Tag: bishop frank dewane

STREAM Symposium unites Catholic educators

Posted on by Bob Reddy

For the first time since Hurricane Ian struck the region, all Catholic school teachers and administrators gathered for the second annual STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Education, Arts and Mathematics) Symposium hosted by The Diocese of Venice Department of Education.

The buzz of excitement was contagious on March 10, 2023, at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, as more than 430 teachers and administrators moved between breakout sessions, eager to put into practice what they learned during the STREAM Symposium. The whole day was designed for teachers to learn and grow from other teachers around the Diocese.

The core Gift of Christ of the Symposium was “Fortitude,” and the theme tag line was “Rescued: Rescued People, Rescue People.” This theme was a nod to the Eucharist and Salvation, but also in light of overcoming the impacts of Hurricane Ian during the past six months.

During the opening Mass, Bishop Frank J. Dewane praised the faculty and staff for everything they do, each dedicated to the mission of Catholic education, supported by God.

 

The works of the teachers is enhanced by the Gifts of Christ each has received, as they impart knowledge onto others, enabling their students to go out and achieve and become more the man or woman of God they are called to be, Bishop Dewane said.

“You are the tenders of the vineyards,” the Bishop said, building upon the Gospel reading of the day (Matthew 21:33-46), in which Christ has established His vineyard, the Church, and put it into our hands. Christ pays us the compliment of entrusting us with his work, with what he values. He not only gives us a job to do, but mysteriously puts the eternal salvation of other souls in our hands. Secondly, Christ is patient with our failures.

 

“What you do, day in and day out, is making a difference,” Bishop Dewane said. “Strive to be the agents of change that the Lord has called you to be… Instill in the vineyard who we are as a Church and as Catholic schools. In the midst of our own struggles, we have to turn ourselves over to the Lord. Let Him be the one to give you the ability to make you more than you think you can be. Be that to your students. Know at the end of the day that they see the difference.”

 

Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, said the theme of “Rescued” is significant in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

 

“We witnessed, and some of you experienced, being rescued from the hurricane,” Father Belmonte said. “All of us were affected by it. Being out of school. Sometimes for weeks. Property loss. We benefited from the leadership of our Bishop. From the generosity of so many of you. Our students helping with clean up… We learned what ‘Rescued People, Rescue People’ means.”

As the Holy Season of Lent continues, Father Belmonte encouraged all to pray together with the idea that we all have been rescued. “Not just from hurricanes but from sin and death by Our Lord Himself. In turn we seek to rescue others; to bring them to Our Lord through the great mission of Catholic education we share in the Diocese of Venice.”

 

The STREAM Symposium offered teachers and other participants a choice of more than 40 breakout sessions, many of which were Diocesan teacher-led, about Catholic Faith integration into various subjects utilizing STREAM concepts and the Gifts of Christ in all grade levels and subject areas, said Jennifer Falestiny, Diocesan Director of Curriculum and Symposium organizer.

 

The keynote speakers were, Rob Reynolds and Shevin McCullough, founders of Studio 3:16, a multi-media Catholic curricular program promoting the Gospel and biblical themes to students in an engaging and relatable way. The purpose of their talk was their witness as young Catholic entrepreneurs and the role and responsibility of educators in spreading the Truth through education in a world where the media spreads false truths.

 

Early in the day, Father Belmonte presented the first ever Charitas Awards, the highest Diocesan Education award given to faculty and leadership, nominated by their peers, for their constant exhibition and embodiment of the Virtue of Charity. Recipients are teachers and administrators who produce excellence in all that they do, including: radiates with care and compassion towards students and colleagues, treats others as brothers and sisters in Christ, embodies the Catholic Faith inside and outside the classroom, leads by example, and spreads Truth, Beauty and Goodness to those around them.

 

Teachers who have demonstrated leadership in STREAM and robotics education at their school were presented the Blue Apple Award. The color blue in the Bible has been described by scholars as denoting the Holy Spirit and Truth or service to God, as well as the waters of the new creation in the Book of Genesis, and most importantly the color blue is associated with our Blessed Mother. There were 16 inaugural recipients of the Blue Apple Award.

 

In addition, Years of Service Awards were presented in categories of 10-15 years, 15-19 years, 20-25 years, 25-29 years, and more than 30 years.

 

In between session, Bishop Dewane also blessed a St. Joseph Table (with various breads and pastries).

 

The day concluded on a high note with an “after-school snack” which included an ice cream food truck, meaning everyone left the day with a big smile.

Catholic Days at The Capitol: A Sea of Red Blankets Tallahassee

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Karen Barry Schwarz – Special to the Florida Catholic

Each year, Catholics from across the state gather in Tallahassee to participate in Catholic Days at the Capitol. This two-day event provides an opportunity for the Faithful to put a call to political responsibility into action and to strengthen the presence of Catholic values in the public square.

This year, Catholic Days at the Capitol took place March 7 and 8, 2023, with almost 300 of the faithful traveling to the Capitol in Tallahassee, most of them wearing red as is tradition, including 68 from the Diocese of Venice.

 

“This number of people traveling from the Diocese of Venice to the Capitol for Catholic Days is an all-time high – a 20-plus year record for us,” said Jeanne Berdeaux, the Diocese of Venice Respect Life Director. “We’re especially excited to have had 38 high school students with us this trip!”

The trip has been organized and led by Berdeaux for the past two decades. The group travelled by bus to Tallahassee. In addition to 30 adults, 38 students represented Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, and Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Catholic School in Ave Maria.

 

Berdeaux spends months in advance planning the trip, making appointments with legislators for the faithful to discuss the key issues of importance to Catholics, according to direction provided by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. The goal is to ensure that legislators know the Church’s position on several key issues and, ideally, to convince them to support (or oppose) certain bills.

This year, there were three bills on the agenda, addressing issues of abortion, education, and the death penalty. The faithful asked legislators for their support of the proposed abortion and education bills, and to oppose the current bill addressing the death penalty. Specifically, Catholics want legislators to:

  • Support provisions that prohibit abortion after detection of a heartbeat. (While this bill does not end abortion in Florida, it limits its harm and is a significant improvement over current law.)
  • Expand access to state scholarship programs for all students and convert state scholarships to educational savings accounts. (Parents should have the option to choose the educational environment that best meets the needs of their children.)
  • Retain the unanimous jury requirement to impose a death sentence, rather than go to a majority requirement. (If Florida is going to retain the death penalty, our state should preserve the highest standard possible to recommend the most severe penalty society can impose.)

 

Bishop Gregory L. Parkes, Diocese of St. Petersburg, welcomed the group to Catholic Days at the Capitol, reminding the faithful that participating in the legislative process, including advocacy, is not only a right but a responsibility.

 

Bishop Dewane addressed the group just before they attended their legislative meetings, sending them off with a prayer: “God Almighty our Heavenly Father, we are grateful that you have brought us together this day… We ask you particularly to give us the courage this day as we go forward. Courage to speak up, courage to listen to those with whom we dialogue, but also the strongest insight, the intellect, to respond in a caring and a giving – in Your way – to the threat that we sometimes hear against life.”

 

A 10th grader from Cardinal Mooney expressed his enthusiasm for the trip felt by many of the high schoolers, “We’re here to fight for the rights of unborn children, and for the preservation of life as Catholics understand it; the death penalty, or abortion . . . so many people suffer from the effects of it. It does more harm than good in our society. That’s what Catholics are really advocating for.”

 

Other Diocese of Venice students added their excitement, explaining the purpose of the trip: “We’re here to learn about the issues that are facing Florida right now!” “We’re here to become future leaders of our generation!” “We’re here to make a Catholic presence at the capitol!”

 

Catholic Days at the Capitol concluded with the Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More, concelebrated by all the Bishops of Florida to pray for those working in the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government.  Bishop Erik Pohlmeier, Diocese of St. Augustine and the most recently appointed Bishop in the state, delivered the homily. In addition to Faithful from across the state, several legislators were in attendance.

 

Catholics are asked to wear red to Catholic Days at the Capitol, and to the Mass, as the color red is said to invoke the Holy Spirit.

 

To get involved in Catholic Days at The Capitol in the Diocese of Venice next year, contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-441-1101, or Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org. To learn more about the legislative issues of concern to Catholics, connect with The Florida Catholic Advocacy (FLCAN), an online community established by the Bishops of Florida to connect, educate, and mobilize Catholics across Florida’s seven dioceses. Get alerts from FLCAN by signing up at www.flaccb.org/join-flcan, or to receive alerts via text message, simply text FLCAN to 50457.

Lehigh Acres Pastor installed

Posted on by Bob Reddy

An installation of a new Pastor is an expression of unity in the life of a Parish.

 

Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed Father Michal Szyszka as Pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres on March 12, 2023, in the context of the Mass.

“You have all come to know him as an Administrator,” Bishop Dewane said. “While not everyone will agree with each decision Father makes, please listen, give feedback and support him once Father makes the decision that has to be made… You have all been called to join in this expression of unity here at St. Raphael. Move forward with that as your guide.”

 

St. Raphael Parish was established in 1962 in the Archdiocese of Miami. The church was dedicated in 1964. There is also a 24/7 Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. The property includes an Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and several prayer gardens. The Parish sits in a rapidly growing part of Lee County, east of Interstate 75. Masses are celebrated in English and Spanish, and both groups were represented at the installation, with a Mariachi band performing several songs during the Mass and during the later reception.

 

As part of the installation process, Bishop Dewane first calls the priest to the ambo following the homily. The priest then recites, along with the faithful, the profession of faith, including an additional part solely for him. The priest then recites an Oath of Fidelity in which he promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the college of bishops enunciate when they exercise authentic magisterium.” The installation also includes prayers to provide the new Pastor the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the Parish.

The Bishop then presents the new Pastor to the faithful gathered. Documents were later signed by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish Community, who serve as witnesses for all of the parishioners. Copies of these documents are put in the Diocesan files for the Parish and Father, while a copy is kept in the Parish records.

 

After Mass, a reception for Father Szyszka was held in the Parish Hall where Father thanked the faithful of St. Raphael for being so supportive since his appointment as Administrator in 2020, during the height of the global pandemic.

Legion of Mary group renews promises

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Annual Acies of the Manasota Curia of the Legion of Mary took place March 11, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Mass for the gathered members which represented 10 different Legion of Mary praesidiums (chapters) from across the region.

 

Bishop Dewane praised the Legion of Mary for its commitment to carrying the message of the Blessed Virgin Mary to others. That message includes giving oneself over to the Lord by doing what He asks without question.

 

The Bishop asked the members to take time to reread Chapter 8 in their handbook, “The Eucharist in Union with Mary.” They are to do this in the context of the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival initiated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The coming Diocesan Eucharistic Congress (March 24-25) is part of that effort to promote a great appreciation for the Blessed Sacrament.

 

Annually, during the Acies ceremony, the members reconsecrate themselves to Mary by renewing their Legionary Promise, so that they may better work in union with the Blessed Virgin as they do their Legionary battle against the evils of this world.

 

In this consecration the members open their hearts to Mary, so that Our Lady may guide them and bless them through the year. Following the Mass, the Acies enjoyed a luncheon.

 

Cheryl Palmer said the annual Acies rededicates each member of the Legion of Mary to Our Lady, providing the strength and guidance to continue forward with their work.

 

The Legion of Mary is a worldwide organization of lay Catholics focusing on Marian spirituality and apostolic works. It has been active in the United States since 1931, and was endorsed by the Second Vatican Council. The main purpose of the Legion of Mary is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members.

 

Members become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer and service. Works include door-to-door evangelization, parishioner visitation, prison ministry, visitation of the sick or aged, crowd contact, religious education, visiting the newly baptized, Pilgrim Virgin Statue rotations, and meeting the other spiritual needs of the parish community. Legionaries are under the guidance of a spiritual director who is appointed by the Pastor. The Legion is, in essence, an extension of the heart and hands of the Pastor.

 

Members meet once a week for prayer, planning and discussion in a family setting. Then they do two hours of work each week in pairs and under the guidance of their spiritual director.

 

A main apostolate of the Legion is activities directed towards Catholics and non-Catholics, encouraging them in their faith or inviting them to become Catholic. This is usually done by encouraging them in prayer, attending Mass and learning more about the Catholic Faith.

 

For a list of Parish praesidia (chapters) in the Diocese of Venice, please visit http://www.legionofmarymiamiregia.com.

News Briefs for the week of March 17, 2023

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop celebrates Mass for students in Fort Myers, Ave Maria

Bishop Frank J. Dewane continued his series of Masses for Diocesan Catholic Schools during Lent at Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Catholic School in Ave Maria on March 13, 2023, and then on March 14 at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. The Bishop encouraged the students at both schools to make the most of the remainder of Lent by attending Mass, going to confession and focusing on the three pillars of the Lenten Season (prayer, fasting, and almsgiving).

Verot Gala celebrates 60 years

The Vintage Verot Diamond Jubilee celebrated 60 years of premiere Catholic education at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. The celebration was March 10, 2023, in the school gymnasium which was decorated with photos and items from the six decades of the school. Many of the attendees wore Verot garb as generations of students have earned a Catholic education there. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was present and praised the school for being a beacon of light in the community by producing students who have made a real impacts in the world and in the Catholic Church.

Bradenton student wins state essay contest

St. Joseph Catholic School seventh grade student Catherine Johnsen from Bradenton won the Florida DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Historical Essay Contest, March 4, 2023, in Orlando. Students were given the challenge of researching the Second Continental Congress which met from May 10, 1775, to March 1, 1781, and included delegates from all 13 colonies. Students were asked to imagine they were a delegate during the Congress, and to write an essay from a first-person perspective, indicating what would be important to accomplish for their colony. Two other St. Joseph students reached the finals after winning the Manatee County Chapter of the DAR contest in January. In addition to claiming the top prize in the state competition, Catherine had the opportunity to present her essay in Orlando. She now advances to the Division Level competition where she will the compete for the right to go to the National Finals. Well done and good luck!

Students serve jury duty in “3 Little Pigs Trial”

Second graders at St. Mary Academy in Sarasota recently received a fun introduction to the judicial system on March 8, 2023. The students took part in a jury trial based on the book “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs.” The students each received a summons to appear for jury duty. At the end of the “trial,” the wolf was acquitted. The jury deemed the wolf to not be at fault for huffing and puffing and blowing the little pigs’ houses down.

Taking reading to a new level

While reading the George Orwell novella “Animal Farm,” English I students at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples also learned about dictators. The students applied that knowledge to modern day dictators, creating displays which became a temporary “Dictator Museum.” The “Museum” displays were revealed on March 8, 2023, and included artifacts left behind by the citizens who were imprisoned, tortured, or killed by their dictator. This type of learning requires a variety of skills and learning techniques to master, thus enabling the students to receive a more complete lesson versus reading and taking a quiz.

School shines during Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade

St. Ann Catholic School in Naples had a large group participate in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. There was a float which carried school musicians, a banner, and many participants. Principal Michael Buskirk and St. Ann Pastor Father William Davis, OSFS, rode in style in a seafoam green vehicle.

Student places strong in science fair

Congratulations to Sephora Esperance from St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral, who was first-runner up for the Best-In-Fair (Junior Division) at the Edison Science and Engineering Fair on March 11, 2023, at Florida Gulf Coast University in Estero. Sephora will be presenting her science project at the Florida State Science & Engineering Fair next month. St. Andrew Catholic School also earned the prestigious Edison Cup. This award recognizes the best performing middle school in Regional Science Fair for achieving excellence in science and pursuing the spirit of Thomas Edison.

Collier Sheriff speaks to middle schoolers

Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk visited St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in early March to speak to middle school students. Sheriff Rambosk spoke about his experience as Sheriff, challenges of keeping our growing community safe, careers in law enforcement, civic duties and responsibilities, building good character, and being leaders. Students had the opportunity to ask lots of questions and get a few autographs.

A “biting” lesson

Lee County Mosquito Control visited St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers on March 13, 2023. The kindergarten students learned about the lifecycle of a mosquito. The students were also able to used their artistic skills to draw their own colorful mosquitoes.

Students encouraged to grow closer to Christ during Lent

Posted on by Bob Reddy

During their Lenten Journey the students who attend the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Venice are being reminded to take seriously the call for prayer, fasting and almsgiving while not forgetting the ashes they received on Ash Wednesday.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the first in a series of Masses for students in all Diocesan Catholic schools on March 2, 2023, for St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy in Sarasota. This was followed on March 3, with a Mass for students at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte. Additional Masses are scheduled throughout March.

Bishop Dewane said the ashes the students received on Ash Wednesday may have faded or been washed away but the mark is still there.

“It is a reminder of the journey we are all on during this Lenten Season, and how we are to live a righteous life – a good life – according to the way the Lord taught,” the Bishop said. “It is about how do you treat others, day in and day out. Do it with a goodness, righteousness and with mercy in your hearts. Know that the way you were signed with a cross in ashes must stay with you throughout this Lenten Season. This is a sign of goodness grown out the Lord’s sacrifice.”

In addition, Bishop Dewane reminded the students how the three pillars of Lent – prayer, fasting and almsgiving – are not exclusive for parents and other adults to act upon and consider. These pillars are a guidepost for everyone to follow in his or her own way, from the youngest child to the oldest grandparent.

“Prayer, for example, should not be confined to school. Find time at home, before meals, or at bedtime, or when you get up,” the Bishop continued. “In that way you are growing in your relationship with the Lord.”

While fasting for many might mean going without food, there are plenty of options for younger students to make a true sacrifice for God. Giving up a favorite television show, video game, a favorite candy, or even all candy, is taking a step in the right direction, but it must be a true sacrifice to achieve a greater closeness with Christ.

Almsgiving is traditionally associated with giving money, but Bishop Dewane explained that the students can use this discipline as an opportunity to do good things for others.

“Helping or doing for others – be it a brother or sister, a parent, or a friend – being a good person is about giving a part of oneself for the other, doing what is right in the eyes of Jesus.”

The Lenten Season, Bishop Dewane said, is about responding to the call of Christ with goodness, righteousness, and justice in our hearts.

Following the Masses, the Bishop spoke with the eighth graders during which he inquired how they were progressing in school and encouraged them to remain the leaders of their respective school and to seriously consider attending a Diocesan Catholic High School next year, with many saying they would.

The eighth graders were then allowed to question the Bishop on any topic. Some questions focused on the unique clothing he wears during Mass, while others centered on learning about his personal spiritual journey to the priesthood and ultimately a Bishop. Bishop Dewane explained how his first internal call to the priesthood started about when he was in eighth grade. From that point he put off that call to focus on school, university and then work in the business world. Finally, he decided he needed to follow the call of the Lord and has never looked back. “It felt right.”

Parish Community Center dedicated

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Blessed Mother Center at St. William Parish in Naples has been operating for nearly 10 months, but on March 5, 2023, the community came together for a dedication and open house.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane presided over the dedication and blessing of the new multi-purpose building, which is much more than a Parish Hall. The dedication included a blessing of the people and the building.

“This will be used as a catechetical center; the focus of your Parish activities, and a place where we may come to know one another and give witness to our faith,” Bishop Dewane said during the ceremony. “It will be a place where adults and young children learn the Catholic Faith and deepen their commitment to live as Christ has taught us. We pray that the word of God may always echo from these walls.”

The Bishop congratulated the gathered faithful for responding to the call of Jesus Christ with their support of the project and their presence as people of faith. He apologized for the delay in getting the building dedicated citing a combination of issues which pushed the date back many months.

Bishop Dewane also recognized the leadership of Father George Ratzmann, Pastor of St. William, who has led the Parish for 15 years, which has included building a new Parish church and now the Blessed Mother Center.

Father Ratzmann also thanked the people for their generosity, adding, “You made the church possible and this new building possible. You have made ministry viable in this area, not only for now, but for generations to come.”

The 30,000 square foot Blessed Mother Center consists of two floors. The first floor includes 13 offices, a large conference room, a large auditorium (capacity for 300 for lectures and 150 for receptions), a small auditorium (capacity for 100 or 75 for receptions), a library with a pre-function area and catering kitchen. The second floor includes five meeting rooms, four additional meeting rooms for children’s activities, a large family faith room and a teen room. The contractor was Thomas Abraham and Kane Wei of Abraham Construction Group, and the architect was Adrian Karapici, AIA, NCARB, of AM Design Group LLC.

Since its opening, Blessed Mother Center has been a hive of activity with many different Parish groups using the facilities. In addition, on the ground are two pieces of art: Mary Seat of Wisdom in the courtyard (by sculpturer Timothy Schmaltz), and Seated Nun (a statue by Philip Jackson).

Two events benefit Catholic Charities

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The programs of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., in Lee County received tremendous support during two recent elegant evenings.

First up was the Venetian Ball on March 4, 2023, at St. Leo the Great Parish Hall in Bonita Springs. Proceeds from the evening benefit the programs of Lee, Glades, and Hendry counties, with particular focus on disaster recovery.

Just two days later, on March 6, The Beach Ball took place at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club on Boca Grande. This event supports the Boca Grande Preschool, operated by Catholic Charities, sustained serious damage during Ian.

The Venetian Ball theme was “Resilience, Rebuilding, and Community” and served as an opportunity to come together as a community to support and partner with Catholic Charities to serve the many survivors of Hurricane Ian; to celebrate survival and helping of one’s neighbor. The event itself was directly impacted by Ian, as the original venue was damaged, forcing a date and location change. The Pastor and staff of St. Leo the Great stepped up to be the hosts for the event.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane praised the staff, volunteers, and benefactors of Catholic Charities for coming together in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

“Catholic Charities accomplished a tremendous amount and did a great deal of work,” Bishop Dewane said.

The 100 staff and hundreds of volunteers of Catholic Charities set up 10 distribution sites, with the help of the Parishes, where water, food and needed supplies were distributed to more than 110,000 people during the span of two months.

“That is an incredible achievement for a group of our size,” Eddie Gloria, Catholic Charities CEO said. “The work done each day is not always pretty or seen on the news, but the work makes a difference.”

Gloria explained how Catholic Charities is transitioning from emergency disaster relief to long-term disaster case management. Up to 40 case managers will work for years helping the many people in need. And the need is great, as within the 10-county Diocese of Venice territory more than 400,000 applications for FEMA assistance have been made.

“There is a lot of work ahead of us,” Gloria said.

The Frank K. Galeana Humanitarian Award was posthumously awarded to Louis J. Baumer II, the first development director of Catholic Charities, founder of the Boots & Bandanas event in Arcadia and the Samaritan Guild, who also served as executive director of the Catholic Charities Foundation and regular volunteer. Baumer passed away in November 2022. His widow was unable to attend the event, so the award was accepted by longtime friend Gerrie Weaver.

Meanwhile, The Beach Ball was an evening of dining and dancing under the stars. The Boca Grande Preschool is on the campus of Our Lady of Mercy Parish on Boca Grande. The roof of the school ripped apart, allowing rainwater to pour in and cause additional damage.

The preschool was founded in 1988 for island residents in need of childcare which grew into a formal preschool providing early education opportunities for children (12 months to pre-kindergarten) whose parents work or live on Gasparilla Island in the Boca Grande community. Father Jerome Carosella, Our Lady of Mercy Pastor, has been instrumental in the development and growth of the program through the years and offered his gratitude for the continuing and generous support of the people of Boca Grande. The guests of honor for The Beach Ball were Sarah and Will Farish.

If you would like to support Catholic Charites or learn about their outreach throughout the Diocese of Venice, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Diocesan Eucharistic Congress March 25

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice will host a historic Eucharistic Congress March 25, 2023, at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and Luminary Hotel, 1375 Monroe St., Fort Myers, and time is running out to register.

Organizers with the Diocese Office of Evangelization said that the venue is nearing capacity, with few spots left, so if you are planning to attend, but haven’t registered yet, do so today! Registration can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/eucharistic-congress/.

The Eucharistic Congress, with a theme “The Word Became Flesh,” will encompass several parts, including three unique sessions. The first is for Diocesan Catholic middle school students; the second part is a Youth Rally for high-school aged teens (both on March 24); and the showcase event is for men and women and features special breakout sessions in English and Spanish as well as for both genders.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane called for the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress as part of a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year revival of devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The U.S Bishops believe that God wants to see a movement of Catholics across the United States, healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist—and sent out in mission “for the life of the world.”

The National Eucharistic Revival is to serve as a reminder that Catholics around the world are raised to be aware of the transforming power and mercy of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist – the Source and Summit of the Faith.

“The Diocesan Eucharistic Congress is an opportunity for the faithful of the Diocese to come together as one to jointly rekindle a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist,” Bishop Dewane said. “This is a time to grow deeply in your faith, along with others from the Diocese, accompanied by Jesus Christ.”

Elements of the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress include a procession with the Eucharist in a public setting, time for Eucharistic Adoration, availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, talks and catechesis on important matters of faith – especially the Holy Eucharist – and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with Bishop Dewane.

The schedule for the Congress and line-up of internationally acclaimed speakers, which includes – Father Donald Calloway, MIC; Teresa Tomeo; Hector Molina; Mallory Smith; Mary Ann Weisinger-Puig; Joel de Loera; and Martha Fernandez-Sardina, can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/eucharistic-congress/.

Each speaker will allow the faithful the opportunity to become part of the greater National Eucharistic Revival and to leave with their hearts and minds aflame for the love of Jesus, His Catholic Church, and especially the Most Holy Eucharist.

As Pope Francis has stated many times during his Papacy, each time we are present before the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ it is “a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ.”

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Register today.

For more information about the schedule, and to register for the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/eucharistic-congress/.

Rite of Election – Largest ever Diocesan group set to enter Church at Easter Vigil

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The largest ever group of women and men set to enter the Catholic Church within the Diocese of Venice at the Easter Vigil were recognized during the annual Rite of Election at Epiphany Cathedral on the first Sunday of Lent on Feb. 26, 2023. This annual tradition is a formal Rite during which catechumens are presented and their names are entered into the Book of Elect.

The 216 catechumens (individuals who are not yet baptized) were joined by an additional 351 candidates (already-baptized Christians preparing for confirmation and First Eucharist). The candidates participate in the formal ceremony and are recognized during the celebration for answering the “Call To Their Continuing Conversion.” The Cathedral was at near capacity as family members were also present to show their support.

The Rite of Election was presided over by Bishop Frank J. Dewane who said he was impressed by the large number of catechumens and candidates, noting that the 567 are the most ever set to enter the Church in the Diocese in a single year through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program.

Bishop Dewane complimented each for making the commitment to publicly announce the call of the Holy Spirit in a particular way by becoming active members of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Venice. “You are the brave and courageous; the Spirit of the Lord is working within you.”

The catechumens and candidates, who were recognized by Bishop Dewane, are on a continuing journey that will culminate when they come into full communion with the Catholic Church at the April 8 Easter Vigil Mass in their respective Parishes.

The group represent 47 Parishes in the Diocese of Venice and are accompanied by tens of thousands of others across the country that will also join the Catholic Church this year. Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers, St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Immokalee had the largest groups of catechumens and candidates.

Bishop Dewane acknowledged the sacrifice each catechumen and candidate has made in recognizing the voice of God in their lives, prompted by the Holy Spirit, to come forward on this journey of learning about the Catholic Faith.

“This happens in your heart,” the Bishop said. “Leave your heart always open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the voice of God. Listen to what the Lord is asking of you.”

By recognizing the Lord’s presence in your heart, it must change you in fundamental ways, Bishop Dewane said. The presence of the Lord in your life must impact how you live, how you treat yourself, how you treat others, and how you are going to live the life to which the Lord has called you. During the coming weeks of Lent, the Bishop encouraged the catechumens and candidates to seek the Lord in Sacred Scriptures as they develop and grow in building their relationship with Jesus Christ.

“We must go out from these four walls (of the Cathedral) and be doers of our Faith out in society,” Bishop Dewane said. “We have respective roles – responding and answering – as we are called, made in the image and likeness of God, to give witness to Jesus Christ.”

The catechumens are part of the OCIA, which is for those who are unbaptized and unchurched, who come to inquire about becoming part of the Roman Catholic Faith in a process that takes about a year. Often catechumens are those who have begun to seek and understand God in their lives and have been led by the Holy Spirit to become Catholic. OCIA is a journey of discovery and faith. This is most commonly done in three distinct phases: discernment, acceptance into the catechumenate along with purification and enlightenment.

Each catechumen will go through a series of scrutinies during which they examine their readiness to accept Christ and the Catholic Faith in the form of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation). This time culminates at the Easter Vigil when the catechumens are received through Baptism into the Catholic Church. The final period of the OCIA is the time of “Mystagogy” (post-baptismal catechesis). During the weeks following the Easter Vigil, the newly initiated live more profoundly their experience of Baptism and the Eucharist as they begin the journey of discipleship and their growing union with Christ.

For candidates, those who have been correctly baptized with a Trinitarian formula, the Catholic Church does not require re-Baptism. Candidates have already experienced a journey of faith and understand how Jesus leads us to the Father through the work of the Holy Spirit. In fact, many have been attending Mass with their families for years but may have never received the Sacrament of Holy Communion or the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The candidates are invited to the Cathedral for the Rite of Election as a form of welcome, but because they are already in the Book of the Elect as baptized Christians, they do not bring their names forward. To symbolize that baptism, and as a sign of their continuing conversion, they come forward and make the sign of the cross with holy water.

Everyone is encouraged to pray for and welcome the catechumens and candidates at their own Parish as they continue their journey of discovery in their Faith.

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