Appointment
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Father Franckel Fils-Aime, assigned for post graduate study at Pontifical North American College in Rome effective April 10, 2025, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples
Two from Mooney receive accolades for basketball success
The star player and head coach of the State Championship Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Lady Cougars, who won the FHSAA 3A Championship on March 1, 2025, have both received top honors for their success this year. Senior Kali Barrett was voted the Florida Dairy Farmer 2025 3A Girls Basketball Player of the Year, while Head Coach Marlon Williams was named the Florida Dairy Farmers 2025 Class 3A Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. The Lady Cougars won the first State Championship in school history in March with a 27-9 record, finishing on a 17-game winning streak after starting the season 7-9. The program is rooted in hard work, discipline, and in the heart – and it showed every step of the way. Congratulations Kali and Coach Williams!
Mother’s Day Mass and Brunch at OLPH
Father Greg Cleveland, OMV, presents, “Precious and Hidden: Reflections on Motherhood,” on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. is followed by a morning conference, Mass with Mother’s Day Blessing, lunch, and the afternoon conference and optional Rosary Walk. Register online at www.olph-retreat.org and click on “Schedule of Events.”
Students collect food for local community
Students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers completed a service project for Lent that included collecting peanut butter and jelly for the Community Cooperative, a soup kitchen and food bank. Students collected an astounding 1,400 jars, packing up and delivering them on April 16, 2025. This is a great example of how Catholic school students live out their Catholic values through service and generosity.
Theology on Tap May 15 in Sarasota
Calling all young adults! Come enjoy an evening of faith, fellowship and fun at Theology on Tap on the third Thursday of every month. The May 15, 2025, gathering will feature a talk by Father Leland Thorpe, OMV, who assists at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. The talk is titled “Behold Your Mother: Thoughts on Mary in Mary’s Month.” 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. The evenings are held at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park, and begin with food and refreshments at 7 p.m., and presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning at 8 p.m. For more information, or with questions, contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org.
St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament May 18
St. Mary Academy is hosting their 12th Annual Golf Tournament with a shotgun start at 1 p.m., May 18, 2025, at University Park Country Club, 7671 The Park Blvd, Sarasota. This is a best-ball tournament, and the cost is $150 per player. Participants will receive a goody bag, drinks, snacks, prizes, awards, and a sit-down BBQ dinner buffet. The event supports St. Mary Academy, which educates students with special learning needs. Contact Connie Taft, Director of Development and Marketing at 941-366-4010 ext. 318 or ctaft@stmarysarasota.org for more information and to register.
Apply NOW to be a Totus Tuus Summer Camp Missionary
Time is running out to apply to become a Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Summer Camp Missionary. The deadline to apply is May 8. Totus Tuus is an exciting Catholic Parish Catechetical Camp for students in grades 1 – 12. The weeklong day camp held at Parishes in the Diocese of Venice is led by trained, paid missionaries. Missionary applications for the summer 2025 camp are now being accepted from anyone, age 18 or older, with an authentic, dynamic Catholic faith who is actively living the teachings of the Catholic Church. One year of college/work is preferred, but mature recent high school graduates will be considered. This is a great summer experience for anyone who wants to work in ministry, education, or with children in other settings. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/totustuus2025/ for more information, or to apply.
Eucharistic Conference at Ave Maria May 16-18
The 2025 Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Conference is scheduled for May 16 – 18, 2025, at Ave Maria University. The theme is “Be it done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). The Conference will include talks from Father Chris Alar, Dr. Edward Sri, Mary Healy, Mother Adela Galindo of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Jon Niven, and Deacon Mark Miravalle. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, lodging and meals. Registration is $190 per person. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.aveconferences.com/.
Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13
The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13, 2025. 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 https://www.aveconferences.com/.
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! To get involved, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1101.
