Ascension Solemnity moved to Sunday, May 17
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Sunday, will be celebrated in the Diocese of Venice on May 17, 2026 (moved from May 14). The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops voted in the year 2000 to transfer the Solemnity of the Ascension from the Thursday, 40 days after Easter, to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, in accord with an indult granted to the US. Conference of Catholic Bishops by the Holy See. Therefore, for the Catholic Churches in the State of Florida, the Seventh Sunday of Easter is replaced by the Solemnity of the Ascension.
Cape Coral teacher and students recognized
St. Andrew Catholic School teacher Tonya Roberts, as well as students Carter Willoughby, 5th grade, and Linnea Kerr, 8th grade, were recognized during the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education Awards on May 4, 2026. The annual event honors educators and students from each of the local schools. Each honoree is presented a plaque and gifts provided by local businesses. Congratulations to the honorees!
Two Cardinal Mooney seniors achieve Eagle Scout rank
Beatrice Airey and Will Ittig, two graduating seniors from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Beatrice earned an impressive 31 merit badges. For her Eagle Scout project, she led a fundraising effort to purchase a band trailer and worked on outfitting it with the necessary fittings and equipment – leaving a lasting impact on the school community. Will also earned 31 merit badges. For his Eagle Scout project, he built Stations of the Cross at Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto creating a lasting and meaningful space for prayer and reflection, For both students, the Eagle Scout rank was earned through dedication, leadership, and service. Congratulations to Beatrice and Will for this remarkable achievement!
Students write prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Fourth grade students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers spent time on May 5, 2026, to write prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary after learning about Marian Apparitions and the significance of Mary as the Mother of the Church. The month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Mother Mary and the lesson took place in the school butterfly garden where a statue of Mary is on display.
House Olympics lots of fun in Naples
The annual House Olympics at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples took place on April 29, 2026, with Raley House taking the victory. Neumann has four “Houses” which serve as a form of student government, dividing students into different teams. Throughout the year these teams earn points for success in various academic and athletic individual and team competitions. The House Olympics was the final competition. The House system helps younger students become more familiar with Neumann as freshman and through the years the older students serve as mentors to their House members.
Student choir recognized at Law Day
The St. Catherine Catholic School Choir was invited to perform at the Highlands Country Bar Association Law Day 2026 in Sebring on April 30, 2026. In addition, three St. Catherine students were recognized for their work in the Bar Associations American Dream contest which included posters and essays. Mayra Trejo-Bautista took first place in the sixth – eighth grade division poster contest and won a prize of $100. Isabella Mier took third place and received a $25 prize. In the essay contest, Francis Rivas Largaespada finished second in the sixth – eighth grade division for a prize of $50.
Catholic Scouting Mass May 17 in Fort Myers
The annual Catholic Scouting Mass and Recognition Luncheon with Bishop Frank J. Dewane will be held at 11:30 a.m., May 17, 2026, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. For more information, please contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-441-1122
Ignatian Preached Retreat at OLPH May 8-11
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is hosting an Ignatian Preached Retreat May 8-11, 2026. This three-night silent retreat will introduce participants to the great themes of the Spiritual Exercises in a group setting. The schedule includes conferences each day, daily Mass, and an opportunity to meet at least once with the retreat director for Confession and/or spiritual direction. Conference topics center on Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment. Total cost is $525 per person for a private room and $360 per person for a shared room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained). To register, please visit www.olph-retreat.org.
Bereavement Retreat in Spanish May 15-17
For Spanish-speaking parents grieving the death of a child, a weekend Bereavement Retreat will be offered in Spanish, May 15-17, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice, 3989 S. Moon Drive. Led by Deacon Roberto Landron and a team of grieving parents, this retreat offers a safe space to find comfort, peace, and healing through prayer and reflection. To register, click here. For more information contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice, 941-486-4754.
Retiro de Duelo en español, del 15 al 17 de mayo
Para padres de habla hispana que están atravesando el duelo por la muerte de un hijo, se ofrecerá un Retiro de Duelo de fin de semana en español, del 15 al 17 de mayo de 2026, en el Centro de Retiros Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro (Our Lady of Perpetual Help), ubicado en 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Dirigido por el Diácono Roberto Landron y un equipo de padres en duelo, este retiro ofrece un espacio seguro para encontrar consuelo, paz y sanación a través de la oración y la reflexión.Para inscribirse, haga clic aquí. Para más información, comuníquese con Jim Gontis, 941-486-4754.
Charity Golf Tournament
The annual St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament has an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start May 16, 2026, at Heritage Harbour Golf Club, 8000 Stone Harbour Loop, Bradenton. The cost is $150 per player. Please call Connie Taft at 941-685-2108 to register or for sponsorship opportunities.
Theology on Tap May 21 in University Park
Calling all young adults! Join Catholic young people from across the Diocese for an evening of fellowship, faith and fun! Theology on Tap meets on the third Thursday of every month and is an opportunity for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. The next gathering of Theology on Tap is 7 – 9 p.m., May 21, 2026, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The featured speaker is Father Thomas Carzon, O.M.V. Pastor of San Pedro Parish in North Port, who will be leading a talk called, “Do whatever He tells you. (John 2:5),” which was advice offered by Blessed Mother during the Wedding at Cana. There is no cost to attend, and no registration required. Bring a friend. For more information, contact Andres Prias at 941-441-1122 or prias@dioceseofvenice.org.
Pentecost Retreat May 23 in Fort Myers
The Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish is hosting a one-day Pentecost Retreat, 9 a.m.-3:25 p.m., May 23, 2026, in the Parish Center, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The retreat, titled “Come Holy Spirit, Come Bless US with the Fire of Your Love,” will include a light breakfast and lunch. The retreat concludes in time for the Pentecost Vigil Mass at 3:30 p.m. There is no charge. Register by contacting Janet Almen at 708-525-4352.
Catholic Singles event May 23 in Naples
The Catholic Fellowship Around Singles Ministry Presents is calling all Catholic singles in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, to a summer singles event, 6-8 p.m., May 23, 2026, at the St. Agnes parish Center Hall, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. The presentation titled, “Prolonged Singleness: Walking With God in the Wait,” will be offered by Father Alan Baldarelli. Dinner will be provided free of charge.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter in Tampa June 5-7
Successful marriages don’t work on automatic pilot, like a garden, they require constant attention: fertilizing, watering, and weeding. Join the Worldwide Marriage Encounter and discover God’s plan for joy, romance and passion in your marriage June 5-7, 2026, at the Franciscan Center in Tampa. This is the closest Worldwide Marriage Encounter to the Diocese of Venice in 2026. Apply today at www.wwme.org or call 813-270-7832.
Rummage Sale in Punta Gorda June 6
The Sacred Heart Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is hosting its next Rummage Sale 8 a.m.-11 a.m., June 6, 2026, at 25200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda. Items available for purchase will include household items, furniture, linens, clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, books and toys Proceeds will go toward the Society’s continuing efforts to raise money to assist those in need in the community. For more information, please call 941-575-0767.
Inter-Parish “Life in the Spirit” seminar in Naples June 13
St. William Parish, 750 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting an Inter-Parish “Life in the Spirit” seminar, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., June 13, 2026, in the Blessed Mother Center. The seminar will be facilitated by representatives from St. William, St. Agnes, St. Ann and St. John the Evangelist Parishes. The seminar will include talks, discussion groups, and a prayer service for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your personal life. There will be music and fellowship and a light lunch is included. RSVP by email and include your name and contact number to Susan Westly at susan@saintwilliam.org. Please include “Life in the Spirit Seminar” in the subject line. For additional details call 239-397-5757.
Day of Reflection Marriage Retreat June 20
A Day of Reflection Marriage Retreat is scheduled for June 20, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. The retreat offers a specially prepared volunteer team of married couples, and a priest, who will share their experiences and information, enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. Register at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2026-day-of-reflection-mp-retreat. Please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-486-4754.
Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Missionary Opportunity for Summer 2026
The Diocese of Venice is now accepting applications for college-aged young adults to serve as Totus Tuus Missionaries for the 2026 Parish evangelization and catechesis Summer Program. This role involves traveling in teams to approximately seven parishes throughout the Diocese, leading catechetical sessions for children and youth. Responsibilities include teaching the Catholic Faith using the Totus Tuus curriculum, facilitating activities, including skits and songs, working collaboratively as a team, teaching about the Mass, leading Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, discussion groups for teenagers and Evening Prayer. This is a paid position. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a High School graduate and must be available for the complete program schedule, May 20 – July 24, 2026. Visit the Diocese of Venice website for more information or to register, or contact Andres Prias, Diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.
WARNING – Text/Email SCAM Alert
It has 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 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 fake message often claims that the priest/Bishop/staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child, relative, or parishioner. It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. There is an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the Diocese, Parish, or school. If you receive such a text or email, please immediately contact the Diocesan/Parish/school directly!
Mental Health Counseling Services
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice is offering Mental Health Counseling, and Tele-Health Counseling, for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information, please call 239-455-2655 or visit Catholic Charities online
Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese
Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice for pastoral outreach, to 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.
Retreat Center seeks volunteers
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is in need of volunteers. Help provide a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who come to OLPH seeking transformation in Christ. Areas of need include reception, gardening, dishwashing, and serving meals. Contact the office to sign up at 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/new-volunteer.
Free Rosary Repair Service
Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, Free Rosary Repair Service, 7930 Estero Blvd., Unit 502, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Rosaries will be repaired and returned within the week of receipt. Donations of old rosaries are also accepted, which will be repaired and sent to missions. Include a note indicating repair or donation. For more details, please call 239-463-3993, 860-595-6370 or holdenbnd@gmail.com.
Msgr. Mouch, who served in the Diocese of Venice in the 1980s in several roles, died April 16, 2026, in Lutz, at the age of 93. Msgr. Mouch was born in 1932, in Sandusky, Ohio. He graduated Pontifical College Josephinium, in Worthington, Ohio, and earned advanced degrees from the University of Florida and the University of St. Thomas Aquinas (“Angelicum”) in Rome, and was ordained on June 10, 1958, for the Diocese of St. Augustine. For the Diocese of St. Augustine, he served as Assistant Chancellor, as Administrator for a Parish in Jacksonville, and Chaplain at the University of Florida. He also served on the faculty and as Rector of the Josephinium. Msgr. Mouch was incardinated as a priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and in 1984, he was incardinated in the Diocese of Venice, while continuing to reside in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. For the Diocese of Venice, Msgr. Mouch served as President of Cardinal Mooney High School, as Administrator for St. Martha Parish, and as Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, each in Sarasota. For the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Msgr. Mouch was Director of Education, served as temporary Administrator of six Parishes, and as President of St. Leo College (now St. Leo University). He retired in 2002 and continued to assist at Parishes in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.
Msgr. Robert J. Coll, who retired to the Diocese of Venice in 1999, died April 20, 2026, in Naples, at the age of 95. Msgr. Coll was born in 1930 in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, and graduated from St. Joseph University and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, both in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Msgr. Coll was ordained in the Diocese of Allentown on May 7, 1959, and served in parishes in Reading, Allentown, and West Lawn. Msgr. Coll is best known for being the founder of the Catholic Relief Services Operation Rice Bowl as a Lenten practice in the Allentown Diocese. The outreach was adopted in 1975 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as a promotion to support the worldwide outreach of Catholic Relief Services. He retired to the Diocese of Venice in Naples in 1999 and assisted at St. John the Evangelist and St. Agnes Parishes for 25 years. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane attended the annual 31st Annual Rector’s Dinner at the Pontifical North American College in Rome on April 16, 2026. Bishop Dewane serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Pontifical North American College. Bishop Dewane attended the Pontifical College, earning degrees from Pontifical Gregorian University and Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, both in Rome. This year’s honorees were Sister Raffaella Petrini FSE, President of the Pontifical Commission and Governorate of Vatican City State, and Curtis and Michaelann Martin, co-founders of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). More than 460 guests attended the event.
The 3rd Converging Roads Conference was held April 11, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection Parish in Fort Myers. Converging Roads is a regional conference series offering continuing education for health care professionals that equips them to practice the highest ethical and medical standards of their profession. It was co-sponsored by the Diocese of Venice, the St. John Paul II Foundation of Katy, Texas, and the Southwest Florida Guild of the Catholic Medical Association. The conference brought together approximately 50 participants, including Catholic doctors, nurses, physician assistants and others serving locally in the health care industry. The featured speaker was Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, PhD, who spoke on “Infertility and Alternatives to Artificial Reproductive Technologies.” Other speakers included Dr. F. Michael Gloth, III, FACP, AGSF; Dr. Ethan Schimmoeller, MA; Dr. Gwyneth Anne Spaeder, and Johann M. D’Souza, PhD.
St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota held their Day of Service, on April 14, 2026, a special day that truly reflects the heart of St. Martha Catholic School. This year, students, staff, and parent volunteers served 20 community agencies, a 33% increase over 2025, making an even greater impact in the local community. Organizations served included: Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc., St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Sarasota County Animal Shelter, Dogs, Inc., Sarasota County Fire Department, Alderman Oaks Retirement Community, Sunnyside Senior Living, Ted Sterling Park, Feeding Empty Little Tummies (FELT), 81 Oaks Senior Living, Pines of Sarasota, Meals On Wheels, Pompano Trail Head, All Faiths Food Bank, SMART with Heart, and TWIG. Guided by Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,” the St. Martha Catholic School community lived out their faith in a real and tangible way.
St. William Parish and Catholic Charities in Collier County joined forces to provide an Easter luncheon for the homeless in Naples on April 7, 2026. More than 100 were welcomed with a warm meal and compassionate hearts at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center. Staff and volunteers prepared and served the meals. Each person received a meal, take-home food, a gift card and beautifully decorated Easter Eggs. The luncheon is one of several supported by the St. William Homeless Outreach Program for Empowerment (HOPE) which extends a compassionate hand to those experiencing homelessness in Naples, including providing hot meals to the homeless each week, bicycles for transportation and more.
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord marks the triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem and starts the events which are marked throughout Holy Week which include the Lord’s crucifixion and Resurrection on Easter. Father Antony Lukka, Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, opened the Vigil Mass with the reading of the Gospel of Matthew (21: 1-11), prior to the blessing and procession with palms. This scene was repeated at Parishes throughout the Universal Church, with options to process from another location into the church, to start in the narthex of the church, or a simple opening with a blessing of palms and opening procession. The Mass includes the Passion of the Lord, also from the Gospel of Matthew (26:14-27:66 or 27:11-54).
The Saint Ann Catholic School 70th Anniversary Heart of Education Gala took place on March 27, 2026, in Naples, to benefit the school foundation. Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the prayer before the meal and offered remarks about the lasting impact that St. Ann Catholic School has had on the community in Naples and the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Venice. The evening was titled, “Saint Ann School 70 Symphony of Hearts,” and included live and silent auctions as well as live music.
A Diocese of Venice Marriage Preparation Day of Reflection took place March 21, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. There were 50 couples from Parishes throughout the Diocese. Attendees included engaged couples and couples who are seeking to have their civil marriage convalidated in the Church. The day covered a variety of topics including communication, moral teaching within marriage, finances, the Rite of Marriage, fertility appreciation and Natural Family Planning, and marriage as a Sacrament. Presenters were Jim and Eva Gontis, Father Greg Cleveland, OVM, Spiritual Director of the retreat center, and Margaret Sadasivan from the St. Gianna Center. Diocesan Marriage Days of Reflection are held multiple times throughout the year in English and Spanish. To learn more, please visit 
Bishop Frank J. Dewane presided over a prayer service of the Neocatechumenal Way March 11, 2026, at Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers. The gathering included commissioning of several members to become local missionaries. The Neocatechumenal Way was initiated in Madrid in 1964, and is dedicated to post- and pre-baptismal formation of Christians, based on the Word of God, the Eucharist and the Christian community. The Way engages families to establish the presence of the Catholic Church in countries where the Church is absent or tiny, or to revive and strengthen the presence of Catholic communities in difficult and highly secularized areas. During the prayer service the candidates were called to offer their testimony of faith. Each candidate was called forth by name and presented a Bible and recited an oath of commitment as they were commissioned and sent to be witnesses to God in the community, announcing the Good News of His resurrection. They also committed to live their lives according to the Nicene Creed, and agreed to let the Holy Spirit drive out their sins of doubt and guide them through their lives.
St. Mary Academy in Sarasota hosted a cocktail party which was a resounding success March 12, 2026. School leadership brought donors together who share the vision for the mission of the school with programs for diverse learners, five to fifteen years old. St. Mary Academy works with children who are struggling academically, and children with special learning needs. Students are average to above-average in intelligence and may have: Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Dyslexia, Speech and Language Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD), Anxiety, high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), or other exceptionalities. Students learn in classes of 13 students or fewer and are taught by certified teachers. The school also has occupational and speech therapists on-site. The school was given a $50,000 match challenge from the Kaminski Family Foundation, of which the leadership was thankful, and the school is poised to exceed the goal! Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Father John Belmonte, SJ, Superintendent of Catholic Schools were present, along with the school staff, parents and donors for an evening of impact
The Televised Mass for the Homebound on Palm Sunday (March 29, 2026), and Easter Sunday (April 5 and celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane), will air for a full hour on both Sundays. Because of the length, these two Sundays the broadcast will air at a special time. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Masses will air at 10:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Masses will air at 8 a.m. on FOX Florida. Please check your cable provider for channel listings. The televised Mass is also always available online at 
To celebrate the 76th birthday of Bishop Frank J. Dewane on March 9, 2026, the Catholic Center staff gathered in the main conference room in Venice. In addition to singing “Happy Birthday,” an Irish poem expressing the blessing of priests was presented. Two birthday cakes, one chocolate and one vanilla, and fresh fruit were offered.
Chloe, an eighth grader at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota recently received her 1st Place Award in the Family Rosary “Try Prayer! It Works!” Art Competition sponsored by the Family Rosary Holy Cross Family Ministries. Holy Cross Family Ministries is a family of Catholic ministries that inspires, promotes and fosters the prayer life and spiritual well-being of families throughout the world.
The Televised Mass for the Homebound on Palm Sunday (March 29, 2026), and Easter Sunday (April 5 and celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane), will air for a full hour on both Sundays. Because of the length, the time of the broadcast on these two Sunday will air at a special time. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Masses will air at 10:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Masses will air at 8 a.m. on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). Please check your cable provider for channel listings. The televised Mass is also always available online at 
