Susan Laielli – Special to the Florida Catholic
Upon learning that the fourth Sunday in July was being reserved in honor of grandparents and the elderly around the world beginning July 25 this year, one can’t help but recall the love and patience imparted by this extraordinary group of people on to so many.
Some fifty years ago it was Mom-Mom Rose who was the strong Catholic influence in our family. Rose, who was raised in a Catholic orphanage in Philadelphia, Pa., was passionate about God and motivated in her faith. On Sunday we would pile in the Ford for a drive to Church rain or shine, sleet, or snow, to ensure her grandchildren attended weekly Sunday Mass. The lingering effects of her commitment in teaching us about God, the Holy Family and the Holy Spirit can be felt all these years later as I take my family, and now my own grandchildren to Mass.
The impact Vince and Annemarie Obsitnik, married 60 years, are having on their four sons and the 12 grandchildren (6 boys and 6 girls) is almost immeasurable.
“We try to teach them by our own example through going to Church each Sunday and praying,” said Vince Obsiknik, who admits it’s difficult to gauge the impact they are having on the children.
“We tell all of the kids it is important to be thankful for all they receive,” added Annemarie Obsiknik, who joined her husband during the interview.
The couple stressed that the real example for lessons in faith must come from the grandchildren’s parents, as they don’t want to over-step any boundaries, but admit to enhancing their parental support by showing examples of how God works in their lives.
“A grandparent’s example is as important as any other influence in showing our faith through how we live in our marriage, how we treat each other, and offering each child respect, and not focusing on any shortcomings we each might possess,” said the pair.
For grandmother and great-grandmother Carol Palmer, a longtime Epiphany Cathedral Parishioner, faith was ingrained from birth with three aunts who were nuns and an uncle who accepted the Lord’s call to become a priest. Msgr. Eugene Feldhaus, who subsequently died at 98-years old, taught the future Shepherd of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, in grade school.
Palmer, along with her future husband Charles, attended 12 years of Catholic School in New York. The couple married and had five children, (two passed away) five grandchildren and one great-grandchild, with another on the way. All the children were Baptized by her uncle.
“I pray each morning for my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and offer Masses for them periodically. It’s understood when we get together that Mass is a part of our family time together,” said Palmer, who was widowed a decade ago.
With grandchildren in their 30’s Palmer says she understands faith and perspective can be challenging for them, but she remains hopeful that each will know that God is there for them in good times and in bad.
Remembering my grandmother Rose, who stood 4’8”, I can still see her kneeling next to me through the Consecration at Mass and feel blessed she taught me so much about God. It’s now time to get to work and keep our Catholic Faith alive through the next generation.
Every day, Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice serves the most vulnerable population by feeding, housing, empowering, and striving to help those in need. This summer, you can leave your footprint by helping your neighbors. The Catholic Charities Summertime and the Giving is Easy Appeal is asking for your support. You can donate to the type of assistance you believe is the most important, such as food, shelter, education or other support. The giving is easy! Your gift will make a positive impact on our less fortunate brothers and sisters! Please visit 
There are two dates in July which hold a special place in the life of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, July 16 and July 25. The Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, July 16, is the day in which he received the Sacrament of Holy Orders 33 years ago in 1988 for the Diocese of Green Bay. In addition, it was 15 years ago, on July 25, 2006, when he was Ordained to the Episcopate, becoming a Bishop and the Spiritual Leader of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. Please prayer for Bishop Dewane. If you would like to send the Bishop a congratulatory message, please send a message to 
The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation is offering a 16-week graduate level online course starting August 24 that introduces students to the principles, practices, and sources of Catholic Theology. The course “What is Catholic Theology? (Ecclesial Nature and Mission of Theology)” counts as a pre-requisite for those beginning the online MA in Theology and Christian Ministry at Franciscan University of Steubenville. (Franciscan offers Diocese of Venice students discounted tuition for this online MA). This course is also available to those who wish to attend for their own personal enrichment. For cost and other information and to register for the course, visit the Institute website at 
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc. is offering Mental Health Counseling for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, or helpless, Catholic Charities can help. For more information, please call 239-455-2655. There is no charge for this service.
More than 120 participated in an afternoon of prayer, song and reflection at Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda in the first in-person group gathering in more than a year, reuniting members of the 15 active English DVCCR prayer groups in the Diocese. The celebration culminated with Mass.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane recognized all Catholic Scouts and members of comporable groups in the Diocese of Venice during the annual presentation of Religious Awards on May 16, 2021 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Prior to the awards presentation about 100 Scouts, Scout leaders and family members, took part in Mass for the Ascension of the Lord Sunday which was celebrated by Bishop Dewane and concelebrated by Father Lawton Lang, Diocesan Scout Chaplain.
Of note at the awards ceremony was the presentation of the Pillars of Faith award to Bartosz Fabinski, of Boy Scout Troop 777 of St. Francis Xavier Parish. This award provides special recognition for youth in Scouting who earn all traditional Catholic Religious Medals: Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII. This is the first time this award has been presented to a Scout in many years as it requires earning key awards at various stages in beginning at the age of 6 or 7 and continuing to age 15 or older. To make this recognition possible this year, Bartosz was able to earn the Pope Pius XII award, the final award in the sequence.
The Youth Mental Health First Aid workshops on April 29, 2021 at St. Agnes Parish in Naples and May 1 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish in Sarasota, were offered through the Diocese Department of Religious Education in an effort to teach those who interact with teens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
