Whether it is praying on a sidewalk in front of an abortion facility, marching with thousands of others, attending a luncheon or dinner, working or volunteering at a pregnancy care center or mother’s support home, these small Christian acts are united in making a huge difference in building a “Culture of Life” within the Diocese of Venice.
A Culture of Life Luncheon held Jan. 18, 2026, at San Pedro Parish in North Port, served as an opportunity to celebrate and support the ministries that walk alongside mothers, fathers and families every single day. There was also a panel of directors from several non-profit organizations who work hard to support pro-life efforts in the community.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane opened the luncheon with a prayer and words of encouragement for those in attendance saying how important it is to work together.
“No one of us can do everything that needs to be done for life,” Bishop Dewane said. “You are doers in promoting life. You come out to walk or to march or to pray for life. You do what we are asked to do by the Lord, to give testimony to life day after day. You have no idea of the far-reaching impact that has. Thank you all for coming together to share a meal and help build a Culture of Life.”
Tavia Ames, Respect Life Director for the Diocese of Venice, said building the Culture of Life is not just a cause – it’s a calling.
“Your presence helps lift up these ministries, strengthen the pro-life mission in our region, and ensure that more families receive hope, support, and the love of Christ in their moment of need,” Ames said.
Representatives from Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities, Pregnancy Solutions, SOLVE Maternity Homes, Community Pregnancy Clinics, and Support After Abortion, had the opportunity to speak about their mission.
On Jan. 17, more than 1,000 participated in the annual March for Life in Ave Maria. The March, which began at the Ave Maria University football stadium, processed more than a mile through the campus and into the town before concluding with a prayer service in the Piazza in front of the Parish church. The event included speeches from Bishop Joseph Coffey, Archdiocese of Military Services, USA, as well as several members of the University and Parish pro-life community. Participants came from as far as Miami and included a large group from St. Michael Parish in Wauchula, led by the Servant Sisters of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara.
The National March for Life (Jan. 22-23), when tens of thousands of pro-lifers converge in Washington, D.C., will include a group of about 350 youth and young adults from the Diocese of Venice. Participants from the Diocese of Venice will also take part in the Vigil Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Even with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the work to build a culture of life and put an end to abortion is not done; the effort continues at both state and federal levels. In fact, protecting life has gotten even more complex, with the advance and prevalence of chemical abortion, and the easy and anonymous distribution of pills.
Coming to Sarasota is the inaugural “Muffins for Life” event, at 10 a.m., Feb. 5, at Incarnation Parish, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will lead the celebration of Art Reilly, Diocesan Culture of Life award winner and Knight of Columbus, for his outstanding commitment to life in our community. Guest speakers include Pam Stenzel, who will discuss the Safe Haven Baby Boxes initiative, and Rich Owens who will talk about the upcoming Spring 40 Days for Life campaign in Sarasota. Muffins for Life brings together life-affirming organizations and individuals in the pro-life ministry throughout the Diocese for discussion, education and fellowship. There is no cost for the event, but registration is required. Email Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org to register.
The following week is Catholic Days at the Capitol (Feb. 10-12), where Catholics from across Florida are encouraged to go to Tallahassee during the Florida legislative session, to bring the light of faith to the public square and promote Catholic values through civic engagement. United with the Florida Bishops, participants advocate for the protection of human life and dignity as lawmakers shape Florida’s laws for the common good. By making the trip to our state capitol and lifting our voices, Catholic Days pilgrims help make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of all Floridians. The annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit is at the St. Thomas More Co-Cathedral on March 11 and Bishop Dewane will be the homilist. Contact Tavia Ames for more information at ames@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.
The Spring 40 Days for Life prayer campaign to end abortion in the United States will take place from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18 through Palm Sunday, March 29. Within the Diocese of Venice, peaceful prayer vigils will take place in front of Planned Parenthood abortion facilities in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples. To learn more about this campaign, please visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/.
For women or men who have been scarred by abortion, the Diocese offers “Project Rachel,” an outreach of the Catholic Church to those who are suffering and in need of healing following an abortion. This program offers help through the sacraments, retreats, and referrals for professional counseling, all confidentially. For assistance, please contact, Sylvia Jimenez, Project Rachel Coordinator, at 941-412-5860 (English and en Español), or project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. The Diocese also works with “Support After Abortion,” a national outreach to provide individualized care for those impacted by abortion. For details, visit https://supportafterabortion.com/.
To learn more about Respect Life activities in the Diocese of Venice, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/, or contact Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org.
