Tag: bishop frank dewane

2021 Diocese of Venice Holy Week Mass times

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Below, please find the 2021 Holy Week Mass times for the Parishes and Missions of the Diocese of Venice, including the address and phone number. The list is in order of the cities where the Parish/Mission is located. If you have any questions, please contact the Parish/Mission directly.

ARCADIA

St. Paul, 1330 E. Oak St.; 863-494-2611

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m., 11 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – 9 a.m., noon (Spanish)

AVE MARIA

Ave Maria, 5068 Annunciation Circle, Suite 101; 239-261-5555; www.avemariaparish.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 9 a.m. (Donahue Academy), 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Latin)

AVON PARK

Our Lady of Grace, 595 E. Main St.; 863-453-4757; www.ologap.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish)

BOCA GRANDE

Our Lady of Mercy, 240 Park Ave.; 941-964-2254

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m.

BOKEELIA

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, 12175 Stringfellow Road; 239-283-0456; www.miraculousmedalch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 6 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.

BONITA SPRINGS

St. Leo the Great; 28290 Beaumont Road; 239-992-0901; www.stleocatholicchurch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

BOWLING GREEN

Holy Child; 4315 Chester Ave.; 863-773-4089; michaelwauchula.weconnect.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

BRADENTON

Sacred Heart; 1220 15th St. W.; 941-748-2221; www.sacredheartbradenton.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

GOOD FRIDAY – noon (Creole), 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. (Spanish), 4 p.m. (Creole)

Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles; 2850 75th St. W.; 941-795-1228; www.sspeterandpaul.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

St. Joseph Parish; 2704 33rd Ave. W.; 941-756-3732; www.sjcfl.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

BUCKHEAD RIDGE

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus; 1027 Chobee Loop; 863-946-0696

HOLY THURSDAY – 4 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 10 a.m.

CAPE CORAL

St. Andrew; 2628 Del Prado Blvd. S.; 239-574-4545; www.standrewrcc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., noon

St. Katharine Drexel; 1922 S.W. 20th Ave.; 239-283-9501; www.drexelcc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 7 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

CLEWISTON

Santa Rosa de Lima; 835 N. Mayoral St.; 863-983-8585; www.saintmargaretparish.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – noon (Spanish)

EASTER – 8 a.m. (Spanish)

St. Margaret; 208 N. Deane Duff Ave.; 863-983-8585; www.saintmargaretparish.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 4 p.m., 6 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 10 a.m., noon (Spanish)

ENGLEWOOD

St. Raphael; 770 Kilbourne Ave.; 941-474-9595; www.strapheng.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

EVERGLADES CITY

Holy Family; 200 Datura Ave.; 239-394-5181; sanmarcochurch.com

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER – 10:30 a.m.

FORT MYERS

Jesus the Worker; 881 Nuna Ave.; 239-693-5333; www.jesustheworker.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL- 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m. (Spanish), 9 a.m. (Spanish), 11 a.m. (Spanish), 1 p.m. (Spanish)

Our Lady of Light; 19680 Cypress View Drive; 239-267-7088; ourladyoflight.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

Resurrection; 8121 Cypress Lake Drive; 239-481-7171; resurrectionch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. (Latin)

San Jose; 10750 Gladiolous Drive; 239-481-1143; jesustheworker.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 5 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

St. Cecilia; 5632 Sunrise Drive; 239-936-3635; saintcecilias.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 2 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.

St. Columbkille; 12171 Iona Road; 239-489-3973; stcolumbkille.com/

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier; 2157 Cleveland Ave.; 239-334-2161; www.stfrancisfm.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m.; 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. (Polish), 4 p.m. (Creole)

St. John XXIII; 13060 Palomino Lane; 239-561-2245; www.johnxxiii.net

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 8 p.m. (Vietnamese)

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m., 11:30 p.m. (Vietnamese)

EASTER – 7:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Spanish)

St. Vincent de Paul; 13031 Palm Beach Blvd.; 239-693-0818; www.stvincentftmyers.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

FORT MYERS BEACH

Ascension; 6025 Estero Blvd.; 239-463-6754;

HOLY THURSDAY – 5:30 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 6:45 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m..

GROVE CITY

St. Francis of Assisi; 5265 Placida Road; 941-697-4899; www.sfoachurch.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:15 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon

HOLMES BEACH

St. Bernard; 248 S. Harbor Drive; 941-778-4769; www.stbernardcc.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

IMMOKALEE

Our Lady of Guadalupe; 207 S. 9th St.; 239-657-2666

HOLY THURSDAY

7 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

GOOD FRIDAY

7 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

EASTER VIGIL

8:30 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

EASTER

7:30 a.m. (Spanish), 9 a.m. (English), 10:15 a.m. (Creole), 12:15 p.m. (Spanish), 7 p.m. (Spanish)

LA BELLE

Holy Martyrs; 4290 Crescent Ave. S.W.; 863-675-0030; www.olqh.weconnect.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m.

Our Lady Queen of Heaven; 355 S. Bridge St.; 863-675-0030; www.olqh.weconnect.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Spanish), noon (Spanish), 1:30 p.m. (Spanish)

LAKE PLACID

St. James; 3380 Placid View Drive; 863-465-3215; www.stjameschurchlp.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m.

Mision Santiago Apostol; 685 County Road 621 E.; 863-385-0049; www.stjameschurchlp.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER

10 a.m. (Spanish)

LAKEWOOD RANCH

Our Lady of the Angels; 12905 State Road 70 E.; 941-752-6770; www.olangelscc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

LEHIGH ACRES

St. Raphael; 2514 Lee Blvd.; 239-369-1831; www.saintraphaelcc.net/

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m., noon, 5:30 p.m. (Spanish)

LONGBOAT KEY

St. Mary, Star of the Sea; 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive; 941-383-8758; www.stmarylbk.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 7:45 p.m., 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.

MARCO ISLAND

San Marco; 851 San Marco Road; 239-394-5181; www.sanmarcochurch.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m. (The Charter School), 10:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

MOORE HAVEN

St. Joseph the Worker; 24065 U.S. Highway 27; 863-946-0696

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 6:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8 a.m.

NAPLES

Corpus Christi; 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road; 239-592-1949; www.corpuschristifssp.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 4 p.m. (Latin – St. William Parish, Naples)

GOOD FRIDAY – 5 p.m. (Latin – St. William Parish, Naples)

EASTER VIGIL – 10 p.m. (Latin – Royal Palm Academy, Naples)

EASTER – 9 a.m. (Latin – Royal Palm Academy, Naples), 4:30 p.m. (Latin – St. William Parish, Naples)

St. Agnes; 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road; 239-592-1949; www.stagnesnaples.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:15 p.m., 1 p.m. (Spanish), 5 p.m.

St. Ann; 475 9th Ave. S.; 239-262-4256; www.naplesstann.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; 5225 Golden Gate Parkway; 239-455-3900; www.stelizabethseton.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 4 p.m. (Spanish)

St. Finbarr; 13520 Tamiami Trail E.; 239-417-2084; www.stfinbarr.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., (Spanish), 10 a.m., 11:45 a.m.

St. John the Evangelist; 625 111th Ave. N.; 239-566-8740; www.saintjohntheevangelist.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m.

St. Peter the Apostle; 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road; 239-774-3337; www.stpeternaples.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Creole), 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

EASTER – 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. (Spanish), 3:45 p.m. (Creole)

St. William; 601 Seagate Drive; 239-261-4883; www.saintwilliam.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m.

NOCATEE

Capilla Católica de San Juan Diego; 5247 S.W. Highway 17; 863-494-2611

EASTER – 1 p.m. (Spanish)

NORTH FORT MYERS

St. Therese; 20115 N. Tamiami Trail; 239-567-2315; www.sainttheresechurch.net

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

NORTH PORT

San Pedro; 14380 Tamiami Trail; 941-426-2500; www.sanpedrocc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 7 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m.

OSPREY

Our Lady of Mount Carmel; 425 S. Tamiami Trail; 941-966-0807; www.olmc-osprey.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon

PALMETTO

Holy Cross; 505 26th St.; 941-729-3891; www.holycrossdov.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Spanish)

PARRISH

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini; 12001 69th St. E.; 941-776-9097; www.sfxcparrish.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – noon

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 9 a.m.

PORT CHARLOTTE

San Antonio; 24445 Rampart Blvd.; 941-624-3799; www.sanantoniorcc.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:15 p.m.

EASTER – 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

St. Charles Borromeo; 21505 Augusta Ave.; 941-625-4754; www.stcharlespc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:15 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. (Creole), 5:30 p.m.

St. Maximilian Kolbe; 1441 Spear St.; 941-743-6877; www.stmaxcatholic.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon

PUNTA GORDA

Sacred Heart; 211 W. Charlotte Ave.; 941-639-3957; www,sacredheartfl.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

SANIBEL

St. Isabel; 3559 Sanibel Captiva Road; 239-472-2763; www.saintisabel.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

SARASOTA

Christ the King; 1900 Meadowood St.; 941-924-2777; www.christthekingsarasota.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Latin)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Latin)

EASTER VIGIL – 10 p.m. (Latin)

EASTER – 8:30 a.m. (Latin), 10:30 a.m. (Latin), 12:30 p.m. (Latin)

Incarnation; 2929 Bee Ridge Road; 941-921-6631; www.incarnationchurch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs; 833 Magellan Drive; 941-755-1826; www.olqm.net

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m.

St. Jude; 3930 17th St.; 941-955-3934; www.stjudesarasota.com/

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Bilingual)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. (Spanish), 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish), 1:30 p.m. (Spanish)

St. Martha; 200 N. Orange Ave.; 941-366-4210; www.stmartha.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Vietnamese)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Vietnamese)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, noon (Vietnamese/Hall), 5:30 p.m.

St. Michael the Archangel; 5394 Midnight Pass Road; 941-349-4174; stmichaelssiesta.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m.

St. Patrick; 7900 Bee Ridge Road; 941-378-1703; www.churchofstpatrick.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.

St. Thomas More; 2506 Gulf Gate Drive; 941-923-1691; www.stthomasmoresrq.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:10 a.m., noon, 12:10 p.m.

SEBRING

St. Catherine Parish; 882 Bay St.; 863-385-0049; www.stcathe.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish – Youth Center)

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. (Spanish – Youth Center)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (Spanish – Youth Center)

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon (Spanish), 4 p.m.

VENICE

Epiphany Cathedral; 310 Sarasota St.; 941-484-3505; www.epiphanycathedral.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Polish)

Our Lady of Lourdes; 1301 Center Road; 941-497-2931; www.ollvenice.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY – noon

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m., noon

WAUCHULA

St. Michael; 408 Heard Bridge Road; 863-773-4089; www.michaelwauchula.weconnect.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

GOOD FRIDAY – 4 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. (Spanish), noon (Spanish)

STREAM initiative has big roll out

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice is uniformly strengthening STREAM education in 15 Diocesan Catholics Schools through investment in a partnership with FIRST®, a global robotics community, “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,” placing students ahead of the curve in primary fields while continuing to promote core Catholic virtues.

This initiative came about under the direction of Bishop Frank J. Dewane who said the investment is a means to an end, an upping of the skills taught at each Diocesan Catholic school.

“It is all about investing in our students because they are our mission and we want them to succeed; to become the leaders, the professionals, the faith witnesses of tomorrow,” Bishop Dewane added. “This will develop our students into who they are becoming as men and women of God; and therefore, who they will become ethical scientists, ethical business people, ethical engineers and all of that has to be built upon a base of Faith.”

A gift of 500 robots and curricular resources were presented by Bishop Dewane to Diocesan Catholic Schools on March 10, 2021 in the Zazarino Center of St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy in Sarasota. Present in support of the announcement were Catholic school principals and numerous priests. Greg Harrell, a Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School alum, who is an engineer and designs bridges, praised the Diocesan initiative and said “You had me at robots!”

Bishop Dewane explained that he understands the students of today and tomorrow need to be rigorously challenged through STREAM – Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math. As an educational leader, the Bishop is making a long-term investment in student success through his pledge to provide all Diocesan Catholic schools with age-appropriate kits and robots to compete at the highest levels of competition through FIRST® while integrating Catholic values and virtues through the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence.”

These kits use LEGO products, such as Duplo blocks for the youngest students, and more traditional blocks for older students. Each progressive kit increases with difficulty and broadens the concepts learned in earlier years. By middle and high school levels, students will be building competition robots.

Students from PK-3 through Grade 12 will join others worldwide for age-appropriate learning, designing, and building robots of all sizes while offering young people a chance to proudly dream of working as true leaders in science and technology fields. Through teamwork and competition, students gain self-confidence and valuable, real-world skills that can open pathways for all types of career choices in STREAM.

The March 10 presentation included a press conference and demonstration of robots by students from St. Martha and St. Mary. The students showed Bishop Dewane how they use a computer to program a small robot through an obstacle course while doing various tasks. The younger students shared different projects they worked on in the days leading up to the event. Each student expressed to the Bishop how exciting it is to work with the robots and blocks all while learning many skills.

St. Martha and St. Mary joined St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers and St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral in being part of the pilot introduction for the robotics program.

While robots are a major part of the FIRST® program, it is just a tool that expands upon the idea of project-based learning and cognitive thought processes, helping to develop skills such as leadership, communication, complex problem solving, teamwork and creativity. All of this is being done with an added dimension of our Catholic Faith which remains the first job of all Diocesan schools.

“Every student attending Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools from this point forward will have this curriculum and these activities on a daily basis,” said Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education. “We are the only Diocese in full partnership with FIRST, and the K-12 program combines to position our students to learn lessons and develop the skills necessary to be leaders of the future.”

Jennifer Falestiny, Diocesan Curriculum Specialist, who helped to facilitate the partnership between the Diocese and FIRST®, said schools will begin integrating the program for the final quarter of the 2021 academic year. The balance of schools and teachers will be introduced to the project in June for implementation in the 2021-2022 academic year.

Future bright in Diocese One Year into Pandemic

Posted on by Bob Reddy

What a difference a year makes.

It was on March 19, 2020 that the celebration of public Masses was suspended within the Diocese of Venice. On that day, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, sadness and worry prevailed for an occasion normally set aside to celebrate and honor the foster-father of Jesus Christ, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Patron of the Universal Church who is also guardian and protector of the Church and Her faithful.

It was also on that day the Diocese of Venice began its celebration of a “Year of St. Joseph.” “Particularly in this time of uncertainty in light of the coronavirus Pandemic,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said at the time: “It is appropriate to seek the intercession of St. Joseph, a saint whom we look for guidance and protection.”

One year later, the Solemnity in 2021 takes on a new meaning of hope as the Diocese has made great strides in the effort to return to all pre-pandemic activities. Numerous successful events, including conferences, Masses and prayer walks, have brought an approach of normalcy to people of the Diocese, through spreading the “Good News of the Lord.”

For the Solemnity this year, the Bishop is celebrating a traditional Mass in Italian. Diocesan school children who have been taking part in a St. Joseph Devotional Project will also be recognized at a special event. The Diocesan “Year of St. Joseph” has been extended to Dec. 8, 2021 to coincide with a Universal Year dedicated by Pope Francis.

The Diocese resumed public Masses on May 18, 2020 with up to 50 percent capacity, social distancing, and mask requirements, as well as enhanced cleaning protocols, all of which remain in place to this day. While visiting any Parish within the Diocese of Venice there are signs requiring all to wear masks and maintain social distancing. The ubiquitous hand sanitizer is also there. Behind the scenes are dedicated people who do deep cleaning.

Catholic schools and Parish religious education programs went to virtual learning in the spring and summer of 2020 before a massive effort was made to enable in-person instruction by August at all schools and for most religious education students.

The results have been inspiring during a time of great sorrow and struggle as everyone was impacted by the Pandemic in some way. There have been no outbreaks linked to the celebration of Mass in the Diocese, in-person instruction or for that matter at Diocesan or Parish events. Therefore, confidence has built in the effectiveness of the Diocesan safety precautions. Therefore, the number of people returning to Sunday Mass has steadily increased while at the same time the number of students learning virtually has correspondingly dropped for the same reason. In fact, only 3.4 percent of all Diocesan Catholic school students are currently remote learning.

This success has come about through the leadership of Bishop Dewane, in conjunction and consultation with the priests, principals, Chancery and numerous internal and external professionals, in coordinating the Diocesan efforts during this evolving process while implementing these policies across 61 Parishes and 15 schools.

As we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, let us reflect upon the past year in remembrance of those we have lost and those who have struggled in any way.

The Holy Father in declaring the Universal Year of St. Joseph against the backdrop of the Pandemic, which, he stated, has helped us see more clearly the importance of “ordinary” people who, though far from the limelight, exercise patience and offer hope every day. In this, they resemble St. Joseph, “the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence, who nonetheless played an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”

Women of God: Women of Strength

Posted on by Bob Reddy

On a recent beautiful Saturday, 350 Catholic women consciously chose to take part in a Conference that would not only encourage but guide them as they continue to become more the Women of God they are called to be.

The 2021 Diocese of Venice Women’s Conference was held March 13, 2021 at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers and featured a day of rousing talks and the opportunity to be together amongst other women of Faith.

Roberta Bunch of Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers was thrilled to be able to attend the event with so many other like-minded and motivated women.

“I really wanted to be here so I could get some insight into how to keep up my passion for Christ,” Bunch said, noting it was the first large gathering she had been to in more than a year. “Each part of the day struck me in different ways. Truly wonderful. My heart is filled with joy.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane praised the women for taking time out of their busy lives to participate in the Conference, something he is confident the Lord sees.

“Because of this, you have been given a mission in the Church as the peacemakers,” Bishop Dewane continued. “You can do so much. Your love is undeniable. Know the Lord will give you the rest – the strength, humility and honesty to set you on a new direction, changing who you are as a Woman of God.”

The Conference featured acclaimed speakers Kimberly Hahn and Mary Ann Weisinger-Puig. Both focused on the importance of placing one’s trust in the Lord and being hope-filled women.

Hahn explained that hope is a “confidence in the Lord’s presence and His power. Hope is about placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength but on the help and grace of the Holy Spirit.”

Weisinger-Puig spoke about key women throughout Church history who should be looked up to as “radiant witnesses to God’s love.” Examples included St. Joan of Arc and St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross (St. Edith Stein), to name a few. The final woman covered was Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo. An Italian woman who had carried two children to term even though she knew they would die shortly after birth. During her third pregnancy she was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer but chose the life of the unborn child over undergoing any invasive treatments. Her son was born healthy, but she died within a year, in 2012, at the age of 28.

New to the Conference was a question and answer session with Bishop Dewane joining Hahn and Weisinger-Puig. Questions covered issues raised in the earlier presentations, but one poignant moment came when the panel was asked for advice on how to respond when a family member strays from the Faith.

The Conference opened with Eucharistic Adoration, which continued throughout the day in a nearby classroom. The opportunity for Confession was also available all day. Aspects of the Conference were adapted this year to comply with social distancing requirements necessitated by the Pandemic. These included extra space for seating during the talks and lunch, as well as limiting the total number of participants.

News Briefs for the Week of March 19, 2021

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop celebrates Mass at Donahue Academy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane continued celebrating Mass for students in Diocese of Venice Catholic schools with the latest stop on March 16, 2021, at the Donahue Academy of Ave Maria. During these Masses, Bishop Dewane stressed how the Lenten Season is a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as we prepare to celebrate the Paschal Mystery of our Faith.

Religious education group makes lunches for homeless

The St. Martha Parish religious education program and service club in Sarasota took part in a “It takes and village – Made with love,” project on March 9, 2021 to make bag lunches for the homeless in the area.

Each bag included a colored drawing and inspirational message, as well as a sticker that read: “Made with love & care by the St. Martha Service Club.”

Divine Mercy Sunday Prayer Service

On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11, 2021, everyone is invited to participate in a Prayer Service for Forgiveness and Healing from Pregnancy Loss. The service will take place from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, and will be available for viewing online at www.facebook.com/DioceseofVenice. Contact Sylvia at 941-412-5860 or project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org for any questions.

Divine Mercy Sunday in Naples

Come to the Feast of Divine Mercy as St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, celebrates with a special service from 2:15-3:30 p.m., Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11. The service will start with the rosary, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, chanting of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, a reflection on Divine Mercy followed by Benediction. All are welcomed. For information, please contact Fred or Barb Goduti at 239-261-4810

Parent cyber security event in April

The Diocese of Venice Offices of Family Life and Religious Education are hosting a free parent event “Protecting God’s Children Online in a Hyper Digital Age.” Cyber security expert Liz Repking will cover keeping kids safe from cyber bullying, online predators, sexting, online gaming, and how to help children create an escape plan when trouble arises. Two opportunities to attend: April 14, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice, and April 15 at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 2057 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Both presentations are from 6:30-8 p.m. There is no cost. Registration is required for planning purposes by April 10 at

https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/protecting-gods-children-online-in-a-hyper-digital-age.

Marriage prep retreat for couples over 55 in April

The Diocese Office of Family life is hosting a one-day sacramental marriage preparation retreat for those couples over 55 years of age preparing for marriage or convalidation from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., April 24 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Lunch is included. Preregistration is required at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/two-become-one. The program builds an appreciation for the joy of sacramental marriage while offering insight and tools to address the unique challenges and responsibilities.

Shifting from Condemnation to Compassion

Do you know someone who has had an abortion?  Chances are they don’t know where to go for help.  Have you ever heard someone condemning a person for having an abortion?  The Church does not condemn them; we welcome them and want to help them with compassion and healing that will change their lives.  In our diocese, Project Rachel, the Church’s healing after abortion outreach, is partnering with Support After Abortion, a new worldwide networking organization that sees healing as a necessary part of ending the demand for abortion. Change the way you see Pro-Life.  Go to https://supportafterabortion.com/shifting-from-condemnation-to-compassion/ to read an article that will give you a new perspective. Questions?  Contact Sylvia at 941-412-5860 or project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org.

Couple celebrate nearly 15,000 years of marriage

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The gathering of married couples for a Mass is a time of celebration and reflection.

The celebration of their achievement of commitment and living out the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony came in the form of the annual Diocesan Masses honoring couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries. The time for reflection came afterwards when the massive number of years the combined couples have been married was announced: 14,747.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane presided over the second pair of Diocesan Anniversary Masses on March 6, 2021 at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs noting that the event is a favorite, one he looks forward to each year.

“The view from my position is inspiring to me and to others who are in awe of the accomplishment you have achieved,” Bishop Dewane said. “You are living examples of the graces of love, fidelity, kindness and fruitfulness bestowed upon you by Christ. I honor you, and the Church honors you as witnesses to a beautiful vocation which younger generations see and admire.”

Some 170 couples attended the two at Masses at St. Leo the Great. The longest married couple present was Vincent and Teresa Principe of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples. On May 13, 2021, they will celebrate 70 years together.

Paul and Mary Schmidt of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples have been married 50 years and were impressed to see other couples married much longer. “I thought we reached a big milestone,” Mary Schmidt laughed. “We have some work to do to get to that many years, but I think we have a chance.”

That chance is because the couple works daily to keep their marriage strong. They have four children and four grandchildren who look up to them for guidance regarding many things, with marriage being one.

“We have overcome our struggles through our faith in the Lord and our trust in each other,” Paul Schmidt said. “Without those, you don’t stand a chance.”

Masses are celebrated each year in the northern and southern sections of the Diocese of Venice so as to accommodate those wanting to attend. In 2021, extra Mass were scheduled to allow for social distancing due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The first two Masses were celebrated Feb. 6 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

During the Mass, the married couples renewed their wedding vows. In addition, each couple was presented with commemorative certificates, signed by the Bishop, for their enduring commitment to marriage.

A reception followed the Mass with lunch and the opportunity to have complimentary pictures taken with the Bishop in the Parish Hall.

Students encouraged to sacrifice during Lent

Posted on by Bob Reddy

In order to sit at the table of the Lord, we must all make sacrifices.

“The challenge is to do what Christ asks,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane told students during a number of Lenten Masses he celebrated at schools throughout the Diocese of Venice in early March. “We need to take seriously our prayers, fasting, and almsgiving, following the example of Christ.”

Just as Christ served as our Savior, so must we all go out and serve our brothers and sisters in need. “It is the Lord who asks you to respond to this call,” Bishop Dewane continued. “It is not always easy, but this is a time of sacrifice, and Lent is the perfect opportunity to respond and live out that call to serve others as Children of God. Can you do that?” The students at each Mass gave a resounding: “Yes!”

Each Lent, Bishop Dewane takes the time to celebrate Mass at as many Diocesan Catholic schools as possible. The goal is not only to highlight the importance of the Lenten Season, but to also show support for the students and schools as they continue through their academic year.

After each Mass for elementary schools, the Bishop met privately with the eighth graders. First encouraging the group to continue their education at a Diocesan Catholic high school, and then Bishop Dewane also fields any and all questions from the students.

The Bishop celebrated Masses for students at St. John Neumann Catholic High School and St. Ann Catholic School in Naples on March 3, 2021; for St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples on March 4; and then for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte on March 5. Additional Masses will take place later in March.

 

Diocese-wide Opportunity for Sacrament of Reconciliation late March

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Confessionals will open for extended hours throughout the Diocese of Venice in late March to allow everyone ample opportunity to receive God’s Mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

In consultation with the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated the following days and times for Confession at EACH Parish: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, March 26, 2021, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, March 27.

This Diocesan-wide opportunity for Confession has been made available each Lent since 2012. These times are offered in addition to already scheduled Parish Confession times or planned Penance Services.

The precept of confessing grave sins and receiving Holy Communion at least once during the Lenten Season merits a reminder to all to take advantage of this opportunity.

Pope Francis often speaks about the healing benefits of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, saying that he goes about once every two weeks. “When I go to confession,” the Holy Father added,” it is in order to be healed, to heal my soul, to heal my heart and to be healed of some wrongdoing.”

The Pope also reminds us no one is free from sin and that feeling a little “ashamed before God is a grace… Going to confession is going to an encounter with the Lord who forgives us, who loves us and our shame is what we offer him… When one is in line to go to Confession, one feels all these things, even shame, but then when one finishes Confession one leaves free… forgiven, happy. This is the beauty of Confession! Jesus is there…and He receives you with so much love!”

As the Catechism teaches, the priest is acting in Persona Christi (in the person of Christ), within the confessional. So, like presenting oneself at the altar to be nourished by Christ in the Eucharist, a person going to Confession, is not ultimately confessing to a priest, but confessing to and receiving forgiveness from Jesus Christ.

It was Christ who desired that the faithful “receive forgiveness by means of the ministers of the community,” Pope Francis continued. And it is Christ “who gives this power.”

The Pope notes, through the presence and words of a priest, penitents have “the certainty of forgiveness in the name of the Church…this is having the surety that God forgives us always. He never tires of forgiving us and we must never tire of going to ask for forgiveness.”

Reconciliation in Schools

For the same reasons, Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools have been setting aside time to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation available for students.

For example, at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, the student, faculty and staff participated in a Lenten Penance Service on Feb. 23. Many of the students took advantage of the opportunity to go to confession with one of the several priests present.

Three priests were available to hear confessions from second and third graders March 4 at St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral. In addition, numerous students from St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy in Sarasota received the Sacrament for the first time on March 7.

News Briefs for the week of March 12, 2021

Posted on by Bob Reddy

“A Seminarian Story” eighth installment available

The Diocese of Venice in Florida Office of Vocations launched a video series titled, “A Seminarian Story,” to celebrate the 16 Seminarians currently in formation for the Diocese. The first eight videos have been released and more will follow approximately every few weeks. The most recent video is about Seminarian Carlos Rodriguez who is in formation at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach and is currently serving a Pastoral Year at Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton.

Developed with the assistance of the Diocese Communications Department, the goal of the series is to inspire others to follow in the path to the priesthood or religious life, as well as encourage the faithful to continue to support the seminarians as they continue their formation process at different seminaries. “A Seminarian Story” featuring Carlos Rodriguez can be found at https://vimeo.com/521110630.

Solidarity with seafarers as key essential workers

Each year, the Coalition of Catholic Organizations Against Human Trafficking (CCOAHT) launches a Campaign that begins during Lent to raise Catholic awareness of forced labor in the fishing industry. This year, due to the global pandemic, a new humanitarian crisis has emerged that is severely impacting all men and women who work at sea. Thus in 2021, CCOAHT – together with Stella Maris and the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America (AOS-USA) – are urging Catholics and all people of good will to pay witness to the life of the seafarer and to leverage their voices as community members and consumers to uplift the safety and wellbeing of one of the world’s most invisible group of essential workers.

Feast of St. Joseph Mass in Venice

On the Feast of Saint Joseph, a Mass in Italian will be celebrated by Bishop Frank Dewane at 12:30 p.m., March 19, 2021 at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. The Italian American Club of Venice is providing the bread for the St. Joseph Table. The bread will be blessed following Mass and all items will be individually wrapped. All are welcome to attend following social distancing and mask requirement protocols.

Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Televised Mass

The Diocese of Venice in Florida will air the televised Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Masses, each for a full hour. The Masses can be viewed at 9:00 a.m. on the CW Network in Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto, Charlotte, Hardee and Highland counties, and at 10:30 a.m. on FOX4 in Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades and Desoto counties. The Mass is also available on the Diocese of Venice website at www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass.

Divine Mercy Novena

The Divine Mercy Novena begins on Good Friday, April 2, 2021 and concludes Saturday, April 10. In private revelations to St. Faustina, Jesus asked that the Feast of Divine Mercy be preceded by a novena praying for nine intentions with the Divine Mercy Chaplet. It is particularly appropriate for anyone who has been touched by abortion or is nearing death. The novena can be accessed online at www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/novena.php. For more details, contact Sylvia at 941-412-5860 or project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org.

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: April 17, August 7, and November 13. Retreats in Spanish are at the same time and will be the following Saturdays: March 6, August 7, and October 30. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/marriage-preparation-retreat-2021 to register for the English retreats. To sign up for the retreat in Spanish, please contact St. Jude Parish in Sarasota at 941-955-3934. For more information or to inquire about a virtual option contact Carrie Harkey at 941-484-9543 ext. 3019.

Faith and Wine Lee County

The next gathering of Faith and Wine Lee County will be a virtual Zoom event beginning at 7 p.m., March 18, 2021. The speaker is Cy Kellett, the host of Catholic Answers Live, who will present “Whatever Happened to the Modern World?” Advanced registration is required by visiting https://faithandwineleecounty.com.

Easter Triduum Retreat at OLPH

The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center in Venice continues to offer single days of prayer and overnight retreats in a safe, tranquil setting along the Myakka River. The Easter Triduum retreat begins with supper on Holy Thursday (April 1, 2021) and ends with breakfast on Easter Sunday (April 4).  The liturgies of the Lord’s Supper, Way of the Cross, Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, Easter Vigil, and Sunrise Easter Liturgy are celebrated. Confessions are available. For more info or to register, call Denise Riley at 941-486 0233, ext. 3004, or visit www.olph-retreat.org and click on “Schedule of Events.”

Hundreds prepare to become Catholic

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The 2021 numbers of catechumens and candidates presented for the annual Rite of Election was 316. That is great news following a year filled with much uncertainty.

The temporary shuttering of churches for public Mass and ongoing health and safety concerns about meetings or classes could have dramatically impacted those seeking to enter the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

This year’s numbers are only down about 10 percent from 2020. This is a great accomplishment considering the challenges which needed to be overcome. The largest group was from Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers and included 51 catechumens and 13 candidates.

“This was actually a great time to have RCIA because people who were part of the pandemic had a reason to question their Faith,” explained Anne Chrzan, the Diocese of Venice Director of Religious of Education who oversees the implementation of RCIA programs. “Our Church gave them a place and a reason to believe and have hope!”

The 316 catechumens and candidates, representing 40 different Parishes, were recognized during the annual Rite of Election presided over by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

Details of the Rite of Election were adapted this year to comply with social distancing requirements necessitated by the Pandemic. There were four Deanery-based celebrations, the first on Feb. 21, 2021 at Epiphany Cathedral for the Northern Deanery, and later the same day at St. Catherine Parish in Sebring for the Eastern Deanery. On Feb. 28, additional Rites took place at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers for the Central Deanery, and then at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples for the Southern Deanery.

Bishop Dewane recognized the catechumens and candidates for their responding to a particular call from the Lord. “In a world full of indifference, you come forward as a faith-filled person. It marks you. You take a further step to integrate yourselves into the community of faith and worship here in the Diocese of Venice… I am humbled by all of you: by the individual who chooses God; by one who chooses their Faith; by what it is you set out to do; by the determination you have; by the sacrifices you made.”

This response to the Lord does not end at the Easter Vigil (April 4), the Bishop continued, but that response must continue to “change who you are as men and women of God.”

“Mother church is pleased that you come here today to ratify the ‘Yes!’ you have already given to follow the Lord, a ‘Yes!” to Jesus,” Bishop Dewane added. “Once that ‘Yes!’ is said then the true conversion must set about to happen. That is the next step. Do this and know it is my prayer that you will allow the love of God to inspire you throughout your life in the many good things that you do. Let it be that love of God that graces you.”

Chrzan added that the Pandemic created some challenges in RCIA program with some using online teaching options, but those were rare exceptions

“I had one DRE who was skeptical about moving forward during the pandemic, but I asked her to see what Jesus says about that and she had an entire family approach her the following week,” Chrzan explained. “Because she took it to prayer, God gave her a family to bring into the Church!”

The Rite of Election also is called the enrollment of names, because each catechumen writes his or her name in the Book of the Elect. When the catechumens from each Parish were called forward, a sheet with the signed names was presented to the Bishop. Instead of shaking hands with each catechumen, as was done in past years, this year Bishop Dewane welcomed them with a respectful bow.

Catechumens are the unbaptized and unchurched who inquire about becoming part of the Roman Catholic Faith. Many times, 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. RCIA is a journey of discovery and Faith. Children and teens ages 7 to 17 participate in similar groups geared to their own age ranges.

After completing the Rite of Election, the catechumens continue their spiritual formation throughout the remainder of Lent, a period of purification and enlightenment – the final, intense preparation for the reception at the Easter Vigil of the Sacrament of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist.

For candidates, those who have been baptized with a Trinitarian formula, the Catholic Church does not require re-Baptism. Candidates have already experienced a journey of Faith. 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 or Sacrament of Reconciliation. They participate in appropriate religious education classes, often with the catechumens, and will receive the necessary Sacraments at the Easter Vigil.

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

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