bishop frank dewane Archives - Page 78 of 112

Large family grounds future priest

Posted on July 28, 2021July 28, 2021 by Bob Reddy

The middle of seven children, 30-year-old Transitional Deacon Alexander Pince had two people, his mother and an uncle who is a Diocesan priest, who were strong witnesses of Faith, ultimately inspiring him to choose a vocation to the priesthood.

“I was blessed to have been given the Faith from my parents (David and Margaret Pince), and from when I was a child, my mom took us to daily Mass,” Deacon Pince explained of his life growing up in Concord, New Hampshire, with a very large extended family with dozens of first cousins. “That habit continued through my high school years. I started altar serving after my first Communion at the age of six, and I looked up to our Parish priest, who earnestly cautioned me: ‘altar serving isn’t kid stuff.’”

His uncle, a Diocesan priest for the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont, visited the Pince family on his days off bringing the human side of a relatable priest. As a child he would play the role of the priest with his siblings as the congregation. He jokingly remembers his mother’s insistence that he use a pretzel as a pretend host, and to call it a “pretzel” to avoid any unintentional blasphemy.

Homeschooled with a Catholic curriculum through high school, then college years attending Ave Maria University earning degrees in business and economics, Deacon Pince pushed the idea of becoming a priest to the back of his mind.

During the years after college, while working in finance and then at Ave Maria University, he described as “the Lord’s gentle yet consistent invitation to follow Him as a priest… because the Lord was quite persistent. The breaking moment came in May of 2015 when I went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. During those days, His call was so clear that I gratefully relented and decided to enter seminary.”

Deacon Pince explained that his spiritual journey may sound like a life sentence in prison to someone who doesn’t understand. “But, on the contrary, this decision was a moment of profound relief and grace because it began the fulfillment of the deepest longing of my heart.”

Without ever looking back, Deacon Pince opted to pursue his vocation to the priesthood with the Diocese of Venice, noting the choice of where to enter was easy. “I loved my time as a student at Ave Maria and loved the area. But even more than that, I was living in the Diocese when the vocational call became very tangible. I actually believe that I was called to serve as a priest for this Diocese.”

Transitional Deacons Pince and Mark Harris have both answered that call to a vocation to the priesthood and will be ordained by Bishop Frank J. Dewane at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

During the summer of 2015 Deacon Pince started as a Diocesan seminarian with a Spanish immersion course in Guatemala followed by studies at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami where he earned a philosophy degree. He then went on to study in Rome, Italy, and earned a Sacred Theology Bachelor’s Degree (STB) from the Gregorian University. He will soon be entering the second year of a two-year Licentiate program in Rome at the University of the Holy Cross in Moral Theology.

While a seminarian for the Diocese, he served summer pastoral assignments at Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostle Parish in Bradenton, Resurrection Parish in Fort Myers, St. William Parish in Naples, St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota and St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral. He also spent a summer at a pilgrimage center in Jerusalem, Israel.

As the July 31 ordination approaches, Deacon Pince said he cannot wait to celebrate Mass, and noted that he is very humbled at the prospect of becoming an instrument of God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Asked about what type of priest he hopes to be, he answered, “When it comes down to it, I simply want to be a priest that is faithful to Christ and the Church, and to do what Jesus asks of me. I’d like for people to see Christ in me, and to live out my priesthood generously and joyfully.”

Please pray for Deacons Pince and Harris as they approach their priestly ordination.

All are invited to attend the Ordination. Afterwards, there will be a reception will in the Epiphany Cathedral Parish Hall. If you are unable to attend, the Mass will be livestreamed at 11 a.m. July 31 through the Epiphany Cathedral Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EpiphanyCathedral (you do not need to register to view the ordination).

To read the previously published profile of Deacon Mark Harris, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/news.

Grandparents play key role in Faith

Posted on July 27, 2021July 27, 2021 by Bob Reddy

Carrie Harkey – Special to the Florida Catholic

On March 19, 2021 Pope Francis inaugurated the Year of Amoris Laetitia Family, an initiative that offers the Church an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the central role the family plays in transmitting the Gospel and shaping society.

In conjunction with this yearlong initiative and recognizing the key role grandparents play in the family, this past January Pope Francis established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to take place annually on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the feast of the grandparents of Jesus, Ss. Anne and Joachim. The theme for this first celebration occurring on July 25 is “I am with you always” (Mt. 28:20).

In Amoris Laetitia, the document issued to address the complex situations the family faces today, the Holy Father reminds us that, “we must reawaken the collective sense of gratitude, of appreciation, of hospitality, which makes the elderly feel like a living part of the community” (AL191). They still have important work to do in building up the body of Christ as they comprise a significant part of Catholic laity. This celebration is established to treasure the elderly and cherish the gifts they bring.

Modern society advances concepts disregarding human life; through abortion and euthanasia—throw away concepts for those deemed not productive to society rather than reawakening this sense of gratitude and appreciation for all life. Yet the Church reminds all are called to overcome this “throw-away” culture and societal indifference by witnessing the love of Christ to people in all stages of life. Our grandparents and elderly must not be neglected, isolated, or disregarded.

The hearts of seniors feel the pain of their beloved family members falling away from the faith. The concerning statistics are well known, particularly to grandparents—declining Mass attendance, declining belief in the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and young people leaving the Faith shortly after being confirmed. Through their witness and prayers, Grandparents play a crucial role towards reversing these trends. In his message to grandparents and the elderly, Pope Francis reminds the faithful that, “there is no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel and handing down traditions to grandchildren.”

Generations of seniors provide an invaluable resource to society and following generations. Their words and example can foster a rich awareness in children. That “history did not begin with them, that they are now part of an age-old pilgrimage and that they need to respect all that came before them” (AL, 192). Grandparents give a tie to the past, ensuring the most important values are transmitted.

I recall fondly my own grandmother and the encouragement in faith she provided. It was the simple things that left such an impact which remain embedded in memories. Through summers spent attending daily morning Mass with her, always stopping after lunch to pray the Angelus, reading Bible stories on the couch, and hearing instruction on the lives of the saints, she helped shaped the Catholic woman I am today.

In addition to sharing their faith, grandparents are in a privileged place to be a powerful intercessor for the young people. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI called attention to the gift of prayers the elderly provide. Their prayers “can protect the world, helping it perhaps more effectively than the frenetic activity of many others” (Visit to the Group Home, “Viva gli Anziani”, 2 November 2012.).

On this World Day for Grandparents, let us join Pope Francis and the entire Church in celebrating all grandparents by a gift of presence, tenderness, and a renewed appreciation for them. Now is the time to pick up the phone, go visit, bring them their favorite candy—something to show them you care.

The Vatican has granted a Plenary Indulgence to all elderly who participate in one of the Masses celebrated for this occasion. In addition, all the faithful who perform the Corporal Work of Mercy on of visiting an elderly person who is alone on July 25th will also obtain a Plenary Indulgence (the usual requirements for obtaining a plenary indulgence apply*).

During the coming months, this column will periodically feature the ongoing efforts in promotion of this Year of Amoris Laetitia Family, and related Diocesan efforts (conferences, workshops and access to resources resources), while also inviting participation as we journey together to rediscover the family as a gift – a gift from God.

Carrie Harkey is the Diocese of Venice Family Life Coordinator and can be reached at 941-484-9543 or harkey@dioceseofvenice.org.

A Plenary Indulgences on World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly

On the occasion of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, a Plenary Indulgence is granted to grandparents, the elderly and all the faithful who participate “motivated by a true spirit of penance and charity,” which is celebrated on July 25, 2021.

The Plenary Indulgence will be granted under the usual conditions: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer, according to the intentions of the Pope Francis during the solemn celebration he will preside over in St. Peter’s Basilica or at the various functions that will be held throughout the world, including the Diocese of Venice.

The Apostolic Penitentiary explains that the indulgence is being offered “in order to increase the devotion of the faithful and for the salvation of souls.”

Prayer for Grandparents and Elderly

I thank You, Lord, for the comfort of Your presence: even in times of loneliness, You are my hope and my confidence, You have been my rock and my fortress since my youth!

I thank You for having given me a family and for having blessed me with a long life. I thank You for moments of joy and difficulty, for the dreams that have already come true in my life and for those that are still ahead of me.

I thank You for this time of renewed fruitfulness to which You call me. Increase, O Lord, my faith, make me a channel of your peace, teach me to embrace those who suffer more than me, to never stop dreaming and to tell of your wonders to new generations.

Protect and guide Pope Francis and the Church, that the light of the Gospel might reach the ends of the earth. Send Your Spirit, O Lord, to renew the world, that the storm of the pandemic might be calmed, the poor consoled and wars ended.

Sustain me in weakness and help me to live life to the full in each moment that You give me, in the certainty that you are with me every day, even until the end of the age.

Amen.

Grandparents Impart Wisdom

Posted on July 27, 2021July 27, 2021 by Bob Reddy

Susan Laielli – Special to the Florida Catholic

Upon learning that the fourth Sunday in July was being reserved in honor of grandparents and the elderly around the world beginning July 25 this year, one can’t help but recall the love and patience imparted by this extraordinary group of people on to so many.

Some fifty years ago it was Mom-Mom Rose who was the strong Catholic influence in our family. Rose, who was raised in a Catholic orphanage in Philadelphia, Pa., was passionate about God and motivated in her faith. On Sunday we would pile in the Ford for a drive to Church rain or shine, sleet, or snow, to ensure her grandchildren attended weekly Sunday Mass. The lingering effects of her commitment in teaching us about God, the Holy Family and the Holy Spirit can be felt all these years later as I take my family, and now my own grandchildren to Mass.

The impact Vince and Annemarie Obsitnik, married 60 years, are having on their four sons and the 12 grandchildren (6 boys and 6 girls) is almost immeasurable.

“We try to teach them by our own example through going to Church each Sunday and praying,” said Vince Obsiknik, who admits it’s difficult to gauge the impact they are having on the children.

“We tell all of the kids it is important to be thankful for all they receive,” added Annemarie Obsiknik, who joined her husband during the interview.

The couple stressed that the real example for lessons in faith must come from the grandchildren’s parents, as they don’t want to over-step any boundaries, but admit to enhancing their parental support by showing examples of how God works in their lives.

“A grandparent’s example is as important as any other influence in showing our faith through how we live in our marriage, how we treat each other, and offering each child respect, and not focusing on any shortcomings we each might possess,” said the pair.

For grandmother and great-grandmother Carol Palmer, a longtime Epiphany Cathedral Parishioner, faith was ingrained from birth with three aunts who were nuns and an uncle who accepted the Lord’s call to become a priest. Msgr. Eugene Feldhaus, who subsequently died at 98-years old, taught the future Shepherd of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, in grade school.

Palmer, along with her future husband Charles, attended 12 years of Catholic School in New York. The couple married and had five children, (two passed away) five grandchildren and one great-grandchild, with another on the way. All the children were Baptized by her uncle.

“I pray each morning for my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and offer Masses for them periodically. It’s understood when we get together that Mass is a part of our family time together,” said Palmer, who was widowed a decade ago.

With grandchildren in their 30’s Palmer says she understands faith and perspective can be challenging for them, but she remains hopeful that each will know that God is there for them in good times and in bad.

Remembering my grandmother Rose, who stood 4’8”, I can still see her kneeling next to me through the Consecration at Mass and feel blessed she taught me so much about God. It’s now time to get to work and keep our Catholic Faith alive through the next generation.

Faith Formation in Spanish completes latest cycle

Posted on July 27, 2021July 27, 2021 by Bob Reddy

For the past four years the Hispanic Ministries outreach of the Diocese of Venice has strived to meet the needs of those desiring to be better formed in their Faith.

The Spanish-language Faith Formation Program recently distributed certificates of completion to 219 students, bringing the four-year total to more than 1,500.

Father Claudio Stewart, Diocese Hispanic Ministries Director, explained that the latest program “The Seven Sacraments” was a natural follow-up to the original Faith Formation offerings. That initial three-year program (2018-2020) included a series on the “Magisterium,” with a thorough explanation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church; “Revelation and Introduction to the Sacred Scriptures;” and the “History and Tradition of the Church.”

Spanish Faith Formation Program sessions were developed immediately following the local consultation process of the V Encuentro in 2016 and 2017 with the support of Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

The V Encuentro was a multi-year outreach initiated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, with a goal of discerning ways for the Church in the U.S. to better respond to the needs of the ever-growing Hispanic presence. The process involved consultations at the Parish, Diocesan, regional and national levels. A final report was submitted to the Vatican in September 2019 with recommendations for inclusive action at all levels of the Church in the U.S. and are in the process of being implemented.

The idea behind the initial three-step Spanish Faith Formation Program within the Diocese was to quickly help bridge the gap in formation for Hispanics in the Diocese for whom English is not their first language. This gap had created isolation among some, and the program became empowering to Hispanic Catholics who often felt they were outsiders in the Catholic Church within the U.S., primarily due to the language difference.

The results were overwhelmingly positive as the program has shown there is a real desire for Hispanic Catholics to be formed in their Faith, Father Stewart explained. This is why the latest class was offered on the Sacraments and he was pleased that even during the Pandemic the interest to participate remains high with more than 350 taking part in at least one of the classes.

The benefit of having the formation program in Spanish was to allow the students the opportunity to better absorb the complexities of the Faith without the extra work of translating the information. This also helped streamline the instruction and allowed for a more open discussion. At the conclusion of each program year, those who earned the certificates were encouraged to use their new-found knowledge to evangelize in their Parish community.

The Faith Formation classes were divided into five geographic regions of the Diocese to allow easier access to the courses. Each region is under the guidance of a secretary, Azecena Calzada of Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton; Luz Janeth García of St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs; Fatima Salto of St. Margaret Parish in Clewiston; Maria G. Muñoz of St. Paul Parish in Arcadia; and Deacon Roberto Landrón of St. Agnes Parish in Naples. Father Stewart said these key people deserve credit for their continuous work and dedication to the Formation Program.

Students could participate in-person or online, with videos produced with the assistance of Victor E. Michel and Sacred Heart Parish Youth Group in Bradenton. Instructors included nine priests and two women religious. Each level became increasingly sophisticated, challenging the participants to take a fresh look at the Catholic Church.

Father Stewart has reaffirmed there is more in the planning process for expanding Hispanic Faith Formation within the Diocese. However, the ongoing Pandemic caused delays in implementing some of those plans.

Other actions taken since the local V Encuentro sessions have encouraged a broader outreach and inclusion in existing Parish and Diocesan events. This means having sessions in Spanish at conferences, bilingual programs, and other steps that will help unify the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Venice. As this is the focus of Dioceses across the country, the goal is to create a stronger Catholic Church in the U.S.

“There is not supposed to be a separate Faith for English speakers versus Spanish speakers,’ Father Stewart explained. “We are all part of the same Universal Church – founded by Jesus Christ.”

To learn more about other Diocese of Venice initiative through the Hispanic Ministries Office, please email pastoralhispana@dioceseofvenice.org, or visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/hispanic-apostolate.

News briefs for the week of July 23, 2021

Posted on July 27, 2021July 27, 2021 by Bob Reddy

Bishop celebrating two anniversaries in July

A small celebration in honor of Bishop Frank J. Dewane on the occasion of the 33^rd Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood took place at the Catholic Center in Venice on July 16, 2021, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. A second small celebration is scheduled for July 25, which will mark the 15^th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Episcopate. Please pray for Bishop Dewane. If you would like to send the Bishop a congratulatory message, please send a message to communications@dioceseofvenice.org or post a message on the Diocesan Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dioceseofvenice.

Summertime and the Giving is Easy Appeal

Every day, Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice serves the most vulnerable population by feeding, housing, empowering, and striving to help those in need. This summer, you can leave your footprint by helping your neighbors. The Catholic Charities Summertime and the Giving is Easy Appeal is asking for your support. You can donate to the type of assistance you believe is the most important, such as food, shelter, education or other support. The giving is easy! Your gift will make a positive impact on our less fortunate brothers and sisters! Please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or mail a check to Catholic Charities,1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285.

Firefighter saves Mary statue

The North Collier Fire Rescue District posted an image to social media on July 19, 2021 following a house fire in North Naples showing a firefighter handing a rescued a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Child Jesus to a grateful homeowner. The post stated: “As firefighters our mission is to save lives and property. During moments of devastation, a light can shine through and today at the 35th Avenue fire, that is exactly what happened.” Pictured at left is the moment when North Collier Lead Investigator Andrew Marfongella handed the family the statue that held deep spiritual meaning for them. Family, friends and neighbors cheered and clapped at the rescue, and they then gathered in prayer.

Football team helps clean neighboring Parish grounds

The St. John Neumann Catholic High School Celtic Football Team in Naples took a break from summer workouts July 16, 2021 to get in some volunteer work at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, this included some landscape/gardening work around the property as well as cleaning the pews of the church.

Scholarships for Catholic Schools

Step Up for Students is a state-approved non-profit scholarship funding organization that helps administer four scholarships for Florida schoolchildren: the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program (FTC) for lower to middle income families, the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) for lower to middle income families and students with unique abilities (formerly Gardiner), as well as the Hope Scholarship. These scholarships could provide up to $7000 for a Catholic School education with 2021 adjusted income guidelines. Step up for Students will continue accepting applications throughout the school year. For the Diocese of Venice Catholic School application webpage visit https://www.stepupforstudents.org/swflcatholic/.

Catholic Alpha Online

Alpha Online is an online course where others meet virtually once a week via Zoom to discuss and share ideas about faith and God in an open, caring and non-judgmental way. The Diocese of Venice English Catholic Charismatic Renewal invites you to experience Catholic Alpha online from the comfort of your home, and to hear from notable Catholic speakers including newly appointed Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa O.F.M. Cap., longtime Preacher of the Papal Household, Dr. Mary Healy. Father John Ricardo and Father Mike Schmitz, each Monday from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 13 through Nov. 29, 2021. For further information please contact Theresa Salvo at asolotogod@gmail.com or 804-387-8282.

2021 Marriage Preparation Retreats

The Diocesan Office of Family Life is offering “Day of Reflection” retreats for couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage. A specially prepared volunteer team of married couples and a priest will share their experiences and information with the intention of enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. The retreats in English are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the following Saturdays: Aug. 7, and Nov. 13. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/marriage-preparation-retreat-2021 to register for the English retreats. Retreats in Spanish take place: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 7 and Oct. 30 at St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th Street, Sarasota, and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 14 and Dec. 4, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, 355 S. Bridge Street, LaBelle. To register for a St. Jude retreat date please contact the parish at 941-955-3934. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/retiro-de-formacion-matrimonial. to register for a retreat at Our Lady Queen of Heaven, For further information contact Carrie Harkey at 941-484-9543 ext. 3019.

New Catholic Institute course beginning in August

The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation is offering a 16-week graduate level online course starting Aug. 24, 2021 that introduces students to the principles, practices, and sources of Catholic Theology. The course “What is Catholic Theology? (Ecclesial Nature and Mission of Theology)” counts as a pre-requisite for those beginning the online MA in Theology and Christian Ministry at Franciscan University of Steubenville. (Franciscan offers Diocese of Venice students discounted tuition for this online MA). This course is also available to those who wish to attend for their own personal enrichment. For cost and other information and to register for the course, visit the Institute website at https://institute-dov.org/ or call 941-766-7334.

Year of Saint Joseph

On the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, March 19, 2020 Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in the context of the Coronavirus, consecrated the Diocese of Venice to the care and protection of Saint Joseph, and announced a “Year of Saint Joseph”. Pope Francis recently dedicated a “Year of St. Joseph” therefore, the Diocesan celebration will continue through December 8, 2021. Saint Joseph, often referred to as the Protector, can be our protector during these troubling times. A 9-day Novena to Saint Joseph is included. This Novena can be prayed any time throughout the year. The novena and other resources can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/a-year-of-st-joseph.

Diocesan Marriage Conference Oct. 2

The Diocese of Venice in Florida and the St. John Paul II Foundation announce the “Together in Holiness Marriage Conference” that will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 2, 2021, at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples and St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. The speakers are Kevin and Lisa Cotter. For more details contact Carrie Harkey at harkey@dioceseofvenice.org.

Reading program prevents summer slide

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Bob Reddy

Summer is a time when young children take time to play games outside, go swimming, and generally do everything fun they feel they missed while in school.

This break from school can cause serious problems for younger elementary-aged children, as they can quickly lose reading and language skills gained during the previous year in what is known as the “summer slide.”

Following an academic year when many students spent time remotely learning due to the global Pandemic, the risk of losing any skills is viewed as greater than ever.

To help prevent the “summer slide,” Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. has partnered with the Patterson Foundation to participate in the “2021 Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge – The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.”

The Reading Challenge is a community-wide effort in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties to help children, especially those from low-income families, succeed in school and in life by ensuring they read at grade level by the end of third grade.

This is taking place at the Catholic Charities Casa San Juan Bosco Farmworker Housing community in Acadia where nearly 30 children are participating in a half-day summer camp focused on reading.

Clara Alvarez, who directs the Casa San Juan Bosco Educational Programs, said the partnership with the Patterson Foundation has helped bring in resources (books, teaching and learning guides) which allow the camp to succeed.

Teen volunteers help their young charges in all aspects of reading, including definitions, pronunciation and word usage in a way that is both supportive and fun.

“For the younger children just having someone read to them is a big help,” Alvarez explained. “For the older children it is about encouraging them to read aloud and without support.”

Many of the students are from bilingual families where English is not always the primary language spoken in the household, therefore the Catholic Charities camp serves as an important opportunity to develop their English skills which are needed to succeed in school.

All books are age-appropriate with the younger children using pop-up books while the older children have books with lots of pictures. As the students advance to the next level they read books with more developed themes and far fewer pictures. For the oldest children, shared reading or solo reading is more common.

For example, a group of four-year-old children sat in spellbound attention as they learned about a train as a teen volunteer read a pop-up book to them. Nearby another teen told a silly story based upon a group of words chosen at random as this effort drew uproarious laughter.

Meanwhile, in the next room, a group of older children read “Make Way for Ducklings,” a children’s picture book by Robert McCloskey while an older group read and alternately discussed “Flora and Ulysses,” an illustrated children’s novel by Kate DiCamillo with 231 pages.

After each book, the children discuss what they learned, sometimes drawing an image from the book or writing a synopsis into a reading journal they each keep which logs all of the books they read but provides room to share what they learned. The younger children receive repeated lessons on vocabulary.

As could be observed with some of the children at Casa San Juan Bosco, the summer camp is helping to develop avid readers with some children filling their logs with dozens of books read during the camp and at home.

One young girl was eager to fill out her log, 20 books by the end of the second week, and asked to take two more books home. “I can’t wait to read what’s next,” she exclaimed.

A nearby boy, a burgeoning artist, created an elaborate illustration that rivaled the book he just completed. With a big smile, he shared his colorful rending with the whole group.

All of this helps to develop multiple skills beyond reading, including understanding complex stories or themes, improving comprehension, and bolstering confidence in written, verbal and artistic abilities.

“It is great to see how excited they get when they get into a new book and start a new adventure,” Alvarez said.

To learn more about the summer camp and all of the programs of Catholic Charities offered within the Diocese of Venice please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Answering the Call – Later vocation brings unique perspective to priesthood

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Bob Reddy

At the age of 54, Transitional Deacon Mark Harris may not fit the typical profile of what one would expect from a soon-to-be ordained priest, but his deep faith has prepared him for this moment.

It was in first grade when Deacon Harris proclaimed he was going to become a priest. “We were all asked what we wanted to do with our lives. That was my answer,” he said with a smile. “I was reminded of that moment by my family when I made the announcement of my intention of entering seminary. The idea of becoming a priest was always floating around and pulled at me at times in the intervening years before I finally answered the call.”

Transitional Deacons Harris and Alexander Pince have both answered that call to a vocation to the priesthood and will be ordained by Bishop Frank J. Dewane at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

Before entering seminary, Deacon Harris worked at various marketing and corporate jobs including interior design, marketing and career development. Through the years, he explained how he would have profound spiritual moments when he was comforted by or connected to the Lord in a particular way.

“They were private moments that really impacted me and opened my eyes to the Lord in new ways,” Deacon Harris said.

These experiences helped to guide his life into changing careers and eventually becoming an elementary school teacher in the Charlotte County School District. While he loved teaching, he realized, in his heart, that it wasn’t the right fit.

“It was while teaching when I felt I had to compromise who I was, as a faithful Catholic. That caused me to reevaluate the course of my life and I decided to focus on serving the Catholic Church,” he said.

This realization caused him to start volunteering at Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, first as a Eucharistic Minister and then as a catechist assisting with the Faith Formation Program, Youth Peer Ministry and Core Adult Ministry Team.

These experiences solidified his resolve to do more in service of the Lord and led him to enter the seminary. That process included first talking with a priest mentor from Miami where he spent many of his formative years. He eventually approached the Diocese of Venice and Bishop Frank J. Dewane to inquire about becoming a Diocesan seminarian.

Born in Miami, Deacon Harris spent part of his childhood alternating between living in Florida and Connecticut. He was primarily raised by two aunts, Nancy Haizlip and Donna Storey. He earned degrees in Commercial Art and then Business Marketing and Management from Florida Metropolitan University, before earning a Master’s in Education from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn.

After being accepted as a Diocesan seminary in 2017, he was sent to begin his intensive formation and studies at St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, which is committed to the human, spiritual, academic and pastoral formation of candidates aged 30 and older. He graduated in May.

While a seminarian for the Diocese, Deacon Harris served summer assignments at Epiphany Cathedral, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice and Resurrection Parish in Fort Myers.

As his July 31 ordination approaches, Deacon Harris said he is nervous but excited at the same time. “This has been a long journey and I feel blessed to have been chosen to serve God through the priesthood.”

Please pray for Deacons Harris and Pince as they approach their priestly ordination.

Check back in the July 23 e-Edition of The Florida Catholic for the vocation journey of Deacon Pince.

Ave Youth Conference a success

Posted on July 16, 2021July 16, 2021 by Bob Reddy

The weekend of July 9-11, 2021 was a life changing event for the nearly 400 high school age youth who attended the Ave Maria University FEARLESS Youth Conference.

Traveling from all over the state of Florida, and several representing the state of Texas, the youth were led by EPIC Music Ministry who attended the Conference with their own youth group 11 years ago but have now gone on to minister to youth in the thousands both nationally and internationally.

The Conference included daily Mass, group Eucharistic Adoration, music, presentations, talks, fun and fellowship. There was also the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Conference speakers included Father Rick Martignetti, Ave Maria University Director of Campus Ministry, Father Rich Pagano, Pastor of St. John Paul II Parish in Ponte Vedra, Florida, who is an alumni of Ave Maria, and nationally known conference speaker Mari Pablo.

The closing Mass was celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on July 11 in the Ave Maria Parish church. The Mass, which served as a fitting conclusion to the Conference, was filled to capacity and included a number of seminarians from the Arch/dioceses of Venice, Orlando, Miami and Palm Beach. Bishop Dewane built upon the theme of the Conference “FEARLESS,” reminding the young men and women how they should not be afraid to open their mind and heart to the call of the Lord. He added that they are chosen by the Lord and called to become men and women of God.

Dates have already been chosen for next year’s youth conference “RENEWED” which will take place on July 8-10, 2022. More information will be posted on the conference website www.aveconferences.com

Seminarian admitted to Candidacy

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Bob Reddy

Diocese of Venice Seminarian Joseph Doherty took a significant step in to his vocation journey with his Admission to Candidacy for Ordination to the Priesthood.

The Rite took place July 9, 2021 at the Catholic Center in Venice and was presided over by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. The ceremony included the Liturgy of the Word and was witnessed by Doherty’s parents, Lawrence Doherty and Margaret Mary Corboy, Father Shawn Roser, Diocesan Director of Vocations, as well as seven fellow Diocesan seminarians.

The Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Ordination is celebrated when a candidate has reached a maturity of purpose and is shown to have the necessary qualifications. The intention of receiving orders is expressed publicly by the candidate. Then the Bishop accepts his publicly proclaimed intention.

The next steps for Doherty will be as institution to Reader, to Acolyte, then ordination as transitional deacon, before being ordained as a priest.

Bishop Dewane congratulated Doherty on this step in his formation journey and said this public expression of his intention is an important moment.

Following the Rite, Doherty said he was grateful for the Church’s acceptance of him as a candidate for the priesthood and “for the future service of the Church which it represents.”

The 28-year-old is a native of Ambler, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Ave Maria University in Ave Maria. He recently completed pre-theology studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach and will now be continuing his studies at Pontifical North American College in Rome. He will spend the balance of the summer in an Italian immersion course and then begin comprehensive theological studies in the Fall.

Please pray for Seminarian Doherty and all Diocese of Venice seminarians as they continue their own vocation journeys.

For more information about the seminarians or Vocations, contact Father Shawn Roser at roser@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4720, or visit www.venicevocations.com.

Prayer for Vocations

God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, religious, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help us respond generously and courageously to your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Diocesan Priest installed as State Chaplain for Knights

Posted on July 16, 2021July 16, 2021 by Bob Reddy

Father Bob Kantor, Pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Naples and Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, was installed as the Florida Knights of Columbus State Chaplain on July 3, 2021 in Winter Garden.

The installation ceremony was led by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and took place following Mass.

After reading the responsibilities of the office, Bishop Dewane placed the State Chaplain Medal on Father Kantor. Bishop Dewane and Father Kantor then congratulated the other officers as the State Deputy presented their medals.

“It was nice of Bishop Dewane to come all the way up there to do the ceremony,” Father said. “The Knights and I were very grateful.”

Father Kantor will continue to serve as Diocesan Chaplain for the Knights and the new State Chaplain appointment is for a two-year term.

In addition to his responsibilities at St. Agnes, Father Kantor is also Dean of the Southern Deanery and the Diocesan of Venice Director for the Propagation of the Faith (Mission Office).