Tag: catholic charities

Bishop visits food distribution site

Posted on by Bob Reddy

On a beautiful early May Friday morning the line of vehicles entering the parking lot of the Bonita Springs offices of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. was growing before the first bags of food were distributed.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in what is becoming a regular routine, visited this Catholic Charities site on May 8, 2020, to show his support and learn from the staff what the last few weeks have been like and if they were getting enough support.

Food was bagged earlier in the week and everything was put on tables outside for easy distribution in what is a weekly ritual for the staff at this office on the property of St. Leo the Great Parish. Bishop Dewane assisted in the process, joining a well-organized ballet of people each tasked with loading vehicles with specific packages.

“It is rewarding to see all of the people Catholic Charities can help during this crisis,” Bishop Dewane said. “This is made possible thanks to the generosity those who support Catholic Charities in their efforts. Thank You! You are making a tremendous difference.”

Bishop Dewane first helped stack boxes of food provided by the Harry Chapin Food Bank while others brought out bagged food, grapefruits, apples and water. When the first vehicle came through the line, the bishop opted to load the half-cases of bottled water – minimum two per vehicle and more when the person was collecting food for multiple families. Bags were filled with maeseca (corn flour), rice, beans, oil and canned meats and vegetables.

Impressed by the organization and efficiency of the effort, Bishop Dewane complimented everyone for their hard work. He was told of the high demand and the uncertainty many have about future employment which result is difficult choices between buying food and paying other important bills while earning no income.

The Bonita Springs site is one of several emergency food distribution points throughout the Diocese of Venice that is being operated by Catholic Charities. In the six-week period between March 24 and April 30, 2020, Catholic Charities reported distributing 240,187 pounds of food such a canned good, rice and beans and maseca to 23,627 individuals and families. In addition, 1,185 hot meals have also been provided. In the same period, about 1,500 have called the Catholic Charities hotlines seeking a variety of additional help.

Those numbers represent a tremendous increase in outreach when compared to an average year when Catholic Charities serves some 90,000 families and individuals through 37 different programs.

“These are extraordinary times we are living in and the result is a tremendous surge in demand,” Philomena Pereira, CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. “The need is not going away and growing in some areas. Please consider supporting Catholic Charities. No donation is too small as we strive to get through this crisis helping as many our brothers and sisters in Christ as we can.”

If you need help

If you need assistance from Catholic Charities for food, financial assistance or tele-mental health counseling, please call the number for your area listed below 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday:

  • Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands counties: 844-385-2407,
  • Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades counties: 844-385-2423,
  • Collier County: 844-385-2404.

Food distribution

Catholic Charities food distribution will take place only at the following times and locations. Please call the regional number for more information.

  • Mondays, 9-11 a.m., Guadalupe Social Services, 211 S. 9th St., Immokalee,
  • Tuesdays, 9-11:30 a.m., Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, 3174 Tamiami Trail E., Naples,
  • Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, St. Margaret Parish, 208 Dean Duff St., Clewiston,
  • Fridays, 9-11 a.m., St. Leo the Great Parish, 28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs,
  • Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon, Elizabeth K. Galeana Pantry, 4235 Michigan Avenue Link, Fort Myers,
  • Saturdays, 7–8:45 a.m., St. Michael Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula.

How to Help

Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. is in urgent need of your financial support during its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate or send a check to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc., 5824 Bee Ridge Road, PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.

Parish food pantry support Hispanic community

Posted on by Bob Reddy

It is a Corporal Work of Mercy to feed the hungry, in the name of His Church. That is exactly what is being done each week at Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers.

The Spanish-language Catholic community has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic having endured massive layoffs across many job sectors including food service, hotels, farming and landscaping. The small food pantry has been assisting about 100 households weekly for the past seven weeks, where households consist of five to nine individuals.

Father Patrick O’Connor, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales (OSFS), Pastor of Jesus the Worker and San Jose Mission said, “there is really a tremendous need for food right now. Many don’t qualify for unemployment or stimulus checks, but they still need to feed their families.”

“We, their Church, are here for them,” Father O’Connor said. “As long as our resources last, we committed ourselves to not closing the food pantry, and to stocking it and running it ourselves.  We had to reduce the days we give out food, but we have stayed open, and distribute more food to the needy than ever.”

On Tuesday mornings, the line for food begins to form long before the pantry opens. Each person with a heartbreaking story of unexpected hardship and worry about their small children. A few of those children were old enough to help carry the bags of food back to their vehicles while their mother or father carried their own heavy burdens with stoic resolve.

“We have no choice but to try to carry on,” a woman who would only identify herself as Fernanda explained. “I will make it last a long time. I don’t have any choice. God bless Father Patrick and the people here. We would be lost without the Church. This is where Jesus lives in our hearts and our community.”

Father O’Connor said the food in the pantry come from local donations, purchases from the Harry Chapin Food Pantry and from a fortuitous USDA grant that was approved only weeks before the pandemic crisis began.

“We had applied a long time ago for this program, and we were waiting for a response,” Father explained. “For me, receiving that approval and the first shipments of food – it was a miracle!  We were very fortunate! It feels like God was watching out for our poor community!”

It is an unthinkable thing for the hard-working faithful of Jesus the Worker to ask for food, Father O’Connor explained. “Sometimes it is embarrassing or humiliating for them to come looking for assistance.” In such cases, he invites families to return at a different time when no one will see them.

“If that helps them feel better to be helped away from the public eye, that is okay,” he continued. “But we try to emphasize that we are a Christian community, and there are times when we help others in the community, and other times like now, when we allow the community to help us. For me, we are able to hearken back to the roots of our Church and Faith, in this time of crisis, in how we understand we should care for one another.”

If you would like to help Jesus the Worker Parish food pantry, please send contributions to 881 Nuna Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33905, call 239-693-5333 or visit the Parish website at https://jesustheworker.org/ and click on the English button to translate the page. In addition, the Diocese of Venice is providing an online platform. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/parish-donations-online/ and select Jesus the Worker Parish in the drop-down box (please disable you pop-up blockers).

Clewiston Parish reaches into community

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Parish Hall at St. Margaret Parish in Clewiston is always a bustling place, filled with people celebrating events or taking religious education classes. In recent weeks, the building has been converted into a makeshift storage and packing area.

The Parish Hall is where donated food is stored and bagged in preparation for distribution into the community to the growing number of needy families who would normally be in the fields as migrant farm workers. The food is mostly courtesy of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc., as well as from St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs. Donations from the parishioners of St. Margaret are also a big help.

Father Jiobani Batista, Pastor of St. Margaret Parish and Santa Rosa de Lima Mission serving nearby Montura Ranch Estates, is overseeing the work. Father Batista has the help of two religious sisters and a few volunteers, all systematically sorting through what food they have and then deciding what goes in the bags for distribution.

On April 25, 2020, Sister Maria Mercedes Rodríguez-Gomes, Missionary Sister of Our Lady of the Light, and Roxana Paniagua loaded several vans and went into the neighborhoods to distribute bags of food. The families assisted in this manner do not have access to transportation and most have been out of work for several weeks.

The bags were filled with rice, beans and pasta, FEMA supplied Meals Ready to Eat, maseca (corn meal to make tortillas), and whatever canned food they might have. Cereal, dried milk and snacks are added for the children. When fresh vegetables and fruits are available, they are included in the distribution. The food is selected to offer families staples that can be stretched to feed families for an extended period of time.

At each stop, families receiving the food shared stories about how they had no warning before losing their work as pickers in nearby vegetable fields. Several families said they were running out of money and rent was due.

Most of the recipients wanted to give hugs to Paniagua and Sister Mercedes but, while wearing a mask and gloves, they explained that the smiling faces and words of gratitude offered were enough thanks.

One mother said she is heartbroken having to accept the offered food, something she has never done. She is worried about her young children who don’t understand what is happening and ask why they cannot have treats from the store.

Meanwhile, some refused the offered food. One mother said her husband was still working in the sugar fields so they had money and the food should go elsewhere. Sister Mercedes was grateful for their honesty but told each of these families to reach out if things changed as the field work was scheduled to end in the coming weeks.

Father Batista explained that most of the community consists of migrant farm workers who toil in vegetable and sugar fields. Nearly all the vegetable farms shut down operations by late April while the sugar field would be closed by mid-May as happens every year.

However, because of the pandemic, the migrant farm workers have nowhere to go. Most would travel north to work in fields in New England or the Midwest. Travel restrictions are preventing them from going. Another group of workers, who are in Clewiston on temporary work visas, normally would return to their home country after the growing season, but this year, there is no international travel allowed, leaving them with an uncertain future.

“All of these workers have to stay here, without jobs, paying rent and buying food, consuming what they earned this season,” Father Batista explained, noting that migrant farm workers do not qualify for any of the assistance being offered by the state or federal governments. “This is going to be very tough on the families. I’m not sure what is going to happen.”

Catholic Charities, which has a small office at St. Margaret Parish, has been offering a Thursday morning outdoor food distribution. Staff and volunteers load vehicles and in just a few weeks Father Batista said the number of people seeking help has quadrupled.

“I have never seen it this bad,” Father Batista said. “The number of people impacted is so high and growing. There is no relief in sight until these farm workers can find work somewhere else and that might not be until the next growing season here in Clewiston in the fall. If that happens, it would be devastating.”

If you would like to help St. Margaret Parish, the Diocese of Venice is providing an online platform. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/parish-donations-online/ and select St. Margaret Parish in the drop-down box (please disable you pop-up blockers).

Healthy meal distribution in Collier County a success

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Since mid-March Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. has helped distribute food to thousands of individuals and families across Collier County and many more across the Diocese.

Food pantries are seeing surging numbers of people who are impacted by job loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On April 27, 2020, Rebecca Maddox, owner of Three60 Market in Naples, teamed up with Catholic Charities in Collier County to provide healthy cooked meals to families at three locations, Naples, Bonita Springs and Immokalee. The packaged food included a roasted chicken with vegetables and a side of rolls. Maddox explained that while her business is impacted by the coronavirus restrictions, she wanted to give back to those in the community who are struggling to put a meal on the table.

Catholic Charities Board Directors members bag hot food on April 27 at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center in Naples courtesy of Rebecca Maddox, owner of Three60 Market.

Clarita Marquez learned about the food distribution at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center from her mother. She lost two jobs – both in local restaurants – and her mother lost her job as a housekeeper for a local hotel. There are six in the house together with very little money left for food after paying bills for a mortgage, car payments and utilities.

“Thank you all so much. This is so wonderful,” Marquez said. “We will make this food last a few days. It’s what needs to be done.”

Each location was provided 100 meals, which was above what food is already being distributed weekly at area food pantries. At the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center in Naples the volunteers helping with the packaging and distribution included Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Board of Directors Members Rita Cavuoto and Dick Rogan.

The second stop during the day was to a migrant work camp in Bonita Springs, and then in the evening at Guadalupe Social Services in Immokalee. Catholic Charities DOV CEO Philomena Pereira, said the food was gone within 30 minutes at both of those locations.

“In fact, we ran out of food in Immokalee,” Pereira explained. “Luckily, we had pastries and bread to give out and boxes of snacks from Harry Chapin Food Bank in Fort Myers.”

While the healthy meals were a onetime opportunity for families to receive extra food, pantries have been set up in six location throughout the Diocese of Venice with hours each week to accommodate the growing number of people in need.

“We are still seeing the number go up very fast,” Pereira said.

The busiest food pantry location is in Fort Myers, at the Elizabeth K. Galeana Center, where each Friday people begin lining up for food more than an hour before the food pantry opens and then there is a steady stream of vehicles all day long.

Catholic Charities Response to Pandemic

If you need help

If you need assistance from Catholic Charities for food, financial assistance or tele-mental health counseling, please call the number for your area listed below 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday:

  • Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands counties: 844-385-2407,
  • Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades counties: 844-385-2423,
  • Collier County: 844-385-2404.

Food distribution

Catholic Charities food distribution will take place only at the following times and locations. Please call the regional number for more information.

  • Mondays, 9-11 a.m., Guadalupe Social Services, 211 S. 9th St., Immokalee,
  • Tuesdays, 9-11:30 a.m., Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, 3174 Tamiami Trail E., Naples,
  • Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, St. Margaret Parish, 208 Dean Duff St., Clewiston,
  • Fridays, 9-11 a.m., St. Leo the Great Parish, 28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs,
  • Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon, Elizabeth K. Galeana Pantry, 4235 Michigan Avenue Link, Fort Myers,
  • Saturdays, 7–8:45 a.m., St. Michael Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula.

How to Help

Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. is in urgent need of your financial support during its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate or send a check to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc., 5824 Bee Ridge Road, PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.

Bradenton food pantry works to meet demand

Posted on by Bob Reddy

With increased demand and regular sources of food unable to meet requests, the St. Joseph Food Pantry in Bradenton has been having to find creative ways to get the word out that they need donations.

Ellen Staubach, a Food Pantry Board member, said an appeal in mid-March helped fill in the gap for the immediate increase in demand once the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy started being felt. Since early March, demand has steadily increased as many people were thrown out of work. Before the pandemic, 1,888 individuals and families visited the food pantry each month. In the past seven weeks, nearly 500 new individuals and families have registered for assistance.

“We were so amazed at how many of our donors not only came through but also spread the word to organizations such as Thunder Road and Knights of Columbus as well as many others,” said Staubach about the response to the appeal for food in March. “We made it through March and have enough to feed all those coming in through April.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane visited the food pantry on April 23, 2020, receiving a tour and  learning about the demand the pantry has been facing and the efforts to help as many people with whatever food is available.

Feeding Tampa Bay set up a mobile pantry in the parking lot one day a week, which is helping to a point, but one normal source of food, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger food drive, has been indefinitely postponed.

“That food drive generally provided us with two to three months of food,” Staubach explained. “We hoped that this drive would carry us through until our suppliers would be able to once again take our orders.”

A new supplier, which unfortunately charges more, has been able to meet short-term needs, but that will only be sustainable if monetary donations increase. A regional giving challenge in late April was expected to help, but more assistance is needed as the demand continues to grow.

If someone would like to make a donation, please by visit https://www.sjcfl.org/Online-Giving and click on “Giving Opportunities” to donate directly to the pantry, or mail a check to the St. Joseph Food Pantry, 2704 33rd Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34205. Donors can also bring food such as canned corn, canned green beans, 1lb box spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, boxed macaroni and cheese, cheese, cereal, as well as peanut butter and jelly. Volunteers are always welcome. For more information, call 941-756-3732 or email directors@stjoepantry.com.

Updated Catholic Charities information and other resources

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Catholic Charities Response to Pandemic

If you need help

If you need assistance from Catholic Charities for food, financial assistance or tele-mental health counseling, please call the number for your area listed below 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday:

  • Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands counties: 844-385-2407
  • Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades counties: 844-385-2423
  • Collier County: 844-385-2404

Food distribution

Catholic Charities food distribution will take place only at the following times and locations. Please call the regional number for more information.

Mondays: 9-11 a.m.

  • Guadalupe Social Services, 211 S. 9th St., Immokalee,

Mondays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

  • St. Margaret Parish, 208 Dean Duff St., Clewiston,

Tuesdays: 9-11:30 a.m.

  • Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, 3174 Tamiami Trail E., Naples,

Fridays: 9-11 a.m.

  • Bonita Springs, St. Leo the Great Parish, 28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs,

Fridays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

  • Elizabeth K. Galeana Pantry, 4235 Michigan Avenue Link, Fort Myers,

Saturdays: 7–8:45 a.m.

  • St. Michael Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula.

How to Help

Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. is in urgent need of your financial support during its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate or send a check to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc., 5824 Bee Ridge Road, PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.

Prayers and Resources

Act of Spiritual Communion

It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion means uniting one’s self in prayer with Christ’s sacrifice and worshiping Him in His Body and Blood.

The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass, as is the case during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.

For all who will not be able to receive the Holy Eucharist in person, consider this special prayer, an Act of Spiritual Communion:

My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there

and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.

Resources online

A special coronavirus webpage is located on the Diocese of Venice website homepage at www.dioceseofvenice.org.

Resources include links to the Mass, the prayer for Act of the Spiritual Communion, videos of the Stations of the Cross, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Pray the Rosary by following the links for the Diocese response to Coronavirus included on the Diocese homepage.  The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website, www.usccb.org, also posts the daily Mass readings.

The Diocese of Venice Mass is streamed at 9:15 a.m. daily from the Catholic Center in Venice. Meanwhile, Mass is being streamed live from many Parishes daily (some on weekends only) throughout the Diocese of Venice (See updated list on Diocese website). Most streams are available with links through the Parish websites or through Facebook (to watch a live stream on Facebook, you do not need an account) or YouTube. Check with your Parish if you are having trouble finding the Mass or for more details.

Additionally, Magnificat is offering the online version of this devotional free at https://us.magnificat.net/free.

The Televised Mass for the Homebound is available throughout the Diocese each Sunday. In northern parts of the Diocese (Manatee, Highlands, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto and Charlotte counties) the Mass airs on television at 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Collier, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Charlotte counties) the Mass airs at 10:30 a.m., on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). This same Mass can be found on the Diocese of Venice website, www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass. Please check local listings for channel information.

Parish donations

During this challenging time in the life and mission of the Diocese of Venice, our Parishes face increased risk of financial shortfalls due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its effects on everyday life. Parishes depend on weekly financial gifts to continue their ministries, especially in this critical time of crisis.

The Diocese of Venice is providing an online platform and encourages the Faithful to support their Parish. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/parish-donations-online/ to donate to your Parish.

The Faithful may also contribute through their usual channels (e.g., envelopes, and through the Parish online giving option). Together we will navigate through this crisis, provide assistance to those in need, and secure the road ahead for the Parishes within the Diocese of Venice.

Please continue to pray for the repose of those who have died, for the recovery of those who are sick, for the strength of healthcare workers and caregivers, as well as for an end to this health crisis. Thank you for your generosity.

Prayers

Prayer Against Coronavirus

Lord Jesus Christ, our Divine physician, we ask you to guard and protect us from Coronavirus COVID-19 and all serious illness. For all that have died from it, have mercy; for those that are ill now, bring healing. For those searching for a remedy, enlighten them; for medical caregivers helping the sick, strengthen and shield them. For those working to contain the spread, grant them success; for the afraid, grant peace. May your precious blood be our defense and salvation. By your grace, may you turn the evil of disease into moments of consolation and hope. May we always fear the contagion of sin more than any illness. We abandon ourselves to you infinite.  Amen

By Pedro de la Cruz

 Oración contra el Coronavirus

Señor Jesucristo, nuestro Médico Divino, te pedimos que nos guardes y protejas del Coronavirus COVID-19 y de toda enfermedad grave. Por todos los que han perdido la vida por causa del virus, ten piedad; por los que están enfermos ahora, sánalos. Por los que buscan su cura, ilumínalos; por el personal médico que cuida de los enfermos, fortalécelos y protéjelos. Por los que trabajan para contener al virus, que sean existosos; por los que temen dáles la paz. Que tu preciosa sangre sea nuestro escudo y salvación. Por tu gracia, convierte a la maldad de esta enfermedad en momentos de consuelo y esperanza. Que siempre temamos más al contagió del pecado que al de cualquier enfermedad. Nos entregamos a tu infinita misericordia. Amén.

By Pedro de la Cruz

Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe for Protection from the Coronavirus

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,
Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We fly to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,
as you did at the wedding in Cana.

Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus.

Amen.

Courtesy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

 Oración a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe para la Protección del Coronavirus

Virgen Santísima de Guadalupe,

Reina de los Ángeles y Madre de las Américas.

Acudimos a ti hoy como tus amados hijos.

Te pedimos que intercedas por nosotros con tu Hijo,

como lo hiciste en las bodas de Caná.

Ruega por nosotros, Madre amorosa,

y obtén para nuestra nación, nuestro mundo,

y para todas nuestras familias y seres queridos,

la protección de tus santos ángeles,

para que podamos salvarnos de lo peor de esta enfermedad.

Para aquellos que ya están afectados,

te pedimos que les concedas la gracia de la sanación y

la liberación.

Escucha los gritos de aquellos que son vulnerables y temerosos,

seca sus lágrimas y ayúdalos a confiar.

En este tiempo de dificultad y prueba,

enséñanos a todos en la Iglesia a amarnos los unos a los otros

y a ser pacientes y amables.

Ayúdanos a llevar la paz de Jesús a nuestra tierra y a nuestros

corazones.

Acudimos a ti con confianza, sabiendo que realmente eres

nuestra madre compasiva,

la salud de los enfermos y la causa de nuestra alegría.

Refúgianos bajo el manto de tu protección, mantennos

en el abrazo de tus brazos,

ayúdanos a conocer siempre el amor de tu Hijo, Jesús.

Amén.

Cortesía de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE. UU.

April 17, 2020 letter from Bishop Dewane to the Faithful

Posted on by Bob Reddy

April 17, 2020

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

During Easter Season, as the Church rejoices in Our Lord’s Resurrection, my prayer is that you and your family are safe and strengthened by God’s grace in these uncertain times. You will recall that I promised to give an update regarding the Coronavirus and our efforts in the Diocese of Venice to ensure the health, safety, and the spiritual wellbeing of all our Catholic Faithful.

The decision to suspend public celebrations of the Liturgy was among the most difficult I have had to make as your Bishop. The decision required the Diocese to weigh the needs of public health in a time of pandemic against the great sacrifices that a suspension would require of the Christian Faithful and our Priests. Knowing it would be difficult for you not to fully participate in the Holy Mass or gather with your fellow Parishioners for other activities, was something I sincerely understood. It was also on my mind that your Priests would need to labor strenuously and find innovative ways to compassionately care for Parishioners.

It has been edifying to see how the Catholic Faithful, led by their Priests, have embraced these challenges and found creative ways to give witness to our spiritual communion in Christ. Throughout these days, I have been privileged to hear many stories from Parishioners about how they have, in their homes, remained Faithful to their life of prayer and worship of God. The efforts of parents, caregivers, Catholic School teachers, catechists, Parish staff and so many of our people, have made the difficulties being experienced an opportunity for heroic acts of Christian Charity and love. Priests are to be acknowledged for the pastoral ways in which the Holy Mass and the Sacraments have been offered to the Faithful; at the same time, placing themselves at risk to attend the sick and dying. Likewise, I am grateful to the Parishioners who have continued their generous stewardship towards the Parishes and Schools of the Diocese which face financial challenges in these present circumstances.

In a particular way, let me express my appreciation to the many families who, from home, united in their Parish Holy Week and Easter Liturgies. All the Faithful can be proud of the efforts made during these difficult days to maintain spiritual communion and practice their Catholic Faith. Trusting in Our Lord who abides with us, we have found hope and strength to weather the hardships.

No matter how difficult this time has been for many of us, I ask you to prayerfully intercede for those who have died from the Coronavirus and for their family and loved ones who grieve. Likewise, please lift-up in prayer healthcare workers and others, who, with dedication, are combating this disease and compassionately caring for the sick and dying. Pray also for wisdom for our public officials that they may guide us with competence and concern.

Please know that the Diocese appreciates the sacrifices you have made and is looking forward to the time when public celebrations of Holy Mass can resume. With me, Diocesan Officials are monitoring public health data as a process of planning begins. It is necessary to determine how and when your Parish can resume normal operations safely, while maintaining careful vigilance to protect those at greater risk of serious illness. The upcoming weeks will indeed require patience. Only after necessary steps are taken, can there be certainty regarding when to begin a phased return to normal Parish activities and public gatherings.

Likely, the present circumstances regarding public Masses will last for the near future. Celebrations of Confirmation, First Communion, and reception into the Church for Catechumens and Candidates will continue to be postponed until it is feasible to reschedule them with some certainty. Parishes will keep the Faithful updated as greater clarity regarding Diocesan plans is possible.

Let us remember that with Faith, our sufferings and sacrifices can be a source of redeeming grace. If we offer our sufferings to God and unite them with the Passion of Our Lord, we will be made stronger in Faith and greater witnesses to the hope that is ours in the Risen Christ.

As we commemorate Divine Mercy Sunday, let each one of us put aside our doubts and united as a believing people, express with new resolve: “Jesus, I trust in You!”

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

+ Frank J. Dewane

Bishop the Diocese of

Venice in Florida

Catholic Charities on the front line of pandemic response

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. food pantries have become a beacon of hope in a storm of darkness – serving ever-increasing numbers of desperate families each week in response to the impact of the ongoing pandemic.

A long line of vehicles was waiting before the first bags of food were distributed on April 17, 2020, at the Elizabeth Kay Galeana (EKG) Center in Fort Myers.

Unlike when a hurricane strikes, a time when help comes from outside the region, no help can be found, except from Catholic Charities.

The story from individuals and families in the vehicles was a common one – sudden job loss and no idea when work will be found. Words like “challenging” “hard” “difficult” and “overwhelming” were frequently used to describe how they are currently feeling. With restricted income, families must make difficult choices as many large bills for shelter and transportation come due each month.

As they received their food, a bag filled with basic necessities that was previously taken for granted by many, the kindness and appreciation expressed was moving and genuine with many saying, “God bless you!” and from others a simple “Thank you!” came across with great feeling and meaning.

One woman, who walked to the facility with her two grandchildren, said she was in desperate need for food as there is no money coming in and her grandchildren are home from school. This added burden is impacting many families who would normally rely on school lunch programs for children to account for at least one meal a day.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane visited the EKG Center on April 17, 2020, assisting with the loading of vehicles as a part of the distribution operation. The Bishop also offered words of encouragement to the staff and volunteers. While there, Bishop witnessed the desperation in some, but was heartened by the gratitude for what was being offered.

“The need is real and this food pantry, as well as others like it across the Diocese, is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors,” Bishop Dewane said. “I am personally grateful for the generosity of so many. I want to say, ‘Thank you!’ to those who have helped already, and I appeal for continued support during this pandemic response. Remember, no gift is too small – your combined generosity will go a long way toward helping our brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Bishop Dewane was impressed by the operation and wanted to ensure the workers and volunteers had all they needed, including masks and gloves for their own safety.

Until early March, Catholic Charities food pantries required the filling out of paperwork and limitations on receiving food to once a month. Now, each driver is asked their name and the age of everyone in their family. Further down the line, the bags of food are placed in trunks or the beds of trucks. If a family is larger, they receive more food.

Philomena Pereira, CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc., said Catholic Charities has greatly expanded its food pantry operations across multiple counties to meet this growing need.

“During the last six weeks, our pantries have provided food and water to (more than 13,300) individuals and families, far more than the same period last year – and we anticipate this figure to continue climbing,” Pereira said. “Also concerning is the marked increase in demand for food resources in areas like Bonita Springs and Clewiston, where we have served up to 225 percent more families than the same period in 2019. The need is here, and it is significant. Catholic Charities, with the support of Bishop Dewane, is committed to continue to meet those needs.”

In addition to Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Clewiston, there are Catholic Charities food distribution points in Arcadia, Immokalee, Naples and Sarasota. While some of these locations are on a smaller scale – directly targeting specific vulnerable communities – there are five which offer drive-thru distribution each Friday morning. Additional Parish-based food banks are also operating in Bradenton, Wauchula and Fort Myers.

Included in the bags of food is a combination of basics – rice, beans, flour, pasta – and whatever else is on hand for distribution, such as canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, sauces, peanut butter, etc. Water is distributed when requested and fresh food, such as bread, vegetables and juice are only available in limited quantities.

It is unclear just how high the demand will get, as each week the lines at the EKG Center in Fort Myers, as well as at all the food pantries, have been getting exponentially longer.

Pereira said a major challenge in keeping up with demand is that traditionally reliable sources for food, such as local Food Banks, as well as from state and federal emergency relief agencies, have little to offer because of overwhelming demand. This has required Catholic Charities to buy bulk food where it can be found.

“This is adding a huge cost that is unexpected for us, but absolutely necessary to meet the demand,” Pereira said. To help support Catholic Charities, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

Pandemic Resources from Catholic Charities

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Catholic Charities Response to Pandemic

If you need help

If you need assistance from Catholic Charities for food, financial assistance or tele-mental health counseling, please call the number for your area listed below 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday:

  • Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands counties: 844-385-2407,
  • Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades counties: 844-385-2423,
  • Collier County: 844-385-2404.

Food distribution

Catholic Charities food distribution will take place ONLY at the following locations.  Please call above numbers to confirm.

Mondays: 9–11 a.m.

  • Guadalupe Social Services – 211 South 9th Street, Immokalee,
  • Margaret Catholic Church – 208 Dean Duff Street, Clewiston,

Tuesdays: 9–11:30 a.m.

  • Judy Sullivan Center – 3174 Tamiami Trail East, Naples,

Fridays: 9-11 a.m.

  • Bonita Springs – 28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs,

Fridays: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

  • Elizabeth K. Galeana Pantry – 4235 Michigan Avenue Link, Fort Myers,

Saturdays: 7–8:45 a.m.

  • St. Michael Catholic Church, 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula.

How to Help

Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. needs your financial support during its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate or send a check to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc., 5824 Bee Ridge Road, PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.

Demand on Catholic Charities skyrockets

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Vania Vasquez appeared at the office of Guadalupe Social Services in Immokalee hoping to get some food for her family.

Joined by her daughter, Liliana, Vasquez was happy to be presented with two large bags of dry goods, and others bags with fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, breads and sweets.

“Thank you,” she said with a gracious smile to the Catholic Charities workers who were busy on April 3, 2020, handing out food to needy families. “This means so much to my family. Times are very difficult.”

Those kind words have been echoing across the region as Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. has seen a massive increase in demand for services as people are suddenly laid-off from jobs due the impacts of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Catholic Charities has put its resources and focus into the critical needs of providing food, financial assistance and tele-mental health counseling.

Philomena Pereira, CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc., said the newly established regional toll-free numbers will better streamline the requests for help, often from increasingly desperate people.

“The numbers are very high and going up every day,” Pereira said. “The tenacity of our staff who are working on the front lines is amazing as they help lighten the burden of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are most in need. I know that God is watching over us.”

Food distribution points in Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Immokalee have had huge demand with staff putting bags of food into the trunks of thousands of vehicles, all while maintaining appropriate social distancing.

As the state order to stay home expanded beginning April 3, Pereira said more and more people will lose work and the requests for food will transition into more families desperate for financial assistance. Compounding the problem is that many of the neediest people Catholic Charities assists each year did not have a financial cushion to fall back on before the pandemic crisis started.

Catholic Charities has long-provided assistance to individuals and families for emergency medicals bills, rent/mortgage payments and utilities. However, the pandemic crisis is creating demand from people who would not normally need assistance.

“You have some families with both wage earners furloughed, laid off, fewer hours, or maybe one needs to stay home with school-aged children,” she explained.  “That was just the first wave of people who lost jobs and they have no idea when work will be available again. Catholic Charities is in this for the long haul. We will be there.”

Peggy Rodriguez, the Program Director of Guadalupe Social Services, said there have been many people who wish to volunteer, but a system to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers and clients is still being worked out.

“The way people can help is to send a check, any amount will help, because the need is great and every dollar adds up to make the difference in the lives of the children, families and individuals who seek assistance from Catholic Charities,” Rodriguez said.

How to help

Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. need your financial support during its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate or send a check to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc., 5824 Bee Ridge Road, PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.

If you need help

If you need assistance from Catholic Charities for food, financial assistance or tele-mental health counseling, please call the number for your area below 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday:

  • Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands counties: 844-385-2407,
  • Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades counties: 844-385-2423,
  • Collier County: 844-385-
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