Appointments
Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the new members to the Presbyteral Council, as a result of the most recent elections and appointments. They are: Father Lawton Lang, Representative of the Central Deanery; Father Sebastian Szczawinski, Representative of the Northern Deanery; Father John Nghia Hoang, Member-at-Large; Father Eric Scanlan, Member-at-Large; Father Benjamin Casimir, appointed; Father Greg Cleveland, O.M.V., appointed; Father Alex Pince, appointed; and Father Teofilo Useche, appointed. Congratulations to the new members. At the same time, an expression of gratitude is extended to those who served on the Presbyteral Council in their respective categories: Father Anthony Armstrong, O.Carm., Father Thomas Carzon, O.M.V., Father Shawn Roser, and Father Ricky Varner.
Special time for TV Mass on Christmas for the Homebound
The televised Christmas Day Mass for the Homebound. with celebrant Bishop Frank J. Dewane, will air for a full hour at 8 a.m., Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Mass airs on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Mass airs on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). Please check your cable provider for channel listings or visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/communications/tvmass/.
Sarasota student recognized in national Missionary Christmas art contest
Brooke Lewicki, a student at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School has been recognized as one of 24 national winners in the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Christmas Artwork Contest. Brooke’s artwork was created while she was an eighth-grader at St. Martha Catholic School. Her artwork, and that of all the winners, is on display throughout the Advent and Christmas Seasons at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. This is not the first time a St. Martha Catholic School student has been honored through the MCA Christmas Artwork Contest. In fact, this is the fifth year in a row a St. Martha student has been a national finalist in the MCA contest! Well done Brooke!
Jubilee of Prisoners, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
The Church always prays for and remembers prisoners, who have a special place in the Heart of Christ and in the heart of the Church — visiting prisoners is a Corporal Work of Mercy. However, The Holy Father has designated Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, as the Jubilee of Prisoners, and on this day, prisoners will be remembered in the Mass in a particular way, by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, and by priests and the faithful throughout the Diocese of Venice. The Jubilee for Prisoners is part of this year’s Jubilee of Hope. A Jubilee Year is a special time of grace to open our hearts to hope and trust in God. Holy Years remind and inspire us to put effort into restoring and reconciling our relationship with our God the Father in Heaven, who always wants to wrap us in His loving and merciful embrace, with Jesus Christ leading us “by the hand” to the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. No matter our past, God is ever willing to pour out His gifts and His grace. In particular. please remember those who are incarcerated in your prayers, on Dec. 14, 2025.
Athletes sign to play in college
Congratulations to a number of Diocesan Catholic high school athletes who signed commitment papers during the early signing period on Dec. 3, 2025, to continue playing sports at the next level. Seven football players at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota made their commitments. They are: Elijah Golden – University of Notre Dame; Bryce Fulda – Western Kentucky University; Macaiden Brown – Liberty University; Zac Samuel – Mercer University; Kymistri Young – University of North Carolina; Ethan Salata – Stetson University; and Max Polivchak – Presbyterian College. At St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, six athletes also made their commitments: for football, Jayden Petit – University of Oklahoma, and Frederic Sainteus – University of Miami; for volleyball, Sofia Vargas – Belmont Abbey College; in golf, Ryan Toole – Denison University; in softball, Jennifer Drake – Florence-Darlington Technical College, and Kathryn Hanypsiak – Colgate University. These young men and women truly embody what it means to lead with faith, compete with heart, and represent their school with excellence. Congratulations all.
Bishop to speak at Theology on Tap Dec. 18
Bishop Frank J. Dewane will be the guest speaker for the Dec. 18, 2025, gathering of the Theology on Tap in Sarasota. Theology on Tap is a monthly meeting of fellowship, faith, and fun with fellow Catholic young adults from across the Diocese. Don’t miss this chance to grow in faith, connect with others, and enjoy a great evening together. Theology on Tap meets from 7-9 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month (except November) at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. There is no cost to attend, and no registration required. Bring a friend!
Mass at Dawn (Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo) Dec. 15-23
St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 1441 Spear St., Port Charlotte, is hosting the traditional Mass at Dawn (Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo), Dec. 13-23, 2025. Mass comes from the Catholic custom of gathering for celebration of the Eucharist in predawn hours in the nine days before Christmas. All are welcome. The Masses will be celebrated at 6 a.m., except Sunday, Dec. 21, (8 a.m.) Come all days or come when you can. For more information, please call 941-661-8335.
Ave Maria Veterans Ball Jan. 10
All are welcome to attend the Ave Maria Veterans Ball, 6 p.m., Jan. 10, 2026, at the Del Webb Grand Hall, Ave Maria. The keynote speaker is Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the United States Military Services, USA. Tickets are $125 per person and service tables and sponsorships are available. For more information visit AveMariaKOFC.org/Veterans-Ball.
Catholic Charismatic Renewal retreat Jan. 10
The Diocese of Venice Catholic Charismatic Renewal will host a one-day retreat, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 10, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. The speaker is Father John Gordon, and the theme is “Jesus is Our Light and Hope.” The cost is $60, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Register at www.charisms.org.
Four Diocesan Parishes Catholic offering women’s program starting in January
Four Diocesan Parishes will be starting a free Catholic women’s program beginning in January. She Shall Be Called Woman (SHE) is a place for Catholic women who want to be truly known and loved on their journey with the Lord. It features different topics of study each season, designed to educate and foster deep sisterhood and spiritual growth through talks, discussion, and prayer. A new session begins in January and continues through April. Parishes in the Diocese of Venice currently hosting the program include Epiphany Cathedral Parish, Venice, contact Elise Filbrandt, 616-446-5902; St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Parrish, contact MaryJo Chronis, 941-776-9097; San Pedro Parish, North Port, contact Kristin McCombie, 941-204-0660; St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Grove City, contact Shauna Haggerty, 210-857-8833. For more information or to join, contact one of the participating Parishes, or Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
Marriage Prep retreats/seminars coming soon
Marriage Preparation Retreats are required by the Diocese of Venice for those couples preparing for Sacramental Marriage in the Catholic Church. The retreats are from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and the $60 registration fee includes all retreat materials and lunch. The Day of Reflection Marriage Preparation Retreat is a specially prepared volunteer team of married couples, and a priest, who share their experiences and information, enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. The first of many Marriage Retreats in 2026 is Jan. 10 at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. In addition, there is the Two Become One Marriage Retreat for couples 55 and older preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage or convalidation in the Catholic Church. The next Two Become One Marriage Retreat is on May 2, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. Registration is required for all retreats at 2026 Day of Reflection MP Retreat. Couples unable to attend an in-person retreat may contact the Diocesan Marriage Prep office to register for the online version. Please contact Jim Gontis at 941- 486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
Surviving Divorce retreat in January
The next Surviving Divorce – Hope and Healing for the Catholic Family retreat is Jan. 15, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. This 12-week program, with group meetings, provides a confidential place to ask the tough questions with trained leaders. The cost of the program is $25 and includes a workbook and access to all videos. For more information and to register, email Bob and Chris Smialek bobandchrissmialek@icloud.com or call 815-275-5305.
2026 March for Life at Ave Maria Jan. 17
Take part in a March for Life in Ave Maria on Jan. 17, 2026, and stand up for the sanctity of life! Through prayer, music and inspiring speeches, raise awareness and advocate for life in Southwest Florida with others dedicated to the pro-life mission. The March will begin at 10 a.m. at the Ave Maria University Football Stadium, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria. For more information contact amprespectlifeministry@gmail.com.
March for Life in Tampa Jan. 17
Join a March for Life in Tampa on Jan. 17, 2026, and stand up for the sanctity of life! Through prayer, music and inspiring speeches, raise awareness and advocate for life in Southwest Florida with others dedicated to the pro-life mission. The March will begin at 9 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa and travel to Perry Harvey Sr. Park. This event is organized by our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. For more information, visit online.
March for Life, Washington D.C., Jan. 22-23, 2026
The March for Life is the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world. Every January, tens of thousands of pro-lifers converge in Washington, D.C. and march on Capitol Hill. The March is Jan. 22-23, 2026. The goal? To advocate for laws that protect the sanctity of life, and to influence the culture so that it may become a culture of life. Even with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the work to build a culture of life and put an end to abortion is not done; the effort continues at both state and federal levels. In fact, protecting life has gotten even more complex, with the advance and prevalence of the abortion pills, and their easy, anonymous distribution. Join this inspiring, peaceful, vibrant rally of women, men, and people young and old from across the country, and fight for life! If you are planning to participate in the March for Life or are interested in additional information, please contact Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-374-1068.
Support Community Pregnancy Clinics in Sarasota Jan. 24
Community Pregnancy Clinics of Sarasota will host its Heart of Sarasota event, “Together Miracles Happen,” Jan. 24, 2026, at 5 p.m. The event will take place at GROVE Event Venue, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. The evening will feature Melissa Ohden, Founder and Director of The Abortion Survivors Network, as the keynote speaker. Ohden is nationally recognized for her advocacy and powerful testimony, offering a message of hope and resilience. This event is free to attend, but registration is required. To RSVP or make a donation, please visit https://supportcpci.com/2026-sarasota-event/. For event questions, please contact sarasotaevent@community4life.com
WARNING – Text/Email Scam Alert
Parishioners have received text/email messages from people pretending to be clergy – including Bishop Frank J. Dewane – or Parish/school staff, requesting donations in the form of gift cards and/or wire transfers. The scam often claims that the priest, Bishop, or staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child, relative, or parishioner. It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. There is an established process for how to make donations and participate in the life of the Diocese, Parish, or school. If you receive such a scam text or email, please do not respond, and immediately contact the Diocese, Parish, or school directly!
Surviving Divorce family program offered in January
A twelve-week program, Surviving Divorce: Hope and Healing for the Catholic Family, is offered with group meetings beginning Jan. 15, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Rd., Venice. The program provides a confidential place to ask the tough questions with trained leaders. The cost of the program is $25 and includes a workbook and access to all videos. For more information and to register, email Bob and Chris Smialek bobandchrissmialek@icloud.com, or 815-275-5305.
Faith & Wine in Lee County Jan. 22
Faith & Wine, an outreach for uniting Catholic women of all backgrounds and ages to develop friendships and to support one another as they apply the Gospel to their lives, will have its first event of the 2025-2026 season Jan. 22, 2026, at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palamino Lane, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Kelly Walquist, and her talk is titled “Blessed is the Fruit.” Tickets are $28 and include a 3-course meal with wine followed by a presentation by an inspirational speaker. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow. Program begins at approximately 6:45 p.m. and ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. For more information, or to register, please visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com/.
Save the Date! 2026 Butterfly Ball
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Celebrate the last 30 years and toast to the next 30 at the Butterfly Ball on Jan. 24, 2026, at the St. Thomas More Parish Chelsea Center, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. Tickets are $200. The special guest speaker is Father Shawn Monahan, OMV. For more information on how you can support or participate in the celebration, visit the https://www.olph-retreat.org/olph-2026-butterfly-ball.
2026 Sunshine State Steak Cook-off
Mark your calendar for the 16th annual Sunshine State Steak Cook-off Championship, Jan 24, 2026, in Ave Maria. Ave Maria Knights Council 14697 is hosting the event. Enjoy a day of family fun with food vendors, games and fun houses for the kids, as well as a farmer’s market, and silent auction, all topped off with a championship steak dinner. The dinner includes a 16 oz boneless ribeye steak, potato salad, roll and bottled water. To register a team for the cook-off, or to purchase tickets for the dinner, please visit www.sssco.org.
Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese
Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.
Catholic Charities offers Mental Health Counseling Services
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice is offering mental health counseling, including tele-health, for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information on this service, please call 239-455-2655 or visit Catholic Charities online: www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Free Rosary Repair Service
Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, Free Rosary Repair Service, 7930 Estero Blvd., Unit 502, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Rosaries will be repaired and returned within the week of receipt. Donations of old rosaries are also accepted, which will be repaired and sent to missions. Include a note indicating repair or donation. For more details, please call 239-463-3993, 860-595-6370 or holdenbnd@gmail.com.
Father Marcin Koziola, a priest of the Diocese of Venice since 2005, died Nov. 21, 2025, at his private residence in North Port, at the age of 45. Father Koziola was Ordained to the Priesthood on May 25, 2005, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Father served at the following Parishes as Parochial Vicar: St. Joseph, Bradenton (2005-2006); St. John the Evangelist, Naples (2006-2010); St. John XXIII, Fort Myers (2010-2015); Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice (2015-2019). Father also served as Administrator of Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto from 2019-2022. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Nov. 29, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Koziola and the consolation of his family. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace.
The hope generated by their actions hasn’t gone unnoticed. Parents and community members have commented on the teachers’ unwavering example of Christ-like love, and their choice to prioritize others, reminding us all of what Christmas is truly about.
Passed through generations, the retelling of the coming of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in such a humble way, born in a manger to reign over the world, should cause everyone to pause and reflect on the gifts of grace that have come to each one of us.
Bishop Dewane also celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. At the Midnight Mass, the Bishop brought forth the Child Jesus and placed Him in the manger as “O Come All Ye Faithful” was sung.
The manger, or Nativity scene, is a celebratory focus of the Christmas celebration. Several Diocesan Parishes and each Catholic school took time to have a retelling of the birth of Jesus with young children and in some cases with live animals.
Meanwhile, the eighth graders at the school and nearby Parish, worked together to learn about Catholic social teachings, to help those in need. The results were amazing. The Sarasota youth created 140 gift cards and handmade Christmas ornaments for the elderly residents at a Catholic Charities facility; donated 100+ blankets for the homeless; made Get Well/Christmas Cards for those in the hospital; collected and donated toys and household items for needy families; stocked pantries with food and supplies; and much more.
Father Arthur J. Espelage, OFM, former Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Venice, died Dec. 9, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 78. Born in Cincinnati, Father Espelage attended St. Francis Seminary in Cincinnati before entering the Franciscan novitiate on Aug. 15, 1962, and then entered Duns Scotus College in Southfield, Michigan, where he made his solemn vows on Aug. 16, 1966. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1971, at St. Leonard College in Centerville. He later earned a JCB, then JCD in canon law from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. As a priest, Father Espelage served in New Mexico, Ohio, and Palm Beach. In 2008, Father Espelage was named Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Venice, a position he held until 2014. He then served at St. Meinrad School of Theology before taking a position as Adjutant Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Tucson. A Mass of Christian Burial Friars is at the St. Anthony Friary and Shrine in Cincinnati on 11 a.m., Jan. 16, 2023.
Two Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School graduates have been recognized for earning perfect scores on their college-level Advanced Placement® Exams in spring 2022, an achievement announced in December. Hallie Monserez and Madalyn Shuck are among an elite group of students, two of the only 306 in the world, to earn every point possible on an AP Research Exam and receive the maximum score on each portion of the exam. AP Exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5 and they received the top score of 5. Furthermore, both Hallie and Madalyn received their Mooney AP Capstone Diploma, along with six other Mooney seniors, upon graduation in Sarasota in May 2022. AP Capstone is a diploma program from the College Board based on two yearlong AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. Both courses prepare students for college and career success through the development of critical thinking, academic research, collaboration, presentation, and time management skills.
The St. Vincent de Paul Charlotte District Council recently received a donation of $12,000 from Florida State District 75 Rep. Michael Grant, which includes Charlotte County. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides services for those who are struggling with poverty, homelessness and hunger, and has been actively involved in the community and has met the increased demands since Hurricane Ian.
Rhodora J. Donahue, a strong supporter of Catholic education, died Dec. 12, 2022, in Naples at the age of 97. The matriarch of a large family (13 children, 84 grandchildren and 168 great-grandchildren), was married to the late John F. Donahue. Rhodora lived in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area (Ligonier) for many years before settling in Naples in 1986. In Naples, the couple was a strong supporter of St. Ann Catholic School, St. John Neumann Catholic High School, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School and later the Royal Palm Academy (a school affiliated with the Diocese in Naples), and finally the Rhodora J. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Catholic School in Ave Maria was established and named in her honor. A Mass of Christian Burial took place Dec. 21, 2022, at St. Paul Cathedral, Pittsburgh.
The 21st Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is continuing through January 2023. A donation to the Appeal strengthens Catholic Charities ability to provide much-needed support, for those recovering from Hurricane Ian, or who need any type of assistance in the region. This outreach is accomplished through more than 35 programs in locations throughout the 10-county Diocese. These programs annually support more than 100,000 individuals and families in ways both large and small. To support the Christmas Appeal, please visit 
Mary Alice (Manning) Wasmer, co-founder of the St. Ann School Foundation Fashion Show, died Dec. 12, 2022, in Naples at the age of 98. Born and raised in Ohio, she married John “Jack” C. Wasmer, Jr., and they had seven children. Wasmer was active in the arts in the Cleveland area and transferred that passion to Florida, moving to Naples permanently in 1986. A patron of the arts, a gallery at Florida Gulf Coast University in Estero is dedicated to the family. Mary was dedicated to the support of children and Catholic education, championing events for inner city schools in Cleveland. In Naples, she continued her work with St. Ann Parish and the St. Ann School Foundation for several decades. Wasmer co-founded the Foundation fundraising fashion shows and was an honorary chair of the Foundation galas. A Mass of Christian Burial took place Dec. 17, 2022, at St. Ann Parish.
For details on youth choirs or musical accompaniment, please contact the Parish via the phone number or website listed for further information.
