“I am very honored to be a Stars and Stripes Award recipient,” Samantha said. “I’ve been a member of American Heritage Girls for 13 years, and earning this award is the highlight of my time with the program. To me, it represents the culmination of hours of diligence, hard work, and service to my community, and I am very grateful for all the support I’ve received along the way.”

To meet the requirements to earn the Stars & Stripes Award, Samantha accomplished the following:

  • Earned the Abigail Adams Level Award;
  • Earned a total of 13 required Stars & Stripes Award Badges;
  • Held a leadership position in the Troop for a minimum of six months;
  • Planned, developed, and provided leadership to others in a 100+ hour service project;
  • Wrote a Spiritual Walk Essay and an AHG Resume;
  • Received at least three Letters of Reference;
  • Passed a Board of Review.

Samantha chose to serve St. Cecilia Parish by expanding the Parish rosary garden. During Phase I, she earned her Abigail Adams Level Award through a service project that created the basic rosary walkway. During Phase II, Samantha and volunteers built an elevated garden bed in the center of the walkway, featuring a beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother. The team constructed paver platforms and installed two park benches with accompanying planters so that parishioners and passersby may enjoy sitting in the garden. The rosary garden project also included the installation of a flyer box with pamphlets on ways to pray the rosary, stations of the cross, and more.

Samantha served as her Troop’s religious awards mentor. She received the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award and earned numerous Diocese of Venice religious awards throughout her 13 years in American Heritage Girls.

At St. Cecilia, Samantha volunteers as an altar server and Eucharistic Minister. At Bishop Verot, she was active in varsity swimming and diving, Academic Team, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Art National Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society.

Samantha’s parents, Joseph and Teresa Mitchell, said they have seen their daughter grow into a confident young woman, in no small part due to the American Heritage Girls.

“The AHG program has encouraged her to flourish in so many ways, from challenging badgework to many service-oriented leadership opportunities,” Teresa Mitchell said. “We are delighted that she had the perseverance to earn this award, but more importantly we are grateful that the AHG program has enabled her to truly learn what it means to be a ‘woman of integrity through service to God, family, community and country’ (AHG’s Mission Statement).”

For more information on the American Heritage Girls, visit www.americanheritagegirls.org.

Special Olympics summer camp held at Cardinal Mooney

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Student volunteers at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota welcomed Special Olympic athletes to their campus for Camp Shriver the week of June 9-13, 2025.

Camp Shriver, in partnership with Special Olympics Florida, brought together student volunteers and athletes for a week of friendship, inclusion, and sports. This is the second year Cardinal Mooney hosted the camp, with this year bringing together double the number of athletes and student volunteers.

The week-long camp kicked off June 9, with an opening ceremony. Erin Foster, of Special Olympics Florida, praised Cardinal Mooney for being a host for the camp which allows the athletes to participate in a number of activities while also making lasting friendships.

Liz Chappell, a Cardinal Mooney teacher and camp leader, was overjoyed with how many student volunteers gave up a week of summer vacation to participate.

“These amazing students stepped up because they want their volunteer work to matter,” Chappell said.  “Everyone is ready to have fun and make lasting memories.”

On the first morning, the students and athletes went out to one of the sports fields to play a variety of games. From tossing frisbees and footballs, playing volleyball, or showing off dance moves, smiles abounded and laughter was heard across the field.

“This is great,” one Special Olympian exclaimed. “This is the best,” said another.

As the week progressed, the campers participated in athletic drills and games with Cardinal Mooney athletes in soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, football, softball, basketball and cheer. No matter the skill level, everyone had fun.

Cardinal Mooney junior Ethan Ruben said helping the campers “make friendships and grow their motor skills and just build bonds with people is really important and I get joy out of it.”

Chappell said the school will participate in additional outreach in support of Special Olympics during the coming school year as the partnership exemplifies what it means to be a Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School student.

Neumann students participate in 2025 Immokalee Service Week

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A group of 18 students from St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, accompanied by five chaperones, embarked on a transformative four-day service trip in Immokalee.

The group travelled about 40 minutes from their school to Immokalee, a short physical distance but a long spiritual journey that surprised many in how deeply it impacted them. In Immokalee, the young men and women learned about the rural Collier County farming community which has many food processing facilities and is considered one of the poorest in the country.

Delaying other fun summer plans, such as going to the beach or on vacation, or preparing for the next sports season, from June 2-5, 2025. These 18 student worked in Immokalee, assisting with local organizations, such as Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., Habitat for Humanity, Pepper Ranch Preserve, Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee, and the Guadalupe Center. This volunteer work allows the students to make a tangible difference in the community.

The students stayed at the Bethal Retreat House and during their evenings they deepened their faith and friendships through Mass, powerful testimonies, prayer, and fun group activities. The experience offered a powerful combination of service, spiritual growth, and connection. It was a journey that not only impacted those they served but also transformed the hearts of those who participated.

One student said the service week allowed her to put aside her daily concerns and focus on others, putting what was learned about Catholic Social Teaching in the classroom to real world use.

The annual service trip was organized and led by Sisters Juliana Alfonso and Kaitlin Trokan, Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, both of whom are on the faculty at St. John Neumann. To start the week, they prayed each student would gain a renewed sense of Christian Service from their experience.

St. John Neumann students volunteer thousands of hours each year throughout Collier County. The 2025 graduates completed more than 12,000 service hours in their four years.

For more information about St. John Neumann Catholic High School, please call 239-455-3044 or visit www.sjnceltics.org.

Florida Catholic Communicators Gather in Venice: “God’s AI’s”

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Florida Diocesan Communications Directors held their annual meeting in Venice, Florida earlier this month, and expanded the event this year to include additional time for renewal, reflection, and fraternity.  The annual meeting and retreat was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center (OLPH) in Venice, June 4 through June 6, 2025.

The event began with a welcoming dinner, followed by Adoration & Benediction in St. Joseph Chapel at OLPH, led by OLPH’s Father Leland Thorpe, OMV. The formal Diocesan Communicators Annual Meeting was held on Thursday. Following an opening prayer and a video highlighting Pope Leo XIV and Pope Francis talking about the importance of communication to the Catholic Church, each Diocesan Director shared a report about communications efforts and events of note in their respective Dioceses.

The Diocesan reports were interspersed among two special guests during the day.

Lois Thome, news anchor at WINK TV in Fort Myers, shared a presentation about how Catholic Communicators can best work with broadcasters. Later, Carol Brinati, former Communications Director and Chancellor in Orlando, shared an inspirational presentation called “God’s AI’s,” pointing out to the Communications professionals that in their Diocesan roles they were acting as God’s “Annunciation Instruments,” proclaiming the good news of the Gospel far and wide.

In addition to the Diocesan reports, a report was provided by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops representatives, Michele Taylor and Michael Sheedy.

Following the meeting, the group gathered again in St. Joseph Chapel for Mass, celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, with Father Thorpe concelebrating.

Florida is divided into seven Catholic Dioceses.  Six of the seven Dioceses’ Communications Directors were able to attend the Annual Retreat. Diocesan Communications Directors participating included Karen Barry Schwarz, Diocese of Venice, Teresa Peterson, Diocese of Saint Petersburg, Jen Drow, Diocese of Orlando, Chez Filippini, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Jennifer Trefelner, Diocese of Palm Beach (remotely), and Juan Alejandro Di Prado, Diocese of Miami (remotely).  Also in attendance, Rachel Powers and Bob Reddy from the Communications Department in the Diocese of Venice, and Kirsten Pedersen, Communications Director for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice.

The meeting was a great success, highlighting the importance of in-person connection, and a spirit of collaboration and support, with one Director commenting “You are wonderful humans, and all taught me more about my faith… I clearly see Jesus in each one of you!”

News briefs for the week of June 13, 2025

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Appointments

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

Father Gerard Critch, Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples is on Temporary Leave, effective May 30, 2025.

Father David Portorreal is assigned as Administrator at St. Peter the Apostle and relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs, effective May 30, 2025.

Father Gilbert Nortilus is assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, effective June 2, 2025.

 

Totus Tuus summer program continues

The Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus summer program continues to inspire young people to long for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life. The week-long program is visiting different Parishes each week and offering day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, as well as evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12. Three missionary teams are leading the campers. In the first two weeks, the program has taken place at six Parishes, with the most recent at Sacred Heart in Bradenton, St. Katharine Drexel in Cape Coral and St. Paul in Arcadia. Upcoming host Parishes include: St. Agnes, Naples (June 15-20); Ave Maria in Ave Maria and St. Jude in Sarasota (June 22-27); St. Cecilia, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; St. Thomas More, Sarasota (July 6-11); St. Joseph, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 13-18); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch; St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 20-25). Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/. For more information, please visit Totus Tuus 2025 – Diocese of Venice.

Parish hosts Mission Week

St. Michael Parish in Wauchula hosted a Parish Mission Week the week of June 2-7, 2025. The week included daily prayer, reflection and trips to different locations to be true missionaries of Christ in the world. The outreach included visiting a nursing home as well as the homebound and needy throughout Hardee County. A Family Day on June 8 which included food, entertainment and music concluded the week. The Parish Mission was organized by the Servant Sisters of the Virgin of Matara who serve at the Parish. Visiting members of the religious order also assisted throughout the week.

Knights elect new State officers

The Florida Knights of Columbus have elected new officers, including Deacon Richard Dahn Jr., of St. Agnes Parish in Naples as State Treasurer. Father Bob Kantor, Pastor of St. Agnes Parish, serves as the State Chaplain for the Knights. The election results were announced May 25, 2025, at the 121st annual Florida State Council Convention in Jacksonville.

Sarasota Parish to host Brazilian Festival July 14

St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th St., Sarasota, is hosting a Festa Junina Brasilera (Brazilian Festival), from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., June 14, 2025. The festival will include food, live music, kids’ games and other activities. St. Jude Parish is also having a Drive Away Raffle for one lucky person to win a 2025 Jeep Wrangler. Tickets are $100 and available in the Parish office or online at www.stjudesarasota.org and must be purchased by noon on Sunday, June 15. All raffle proceeds will benefit the new church building fund.

Children Throughout the World Need Our Help! 

The Administration is terminating all but two of Catholic Relief Services’ school feeding programs, eliminating a daily school meal for close to 800,000 children in 11 countries beginning in July. For many, this was their only meal of the day.  These terminations aren’t just broken agreements with CRS. They are broken promises to children, to farmers, to entire communities. Please ask your members of Congress to urge the Administration to reverse these terminations.  Visit https://www.crs.org/act/mcgovern-dole to be heard.

Theology on Tap June 19 in Sarasota

Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The next gathering is June 19 and will feature a presentation from Father Christian Chami, Parochial Vicar at St. Jude Parish in Sarasota with the topic: “St. Charbel: Lessons in silence, faith and obedience.” The evening begins with food and refreshments at 7 p.m., with the presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning at 8 p.m. Please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org with any questions.

Relevant Radio: “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane”

Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for his monthly half-hour radio program on Relevant Radio on 106.7 FM and 1410 AM in Fort Myers and 93.3 FM and 1660 AM in Naples. Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane can be heard at 8:30 a.m. on the last Friday of every month, or anytime at www.dioceseofvenice.org/ourbishop. The next episode will air on Friday, June 27, 2025, and includes a recap of the 2024-2025 Academic Year in Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools.

Ordination to the Priesthood July 12

Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites the faithful to the Ordination to the Priesthood of Transitional Deacons Joseph Doherty, Jacob Gwynn and Pat Long. The Ordination will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this important event in the lives of Deacons Joseph, Jacob and Pat as well as the Diocese of Venice. The Ordination will also be livestreamed.

Respect Life Volunteers Needed!

Do you have a passion for life?  The Diocese of Venice needs you!  We are looking for volunteers and leaders interested in becoming involved in local respect life activities with their Parish. Many new families are moving to Southwest Florida, and we need your help! It’s very rewarding work. For those living in the Palmetto or Parrish area, your assistance is especially needed. To get involved, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1101.

Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13

The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13. The theme for the Conference is “But as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). The Conference will include talks from Sister Maria Jose Socias, SCTJM, Michael Gormley, Mari Pablo, and Father Joseph Lugalambi. Music will be by Epic Music Ministries. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, lodging, meals, t-shirts, a pizza night, and more. Registration is $195. per person. For more information or to register, please visit aveconferences.com/.

Volunteers Needed for Prison Outreach

Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.

Support After Abortion help available

Are you or someone you know struggling because of a past abortion? You are not alone. Know that healing retreats and support are available for anyone who has experienced an abortion, including mothers, fathers and other family members who have been hurt. For help, or to learn more about the Diocese of Venice support after abortion program, Project Rachel, simply call or text 941-412-5860, or email project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org, in either English or Spanish. All contacts are confidential.

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