Tag: bishop frank dewane

11 Acolytes instituted

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A group of 11 men were instituted as Acolytes during a June 1, 2024, Mass at St. Martha Parish in Sarasota, as friends and family looked on. For the 11, this is the next major step in their journey to become Permanent Deacons.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane instituted Richard E. Dahn, Richard A. Hellenbrand, Thomas A. Januszka, Stephen L. Jendrysik, James N. Jenkins, Ramon R. Kanacheril, Mark A. Osterhaus, Orlando A. Rubiano, Jeff Tenbarge, John-William M. Trainer III, and Edward Watson, of the Diaconate Formation Program for the Diocese of Venice as Acolytes.

The Acolyte has a special role in the Church as it is now their responsibility to assist priests and Deacons in carrying out their ministry; this is most commonly done through assisting the priest during Mass. Bishop Dewane described the Acolyte as a special ministry where they give Holy Communion at the Sacred Liturgy, as well to the sick, wherever they may be found. This was a crucial step before these men are ordained as Permanent Deacons in 2025.

During the institution, the men were called forward for presentation to Bishop Dewane by Deacon Robert Gaitens, Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate.

The Bishop handed each candidate a vessel with bread to be consecrated, saying: “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.” The candidates each responded: “Amen!” (This bread was not consecrated at the time, but the bread and vessel symbolize the service that the Acolyte can now provide for the Church, in particular during the Mass.)

Bishop Dewane told the men that by becoming Acolytes they are more bound to the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ and Holy Mother Church.

“As a person chosen for the ministry of acolyte, you will have a special role in the Church’s ministry,” Bishop Dewane said. “The Summit and Source of the Church’s life is the Eucharist, which builds up the Christian community and makes it grow.”

As men who have reached a milestone in their Permanent Diaconate formation, the Bishop said the responsibility to build up that community of God is growing and this institution is one more important step in their formation process, and most importantly, their spiritual growth.

“Because you are specially called to this ministry, you should strive to live more fully by the Lord’s sacrifice and to be molded more perfectly in its likeness. You should seek to understand the deep spiritual meaning of what you do, so that you may offer yourself daily to God as a spiritual sacrifice acceptable to him through Jesus Christ,” Bishop Dewane concluded. “In performing your ministry bear in mind that, as you share one bread with your brothers and sisters, so you form one body with them. Show a sincere love for Christ’s Mystical Body, God’s holy people.”

During the Mass, the Bishop recognized the wives and families of the diaconate candidates for their commitment and support during the formation process.

Orlando Rubiano, of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Fort Myers, said he was blessed to have his daughter Elizabeth there with her family, and said he was grateful to Bishop Dewane for instituting him and his fellow Diaconate candidates to the Ministry of Acolyte.

“I feel blessed to have reached this point in my formation journey and look forward to serving our Lord, as He desires, when I become ordained next year,” Rubiano said. “It is a great honor and privilege to be called by my Lord to love and serve Him through my fellow brothers and sisters!”

The Acolytes come from across the Diocese: Dahn of St. Agnes Parish, Naples; Hellenbrand of St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral; Thomas A. Januszka of St. Francis Cabrini Parish, Parrish; Jendrysik of Incarnation Parish, Sarasota; Jenkins of St. William Parish, Naples; Kanacheril of St. Vincent DePaul Parish, Fort Myers; Osterhaus of St. Agnes Parish, Naples; Rubiano of St. Vincent DePaul Parish, Fort Myers; Tenbarge of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples; Trainer of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples; and Watson of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria.

This group will be entering their fifth and final year of studies in the Diaconate Formation Program in September, with ordination to the Permanent Diaconate anticipated sometime in 2025.

During the process to become a Permanent Deacon, the men receive training in theology, canon law and pastoral ministry. They were previously admitted as candidates when they publicly declared their intention to become Permanent Deacons and the Bishop accepted. Then later, they were then instituted as lectors by the Bishop.

In addition to friends and family, also present for the Institution of the Acolytes were many of those discerning to become Permanent Deacons as part of the class of 2028.

For more information about the Permanent Diaconate, please call Deacon Robert Gaitens at 941-484-9543.

2024 Hurricane Season begins – Awareness and preparation key

Posted on by Bob Reddy

If anything is predictable in Florida it is that each summer the weather will be very warm and humid, and everyone should be keeping an eye on the tropics and preparing for Hurricane Season.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. With a history of these storms producing destruction in the region, just the mention of Hurricane Ian (2022), Hurricane Irma (2017), or Hurricane Charley (2004), can cause misery for many.

The Diocese of Venice, and many families are still recovering from Hurricane Ian nearly two years after the storm passed, but Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the Diocese of Venice is well-prepared for the coming season.

“We are all well aware of the catastrophic impacts of hurricanes as witnessed by the destruction caused during Hurricane Ian and other storms,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said. “What we can do is to be prepared, and pray for protection. My prayers are especially for the people who continue to recover from previous storms. As the new Atlantic Hurricane Season arrives, let us all ask God for protection and safety from these storms in this year and beyond.”

Experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), well above the seasonal average. This follows the 2023 season which produced 20 named storms, including Hurricane Idalia, which threatened Southwest Florida before slamming into north Florida. NOAA stated that numerous factors were considered in the forecast, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation, reported.

The names for this season, provided by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), include Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto and others. The list of 21 names is repeated every six years. The only time that there is a change is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different storm would be inappropriate for obvious reasons of sensitivity (Ian, Irma, Charley, Katrina, etc.). If that occurs, then at an annual WMO meeting by the committee (called primarily to discuss many other issues) the offending name is stricken from the list and another name is selected to replace it. The new names on the 2024 list are Francine and Milton, replacing Florence and Michael. In 2018, Michael caused catastrophic damage to Florida’s Panhandle, while Florence caused widespread flooding in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and beyond.

Weather forecasters and emergency management officials stress that each tropical system is different, explaining that just because you survived Ian, Irma or Charley, without any damage doesn’t mean the next storm, whether it is a tropical storm or major hurricane, couldn’t destroy everything around you.

A recently published NOAA analysis of Hurricanes Ian and Charley, which both made landfall with winds of in excess of 150 mph and followed nearly identical tracks, caused very different devastation. Charley was a small storm (wind impacts), moving fast which meant there was little storm surge, yet it still caused 35 deaths and $16.9 billion in damage. The wind field of Ian was five times the size of Charley, was slow moving, had up to 15-foot storm surge in some areas, triggered catastrophic flooding, and caused 141 deaths and $113 billion in damage.

This emphasizes the importance of paying attention to tropical cyclone size and not just comparing track and intensity of previous hurricanes. The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service take into account storm size when issuing watches and warnings, so it is highly advised that individuals use those when making decisions about protecting themselves, their families, and properties.

In its report, NOAA stated, “the bottom line is that forecasters understand how storm size can affect hazards and it is good practice to pay attention to forecasts rather than comparing the current event with previous storms or experiences.”

With many people no longer watching local news, NOAA officials also stress the need for everyone to have access to reliable local weather reports to avoid confusion when a storm approaches. This can be accessed through the National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, local news outlets or other trustworthy weather sources.

While keeping a wary eye on the weather forecast is important, being prepared before storms approach is just as vital. Preparedness means many things, but a key part is simply knowing where you live in relationship to evacuation zones in your city or county. Also, knowing how well constructed your home is can also impact your preparations and planning in the event an evacuation is ordered. Also, as many learned during Ian, power could be out for days, or weeks, following a storm, and the decision must also be made if one wants to stay under those conditions.

Preparing for the storm ahead of time

Posted on by Bob Reddy

As the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season commences, emergency management officials emphasize that having an emergency preparedness plan will help lessen the stress when inevitably, the new tropical system forms and threatens the region. Key things like knowing your evacuation zone, knowing if your home can withstand forecasted winds, and having emergency supplies and documents ready ahead of time, are key actions to take ahead of the season.

First, officials recommend each family have a Disaster Supply Kit, which should have a minimum of enough water and food to last three to seven days. That means one gallon of water per person/per day, plus enough non-perishable food that does not require electricity to prepare and consume safely. Those who care for infants or the elderly need to plan for what specialty items will be needed such as medications.

Other key items for a Disaster Supply Kit include clothing (rain gear and sturdy shoes), blankets/pillows, first aid kit, all medicines and prescription drugs, toiletries, flashlights, battery-operated radio, cash, important documents in a waterproof container, and any items for your pets.

If a storm were to strike, getting basic supplies will be a challenge, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency stresses that in the aftermath of a major disaster, you should expect to be on your own for at least three days, if not longer, before substantial state and federal resources can be expected.

To help encourage the people of Florida to buy their emergency supplies now, this year, the Florida Legislature has approved two 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays. The first tax holiday is June 1 to 14, with the second taking place from August 24 to September 6.

During these two periods, certain hurricane supplies will be tax-free. Along with the traditional items in a supply kit – like flashlights, radios, tarps and batteries – the tax holiday also includes a number of items related to the safe evacuation of household pets. For a complete list of eligible items, check your local retail store or visit https://floridarevenue.com/disasterprep. If you have a Disaster Supply Kit that went unused in 2023, inspect it to ensure all items are fresh and the batteries are still good.

Anyone who has medical, or transportation issues must contact their city/county Emergency Management Office (the number is available online or you can dial the non-emergency 511), to register and to potentially be relocated to a shelter if a storm threatens.

Another key action is to make sure your insurance is up-to-date, and photographs are taken of all valuables before the storm. Keep in mind that hurricane and flood insurance will take a minimum of 30 days to go into effect.

Should disaster strike, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., will be at the forefront in preparing and responding. Catholic Charities will send a team to the epicenter of the disaster and then coordinate to set up relief centers — called PODs, which stands for Points-Of-Distribution – where the need is greatest. These centers – often located at Parishes or next to Catholic Charities offices – will be sites where water, clothing, food and other disaster relief assistance can be distributed.

The Diocese of Venice is experienced in responding to these storms. Therefore, each Parish, Catholic school and other entities have hurricane preparedness plans which assist in preparation before a storm and recovery afterwards.

NOAA and emergency management officials remind everyone that taking a few steps now can prevent panic and confusion if a storm were to threaten the area. To track and learn more about hurricanes, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

 

Prayer for Hurricane Season 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Please pray for the safety of all as the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season approaches

As we enter the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season (June 1 to Nov. 30), a prayer is presented here by which one asks God for protection and safety from the storms that often threaten Southwest Florida. We all remember the devastating effect of Hurricane Ian and of the recovery which is still ongoing. Everyone in the Diocese of Venice knows and understands the power of these storms and the suffering which follows in their wake. Please pray for safety.

Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season

O God, Master of this passing world,

hear the humble voices of your children.

The Sea of Galilee obeyed Your order

and returned to its former quietude.

 

You are still the Master of land and sea.

We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control:

the Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant,

can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land, and spread chaos and disaster.

 

During this hurricane season we turn to You, O loving Father.

Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid

and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with passing of time.

 

O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our beloved Mother, we ask you

to plead with your Son on our behalf,

so that spared from the calamities common to this area

and animated with a true spirit of gratitude,

we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son

to reach the heavenly Jerusalem,

where a stormless eternity awaits us. Amen.

 

Oración para la temporada de huracanes

 

O Dios, Señor de este mundo pasajero,

escucha la humilde voz de tus hijos.

El Mar de Galilea obedeció Tu orden

y volvió a su anterior quietud.

 

Tu todavía eres el Señor de tierra y mar.

Vivimos en la sombra del peligro sobre el cual no tenemos control;

el Golfo, como un violento gigante, puede despertar de su aparente letargo,

sobrepasar sus límites, invadir nuestra tierra y sembrar caos y desastre.

 

Durante esta temporada de huracanes acudimos a Ti, O Padre Misericordioso.

Líbranos de tragedias como las pasadas que están tan vivas en nuestra

memoria y cuyas heridas rehúsan ser curadas con el paso del tiempo.

 

O Virgen, Estrella del Mar, nuestra amada Madre, te pedimos

que intercedas ante tu Hijo por nosotros,

para que nos libre de las calamidades comunes a esta área,

y animados con un verdadero espíritu de gratitude

caminemos en los pasos de tu Divino Hijo

para llegar a la Jerusalén Celestial,

donde una eternidad sin tormentas nos espera. Amen.

Priestly Ordination June 8 – All invited to witness important moment for Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice relies on dedicated men who have committed their lives to serving God. One such man will be ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice.

Transitional Deacon Thomas Gregory Dougherty has completed his priestly formation and has been called to ordination by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who will be the presiding prelate. The ordination will be 11 a.m., June 8, at Our Lady of Lourdes, 1301 Center Road, Venice, while Epiphany Cathedral undergoes reconstruction.

In addition to Bishop Dewane, the Mass will include a number of priests, deacons, religious, family and friends from across the Diocese.

“This is one of the most beautiful and rarely seen Sacraments in the Church,” Bishop Dewane explained. “It is a public response to the Call to Holiness, which comes with great responsibility and accountability. The Diocese of Venice is blessed that, year after year, men are hearing the call of the Lord, and responding.”

All are welcome and encouraged to attend the Ordination, said Bishop Dewane. “It is important the faithful support each Ordination as the Priest is a future link to the continuation of the Sacraments. This is a life-changing, lifelong commitment and Priests, especially new Priests, need the support and encouragement of the faithful.”

During Ordination to the Priesthood, Deacon Dougherty will freely present himself to serve God, the Church and the Bishop of the Diocese of Venice and his successors. He will also make a renewed commitment to celibacy and promise obedience.

Deacon Dougherty, 55, has been studying at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, which specializes in formation for later vocations. He was raised in East Dundee, Illinois, a quiet suburb of Chicago. Although a later vocation, Deacon Dougherty said he thought about becoming a priest in high school, even enrolling in a minor seminary but never attended because he was conflicted about his decision. He graduated from Bradley University and Middle Tennessee State University, becoming an elementary school teacher in Winchester, Tennessee. He transitioned into industrial sales for several years before following the call of God by returning to teaching, developing catechetical programs for Catholic education just prior to entering seminary.

“The noise of the world muffled the call for several years, but God directly intervened in my life at the age of 39, which reawakened that call,” Deacon Dougherty said. As a seminarian within the Diocese, Deacon Dougherty has had pastoral assignments at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota and Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish in Bradenton. While in seminary, Deacon Dougherty’s pastoral assignment was with the Archdiocese of Boston’s Pro-Life Office.

Deacon Dougherty said he is humbled by all that the ordination means. “I have a strong devotion to Our Lady of Fatima and am active in spreading that devotion to others. I look forward to the day I will serve Holy Mother Church as a priest. This opportunity is truly a blessing, and I am overwhelmed by God’s grace and mercy through the generosity of Bishop Dewane and the many others who have made this journey possible.”

While Deacon Doughtery will be ordained on June 8, there are still other men in the Diocese of Venice who are at various stages in their priestly formation, either in college or at a seminary where they continue their studies toward the ordained priesthood. The Diocese of Venice asks that the faithful remember Deacon Dougherty, and all those discerning priesthood, in their prayers.

Parishioners are encouraged to help support Diocesan seminarians in their studies and choice of vocation. To contribute to the education of seminarians, send a check to the Diocese of Venice, Office of Vocations, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285 or visit the website at www.dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give.

For those considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, please visit www.venicevocations.org, or contact Diocesan Director of Vocations, Father Alex Pince at pince@dioceseofvenice.org.

TOTUS TUUS – Summer program returns to Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Making a triumphant return to the Diocese of Venice, the successful Totus Tuus summer catechetical Parish program will soon be taking place at a Parish near you.

Eleven missionaries are undergoing final preparations as the first two Parish camps start June 2, 2024. Ultimately there will be eight separate weeks with 12 Parishes serving as hosts through the end of July. More than 1,000 young children and teens will be impacted by this special outreach.

Totus Tuus – which means “totally yours” – teaches children of all ages to put a spotlight on sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness, and Eucharistic worship. The goal of the week is to help the children develop a true and lasting longing for holiness.

The 2022 and 2023 programs garnered rave reviews, with host Parish priests and catechists describing how the children’s love for Christ reached new heights in a single 5-day period more than in an entire season of religious instruction.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane encouraged the pilot program be brought to the Diocese in 2022 and an expansion for 2023 to 11 host Parishes and 12 for 2024. During visits to Totus Tuus camps, Bishop Dewane said he has been impressed by the response each child had to the uplifting program. “In each classroom everyone was so excited and alive about their love of the Lord!”

Totus Tuus aims to inspire young people to develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life. The program also seeks to foster openness to the sacrifices and blessings of the various Christian vocations in both the young participants and the missionaries.

The week-long camps (9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday) are divided into two segments, with the day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, and an evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12.

The younger children participate in four classes each day, attend daily Mass, learn the parts and liturgical songs of Mass, and participate in games, skits, songs, recess and prayer. The older students participate in instruction, small group discussions, quiet meditations, prayer and fellowship.

Most importantly, Totus Tuus works to complement what the children learn from their parents, who are the first and best educators of the faith. This is something Bishop Dewane has stressed since the program had its trial run in the Diocese in 2022.

To ensure success of the program, Totus Tuus missionaries are principally from the Diocese. The missionaries (five men and six women) went through an intensive training session from May 23-31, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice.

This training focused on the spiritual aspect of the Totus Tuus program, including daily prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Mass. Other components of the training covered the fundamentals of teaching young children and youth, as well as the fun aspects of the camp including the songs and dances that everyone will learn. As their training neared its conclusion, they each expressed their enthusiasm to help make a difference in the lives of young Catholics throughout the Diocese.

The 2024 Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Missionaries are: James Allen, Kansas State University; Anne Moultrie, Ave Maria University; Natalia Abrams, Ave Maria; Gianna Cox, Ave Maria; James Gates, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary; Juliana Courville, University of Louisiana-Lafayette; Jesse Gomez, St. John Vianney College Seminary; Carson Stecklein, Ave Maria; Sara Prius, Georgia State University; Jesenia Cortes, University of Florida; and Max Sindlar, Ave Maria.

Parishes hosting Totus Tuus this year are: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Parrish, and Our Lady of Grace, Avon Park (June 2-7); Ave Maria, Ave Maria (June 9-14); St. Finbarr, Naples, and St. Paul, Arcadia (June 16-21); Epiphany Cathedral, Venice, and St. Katharine Drexel, Cape Coral (June 23-28); Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 7-12); Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers, and St. Cecilia, Fort Myers (July 14-19); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch, and St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 21-26). To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/.

Please pray for the success of the Totus Tuus summer program, the campers, and the missionaries.

Camp registration information

Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/.

For general questions about the Diocesan Totus Tuus program, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/totustuus2024/, or contact James Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Ave Maria Parish school celebrates high school graduation

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass and 17th Commencement Exercises for its 32 graduating seniors on May 24, 2024, the largest class in school history.

The opening procession for the Mass included each graduate carrying a white rose which was then placed in a vase before a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the main celebrant. Bishop Dewane praised the graduates for their academic achievement but said his prayers were for their continued spiritual growth as they leave the Ave Maria community to points beyond.

Following Mass, the festivities moved to the nearby school, with the graduation taking place in the gymnasium. In addition to family and friends, students from the middle and high school were present for the presentation of diplomas.

First-year Principal Dr. Marc Snyder, whose daughter Isabela was a graduate, remarked on the honor of leading the school which offers a classical education where students encounter Christ and pursue excellence in all things from academics through sports.

Mary Fairchild was the class Valedictorian while Matthew Scheck was Salutatorian. Father David Vidal, Ave Maria Parish Pastor, offered the opening prayer and closing Benediction. In addition, Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education, addressed the graduates, offering encouragement to continue to let Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary be the guiding force in their lives.

The Donahue graduates did more than 2,200 service hours and earned an impressive $3.6 million in scholarship offers. In addition, most are going on to attend a Catholic university in the fall.

Pentecost – commemoration of the descent of Holy Spirit upon Apostles

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The journey of the Easter Season is concluded, and the Holy Spirit has descended to provide the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, fortitude, counsel, piety and fear of the Lord.

Celebrated this year on May 19, 2024, the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday marks an important transition in the lives of the Apostles and clarifies their mission in creating the Lord’s Church on earth and is traditionally viewed as the founding of the Church. Pentecost, which literally means 50, falls 50 days after Easter and is 10 days after the Ascension of the Lord. As a symbol of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit, the clergy wear red vestments on this day.

“This is one of the greatest Feast Days of the Church in the context of Salvation History,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is when Jesus establishes His Church on earth … the descent of the Holy Spirit, by the Father and the Son, signals the commencement and founding of the Church and all its works.”

This celebration commemorates when the Apostles, though still afraid, accepted the Holy Spirit and their role in carrying the message of the Lord into the world, the Bishop said.

“We too have a role to play in the continuation of that Church,” Bishop Dewane continued. “We must all be doers of our faith. It is the Holy Spirit, and the love conveyed from God, that binds the world together. That love wills the good for the other, we must respond to that love. Be men and women of prayer. Go to your Parishes every Sunday and be an integral part of the community of believers, because that community is less without your gifts and your talents.”

Those gifts of the Holy Spirit are sealed in the faithful through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Therefore, Pentecost is the time when those who have been baptized and are seeking to be more fully united to Christ within the Church receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at cathedrals around the world.

At Epiphany Cathedral, Bishop Dewane bestowed the Sacrament upon 108 women and men candidates representing 24 Parishes across the Diocese. These candidates were unable (for whatever reason) to be confirmed at their own Parishes during the past several months.

Bishop Dewane thanked the candidates for coming forward to be confirmed and said that the Sacrament of Confirmation must change them as they have been given a new beginning in their lives; they are making a permanent commitment that comes with corresponding responsibilities.

During the Sacrament of Confirmation, the confirmandi renewed their baptismal promises, which Bishop Dewane said is done to publicly proclaim who they are as Catholics and to have the courage, hope, faith and perseverance to be true followers of Christ.

As the Rite continues, the Bishop says an introductory prayer and asks all to join him in praying for the candidates and then he recites an additional prayer pertaining to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Finally, the candidates are requested to come forward, with their sponsor placing their right hand on the candidate’s right shoulder. Then with his right thumb, the Bishop makes the sign of the cross on their forehead with the Holy Chrism Oil and says “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The confirmed reply, “Amen.” At this point, the Bishop says, “Peace be with you,” and the newly confirmed responded “And with your spirit.”

One woman from San Pedro Parish in North Port expressed her joy of being confirmed by the Bishop. “I feel so blessed to be here, to present myself to the Bishop and become a full participant in the Catholic Faith.”

A younger man from St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral explained how his Faith journey took place with the encouragement of his mother who recognized the importance of receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. “I started the instruction, unsure if it was what I wanted. After today, I can thank my mother for being there and understanding what I needed in my life.”

Graduations held at three Diocesan Catholic high schools

Posted on by Bob Reddy

St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, and Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers held their commencement exercises in mid-May.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass for each of the schools, with the Mooney Mass celebrated May 15, 2024, at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, the Neumann Mass was May 16, at St. Peter the Apostles Parish in Naples, while the Verot Mass was May 17, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Fort Myers.

Bishop Dewane first thanked the parents and guardians for entrusting their children to one of the Diocesan Catholic high schools for four years of their education, and then congratulated the graduates for their own accomplishments.

While graduation is the end of a specific academic endeavor, Bishop Dewane told the graduates that the learning will continue throughout the rest of their lives.

“It is my prayer that this time of learning will include the school of faith,” Bishop Dewane said. “Faith is about welcoming and cherishing a bond with Jesus Christ and God. Guided by the Holy Spirit, cultivate every dimension of your life for the glory of God.”

The Neumann commencement exercises included 75 graduates receiving their diplomas. The class, which accumulated more than 10,000 service hours, also earned $12 million in scholarship offers and nearly all are going off to college. The Valedictorian was Alessio Cirino and Salutatorian was Tatum Costantini. Three of the graduates will be attending military service academies.

For Cardinal Mooney, commencement took place at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center in Sarasota, with 159 graduates. The Valedictorian was Lauren Burd and the Salutatorian was Tyler Ruben. This group earned nearly $10 million in scholarships and completed more than 17,500 service hours.

The Bishop Verot commencement, with 182 graduates, including 35 Summa Cum Laude students (no valedictorian or salutatorian are recognized). However, Patrick Dendis, provided the introductory address, while Aliza Litvak, who offered the commencement address. The class earned more than $15 million in scholarship offers and completed more than 21,000 service hours.

The fourth Diocesan Catholic high school, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria will hold their Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercises on May 24.

The total reported scholarships offered to the graduates at the three schools exceeds $35 million. However, that total does not include Florida Bright Future Scholarships, which are pending due to a delay in processing awards.

The graduating Class of 2024 went through a disrupted freshman year with the Covid-19 pandemic when masks and social distancing disrupted many activities. They also dealt with the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian in 2022. Please pray for all the new graduates!

Catholic Community Foundation presents 22 scholarships for 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, joined by Board members of the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc., honored 22 scholarship winners during a ceremony on May 16, 2023, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice.

The recipients of the Mary Fran Carroll, Coseglia, Schaerf, and Schwarz Scholarships were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and for their commitment to continuing their education in pursuit of wide-ranging career paths such as education, medicine, business, engineering and more. The Foundation Scholarship Committee carefully reviewed 85 applications before determining the winners. Many of the Foundation Board members were present for the luncheon.

Bishop Dewane opened the presentation with prayer and said he was impressed with the new Foundation scholars, noting their academic success and ambition to seek out distinctive goals. “We pray that what they embark upon, the students will certainly be successful in their life.”

Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation, congratulated the new scholars, saying the young men and women are worthy to forever be known as Foundation Scholars.

“These scholarships were created by individuals (and couples) to support higher education, because they strongly believe in it,” Morse said. “Our committee works hard in the selection process, and it is one of the most rewarding things the Board does. When we see your application and what you have done and are going to do, it gives us all hope for the future.”

Lily LaMorey, the James and Margaret Schwarz Scholar, graduated from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High in Sarasota, and said she is pursuing a career in elementary education at the University of South Florida because her work as a summer camp counselor was “the most fulfilling thing I have done.”

Cameron Phayre, of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, was named one of four Frank and Florence Coseglia Memorial Scholars (he is also a Mary Fran Carroll Scholar). Cameron will attend the University of South Florida in the fall to study global business. “My passion is to bring the benefits of innovation and technology into the lives of others to make the world a better place. This overarching theme has inspired my career path. My long-term career goal is to either run a successful business or lead as a chief officer at a software or tech company.

Mary Fran Carroll Scholar Anastasilia Lezhanina, a graduate of North Port High School who will be studying hospitality management and tourism and will also study film making at State College of Florida, is an immigrant who fled the Ukraine when the war with Russia began in 2022. She thanked the Foundation Board for awarding her the scholarship because without it she could not afford to go to college. “My family arrived in this country with nothing, and college would be too expensive for my family. This scholarship will help me start my path, so that I will be able to achieve my dreams.”

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship provides a total of 16 academic scholarships ($3,500) to residents of Sarasota County and is available for tuition, books and fees. This year there were 15 traditional scholarship winners (high school graduates pursuing an undergraduate degree) and one non-traditional winner (an adult learner seeking an advanced education after being away from school for a number of years). The scholarship is renewable annually up to a total of five academic years ($17,500 total) for students maintaining a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.2 or greater, while also making progress toward their career goal. In the past year, many students had their scholarship renewed.

The Coseglia Scholarship provides a one-time scholarship ($1,100) to one financially needy graduating senior from each of the four Catholic High Schools within the Diocese of Venice. The winners were nominated by their high schools and approved by the Foundation Board.

The Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship provides a one-time scholarship ($4,000) to a graduating senior from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience or similar field. This was the fifth year the scholarship was offered.

The Schwarz Scholarship is a one-time college scholarship ($7,500) to be awarded for tuition, books, fees, and housing expenses for a student graduating from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota.

During the scholarship ceremony, the recipients shared their personal experiences as well as college and career goals. Each expressed their appreciation for the scholarship from the Foundation. Many specifically explained how the scholarship money will assist in lessening the financial burden of attending college and pursuing their career goals.

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. was established to provide philanthropic opportunities for individuals, such as Mary Fran Carroll, to create lasting gifts in support of Catholic programs and ministries within the Diocese of Venice. This year, the Foundation is on track to distribute $3.5 million in endowed support for Catholic Schools, Parishes, Seminarian education, programs for the needy, college scholarships and more.

To learn more about the Catholic Community Foundation, please contact Michael Morse at 941-441-1124 or by email at Morse@dioceseofvenice.org. You can also visit the Foundation website at www.CCFDioceseofvenice.org.

2024 Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. Scholars

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars – traditional

Jewel Medina, Venice High School (2023), University of Central Florida;

Charlotte Gillis, North Port High School (2023), University of Central Florida;

Emmalee Bunnell, Venice High School, Marymount Manhattan College;

Danile Potepa, Riverview High School, University of South Florida;

Christina Bowser, Sarasota High School, State College of Florida;

Ornella Rokh, Venice High School, Boston University;

Cameron Phayre, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, University of South Florida;

Miranda Lauber, Riverview High School (2023), Florida State University;

Jackie Williams, Suncoast Polytechnical School, University of South Florida;

Anastasilia Lezhanina, North Port High School, State College of Florida;

Marco Vegh, Riverview High School, University of Florida;

Giselle Cisneros Lobo, Venice High School, Georgetown University;

Peyton Pablo, Venice High School, Florida State University;

Summer Maclay, Venice High School, Florida State University;

Hailey Renner, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Florida Gulf Coast University.

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars – non-traditional

John Quigley, Ringling College of Art and Design.

Frank and Florence Coseglia Memorial Scholarship

Cameron Phayre, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, University of South Florida;

Beata Blood, St. John Neumann Catholic High School, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University;

Teresa Klucik, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria University;

Naissa Esperance, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, University of South Florida.

James and Margaret Schwarz Scholarship

Lily LaMorey, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, University of South Florida.

Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship

Naissa Esperance, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, University of South Florida.

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