The Mustard Seed
Here you can find news & events in the Diocese of Venice area.
All Current News in the Diocese
- Bishops blast Alabama for denying inmate his imam at execution
NEW YORK — In the wake of the Supreme Court and the state of Alabama denying a Muslim inmate’s request to have an imam present at his execution, Catholic leaders have decried the move as “disturbing” and an affront to religious liberty. Domineque Ray, a death row inmate in Alabama, ... read more - U.S. Bishops’ Chairmen Condemn Decision Preventing Muslim Man from Receiving Appropriate Spiritual Care at Execution
WASHINGTON–On February 7, 2019, the State of Alabama executed Domineque Ray, a Muslim man whose request to have an imam present at his execution was denied by the U.S. Supreme Court by a vote of 5-4. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Chairman of the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty, ... read more - Naples Blue Mass honors first responders
Naples | In thanks for their service and commitment to the safety of the community, a Blue Mass for law enforcement and first responders was celebrated Jan. 26, at St. Agnes Parish in Naples. Priests from across Collier County concelebrated with the homily by Father Michael Vannicola, pastor of St. ... read more - Sarasota Charity Ball celebrates 30 years
Sarasota | Every year the programs of Catholic Charities of Manatee and Sarasota counties assist thousands of individuals and families — from the newborn to the elderly and everyone in between — through a variety of services. Without those programs, many would go without the basic necessities of living a ... read more - Adoration chapel blessed at Cathedral
Venice | An idea, decades in the making, has come to fruition with the blessing and dedication of the Holy Family perpetual adoration chapel at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Bishop Frank J. Dewane presided over the blessing and dedication Jan. 31. He noted the importance of having a permanent place ... read more - Diocese showcases Catholic education
Venice | National Catholic Schools Week, held Jan. 27-Feb. 2, served as a showcase for the Diocese of Venice Catholics Schools. They were a buzz of activities highlighting the beacon of light they are for the Church, the community and the nation. The theme for the National Catholic Schools Week ... read more - Universal Church inspires Diocesan teens
Panama City, Panama | A profound lesson learned by the Diocese of Venice pilgrims as they took part in an epic journey to World Youth Day 2019 in Panama was that they were all part of something larger than themselves. From Jan. 19-28, 66 pilgrims were joined by Bishop Frank ... read more - USCCB Chairmen Renew Support for Inclusion Act to Protect Freedom of Faith-Based Foster Care and Adoption ProvidersReligious freedom is important for all, including child welfare providers Inclusion Act protects religious freedom and excludes no one A birth mother’s choice in adoption is important and deserves protection WASHINGTON—Three chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) are offering their strong support for the bipartisan Child ... read more
- USCCB domestic policy chair sees hope in bipartisan carbon pricing bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development said a new carbon pricing bill introduced Jan. 24 in Congress is a “hopeful sign” that “climate change is beginning to be seen as a crucial moral issue, one that concerns all people.” Bishop ... read more - U.S. Bishops’ Domestic Chairman Reacts to Bipartisan Carbon Pricing BillWASHINGTON—After the introduction of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019 (EICDA) yesterday, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, welcomed the legislation as an important step forward in addressing climate change. The full statement ... read more
- Parish’s monument to unborn rededicated
Bradenton | A monument to the unborn was recently rededicated at St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton. Fittingly, the ceremony took place Jan. 13, the Baptism of Our Lord and National Sanctity of Life Sunday. The granite monument was inspired by the Knights of Columbus Council 5604 and placed under an ... read more - Diocesan group participates in National March
Washington, D.C. | A group of more than 250, mostly young people, took part in the National March for Life in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18. The march is the largest gathering of pro-lifers in the nation with hundreds of thousands participating. The 2019 march marks the 46th anniversary of the ... read more - Catechetical Day focuses on modern issues
Sarasota | Just as the apostles were viewed as living embodiments of the new Catholic Church, so too are the catechists who currently serve the Church within Diocese of Venice in a variety of capacities in parishes and schools. This was the repeated message at the Diocesan “Catechetical Day: Catechesis ... read more - Catholic Schools Week celebrated Jan. 27-Feb. 2
Venice | Each day is a celebration of educating the mind, body and spirit at Catholic Schools throughout the Diocese of Venice. A more public celebration will occur the week of Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 when Diocesan schools will participate in a series of exciting activities as part of ... read more - Diocesan pilgrims enjoying Panama
Staff Report Panama City, Panama | The pilgrims who are participating in World Youth Day 2019 in Panama this week are representing the Diocese of Venice well, showing their passion and joy for their faith. In talking with one participant from Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, the entire World Youth Day ... read more - Weightlifting offers strength of body, mind, self
SARASOTA | Ashley Savigne looked intently at the barbell for her deadlift. The 45-pound bar had 10-pound plates on each side. The high school sophomore took a deep breath and, with a look of determination, bent in the squat position. Her hips were slightly higher than her knees, as they ... read more - New principal named for St. Catherine’s
Bob Reddy – Florida Catholic 1/17/19 Nicole Loseto has dedicated her life to Catholic Education. Her latest opportunity has taken her to be the new Principal at St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring. She was introduced to the school community on Dec. 12 after a Mass celebrating the Feast of ... read more - Former Director of Education dies
Staff Report – Florida Catholic 1/17/19 Sister Roberta Schmidt, CSJ, former Diocese of Venice Director of Education, died Jan. 2, 2019 at the de Greef Hospice House in St. Louis. Mo. She was 90. Sister Roberta Schmidt, Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet in St. Louis, Mo. Diocese of Venice ... read more - Filipino tradition has deep roots
Bob Reddy – Florida Catholic 1/17/19 Filipino Catholics participated in a novena of Masses as a form of spiritual preparation in the nine days leading up to Christmas. This tradition was introduced to the Philippines by Spanish friars to allow the farmers to hear Mass before going to the fields early ... read more - Christmas brings light into the darkness
By Bob Reddy – Florida Catholic 1/17/19 The Word brought Light into the darkness – Christmas brings the Light of Christ into the world, providing comfort and courage. Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Midnight Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice where the Gospel of Luke (2: 1-14), speaks in ... read more