Catholic school principals meet with bishop
The principals of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools had the opportunity to share their vision for the future with Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., on Oct. 29, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Venice. The gathering opened with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and included presentations from each principal who shared their immediate and long-term needs for success. This gathering comes as diocesan Catholic schools are thriving with record enrollment at nearly every school, but with that growth comes needs to upgrade existing facilities or expand. The meeting was led by Father John Belmonte, SJ, Episcopal Vicar for Clergy.
Catholic Charities CEO recognized by local foundation
The Charitable Community Foundation (formerly known as the Cape Coral Community Foundation), honored Christopher M. Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., with its IMPACT 50 award. The honor recognizes the region’s top 50 most influential nonprofit executives, top boards of directors, and governance leaders.
Patron celebrated in Sarasota
The faithful of St. Jude Parish joyfully celebrated the feast day of its patron saint, St. Jude, Oct. 28, 2026. The celebration filled the church with parishioners who came to honor St. Jude with faith and devotion. The evening included special moments: dances from several groups, the proclamation of the Gospel, the songs of the choir, and, as a very special highlight, the unveiling and official inauguration of a St. Jude statue, presented to the parish community for the first time.
Two more Catholic schools visited by bishop
The visits to all 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools continued for Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., with stops on Oct. 30, 2026, at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Sarasota, and Nov. 4, at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School, Naples. The purpose of the visits is to celebrate Mass for the students, faculty and staff, as well as to learn about the schools.
Bishop Dewane’s memory to be honored at Thanksgiving dinner
On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 2026, the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Victory Council 3358 will host their final free community Thanksgiving dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Fruitville Road in Sarasota. This will the final dinner where every year, for the last 25 years, more than 500 Thanksgiving dinners were served. The Knights have made the difficult decision to put the building up for sale. This final dinner will be dedicated to Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who was a familiar face each year on Thanksgiving for many years, happily greeting visitors and serving food (serving the corn was his favorite assignment.) “In recognition of his years of friendship, support, and personal participation, the Columbus Association and Our Lady of Victory Council dedicate their final community Thanksgiving dinner to Bishop Dewane’s memory,” the Knights of Columbus said. The Final Community Thanksgiving Dinner is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 26, 2026, Knights of Columbus Hall, 4880 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. The dinner is free and open to everyone, regardless of financial need or religious affiliation. For additional information, contact Kenneth Nota, President, Columbus Association, 401-206-9056, or Tom Gillis, Grand Knight, 941-400-6991.
Warning! Beware of email and texting scams!
Beware of email and texting scams asking for funds or gift cards! It is Diocesan policy that neither the bishop, nor priests or staff ever request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. There is an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the diocese/parish/school. If you suspect that you may have received a scam text or email, please DO NOT RESPOND, and immediately contact the Diocese/Parish/School directly!
Project Rachel retreat Nov. 12
Are you or someone you know struggling because of a past abortion? You are not alone. Healing retreats and compassionate support are available. The next Project Rachel retreat will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. Please call or text in English or Espanol for more information: 941-412-5860.
Fund established to honor legacy of Bishop Dewane
Throughout his ministry, Bishop Dewane demonstrated extraordinary energy, compassion, and vision, guided by a deep commitment to the pastoral care of the faithful entrusted to him, particularly those in need. The Diocese of Venice and the family of Bishop Dewane have expressed that those wishing to honor Bishop Dewane’s memory are invited to make a gift to the Bishop Dewane Endowment Fund for the Poor with the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida. Your generosity will help carry forward Bishop Dewane’s legacy of compassion by providing lasting support for those in need. To make a donation, please visit
https://ccfdioceseofvenice.org/fund/bishop-dewane-endowment-fund-for-the-poor.
Ultrasound donated
Using funds raised through its Baby Bottle campaign, the Knights of Columbus Ponce de Leon Council 8074 of Sacred Heart Parish, Punta Gorda, recently sponsored a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine for the Choices Family Resource Center in Lake Placid. The Knights accomplished the project with additional matching funds from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, and 4US.ORG-Adopt-a-Center. This is the fifth ultrasound machine the Knights Council 8074 has sponsored in the past seven years. Father Vincent Clemente, pastor of St. James Parish, Lake Placid, blessed the machine.
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.
St. Jude Parish 22nd Hispanic Fall Festival Nov. 7
Everyone is invited to Southwest Florida’s most anticipated festival, the 22nd annual St. Jude Parish Hispanic Fall Festival, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Nov. 7, 2026, at St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th St., Sarasota. Enjoy food from 13 Latin American countries, music, art, prizes, entertainment, and activities for children. Free admission. Proceeds benefit the program for the needy and the new church.
Catholic singles event in Naples Nov. 7
The Catholic Fellowship Around Naples Singles Ministry presents a night of faith and fellowship, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Nov. 7, 2026, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish Center, 5225 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples. The night is for Catholic singles in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, with Father Casey Jones, pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton, as the featured speaker. Pizza and beverages will be provided. To learn more, please visit https://catholicfellowshiparoundnaples.wordpress.com/singles-ministry/. For additional information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
Charismatic Renewal Conference in Port Charlotte Nov. 7
A Charismatic Renewal Conference will take from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 21505 Augusta Ave., Port Charlotte. This will be a day of empowerment, healing and impartation with speaker Deacon Larry Oney and Andi Oney. Register at venicecharismatic.org Price is $65 and includes breakfast and lunch.
Ave Maria Veteran’s Ball Nov. 7
The annual Knights of Columbus “Ave Maria Veteran’s Ball: Celebration for All,” is 6 p.m., Nov. 7, 2026, at the Del Webb Grand Hall, Ave Maria. The keynote is Capt. Daniel L. Mode, U.S. Navy Chaplain, the original postulator of the Cause of Canonization of Servant of God Father Vincent Capadanno. The evening also includes dinner and dancing. Tickets are $125 per person, and proceeds benefit veterans programs. For tickets, please visit www.avemariakofc.org/veterans-ball.
Kristallnacht commemoration of Holocaust Nov. 8
The Catholic Jewish-Dialogue of Collier County invites the community to its commemoration of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, 2:30 p.m., Nov. 8, 2026, St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples. The annual interreligious event commemorates, Kristallnacht, Night of Broken Glass, a systematic attack on the Jewish people and businesses in Germany that marked what is considered the start of the Holocaust. Explore the roots of the Holocaust and reflect on how its lessons resonate today. The event is sponsored by the Diocese of Venice, the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. & Harvey D. Cohen Education Center, GenShoah of SWFL, Jewish Federation of Great Naples. All are welcome. The event is free of charge. Register at https://jfgn.regfox.com/kristallnacht-2026.
Parish concert in Naples Nov. 12
The St. William Parish Columbiettes in Naples are thrilled to host a lively concert featuring Almost ABBA at 6 p.m. Nov. 12, 2026, in the Church Hall, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples. Tickets are $60 or $50, depending on seating section. Best of all, money raised will be supporting moms and babies in the area as well as other local charities. For concert information you can use the following link https://tinyurl.com/4588ta8r or contact Donna Call at 410-299-5705. All are invited for a fun evening of music and memories which will benefit the community.
Faith & Ale Lee County Nov. 12
Faith & Ale, a Catholic Men’s Apostolate, presents West Point graduate U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew Juknelis, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Nov. 12, 2026, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The topic is titled, “From Foxholes to Barstools: A Soldier’s Take on Faith, Revival and America’s Next 250.” The requested donation is $10. Register online at Major General Andrew Juknelis 11/12/26 – Faith & Ale | A Gathering of Catholic Men.
Christmas Market on Longboat Key Nov. 12-13
The Women’s Guild of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish will have a Christmas Market Nov. 12, 2026 (4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.), and Nov. 13 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) in the Father Pick Hall, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. For more information, please contact Sue DiNatale at 716-713-1604.
March for Life 2027 in D.C. Jan. 22
The National March for Life is Friday, Jan. 22, 2027, in Washington, D.C. In 2026, more than 350 students from the Diocese of Venice traveled to Washington to stand for life, and there is expected to be another robust diocesan presence this year! Many groups will travel Jan. 20–23. A discounted group hotel rate is available for reservations made by Nov. 14 at Hotel and travel details. For March details, visit National March for Life – March for Life. If you have questions, please contact Tavia Ames, Diocese of Venice Respect Life Director, at 941-441-1101 or ames@dioceseofvenice.org.
Solve Maternity Home Legacy of Light Gala Nov. 14
Solve Maternity Homes in Sarasota is hosting its Legacy of Light Gala in celebration of 50 years of service to helping young women choose life despite uncertainty, help mothers in recovery find hope in a new beginning, and much more. The Gala is 5:30 p.m., Nov. 15, 2026, at The Ora, 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For sponsorship opportunities and tickets, please visit www.solvehomes.org or call 941-748-0094.
UNSHAKEN Youth Rally Nov. 14
High school youth from across the Diocese of Venice are invited to an unforgettable day of faith, fellowship, inspiring talks, live music, prayer, and celebration! Inspired by John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches,” the rally will remind young men and women that when we remain rooted in Christ, we can stand UNSHAKEN. The Rally is 12:30 – 8 p.m., Nov. 14, 2026, Charlotte Harbor Conference Center, Punta Gorda. Registration deadline is Nov. 6. All youth must register through their parish youth group or through their high school. For more information, and to register, please visit Unshaken Youth Rally 2026.
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.
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.
Advent Mission in Sarasota Dec. 10-11
The Church of St. Patrick, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, invites all for a special 2-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 a 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.
Something new is coming to OLPH this Christmas!
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.
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.
