education Archives - Page 4 of 66

Summer camps bring smiles to young faces, and hearts closer to Jesus

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

The summer season is a time for family vacations but also summer fun at home. Many children in the Diocese of Venice participate in summer camps where Parishes and Catholic schools offer a chance for faith and fun.

At the forefront of the summer programs is the ongoing Totus Tuus initiative of the Diocese of Venice. The week-long day camps, brought to the Diocese in 2022 by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, are taking place at different Parishes throughout the Diocese each week for students entering grades 1 – 6, as well as for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12. Three missionary teams are leading the campers.

The younger children participate in several classes each day, attend daily Mass, learn the parts and liturgical music of Mass, and participate in games, skits, songs, recess and prayer. They also learn about the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.

In the evenings, the older students participate in instruction, small group discussions, quiet meditation and prayer. One evening includes participation in Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

In the first five weeks, the program has taken place at 12 Parishes, with the most recent camps being held the week of July 6-11, 2025, at St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers, and jointly at Our Lady of Light and St. John XXIII Parishes, both in Fort Myers. Priests and staff have universally expressed how positive the program has been for their entire congregation.

The final two weeks of the program take place at the following Parishes: St. Joseph, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 13-18); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch; and St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 20-25). Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. For more information, please visit Totus Tuus 2025 – Diocese of Venice.

Additional Camp Programs in the Diocese of Venice

Many Parishes also host a Vacation Bible School. This weeklong camp is intended to teach children to love God and thank the Lord for all the wonderful gifts in the world. A typical day includes children learning Bible stories, and then singing and dancing in praise of God. The week concludes with a large celebration and participation in the Mass.

While many teens volunteer at summer camps, Parishes also offer programs to support them through week-long retreats or the participation in regional youth conferences.

Uniquely, St. Michael Parish in Wauchula hosted a series of weekly camps in June. The separate weeks focused on boys, girls, and then teens. Led by the women religious at the Parish, the Servant Sisters of the Virgin of Matara, these camps are full of fun and faith.

Multiple Diocesan Catholic schools hosted STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) camps. Some covered several weeks for eager students.

Area Catholic high schools hosted a variety of sports camps (soccer, football, basketball, cheerleading and many others). These camps offer a chance for younger children to learn the skills needed to excel in different sports while at the same time having a bit of fun.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., hosts three summer programs. In Bonita Springs, the program includes a variety of games and projects giving the children the opportunity to show off their athletic, artistic and other skills. The campers also take a variety of interesting field trips. The camp at Catholic Charities Children’s Center in Fort Myers nurtures the youth by guiding and inspiring them to become lifelong learners, community builders, and individuals dedicated to serving others. Similarly, the camp at Casa San Juan Bosco farmworker community in Arcadia offers a program where children work with crafts, improve their reading skills and of course have fun.

These are just some of the examples of the exciting activities that are taking place for the thousands of young people in the Diocese during the “slow” season. Faith can be fun!

Foundation grants support Catholic schools and Parishes

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

Over the past year, the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. provided more than $4.3 million in grants to Catholic Schools, Parishes, programs and ministries, also college scholarships within the Diocese of Venice and beyond. This was made possible through the kindness and generosity of individuals and families who chose to establish funds, especially endowment funds, with the Foundation.

An endowment fund provides a source of annual income to the Catholic entity of one’s choice. Endowments are designed to function in perpetuity, because the original gift amount (the principal) is invested and the earnings are used to provide long-term financial support to a Parish, school, program or the ministry about which you care most. Once established, anyone can make additional contributions to the fund in any dollar amount.

“The Catholic Community Foundation provides the most efficient way to honor and execute the intentions of donors who wish to support Catholic Schools, as well as Parishes, Catholic Charities and other entities,” said Michael Morse, Foundation Executive Director. “The Foundation brings extensive experience, best-in-class systems, and a robust framework for managing complex charitable giving.”

Many endowment funds are created through gifts from wills or trusts. However, a significant number of donors choose to fund their endowments while they are still living so they can see the impact of their gifts. There are numerous ways to fund an endowment with the Foundation including gifts of cash, securities, property, distributions from retirement accounts and more.

Many donors worry about what will happen to their Parish, School or favorite program or ministry after they pass away. Endowment funds are a great way to ensure that these entities will be here for generations to come.

Anyone can donate to an existing endowed fund in any amount by visiting https://ccfdioceseofvenice.org/existing-funds/. On this site, donors can use the filter or search feature to sort by fund name, beneficiary, or area of interest.

“Donors can feel confident that every gift is managed prudently, is guided by Catholic values, and aligns with donor intentions, thus maximizing its impact on those served by the Catholic Church,” Morse said.

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. was established to provide philanthropic opportunities for individuals to create lasting gifts in support of Catholic programs and ministries within the Diocese of Venice and beyond.

To learn more please contact the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida at 941-441-1124 or CCF@dioceseofvenice.org.

Mooney Basketball Team Members receive their Championship rings, give glory to God

Posted on June 26, 2025 by Bob Reddy

The Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Lady Cougar State Champion Basketball Team received their championship rings during a celebratory ceremony in the Patterson Gymnasium on June 19, 2025.

The team won its first Florida High School Athletic Association 3A Championship on March 1, at RP Funding Arena in Lakeland, defeating their nemesis, The Bolles School of Jacksonville, with final score of 64-54. The win, the first in Mooney history, was particularly sweet because it ended a four-game losing streak in the state championship game.

All of the past heartbreak faded away and became a mere distant memory as the young ladies were presented with their championship rings, a celebration of a great accomplishment on the court and the culmination of much hard work off the court.

Head Coach Marlon Williams, who received his own ring, said as a coach he wanted to bring a championship to Cardinal Mooney for the girls who work so hard each day.

“I’m so proud of them,” Coach Williams said. “To see these young ladies grow every day, it was a blessing to be a part of this.”

The large gold rings were emblazoned with the emblem of the Mooney Cougar and studded with small synthetic diamonds and rubies.

Sy’Monique Simon, one of the graduating senior captains on the team, said the ring was beautiful and heavy, but it represented something special for her and the other recent senior graduates who had endured three previous years of heartbreak. “Business is for sure finished,” she exclaimed.

Principal Ben Hopper said this final acknowledgement of the Cougars girls basketball team was important, noting how these athletes epitomize everything that Cardinal Mooney stands for, as young ladies and as people of Christ.

“For giving up their time and talent to the school and each other, we thank you for the commitment. What you have accomplished as a group truly is remarkable,” Hopper said, adding how their championship legacy will have a lasting impact on Cardinal Mooney for years to come, but most important on the young athletes. “We celebrate your talents and accomplishments on the court, but also who you are as young ladies and as people of Christ.”

The opening prayers and blessing of rings were presided over by Deacon Jack Milholland, a Mooney graduate who serves at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch. As part of the final blessing over the rings, Deacon Milholland prayed: “As they wear these rings, may they always be inspired to continue to live lives of virtue, integrity, and service, always striving for excellence in all they do and always give glory to your Holy Name. We ask you, Christ, Our Lord, Amen!”

All but a few of the team members were able to attend the ceremony, with some graduated seniors already off to college.

The 2025 State Championship Cougar Girls Basketball Teams are: Madi Mignery, Talia Busser, Sy’Monique Simon, Riley Martin, Avery Davis, Josie Maloni, Ava Bruno, Charlie Scibelli, Emily Wilson, Brielle Buckley, Lailani Washington, Kali Barrett, London Guy, and Mishyah Rumph.

Others receiving rings were assistant coaches Quinton Swader and Cortney Sawyer, Athletic Director Rafael Fernandez, Athletic Trainer Megan Peters, and Principal Hopper.

News Briefs for the week of June 27, 2025

Posted on June 26, 2025June 27, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Appointments

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

Father Joseph Than Van Liem, CRM, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar and Chaplain for the Vietnamese Community at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers effective July 1, 2025, and thus will be returning to his Religious Community.

Father Jimmy Pham, CRM, as Parochial Vicar and Chaplain for the Vietnamese Community at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, effective July 1, 2025.

Father Christopher Hathaway, FSSP, is relieved of his duties as Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Sarasota, effective July 10, 2025, and thus will be returning to his Religious Community.

Father Vincent Huber, FSSP, as Administrator of Christ the King Parish in Sarasota, effective July 10, 2025, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of Christ the King Parish.

Totus Tuus summer program still going strong

The Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus summer program continues to inspire young people to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. The week-long summer camp program is visiting different Parishes each week and offering camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, as well as for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12. Three missionary teams are leading the campers. In the first four weeks, the program has taken place at 10 Parishes, with the most recent Ave Maria in Ave Maria and St. Jude in Sarasota. Following the Fourth of July holiday, the program resumes at the following: St. Cecilia, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; St. Thomas More, Sarasota (July 6-11); St. Joseph, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 13-18); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch; St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 20-25). Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/. For more information, please visit Totus Tuus 2025 – Diocese of Venice.

Diocese and Parish honored for Pro-Life work in Sarasota

The Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office and Incarnation Parish staff in Sarasota were recognized for their work in support of Pro-Life initiatives in the community during the Sarasota Ministerial Association “24^th Anniversary Celebration,” June 19, 2025, at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church in Sarasota. Among those recognized were Tavia Ames, Diocesan Respect Life Director, Father Eric Scanlan, Pastor of Incarnation Parish, Deacon Kevin McKenney, of Incarnation Parish and the board of Sarasota Family Promise, and Lisa Russo, Incarnation Parish secretary. Presenting the honor was Art Reilly, past board chair of Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center.

Independence Day bike and golf cart parade to be held in Ave Maria

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 3862 of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria is hosting is 9th annual “God Bless America: Independence Day Bike and Golf Cart Parade.” The opening ceremony will take place in the Piazza in front of Ave Maria Parish church with the parade, led by fire trucks, immediately following. All are welcome to attend and encouraged to decorate their bicycles, tricycles, golf carts, skateboards, and strollers. The route is approximately 2 miles long, but a shorter route, around the church, is available for younger riders. Light refreshments, including birthday cake for the Nation, will be available at the conclusion of the parade.

Natural Family Planning Introductory Sessions coming

Learn about Natural Family Planning with a free introductory session. The Diocese of Venice supports the Creighton Model Fertility Care System, and free online training sessions are being offered by the St. Gianna Center for Women’s Health & Fertility Care on Tuesday, July 22, Thursday, August 14, Saturday, September 20, and Tuesday, October 21. Choose one that fits your schedule! The online sessions are free, but registration is required. Register at bit.ly/SGIntroSession. For more information, visit stgiannacenter.com, or with questions, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseovenice.org, or 941-486-4754.

Summertime and the Giving is Easy Appeal

Every day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., serves the most vulnerable population in Diocese of Venice’s 10 counties by feeding, housing, empowering, and helping all in need. This summer, you can be the one that makes a difference. Your acts of kindness have the power to transform lives and leave a positive impact in our community. The Catholic Charities “Summertime and the Giving is Easy Appeal” is asking for your support. The giving is easy! Your gift will make a positive impact on our less fortunate brothers and sisters. To donate to “Summertime and the Giving is Easy Campaign,” please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/summertime or mail a check to Catholic Charities, “Summertime and the Giving is Easy,” 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. If you have any questions, please call 941-488-5581.

Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13

The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13. The theme for the Conference is “But as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). The Conference will include talks from Sister Maria Jose Socias, SCTJM, Michael Gormley, Mari Pablo, and Father Joseph Lugalambi. Music will be by Epic Music Ministries. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, lodging, meals, t-shirts, a pizza night, and more. Registration is $195. per person. For more information or to register, please visit aveconferences.com/.

Theology on Tap June 24 in Sarasota

Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The next gathering is July 24, 2025, and will feature a presentation from Robert Massey, Youth and Young Adult Coordinator at St. Agnes Parish in Naples. His presentation is titled, “Teens, Tech, and the Tabernacle: Building Faith Today.” The evening begins with food and refreshments at 7 p.m., with the presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning at 8 p.m. Please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org with any questions.

SAVE THE DATE – Together in Holiness Marriage Enrichment Conference Oct. 18

Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites all Catholic married couples to join him at the Diocese’s fifth annual Marriage Enrichment Conference on Oct. 18, 2025, at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers. Engaged couples are also welcome! The Marriage Conference, “Family, A School of Love,” presents a unique opportunity to share a day dedicated to prayer, conversation, and reflection on the sacred vocation of marriage together with your spouse. Grow together in holiness and receive guidance and tips for how to strengthen your marriage and form your children in the Catholic faith. Registration is now open. This event will sell out, so register early! To learn more, and to register, visit www.togetherinholiness.org/venice. Questions? Contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseovenice.org, 941-486-4754.

Children Throughout the World Need Our Help!

The Trump Administration is terminating all but two of Catholic Relief Services’ school feeding programs, eliminating a daily school meal for close to 800,000 children in 11 countries beginning in July. For many, this was their only meal of the day. These terminations aren’t just broken agreements with CRS. They are broken promises to children, to farmers, to entire communities. Please ask your members of Congress to urge the Administration to reverse these terminations. Visit https://www.crs.org/act/mcgovern-dole to be heard.

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

Support After Abortion help available

Are you or someone you know struggling because of a past abortion? You are not alone. Know that healing retreats and support are available for anyone who has experienced an abortion, including mothers, fathers and other family members who have been hurt. For help, or to learn more about the Diocese of Venice support after abortion program, Project Rachel, simply call or text 941-412-5860, or email project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org, in either English or Spanish. All contacts are confidential.

Diocesan Catholic schools continue to be beacons in the community

Posted on June 20, 2025June 20, 2025 by Bob Reddy

The recent conclusion of the 2024-2025 academic year at the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools was a banner year, as more than 6,500 students received an education that was not only based on faith and prayer life but serves as a beacon in a world full of distractions.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, speaking during the recording of the upcoming Relevant Radio “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” program said, “Catholic education provides not only that faith component and a prayer life but is also so important for young people as a support and as a guide. As various topics come up, they are hearing the context that the Church sets that issue in. This is a reinforcement of moral values – what society calls ethics. The first and best place these values form is in the home, but sometimes there needs to be a supplemental or complementary approach, that is what the Diocese offers.”

In a greater sense, Bishop Dewane explained how Catholic education provides a shared experience of living the faith – wherein Catholic school students are surrounded by not only teachers but peers who also share the same value system – a powerful beacon as they sort through the clutter in their lives.

Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, explained how Catholic schools offer the best value system in the world, providing a world view that can’t be found anywhere else.

“That is why we educate and form the whole person – not just the brain. Truly the head and heart – unapologetically looking for them to be disciples of Christ,” Father Belmonte continued. “We want our young people to pray, become friends with Christ, and to bring that into their adult life.”

The education of students in Diocesan Catholic schools is important work, Father Belmonte added. Done in partnership with families, where the students learn many of their lessons, Catholic education is in the business of teaching students to make the right decisions so that they can do the good that is needed, not only by 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.

Annually, a Diocesan Catholic Schools Devotional Project offers leadership opportunities in the middle schools as junior catechists are trained on the annual devotion and then teach their peers on the topic. The method is engaging, captivating and fun, explained Jennifer Falestiny, Diocesan Schools Director of Curriculum.

“This project offers high quality content that is relevant to all students,” Falestiny said.

John Gulley, Principal of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers, echoed Falestiny’s assessment of the Devotional Project, saying that having the junior catechists present lessons has a big impact on the other students as they learn to take ownership of their faith and share it with others.

When questioned about the challenges facing modern Catholic educators, Gulley explained how students face a “fire hose” of unfiltered misinformation/disinformation on a large scale because “it comes in without filters. The best response is our Church. Jesus is Jesus, and the lessons of the Gospel are consistent. It lets us talk about where we come from. As educators, that is approaching the problem from a beautiful place. We are uniquely equipped to help these students and families because we are capable of fulfilling their dreams through the love of Jesus Christ.”

With more than 6,500 students, the Diocese of Venice has been recognized, in a national study done by Boston College, as the fastest growing Catholic school system in the country during the past 5 years.

In May 2025, 481 men and women graduated from the four Diocesan Catholic high schools. The 2025 graduating class is the largest in Diocesan history. The students leave their respective schools with impressive accomplishments, such as completing more than 58,000 community service hours, and earning more than $40 million in scholarship offers. The graduates have been accepted to many of the top colleges and universities in the country with many going on to military service academies and the Ivy League. Most notably, 30% are going on to Catholic college and universities.

To hear the June 27 Relevant Radio “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,” please tune in at 8:30 a.m. 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 also be heard anytime at www.dioceseofvenice.org/ourbishop.

For more information about Diocese of Venice Catholic schools, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/catholicschools.

News Briefs for the week of June 20, 2025

Posted on June 20, 2025June 20, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Four weeks remain in Totus Tuus summer program

The Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus summer program continues to inspire young people to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. The week-long program is visiting different Parishes each week and offering day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, as well as evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12. Three missionary teams are leading the campers. In the first two weeks, the program has taken place at six Parishes, with the most recent at St. Agnes in Naples. Upcoming host Parishes include: Ave Maria in Ave Maria and St. Jude in Sarasota (June 22-27); St. Cecilia, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; St. Thomas More, Sarasota (July 6-11); St. Joseph, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 13-18); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch; St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 20-25). Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/. For more information, please visit Totus Tuus 2025 – Diocese of Venice.

Fort Myers coach leading USA baseball team

Casey Scott, a baseball head coach at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, has been selected as manager of the USA Baseball 15U National Team. Scott just finished his sixth season as head coach at Bishop Verot, leading the team to a State Final Four for the second consecutive season. During the summers of 2023 and 2024, Scott served as pitching coach for the USA Baseball 15U National Team.

Independence Day bike and golf cart parade to be held in Ave Maria

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 3862 of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria is hosting is 9^th annual “God Bless America: Independence Day Bike and Golf Cart Parade.” The opening ceremony will take place in the Piazza in front of Ave Maria Parish church with the parade, led by fire trucks, immediately following. All are welcome to attend and encouraged to decorate their bicycles, tricycles, golf carts, skateboards, and strollers. The route is approximately 2 miles long, but a shorter route, around the church, is available for younger riders. Light refreshments, including birthday cake for the Nation, will be available at the conclusion of the parade.

Children Throughout the World Need Our Help!

The Administration is terminating all but two of Catholic Relief Services’ school feeding programs, eliminating a daily school meal for close to 800,000 children in 11 countries beginning in July. For many, this was their only meal of the day. These terminations aren’t just broken agreements with CRS. They are broken promises to children, to farmers, to entire communities. Please ask your members of Congress to urge the Administration to reverse these terminations. Visit https://www.crs.org/act/mcgovern-dole to be heard.

Ordination to the Priesthood July 12

Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites the faithful to the Ordination to the Priesthood of Transitional Deacons Joseph Doherty, Jacob Gwynn and Pat Long. The Ordination will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this important event in the lives of Deacons Joseph, Jacob and Pat as well as the Diocese of Venice. The Ordination will also be livestreamed at the following link: vimeo.com/event/520312.

Respect Life Volunteers Needed!

Do you have a passion for life? The Diocese of Venice needs you! We are looking for volunteers and leaders interested in becoming involved in local respect life activities with their Parish. Many new families are moving to Southwest Florida, and we need your help! It’s very rewarding work. For those living in the Palmetto or Parrish area, your assistance is especially needed. To get involved, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1101.

Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13

Volunteers Needed for Prison Outreach

Support After Abortion help available

Verot graduate receives Distinguished Stars & Stripes Award

Posted on June 12, 2025June 12, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Samantha Mitchell of Fort Myers has earned the highest recognition the American Heritage Girls (AHG) offers to girl members, the Stars & Stripes Award. In addition to living out the AHG Creed and Oath, award recipients have completed several requirements to achieve this honor.

A member of Saint Francis Xavier AHG Troop FL1203, Samantha is part of the 2025 Class of girls to earn the prestigious Stars & Stripes Award nationally. She is a also recent graduate of Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, having graduated Summa Cum Laude, and attends St. Cecilia Parish. She was recognized in a Court of Honor Ceremony on May 31, 2025, at St. Cecilia Parish Hall, with many Troop members, family members, and friends in attendance.

American Heritage Girls was founded by a group of parents wanting a faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters. The AHG program is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.

“I am very honored to be a Stars and Stripes Award recipient,” Samantha said. “I’ve been a member of American Heritage Girls for 13 years, and earning this award is the highlight of my time with the program. To me, it represents the culmination of hours of diligence, hard work, and service to my community, and I am very grateful for all the support I’ve received along the way.”

To meet the requirements to earn the Stars & Stripes Award, Samantha accomplished the following:

Earned the Abigail Adams Level Award;
Earned a total of 13 required Stars & Stripes Award Badges;
Held a leadership position in the Troop for a minimum of six months;
Planned, developed, and provided leadership to others in a 100+ hour service project;
Wrote a Spiritual Walk Essay and an AHG Resume;
Received at least three Letters of Reference;
Passed a Board of Review.

Samantha chose to serve St. Cecilia Parish by expanding the Parish rosary garden. During Phase I, she earned her Abigail Adams Level Award through a service project that created the basic rosary walkway. During Phase II, Samantha and volunteers built an elevated garden bed in the center of the walkway, featuring a beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother. The team constructed paver platforms and installed two park benches with accompanying planters so that parishioners and passersby may enjoy sitting in the garden. The rosary garden project also included the installation of a flyer box with pamphlets on ways to pray the rosary, stations of the cross, and more.

Samantha served as her Troop’s religious awards mentor. She received the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award and earned numerous Diocese of Venice religious awards throughout her 13 years in American Heritage Girls.

At St. Cecilia, Samantha volunteers as an altar server and Eucharistic Minister. At Bishop Verot, she was active in varsity swimming and diving, Academic Team, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Art National Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society.

Samantha’s parents, Joseph and Teresa Mitchell, said they have seen their daughter grow into a confident young woman, in no small part due to the American Heritage Girls.

“The AHG program has encouraged her to flourish in so many ways, from challenging badgework to many service-oriented leadership opportunities,” Teresa Mitchell said. “We are delighted that she had the perseverance to earn this award, but more importantly we are grateful that the AHG program has enabled her to truly learn what it means to be a ‘woman of integrity through service to God, family, community and country’ (AHG’s Mission Statement).”

For more information on the American Heritage Girls, visit www.americanheritagegirls.org.

Neumann students participate in 2025 Immokalee Service Week

Posted on June 12, 2025June 12, 2025 by Bob Reddy

A group of 18 students from St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, accompanied by five chaperones, embarked on a transformative four-day service trip in Immokalee.

The group travelled about 40 minutes from their school to Immokalee, a short physical distance but a long spiritual journey that surprised many in how deeply it impacted them. In Immokalee, the young men and women learned about the rural Collier County farming community which has many food processing facilities and is considered one of the poorest in the country.

Delaying other fun summer plans, such as going to the beach or on vacation, or preparing for the next sports season, from June 2-5, 2025. These 18 student worked in Immokalee, assisting with local organizations, such as Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., Habitat for Humanity, Pepper Ranch Preserve, Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee, and the Guadalupe Center. This volunteer work allows the students to make a tangible difference in the community.

The students stayed at the Bethal Retreat House and during their evenings they deepened their faith and friendships through Mass, powerful testimonies, prayer, and fun group activities. The experience offered a powerful combination of service, spiritual growth, and connection. It was a journey that not only impacted those they served but also transformed the hearts of those who participated.

One student said the service week allowed her to put aside her daily concerns and focus on others, putting what was learned about Catholic Social Teaching in the classroom to real world use.

The annual service trip was organized and led by Sisters Juliana Alfonso and Kaitlin Trokan, Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, both of whom are on the faculty at St. John Neumann. To start the week, they prayed each student would gain a renewed sense of Christian Service from their experience.

St. John Neumann students volunteer thousands of hours each year throughout Collier County. The 2025 graduates completed more than 12,000 service hours in their four years.

For more information about St. John Neumann Catholic High School, please call 239-455-3044 or visit www.sjnceltics.org.

News Briefs for the week of June 6, 2025

Posted on June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Bishop confers confirmation on prison inmates

Bishop Frank J. Dewane conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation upon four inmates in the Diocese of Venice in June 2025. Three were confirmed at Charlotte Correctional Institute in Punta Gorda on June 1, and one at the Hardee Correction Institute in Bowling Green on June 2. When celebrating the Mass for the incarcerated, Bishop Dewane emphasized that he is bringing the forgiveness, mercy, compassion, peace, love and joy of the Lord to others and took time to speak with the inmates after the Mass. Each year, the Bishop celebrates Mass for inmates at different facilities throughout the 10-county Diocese, and has conferred the Sacraments of Confirmation, First Communion and Baptism for dozens of inmates since 2006. The Diocesan Prison Ministry provides a variety of services, including Bible study, TV Mass, religious education and assistance with receiving the Sacraments. Within its boundaries, the Diocese has five state prisons, 10 county jails and one civil commitment program. There are approximately 15,000 incarcerated within the Diocese; meaning the need for priests and volunteers is great. If you are interested in learning more about the Diocesan Prison Ministry, please contact Bob Hiniker at hinbob5@hotmail.com or Joe Mallof at mallofjt@comcast.net.

Two schools join Knights in helping migrant farm workers

St. Mary Academy and St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota worked together on a service project and collected 250 long sleeve shirts for Falkner Farm migrant workers in Myakka. These shirts are vital in protecting workers from pesticides getting on their skin. The schools worked with Knights of Columbus Holy Cross Council 7414 of Palmetto, ensuring the success of the collection drive. The school donations were combined with donations from Holy Cross Parish and other Knights councils and totaled more than 1,000 long sleeve shirts.

Theology on Tap June 19 in Sarasota

Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The next gathering is June 19 and will feature a presentation from Father Christian Chami, Parochial Vicar at St. Jude Parish in Sarasota with the topic: “St. Charbel: Lessons in silence, faith and obedience.” The evening begins with food and refreshments at 7 p.m., with the presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning at 8 p.m. Please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org with any questions.

Ordination to the Priesthood July 12

Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites the faithful to the Ordination to the Priesthood of Transitional Deacons Joseph Doherty, Jacob Gwynn and Pat Long. The Ordination will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this important event in the lives of Deacons Joseph, Jacob and Pat as well as the Diocese of Venice. A reception will follow. The Ordination will also be livestreamed.

Respect Life Volunteers Needed!

Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13

Support After Abortion help available

Are you or someone you know struggling because of a past abortion? You are not alone. Know that healing retreats and support are available for anyone who has experienced an abortion, including mothers, fathers and other family members who have been hurt. For help, or to learn more about the Diocese of Venice support after abortion program, Project Rachel, simply call or text 941-412-5860, or email project.rachel@diocese, in either English or Spanish. All contacts are confidential.

Diocese preparing for 2025 Hurricane Season

Posted on May 30, 2025May 30, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Helene and Milton have been added to the list of names of past hurricanes that will conjure up memories of wind, rain, storm surge, power outages and destruction in Southwest Florida.

Time and effort has enabled recovery for some from these devastating storms, but many are still trying to pick up the pieces of their lives while the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season looms large.

NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Milton coming ashore in Sarasota County on Oct. 9, 2024.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season in Florida runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. With a history of these storms producing destruction in the region; just the mention of Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton (2024), Hurricane Ian (2022), Hurricane Irma (2017), or Hurricane Charley (2004), can bring back dreadful memories.

The Diocese of Venice, and many families, are still recovering from Helene and Milton, as well as Hurricane Ian nearly three years after the storm has passed. However, Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the Diocese of Venice is well-prepared for the coming season.

“The catastrophic impacts of back-to-back hurricanes in 2024, and Ian in 2022, are still fresh in the minds of those who witnessed not only the loss of lives but also the devastating destruction of buildings and livelihoods,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said. “As a Diocese we do our best to prepare, but it is also important for us to pray for protection from future storms, and also for the people who continue to recover from previous disasters. As the new Atlantic Hurricane Season arrives, let us all ask God for protection and safety.”

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., is still on the ground helping families recover from Helene and Milton, as well as Ian, stated Christopher M. Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice.

“At Catholic Charities, we’re still walking alongside families who were hit hard by last year’s hurricanes,” Root said. “The headlines may have moved on, but for many, recovery is still happening day by day. We haven’t stopped helping, and we’re also getting ready in case another storm comes our way this season. With support from Catholic Charities USA and a trained disaster response team on the ground in the Diocese of Venice, we’re doing everything we can to be prepared. Whether we’re helping someone rebuild after the last storm or responding to a new one, Catholic Charities is here with compassion, faith, and a real desire to serve.”

Experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a range of 13-19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), slightly above the seasonal average. This follows the 2024 season which produced 18 named storms, including Hurricanes Debby (Aug. 6-7), Helene (Sept. 26), and Milton (Oct. 9), each of which brought their own misery of wind and rain. Helene, which paralleled the coast, and Milton, whose eye went over Siesta Key, both brought unprecedented storm surges to the barrier islands from Naples in the south through Palmetto to the north. NOAA stated that numerous factors were considered in the forecast, including warmer than average ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation, NOAA reported.

Weather forecasters and emergency management officials stress that each tropical system is different, explaining that just because you survived Debby, Helene, Milton, Ian, Irma or Charley, without any damage doesn’t mean the next storm, whether it is a tropical storm or major hurricane, couldn’t destroy everything around you.

With many people no longer watching local news, NOAA officials also stress the need for everyone to have access to reliable local weather reports to avoid confusion when a storm approaches. This can be accessed through the National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, local news outlets or other trustworthy weather sources.

While keeping a wary eye on the weather forecast is important, being prepared before storms approach is just as vital. Preparedness means many things, but a key part is simply knowing where you live in relationship to evacuation zones in your city or county. Also, knowing how well constructed a home is can also impact preparations and planning in the event an evacuation is ordered. Also, as many learned during Helene and Milton, power could be out for days, or weeks, following a storm, and the decision must also be made if one wants to stay under those conditions.

The names for this season, provided by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), include Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin and others. The list of 21 names is repeated every six years. The only time that there is a change is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different storm would be inappropriate for obvious reasons of sensitivity (Helene, Milton, Ian, Irma, Charley, Katrina, etc.).

If a storm comes

Should disaster strike, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, will be at the forefront in preparing and responding. Catholic Charities will send a team to the epicenter of the disaster and then coordinate to set up relief centers — called PODs, which stands for Points-Of-Distribution – where the need is greatest. These centers – often located at Parishes or next to Catholic Charities offices – will be sites where water, clothing, food and other disaster relief assistance can be distributed. PODs were established at multiple locations following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with truckloads of water, food and cleaning supplies distributed to needy families.

One way people help after a storm is through the Catholic Charities Disaster Rebound Bucket program. These buckets are filled with practical supplies that give families a head start on cleanup and recovery. If you visit CCDOV | Disaster Recovery, you’ll find a short video that shows how the buckets work and an Amazon Wish List for anyone who wants to donate items directly.

As noted earlier, the Diocese of Venice is experienced in responding to these storms. Therefore, each Parish, Catholic school and other entities have hurricane preparedness plans which assist in preparation before a storm and recovery afterwards.

NOAA and emergency management officials remind everyone that taking a few steps now can prevent panic and confusion if a storm were to threaten the area. To track and learn more about hurricanes, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Being prepared

Emergency management officials emphasize that having an emergency preparedness plan will help lessen the stress on individuals when, inevitably, a new tropical system forms and threatens the region. Key things like knowing your evacuation zone, knowing if your home can withstand forecasted winds, and having emergency supplies and documents ready ahead of time, are key actions to take ahead of the season.

First, officials recommend each family have a Disaster Supply Kit, which should have a minimum of enough water and food to last three to seven days. That means one gallon of water per person/per day, plus enough non-perishable food that does not require electricity to prepare and consume safely. Those who care for infants or the elderly must plan for what specialty items will be needed.

Other key items for a Disaster Supply Kit include clothing (rain gear and sturdy shoes), blankets/pillows, first aid kit, all medicines and prescription drugs, toiletries, flashlights, battery-operated radio, cash, important documents in a waterproof container, and any items for your pets.

If a storm were to strike, getting basic supplies will be a challenge. The Federal Emergency Management Agency stresses that in the aftermath of a major disaster, you should expect to be on your own for at least three days, if not longer, before substantial state and federal resources can be expected. If you have a Disaster Supply Kit that went unused in 2024, inspect it to ensure all items are fresh and the batteries are still good.

Those who have medical or transportation issues must contact their city/county Emergency Management Office (the number is available online or you can dial the non-emergency 511), to register and to potentially be relocated to a shelter if a storm threatens. This registration must be done annually.

Another key action is to make sure any insurance is up-to-date, and photographs are taken of all valuables before the storm. Keep in mind that hurricane and flood insurance will take a minimum of 30 days to go into effect.