Parish celebrates Children’s Day
St. Michael Parish in Wauchula and Holy Child Mission in Bowling Green held a Children’s Day “Celebrating the Innocence of a Child,” April 26, 2026. The gathering included a kid-friendly costume contest, pinatas, inflatables, and food. The event took place at the future home of Holy Child Mission, and included an open house of the facility, which is being renovated into a Catholic Church.
Big bubbles educate students
Creating soap bubbles is not just for fun. It takes patience and perseverance to get the big bubbles. Making bubbles at St. Mary Academy in Sarasota on April 28, 2026, the experiments with soap bubbles offered significant educational and developmental benefits for the children. The benefits included enhancing fine/gross motor skills, visual tracking, language development, and emotional regulation. It promotes sensory play, oral motor development, and provides early exposure to scientific concepts like surface tension. The students and teachers had a blast!
Food drive supports Catholic Charities
St. Ann Parish in Naples hosted a food drive the weekend of April 18-19, 2026, to benefit the Catholic Charities food pantry at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center. Boy Scouts from the Parish Troop 165 and their parents helped gather the full bags and load a truck.
WARNING – Text/Email SCAM Alert
It has once again been brought to the attention of the Diocese of Venice that parishioners have received text/email messages from people pretending to be clergy – including Bishop Frank J. Dewane – or Parish/school staff, requesting donations in the form of gift cards and/or wire transfers. These messages, which were more frequent during the Christmas Season, often come from text/emails that look similar to official Diocesan/Parish/school numbers or accounts and often greet the recipient by name and have the priest’s, Bishop’s, or staff member’s name in the “From” line and/or closing signature of the message. The SPAM often claims that the priest/Bishop/staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child, relative, or parishioner. The message then asks the person to purchase gift cards/money and then to text/email the redemption code and PIN number. It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. Without this awareness, some have responded to the spoofed messages, with consequences, including loss of funds. There is an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the Diocese, Parish, or school. If you receive such a SCAM text or email, please immediately contact the Diocesan/Parish/school directly!
Catholic Scouting Mass May 17 in Fort Myers
The annual Catholic Scouting Mass and Recognition Luncheon with Bishop Frank J. Dewane will be held at 11:30 a.m., May 17, 2026, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/scouts-award-ceremony-2026. The deadline to register is May 4. For more information, please contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-441-1122
Ignatian Preached Retreat at OLPH May 8-11
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is hosting an Ignatian Preached Retreat May 8-11, 2026. This three-night silent retreat will introduce participants to the great themes of the Spiritual Exercises in a group setting. The schedule includes conferences each day, daily Mass, and an opportunity to meet at least once with the retreat director for Confession and/or spiritual direction. Conference topics center on Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment. Total cost is $525 per person for a private room and $360 per person for a shared room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained). To register, please visit www.olph-retreat.org.
Bereavement Retreat in Spanish May 15-17
For Spanish-speaking parents grieving the death of a child, a weekend Bereavement Retreat will be offered in Spanish, May 15-17, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice, 3989 S. Moon Drive. Led by Deacon Roberto Landron and a team of grieving parents, this retreat offers a safe space to find comfort, peace, and healing through prayer and reflection. To register, click here. For more information contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice, 941-486-4754.
Retiro de Duelo en español, del 15 al 17 de mayo
Para padres de habla hispana que están atravesando el duelo por la muerte de un hijo, se ofrecerá un Retiro de Duelo de fin de semana en español, del 15 al 17 de mayo de 2026, en el Centro de Retiros Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro (Our Lady of Perpetual Help), ubicado en 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Dirigido por el Diácono Roberto Landron y un equipo de padres en duelo, este retiro ofrece un espacio seguro para encontrar consuelo, paz y sanación a través de la oración y la reflexión.Para inscribirse, haga clic aquí. Para más información, comuníquese con Jim Gontis, 941-486-4754.
Charity Golf Tournament
The annual St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament has an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start May 16, 2026, at Heritage Harbour Golf Club, 8000 Stone Harbour Loop, Bradenton. The cost is $150 per player. Please call Connie Taft at 941-685-2108 to register or for sponsorship opportunities.
Theology on Tap May 21 in University Park
Calling all young adults! Join Catholic young people from across the Diocese for an evening of fellowship, faith and fun! Theology on Tap is an opportunity for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. The next gathering of Theology on Tap, a very special night of fellowship, faith, and fun with fellow Catholic young adults from across the Diocese, is 7 – 9 p.m., May 21, 2026, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The featured speaker is Father Thomas Carzon, O.M.V. Pastor of San Pedro Parish in North Port, who will be leading a talk called, “Do whatever He tells you.(John 2:5).” Advice from our Blessed Mother.Don’t miss this chance to grow in faith, connect with others, and enjoy an evening out with friends old and new. Theology on Tap meets on the third Thursday of every month. There is no cost to attend, and no registration required. Bring a friend. For more information, contact Andres Prias at 941-441-1122 or prias@dioceseofvenice.org.
Day of Reflection Marriage Retreat June 20
A Day of Reflection Marriage Retreat is scheduled for June 20, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. The retreat offers a specially prepared volunteer team of married couples, and a priest, who will share their experiences and information, enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. Register new at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2026-day-of-reflection-mp-retreat. Please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-486-4754.
Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Missionary Opportunity for Summer 2026
The Diocese of Venice is now accepting applications for college-aged young adults to serve as Totus Tuus Missionaries for the 2026 Parish evangelization and catechesis Summer Program. This role involves traveling in teams to approximately seven parishes throughout the Diocese, leading catechetical sessions for children and youth. Responsibilities include teaching the Catholic Faith using the Totus Tuus curriculum, facilitating activities, including skits and songs, working collaboratively as a team, teaching about the Mass, leading Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, discussion groups for teenagers and Evening Prayer. This is a paid position. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a High School graduate and must be available for the complete program schedule, May 20 – July 24, 2026. Visit the Diocese of Venice website for more information or to register, or contact Andres Prias, Diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.
Mental Health Counseling Services
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice is offering Mental Health Counseling, and Tele-Health Counseling, for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information, please call 239-455-2655 or visit Catholic Charities online
Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese
Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice for pastoral outreach, to 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. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.
Retreat Center seeks volunteers
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is in need of volunteers. Help provide a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who come to OLPH seeking transformation in Christ. Areas of need include reception, gardening, dishwashing, and serving meals. Contact the office to sign up at 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/new-volunteer.
Free Rosary Repair Service
Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, Free Rosary Repair Service, 7930 Estero Blvd., Unit 502, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Rosaries will be repaired and returned within the week of receipt. Donations of old rosaries are also accepted, which will be repaired and sent to missions. Include a note indicating repair or donation. For more details, please call 239-463-3993, 860-595-6370 or holdenbnd@gmail.com.
Msgr. Mouch, who served in the Diocese of Venice in the 1980s in several roles, died April 16, 2026, in Lutz, at the age of 93. Msgr. Mouch was born in 1932, in Sandusky, Ohio. He graduated Pontifical College Josephinium, in Worthington, Ohio, and earned advanced degrees from the University of Florida and the University of St. Thomas Aquinas (“Angelicum”) in Rome, and was ordained on June 10, 1958, for the Diocese of St. Augustine. For the Diocese of St. Augustine, he served as Assistant Chancellor, as Administrator for a Parish in Jacksonville, and Chaplain at the University of Florida. He also served on the faculty and as Rector of the Josephinium. Msgr. Mouch was incardinated as a priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and in 1984, he was incardinated in the Diocese of Venice, while continuing to reside in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. For the Diocese of Venice, Msgr. Mouch served as President of Cardinal Mooney High School, as Administrator for St. Martha Parish, and as Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, each in Sarasota. For the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Msgr. Mouch was Director of Education, served as temporary Administrator of six Parishes, and as President of St. Leo College (now St. Leo University). He retired in 2002 and continued to assist at Parishes in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.
Msgr. Robert J. Coll, who retired to the Diocese of Venice in 1999, died April 20, 2026, in Naples, at the age of 95. Msgr. Coll was born in 1930 in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, and graduated from St. Joseph University and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, both in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Msgr. Coll was ordained in the Diocese of Allentown on May 7, 1959, and served in parishes in Reading, Allentown, and West Lawn. Msgr. Coll is best known for being the founder of the Catholic Relief Services Operation Rice Bowl as a Lenten practice in the Allentown Diocese. The outreach was adopted in 1975 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as a promotion to support the worldwide outreach of Catholic Relief Services. He retired to the Diocese of Venice in Naples in 1999 and assisted at St. John the Evangelist and St. Agnes Parishes for 25 years. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane attended the annual 31st Annual Rector’s Dinner at the Pontifical North American College in Rome on April 16, 2026. Bishop Dewane serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Pontifical North American College. Bishop Dewane attended the Pontifical College, earning degrees from Pontifical Gregorian University and Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, both in Rome. This year’s honorees were Sister Raffaella Petrini FSE, President of the Pontifical Commission and Governorate of Vatican City State, and Curtis and Michaelann Martin, co-founders of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). More than 460 guests attended the event.
The 3rd Converging Roads Conference was held April 11, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection Parish in Fort Myers. Converging Roads is a regional conference series offering continuing education for health care professionals that equips them to practice the highest ethical and medical standards of their profession. It was co-sponsored by the Diocese of Venice, the St. John Paul II Foundation of Katy, Texas, and the Southwest Florida Guild of the Catholic Medical Association. The conference brought together approximately 50 participants, including Catholic doctors, nurses, physician assistants and others serving locally in the health care industry. The featured speaker was Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, PhD, who spoke on “Infertility and Alternatives to Artificial Reproductive Technologies.” Other speakers included Dr. F. Michael Gloth, III, FACP, AGSF; Dr. Ethan Schimmoeller, MA; Dr. Gwyneth Anne Spaeder, and Johann M. D’Souza, PhD.
St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota held their Day of Service, on April 14, 2026, a special day that truly reflects the heart of St. Martha Catholic School. This year, students, staff, and parent volunteers served 20 community agencies, a 33% increase over 2025, making an even greater impact in the local community. Organizations served included: Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc., St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Sarasota County Animal Shelter, Dogs, Inc., Sarasota County Fire Department, Alderman Oaks Retirement Community, Sunnyside Senior Living, Ted Sterling Park, Feeding Empty Little Tummies (FELT), 81 Oaks Senior Living, Pines of Sarasota, Meals On Wheels, Pompano Trail Head, All Faiths Food Bank, SMART with Heart, and TWIG. Guided by Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,” the St. Martha Catholic School community lived out their faith in a real and tangible way.
The Gospel reading tells of the Mary Magdalene and the other Mary who went to the tomb of Jesus to complete the anointing of Jesus’ body properly, even though they knew a great stone was in their way. The women were carried by their faith, hope and love for Jesus Christ because following a great darkness, the sun had risen that Easter morning. When they arrive at the tomb, the stone is rolled away and they encounter an Angel who said, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
“Christ presents Himself as he rose from the dead,” Bishop Dewane said. “Yes. He saved us and He presents Himself for all of us to respond. We have to look at it in the same way in our own lives, see the stone that I need to roll away. It is there. Christ knows it and wants to help us so that there is nothing interfering in our relationship with Him. It is what the Resurrection is all about.”
At Epiphany Cathedral, Bishop Dewane presided over five baptisms, while a group of 11 were confirmed. The Bishop lauded the catechumen and candidates for having the courage and strength to hear the call of the Lord in their lives and respond in a definitive way.
“It is a profound honor for us to open our doors as a place of encounter, prayer, and renewal for all who seek the Lord,” Father Mayer said. “I personally invite all to come and find rest in the presence of Christ. Our Church and the Poor Clare Adoration Chapel will be open to welcome pilgrims every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at other times by arrangement.”
In celebration of the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, the Diocese of Venice has provided Jubilee prayer cards to each Parish in the Diocese. The prayer cards are available in English and Spanish and include the prayer written by Pope Leo XIV for the 800th Jubilee of St. Francis, which asks the saint to intercede for the faithful, inspiring hearts to live in peace, humility, and faithful witness to Christ during this holy year.
At the Chrism Mass, which the Bishop concelebrates with priests from throughout the Diocese, the Bishop consecrates the sacred Chrism oil and blesses two other oils used throughout the year for the administration of the sacraments at the Diocese’s 61 Parishes. The Mass is among the principal manifestations of the fullness of the Bishop’s Priesthood and is considered to be a sign of the close bond between the Priests and their Bishop. It is with the sacred Chrism that the priests are ordained, the newly baptized are anointed, and those to be confirmed are signed. It is with the Oil of Catechumens that catechumens are prepared and disposed for Baptism. Finally, it is with the Oil of the Sick that those who are ill are comforted in their infirmity.
The celebration not only brings into focus the historical context of the priesthood by the renewal of Priestly Promises, but also presents an opportunity for the priests to recall their ordination and to reflect upon their ongoing priestly vocation. Having all the priests of the Diocese come together at the Chrism Mass, united with their Bishop, just before the Easter Triduum, reminds priests of their calling to act in persona Christi – in the person of Christ. This is the largest annual gathering of the clergy for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
The Chrism Mass takes its name from the sacred Chrism oil, the most eminent of the three holy oils, which the Bishop consecrates and blesses for use by Parishes of the Diocese.
Born in Rocca Pia, Aquila, Italy in 1947 to Guido and Lesvina (Perfetto) Clemente, Father Vincent Luciano Clemente is the oldest of two children. After graduating from Borromeo College Seminary in Ohio, and the St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Father Clemente was Ordained to the Priesthood on May 8, 1976, in St. Petersburg. His first priestly assignment was as Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Dunedin, then at St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton, before being assigned to St. Martha Parish in Sarasota. He also served at that time as Director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Venice and as Chaplain at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Father later served as Pastor at St. Michael Parish in Wauchula and at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia. Since 2018 he has served as Pastor at St. James Parish in Lake Placid. Further contributions on the Diocesan level include serving as Spiritual Director of the Curia of the Legion of Mary, as well as working with Cursillo and Retrouvaille Marriage Preparation; he still works with Marriage Encounter. He is also active in Prison Ministry.
The fourth of 12 children, Father Thomas Heck was born in Parkston, South DAkota in 1949 to John and Mildred (Weber) Heck. Father was Ordained to the Priesthood in Sioux Falls on June 3, 1976. In the Diocese of Sioux Falls, he served at Parishes in Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Mallette, Chelsea, Armour, Stickney, Pierre, and Brookings. Prior to Ordination, he graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary at St. Mary University and St. Paul Seminary at the University of St. Thomas, both in Minnesota. In the Diocese of Venice, Father Heck served as Parochial Vicar at San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte and St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral, then as Administrator of St. Finbarr Parish in Naples, and as Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte and St. Therese Parish in North Fort Myers before retiring in 2020. In retirement, Father continues to assist at various Parishes.
Father Michael P. Orsi was born in Brooklyn in 1950 to Pompeo and Lavinia (Savino) Orsi and is one of four children. Father earned degrees from Cathedral College in Queens, New York, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. He was Ordained to the Priesthood on May 20, 1976. In the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey, Father served at a Parish in Stone Harbor and as Vice Principal at a Catholic school in Wildwood. In the Diocese of Venice, Father was Chaplain at Ave Maria School of Law and served as Parochial Vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Naples. Father Orsi retired in 2024 and assists the Diocese of Venice at Parishes in Collier County.
Born in Cuba in 1970 to Lorenzo Gonzalez Abreau and Amparo Suares Martinez, Father graduated from San Basilo Magno Seminary in Santiago, Cuba, Pontifical Seminary of St. Thomas of Aquinas in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and was Ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Venice on Oct. 25, 2001, at Epiphany Cathedral. Father served as Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton, St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs, and St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, as well as with the Hispanic Apostolate at St. Agnes and St. Elizabeth Seton Parishes in Naples. He was Administrator at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Moore Haven and St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Mission. Father currently serves as Pastor at St. Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers.
Father Jacek Mazur was born in Milomlyn, Poland in 1968 to Francisek and Genowefa (Bonislawska), and is one of three children. Father graduated from the Seminary of the Archdiocese of Gdansk, Poland, and Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Michigan. He was Ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Venice on Oct. 25, 2001, at Epiphany Cathedral, and has served as Parochial Vicar at Epiphany Cathedral, St. Ann Parish in Naples, and as Administrator at San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte. Father was also Pastor at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota and currently serves as Pastor of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish in Bokeelia.
Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts in 1969 to David and Carol (DiMarzio) Pignato, Father David A. Pignato is one of two children. Father earned degrees at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, Harvard Law School, and the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy. Ordained to the Priesthood on July 14, 2001, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Father Pignato served at Parishes in North Dartmouth as Parochial Vicar and Pastor, and as Chaplain at a Catholic high school there. Additionally, he served as a Pastor in Raynham and as Secretary to the Bishop and Vicar for Priests in Fall River. Presently in the Diocese of Venice, Father Pignato is Chaplain, Associate Dean of Mission, and Visiting Associate Professor of Law at the Ave Maria School of Law.
Ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Venice on Oct. 25, 2001, at Epiphany Cathedral, Father Philip J. Scheff served as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice, San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte, St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish on Longboat Key, St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral and St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte. The second of three children, he was born in St. Petersburg in 1956 to Joseph and Joan (Willis) Scheff and earned degrees from Florida State University and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. Father Scheff retired in 2025.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1973 to Julio Cesar and Alicia (Proche) Vidal, Father David Mariano Vidal is the fifth of seven children. Of the children, three are priests and three are women religious. Father was Ordained to the Priesthood Aug. 9, 2001, in Buenos Aires, for the Institute of the Incarnate Word. For the religious order, Father served in order’s House of Formation in Chillum, Maryland, and later as Pastor at Parishes in Chillum and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the Diocese of Venice, Father Vidal served as Parochial Vicar at Ave Maria Parish and then as Administrator of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in LaBelle. Father was welcomed into the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice in 2023 and is the current Pastor of Ave Maria Parish. He earned degrees from Maria Madre Del Verbo Encarnado Seminary, Argentina, and Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on June 9, 2001, in the Diocese of Buffalo, Deacon Ingold’s Diaconate formation took place at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, NY, and he first served at a Parish in Williamsville, New York. Deacon Ingold then served as a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of the Military Services at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; he is a 1975 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Deacon Ingold retired from the U.S. Navy as a Captain in the U.S. Naval Reserves after 23 years of service. In civilian life, Deacon Ingold held numerous leadership positions in the medical field and was CEO of Community Pregnancy Clinics Inc. in Florida. In the Diocese of Venice, Deacon Ingold served at St. William Parish in Naples and currently serves at Ave Maria Parish; he is also a Deputy Chaplain for the Order of Malta. Deacon Ingold and his wife Ginny have been married for 50 years; they have two children and 10 grandchildren.
Since 40 Days for Life began, more than 26,214 mothers have chosen life for their children, 275 abortion workers have quit their jobs; and 184 abortion mills have gone out of business where 40 Days for Life vigils have been held.
