As we soon gather to celebrate the birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the immense hope and renewal that His arrival brings to the world. This spirit of hope has guided the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., throughout 2024 as they worked tirelessly to serve the most vulnerable across Southwest Florida.
Thanks is given for the generosity of benefactors who support the many programs and services of Catholic Charities that making its work possible throughout the year.
Catholic Charities assisted more than 350,000 people in need, providing a wide range of services throughout the 10-county Diocese of Venice this year. The support of the faithful allowed Catholic Charities to meet the overwhelming demand for aid following the devastation caused by the double-barreled shot-gun approach of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which collectively displaced tens of thousands of families across Florida. Additional services offered include food and housing assistance, counseling and mental health services, and programs for seniors and children. For example:
- $4 million was provided in financial assistance to stabilize families in crisis, keeping them housed, employed, and hopeful;
- Disaster relief for more than 50,000 individuals, including essentials like food, clean water, and recovery supplies following Hurricanes Helene and Milton;
- Housing assistance for more than 1,200 families and seniors, offering safe havens for those in desperate need and those who have lost everything;
- 39,000 pantry services, ensuring no child or family goes hungry.
To enable Catholic Charities to continue to do its vital work, the Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is taking place now through January 2025. A donation strengthens Catholic Charities to provide this much-needed support (www.catholiccharitiesdov.org).
Bishop Frank J. Dewane noted that the continued support of Catholic Charities by the faithful of Southwest Florida is inspirational and critical, “ensuring our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to receive the help and support they need. Please remember that every number represents a child, family or individual who relies on the support of Catholic Charities to get through a crisis. Catholic Charities does a tremendous job in providing programs that not only help in a crisis but assist in improving the daily lives of those they reach. Your support is appreciated and critical!”
In an appeal letter to supporters, Christopher M. Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., and Rita Cavuoto, Chair of the Board of Directors, wrote,
“This Christmas, we turn to you in this Season of Giving, our most critical appeal of the year. Your generosity during this Holy Season has the power to transform lives. Each family we serve comes to us with unique challenges, and it is only through your partnership that we can respond with the love and resources they need. In alignment with Catholic social teaching, we strive to embody the virtues of charity, justice, and mercy in every service provided. These principles remind us that caring for our neighbors is not just an act of kindness, it is our sacred duty as followers of Christ.”
One of the most inspiring stories this year is that of Maria, a mother of two who lost her home to Hurricane Helene. With your support, Catholic Charities provided her with shelter, job assistance, and access to childcare. Today, Maria has secured stable housing and meaningful employment, and her children are thriving. Her resilience is a testament to the strength that emerges when compassion meets hope.
“Please prayerfully consider making a gift that will continue to bring hope and healing to those in need,” Root and Cavuoto wrote. “Every dollar you contribute furthers our mission to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the afflicted, and uplift the vulnerable in our community. Thank you for standing with us as we bring the light of Christ to those in darkness. May your Christmas season be filled with His love and peace, and may the new year bring abundant blessings to you and your family.”
No matter the amount of your gift, when combined with others, it will make a significant difference for those who turn to Catholic Charities for help.
To support the Catholic Charities 2024 Christmas Appeal, please mail a contribution to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Mass for the students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers on Nov. 15, 2024. The Mass was celebrated in the neighboring St. Cecilia Parish church to accommodate all of the students and faculty. Bishop Dewane also celebrated Mass for students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton on Nov. 19. These were the latest in a series of Masses Bishop Dewane celebrates at each of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools during the first semester of the academic year.
The students at St. Mary Academy in Sarasota welcomed Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an early Thanksgiving luncheon on Nov. 19, 2024. Students, faculty and guests were treated to a choice of turkey with all the trimmings, ham, and pie. Bishop Dewane led everyone in prayer before the meal.
On Oct. 31, 2024, Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass at the Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria on Oct. 31, 2024. In addition, Bishop Dewane celebrated Mass at St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring on Nov. 4, and Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School on Nov. 5. These are the latest in a series of Masses celebrated at Diocesan Catholic schools at the beginning of the academic year. Additional Masses are scheduled through December.
During the month of October, Respect Life Month, the students at the Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria collected diapers and wipes for Community Pregnancy Clinics in Naples. The diapers were picked up by Clinics CEO Scott Baier on Oct. 31, 2024. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was present to bless the donations which will go to support women and their newborn children throughout Southwest Florida.
In addition, Milton’s water reached the rectory. While the water did not reach the flooring, it did damage the garage and crawlspace where various utilities were located.
Working under the direction of staff from the Diocese of Venice Buildings and Construction Office, contractors have removed all the debris from the church, preschool and rectory as part of the mitigation work. How best to proceed with the reconstruction of each building will be determined in the coming days and weeks.
A beer tent, food, music and lots of fun was had during the Oktoberfest celebration at San Pedro Parish in Nort Port on Oct. 18 and 19, 2024. There were games for children, raffles, and lots of food options for people of all ages.
On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, the Diocese of Venice will hold a Catholic Mass in honor of the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve and protect us today. This is the 15th year the Diocese has held a Mass on Veterans Day. The opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 p.m., with the Mass at 3:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72/Clark Road, approximately five miles east of I-75. The priests, deacons and Knights of Columbus in the Diocese will join in the celebration of the Mass. All are invited to attend, and active military personnel are asked to wear their uniform. Attendees are also encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is ample seating and parking at the cemetery. For further information please contact Gail Ardy at 
Parishioner Miranda Riley, who lives a few blocks from the Parish and faces the Gulf of Mexico, said her home’s ground floor, which included a rec room, office and two car garage, were destroyed with more than four feet of water.
The Legion of Mary Manasota Curis held a day of prayer Sept. 28, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. The day included the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Sacrament of Reconciliation and talks. Bob Wilson, Director of St. Paul Street Evangelization, spoke about how to speak with family and friends who have questions about the faith. Wilson said those who disagree with Church Teachings on any topic, disagree with God. “Jesus and the Catholic Church are one entity. Jesus is the head and Church is the body.” Wilson also discussed common questions Catholics face regarding our beliefs, such as praying to saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary. “We do not worship Mary and the saints, we honor them. When we are praying to Mary, we are asking her to intercede on our behalf. Asking her Son to pray for us.”
St. Michael Parish in Wauchula celebrated the Feast of the Archangels as part of a larger celebration on Sept. 28, 2024, the eve of the Feast Day. The celebration included a process around the Parish grounds leading into a bilingual Mass (English and Spanish). This was followed by a Parish festival. The three archangels whom the Church honors by name are Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael. St. Michael was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of God. He is the protector of all humanity from the snares of the devil. Within the Diocese of Venice, there is also a St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Sarasota. St. Gabriel announced to Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. His greeting to the Virgin, “Hail, full of grace,” is one of the most familiar and frequent prayers of the Christian people. St. Raphael is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey. There are two Parishes in the Diocese which have been bestowed with that name, one in Lehigh Acres and the other in Englewood.
The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has produced two new voter resources for the faithful to consider during the November 2024 General Election. First, is the Florida Conference Voter Guide which provides information about Catholic teaching, offers considerations on key topics, and poses questions regarding current issues to assist voters in evaluating candidate positions or political party platforms: 
Calling all Catholic engaged and married couples! Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for the fourth annual Diocesan “Together in Holiness” marriage conference, 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Oct. 19, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The Conference, a collaboration between the Diocese of Venice and the St. John Paul II Foundation, is a great opportunity for all Catholic engaged and married couples in the Diocese to gather for a day dedicated to prayer, conversation, fellowship, and reflection on the beautiful vocation of marriage. Registration is now open for the day-long event which includes a Mass and Marriage Blessing celebrated by Bishop Dewane, and inspirational talks by Catholic speakers Renzo & Monica Ortega, Rev. Alex Pince and Mallory Smyth. Childcare, as well as full and partial scholarships, are available. To register or for further information, please visit 
