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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

News Briefs for the week of January 10, 2025

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

Appointments

After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following appointments:

Father Leland Thorpe, O.M.V., as Assistant Director of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice, effective December 10, 2024.

Father Mark Yavarone, O.M.V., is relieved of his duties as Director of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice, effective December 24, 2024, and thus will return to his Religious Community.

Father Greg Cleveland, O.M.V., as Director of Our Lady of Perpetual Retreat and Spirituality Center, Venice, effective December 24, 2024, and thus is relieved of his duties as Assistant Director of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center.

Father Steven Clemente, as Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Fort Myers, effective December 20, 2024, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Administrator of St. Francis Xavier Parish.

Father Jean Woady Louis, as Pastor of St. Margaret Parish, Clewiston, effective December 20, 2024, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Administrator of St. Margaret Parish.

Father Luis Pacheco, as Pastor of St. Paul Parish, Arcadia, effective December 20, 2024, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Administrator of St. Paul Parish.

Father Jayabalan Raju, as Pastor of St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers, effective December 20, 2024, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Administrator of St. John XXIII Parish.

Father Reji Joseph, OSFS, as Administrator of Our Lady of Light Parish, Fort Myers, effective January 2, 2025, and will be relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Ann Parish, Naples on that date.

Two religious priests die

The Diocese of Venice is saddened by the passing of two religious priests on Dec. 27, 2024. Father Marcel George Dubé, O. Carm., was 95, and Father Michael Vogt, O.S.F.S., was 66. Father Dubé was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1954, as a member of the Order of Carmelite. For the Diocese of Venice, Father Dubé served as Parochial Vicar at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City from 2001 until his retirement in 2012. In retirement, Father resided at the Carmel at Mission Valley in Nokomis and assisted at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Osprey and St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Sarasota. A Funeral Mass will be held Jan. 16, 2025, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. Father Vogt was ordained to the priesthood on Jan. 27, 2012, as a member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. For the Diocese of Venice, Father Vogt served a Parochial Vicar at St. Ann Parish in Naples from 2019 to 2021 and had recently returned to assist at the Parish. A Mass of Christan Burial for Father Vogt was celebrated Jan. 7, 2024, in Childs, Maryland. A Memorial Mass was celebrated on Jan. 9, 2024, at St. Ann Parish. Please pray for the repose of the souls of Father Dubé and Father Vogt and the consolation of their families. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Bishop speaks at Theology on Tap

The speaker for the Dec. 19, 2024, gathering of the Theology on Tap in Sarasota was Bishop Frank J. Dewane. Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed and social setting at the Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, Sarasota. The evening begins with food and refreshments and presentations, and discussions about the Catholic Faith. Bishop Dewane spoke the document from Pope Francis (Spes non confundit) on hope. In addition, he spoke about the waning days of Advent in preparation for Christmas while sharing his thoughts on the Catholic Church within the Diocese of Venice before answering a wide variety of questions. For information about upcoming gatherings of Theology on Tap, please contact Andres Prias, Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, at prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

Verot basketball player reaches career milestone

Jerry Ashley, a senior forward on the Bishop Verot Catholic High School Boys’s Basketball Team, scored his 1,000^th career point on Dec. 30, 2024, during Holiday Hoopfest Championship Game in Fort Myers. Congratulations Jerry!

Student recognized for artwork

Natalia Lesniewski, a sixth-grade student at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota, was formally recognized by her school on Dec. 20, 2024, for earning the grand prize at the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Christmas Artwork Contest. The congratulatory ceremony took place following Mass on the last day before the Christmas break and included Alixandra Holden, National Director of the Missionary Childhood Association, who presented Natalia with a commemorative plaque. Her proud parents were also present for the ceremony. Natalia learned of the win several months prior. Her art, and that of the 17 top artists from across the county was on display throughout the Advent and Christmas Seasons at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. In addition, Natalia’s art, and that of the other grand prize winner, was featured on the official Christmas cards of The Pontifical Mission Societies, which were sent to hundreds of people, including Pope Francis.

Parish celebrates Epiphany with parade

St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naples had a parade to celebrate Epiphany of Lord on Jan. 5, 2025, the commemoration of the worship of Jesus by the Magi and God’s revelation to the nations. The celebration followed Mass, and consisted of a small parade of the three kings with their camels as they followed the star. The three kings then presented their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and paid their homage to the Christ Child. The celebration concluded with a solemn Epiphany blessing from the Pastor, Father Casey Jones.

Catholic Charities Annual Christmas Appeal needs your support!

The Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is still underway and needs your support! The Christmas Appeal continues through January 2025 and is Catholic Charities’ largest annual fundraiser, which is critical to meeting the operating needs of this social service organization. Gifts provide funding for the many Catholic Charities programs and services available throughout Southwest Florida. Your generosity enables Catholic Charities to serve those seeking help all year long. To donate please mail a contribution to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

Faith & Ale Fort Myers Jan. 16 in Fort Myers

The next gathering of Faith & Ale Lee County, “A Gather of Catholic Men,” is at 6 p.m., Jan. 16, 2025, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School, 5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is John Beilein, a retired basketball coach at the University of Michigan and Cleveland Cavaliers. His talk is titled “Leadership in Basketball and Beyond.” Register at faithandale.com. A donation of $10 is appreciated. For additional information, please contact Damian Hanley at damianpatrick@gmail.com.

Fourth Annual March for Life in Ave Maria Jan. 18

Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria is hosting its 4^th Annual March for Life at 10 a.m., Jan. 18, 2025, at the Ave Maria University Football Stadium. Participants will hear from Bishop Frank J. Dewane, special guest speaker Steve Mosher, a social scientist and author, as well as Kimberly King, Vice President of Student Affairs at Ave Maria University. 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. For more information, please email amprespectlifeministry@gmail.com.

Retreat for Grieving Parents Jan. 18 in Port Charlotte

The Diocese of Venice Office of Evangelization is offering a one-day retreat for parents who grieve the loss of a child. The retreat is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 18, 2025, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 1441 Spear Street, Port Charlotte. The retreat will be led by Deacon Henry de Mena, M.A. Registration is required, please register online at dioceseofvenice.regfox. For more information, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Faith & Wine Lee County Jan. 23

The Faith & Wine Lee County will have its next gathering of the season at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 23, 2025, at St. John XXIII Parish, Parish Life Center, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. The speaker is Stephanie Burke, and the title of the talk is “The Perfume of Our Tears: God Heals Broken Hearts.” Tickets are $28 and include 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.

Young Adult Evening with Padre Pio in Sarasota

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, 833 Magellan Drive, Sarasota, is hosting a Catholic Young Adult Evening with St. Padre Pio, on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. The evening begins with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 3 p.m., followed by 4 p.m. Mass with prayer intentions for the saint. Following Mass, there will be the praying of the St. Padre Pio Rosary, prayer devotions and a blessing with a first-class relic. Participants will also be encouraged to attend a dinner at Olive Garden. For details and to reserve your seat for dinner, please contact Erica Lesak at elesak@sjcfl.org.

Sunshine State Championship Steak Cook-Off Jan. 25 in Ave Maria

The 15th Annual Sunshine State Championship Steak Cook-Off is 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Jan. 25, 2025, in the Ave Maria Town Center. Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 the day of the event), and include a 16 oz. boneless ribeye, potato salad and water. Dinner is served at 5 p.m. The day will also include an arts and crafts festival, beer vendors, live music and a bounce house. Tickets are available now at www/sssco.org. All proceeds benefit local charities supported by the Knights of Columbus.

2025 Catholic Charities Ball Feb. 1 in Sarasota

The 2025 Catholic Charities Ball will be held at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, at 6 p.m., Feb. 1, 2025, to benefit the programs and services in Sarasota County. Please join Catholic Charities for an elegant evening to celebrate the program’s mission to serve all of those in need who come for help, regardless of race or religion. “Creating Miracles Through Faith and Service.” Tickets are $500. Register at https://one.bidpal.net/ccb2025/welcome. For more information, call 941-376-7854 or email CCBall@ccdov.org.

Milestone Anniversary Masses

Save the Date! 3^rd Annual Eucharistic Conference

As part of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival called for by the Bishops of the United States, as as part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, the Diocese of Venice will host its third annual Eucharistic Conference on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The day-long event provides an opportunity to celebrate your Catholic faith with others and be inspired! The Eucharistic Conference will include dynamic presentations by nationally renowned Catholic speakers, including Dr. Scott Hahn, Mrs. Kimberly Hahn, Mrs. Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig, and more. 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. Further details and registration information coming soon! Save the date!

Volunteers Needed for Prison Outreach

Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice for pastoral outreach, distribution of the Eucharist and to 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 at 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.

Sarasota student’s Christmas art earns “grand prize”

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Natalia Lesniewski has a passion for swimming. However, if the people at the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Christmas Artwork Contest are any judge, Natalia may want to consider becoming a professional artist

Natalia is a sixth grader at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota and was one of two grand prize winners amongst 17 finalists, chosen from thousands of entries from elementary school age children across the country.

Her art, and that of the other grand prize winner, will be featured on the official Christmas cards of The Pontifical Mission Societies (TPMS), which will be sent to hundreds of people, including Pope Francis! The card to the Pope, handwritten, will be signed in the name of all the children who took part in the contest.

The artwork 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.

Natalia’s winning artwork was of her own interpretation from her creative mind. It features the Blessed Virgin Mary weeping with joy as she gazes upon the newborn Child Jesus outside of Bethlehem.

“The inspiration for my artwork was Mary since she went thru so much for God,” Natallia said. “I felt really ecstatic and thrilled that I won my first art project. This recognition makes me want to continue making art and to join other contests.”

Her father, Maciej Lesniewski, said the family was at first shocked, but also thrilled and proud when they learned of the MCA recognition.

In announcing the 2024 MCA Christmas Artwork Contest winners, Alixandra Holden, National Director of the Missionary Childhood Association, shared her enthusiasm: “Art has a unique power to bring the Gospel to life. These young artists have captured the heart of Christmas in their drawings. Through this contest, we aim to nurture a missionary spirit in children, connecting them with the universal Church and their brothers and sisters in the missions.”

Holden will be present at St. Martha Catholic School on Dec. 20, where Natalia will be formally recognized and given a commemorative plaque following a family Mass celebrated by Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education.

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 fourth year in a row a St. Martha student has been a finalist in the MCA contest!

Throughout the years, Mary Jo Salomone, Natalia’s art teacher, takes time to ensure all her students take part in the different art competitions both nationally and locally, never losing sight that each award is a gift from God which should be shared with others.

“We are extremely pleased that Natalia was able to be recognized for her artistic talent and creativity,” Salomone said. “The Lord has really blessed the St. Martha art students with the many awards that we have received.”

In each of Salomone’s art classes, the following prayer is given, “We offer all that we create for the honor and glory of God through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.”

Since its inception in 1933, the MCA Christmas Artwork Contest has received thousands of submissions annually, showcasing artistic depictions of key Christmas story elements: shepherds and angels, the Three Kings and the Holy Family, the animals present by the manger, and the Baby Jesus. The tradition of featuring children’s artwork began with Christmas seals and later evolved to include cards and eGreetings, introduced in 2005 and 2007, respectively.

The MCA was founded by the Pontifical Mission Societies in France in 1843 to encourage all children to be aware of the needs of children living in mission Dioceses throughout the world and support them both spiritually and sacrificially. Under its banner “children helping children,” monies raised through schools are directed towards self-help programs involving the building of schools, the provision of health and nutrition programs and medications, school fees, as well as teaching and learning resources.

Father Joseph Gates is the Director of the Diocese Office of Propagation of the Faith (Mission Office), which coordinates activities regarding foreign, domestic, and Diocesan mission work. For more information, please call 941-776-9097 or email missionoffice@dioceseofvenice.org.

News Briefs for the week of December 20, 2024

Posted on January 9, 2025January 10, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Haitian Independence Mass

Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites all to participate in the Annual Mass celebrating the 221st Anniversary of Haitian Independence on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, at St. Leo the Great Parish, Parish Life Center, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The 2 p.m. Mass, which takes place on the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, brings together the various Haitian communities within the Diocese of Venice for one celebration. Bishop Dewane and priests serving the Haitian Catholic community of the Diocese will welcome Most. Rev. Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, who will be the Principal Celebrant and Homilist. There is a reception after the Mass in the Parish Hall. For more information, please contact Father Fritz Ligondé at 239-210-1018.

WARNING – Text/Email SCAM Alert

It has once again been brought to the attention of the Diocese of Venice that 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. These messages, which are more frequent during the Christmas Season, often come from text/emails that look similar to official Diocesan/Parish/school numbers or accounts and often greet the recipient by name and have the priest’s, Bishop’s, or staff member’s name in the “From” line and/or closing signature of the message. The SPAM often claims that the priest/Bishop/staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child, relative, or parishioner. The message then asks the person to purchase gift cards/money and then to text/email the redemption code and PIN number. It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. Without this awareness, some have responded to the spoofed messages, with consequences, including loss of funds. There is an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the Diocese, Parish, or school. If you receive such a SCAM text or email, please immediately contact the Diocesan/Parish/school directly!

Catholic Charities Annual Christmas Appeal needs your support!

The Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is underway and needs your support! The Christmas Appeal continues through January 2025 and is Catholic Charities’ largest annual fundraiser, critical to operating this social service organization. Gifts provide funding for the many Catholic Charities programs and services available throughout Southwest Florida. Your generosity enables Catholic Charities to serve those seeking help all year long. To donate please mail a contribution to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

Verot basketball player reaches career milestone

Cameron O’Halloran, a senior on the Bishop Verot Catholic High School Girl’s Basketball Team, scored her 1,000^th career point on Dec. 13, 2024, during a 49-42 victory over Lemon Bay High School in Englewood. Congratulations Cameron!

Students create Advent posters

Fourth grade students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers made interactive Advent posters. The posters included the four candles, with the words: “Hope,” “Peace,” “Joy,” and “Love.” Three of the candles are purple with the “Joy” candle a rose color for “Gaudete Sunday.” Each week of Advent, the students added a “flame” to the top of the corresponding candle. The lesson for the students is that Advent is a time to prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas.

Students honored for patriotic essays

Six St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School students in Naples were honored by the Collier and Lee County VFWs on December 14, 2024, for their outstanding Patriot’s Pen essays on, “How do you use your voice for America’s democracy?” Three additional students were also recognized, as well as Seton’s own Dana Hilmoe being named Elementary Teacher of the Year. The ceremony, presented by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other dignitaries, highlighted the students’ exceptional ability to connect history with life in America today. Their insights and reflections were truly inspiring, offering hope and confidence in our future leaders.

Volunteers Needed for Prison Outreach

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 at 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.

Faith & Ale Fort Myers in January

Retreat for Grieving Parents Jan. 18 in Port Charlotte

Faith & Wine Lee County Jan. 23

Sunshine State Championship Steak Cook-Off Jan. 25 in Ave Maria

The 15^th Annual Sunshine State Championship Steak Cook-Off is 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Jan. 25, 2025, in the Ave Maria Town Center. Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 the day of the event), and include a 16 oz. boneless ribeye, potato salad and water. Dinner is served at 5 p.m. The day will also include an arts and crafts festival, beer vendors, live music and a bounce house. Tickets are available now at www/sssco.org. All proceeds benefit local charities supported by the Knights of Columbus.

2025 Catholic Charities Ball Feb. 1 in Sarasota

Milestone Anniversary Masses