Schools Masses celebrated in Sarasota
Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass for students at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota on Nov. 20, 2024, and Incarnation Catholic School in Sarasota on Nov. 21. 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.
Religious Brother dies
Brother Peter Scott Nault, CSC (Brothers of Holy Cross), who served in the Diocese of Venice for 33 years, died Nov. 21, 2024. He was 78. Born in Marquette, Michigan, Brother Peter entered the novitiate of the Brothers of Holy Cross in 1963, professing first vows in 1964 and making perpetual profession on April 17, 1971. He obtained a degree from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, and did graduate work at both the University of Notre Dame and Cleveland State University. Bother Peter taught at Catholic schools in both Ohio and Illinois. For the Diocese of Venice, Brother Peter served as the Assistant Treasurer and Director of Stewardship from 1986-1993, and then beginning in 1993 he worked at Epiphany Cathedral in a variety of roles, including as business manager, until his retirement in 2019. A Mass of Christan Burial was celebrated Nov. 25, 2024, at Epiphany Cathedral.
Cardinal Mooney and Bishop Verot to face each other in regional football final
The football rivalry between Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota and Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers will be on display when the two teams meet for the Class 2A-Region 3 final on Nov. 29, 2024, at Cardinal Mooney. Mooney, the defending 2A State Champs, beat Bishop Verot 49-28 in September and are 11-0 on the season. Verot is 9-3 but are considered one of the top teams in the region. Mooney leads the all-time series 23-22.
Students learn coding skills
Fourth grade students at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples showed off their creativity and coding skills in the classroom on Nov. 22, 2024. The students were tasked with programming robots to successfully navigate a parade route. Once their coding was fine-tuned, the students then designed costumes for their robot companions to wear during the parade.
Diocese of Venice Street Evangelization Training Session Dec. 7
A Basic Evangelization Training session that was postponed due to the hurricane has been rescheduled to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 7, 2024, at St. Andrew Catholic School, 1509 SE 27th St., Cape Coral, and will be offered in both English and Spanish. Pope Francis stated that it is the responsibility of every Catholic to share their faith. Representatives from St. Paul Street Evangelization will lead the training. The cost is $25, and includes a light breakfast and lunch as well as all materials, including the handout book and evangelization supplies. Registration is required online at http://stpaulse.com/venice. For additional information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-484-4754, or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org. NOTE: A second traing session scheduled for Dec. 8 has been postponed and will be rescheduled.
Holiday Bereavement Outreach coming to Naples and Venice in early December
The “There is Hope – Surviving the Holidays” bereavement outreach is being offered by the Office of Family Life from 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 3, 2024, at St. Agnes Parish, Parish Center, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, and again 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 6, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Education Center, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Deacon Henry deMena will offer guidance for loved ones who are trying to cope with loss during the holidays. Suggestions will be offered on how to get through the holidays, such as early planning for any activities to help avoid surprises, making sure not to pretend that everything is the same or fine, or to not talk about the loved one, as this can be more painful for the bereaved. No registration is required. For details, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
Tee-Up Fore Kids! Fundraiser Dec. 5 in Fort Myers
Support Catholic Charities’ Children’s Center (formerly AFCAAM Center) serving children in the Dunbar Community of Fort Myers during a golf tournament. The Tee-Up Fore Kids! is Dec. 5, 2024, from 6-9 p.m. at Topgolf, 2021 Top Golf Way, Fort Myers. Tickets are $165 per player and $300 for two players and includes golf, food, drinks, raffles, and entertainment. To reserve your spot or for more information, call 239-344-4007, email, TeeUp4kids@ccdov.org or visit catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Faith & Wine Lee County Dec. 5
Faith & Wine Lee County will have its first gathering of the season at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is Judy Hehr, and the title of her talk is, “It’s never too late to be (bankrupt, homeless, drug addicted, a drop out) …or who God created you to be.” Tickets are $28 and include a three-course dinner with wine followed by the presentation and the opportunity to connect with other faith-based women. For more information and to register online please visit faithandwineleecounty.com.
“There is Hope” Bereavement Outreach Training
The Office of Family Life is hosting a Bereavement training focusing on training parish bereavement volunteers and those who speak with the bereaved. Deacon Henry deMena will lead the training. Deacon deMena holds a master’s degree in counseling and has extensive training and experience in Bereavement. The sessions will be held Dec. 4 and 5, 2024, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 144 Spear St., Port Charlotte. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival in Port Charlotte on Dec. 7
Join St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish and Catholic School for an unforgettable day filled with Mexican-inspired food, beer, activities, and more during their Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 7, 2024. The school is located at 21505 Augusta Ave, Port Charlotte. For more information visit www.stcbs.org/festival or contact Alicia Castello at 941-625-5533 ext. 213.
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 
As Hurricane Helene approached, Bishop Dewane met with members of the Diocesan Emergency Response Team on Sept. 24 and 25, 2024, at the Catholic Center. The first of these meetings was to review and then implement existing emergency plans for all Parishes, Schools and other entities within the Diocese. The storm approaches the region near the second anniversary of the devastating Hurricane Ian. That hurricane caused widespread wind, storm surge, and flooding damage throughout the Diocese. Some of those recovery efforts are ongoing.
