Young students participate in their own “election day”
Pre-kindergarten students at St. Martha Catholic School, Sarasota, learned about making their voices count by voting on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2026. They had two important items on their ballot – cookies or a cupcake, and extra time/recess or more learning center time.
Junior thespians excel at district event
Congratulations to the St. Joseph Catholic School Jr. Thespian Troupe #10698 from Bradenton on the outstanding job they did Nov. 7, 2026, at the District 5 Event at Blake High School in Tampa. Out of 24 performance/tech pieces, students received 20 superiors and 4 excellents, with nine performances receiving Top Honors and four being designated as Judges’ Choice. Many hours of hard work after school getting the students ready paid off, as they were professional, well prepared, and had a fun experience. Next stop for the troupe is the state competition.
Make-a-Difference Day in Cape Coral
St. Andrew Catholic School eighth graders took their faith beyond their Cape Coral classroom for the annual Make-a-Difference Day, Nov. 5, 2026, dedicating their time and talents to serving others throughout our community. From lending a helping hand at local organizations to supporting our youngest Stars in Kindergarten, our students experienced firsthand the joy and importance of giving back. Students made a difference at the Cape Coral Caring Center, Special Populations, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Kiwanis Thrift Store and Healthy Start/Help Me Grow. This was a great opportunity for the eighth graders to put compassion, kindness and service into action.
Naples teacher recognized
Congratulations to Megan Schuchman, a first-grade teacher at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School, Naples who was awarded a grant Nov. 3, 2026, from Champions for Learning. Schuchman exemplifies the exceptional educators St. Elizabeth Seton is blessed to have. She sets goals, works tirelessly to achieve them, and always puts her students first. When the teachers succeed, the students are the true winners!
Grandparents celebrated at St. John Neumann
The annual Grandparents’ Day at St. John Neumann Catholic High School, Naples, is always a celebration honoring the special people who mean so much to the students. On Nov. 4, 2026, Neumann was blessed to welcome 200 grandparents to the campus for a beautiful Mass followed by lunch. The sun shone, smiles were plentiful, and the campus was filled with love and joy. The Mass was celebrated by Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese of Venice episcopal vicar for education, and Father Jacob Gwynn, newly appointed chaplain at Neumann and parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples. The grandparents were recognized for the love, wisdom, faith, and encouragement they share with their grandchildren.
CCW supports Walking with Moms in Need
The Council of Catholic Women at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Venice, hosted a baby shower Nov. 4, 2026, to support moms and babies in the community. Three Diocese of Venice Walking with Moms in Need partners, Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities, Pregnancy Solutions, and Venice Area Pregnancy Care Center, received donations to help them continue serving mothers and families with love, compassion, and hope.
New Legatus chapter chartered in Sarasota
On Oct. 21, 2026, the Sarasota Chapter of Legatus officially chartered at Lakewood Ranch Country Club, marking an exciting milestone just nine months after its kickoff. Legatus is an international organization of Catholic lay executives, CEOs, presidents, managing partners, and founders, who study, live and spread the Catholic faith in business, professional and personal lives. Joined by Legatus Founder Tom Monaghan, Chapter President Dan Altmayer and 20 founding members celebrated the beginning of a new chapter in Legatus’ mission to lead, serve, and carry forward its calling to be ambassadors for Christ. Mass for the gathering was celebrated by Father Greg Cleveland, OMV, director of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice.
St. John Neumann Catholic High School board member honored
Catholic education and advancement leader Larry Furey was honored Sunday by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) as a recipient of the Fideli Corde Award, recognizing individuals whose lives of service exemplify the IHM charism of Love, Creative Hope, and Fidelity. Furey was among the five individuals honored during a special Mass and celebration at the IHM Motherhouse in Immaculata, Pennsylvania on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The award recognizes individuals with “faithful hearts” whose tireless service to others reflects the mission and values of the IHM Sisters. Furey currently serves as a member of the board of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), Washington, D.C, St. John Neumann, and several other educational institutions and foundations.
IVF presentation being offered Nov. 18 in Naples and virtually
There are many questions surrounding IVF and its implications for human life. Understanding the medical, ethical, and moral considerations is an important part of this conversation. Join Community Pregnancy Clinics for its monthly Life Matters: Adult Education Night featuring Dr. John Bruchalski as he speaks on “Is IVF Pro-Life?” Dr. Bruchalski, founder of Tepeyac OB/GYN and Divine Mercy Care, will share his firsthand experience in the world of abortion and IVF and how it shaped his approach to medicine. He will offer insight into the ethical questions surrounding IVF and what it means to practice medicine with a commitment to human dignity. The presentation is being offered in person as well as virtually, 6:30 p.m., Nov. 18, 2026, at Community Pregnancy Clinics, 661 Goodlette-Frank Road, Suite 101, Naples. Register at https://qr.ly/-kxsJE.
Relics of St. Bernadette are coming to the Diocese in December
Two parishes in the Diocese of Venice will host the “Journey of Grace” U.S. Tour of the Relics of St. Bernadette. The relics, which began touring the U.S. in September 2026, will be at Ave Maria, 5088 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria, Dec. 26-27, 2026, and Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1301 Center Road, Venice, Dec. 28-30. Both parishes will be holding special Masses and devotions; more details will be announced in the coming weeks. For details about the Ave Maria visit, please call 239-261-5555, and the Our Lady of Lourdes visit, call 941-497-2931.
Faith and Wine Lee County returns Dec. 3
The 2026-2027 Faith and Wine Lee County returns 6 – 8:30 p.m., Dec. 3, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Nikki Kingsley, a recognized Catholic speaker, author and evangelist whose powerful testimony has inspired audiences across the world. The theme for her talk is “Transformed by Love.” Registration opens Oct. 15, https://faithandwineleecounty.com/. Tickets are $28 and include a catered dinner and a glass of wine. If you have any questions, please email faithandwineleecounty@gmail.com.
Christmas concert in Cape Coral Dec. 4
St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1922 SW 20th Ave., Cape Coral is hosting a Christmas Concert 7 p.m., Dec. 4, 2026. All are welcome. Call 239-293-9501 for more information.
Retiro para Padres en Duelo en Español, 4 al 6 de diciembre
Se llevará a cabo un “Retiro para Padres en Duelo: Caminando con Jesús”, en español, del 4 al 6 de diciembre de 2026 en el Centro de Retiros Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro (Our Lady of Perpetua Help Retreat Center) en Venice.
Este retiro católico, basado en la fe, ofrece a los padres que han perdido a un hijo un espacio de paz, consuelo y esperanza, donde también podrán encontrar apoyo dentro de una comunidad que comparte su mismo camino de duelo.
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Jim Gontis al 941-486-4754 o gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
Faith & Ale Dec. 10 in Fort Myers
The next Faith & Ale, a gathering of Catholic men, will take place, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Dec.10, 2026, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. The featured speaker is Bob Allen Kroll, an energetic, passionate, and inspiring Catholic speaker. Kroll’s talk, “The incredible impact of a father,” will recount growing up in an alcoholic and abusive home, which began to make its way into his marriage and family life. But a radical event at the age of 43 changed everything. Tickets are $10. Please register at https://faithandale.com/events/kroll/.
Advent Mission in Naples Dec. 9-10
St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, invites all for an Advent Mission experience Dec. 9-10, 2026, with Maddy Cole, who serves on the Hallow’s Parish Team and is a dynamic speaker, apologist, and woman of faith who is passionate about helping parishes deepen their culture of prayer and encounter the living God. Cole brings the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith to life in a way that speaks to the hearts of people today. Through these special talks, attendees will have an opportunity to grow in their faith, deepen their prayer lives, and spiritually prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The first talk is 9:30 a.m. and again at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 9. The second session is 9:30 a.m., Dec. 10. All are welcome for this special opportunity to pause during the busy Advent season, reflect on the beauty of our Catholic faith, and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth. Questions, call 239-566-8740.
Advent Mission in Sarasota Dec. 10-11
The Church of St. Patrick, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, invites all for a special two-night parish Advent Mission as they host “Doug and Dave – Mass Confusion’” 6:30 p.m., Dec. 10 and Dec. 11, 2026. As seen at the National Catholic Youth Conference – this is truly an evening for all ages. Each evening, ‘Doug and Dave’ will share a unique Catholic comedy and catechetical program that uses sketches, quirky characters, and faith-filled music to help bring the beauty, history, and mystery of the Mass to life. No RSVP needed, the church can seat 1,000 people. For more information, call 941-378-1703.
Bethlehem Village at OLPH in December
This December, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice, will become Bethlehem Village – a special Christmas celebration inviting families, friends, and parish communities to step into the story of Christmas. On Dec. 13, 2026, come for a day filled with Christmas music, family activities, a festive Bethlehem Marketplace, Bishop St. Nicholas, and a Live Nativity — all centered on the joy and meaning of Christ’s birth. OLPH is looking for a select group of local artisans and small businesses to become part of our Bethlehem Village Marketplace! The retreat center is intentionally creating a small, curated marketplace featuring unique products such as honey, olive oil, handmade soaps, handmade candles, and baked goods. Interested in being part of Bethlehem Village? Vendor applications are now being accepted! Apply at: https://www.olph-retreat.org/vendors-wanted. For more information, call 941-486-0233.
Live Nativity in Naples Dec. 19 – 20
Come join St. Agnes Parish for the annual Live Nativity presented in both English and Spanish, Dec. 19-20, 2026, at 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Come and enjoy the wonders that God has provided us, sharing with family and friends, living step by step an important event in the history of the world, the Nativity. All are welcome to forget their worldly worries and immerse themselves in their experience that will transport participants to Bethlehem. The English presentations will take place following the 4 p.m. Mass, Dec. 19, and after the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Mass, Dec. 20. The Spanish presentations will take place at 7 p.m., Dec. 19, and following the 1 p.m. Mass, Dec. 20. For more information, please call 239-592-1949.
Discovering Christ series coming to Fort Myers in January
The Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, is hosting the Discovering Christ series, beginning 5:30 p.m., Jan. 8, 2027, in the Parish Center. This is a seven-week series that introduces the message of Jesus Christ. Have you ever asked yourself… What is the meaning of life? Why does Jesus matter? What does Jesus want me to know about Him and my life? No matter where you are on your journey of faith all are welcome. Invite family, friends and associates who’d enjoy exploring these questions. Join for dinner, refreshments, worship, a video presentation and discussion. For details and to register, please visit https://tinyurl.com/DCR27GST.
St. Elizabeth Seton school gala Jan. 23
The St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School annual gala “Behold I Make All Things New” will take place at 6 p.m., Jan. 23, 2027, in the school gymnasium, 2730 53rd Terrace, SW, Naples. The evening will include keynote speaker, Dr. Ray Guarendi, and fine dining, live and silent auctions, and music, all in support of investing in a brighter tomorrow for St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School. Tickets are $150 per person. For tickets, sponsorship and donation opportunities, please visit https://seasgala.org/.
St. Andrew school gala Jan. 23
The St. Andrew Catholic School 7th annual gala “La Vie Parisienne – Building Faith, Hearts and Minds,” is 5:30 p.m., Jan. 23, 2027, at The Westin Cape Coral, 5951 Silver King Blvd., Cape Coral. This will be an evening of elegance, inspiration, and giving in support of Catholic education. Tickets are $175 per person. For tickets, sponsorship and donation opportunities, please visit https://www.standrewcs.org/sacs-gala.
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. Contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407.
