education Archives - Page 4 of 51

Scholarship applications deadline Feb. 29

Posted on January 4, 2024January 4, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Do you have a high school senior graduating this year, and pursuing further education, or someone in your family thinking of returning to school? The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida has opened the 2024-25 online scholarship applications. There are currently five different scholarships available from the Foundation. Applications close on Feb. 29, 2024.

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship is available again this year for residents of Sarasota County. There are two versions of this scholarship. The Traditional Scholarship is for students who are graduating high school in 2024 or graduated in 2023. The Non-Traditional Scholarship is for those who have been out of school for 3+ years with difficult financial circumstances that prohibited them from pursuing their educational objectives immediately after high school. 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.

“During the past 10 years, the Catholic Community Foundation has awarded more than $687,000 in scholarships to 131 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 onetime 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.
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 $7,500.
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 year, the Foundation will be awarding a single $4,000 academic scholarship.

All applications and supporting documents for each of the scholarships must be submitted electronically by no later than Feb. 29, 2024.

To find out which Catholic Community Foundation scholarship you qualify for, please visit www.ccfdioceseofvenice.org/scholarships.

News briefs for the week of January 5, 2024

Posted on January 4, 2024January 4, 2024 by Bob Reddy

High school club honors veterans

The Bishop Verot Catholic High School club Vikings for Heroes spent time helping the “Wreaths Across America” program on Dec. 14, 2023. This program took place at cemeteries across the entire nation, and the purpose was to “Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.” Students spent the day decorating headstones at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens in preparation of the Christmas holiday. Vikings for Heroes is led by Pete Orsita, a military veteran himself who teaches science. Orsita’s passion to help other veterans is clear in how he has helped with outreach efforts such as “Wreaths Across America,” the Veteran’s Day assembly, and support for Honor Flights, which enables veterans to visit the memorials in Washington, D.C.

Boat building challenges robotics students

Congratulations to the ingenious 6th, 7th, and 8th grade robotics students at St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Corel. On Dec. 21, 2023, the students embarked on an aluminum boat-building challenge, showcasing problem-solving skills, collaboration and creativity that left us in awe! Special kudos went to 7th graders, Ryder and Matias, whose boat sailed to victory, holding an impressive load of 50 pennies, an example of true innovation at work. The project was a testament to teamwork, critical thinking, and the sheer joy of hands-on learning. All 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools offer 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 equipped to succeed in the world of today.

Catholic Charities Annual Christmas Appeal needs your support!

The 22nd Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal needs your support! The Christmas Appeal continues through the end of January 2024 and is Catholic Charities’ largest annual fundraiser, critical to operating this critical 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 visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate, or mail a contribution to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285.

Catholic Street Evangelization training in Naples

Interested in learning about Catholic Street Evangelization? Register now for the January 27 Saint Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) training at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave N, Naples. Registration deadline is January 23. SPSE is supported and encouraged by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and is a response to the mandate of Jesus Christ to “preach the Gospel to all nations…” taking the Catholic Faith to the public square. The organization seeks to train others to witness effectively to the truth, beauty, and goodness of Jesus and His Church in a non-confrontational way. All Catholics who are 18 years of age and older are cordially invited to register. The daily Mass is at 8 a.m., and the workshops are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A “Live Lab” will follow. The cost is $15 per person and includes continental breakfast and lunch. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2024-st-paul-street-evangelization to register. For other questions, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

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.

Mooney celebrates state title

Posted on December 21, 2023December 21, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School hosted a victory rally for the state champion Cougar football team before a jubilant crowd in their home stadium in Sarasota on Dec. 19, 2023.

The team earned the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1S state championship in Tallahassee on Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was 51 years to the day, in 1972, since the last football state championship was won by Cardinal Mooney.

Following a highlight video, the players ran onto the field to the adoring cheers of family, faculty, students, and alumni. Cardinal Mooney Chaplain Father Eric Scanlan offered the opening prayer, followed by remarks from Principal Ben Hopper. A Proclamation was then read by Sarasota City Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch, Mooney Class of 1982.

Athletic Director Rafael Fernandez addressed the team, stating how proud he was of the players and how the state title was just the first step in creating a championship legacy at Cardinal Mooney. Fernandez brought five senior stars onto the stage to unveil the new championship banner. The banner will be on permanent display in the school gymnasium.

Head Coach Jared Clark got emotional when talking about the team, their heart, grit and determination, overcoming all challenges to achieve the ultimate goal – a state title. He also spoke about the many who worked behind the scenes, including the athletic trainers, assistant coaches, and their families. Coach Clark stressed that the players were brothers for life, and no matter where life takes them, they will always be Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School state champions.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane offered the closing prayer, saying that the team has shown that they will succeed in sports and now they are encouraged to succeed in life, with the Lord accompanying them along the way.

The rally concluded with a fireworks display, and the players signing team photos for fans.

Mooney State Champs! First time in 51 years

Posted on December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 by Bob Reddy

The Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School football team earned the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1S state championship in Tallahassee on Dec. 8, 2023, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This is the first Cardinal Mooney Cougar state football title since 1972.

The Sarasota team defeated Trinity Catholic High School of Ocala with the final score of 31-27, at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium (Tallahassee), home of Florida A&M University. The team scored the winning touchdown with 47 seconds to play in the game. An interception on the last play of the game sealed the victory.

The star of the game was junior wide receiver/defensive back Chris Mccorkle who scored on a 39-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Michael Valentino. Mccorkle then intercepted a desperate “Hail Mary” pass in the end zone with all zeroes on the play clock.

The exciting game was hard fought, with Trinity Catholic scoring first before Cardinal Mooney rattled off three touchdowns by early in the second quarter. They included a 75-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Devin Mignery to Mccorkle to tie the score at 7. Then a four-yard touchdown run from senior Carson Beach brought the score to 14-7. This was followed by an 82-yard pass from Valentino to wide receiver Teddy Foster, bringing the score to 21-7.

However, Trinity managed to tie the game by halftime. A 33-yard field goal from Nino Scheitz put the Cougars up 24-21 in the third quarter, but two field goals from Trinity, including a 49-yarder with 1:10 to play in the game, put the Cougars behind. Just 23 seconds later, the game-winning pass and reception brought a long-awaited championship to the Sarasota team.

An emotional Head Coach Jared Clark, who spoke after the game, said “This is a special group of young men… We won this (championship) 51 years to the day of the last one… Some of the ‘72 guys were on the sidelines. There is so much love from the alumni… I’m so proud of these kids… It is these young men and the coaching staff. These guys are amazing!”

Senior quarterback Valentino, who suffered from a punctured lung and broken ribs early in the season posted on social media, “What a journey. Thank you Jesus for the ups and the downs. Love this team! Jeremiah 29:11.”

Sophomore quarterback Mignery posted to social media as well, saying “All the hard work finally showed yesterday! Love all my brothers!”

In an interview after the game, Mccorkle, who finished the game with two catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns, plus an interception, said, “It feels great. I don’t even know what to say right now. I’m shocked we even won this. My mindset and where I wanted to be, we got where we needed to be. (Trinity Catholic) thought they were just going to run right through us.”

During the game, each of the Cougar coaches wore a special shirt for the game, which had an American Flag motif, with stripes down the left arm and stars on a field on blue on the right arm, with the word “FAITH” in Cougar red on the back.

A large contingent of fans, including parents, students, and faculty, travelled to cheer on the Cougars, who finished the season 12-2. Many more gathered to watch the game at viewing parties at both Miller’s Ale House and the Daiquiri Deck in Sarasota.

At Miller’s Ale House, the atmosphere was more like a professional or college championship versus a high school one. The passion for the Cougars was clear as everyone wore Cardinal Mooney colors, “State Bound” shirts and more, cheering the great plays and moaning when the final result was in doubt in the final minute of the game.

No matter, the Cougar fans erupted in delirium in both the stadium and at the viewing parties when the final touchdown was scored. More raucous celebrations commenced when the “Hail Mary” pass from Trinity was intercepted in the end zone, sealing a long-awaited victory.

A community-wide celebration for the Cougars will take place in the Mooney Stadium on Fruitville Road at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 19. A highlight film will be played on an inflatable screen. Each player will be called up and given a “State Championship” shirt. The celebration is delayed because of exams at the school.

Prior to leaving for Tallahassee on Dec. 7, a pep rally was held in the Mooney gymnasium for the students and supporters. Deacon Jack Milholland Jr., Mooney Class of 1977 and Permanent Deacon at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch, provided an invocation and blessed the players with holy water.

The cheerleaders then performed before the players made one last run through the tunnel and through the gym to the cheers of the students and supporters. Parents with signs of support lined the driveway as the buses carrying the team, with a Sheriff’s Office escort, headed for Tallahassee.

The team made a stop at neighboring St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy where the students lined the driveway with their own signs of support. The players took the time to get out of the buses and give their youngest fans fist-bumps and high-fives.

Enroute, the team stopped at the University of Florida in Gainesville to visit their football training facilities.

Upon arrival in Tallahassee the team took part in a practice before ending their day at the Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More.

This victory by the Cougar football team will be savored by the players, the coaches, the students, the faculty, and the alumni for many years to come. The 1972 team is still spoken about with reverence 51 years later, with several of the players regularly returning to the school to watch games and be recognized.

Congratulations State Champion Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Cougars!!!

Our Lady of Guadalupe feast celebrated throughout Diocese

Posted on December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Prayer, reverence, and music marked the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, throughout the Diocese of Venice.

Celebrated on Dec. 12, the Feast is often linked to the Dec. 9 Feast of St. Juan Diego, the day in 1531 when Our Lady first appeared to the saint near modern day Mexico City.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day celebrations are a longstanding tradition in the Diocese of Venice. Parishes throughout the Diocese celebrated this special day with Masses. In addition, there were a variety of other events, including overnight vigils, large processions, early morning prayer celebrations, as well as outdoor festivities. Many of these celebrations included a variety of dancers dressed in elaborate costumes or traditional garb.

“Our Lady of Guadalupe means so much to me and for so many others,” said Isabella Cruz of St. Paul Parish in Arcadia who brought a large image of Our Lady to be blessed after Mass on Dec. 10, 2023. “It is a devotion I grew up with and learned about from my grandparents and parents. My mother prayed to the Blessed Virgin when I was sick as a child, and she told me to do so every day. I do pray to her all the time. Our Lady gives me great comfort. On this Feast Day, in a special way, we all join together to give thanks to Her and to honor Her.”

For Diego Reyes, of St. Peter the Apostles Parish in Naples, the celebration is “every holiday wrapped into one. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the acceptance of the Hispanic people into the Universal Catholic Church. We were welcomed by the Blessed Virgin Mary with open arms. What an honor and important moment that deserves our prayerful thanks and a true celebration.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass in a field behind the religious education building at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia on Dec. 10. Concelebrating the Mass were Parish Administrator Father Luis Pacheco and Parochial Vicar Remigious Ssekiranda. The Mass was celebrated ahead of the Feast Day to accommodate the maximum number of families. As a result, more than 1,500 took part in the St. Paul Mass and celebration.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Dewane blessed a large number of religious articles which were placed before a rose-laden statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A festival followed the Mass with a wide variety of food as well as dancers. Many of the young girls were dressed as Our Lady, while the young boys dressed as St. Juan Diego, the peasant who saw the apparitions of Our Lady in Mexico City.

A large gathering of the faithful from St. Michael Parish in Wauchula and Holy Child Mission in Bowling Green also took place Dec. 10 at Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs. The Mass was in three languages, Spanish, English, and Creole, representing the diversity of the Parish. Before Mass, a procession with a statue of Our Lady followed by children carrying flowers led to the park pavilion. A large cultural celebration followed.

Similar scenes were repeated at Parishes throughout the Diocese. Many Parishes held vigils, some lasting until dawn. These included a retelling of the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, mariachi bands, the singing of songs to Our Lady as well as prayer and contemplation before the image of Our Lady.

Our Lady appeared, dressed like an Aztec princess, to St. Juan Diego, a poor widower who was on his way to Mass. She asked, in his native language, to have the Bishop of Mexico build a church in Her honor. Skeptical, the Bishop asked for a sign. Our Lady again appeared to St. Juan Diego who shared the request of the Bishop. So, in the middle of winter Our Lady provided beautiful roses to wrap in St. Juan Diego’s tilma, a cloak made of cactus fibers. When he opened the tilma for the Bishop, the roses fell to the floor and an impression of Our Lady appeared on the tilma in the form an indigenous woman.

This apparition led to the conversion of Mexico almost overnight, when up to that time Catholic missionaries from Europe had made very little headway. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City was built on the site of the apparitions and is one of the most visited religious shrines in the world. It is also home of the actual tilma of St. Juan Diego, which can still be seen, with the image clearly visible, nearly 500 years later.

Our Lady of Guadalupe was first declared “Patroness of the Americas” by Pope Pius XII in 1946, a title later reaffirmed by Saint John Paul II in 1999.

Sarasota student earns top Christmas art honor

Posted on December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Karys Kuchinsky wants to be an artist when she grows up. If the people at the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Christmas Artwork Contest are any judge, Karys is well on her way to achieving this dream.

Karys is a sixth-grader at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota and was one of 19 artists to be recognized for her work in the MCA Christmas Artwork Contest. Her artwork, and that of the other winners, is on display through the Advent and Christmas Seasons at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. All winners are featured as MCA eGreetings, which launched on the First Sunday of Advent (Dec. 3, 2023) at https://egreetings.missio.org/.

Karys’ winning artwork of the Blessed Virgin Mary was of her own interpretation from her creative mind. “It was quite the honor to be selected and represent our community,” she said.

She is a passionate artist, following in the footsteps of an older sister who went to the Ringling School of Art and Design. Karys travelled to Washington for an awards ceremony for the MCA Christmas Artwork honorees on Dec. 1 at the Basilica.

The award ceremony, followed by a Mass and a luncheon at Catholic University of America, was a celebration of artistic talent and a testament to the missionary spirit fostered by MCA. The awards were presented by accomplished American artist Suzanne Ferrell Nicholson and Msgr. Kieran E. Harrington, national director of The Pontifical Mission Societies, which encompass the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, as well as the Missionary Childhood Association.

“The trip was filled with excitement and intrigue from the start,” Karys said. “Meeting the other winners, Msgr. Harrington and the MCA staff was rewarding. The art exhibit was fabulous to see with all the other contestants’ work on display. Each painting delivered a strong message and expression clearly symbolizing and supporting the missionary vision.”

Mirna Kuchinsky, Karys’ mother, said that her daughter has blossomed as a talented artist in the past year or so. “I know I am her mother, but she is really good. We went to Washington so that she could be inspired, knowing that she was chosen to be honored among so many entries.”

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

Throughout the years, Mary Jo Salamone, Karys’ art teacher, takes time to ensure all of 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.

Hundreds of submissions were received, both through the mail and online, for the annual MCA competition which dates to 1933. Back then, MCA used children’s artwork on Christmas seals. Christmas cards were introduced in 2005, and in 2007 eGreetings were launched with these drawings. These artworks, depicting scenes of the Christmas story, are available in a digital e-greeting format, allowing anyone to spread the joy of the Christmas Season while supporting the missions. If you would like to send an e-greeting, please visit https://egreetings.missio.org/.

The MCA was founded 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 15, 2023

Posted on December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Longtime immigration specialist retires from Catholic Charities

The staff of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., held their annual holiday party in Lee County at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Fort Myers on Dec. 8, 2023. During the celebration, time was taken to provide special recognition of Maria Rodriguez, the lead immigration specialist in Lee County. Rodriguez is retiring from Catholic Charities after 31 years of service. She started as an assistant with the organization and worked her way up to be a valued leader who helped assist families and individuals navigate their way through the immigration process. Rodriguez was presented with an award from Eddie Gloria, CEO of Catholic Charities, and Alex Olivares, Regional Director covering Lee, Hendry and Glades counties. Thank you, Maria, for your years of service and have a blessed and happy retirement.

Student takes cameras to the zoo

Photography class students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers took a field trip to the Naples Zoo on Dec. 7, 2023. The goal of the trip was for the students to capture images of the various wildlife, as well as to allow them to practice the fundamentals of photography they have been learning all semester long, and really put their skills to work! The fun trip helped the students to show off their talents and develop their photography skills.

Bishop to speak at Theology on Tap Dec. 21

Each third Thursday of the month, young adults gather for faith, fellowship and fun at the Mandeville Beer Garden in Sarasota. Theology on Tap is presented by the Diocesan Office of Evangelization, and the Dec. 21, 2023, guest speaker will be Bishop Frank J. Dewane. The Mandeville Beer Garden is located at 428 N. Lemon, Ave., and the gathering begins at 7 p.m. For any questions, please email Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Televised Mass for the Homebound on Christmas Day

The televised Christmas Day Mass for the Homebound with Celebrant Bishop Frank J. Dewane will air for a full hour on Christmas Day. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Mass will air at 8 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Mass will air at 8 a.m. on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). Please check your cable provider for channel listings. The Mass will also be available on the Diocesan website at www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass. Leaflet missals are available upon request by calling Gail Ardy at 941-486-4714 or by writing: TV Mass, Diocese of Venice, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. For more information email ardy@dioceseofvenice.org.

Thanksgiving celebrated across the Diocese

Posted on December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 by Bob Reddy

The idea of giving thanks, knowing that we are here because of gifts given to us by God, is at the core of what Thanksgiving is all about.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane described the holiday this way while celebrating Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch on Nov. 23, 2023.

As hard as we try, Bishop Dewane added, “being who God called us to be is difficult, and we will fail along the way. But, the Bible records the wonderful gifts of God, which we can find within ourselves and in others who are all made in the image and likeness of God.”

The Gospel reading of the day (Luke 17:11-19) was the parable of the 10 lepers, when only one returned to thank Jesus upon being cured of the debilitating illness. Jesus asks where the other nine were. Bishop Dewane stressed how we are all among the missing nine at certain points in our life, but we must always strive to be among the ones who return.

“By your presence at Mass on Thanksgiving, you are counted among those who returned to Jesus, just as you came to give thanks to God today. Know the Lord sees the goodness in you and thanks you,” Bishop Dewane said.

Meanwhile, Bishop Dewane went from the Mass in Lakewood Ranch to take part in a free community Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Victory Council 3358 at their Hall on Fruitville Road in Sarasota.

The Knights delivered more than 200 meals to the elderly and homebound and then served hundreds more meals to those who needed a hot meal or didn’t have anywhere to go for the holiday. Guests were also encouraged to take meals home. Those meals included turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, roll, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream.

Bishop Dewane offered the opening prayer for the Knights and other volunteers before the dining room was opened. Then, the Bishop took his traditional spot in charge of serving the corn and later assisted with the stuffing and gravy.

Being grateful for what they have was a strong theme during Traditional Thanksgiving events throughout the Diocese of Venice.

St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral hosted a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for the second year in a row with 144 meals served. The first dinner in 2022 came about when many were still recovering from Hurricane Ian and Father Ricky Varner, Pastor at St. Katherine Drexel, organized different Parishes groups to make certain dishes to help people. It is now an annual tradition cherished by many.

In Naples, at St. Peter the Apostle, Pastor Father Gerard Critch started the Parish Thanksgiving dinner more than 10 years ago to ensure “no one will spend Thanksgiving alone.” Following a trilingual Mass (English, Spanish, Creole), the dinner served 300.

On Nov. 22, students from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota volunteered and served food at the 23rd Annual Sarasota Ministerial Association Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Martha Parish in Sarasota. This was the fifteenth year Mooney students helped support this event.

At St. Michael Parish in Wauchula, the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway happened on Nov. 18, in conjunction with the weekly Saturday Food Pantry. More than 200 turkeys with all the fixings were given away. On the same day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., in Immokalee, delivered meals with all the trimmings to more than 150 families.

Gratitude for the many blessings enjoyed by the Diocese of Venice was widespread, and heartfelt!

Mooney playing for state football title

Posted on December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 by Bob Reddy

For the first time in 51 years, the Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School football team from Sarasota is playing for a state title.

This is the first Mooney team to reach the State Championships since 1972, when they won. This is also the first team to get past the state semifinal, last reached in 2006.

The Cougars (11-2) will battle Trinity Catholic High School (6-7) from Ocala in the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1S State Championship 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 7, 2023, at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium (Tallahassee), home of Florida A&M University.

The Cougars earned the right to the state championship game by beating North Florida Christian High School of Tallahassee 41-14 in the state semifinal game at home on Dec. 1.

The Cougars entered the championship game on a five-game winning streak, dominating playoff opponents 54-14 and 42-0 before beating North Florida Christian.

Mooney’s last loss was on the road to Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers on Oct. 20. Bishop Verot lost its 2S regional final 38-32 to Booker High School in Sarasota on Nov. 24.

Meanwhile, despite its 6-7 record, Trinity Catholic is riding a three-game winning streak in the playoffs, winning their regional final game by a score of 51-36.

Mooney Head Coach is Jared Clark, a 2000 graduate of Cardinal Mooney who went on to play college football at the University of Notre Dame.

Clark is in his first year at the helm of the team and told reporters after the state semifinal game that he expected the team to play for a state title because he knew the talent was there.

Some of that talent Clark mentioned includes Teddy Foster (defensive back), who is committed to play at the University of Florida, and Zy’marion Lang (wide receiver, defensive back), who is committed to the University of South Carolina. The team captains are George Leibold, Teddy Foster, Ryan Sugg and Zeshon Casimir. The starting quarterback is Michael Valentino and the star running back is Carson Beach.

A pep rally and send-off with students, parents and alumni took place on Dec. 6. IN addition, parents lined the school driveway with signs of support and cheered as the buses carrying the team headed off to Tallahassee with a Sheriff’s Office escort. Across the street from Cardinal Mooney, the buses went through the parking lot of St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy as students there cheered on the team.

A group of 51 students will go to the game on a sold-out bus, leaving in the early morning hours of Dec. 8, while other students, parents, alumni, and other supporters will be travelling independently. A local viewing party is also planned for Miller’s Ale House in Sarasota.

News Briefs for the Week of December 8, 2023

Posted on December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Appointments

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

Father David Vidal, Pastor of Ave Maria Parish, is welcomed to the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice and is incardinated into said Diocese, effective November 21, 2023.

Father Augustine Twum Obour, Parochial Vicar of St. Agnes Parish, is welcomed to the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice and is incardinated into said Diocese, effective November 21, 2023.

Father Claudio Stewart, Administrator of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, is welcomed to the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice and is incardinated into said Diocese, effective November 22, 2023.

Father Juan Carlos Sack, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, is welcomed to the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice and is incardinated into said Diocese, effective November 22, 2023.

Catholic Center Christmas Tree blessed by Bishop

Bishop Frank J. Dewane led the blessing of the Catholic Center Christmas Tree on Dec. 5, 2023, in Venice. The blessing was part of a prayer service that included readings and petitions as staff of the Catholic Center gathered. Afterwards, the tree was decorated, and holiday treats were offered.

Students receive personal Bibles

Sixth grade students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton were each presented with a personal Bible that they will use throughout middle school and will keep for their spiritual growth. The presentation took place on Nov. 17, 2023, by Parish Pastor Father Rafal Ligenza and Liliana Ronderos, St. Joseph Religious Education Director, who visited the sixth graders. Father Ligenza led a prayer service and blessed Bibles for each of the students.

Advent wreaths made in Naples

The Home and School Association of St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples and Theology Teacher Erica Szczechowski orchestrated an Advent Wreath Making night on Dec. 1, 2023, for the ladies of the school. This was a community-building event. Let the light of the wreaths guide everyone through this season of anticipation and reflection.

Students learn about kindness

Florida Gulf Coast University Roots of Compassion and Kindness students visited St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers to talk to middle schoolers about kindness. The students worked on communication and teamwork (kind words and kind hands) with games and reflective activities in a spirit of enthusiasm, patience and fun.

Students learning new measuring technique

First grade students in Dixie Kreulen’s class at St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring learned how to measure including the question: “Can we measure God’s love?” on Nov. 20, 2023. This is a good example of how Diocesan Catholic schools use an integrated curriculum called “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence,” expanding the scope of the STREAM model (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and math), into the classroom.

Bishop to speak at Theology on Tap in December

Each month, on the third Thursday, young adults gather for faith, fellowship and fun at the Mandeville Beer Garden in Sarasota. Theology on Tap is presented by the Diocese Office of Evangelization, and the Dec. 21, 2023, guest speaker will be Bishop Frank J. Dewane. The Mandeville Beer Garden is located at 428 N. Lemon, Ave., and the gathering begins at 7 p.m. For any questions, please email Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.