The Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Anti-Human Trafficking Team was part of a larger coalition organized to support operation “Home for the Holidays,” a state-wide rescue mission comprised of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
A task force, led by the U.S. Marshals Service, located and received 122 missing and endangered Florida children in a two-week operation. Catholic Charities DOV was standing by, ready to ensure the children, including 29 from the Fort Myers region, were cared for in an appropriate and supportive process following the rescue, as announced Nov. 17, 2025.
Erika Pineros, who leads the Catholic Charities Anti-Human Trafficking Team, said the team was invited to participate as part of the on-site advocacy group because of their expertise in trauma-informed care and experience supporting vulnerable and potentially exploited youth.
“Our advocates helped ensure that every child rescued then encountered compassion, stability, and immediate support during the recovery process,” Pineros said. “This included providing basic necessities, offering emotional reassurance, and collaborating closely with the broader team to make sure each child’s immediate safety and well-being was prioritized.”
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who has been an outspoken supporter of this Catholic Charities outreach program, stated, “It was a blessing that Catholic Charities was able to step up and help in this multi-agency effort. Assisting the victims of human trafficking is an important outreach that impacts far too many. They are on the frontlines helping children, and adults, overcome an exploitation that is nearly impossible to comprehend.”
Pineros said Catholic Charities was notified of the “Home for the Holidays” operation in advance and the coordination among the different agencies ensured that the transition for the children from dire circumstances was made as smoothly as possible during the course of a two-week period.
“It was organized as a trauma-informed approach, even before the child was there,” Pineros said. “The safe house was decorated and welcoming with gift baskets. One person was assigned to each child as an advocate. Each child was given a chance to rest, to have some food, take a nap and receive a medical evaluation.”
Pineros said one young man said he hadn’t had a hamburger in a long time, so someone went to the Five Guys restaurant to get him what he wanted. Two teens, a brother and a sister, were joyfully reunited after two years apart.
Case managers were assigned to work on the reunification process and children were reunited with family whenever possible. Catholic Charities offers a variety of counseling and other services for victims of human trafficking. While some of the children refused, others accepted this offer of help and will be assisted as long as needed. For those who passed on immediate help, the Catholic Charities team provided information to the parents/guardians in case future assistance is needed.
“It was a very rewarding experience,” Pineros said. “Often, we are dealing with individuals in a crisis and try to meet all of the needs at one time. For our entire team it was nice to be part of something bigger as everyone came together for the children.”
“Operation Home for the Holidays” is being heralded as one of the largest and most successful child-recovery missions in state history. It brought together more than 200 agencies and partners across Fort Myers, Tampa Bay, Orlando, Jacksonville, and surrounding counties — an unprecedented coalition that included the FBI, 11 sheriff’s offices, four police departments, four state agencies and 25 nonprofit organizations, including Catholic Charities.
“Thanks to one of the single largest child-rescue operations in U.S. history, 122 missing children are safe,” said Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. “This operation highlights the strength and diligence of Florida’s Law Enforcement. I am deeply grateful for everyone that made Operation Home for the Holidays a massive success. Many of these kids have been victimized in unspeakable ways. We will prosecute their abusers to the fullest extent of the law.”
About the Anti-Human Trafficking Assistance program
The Catholic Charities Anti-Human Trafficking Assistance program has a long-standing commitment to the plight of human trafficking in Southwest Florida by providing intensive case management and mental health counseling to all individuals who are the victims of this crime as they attempt to integrate into society after being rescued.
The group works closely with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors throughout Southwest Florida to provide and coordinate an expansive array of services to survivors from basic human needs to legal representation. Comprehensive case management and direct assistance is offered to all victims of severe human trafficking, which include minors, adults, and both domestic and foreign-born individuals. A victim-centered approach is used to deliver aid to clients while maintaining a mission of compassion, integrity, and empathy.
Victims are offered the following services: food and clothing; coordination to a shelter at a safe distance from the site of the exploitation; transitional housing; medical and dental service coordination; mental health counseling; referrals for further mental health services as needed; state and federal laws and benefits orientation and education; benefit application assistance; educational and language service opportunities; liaison with law enforcement and immigration service providers; and coordination with various community agencies for other required services.
Catholic Charities staff is active in various organizations that coordinate efforts to combat human trafficking and to inform the public about this heinous crime.
To learn more about the Anti-Human Trafficking Assistance program, please call 239-738-8722, or visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/anti-human-trafficking. If you would like to support this program, you can scan the QR code or visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.
Marriage Preparation Retreats are required by the Diocese of Venice for those couples preparing for Sacramental Marriage in the Catholic Church. To help facilitate this requirement, the Diocese of Venice Office of Evangelization hosts retreats in English and Spanish at different times throughout the year. The most recent retreat took place Nov. 8, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. There were 50 couples in attendance. To see the Schedule for 2026 Marriage Prep Days of Reflection, people can go to: 
The Campus Ministry and Theology Department at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples took on the Celtic Rosary Challenge in October with a goal of praying 2,000 Hail Marys for the intentions of Peace, Hope, and Healing. Through the heartfelt participation of students, faculty, and staff, they more than exceeded their goal – praying 10,017 Hail Marys! Well done everyone!
Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton Oct. 29, 2025. Bishop Dewane encouraged the students to improve their prayer life so as to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Following Mass, the Bishop spoke with the eighth graders, encouraging them to be the leaders of their school. The eighth graders were also given the opportunity to ask questions and have a group photo taken with the Bishop.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass for the Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem on Oct. 28, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice. The Order is entrusted with the mission to serve as witnesses to the Christian faith, and as supporters and protectors of the Church and the living Christian communities in the Holy Land. Bishop Dewane praised their commitment to the people of the Holy Land, which is needed now more than ever in this war-ravaged region as a tenuous peace has been put in place. The annual Mass is celebrated as close as is possible to Oct. 25, the Feast of Our Lady of Palestine, the Order’s Patroness.
Calling all Catholic Teens! Be a part of ARISE 2025, the Diocese of Venice Youth Rally! Don’t miss this powerful gathering of young Catholics, grades 9-12. This vibrant celebration will unite our young Church for a day filled with faith, joy, dynamic speakers, live music, the Sacraments, and a life-giving encounter with Christ. The Rally is Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, Punta Gorda. Parents, teachers, youth leaders, register your teens through your Parish or School by Friday, Nov. 7! Contact Andres Prias, 
Several senior boys at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples showed what true brotherhood looks like – shaving their heads in solidarity with their classmate and friend, Raphy, who is courageously battling cancer. Their act of love and support took place Oct. 8, 2025, and serves as a powerful reminder that the strength of the school’s Celtic community goes far beyond the classroom. Please keep Raphy and his family in your prayers as he continues his fight with courage and grace.
Mental and emotional well-being touches every part of our lives. Struggles with depression, anxiety, grief, or stress are not signs of weakness, they are part of the human condition. Left untreated, however, these challenges can impact physical health, relationships, and even the health of entire communities.
All students, grades 9 to 12, are invited to attend this year’s Diocesan Youth Rally from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. The theme for this year’s Rally is “Arise!” This is a day dedicated to faith, fellowship, and fun, where all come together to have hearts ignited by the Lord Jesus, so that He can draw each person present into a deeper relationship with Himself. The Diocesan Youth Rally will feature inspiring talks, uplifting music, and opportunities to connect with other youth from across the Diocese. Registration is through the Parish. For further information, please contact Andres Prias, Youth and Young Adult Outreach Director, at 941-484-9543, or 
