The Mustard Seed
Here you can find news & events in the Diocese of Venice area.
All Current News in the Diocese
- USCCB Chairmen Applaud Proposed Regulations Preventing Government Discrimination Against Faith-Based Federal Contractors
WASHINGTON— Bishop chairmen of three committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) expressed support for proposed regulations from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) clarifying religious protections that may be invoked by federal contractors, including faith-based organizations. Bishop Robert J. McManus ... read more - Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Renewal musicians gather
More than 150 musicians who are part of the Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Renewal gathered Aug. 17, for a workshop at Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers. Father Claudio Stewart, Diocesan Director of the Hispanic Apostolate and Spiritual Advisor to the Charismatic Renewal, said the goal of the day was ... read more - Naples Parish hosts patriotic celebrationNaples | The Pulte Family Life Center of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples was decorated in red, white and blue Aug. 10, as the host of the 10th Annual Greatest Generation and Beyond Tribute. The day was billed as a tribute to the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, the ... read more
- CCW Juniors gather for retreatLake Placid | A group of young ladies received important last-minute lessons as they prepared to return to school – how to defend their faith and what the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is all about. A CCW Juniors Convocation took place Aug. 9-10, at Campo San Jose Retreat ... read more
- Poor Clare Sisters celebrate feast dayFort Myers Beach | Each is called to a be a witness for the Lord in one’s lives. St. Clare of Assisi did so in dramatic and profound ways. “She lived her life to shine the Light of Christ faithfully for others to follow,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane explained during ... read more
- They’re backPort Charlotte | The first day of school can be an emotional time for the students, parents and teachers alike. With the promise of new beginnings, new friends, and new adventures, the first day can also be a time for big changes and invariably some tears. On cue some tears ... read more
- Chairs of USCCB’s Committees on Migration and Domestic Justice and Human Development Express Deep Concern Over New Rule on Individuals and Families that Access Public BenefitsWASHINGTON— Today, bishops from two committees at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) expressed their strong opposition to a final rule on public charge put forth by the Department of Homeland Security. The rule, which is expected to be officially published on August 14th and will take effect ... read more
- Assumption: contemplating this mystery of the Blessed Virgin
Holy Day of Obligation Aug. 15 Bob Reddy – Florida Catholic The upcoming Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to be celebrated Aug. 15, is a particular time in the year to reflect upon the story of eternal hope for the faithful. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary ... read more - Responding to the Call
Seminarians gather for summer retreat Bob Reddy – Florida Catholic The seminarians of the Diocese of Venice have each responded to a specific call from the Lord, to take a journey which leads them on a discerning path toward a vocation to the priesthood. Bishop Frank J. Dewane closed the annual ... read more - Diocese Principal’s Corner
Dr. Benjamin H. Moore, Ed.D. – Superintendent of Catholic Education Every family has the fundamental right to choose the best school for their child. I am thrilled and humbled to welcome over 4,500 students whose families have made Catholic education their choice when the 2019-2020 school year begins on August ... read more - Making a Home for Trafficking Survivors
Judy Bokorney – Special to the Florida Catholic Dick and Betty Porrel used to buy homes, fix them up and sell them to help with the cost of college tuition for their six children. Today, now in their mid-80s, they again refurbish homes but this time it is for survivors ... read more - New Curriculum Specialist hired
Staff Report Jennifer Falestiny has joined the Diocese of Venice Education Department as a Curriculum Specialist. Falestiny has spent most of her career in School Instruction and Curriculum Development, most recently holding the position of STEM lab and Robotic Coordinator/ Instructor at Saint Gregory Catholic School in Plantation. “It ... read more - Former Naples priest dies
Staff Report Father Thomas J. Gillespie, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales for 68 years and former Parochial Vicar of St. Ann Parish in Naples, died July 27, 2019, at the Oblate community at Childs, Md. He was 87. Father Gillespie was born Jan. 16, 1932, in Elkins Park, ... read more - Neumann football team bonds through service
Staff Report Team bonding at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples occurs both on and off the field. Through service to their community, student athletes at Neumann grow both individually and as a team. This summer, the Celtic football team in particular focused not only on preparing ... read more - Diocesan news briefs from early August 2019
Missionary Discipleship Society starting The Diocese is kicking off a new Missionary Discipleship Society beginning in the Naples and Fort Myers area this September. The Missionary Discipleship Society is a group of young adults (ages 21-39) who will dedicate a year to becoming Missionary Disciples of Jesus Christ as well ... read more