florida conference Archives - Diocese of Venice

Many opportunities to support Pro-Life efforts in coming weeks

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Bob Reddy

In the 53 years since the U.S. Supreme Court paved the way for legalized abortion in the United States in the infamous Roe v. Wade decision, more than 63 million innocent lives have been lost. However, since Roe was overturned by the Supreme Court by the Dobbs decision in 2022, great progress has been made to protect women and their preborn children in Florida.

“While significant gains to protect women and preborn children in recent years have been put in place, abortion in Florida will continue at a very high rate under our current laws,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said. “We ask Our Lord to continue to give all the courage to speak up on this issue; to give us all the strength to continue to ask others to be part of this necessity, understanding that we are called to do this as men and women of God. We are grateful for the success realized, as God continues to journey with us and protect us along the way.”

Bishop Dewane, along with all Florida Bishops, has vowed to continue to proclaim in Parishes and in the public square the value of every human life and to highlight that there is a better way forward for women, families and society than abortion.

Keeping the unborn at the forefront of the public discussion remains critical, as Jan. 22, 2026, the Roe v. Wade anniversary, is now known as the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) stated: “On June 24, 2022, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturned Roe v. Wade, and we praise God for the great opportunity state and federal legislators now have to protect pre-born children. While God, in His mercy, ended the nearly 50-year nationwide regime of abortion on demand, right now state and federal laws, in many instances, are still hostile to pre-born children. Every day, more than 2,350 children die to abortion in the United States. The shift that has taken place has moved from medical to chemical abortions. So, great prayer and advocacy is very needed.”

9 Days for Life novena

Encompassing the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, Catholics nationwide are also invited to pray “9 Days for Life,” an annual Respect Life novena starting Jan. 16.

Sponsored by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the USCCB, the novena began in 2013 in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. While the 2022 Dobbs decision returned the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives at federal and state levels, continuing efforts are needed to protect children and their mothers from the tragedy of abortion. Since the novena began, it has reached hundreds of thousands of people in over one hundred countries spanning six continents.

The overarching intention of the novena is the end to abortion. Each daily prayer intention highlights a related topic and is accompanied by a reflection, educational information, and suggested daily actions. All are invited to sign up! Participants may access the novena or subscribe to receive the daily prayers by email or text message in English at 9daysforlife.com or in Spanish at respectlife.org/9-dias-por-la-vida.

Marches for Life

There are a number of events taking place locally to commemorate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children and beyond.

Coming up first, there are two different March for Life events on Jan. 17, one in Ave Maria, and one in Tampa. Both offer the opportunity, through prayer, music and inspiring speeches, to raise awareness and advocate for life in Southwest Florida with others dedicated to the pro-life mission.

A March for Life at the Ave Maria University Football Stadium, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd., is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 17. Speakers include Bishop Joseph Coffey, Archdiocese of Military Services, USA, as well as several members of the University and Parish pro-life community. For more information contact amprespectlifeministry@gmail.com.

A Tampa March for Life will begin at 9 a.m. at Sacred Heart Parish in Tampa and travel to Perry Harvey Sr. Park. This event is organized by our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. For more information, visit https://www.dosp.org/2026MarchRSVP/.

Culture of Life Luncheon

The following day, Jan. 18, there is an opportunity to celebrate and support the ministries that walk alongside mothers, fathers and families every single day by participating in the Culture of Life Luncheon at noon at San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port.

The Culture of Life Luncheon is a gathering to celebrate, strengthen, and support the incredible pro-life work happening right here in our community. Speakers will include Bishop Frank J. Dewane; Tavia Ames, Respect Life Director for the Diocese of Venice; as well as representatives from Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities; Pregnancy Solutions; SOLVE Maternity Homes; Community Pregnancy Clinics; and Support After Abortion. The Culture of Life is not just a cause – it’s a calling. Your presence helps lift up these ministries, strengthen the pro-life mission in our region, and ensure that more families receive hope, support, and the love of Christ in their moment of need. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/culture-of-life-luncheon.

National March for Life

One week later is the National March for Life (Jan. 22-23), when tens of thousands of pro-lifers will converge in Washington, D.C., including a group of about 350 youth and young adults from the Diocese of Venice. Even with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the work to build a culture of life and put an end to abortion is not done; the effort continues at both state and federal levels. In fact, protecting life has gotten even more complex, with the advance and prevalence of the abortion pills, and their easy, anonymous distribution. Join these inspiring, peaceful, and vibrant rallies to fight for life.

Event supporting CPCI Sarasota

Community Pregnancy Clinics of Sarasota will host its “Heart of Sarasota” event, “Together Miracles Happen,” at 5 p.m. Jan. 24, at GROVE Event Venue, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. The evening will feature Melissa Ohden, Founder and Director of The Abortion Survivors Network, as the keynote speaker. Ohden is nationally recognized for her advocacy and powerful testimony, offering a message of hope and resilience. This event is free to attend, but registration is required. To RSVP or make a donation, please visit https://supportcpci.com/2026-sarasota-event/. For event questions, please contact sarasotaevent@community4life.com.

40 Days for Life Spring Campaign

Looking forward, the Spring 40 Days for Life prayer campaign to end abortion in the United States will take place from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18 through Palm Sunday, March 29. Within the Diocese of Venice, peaceful prayer vigils will take place in front of Planned Parenthood abortion facilities in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples. To learn more about this campaign, please visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/.

Project Rachel

For women or men who have been scarred by abortion, the Diocese offers “Project Rachel,” an outreach of the Catholic Church to those who are suffering and in need of healing following an abortion. This program offers help through the sacraments, retreats, and referrals for professional counseling, all confidentially. For assistance, please contact, Sylvia Jimenez, Project Rachel Coordinator, at 941-412-5860 (English and en Español), or project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. The Diocese also works with “Support After Abortion,” a national outreach to provide individualized care for those impacted by abortion. For details, visit https://supportafterabortion.com/.

To learn more about Respect Life activities in the Diocese of Venice, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/, or contact Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org.

Execution prayer vigil held in North Port

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Kayle Barrington Bates was executed by the State of Florida at 6 p.m., Aug. 19, 2025. He has been on Florida’s death row, off and on since 1983.

To mark this solemn occasion, a prayer vigil was held at San Pedro Parish in North Port.

Bates was sentenced to death for the 1982 murder of Janet Renee White in Bay County. He appealed and was moved on and off death row for 42 years, until Gov. Ron DeSantis signed his death warrant. Bates was the 10th execution in Florida and 29th in the U.S. so far this year. With Bates’ execution, the state extends its dubious record of the most executions in the state in a single year since the death penalty returned in 1976. The previous high for executions in Florida had been 8 in 2014 and 1984.

During the vigil, which joined Floridians around the state, the faithful gathered to pray for Janet Renee White, for her family, for all who have been harmed by Mr. Bates’ actions, for him, for those directly or indirectly involved in the execution, for everyone affected by violent crime, and for an end to the use of the death penalty.

On behalf of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Michael Sheedy, Executive Director, sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis seeking a stay of the execution and commuting the sentence to life without parole. In the letter, Sheedy wrote that the Florida Bishops mourned the tragic death of Ms. White and the terrible suffering of her husband, Randy, and loved ones. “Nevertheless, even as we pray for the repose of Ms. White’s soul and for her husband’s consolation, we urge you to spare Mr. Bates’s life,” wrote Sheedy. “Every human life, given by God, is sacred.”

The Catholic Church teaches that the death penalty attacks the inviolability of the human person. Life-long incarceration without the possibility of parole is a severe yet more humane punishment that ensures societal safety, allows the guilty the possibility of redemption, and offers finality to court processes. Given our modern penal system, executions are unnecessary.

The Florida Bishops asked all Floridians to join in praying a novena for an end to the use of Florida’s death penalty. The novena was from Aug. 6-14, concluding on the Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who was executed in an Auschwitz prison camp in 1941.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the Florida Bishops will continue to ask the governor to stop signing death warrants. Prayer is powerful!

The Bishop also used his Aug. 29, 2025, Relevant Radio podcast “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,” to talk about the death penalty.

“At the heart of Catholic teaching on the death penalty is the truth that human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God, and every person’s life has dignity and worth, ‘no matter the harm one has suffered or caused,’” Bishop Dewane said.

Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, Executive Director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network in Washington, D.C., said the actions of Gov. DeSantis are fueling a nationwide uptick in capital punishment. Nationally, we have already seen more executions this year than in any year in the past decade, and it is only August.

Vaillancourt Murphy shared that during a visit to the Vatican she was able to meet Pope Francis and encourage him to ask then-President Joseph Biden to pardon all federal death row inmates. The Holy Father made a public appeal and Biden did grant the pardons before leaving office in January 2025.

During the radio show, Bob Hiniker, Coordinator of Prison Outreach in the Diocese of Venice, and Father Luis Pacheco, Pastor of St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, spoke about the alternative to the death penalty – life in prison, and prison ministry in general.

Father Pacheco and Hiniker visit prisons regularly and spoke about how prison outreach seeks to bring the Gospel to those who are incarcerated, their families, their victims and those who work in the justice system. Prison outreach offers Bible study, religious education and assistance with receiving the sacraments such as Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

If you are interested in volunteering for prison ministry, please contact Bob Hiniker at 863-558-0407 or hinbob5@hotmail.com. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable.

“Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” can be heard on Relevant Radio on 1410 AM and 106.7 FM in Fort Myers and 1660 AM and 93.3 FM in Naples at 8:30 a.m. on the last Friday of every month (Aug. 29), or anytime at www.dioceseofvenice.org/ourbishop.

At San Pedro Parish in North Port, Deacon Richard Frohmiller led the prayer vigil and said they were there not to debate the guilt or innocence of Bates, but to pray for his soul, and the souls of all who have been put to death by the State on our “behalf.”

“We are taught to respect the dignity of every person and we pray that we are never silent about the deliberate taking of a life,” Deacon Frohmiller said.

The prayer service included hymns and a reading from the Gospel of Matthew 5:38-48, when Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.” Jesus teaches that we should step beyond we perceive as our right and to respond with love. While the Old Testament includes some passages about taking the life of one who kills, the Old Testament and the teaching of Christ in the New Testament call us to protect life, practice mercy, and reject vengeance.

The North Port group also prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and offered intercessions seeking a change to the laws which allow capital punishment in Florida and elsewhere. The prayer service poignantly paused at 6 p.m. (the time of the execution) to pray in silence.

Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in Florida in 1976, 116 people have been put to death, including Bates. Death warrants have already been signed for two more. Curtis Windom, 59, is set to become the 11th person executed in Florida on Aug. 28. He was convicted of killing three people in the Orlando area in 1992.

David Pittman, 63, will be the 12th person executed in Florida if his death sentence is carried out as scheduled on Sept. 17. He was found guilty of fatally stabbing his estranged wife’s sister and parents at their Polk County home before setting it on fire in 1990.

Deacon Frohmiller said he will hold a prayer vigil for each scheduled execution, no matter how often they occur. “It is frustrating that this is happening, but we are called to pray, and will continue to do so until executions end in Florida.” The vigils at San Pedro Parish Chapel, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, begin at 5:30 p.m. and last less than an hour. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Bishop asks for prayers to end Florida executions

Posted on August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 by Bob Reddy

The pace of executions in Florida is alarming. With the execution of Edward Zakrzewski on July 31, 2025, the ninth to take place this year, Florida has broken its own record for the number of executions carried out in a single year. The state is not stopping there. Governor Ron DeSantis has already signed two additional death warrants; Kayle Bates is scheduled to be executed on August 19, and Curtis Windom on August 28, thereby setting new records for most executions in a single year in Florida.

The death penalty is a harmful and unnecessary form of punishment. State-sanctioned killing further distorts society’s understanding of the sacredness of all human life, diminishing the recognition of our own inherent dignity and that of others. St. John Paul II expressed strong opposition to the death penalty, advocating for its abolition and emphasizing the inherent dignity of every human life, even in face of serious crime. He acknowledged the traditional teaching allowing capital punishment in cases of absolute necessity, but argued that advances in penal systems made such cases “very rare, if not practically nonexistent.” St. John Paul II also called for a “consensus to end the death penalty” and emphasized the possibility of redemption and rehabilitation for offenders.

As Catholics, we are called to mercy and compassion, not violence and vengeance. With mercy towards the offenders, who themselves have often been victimized in life, and compassion for the victims of violence and their families, whose grief is not eliminated by the taking of another life, justice can be better served.

Please join Bishop Frank J. Dewane and all the Bishops of Florida to pray a novena for an end to the use of Florida’s death penalty. The novena began earlier this week, Aug. 6, and continues through Aug. 14, concluding on the Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who was executed in an Auschwitz prison camp in 1941. Watch for videos of the Bishops and pray along with them on social media at www.facebook.com/flaccb.

The Florida Bishops will continue to ask the governor to stop signing death warrants. However, prayer is powerful and is needed!

Prayer to End the Use of the Death Penalty

Merciful Father, we ask your blessing on all we do to build a culture of life. Hear our prayers for those impacted by the death penalty.

We pray for all people, that their lives and dignity as children of a loving God may be respected and protected in all stages and circumstances.

We pray for victims of violence and their families, that they may experience our love and support and find comfort in your compassion and in the promise of eternal life.

We pray for those on death row, that their lives may be spared, that the innocent may be freed and that the guilty may come to acknowledge their faults and seek reconciliation with you.

We pray for the families of those who are facing execution, that they may be comforted by your love and compassion.

We pray for civic leaders, that they may commit themselves to respecting every human life and ending the use of the death penalty in our land.

Compassionate Father, give us wisdom and hearts filled with your love. Guide us as we work to end the use of the death penalty and to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations.

We ask this Father through your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Amen

News Briefs for the week of December 13, 2024

Posted on December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Florida Bishops hold retreat in Venice

The Bishops of Florida held an Advent Retreat at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice in early December. The retreat spanned to include the observance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Dec. 9, 2024. (The celebration of the Solemnity was transferred to Dec. 9 from Dec. 8 to not interfere with the Second Sunday of Advent.)

Seminarian instituted into Ministry of Lector

Diocese of Venice Seminarian Bao Quoc Nguyen was among six who were instituted into the Ministry of Lector by the Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia, Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse, on December 4, 2024, at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Those who are in formation to be ordained as Catholic priests must serve in the Ministry of Lector. This role prepares them to proclaim the Word of God through their work in the community and through the celebration of Mass and other liturgical rites. The principal duties of the lector at a Sunday Mass are to proclaim the first and second readings. In the absence of a deacon and/or cantor, the lector may carry the Gospel Book to the altar, proclaim the petitions for the Universal Prayer, and lead the responsorial psalm.

Bishop helps Parish celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the principal celebrant for a Mass at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia. The Mass included prayers, petitions and music in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A full celebration of the Feast Day, which is Dec. 12, followed and included traditional dancers and music as well as food. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas and is an important symbol of the Catholic faith, particularly among Catholics of Hispanic descent. Large celebrations take place at Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice for this Feast Day each year. Please read the Dec. 20 e-edition of the Florida Catholic for full coverage of the local Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations.

Street Evangelization training takes place in Cape Coral

The latest offering of the St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) Training took place on Dec. 7, 2024, at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral. Adam Janke, Vice-President of SPSE was the presenter, offering guidance on how to share the faith in the public square. Following the classroom training, participants were offered the opportunity to use what they learned in a Live Lab at the Coralwood Shopping Plaza in Cape Coral to gain practical, hands-on experience in real street evangelization. There were 27 people in attendance at the all-day training and many participated in the Live Lab.

Bradenton robotics team participates in large competition

Three robotics teams from St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton have been busy building machines and learning how to implement new code for competitions. On Dec. 7, 2024, they had an opportunity to test their skills at a local FIRST Robotics Event at the State College of Florida. The teammates had a great time learning together, and with every attempt to run their programs, they showed improvement.

Sarasota Catholic School awarded $10,000 grant

St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support the implementation of a donor database. The grant was provided by the George J. & Alice Pugh Donor Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Implementing a donor database at St. Martha Catholic School will streamline the management of donor information, allowing the school to efficiently track contributions and target outreach efforts. This system will be instrumental in securing the necessary funds to provide educational opportunities and financial assistance to students in our community who need it most. For more information about St. Martha Catholic School, please visit www.stmarthaschool.net.

Defeat of Amendment 4 is good news – But does not stop fight to protect LIFE

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Bob Reddy

News of the defeat of Amendment 4, an extreme and dangerous proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that would have radically expanded access to abortion, spread rapidly on Election Night, with the Florida Bishops expressing their relief, while news that a majority of voters supported the amendment remains a concern.

“This is a great victory not only for the protection of full-term babies, but also for the protection of mothers and girls who were placed in danger by the proposed amendment,” Bishop Dewane said. “My thanks and gratitude go out to the many across the Diocese of Venice who stood up to support life and helped to defeat Amendment 4. To all who prayed, put up yard signs, handed out information, spoke to their neighbors, stood on the sidewalks in the public square saying, “NO on 4!” I humbly say: ‘THANK YOU!’”

Amendment 4 required 60% of the vote in Florida for passage, and the Diocese of Venice was blessed that none of the 10 counties which make up the Diocese of Venice reached that threshold. If fact, six of the 10 counties did not ever reach 50% in favor of Amendment 4, a good sign for standing for life moving forward.

The focus of the Catholic Church on abortion is, and has always been, to help women in unexpected or difficult pregnancies to appreciate the gift of life, helping them to make the right choice for life.

“We must continue in these efforts,” Bishop Dewane said. “Of course, legal protection of the unborn must be accompanied by more care for mothers and their children. The Catholic Church, and the Diocese of Venice, stand ready to help mothers in need. Pregnant women must know that they are not alone.”

Parishes in the Diocese of Venice have redoubled their efforts to accompany women and couples who are facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, offering them loving and compassionate care, through the “Walking with Moms in Need” program. This program educates the faithful where to send a pregnant woman in need (https://dioceseofvenice.org/walking-with-moms-in-need) with all resources available in both English and Spanish. There are 22 Pregnancy Help Centers and nine residential maternity and after-birth homes within the Diocese, standing ready to help. Importantly, with an expected increase for demand, there are many financial and volunteering opportunities available to support these Pregnancy Help Centers.

While Bishop Dewane, along with the Florida Bishops said that the defeat of Amendment 4 is a time for celebration, there still needs to be a focus on making abortion unthinkable in Florida.

“Though Amendment 4 failed to reach the 60% threshold required to pass, a majority of Floridians voting in the general election supported it,” the Florida Bishops said. “While significant gains to protect women and preborn children in recent years will remain in place, abortion in Florida will continue at a very high rate under our current laws.”

“Much work remains to open hearts and minds to the dignity and goodness of life in the womb and at every stage,” the Florida Bishops statement continued. “We will continue to proclaim in our churches and in the public square the value of every human life and to highlight that there is a better way forward for women, families and society than abortion. Through our many ministries, we will continue to support, encourage and assist pregnant women and young families. For those who regret their abortion or abortions, or their cooperation in one, we reiterate that the Lord is eager to forgive, and the Church is ready to facilitate healing.”

For decades, the Diocese of Venice has supported Pregnancy Help Centers and will continue to do so. Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities in Venice is one of the programs in the Diocese that supports single mothers and their children, providing not just housing and material needs, but valuable counseling and education.

There is also a support after abortion outreach in the Diocese called Project Rachel. This program is a confidential service where any woman or man who is hurting from an abortion can seek help and find hope and healing. Again, this service is available in both English and Spanish.

“Many people still don’t understand Catholic teaching on abortion and the sanctity of human life,” said Jeanne Berdeaux, Diocese of Venice Respect Life Director. “There are many resources available to help them learn the truth beginning with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and on our Diocesan website. We must all be reminded that in God’s eyes, all human life is sacred, from conception to natural death; this is the teaching of the Catholic Church.”

Bishop Dewane concluded that as we move forward from the defeat of Amendment 4, “Let us all continue to pray for the end to abortion, and the end to taking the lives of an entire category of human beings, the preborn.”

News Briefs for the week of October 4, 2024

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

Legion of Mary annual retreat held in Venice

The Legion of Mary Manasota Curis held a day of prayer Sept. 28, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. The day included the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Sacrament of Reconciliation and talks. Bob Wilson, Director of St. Paul Street Evangelization, spoke about how to speak with family and friends who have questions about the faith. Wilson said those who disagree with Church Teachings on any topic, disagree with God. “Jesus and the Catholic Church are one entity. Jesus is the head and Church is the body.” Wilson also discussed common questions Catholics face regarding our beliefs, such as praying to saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary. “We do not worship Mary and the saints, we honor them. When we are praying to Mary, we are asking her to intercede on our behalf. Asking her Son to pray for us.”

Feast of Archangels celebrated in Wauchula

St. Michael Parish in Wauchula celebrated the Feast of the Archangels as part of a larger celebration on Sept. 28, 2024, the eve of the Feast Day. The celebration included a process around the Parish grounds leading into a bilingual Mass (English and Spanish). This was followed by a Parish festival. The three archangels whom the Church honors by name are Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael. St. Michael was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of God. He is the protector of all humanity from the snares of the devil. Within the Diocese of Venice, there is also a St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Sarasota. St. Gabriel announced to Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. His greeting to the Virgin, “Hail, full of grace,” is one of the most familiar and frequent prayers of the Christian people. St. Raphael is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey. There are two Parishes in the Diocese which have been bestowed with that name, one in Lehigh Acres and the other in Englewood.

Florida Bishops offer new election resources

The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has produced two new voter resources for the faithful to consider during the November 2024 General Election. First, is the Florida Conference Voter Guide which provides information about Catholic teaching, offers considerations on key topics, and poses questions regarding current issues to assist voters in evaluating candidate positions or political party platforms: FCCB Voter Guide (English) | (Spanish). Second, a comparison of the positions of candidates for U.S. Presidency, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, on multiple topics has been compiled directly from policies, public statements, official or campaign websites, and other sources. Hyperlinks are provided to sources for each position: 2024 Presidential Candidate Comparison (English) | (Spanish).

Fall 40 Days for Life continues in Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples

Join others in praying for an end to abortion during the fall campaign of 40 Days for Life with prayer vigils each day Sept.25 to Nov. 3, 2024, in Fort Myers, Naples and Sarasota. This peaceful prayer movement needs everyone to join in praying for the unborn and families on the public sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood. The need for support is more important than ever as there are efforts to push to dispense the abortion pill and to pass more extreme abortion measures onto the people of Florida. The prayer vigil in Fort Myers is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon. – Sat.), at 6418 Commerce Park Drive. For more information, contact Maureen at 40daysforlifefmsp@gmail.com, or visit 40daysforlife.com/fortmyers. The Naples prayer vigil is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Mon. – Sat.), at 1425 Creech Road. For details, contact Ricki at 40DFLnaples@gmail.com, or visit 40daysforlife.com/naples. In Sarasota, the vigil is daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 736 Central Ave. For more details, contact Rich at 40DFLSarasota@proton.me, or visit 40daysforlife.com/sarasota.

Pro-Life program in Naples Oct. 11

St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting a pro-life program on Oct. 11, 2024, at 1 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The program, titled: “Wisdom in the Constitution and America’s Religious Legacy: Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness – how can we uphold it?” is presented by Dr. Seana McGuire Sugrue, D.C.L., Ambassador Michael Novak Chair of Politics at Ave Maria University, where she has previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty. The program will address relevant topics being debated in the 2024 General Election here in Florida and nationwide. The event is free and light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact St. William Parish at 239-261-4883.

Together in Holiness Marriage Conference Oct. 19

Calling all Catholic engaged and married couples! Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for the fourth annual Diocesan “Together in Holiness” marriage conference, 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Oct. 19, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The Conference, a collaboration between the Diocese of Venice and the St. John Paul II Foundation, is a great opportunity for all Catholic engaged and married couples in the Diocese to gather for a day dedicated to prayer, conversation, fellowship, and reflection on the beautiful vocation of marriage. Registration is now open for the day-long event which includes a Mass and Marriage Blessing celebrated by Bishop Dewane, and inspirational talks by Catholic speakers Renzo & Monica Ortega, Rev. Alex Pince and Mallory Smyth. Childcare, as well as full and partial scholarships, are available. To register or for further information, please visit togetherinholiness.org.

Red Mass Oct. 22 in Sarasota

The 16th Annual Red Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice at 5:30 p.m., Oct. 22, 2024, at St. Martha Catholic Church, 200 N. Orange Avenue in Sarasota. Judges, lawyers, lawmakers, their families and staff are cordially invited to attend. A reception hosted by the Planning Committee of the Catholic Lawyers Guild will follow in the Fr. Fausto Parish Hall. Please send RSVPs before October 11 for the Red Mass and/or reception to Tina Mroczkowski at 941-366-5510 or tinam@bowmangeorge.com.

Undy Sunday Collier County coming soon

The annual Undy Sunday Campaign will take place in Collier County the weekends of October 19 and 20, and October 26 and 27, 2024. This collection of new and unused underwear and socks helps thousands of underserved Elementary School students receive underwear and socks. There are three ways to assist with this campaign. Please see the flyer below for these options and additional information or contact Allegra Belliard at 239-793-0059.

Veterans Day Ball on Nov. 8

The annual Ave Maria Veterans Day Ball – A Celebration for All, will take place at 6 p.m., Nov. 8, 2024, at the Del Webb Grand Hall in Ave Maria. The evening includes a cocktail hour, keynote address by Vice Admiral Charles W. Moore Jr., U.S. Navy Ret., dinner and dancing. Tickets are $125 per person and are available at www.avemariakofc.org/veterans-day-ball.

Catholic Mass on Veterans Day

On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, the Diocese of Venice will hold a Memorial Mass in honor of the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve and protect us today. This is the 15th year the Diocese has held a Mass on Veterans Day. The opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 p.m., with the Mass at 3:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72/Clark Road, approximately five miles east of I-75. The priests, deacons and Knights of Columbus in the Diocese will join in the celebration of the Mass. All are invited to attend, and active military personnel are asked to wear their uniform. Attendees are also encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is ample seating and parking at the cemetery. For further information please contact Gail Ardy at ardy@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4714.

2024 Diocesan Youth Rally Nov. 16

All students, grades 9 to 12, are invited to attend this year’s Diocesan Youth Rally from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. The theme for this year’s Rally is “Ignite!” This is a day dedicated to faith, fellowship, and fun, where all come together to have hearts ignited by the Lord Jesus, so that He can draw each person present into a deeper relationship with Himself. The Diocesan Youth Rally will feature inspiring talks, uplifting music, and opportunities to connect with other youth from across the Diocese. Registration is through the Parish. Please contact Andres Prias, Youth and Young Adult Outreach Director, Diocese of Venice Department of Evangelization prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543 for further information.

Kristallnacht commemoration Nov. 17 in Naples

The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County (CJD) invites the community to its annual commemorative service of Kristallnacht or “Night of Broken Glass,” which historians consider the beginning of the Holocaust. The free public event will take place at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. The guest speaker is Joh Koenigsberg, who will share his experiences as a young boy during the Holocaust. At the age of 5, Koenigsberg was brought to the home of a Catholic family by the Dutch Resistance and hid from the Nazis for two years. Kristallnacht recounts the attacks on Jewish communities throughout Germany on Nov. 9-10, 1938. The Kristallnacht commemorative event memorializes the six million Jews and millions of others who were exterminated during the Holocaust. The event is sponsored by CJD, the Diocese of Venice in Florida, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, GenShoah of SWFL, and the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center. Please register at www.jewishnaples.org. A reception will follow the talk.

Florida Bishops Gather to Discuss Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Bob Reddy

By Karen Barry Schwarz – Special to the Florida Catholic

Recently, the Florida Bishops gathered to discuss the meaning and importance of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship provides guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy and urges Catholics to shape their political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. During their discussion, the Florida Bishops took time to share important excerpts from the guide on video, which can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LSkl0zyd4c.

In the Florida Bishops’ discussion, Bishop Frank J. Dewane shares this excerpt from the guide: “It is our responsibility to learn more of Catholic teaching and tradition, to participate in Church life, to learn from trustworthy sources about the issues facing our communities, and to do our best to make wise judgements about candidates and government actions.”

This direction from Bishop Dewane and the USCCB guide is particularly relevant today, given the threat of Amendment 4, a dangerous pro-abortion amendment which seeks to embed unregulated, unrestricted abortion in our state constitution, allowing abortion at any time, for any reason. The Florida Bishops are asking all Floridians to vote NO on Amendment 4, and Parishes in the Diocese of Venice have been sharing information about the dangers of Amendment 4 for months, at Bishop Dewane’s urging.

“The Church has not only a role here, but also a responsibility to its faithful to guide them in the teachings of the Church regarding the important issues of the day,” adds Bishop Dewane. “Every election presents an opportunity to have your voice heard. Make sure that you are voting in good conscience, and that you are doing so with the mind of Christ.”

The USCCB guide shares a prayer from the US Bishops seeking wisdom for all: “May God bless you as you consider and pray over these challenging decisions. May God bless our nation with true wisdom, peace, and mutual forgiveness, that we may decide together, through our democratic processes, to uphold the dignity of life and the common good.”

To read the USCCB’s Forming Consciences for A Faithful Citizenship, visit: https://www.usccb.org/resources/forming-consciences-faithful-citizenship-pdf

To view the Florida Bishops’ videotaped discussion about Forming Consciences for A Faithful Citizenship, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LSkl0zyd4c

For more about Amendment 4, including a video of Bishop Dewane discussing the issue, visit: https://dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife/amendment4

Bishop speaks out on Amendment 4

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Bob Reddy

This week, Bishop Frank J. Dewane shares his thoughts about the dangerous Amendment 4 in a newly released video message to the faithful. This misleading and deceptive amendment would drastically expand access to abortion in Florida, and is dangerous for full-term babies, women, and girls. The full text of Bishop Dewane’s message is below, as are links to key resources to defeat Amendment 4. (Follow this link to watch the video: https://vimeo.com/1006710968?share=copy

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

News of Amendment 4, a dangerous pro-abortion amendment which will appear on the Florida ballot this fall, has no doubt reached you by now. The amendment is misleading in its language, and dangerous not only for full-term babies, but women, and girls. It is my hope that once you look into the facts of this proposed change to Florida’s state constitution, you will unequivocally vote “no” in November.

Keep in mind, if you will, that the word “no” is not always negative. In this case, it is not only a “positive,” it is positively crucial, and even lifesaving! Plan to do something positive by saying “yes” to life by voting “no” in November.

Why vote “no” on Amendment 4?

Titled “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion,” this amendment would embed unregulated abortion in the state constitution, establishing an unlimited right to abortion throughout the pregnancy, making Florida one of the most pro-abortion states in the nation.

Amendment 4 would allow for second and third trimester abortions, a stark contrast to Florida’s current Heartbeat Protection Law which allows abortion up until a heartbeat can be detected, at about six weeks gestation. Although in a perfect world any abortion would be unthinkable, it is certainly preferable to have some limits on when it is legal.
This amendment allows for abortion for any reason, including consideration of the “patient’s health,” which is undefined in the amendment. Current Florida law includes an exception for when the pregnant woman’s life is in danger, among many other exceptions.

Further, Amendment 4 puts not only babies, but women and girls at risk. The amendment weakens the current medical doctor requirement, allowing “healthcare providers,” not just physicians, to determine if an abortion is necessary to protect the mother’s health. This is dangerous for women.

The Amendment also eliminates the currently required parental “consent” for a minor to have an abortion, preserving only parental “notification.” This is reckless, and destructive, for girls, and their families.

In short, Amendment 4 goes dangerously beyond even what was permitted in the Roe v. Wade ruling. It is extreme, and unnecessary. There is simply no need to expand what is an already expansive abortion law in Florida.

Some have said that the Church has no place in politics. It is true that the Church would never suggest you vote for a particular candidate. However, in this election year, it is critically important to remember that shaping the moral character of society is a responsibility of people of faith, and a basic part of the mission we have received from Jesus Christ. In this case, when confronted with such a clear threat to human life and dignity, the Church must not be silent and simply cannot remain on the sidelines.

Let us unite in prayer to defeat this expansive, pro-abortion amendment, and vote “no” on Amendment 4 in November.

I take this opportunity to extend to each of you assurances of my continued consideration as well as my prayers.

To view the video message, visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife/amendment4.

For more information about Amendment 4

Vote No on 4 – www.votenoon4florida.com

Florida Conference for Catholic Bishops – https://flaccb.org/abortion-amendment

Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office – https://dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife/amendment4

If you have any questions about Amendment 4, or to get involved in helping to defeat Amendment 4 contact Jeanne Berdeaux or berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068

Prayer to Defeat Florida’s Abortion Amendment

Ever-living God, you give life and desire a future for all your children. Take hold of our nation, state, and community and awaken in every heart awe for the gift of life. Send your Spirit to strengthen us with wisdom and fortitude as we defend mothers and children in Florida from laws that disregard their health and safety.

Mary and Joseph trusted in you and welcomed Jesus into our broken world. God Almighty, we ask their intercession to protect the preborn and their mothers, and to guide all parents in raising their children. May they help us build a civilization of love by upholding the sacredness of life and accompanying pregnant women in need. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Our Lady, Mother of the Family, pray for us!

St. Joseph, Protector of the Unborn, pray for us!

Oremos Para Derrotar la Enmienda del Aborto en Florida

Dios eterno: Tú das la vida y deseas un futuro para todos tus hijos. Apodérate de nuestra nación, estado y comunidad, y despierta en cada corazón la admiración por el regalo de la vida. Envía tu Espíritu para reforzarnos con sabiduría y fortaleza mientras defendemos a las madres y a los niños de Florida de las leyes que desprecian su salud y su seguridad.

María y José confiaron en ti y recibieron a Jesús en nuestro mundo quebrantado. Dios todopoderoso, pedimos que ellos intercedan para proteger a los niños por nacer y a sus madres, y dirigir a todos los padres y madres en la crianza de sus hijos. Que nos ayuden a construir la civilización del amor al defender el carácter sagrado de la vida y acompañar a las mujeres embarazadas que así lo necesiten. Te lo pedimos por Cristo, nuestro Señor. Amén.

Nuestra Señora, Madre de la Familia, ¡ruega por nosotros!

San José, Protector de los No Nacidos, ¡ruega por nosotros!

Courtesy of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops

Defeat of Amendment 4 remains focus

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Amendment 4, a dangerous and misleading amendment that seeks to drastically expand abortion in Florida, will appear on the ballot in the fall.

If passed, this amendment would allow late-term abortions and jeopardize health and safety protections for women and minors. It removes doctors from the abortion decision, includes a broad “health” loophole, and eliminates parental consent.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, and all of the Florida Bishops, have been outspoken against Amendment 4. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has released several statements explaining the danger to Floridians should Amendment 4 pass (Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops at (https://www.flaccb.org/abortion-amendment).

Most recently, during the Aug. 30, 2024, show on Relevant Radio, “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,” Bishop Dewane discusses the dangers of Amendment 4 with Michele Taylor, Associate Director for Communications for the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Karen Schwarz, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Venice. Listen to their brief discussion (30 minutes) and learn the facts!

The show examines the misleading language in Amendment 4, and its real meaning. You can hear simply stated and straightforward reasons why you should Vote No on Amendment 4, even for those who think abortion should be legal in some circumstances. Abortion is already legal in Florida, and the current law includes many exceptions for extenuating circumstances. There is simply no need to expand an already expansive abortion law in the state! Amendment 4 is not what it seems, and it’s way too extreme. Listen to the show on Relevant Radio Aug. 30, at 8:30 a.m., on 1410 AM and 106.7 FM in Fort Myers, and 1660 AM and 93.3 FM in Naples, or listen anytime via the Diocesan of website, at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts/

State Supreme Court Adds Warning to Ballot!

On Aug. 21, 2024, Florida’s Supreme Court voted to add an explanatory note to the misleading ballot language of Amendment 4. The Court approved the Financial Impact Estimating Statement re-written by state economists in July, and the resulting paragraph will now follow Amendment 4 on the ballot so voters can read the potential impact of this extreme amendment. Importantly, the statement informs voters that Amendment 4 could force Florida taxpayers to subsidize elective abortions if Amendment 4 passes in November! The paragraph that will now follow Amendment 4 on the ballot can be found below:

Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion (23-07)

The proposed amendment would result in significantly more abortions and fewer live births per year in Florida. The increase in abortions could be even greater if the amendment invalidates laws requiring parental consent before minors undergo abortions and those ensuring only licensed physicians perform abortions. There is also uncertainty about whether the amendment will require the state to subsidize abortions with public funds. Litigation to resolve those and other uncertainties will result in additional costs to the state government and state courts that will negatively impact the state budget. An increase in abortions may negatively affect the growth of state and local revenues over time. Because the fiscal impact of increased abortions on state and local revenues and costs cannot be estimated with precision, the total impact of the proposed amendment is indeterminate.

For the faithful who want to be better informed about Amendment 4, the Diocesan website has numerous resources, including a video message and frequently asked questions, as well as links to the earlier Florida Catholic stories. To find this information, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/amendment4/.

Below is a prayer, courtesy of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, seeking the defeat of Amendment 4.

Prayer to Defeat Florida’s Abortion Amendment

Our Lady, Mother of the Family, pray for us!

St. Joseph, Protector of the Unborn, pray for us!

Oremos Para Derrotar la Enmienda del Aborto en Florida

Nuestra Señora, Madre de la Familia, ¡ruega por nosotros!

San José, Protector de los No Nacidos, ¡ruega por nosotros!

Courtesy of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops

Advocacy Workshops Share How to Defeat Florida’s Pro-Abortion Amendment

Posted on May 21, 2024May 21, 2024 by Bob Reddy

By Karen Barry Schwarz – Special to the Florida Catholic

More than 150 Pro-Life leaders from the Diocese of Venice attended Pro-Life Advocacy Workshops this week, with the impassioned goal of learning how to defeat Amendment 4, Florida’s dangerous, misleading Pro-Abortion Amendment which will be on the ballot this fall. The workshops were held at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota on May 13, 2024, and at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers on May 15.

Both workshops included lunch and opened with a prayer from the hosting Pastor. The workshops were presented by The Leadership Institute, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, in cooperation with the Diocese’s Respect Life Office and its director, Jeanne Berdeaux, with the support of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who was pleased to hear of the enthusiastic turnout. Dena Espenscheid, the Institute’s Director of Pro-Life Training and Senior Director of Coalitions led the sessions. Espenscheid is an experienced Pro-Life advocate, and an expert in how to persuade voters and win elections.

Various strategies were presented, and Espenscheid’s main message was that education about the amendment is key. Jeanne Berdeaux, Director of Respect Life for the Diocese of Venice, echoed the critical importance of education.

“The language in Amendment 4 is misleading, and easy to misunderstand,” Berdeaux said. “The fact is, this Amendment is way too extreme, as it would enshrine completely unregulated, unrestricted abortion in our state constitution. I don’t think this is what people want. The more we can educate people about what it really means for our state, the more likely we are going to defeat this deceitful Amendment.”

Espenscheid explained that the current law in Florida, the Heartbeat Protection Law, already has in its provisions what most people who are for some form of legal abortion want.

Specifically, Espenscheid said in order to defeat this Amendment, the message that needs to be communicated is “Vote No on Amendment 4,” and “Amendment 4 is way too extreme,” not the broader, Catholic message that all life, from conception to natural death is sacred.

Although the message of the sanctity of life is clearly important, and a fundamental Catholic belief, the fact is that many people – even some Catholics – feel that in some circumstances abortion should be legal.

Espenscheid explained how there is simply not enough time between now and the election to convince those people to become Pro-Life. However, there is a good chance of convincing everyone that Amendment 4 is way too extreme, and far inferior to the current Florida law that allows abortion only until a heartbeat is detected, and in other extenuating circumstances, such as rape, or incest.

Espenscheid pointed out that Amendment 4 seeks to remove “government interference” with abortion, but what this really means is that it seeks to remove any government regulation of abortion at all. This includes important safety measures, such as who is allowed to recommend or perform abortions, or minimal facility sanitation requirements. Amendment 4 presents a dangerous proposition not only for babies, as it allows for very late-term abortions, but also for women, who would no longer be protected by laws regulating the procedure.

“For those who think abortion should be legal, it already is, in the state of Florida,” Espenscheid said. “The Heartbeat Protection Law is a reasonable law and restricts abortion but for those circumstances which we know most people – even some Catholics – feel should be considered. There is no need to expand the law and remove the commonsense protections for women, and minors, that are currently in place.”

Regarding minors, Espenscheid was referring to the fact that Amendment 4 eliminates the need for a minor to have a parent’s consent before having an abortion; the Amendment would only require “notification.”

In closing, Espenscheid was adamant in telling the groups that “Nothing ever got passed, or defeated, without action.” Emphatically emphasizing the importance of gathering and mobilizing volunteers, Espenscheid detailed effective ways to empower and motivate people, and highlighted various methods of educating Floridians, including the tried and true methods of Parish communications, lawn signs, phone banking, and old-fashioned door-knocking, which is “only hard in the beginning,” she said.

Most people will have decided, and at least mentally locked in their vote by September 1, Espenscheid said, so the education and persuasion work must be completed by then to work. The Amendment requires a 60 percent super majority to pass in November.

Vote No on 4! Spread the word.

To learn the facts about Amendment 4 and how it is designed to mislead voters, visit the websites of the Florida Voters Against Extremism, tooextreme4fl.com, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, https://flaccb.org/, and the Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office, dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.

To get involved and help defeat this dangerous pro-abortion amendment, contact Jeanne Berdeaux, Diocese of Venice Director of Respect Life, berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-374-1068.