Bishop visits Naples Catholic high school
Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., made a formal visit and tour of St. John Neumann Catholic High School, Naples, Oct. 28, 2026. This is the latest stop on the bishop’s tour of the 15 diocesan Catholic schools. The visit opened with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass before beginning a tour of the campus. The bishop met with some staff, faculty and select student leaders. He also recorded a podcast, called “Celtic, Christ, Chats,” which is a product of the school’s Faith and Reason Apostolate. The day ended with Bishop Emilio watching students from the school’s four different houses participate in a basketball shooting contest. At the end, house leaders presented the bishop with a gift bag of swag and a commitment to regularly pray for him while he serves as bishop of the Diocese of Venice.
Diocesan school boards gather in Fort Myers
The school boards of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholics schools participated in their annual joint meeting Oct. 22, 2026, at St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers. Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., addressed the group and praised each for their involvement in an important ministry of the Church, Catholic education. The bishop shared some of his background and noted that during his first visits to several Catholic schools he is learning more about the growth in enrollment and incentives to help expand funding for Catholic education, but admitted he still had much to learn. Father John Belmonte, SJ, Episcopal Vicar for Education, also presented information about the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit which has the potential to be transformative in future funding for Catholic education.
Sarasota school gala a big success
The Knights Gala to benefit St. Martha Catholic School, Sarasota, was a huge success as hundreds gathered to support Catholic education Oct. 24, 2026, at MOTE science education aquarium, in Sarasota. Principal Mari Jo Hanson said proceeds for the evening would go toward the construction for increased security on the property including a fence. The evening included silent and live auctions as well as live music.
Sacred art exhibition at Sarasota parish Oct. 31-Nov. 1
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, 833 Magellan Drive, Sarasota, is hosting a celebration of sacred art and the saints by the Sacred Art Workshop of Sarasota, in the parish hall following the 4 p.m. Mass, Oct. 31, 2026, and after the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses on Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day. All 20 works for the show are 12″ x12″ contemporary mixed media mosaics. Each mosaic has a story, as the artists (parishioners) explored the role each saint played in liturgical history. Each portrait has a distinctive character and will become part of the larger collection to be displayed later this year. For more information, please contact the parish at 941-755-1826.
Sunday Masses resume on Fort Myers Beach Nov. 1
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be celebrated in Fort Myers Beach every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. as part of the new Ascension Parish Mission, beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 (All Saints’ Day), Bay Oaks Recreation Center, 2731 Oak St., Fort Myers Beach. Father Bob Murphy has been appointed as administrator of the mission.
40 Days for Life closing rallies in Fort Myers, Sarasota Nov. 1
The 40 Days for Life prayer vigil to end abortion concludes Nov. 1, 2026, after bringing together people of faith from all walks of life who shared a commitment to protecting human life through peaceful prayer and public witness. Rallies took place in Fort Myers, Sarasota and Naples. A closing Jericho Walk will take place at 4 p.m., Nov. 1, in Sarasota at 736 Central Ave.; and a closing rally is scheduled for 6 p.m., Nov. 1, in Fort Myers at 6418 Commerce Park Drive. All are welcome.
Relics of St. Bernadette are coming to the Diocese in December
Two parishes in the Diocese of Venice are the only two in the region hosting 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. Details about both visits are still being finalized but 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.
Holiday Bereavement Outreach Retreats Nov. 4-6
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 de Mena 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; and Nov. 6, St. Agnes, Naples. There is no cost to attend. For more information, or to register, please visit 2026 Coping with the Death of a Loved One During the Holidays, or contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
Theology on Tap Naples Nov. 5
Theology on Tap in Naples will meet at 6 p.m., Nov. 6, 2026, at The Oasis, 1046 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. Father Marco Mascia, parochial vicar at St. William Parish, will be leading the discussion on “Passionate Discipleship.” Pizza will be provided. Come, enjoy an engaging discussion and good fellowship with friends. All young adults aged 18 and up are welcome.
St. William Council of Catholic Women Luncheon Nov. 6
The St. William Parish Council of Catholic Women will host a luncheon 1 p.m., Nov. 6, 2026, in the Parish Hall, 750 Seagate Drive, Naples. The guest is award winning author, historian and motivational speaker Kerriann Flanagan Brosky, who will share insights about her latest book, “Padre Pio Daily Reflections – 350 Days of Prayer, HOPE and Don’t Worry,” to help others on their journeys of faith. Admission is $30 per person and includes a buffet lunch. All are invited to attend. For reservations and questions contact ccwluncheon@yahoo.com or 239-919-6950.
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 veteran’s program. 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.
Catholic Mass on Veterans Day in Sarasota
An invitation is extended to all to attend a Catholic Mass on Veterans Day to worship and also to honor all veterans, living and deceased, and their families Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota. Opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 P.M. Contact Rachel Powers at powers@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4716 for more information.
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 wonderful 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 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.
