Children Archives - Diocese of Venice

Saints and Souls remembered across the diocese

Posted on November 5, 2026November 5, 2026 by Bob Reddy

According to St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, it is the most natural thing to grow up and become a saint in the Catholic Church, because we are all called to holiness.

The was the message echoed by Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., during an All Saints Day Mass, Nov. 1, 2026, for the faithful of Ascension Parish Mission, Fort Myers. Beach.

Bishop Emilio said we are all “called to sanctity: one who prays, reads the Sacred Scriptures, and receives the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass.”

The bishop emphasized that our invitation to become saints does not mean we do it alone, the invitation comes directly from God, meaning we need to always be open to hear the call of God in our life; God is always with us.

Throughout the Diocese of Venice saints were celebrated, with many parishes inviting their youngest members to dress as a favorite saint.

At St. Jude Parish, Sarasota, a celebration filled with faith and family took place in remembrance of the beloved saints, great examples of holiness who inspire us to follow Jesus and walk faithfully in His footsteps. It was a celebration where faith meets joy and where the youngest members of the church discover that holiness is also a beautiful path anyone can follow every day.

At Sacred Heart Parish, Punta Gorda, the students who attend faith formation class (grades 1 to 5) participated in the annual All Saints Event, on Nov. 2, during their regular class time. Parents were also present, making this a fun family event. Each student dressed up as a saint and wrote a report about the life of their saint and why that saint was important to them. The catechists represented saints as well and taught the students about the saint’s life. Msgr. Phil Hill, who comes to the weekly classes to support the students, told them about his friendship with Archbishop Fulton Sheen who was recently beatified.

In addition, many parishes hosted Trunk or Treat events in the parking lots, allowing a safe space for the little ones to receive candy while the community celebrates together.

Many diocesan Catholic schools also hosted events associated with the Solemnity.

St. John Neumann Catholic High School staff and students in Naples continued a cherished tradition by welcoming the children from neighboring St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School for some fun Oct. 30. The Seton students (kindergarten through second grade) arrived dressed as saints and angels, marching into St. John Neumann to collect candy, share smiles, and spread cheer across campus. This annual event is a beautiful reminder of the special bond between the schools and the joy that comes from celebrating together.

At St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Fort Myers, third graders brought the saints to life on Nov. 3, 2026, for the annual Saints Wax Museum. Students dressed as saints and shared inspiring stories about their lives, faith, and dedication to God, as they posed as wax figures and parents visited them in the school gymnasium.

For the Souls of the faithful departed

At San Pedro Parish, North Port, Father Chris Uhl, OMV, celebrated All Souls’ Day Mass as all were invited to light a candle for a departed loved one in Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.

A similar evening Mass took place at Our Lady of Light Parish, Fort Myers, as the faithful remembered and honored the loved ones who have gone before us. Through the lighting of candles and heartfelt prayers, they entrusted the souls of our faithful departed to God’s infinite mercy and love.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.

2026 Venetian Ball supports Catholic Charities in Lee, Glades and Hendry counties

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Bob Reddy

The programs of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., in Lee, Glades, and Hendry counties received tremendous support during the annual Venetian Ball on March 7, 2026, at St. Leo the Great Parish Hall in Bonita Springs.

“Empowering Tomorrow, with Compassion Today,” was the theme of the Venetian Ball, which reflects the remarkable resilience demonstrated by the residents of the region who have endured a pandemic and the impacts of several devastating hurricanes during the past five years, and aims to provide direct support to local residents.

Before offering the prayer before the meal, Bishop Frank J. Dewane thanked everyone for supporting Catholic Charities and shared that they could be confident that their money goes directly to helping children and families.

“Catholic Charities works to ensure that families have a secure environment not just feeding or clothing them, but by raising them up,” Bishop Dewane said. “Catholic Charities provides the support and counseling families need to move on in life. The staff and volunteers do this with compassion every day. Tonight, they need your help.”

Christopher M. Root, Chief Executive Officer for Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. thanked the benefactors for their steadfast support. “Thank you for making it possible for us to not just talk about the good things we do, but to actual carry out the works of love, the corporal works of mercy – feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and house the homeless – and that is all because of the heart you have for this community.”

Alex Olivares, Catholic Charities Regional Director, spoke about the different outreach done in the community which puts an emphasis on helping people where they are, making them feel dignified and loved while letting them to know people care.

Olivares presented the Frank K. Galeana Humanitarian Award which recognized Phillip and Roseann Sohn for their selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to supporting the Positive Youth Development Program at the Catholic Charities Children’s Center in Fort Myers and in Bonita Springs. For more than 20 years, these programs have empowered elementary and middle school students with academic tutoring, mentoring, literacy support, and comprehensive case management, most seeing marked improvements in their grades each quarter. Ultimately, many go on to pursue higher education or work in a trade. There are currently 60 children enrolled in the program.

Philip Sohn expressed the couple’s gratitude for the recognition noting that their volunteer work and support of the youth programs of Catholic Charities has become their passion which has the reward of receiving the love of the children while also witnessing them advance scholastically, emotionally and socially. He also noted that many who have completed the program have returned to volunteer.

The evening also included a special song by the Children’s Center children. Catholic Charities staffer Mark David Anderson, who competed on American Idol, also sang.

The evening included fine dining, silent and live auctions and a “Gift of the Heart” appeal. The emcee was Lois Thome, WINK News anchor and lector at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Fort Myers.

If you would like to support Catholic Charities or learn more about their outreach throughout the Diocese of Venice, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Paschal Triduum celebrated throughout the Diocese

Posted on April 21, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Faithful gathered at Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice for a celebration of the Paschal Triduum (April 14-17, 2022).

The Paschal Triduum of the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), has its center in the Easter Vigil, and closes with Vespers (Evening Prayer) of the Sunday of the Resurrection (Easter).

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Catherine Parish in Sebring included the commemoration when Jesus Christ established the Sacrament of Holy Communion prior to His arrest and crucifixion. It also observes His institution of the priesthood. This Liturgy included the presentation of the oils blessed and consecrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane during the April 12 Chrism Mass, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, which will be used for the Sacraments in the Parish throughout the year. Later was the traditional washing of the feet, reenacting Jesus washing the feet of the Disciples. Following the Prayer after Communion, the Mass concluded with a procession to transfer the Holy Eucharist to the place of repose in the Parish Hall. This procession led out the main doors of the church and to the hall. This action left the tabernacle vacant until the Easter Vigil.

On Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion, the faithful at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples participated in the Liturgy which included the reading of the Passion from the Gospel of John. Next was the presentation of the cross, brought forth by the priest and unveiled as the priest sang: “This is the wood of the cross, on which hung the salvation of the world,” and the congregation responded: “Come let us adore.” The faithful were then encouraged to come forward to venerate the cross. This was done by either touching, bowing, or genuflecting.

Either prior to, or after, the Good Friday Liturgy, many Parishes hosted the Stations of the Cross, sometimes led by children or including a dramatic retelling. (See related story on Page 3.).

On Holy Saturday, the only Mass of the day is the Easter Vigil, which begins in darkness. However, several Parishes did host a blessing of the Easter Baskets/food. This custom traditionally blesses food to be consumed at the first meal of Easter.

During the Easter Vigil, the Paschal Candle was lit and catechumens and candidates received the Sacraments and entered fully into the Catholic Faith. This year 397 did so throughout the Diocese.

On Easter Sunday, several Parishes celebrated Mass at sunrise while all added extra Masses to accommodate the increased numbers common for this holiest of days.

Many Parishes also hosted fun for children which often included Easter Egg hunts.

St. Michael Parish in Wauchula hosted their Easter Festival after the final Easter Sunday Mass. There, hundreds of plastic eggs with goodies were scattered across the lawn for eager children to pluck up, while 300 Easter baskets filled with donated items were distributed to families.

Pet blessings abound

Posted on October 7, 2020October 7, 2020 by Bob Reddy

For the past six months Eleanor Warring has relied on her best friend more than ever. Sammy, a 7-year-old terrier poodle mix was one of more than a dozen dogs present for the annual Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 3, 2020 at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch.

Warring lost her husband of 58 years in 2016 when Sammy was nearly 3 years old and the two have been nearly inseparable since. The companionship has been valued more since the pandemic began, which is why Warring wanted to be certain Sammy received a proper blessing with Holy Water from Deacon Jack Milholland.

Sammy remained still throughout the prayer service which consisted of readings from Scripture, prayers and intercessions followed by a general blessing and then individual blessings as Deacon Milholland worked his way through the crowd.

“I would bring him to Mass if I could,” Warring explained. “That is why this blessing is so special. I find great comfort with Sammy and find great comfort in the Church.”

The Blessing of the Animals traditionally occurs on Oct. 4, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of animals and the environment. St. Francis loved the birds near his hometown and even allowed himself to be displaced from a place of shelter in deference to a donkey. The Saint wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things, “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.”

The celebration of the Blessing of the Animals celebrates the sacredness of all God’s creation. In the spirit of Saint Francis, the celebration honors animals that share our lives and touch our hearts. It also acknowledges and encourages respect for all of creation.

With requirements of social distancing, many of the blessings throughout the Diocese were on a smaller scale than in the past, but their importance seemed just as crucial. At St. Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers, Father Lorenzo González held a drive-thru blessing, as did Father Casey Jones at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naples. Meanwhile the blessing at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples by Father Gerard Critch was held in a courtyard.

In the wake of the pandemic, many became much closer to their pets. Whether the pets are furry, feathered, scaled or finned, they helped their owners cope with the isolation and loneliness brought on by the quarantine, or the need to remain home for work and/or school.