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News Briefs for the Week of January 31, 2025

Posted on February 6, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Immigration Help

Catholic Charities has identified a central contact for immigration questions and information. Marco Sanchez’s services are those of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. Sanchez’s contact information is marco.sanchez@catholiccharitiesdov.org or 941-208-2384 (direct office line), 941-599-0851 (cell phone). There is no charge for these services.

Ayuda de Inmigración

Caridades Católicas ha identificado un contacto central para preguntas e información de inmigración. Los servicios de Marco Sánchez son los de Caridades Católicas, Diócesis de Venice, Inc. La información de contacto del Sr. Sánchez es marco.sanchez@catholiccharitiesdov.org o 941-208-2384 (línea directa de oficina), 941-599-0851 (teléfono celular). No hay ningún cargo por estos servicios.

2025 Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference Feb. 7 in Port Charlotte

Enjoy enlightening teaching, heartfelt worship and meaningful fellowship during the 2015 Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference. The Conference is Feb. 7, 2025 (7 p.m. – 9 p.m.), and Feb. 8 (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.), at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 21505 Augusta Ave, Port Charlotte. The Friday night event is free, and the Saturday event registration fee is $45 and includes lunch. To register, visit www.charisms.org.

“Invite One Back” Training Feb. 8 in Arcadia

Learn how to invite others back to Mass in a non-confrontational way Saturday, February 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul Parish Hall, 1330 E. Oak St, Arcadia. This one-day workshop will teach participants person-to-person evangelization and is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Venice and St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE). All are welcome. The cost is $20 per person and includes all materials as well as breakfast and lunch. This training will be in English. Online registration is required at stpaulse.com/venice.

Annual Walk for the Poor in Cape Coral on Feb. 15

The St. Andrew Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a nonprofit organization that helps local neighbors in need, will sponsor its 4th Annual Walk for the Poor, at 10:30 a.m., Feb. 15, at St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral. The St. Andrew Conference is celebrating its 55 years of service to Cape Coral neighbors. Since 1970, the St. Andrew Conference has been providing tangible assistance in the form of rental assistance, food vouchers, water and electric utility assistance, prescription, temporary lodging, thrift store vouchers, bus passes, job resources, and referrals to other agencies and organizations. All proceeds and donations from the Walk for the Poor will directly benefit the people in the Cape Coral area served by SVdP. To register for the walk or to make a donation, please visit https://go.rallyup.com/capesvdp/Campaign/Details.

Catholic Days at the Capitol deadline Feb. 18

Join others from around the state for the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol in Tallahassee from March 18-20. The three-day trip includes a legislative briefing on important bills relating to human life and dignity, a breakfast with legislators and the Florida Bishops, tours of the capitol and museum, scheduled visits with legislators and the annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit with the Florida Bishops and public officials. Bus transportation is provided at no cost as long as space is available. The registration deadline is February 18; for registration, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife, or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068 or Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org.

Theology on Tap in Sarasota Feb. 8

Theology on Tap, a monthly program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed and social setting in the Sarasota area, will next gather at 7 p.m., Feb. 20, 2025, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, Sarasota. The speaker for February is Father Daniel Scanlan, Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota. His talk is titled: “Pilgrims of Hope: Reflection on the Jubilee Year 2025.” The evening begins with food and refreshments with presentations, and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning about 8 p.m. The is no cost to attend. Please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org with any questions

Community Pregnancy Clinics Dinner Feb. 22

Community Pregnancy Clinics in Sarasota is hosting its “Loving them Both” dinner event at 5 p.m., Feb. 22, 2025, at the Grove Event venue, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, to support its Sarasota pro-life pregnancy clinic. The featured speaker is Dr. John Bruchalski. There is no cost to attend; an opportunity to make a financial contribution to support CPCI’s Sarasota clinic and its life-saving mission will be extended. To reserve your spot, please visit https://supportcpci.com/sarasota-2025-dinner-event/.

Pre-Lenten Retreat at OLPH in February

February’s Monthly Day of Prayer at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, will be presented by Father Leland Thorpe, OMV. Father Thorpe will reflect on how we can prepare now to have our best Lent yet when it begins in a talk titled: “Better than Chocolate: Preparing to Have Your Best Lent Yet.” Treat yourself to a day of peace and spiritual growth on either Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, or Wednesday, Feb. 12. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with continental breakfast, and includes two conferences, lunch, Eucharistic Adoration, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation, and prayer. The day concludes with 2:30 p.m. Mass. To register, please visit olph-retreat.org/month.

Kentucky Derby Gala & Auction

Help build a brighter future for St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School by attending the Kentucky Derby Gala, at 6 p.m., Feb. 22, 2025, at Heritage Bay Golf & CC, 10154 Heritage Bay Blvd, Naples. The cost is $175 per person and all proceeds benefit ongoing campus and classroom expansions and improvements. For more information contact Gina Groch at 239-455-2262 x321 or to register visit Gala & Auction Registration – St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School.

Conference for health care professionals March 1 in Fort Myers

The annual Converging Road Conference for health care professionals and students will take place March 1, 2025, at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palamino Drive, Fort Myers. The theme for the Conference is “Catholic Social Doctrine in Medicine. Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m., with Mass at 8 a.m. Opening remarks are at 9:15 a.m. Converging Roads is a program of the St. John Paul II Foundation. Registration is available at March 1, 2025 | Fort Myers, FL | Converging Roads – St. John Paul II Foundation. Participation in the conference online is an option (check registration information for details). For More Information, please contact Gabby Anglin, Conference Coordinator, at 309-397-5436 or at gabby@forlifeandfamily.org. Medical professionals are eligible to earn continuing education credits for participating in the conference.

Vocation Awareness Weekend in March

Discover what the seminarian life is all about during the weekend of March 7-9, 2025, at St. John Vianney College Seminary, 2900 SW 87th Ave, Miami. Participants will travel together for a weekend of fellowship, prayer and fun. Speak with seminarian students and teachers about their journey. Transportation is provided. For questions or to register contact Lina Johnson at johnson@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4720.

Event to support homeless outreach in Naples on March 8

St. William Parish in Naples is hosting the inaugural “A Night of Building HOPE,” an inspiring event dedicated to fostering community support and raising awareness for the homeless in the Naples area. The event will take place on March 8, 2025, in the Parish Center at 750 Seagate Drive, Naples. The St. William HOPE (Homeless Outreach Program for Empowerment) program is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Naples. HOPE’s mission is driven by a deep belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual and aims to empower lives and create a community where everyone feels valued and supported. HOPE has been operating for the past four years, providing hot meals, clothing, transportation and social services to those most in need, in partnership with St. Peter the Apostle Parish and Catholic Charities of Collier County. Tickets and sponsorships are available by visiting: https://BUILDHOPE.givesmart.com. For more information about “A Night of Building HOPE” please contact Sharon Tolnai at sharon@saintwilliam.org or 239-330-2267.

Malta Camp USA registration open

Malta Camp USA, inspired by the Order of Malta’s charism, is a unique 5-day experience for adults with disabilities. The camp is free, and will be offered this summer from June 22-27, 2025, at Siena College in Loudonville, New York (outside of Saratoga). Primarily designed for those 21-40 years of age, Malta Camp participants have an opportunity to feel independent, enjoy new experiences, and make new friends. The camp opens doors for many disabled adults who might otherwise live very “shut-in” lives. To learn more, or to apply, visit www.maltacampusa.org Application deadline is March 14.

Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope to Poland

Join Father Greg Cleveland. OMV, for an inspiring pilgrimage of lifetime to Poland from Sept. 14 – 25, 2025. The pilgrimage is part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, and it themed: “In the footsteps of St. John Paul II. The 12-day trip includes stops in Krakow, Czestochowa, Wadowice, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna. St. John Paul the Great is known as the Witness to Hope. Come and see the places that inspired him, Our Lady of Czestochowa and the Divine Mercy Shrine of St. Faustina, along with some of the most beautiful cities of Central Europe! Departs from Tampa. For more information, please contact Father Cleveland at 303-927-8065. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/ClevelandCentralEurope.

Youth Adoration Night – part of Diocesan Jubilee Year commemoration

Posted on January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Opening one’s heart to the love of Jesus Christ through Eucharistic Adoration is an opportunity that must be cherished as we are all invited on a journey with God.

This is the idea behind Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights taking place throughout the Diocese of Venice as part of the 2025 Jubilee Year as established by Pope Francis. The theme for the special year is “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The first gathering was Jan. 16, 2025, at St. Agnes Parish in Naples, one of four stops which include time to spend in the presence of the Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament, as well as guest speakers. The Adoration Nights are the first in a series of numerous opportunities within the Diocese of Venice to participate in the larger 2025 Jubilee Year.

These special Jubilee Year Youth Adoration Nights are geared toward younger Catholics, with youth-centric music and talks, but all are welcome. For example, about 75 from the middle school and high school youth groups of St. Agnes participated in the evening, but so did another 50 adults, including those from the Parish Women’s Emmaus Movement group.

The evening started in prayer and an introduction by Andres Prias, Diocesan Youth and Young Adult Director, who explained that his first day in his own youth group, 20 years earlier, included Eucharistic Adoration, and it changed his life. “The Adoration Nights for young people are a meaningful initiative to strengthen our Catholic faith and hope in Christ among the youth.”

Sister Juliana Alfonso, FMA, a teacher at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, spoke about the Jubilee theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” which means we are being invited to take part in a journey with God.

“This is journeying away from where we have been toward a joyful, hope-filled place the Lord wants to bring you to during this Jubilee Year,” Sister Juliana said.

While taking this pilgrimage is easier said than done, considering all the bad things happening in the world, Sister Juliana explained how the Lord doesn’t promise life will be easy, but does promise to take on any pain and sadness with us as He accompanies us on our journey.

“I invite you to have strength during the times this year when you fall, or when you are thinking about how you have fallen, that you allow Jesus to be the reason you get back up,” she said. “I also invite you to keep an eye out for the people who don’t have a reason to get back up, that you can reach out and you can be an encouragement to them.”

Jim Gontis, Diocesan Evangelization Director, offered an overview of why Catholics adore the Blessed Sacrament.

“You are going to put yourselves in front of Jesus Christ, truly present, body, blood, soul and divinity, fully God and fully man present in the Blessed Sacrament – the living Lord Jesus, the same Jesus who died on the cross and rose from the dead more than 2,000 years ago,” Gontis said.

The evening was a chance for youth to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, an opportunity to receive the Lord’s mercy. Gontis cited the diary of St. Faustina Kowalski, when she wrote that Jesus appeared before her and said, “all the sins in the world are but a drop in the ocean of my mercy.” Many took advantage of this opportunity.

Each Youth Jubilee Adoration Night is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and concludes with Benediction. Upcoming opportunities to participate are on the following dates and locations: Friday, January 31, St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral; Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. To register visit dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights-. There is no cost to attend. For more information contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Additional Diocesan Jubilee Year events of note

Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Eastern Deanery Feb. 15

Five Parishes in the Eastern Deanery will be hosting a Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will visit the parishes of St. James, St. Catherine, Our Lady of Grace, St. Michael, and St. Paul, on Saturday, Feb.15, 2025. This is a unique opportunity to respond to the call of the Eucharistic Revival Mission and celebrate the 2025 Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis. The pilgrimage begins at 7:30 a.m., at St. James Parish, 3380 Placid View Drive, Lake Placid, and will include Mass, a Eucharistic Procession and breakfast. Pilgrims will then travel by their own vehicle to St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring, for a 10 a.m. Eucharistic Procession. Next will be at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 595 E. Main St., Avon Park, for a noon Eucharistic Procession, followed by lunch. Pilgrims will then proceed to St. Michael Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, for a 3 p.m. Eucharistic Procession, followed by snacks. The final stop will be at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia (this is a designated Diocesan Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site), for a 6 p.m. Mass, which will be followed by food. Pilgrims can participate in as many of the stops as they wish. For more information, please contact Sister Maria Nikopoia, SSVM, at m.nikopoia@servidoras.org or call 863-232-9284.

Save the Date! 3rd Eucharistic Conference in Diocese of Venice!

As part of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival called for by the Bishops of the United States, and part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, the Diocese of Venice will host its third Eucharistic Conference on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The theme for day-long event is “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries” and it offers an opportunity to celebrate your Catholic faith with others and be inspired during this 2025 Jubilee Year. The Eucharistic Conference will include dynamic presentations by nationally renowned Catholic speakers, including Dr. Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig, and Andrés Arango. There will also be breakout sessions in Spanish. The event will also include Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the opportunity for Confession, and Catholic vendors and exhibitors. The cost to attend is $35. per person and includes lunch. To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/eucharistic-conference. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Five Diocesan Pilgrimage sites

Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated five locations as Jubilee pilgrimage sites within the Diocese of Venice. These pilgrimage sites in the Diocese are Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. Bishop Dewane said, “In designating the retreat center and four Parishes, located in each of the geographical regions (Deaneries) of the Diocese of Venice, it is my prayer that the faithful of the Diocese take advantage of the grace of the Jubilee Year, and visit the Jubilee pilgrimage site and be filled with hope.” The public schedule for each of the Diocese of Venice pilgrimage sites will be announced in the coming weeks and posted at https://dioceseofvenice.org/ and on social media.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

51st Catholic Schools Week – Jan. 26 – Feb. 1 – Diocese Catholic schools thrive

Posted on January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Each day is a celebration of educating the mind, body and spirit at Catholic Schools throughout the Diocese of Venice.

A more public celebration will occur the week of Jan. 26, to Feb. 1, 2025, when Diocesan schools will participate in a series of exciting activities as part of the 51^stannual National Catholic Schools Week.

Sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the week provides an annual opportunity to share the good news about Catholic Schools. The theme, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” focuses on the important spiritual, academic, and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education firmly rooted in the Truth of the Gospel.

Within the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools, these are exciting times. In the past two years, a rapid increase in enrollment has continued; an already cutting-edge curriculum has expanded; and many schools are working on projects to expand and upgrade their campus facilities.

Schools typically observe the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners, and community members. On the weekend starting Catholic Schools Week, look for students to speak at Parish Masses to explain the benefits of supporting their education.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said Diocesan Catholic Schools not only educate the mind but also the soul, teaching the students to have a concern for their brothers and sisters -whether they live in the same country, in their town, down the street, or are in their classroom – through prayer, as well as the teaching of values, morals, and virtues.

“Through this broader approach, the student begins to learn, to reach out beyond themselves, seeing that we are all made in the image and likeness of God,” Bishop Dewane said.

Catholic Schools Week 2025 promises to be bigger and better than ever, starting with the large numbers of students attending Diocesan Catholic schools, which is topping 6,500. This a 40 percent growth rate in four years. As enrollment for the 2025-2026 Academic Year ramps up, space is limited as there are waitlists in many grades.

“We have been blessed that people are choosing Diocesan Catholic schools,” said Father John Belmonte, SJ., Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education. “Parents are finding a rigorous academic program, but more importantly, the curriculum is about training the will of each student and teaching them to make the right decisions so that they can do the good that is needed not only their families and themselves but by society.”

Each school offers a comprehensive STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math) learning model which is combined with the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence,” creating students of good moral character equipped to succeed in the world of today. This program has a strong robotics component as well.

“We prepare our students for today and for the future,” Bishop Dewane said. “We give the students what they need for success in this challenging world. Through this initiative, we are helping students to discover who they are as men and women of faith, as they learn virtues that Christ calls us to in the Gospel.”

Catholic Schools Week 2025 will showcase many of these aspects of Catholic education within the Diocese of Venice. The 15 Diocesan Catholic schools are an investment in the future as they serve as the heart of the Diocese, building the Catholic leadership of tomorrow. Schools are in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Ave Maria and Sebring.

For a list of public activities for Catholic Schools Week 2025, please check the nearest Diocesan Catholic school by visiting https://dioceseofvenice.org/catholicschools.

News Briefs for the Week of January 24, 2025

Posted on January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Seminarians experience snow in Massachusetts

Several Diocese of Venice seminarians experienced snow for the first time while studying at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. About six inches of snow fell on Jan. 19, 2025, and seminarians Alex Baugh, Terry Gastauer, Pat Long, and Brian (Bao) Nguyen, tried sledding on the campus hills, with varying degrees of success, but nonetheless enjoyed this opportunity.

Verot soccer teams finish regular season undefeated

Congratulations to the girls and boys soccer teams at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers for both teams finishing the regular season with an undefeated record. According to state records, Bishop Verot is the only school in the state which has both boys and girls soccer teams with UNDEFEATED regular seasons! The girls finished with a record of 13-0-1, and the boys 10-0-5. Next up will be the postseason.

Catholic Days at the Capitol deadline Feb. 18

Join others from around the state for the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol in Tallahassee from March 18-20. The three-day trip includes a legislative briefing on important bills relating to human life and dignity, a breakfast with legislators and the Florida Bishops, tours of the capitol and museum, scheduled visits with legislators and the annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit with the Florida Bishops and public officials. Bus transportation is provided at no cost as long as space is available. The registration deadline is February 18; for registration visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife. For further information contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068 or Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org.

Witnessing Faith radio show Jan. 31

Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for his monthly radio program on Relevant Radio on 106.7 FM and 1410 AM in Fort Myers and 93.3 FM and 1660 AM in Naples. “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” can be heard at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 31, 2025, and will include a talk about Catholic Schools Week. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts/.

Sidewalk Advocacy Training in Naples Feb. 1

Learn how to help abortion-minded women choose life through loving counsel on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111 Ave. N., Naples. Lunch and workbook will be provided. For more information or to register, contact Cyrille Velasco the local leader of Sidewalk Advocates for Life at cyrillevelasco@gmail.com.

Milestone Anniversary Masses Feb. 1 and March 8

All couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more than 50 years of marriage are invited by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an Anniversary Mass in their honor. The Diocese hosts two Anniversary Masses each year (one in the northern part of the Diocese and the second in the southern part) to accommodate the demand. The first Mass is at 11 a.m., Feb. 1, 2025, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The second Mass is at 11 a.m., March 8, 2025, at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. A luncheon follows each Mass. Free pictures with Bishop Dewane will also be available for the couples. To register for either Mass, please contact your local Parish office for reservations no later than one week before the event you choose to attend. For additional information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-484-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

“Invite One Back” Training Feb. 8 in Arcadia

Learn how to invite others back to Mass in a non-confrontational way Saturday, February 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul Parish Hall, 1330 E. Oak St, Arcadia. This one-day workshop will teach participants person-to-person evangelization and is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Venice and St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE). The cost is $20 per person and includes all materials as well as breakfast and lunch. This training will be in English. Online registration is required at stpaulse.com/venice.

Pre-Lenten Retreat at OLPH

Vocation Awareness Weekend in March

Malta Camp USA registration open

Catechists provide oxygen for their students

Posted on January 22, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Catechists respond to the call of the Lord by providing the oxygen that gives the faith to a student, a class, a Parish, and a Diocese. “Without you catechists, the spread of the faith is challenged.”

This was the message Bishop Frank J. Dewane offered during the Diocese of Venice Catechetical Workshop for religious educators on Jan. 11, 2025, at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia.

More than 230 catechists from Parishes throughout the Diocese participated in the day-long workshop which opened with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass celebrated by Bishop Dewane. The Workshop focused on gaining insight into more effective teaching strategies, and on how best to bring generations closer to the Lord.

In the footsteps of missionaries of the past who went off to faraway lands, Bishop Dewane said modern-day catechists are called to carry the word of God into the community. In fact, catechists are often the first face of the Church that many encounter; the first “blast of oxygen” in an encounter will help all aspects of their life going forward.

“See yourself as the one who brings oxygen – the Ord of God – to someone who is not breathing so well,” Bishop Dewane said. “You have to know you are called to deliver that oxygen. You are that agent of change in the lives of those families who may have become a little distant from the Church and need that inspiration to return. You give them strength.”

Bishop Dewane said that the catechists have the skills to lift up the sacramental life within the Parishes, which impacts the Church within the Diocese and beyond.

“Week in and week out, you take the Word of the Lord and put it before the students you have before you, in a way they can digest and learn it,” the Bishop said. “This approach dates to the time of St. Paul. See yourselves as the modern-day missionaries, bringing forth the Gospel message so as to help your students become more Christ-like; to recognize themselves as a Child of God; and to acknowledge Jesus Christ suffered, died and rose for them.”

The Bishop encouraged the catechists to seek out others to either become future catechists or simply more active in the Church. While such a request may be viewed as asking too much, Bishop Dewane reminded everyone that he is not the one asking, it is “Our Lord who asks.”

“The Lord has planted in the heart of each one of us here, that understanding to pass on the teachings of the Church, to build the foundation solidly, to be the new modern-day missionaries, and to bring in more people who may feel, for some reason, a little distant or alienated from the Church,” Bishop Dewane said. “God sees the goodness that you do as catechists for His Kingdom.”

Bishop went on to explain how the Diocese of Venice Education Department is beginning an effort to reach out to families who have had children baptized in a Parish and urge them to enroll their children in religious education classes. It is hoped that this direct appeal will persuade parents to ponder the importance of becoming more active in their faith and seek additional sacraments for their children.

Lisa Zolkos, Director of Faith Formation and Catechesis, organized the workshop with the intent of changing the way religious education is taught. Zolkos offered “10 Effective Interactive Teaching Strategies,” which steps away from traditional rote memorization of texts to implementing different strategies to engage students of all ages, allowing them to more easily grow closer to Jesus.

“Because there are multiple learning styles, the catechists need to adjust to this and meet their students where they are; bringing the kids to Jesus, not just presenting the material and being unable to make a connection,” Zolkos said. “This approach allows each catchist to address each type of learner within a lesson, which has an effective and lasting impact.”

Shevin McCullough, of Studio 3:16, introduced the catechists to the company that provides educational resources, including a Catholic kids TV show, focused on fostering children’s understanding of and love of Christ.

McCullough also led the catechists in an activity based on the Lectio Divina, a deeper way of reading and reflecting on Gospel passages, using the following model: pray, watch, reflect and apply. These activities are created to invigorate and deepen students’ faith by showing how the lessons of the Gospels are relevant and applicable to their lives today – ultimately bringing them closer to Christ.

Many of the catechists were inspired by the words of encouragement from Bishop Dewane and his expression of their good works as the “oxygen” of the Church in the Diocese.

Others were excited by the workshop, the first of its kind gathering so many in one location in two years, allowing many to share stories and ideas about best practices. The workshops by Zolkos and McCullough enhanced the experience by offering practical tips for the classroom that can be immediately implemented.

“I learned how to be a better teacher for my students,” one catechist said. “Our focus is on the students and how we can bring them closer to Christ. By knowing how they learn best, that goal is achievable and will make a lasting impact.”

Pro-Life fight continues, 52 years post-Roe

Posted on January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 by Bob Reddy

In the 52 years since the U.S. Supreme Court paved the way for legalized abortion in the United States in the infamous Roe v. Wade decision, more than 65 million innocent lives have been lost. However, since Roe was overturned by the Supreme Court by the Dobbs decision in 2022, great progress has been made to protect women and their preborn children in Florida.

“While significant gains to protect women and preborn children in recent years have been put in place, abortion in Florida will continue at a very high rate under our current laws,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said. “The attempt to pass the extreme, pro-abortion, Amendment 4 on the November ballot reminds us all that much work remains to open hearts and minds to the dignity and goodness of life in the womb and at every stage.”

Bishop Dewane, along with all Florida Bishops, has vowed to continue to proclaim in Parishes and in the public square the value of every human life and to highlight that there is a better way forward for women, families and society than abortion.

Keeping the unborn at the forefront of the public discussion remains critical, as Jan. 22, 2025, the Roe v. Wade anniversary, is now known as the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.

In a January 7, 2025, statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops regarding the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, the Bishops “praise God for the great opportunity state and federal legislators now have to protect pre-born children. While God, in His mercy, ended the nearly 50-year nationwide regime of abortion on demand (via the 2022 Dobbs decision), right now state and federal laws, in many instances, are still hostile to pre-born children. So, great prayer and advocacy is very needed.”

In Florida, a 15-week abortion limit was put into effect in 2022 and the State Legislature further limited abortion to six-weeks of gestation, which went into effect in 2024 and was challenged by the extreme Amendment 4.

Activities within the Diocese of Venice continue to advance the pro-life mission. For example, on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, is the 4th Annual March for Life hosted by Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria. The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Ave Maria University Football Stadium with guest speakers, including Bishop Frank J. Dewane. The walk will leave the stadium and continue through the Ave Maria University campus before concluding with closing prayers in front of the Ave Maria Parish Church in the town square.

Then, a group of about 150 teens from Diocese of Venice Catholic high schools, as well as students from Ave Maria University and the Ave Maria School of Law, will be attending the National March for Life on Jan. 24, in Washington, D.C., joining thousands in standing up as a voice for the unborn. This annual event marks the anniversary of Roe. (For more information, please visit https://marchforlife.org/.)

Coming during in Lent, March 5 to April 13, will be the 40 Days for Life Spring campaign in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples. This is part of a national effort to take part in a peaceful vigil in front of abortion facilities to pray for the unborn and encourage moms to save their babies. (For details, please visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/.)

Through different outreach efforts, the Diocese of Venice will continue to support, accompany and assist pregnant women and young families. The Diocese of Venice is a proud partner in the “Walking with Moms in Need” initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This program educates the Parish staff and ultimately the faithful on where to send a pregnant woman for assistance. This program is crucial, as, for years, the Diocese has partnered with pregnancy help centers throughout the 10-county region. This is to ensure that pregnant moms have access to the support and resources needed and are encouraged to choose life, that they are accompanied by members of their faith community; it is important that mothers know they are not alone.

For women or men who have been scarred by abortion, the Diocese offers “Project Rachel,” an outreach of the Catholic Church to those who are suffering and in need of healing following an abortion. This program offers help through the sacraments, retreats, and referrals for professional counseling, all confidentially. For assistance, please contact, Sylvia Jimenez, Project Rachel Coordinator, at 941-412-5860 (English and en Español), or project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. The Diocese also works with “Support After Abortion,” a national outreach to provide individualized care for individuals impacted by abortion. For details, visit https://supportafterabortion.com/.

Foundation scholarship application deadline March 2

Posted on January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 by Bob Reddy

High school seniors graduating this year, and pursuing further education, or someone considering returning to school, might want to consider applying for one of several scholarships being offered by the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. The 2025-26 online scholarship applications portal for five different scholarships from the Foundation is now open and the deadline to apply closes on March 2, 2025.

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship is available again this year for residents of Sarasota County. There are two versions of this scholarship. The Traditional Scholarships are open to graduating seniors and recent high school graduates (within the last 2 years) who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree in any accredited college or university. The Non-Traditional Scholarships are open to adult learners who are returning to school to obtain a college degree or vocational certification after being out of high school for three or more years. This year, the Foundation will be awarding multiple $3,500 annual Mary Fran Carroll scholarships which each have a renewable worth of $17,500 over five years. The Traditional and Non-Traditional scholarship can both be used for tuition, books and fees at an accredited college, university, or vocational program.

“Over the past 11 years, the Catholic Community Foundation has awarded more than $855,000 in scholarships to 150 students attending universities, colleges, and vocational programs,” said Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Foundation. “In addition, millions of dollars have been provided to the Catholic Schools within the Diocese of Venice from Foundation endowment funds, donor advised funds, and outright donations for scholarships and tuition assistance for needy students.”

In addition to the Mary Fran Carroll Scholarships, the Foundation is offering:

The Frank and Florence Coseglia Scholarship, which provides a scholarship of approximately $1,100 to one financially needy college-bound student graduating from each of the four Catholic High Schools within the Diocese of Venice. This one-year, non-renewable scholarship is valued at approximately $1,100 and is intended for students that provided significant service to their respective Catholic School and Parish.
The James & Margaret Schwarz Scholarship, for a graduating senior at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, who is interested in pursuing a career in education. This year, the Foundation will be awarding a single academic scholarship of approximately $7,700. This one-year scholarship is non-renewable and can be used for tuition, books, fees and housing expenses.
The Frederick Schaerf, M.D., Ph. D. Neuroscience Scholarship, for students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, who are interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience or similar field. This scholarship is a one-year, non-renewable $4,000 scholarship for tuition, books, fees and tutoring services (housing and living expenses not eligible).

All applications and supporting documents for each of the scholarships must be submitted electronically by no later than March 2, 2025.

To find out which Catholic Community Foundation scholarship you qualify for, please visit https://ccfdioceseofvenice.org/scholarships/. If you have any questions, please email ccf@dioceseofvenice.org.

Diocese to celebrate Jubilee Year events

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Bob Reddy

The 2025 Jubilee Year, as established by Pope Francis, has begun and Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated five locations as Jubilee pilgrimage sites within the Diocese of Venice. These pilgrimage sites are Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. John XXIII Parish in Fort in the Diocese of Venice Myers, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice.

“In designating the retreat center and four Parishes, located in each of the geographical regions (Deaneries) of the Diocese of Venice, it is my prayer that the faithful of the Diocese take advantage of the grace of the Jubilee Year, and visit the Jubilee pilgrimage site and be filled with hope,” Bishop Dewane said.

The public schedule for each of the Diocese of Venice pilgrimage sites will be announced in the coming weeks and posted at https://dioceseofvenice.org/ and on social media.

A Jubilee Year is a special holy year of grace and pilgrimage that happens at least once every 25 years. The Pope can call for extraordinary jubilee years, such as the 2016 Year of Mercy. During the Jubilee, Catholics are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to Rome. For pilgrims who can’t travel to Rome, the Bishops of the world were encouraged to designate local pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee

Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before Mass on Christmas Eve, officially launching the Jubilee Year 2025. Passing through a Holy Door during the Jubilee symbolizes entry into a new life in Christ and the beginning of a journey of conversion. The motto for the special year is “Pilgrims of Hope.”

One grace that “Pilgrims of Hope” on the Jubilee may obtain is the “Jubilee indulgence.” This grace is granted by the Holy Father to anyone who travels to any sacred jubilee site, whether in Rome, the Holy Land, or a locally designated sacred site.

The 2025 Jubilee Year, a year filled with special spiritual, artistic, and cultural events in Rome, will conclude during the Christmas Season 2025. Some of the biggest events of the Jubilee of Hope will be the canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis, during the Jubilee of Teenagers on April 27, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, during the Jubilee of Young People on Aug. 3. Finally, will be celebration of the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly on the weekend of May 30 – June 1.

Jubilee Adoration Nights

As part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, the Diocese of Venice Office of Evangelization is hosting Jubilee Adoration Nights at four Parishes in the coming months. These Jubilee Adoration Nights, which include guest speakers and time to spend in the presence of the Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament, are the first in a series of opportunities within the Diocese of Venice to participate in the larger 2025 Jubilee Year as established by Pope Francis. The motto for the special year is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Each Jubilee Adoration Nights is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations: Thursday, Jan. 16, St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples; Friday, January 31, St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral; Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

Diocese celebrates Christmas 2024

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Bob Reddy

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:1-5

The opening passage to the Gospel of John was read on Christmas Day at churches throughout the world, reminding all that the birth of Jesus Christ was from God, bringing forth life, a light of the human race.

This moment was celebrated throughout the Diocese of Venice, most significantly through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a pre-recorded TV Mass for the Homebound from Incarnation Parish in Sarasota with the students from Incarnation Catholic School present. This hour-long Christmas Mass reaches thousands of those who are unable to attend Mass for a variety of reasons.

During this Mass, Bishop Dewane said we, the human race, were created so we would be attracted to the light.

“Jesus is the light, not just when it is totally dark, but He brings the light to our world,” Bishop Dewane said. “He is the star that led the shepherds to the manger. His true light allows us to come out of the shadows and darkness and into the world.”

By allowing Christ to be the light in our lives we are called to the Covenant, enlightened in how we must live our lives, the Bishop continued.

“We have been given a great opportunity to let the light overcome the darkness in our lives,” Bishop Dewane said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this great opportunity at Christmas to renew our commitment to go forward to testify and magnify the Light of Christ into the world in how we live our lives each day.”

The manger, or Nativity scene, symbolizes the celebratory focus of the Christmas Season – Jesus Christ. 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.

For example, St. Michael Parish in Wauchula held a living Nativity play on Dec. 21, 2024, included a donkey, horses and many angels and shepherds. This community celebration is organized by the religious sisters who serve the Parish, the Sister Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara, and includes a festival and the distribution of gifts for the children in the area.

As part of the St. William Parish HOPE (Homeless Outreach Program for Empowerment) ministry, volunteers from St. William and St. Peter the Apostle Parishes, in partnership with Catholic Charities, hosted a Christmas Lunch for the homeless in Naples. The luncheon took place on Dec. 23 at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center of Catholic Charities. Hot meals were provided along with music and décor to ring in the Christmas spirit. Each guest attending received gifts donated by parishioners.

Likewise, St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres, offered a free holiday meal on Christmas Day. The meal featured traditional holiday favorites, including ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and a variety of sides — perfect for bringing some festive cheer to your day.

Christmas is also a time to help others so donations for the needy were piled high and distributed. The most common form of collecting items for needy children is through an Angel Tree, where the ornaments are a wish list item for a child or family.

At Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers, the generosity of the faithful was impressive as the Parish Hall was full of wrapped packages that were later delivered to the community. As noted in a social media post to the Parish, “Everything we have is a gift from God in one way or the other, and to see such giving is heartwarming.”

Catholic schools spent much of the month in preparation for Christmas with pageants, recitals, concerts, parties, and other fun, such as creating handmade presents for family members or building and decorating gingerbread houses. At the same time, the schools teach students the true meaning of Christmas, including bringing the love of Christ, that is in their hearts, out to the world.

Bradenton Catholic school staff embody the true spirit of Christmas

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Bob Reddy

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left a path of destruction and hardship in their area, the staff and teachers of St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton have shown that resilience is best built on the foundation of compassion, sacrifice, and faith.

This Christmas Season, these dedicated educators have turned their focus outward – not toward themselves, but toward the families in their community still struggling to recover.

Recognizing the challenges families in their school community are facing, the staff made a decision to forgo their customary Christmas traditions. Instead of exchanging gifts and attending a Christmas luncheon for themselves, they chose to channel their school and personal resources, and their holiday spirit, toward helping families impacted by the storms.

The staff approached Principal Deborah Suddarth with the idea of simplifying their own celebrations and instead uplift others. Suddarth was profoundly moved, knowing that Christmas has always been about selfless love and giving. The staff’s choice is a testament to the depth of their commitment to the mission of St. Joseph Catholic School.

The teachers and staff agreed to host only a simple cookie exchange to mark the holiday season amongst themselves. Instead of physical gifts, they became prayer partners for one another, focusing on spiritual support and intentional connection during this holy time. The money that would have been spent on gifts and festivities was directed to families within the school who were hardest hit by the hurricanes, offering tangible assistance—and a heartfelt reminder that they are not alone. The staff also asked that the school not spend money on them personally, but rather put school funds toward the hurricane repairs needed on their campus. Even amid their own recovery efforts, the hearts of St. Joseph’s staff have remained firmly rooted in service.

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.

“Every day, I see how resilient our families are, and I’m inspired by how everyone—from the students to the staff—embodies the values of faith and hope,” said a teacher at St. Joseph. “This Christmas, it just feels right to lighten someone else’s burden, even if just a little.”

As St. Joseph Catholic School looked to Christmas Day and beyond, their message was clear—though their campus may still need repairs, and some families may be struggling, their faith in God and their bond as a community remains unshaken.

The intentional simplicity adopted by St. Joseph’s staff stands as a powerful reminder that true joy is found not in material abundance, but in the richness of love shared and burdens lifted. During this season, when so many feel the weight of life’s challenges more acutely, the actions of these staff members offer a shining example of what it means to serve with an open heart and to embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

For more information about ways to support St. Joseph Catholic School’s hurricane recovery efforts, please contact St. Joseph Catholic School, office@sjsfl.org.