Neocatechumenal Way commissioning ceremony held
Bishop Frank J. Dewane presided over a prayer service of the Neocatechumenal Way March 11, 2026, at Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers. The gathering included commissioning of several members to become local missionaries. The Neocatechumenal Way was initiated in Madrid in 1964, and is dedicated to post- and pre-baptismal formation of Christians, based on the Word of God, the Eucharist and the Christian community. The Way engages families to establish the presence of the Catholic Church in countries where the Church is absent or tiny, or to revive and strengthen the presence of Catholic communities in difficult and highly secularized areas. During the prayer service the candidates were called to offer their testimony of faith. Each candidate was called forth by name and presented a Bible and recited an oath of commitment as they were commissioned and sent to be witnesses to God in the community, announcing the Good News of His resurrection. They also committed to live their lives according to the Nicene Creed, and agreed to let the Holy Spirit drive out their sins of doubt and guide them through their lives.
School Cocktail Party a huge success
St. Mary Academy in Sarasota hosted a cocktail party which was a resounding success March 12, 2026. School leadership brought donors together who share the vision for the mission of the school with programs for diverse learners, five to fifteen years old. St. Mary Academy works with children who are struggling academically, and children with special learning needs. Students are average to above-average in intelligence and may have: Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Dyslexia, Speech and Language Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD), Anxiety, high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), or other exceptionalities. Students learn in classes of 13 students or fewer and are taught by certified teachers. The school also has occupational and speech therapists on-site. The school was given a $50,000 match challenge from the Kaminski Family Foundation, of which the leadership was thankful, and the school is poised to exceed the goal! Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Father John Belmonte, SJ, Superintendent of Catholic Schools were present, along with the school staff, parents and donors for an evening of impact
Two Catholic high schools participate in Model UN conference
The Model UN teams representing Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota and Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers were among 20 participating in the Southwest Florida Model United Nations Conference on Feb. 28, 2026, at Florida Gulf Coast University in Estero. Both teams earned multiple recognitions for their leadership and work throughout the event. The Cardinal Mooney team finished fourth out of 20 overall. The Mooney club earned $1,000 toward its Mental Health project, supporting student-led initiatives focused on awareness and advocacy. The conference also recognized the leadership of the team’s advisor, Elizabeth Smith, who was honored with the SWFLMUN Coach of the Year Award for her dedication to mentoring and guiding students in diplomacy, debate, and global awareness. Individual honors were also awarded to Cristina Peterson, who earned 1st Place for her position paper out of 250 submissions, receiving a $2,500 award for her exceptional research, writing, and analysis. The Bishop Verot team received both the Diana Gowen Most Improved School Award and the Outstanding Team Leadership Award, recognizing the growth and strength of the program. Their advisor, Rob Schmidbauer, along with students Savannah Truax and Isabella Mparaganda, were also recognized for their outstanding leadership. Savannah and Isabella were additionally selected to mentor ten Fulbright scholars—internationally recognized teachers participating in a prestigious U.S. cultural exchange program—as they work to launch Model UN programs in schools around the world. In addition, Isabella was named Outstanding Delegate in the Press Corps category. Well done everyone!
Fort Myers high school recognized for environmental stewardship
Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers has been named a 2025-2026 Guy Harvey Conservation School for their dedication to marine conservation and for inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards. Guy Harvey Conservation Schools demonstrate their commitment to environmental education through professional development, experiential learning, and environmental stewardship, empowering educators and students to embrace the future of conservation education and to inspire their communities to make a difference.
40 Days for Life Spring Campaign through March 29
The 40 days for Life Spring Campaign (from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026) aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful all-day vigils in front of abortion businesses. In the Diocese of Venice, 40 Days for Life campaigns are held in three locations: Sarasota – Daily from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., 736 Central Ave., or visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/sarasota; Naples – Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., 1425 Creech Road, or visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/naples; and Fort Myers – Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., 6418 Commerce Park Drive, or visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/fortmyers.
Annunciation presentation March 25 in Naples
St. William Parish, 610 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting a mini-conference with Dr. Edward Sri from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 25, 2026. The conference is presented by Dr. Edward Sri, and the theme, “Into His Likeness – Be Transformed as a Disciple of Christ!” is for the Feast of the Annunciation. The day includes a reception and noon Mass. No fees required. All are invited to attend!
CPCI Gala March 28
Support Life! Join Community Pregnancy Clinics (CPCI) for an evening of hope and inspiration at the “Heart of the Community Gala,” 5 p.m. March 28, 2026, at the Ritz-Carton Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples. Begin with a cocktail reception and fellowship alongside other dedicated advocates, followed by a delicious dinner, paddle-raise fundraiser, and a powerful keynote address from Matt Walsh, a renowned filmmaker, author, and pro-life voice. The cost is $500 per person. Tickets are available at www.supportcpci.com.
Diocesan-wide Reconciliation times March 27-28
Please note that the precept of confessing grave sins and receiving Holy Communion at least once during the Lenten Season merits a reminder. To facilitate this requirement, in addition to regular Parish Confession hours, every Parish in the Diocese of Venice will be open with a confessor present 4 – 8 p.m., March 27, 2026, and 9 a.m. – noon, March 28. These opportunities are made available so that the faithful may find ample opportunity to receive God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Lenten Season.
Magnificat breakfast March 28
Be Blessed and Encouraged at the next Magnificat breakfast for women, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., March 28, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers Gulf Coast. The speaker is Kathy Corona, a woman of deep faith who will share her spiritual journey. Join for breakfast, fellowship, and worship to hear her inspiring testimony of Jesus Christ’s love and healing! Reservations can be made online until noon, March 24 at https://magnificatfortmyers.com/order-tickets/. For more information, contact Margaret Mengle, 239-826-7475.
Catholic-Jewish Dialogue movie screening March 29
St. William Parish, 750 Seagate Drive, Naples, in partnership with the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County, is hosting a screening of the movie, “Irena Sendler – In the Name of Their Mothers,” at 2:30 p.m., March 29, 2026, in the Parish Community Center. Irena Sendler was a young Catholic social worker in Warsaw, Poland. In this film, she tells the remarkable story of how she and a group of young Polish women risked their lives to save thousands of Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto. Most of the hidden children survived the war and many were later reunited with their Jewish families. At age 33, she was captured and tortured by the German Gestapo but refused to divulge anything about their underground operation. At 95, Sendler tells this story years later. Please register at https://www.jewishnaples.org/catholic-jewish-dialogue.
Palm Sunday and Easter TV Mass to air at special times
The Televised Mass for the Homebound on Palm Sunday (March 29, 2026), and Easter Sunday (April 5 and celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane), will air for a full hour on both Sundays. Because of the length, these two Sundays the broadcast will air at a special time. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Masses will air at 10:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Masses will air at 8 a.m. on FOX Florida. Please check your cable provider for channel listings. The televised Mass is also always available online at dioceseofvenice.org or on YouTube. Visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/communications/tvmass/ for more information or contact Rachel Powers at powers@dioceseofvenice.org.
Jericho Walk – Sarasota 40 Days for Life closing event March 29
The Jericho Walk, Sarasota’s 40 Days for Life Spring Campaign closing event will take place at 5:30 p.m., at the parking lot of Community Pregnancy Clinics, 1419 7th St. Sarasota. A Jericho Walk is as Joshua and the Israelites did to bring down the walls of the Jericho. The walk is seven times in silent prayer around the block which contains the Sarasota Planned Parenthood abortion facility, for a distance of approximately ¼-mile, praying to God to bring down the walls around hearts to end abortion in Sarasota, Florida and the U.S. Participants who do not wish to walk are encouraged to remain and pray in the parking of Community Pregnancy Clinics. The event will also include a prayer service and reflection on the completed 40 Days for Life prayer campaign to end abortion as well as a look forward to continuing the prayer campaign against abortion throughout the year. All are welcome. Bring your own chair to the event.
Handel’s “Messiah” to be performed on Palm Sunday in Naples
The St. William Parish Music Ministry will present selections from Handel’s “Messiah” at 4 p.m., Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the Church at 601 Seagate Drive, Naples. G.F. Handel’s choral masterpiece will highlight the Passion and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, featuring professional soloists, orchestra and the St. William adult choir, under the direction of Richard Owen, St. William Music Director. The free performance will be followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.
Chrism Mass March 31 in Bonita Springs
The Chrism Mass, which takes place during Holy Week every year, will be held 10:30 a.m., March 31, 2026, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. During this Mass, Bishop Frank J. Dewane will bless the Holy Oils which are used in the administration of the Sacraments at each parish throughout the year. Priests and Deacons celebrating 25 and 50 years of Ordination are recognized at this Mass.
- Priests celebrating 50 years: Father Edward Blackwell, Father Vincente Clemente, Father Lawrence Esposito, Father Francis Hanlon, OSFS, Father Thomas Heck, Father Michael Orsi, and Father Timothy Sheedy.
- Priests celebrating 25 years: Father Lorenzo Gonzalez, Father Philip Joly, Father Jacek Mazur, Father David Pignato, Father Philip Scheff, and Father David Vidal.
- Deacon celebrating 25 years: Deacon Gary Ingold.
All are encouraged to attend in support of our clergy and to participate in this important Holy Week celebration.
Retreat Center Triduum Retreat
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is hosting a Triduum Retreat, Easter Weekend, April 2-5, 2026. This retreat begins with supper on Holy Thursday and ends with breakfast on Easter Sunday. The liturgies of the Lord’s Supper, Way of the Cross, Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, Easter Vigil, and Sunrise Easter Liturgy are celebrated. A series of six one-hour conferences on various topics is offered throughout the retreat. In addition, the opportunity for Confession is available. Total cost is $525 per retreatant for a private room or $360 per retreatant for a shared, double occupancy room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained). No commuter rate is offered. Register at www.olph-retreat.org.
Mass for Victims of Abuse April 10 in Venice
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in conjunction with the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Diocese of Venice will hold a Mass for Victims of Child Abuse for the 18th consecutive year with Bishop Frank J. Dewane as the Celebrant. The Mass will take place at 8:30 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2026, at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. All are invited to attend as we come together to pray for the victims of abuse.
Catholic Health Care Ethics Conference April 11 in Fort Myers
Medical professionals, students, and interested laypeople are invited to the third annual Converging Roads health care ethics conference 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 11, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection Parish, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The conference is themed, “The Dignified Mission of Catholic Health Care.” Join national and local experts either in person or online as they discuss topics such as “The Vocation to Palliative Care,” “The Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care,” “Christian Anthropology and the Renewal of Medicine,” and more. Converging Roads is an initiative of the St. John Paul II Foundation and is presented collaboratively with the Diocese of Venice and Southwest Florida Guild of the Catholic Medical Association. Continuing education credits for health care professionals are available. To register, visit April 11, 2026 | Fort Myers, FL | Converging Roads – St. John Paul II Foundation. For more information, contact Taylor Briggs, Conference Coordinator, at 832-779-1070 or taylor@forlifeandfamily.org.
Project Rachel retreat in Spanish April 18
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. The next one-day healing retreat will be held April 18, 2026, in Spanish. The next retreat in English is currently in the planning stages. For more information, or to join, 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/ or www.esperanzaposabortio.org.
Boots & Bandanas April 24
Round up your friends and join Catholic Charities for a western-inspired evening supporting food security and education programs serving families across DeSoto county at Boot & Bandanas at 6 p.m., April 24, 2026, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia. Tickets are $125. To purchase tickets or to become a sponsor please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/events.
Ignatian Preached Retreat at OLPH May 8-11
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is hosting an Ignatian Preached Retreat May 8-11, 2026. This three-night silent retreat will introduce participants to the great themes of the Spiritual Exercises in a group setting. The schedule includes conferences each day, daily Mass, and an opportunity to meet at least once with the retreat director for Confession and/or spiritual direction. Conference topics center on Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment. Total cost is $525 per person for a private room and $360 per person for a shared room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained). To register, please visit www.olph-retreat.org.
Charity Golf Tournament
The annual St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament has an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start May 16, 2026, at Heritage Harbour Golf Club, 8000 Stone Harbour Loop, Bradenton. The cost is $150 per player. Please call Connie Taft at 941-685-2108 to register or for sponsorship opportunities.
Diocese of Venice Missionary Opportunity for Summer 2026 Now Open
Could the Lord be calling you? The Diocese of Venice is inviting college-age young adults to apply to serve as Totus Tuus Missionaries for the Diocese’s Parish Catechetical Summer Totus Tuus Camps. As a Totus Tuus Missionary, you will be an authentic witness to Christ’s love, teach the Catholic faith to children and youth, and grow in leadership, community, and your personal relationship with Christ. Many missionaries describe Totus Tuus as one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences of their lives, a summer where faith deepens, friendships grow, and God’s call becomes clearer. Don’t miss this unique opportunity! Apply today! To apply, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/562S8YS. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and available from May 20 through July 31, 2026. For further information, contact Andres Prias, Diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.
Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese
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.
Retreat Center seeks volunteers
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is in need of volunteers. Help provide a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who come to OLPH seeking transformation in Christ. Areas of need include reception, gardening, dishwashing, and serving meals. Contact the office to sign up at 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/new-volunteer.
Free Rosary Repair Service
Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, Free Rosary Repair Service, 7930 Estero Blvd., Unit 502, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Rosaries will be repaired and returned within the week of receipt. Donations of old rosaries are also accepted, which will be repaired and sent to missions. Include a note indicating repair or donation. For more details, please call 239-463-3993, 860-595-6370 or holdenbnd@gmail.com.
