Music from Episcopal Ordination
Relive or hear for the first time the beautiful music of the Episcopal Ordination Mass! The New Shepherd: Lighting the Lantern is a music playlist from the Mass and includes a recording of the Mass Homily by His Eminence Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap. Please share!
Assumption – Aug. 15
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aug. 15, 2026, is not a holy day of obligation this year because it falls on a Saturday. On this day the Church acknowledges and celebrates the fact that Mary, the Mother of God, was assumed into Heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. “The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son’s Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his Body” (CCC 974).
Death penalty prayer vigil Aug. 18
Please join us at San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, in the Chapel at 5:15 p.m., Aug. 18, 2026, for a Prayer Vigil to pray for the end of the death penalty in Florida. We pray for everyone involved in the execution process; the doctor administering the execution, all of the witnesses, a conversion of the condemned, the victims and their families. The vigil will coincide with the scheduled execution of William Silvia, who is set to become the 13th person executed in Florida this year. The vigil lasts less than an hour and includes hymns, a Gospel reading, reflections, intercessions, and a praying of the Rosary. A pause will take place at 6 p.m., the time Florida executions take place. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Parish Marriage Retreat Aug. 22
Ave Maria Parish invites all married couples to the Annual Marriage Retreat, Aug. 22, 2026, at Ave Maria Catholic Academy, 4955 Seton Way, Ave Maria, for a special day dedicated to strengthening marriages through faith, prayer, and fellowship. The retreat is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and will be led by Father Leandro Fernandez. The cost is $125 per couple, which includes breakfast and lunch. Childcare is available for $15 per child. Register HERE.
Young Adult Retreat Sept. 13, 2026
The Diocese of Venice is hosting a young adult retreat 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 13, 2026, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. DISCERN: “Hearing God’s Voice in Everyday Life” will be led by Mother Nikopoia, SSVM. Learn how to recognize God’s voice in the middle of everyday life. Come for a day dedicated to prayer, reflection, and learning how to discover God’s will. Registration fee of $35 per person includes morning coffee and pastries, lunch and retreat materials. Contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1122. for more information.
Thank and honor our priests
Priesthood Sunday is September 27, 2026. What is “Priesthood Sunday?” Priesthood Sunday is a special day set aside to honor the priesthood. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church. In the Diocese of Venice, the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women offer a unique opportunity to all to honor your priest, and to support our future priests, on this special day. Simply send a donation of any amount, along with the name of your priest, and the VDCCW will send a note to your priest letting him know he has been honored by you, and that a donation (undisclosed amount) has been made to the Diocesan Seminarian Fund to support future priests, in his name. Send your donation today to Cornelia Zanetti, Seminarian Fund Guardian, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Please make checks payable to the VDCCW Seminarian Fund. Thank you!
Pennies for Babies!
The Pennies for Babies Fund is a Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice initiative that supports pregnant mothers and their newborn babies in need. It is part of the Diocese’s widespread Walking with Moms in Need program. The fund raises money to provide critical assistance to expectant mothers and newborns. If you wish to help mothers and babies in need, please consider giving to the Pennies for Babies Fund. Send checks (not cash) to Catholic Charities Pennies for Babies Fund, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. With questions, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-441-1101.
Save the Date!
Preparations have begun for the annual Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Rosary Congress, October 3-9, 2026. This year’s theme is My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. At Parishes throughout the Diocese, the Eucharistic Rosary Congress will unfold slightly differently but usually will begin with the celebration of daily Mass and end with Mass at the same time the next day; in the 24 hours between the two Masses, there is perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, with the five decades of the Rosary being prayed every hour. Many parishes will also have the Sacrament of Penance available at different points throughout the schedule. The goal is that each parish participates according to their particular circumstances and that the Holy Eucharist is being adored and the Rosary prayed every hour of every day, somewhere in the Diocese of Venice, from October 3-9. This abundance of prayer will undoubtedly draw down from the Lord many graces upon our families, the Diocese, the Church Universal, the nation, and the world. More information will be available soon, including a list of participating parishes.
Save the Date!
Married and engaged couples are invited to the sixth annual Together in Holiness Marriage Conference on Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers. Spend quality time with your spouse, hear from dynamic national and local speakers, and enhance your marriage through the Sacraments. Registration: $64/couple and $5/child for on-site childcare. An Early Bird discount is available through September 14 as well as scholarships upon request. This conference is presented by the Diocese of Venice and the St. John Paul II Foundation. To register, visit www.forlifeandfamily.org/events/th26-vnfl/ With questions, contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
Holiday Bereavement Outreach Retreats
Those grieving the loss of a loved one are invited to “There Is Hope: Coping with the Death of a Loved One During the Holidays”, a Catholic bereavement retreat led by Deacon Henry deMena and offered at four locations throughout the Diocese of Venice on Nov. 3-6, 2026. All retreats are from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the following parishes: Nov. 3, Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice; Nov. 4, Sacred Heart, Punta Gorda; Nov. 5, St. Paul, Arcadia; Nov. 6, St. Agnes, Naples. For more information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754.
Catholic Charities summer appeal continues
Every day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, serves the most vulnerable population in the Diocese’s 10 counties by feeding, housing, empowering, and helping all in need. This summer, you can be the one that makes a difference. Your acts of kindness have the power to transform lives. The Catholic Charities “Summertime and the Giving is Easy” appeal needs your support. The giving is easy! To donate, visit Summertime Giving, or mail a check to Catholic Charities, “Summertime and the Giving is Easy,” 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. If you have any questions, please call 941-488-5581. The appeal continues through August.
Pray for Safety! Hurricane Season
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season continues through November 30. With a history of these storms producing destruction in the region, please pray for safety. To view or download a Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season in English or Spanish languages, visit the Diocese of Venice website.
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. 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 English or Spanish. All contacts are confidential.
OLPH seeks volunteers
Many hands make light work. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is seeking volunteers. Aid the Diocesan retreat center in providing a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who come seeking transformation in Christ. Areas of need include: gardening, dishwashing, dining room, answering the phones and more. For more information, or to sign-up, please call 941-486-0233, or email info@olph-retreat.org.
