Virtual Diocesan Concert Series begins Nov. 6
The Diocese of Venice is proud to announce that a virtual concert series will be offered to the faithful at noon on the first three Fridays of November 2020. The concerts will be livestreamed from select Parishes in the Diocese and offer a broad selection of Catholic music. This is being offered as many remain home due to the ongoing global pandemic and miss the richness of music. The series begins at noon, Nov. 6, 2020 and will return on Nov. 13 and Nov. 20. Each segment will be live and last approximately 30 minutes. Anyone can view the live stream through the Diocese of Venice Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dioceseofvenice. You do not need to register to view live events on Facebook. For more information, please contact Gail Ardy at 941-484-9543 or ardy@dioceseofvenice.org.
40 Days for Life concludes with Jericho Walk

The close of the 40 Days for Life fall prayer vigil campaign to end abortion concluded as the sun set on Nov. 1, 2020, All Saints Day. More than 125 took part in a symbolic Jericho Walk around the regional headquarters of Planned Parenthood in downtown Sarasota. The walk concluded with prayers, singing and the announcement that during the Sarasota 40 Days campaign at least two unborn children were saved, and possibly more. Another fall campaign also concluded in Fort Myers. The spring campaign takes place during Lent.
“A Seminarian Story” video series begins

National Vocation Awareness Week, celebrated Nov. 1-7, 2020 is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations. This week, the Diocese of Venice in Florida launches a new series titled, “A Seminarian Story,” to celebrate the 16 Seminarians currently in formation. These will be their stories found at https://vimeo.com/dioceseofvenice.
Seminarian admitted to Candidacy
Diocese of Venice Seminarian Michael Young has been admitted to candidacy at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts on Oct. 28, 2020. This rite is celebrated as a public commitment by a seminarian to proceed to the Diaconate and Priesthood. Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, Bishop of Harrisburg, presided over the Rite which admitted 15 men from across the U.S. The Rite of Admission to Candidacy is celebrated when it has been established that the intention of those aspiring to Holy Orders is supported by the necessary qualifications. In the presence of the Bishop, each seminarian publicly expresses his intention to complete his preparation for Holy Orders and his resolve to fully invest himself to that end, so that he will serve Christ and the Church. Please pray for Michael Young, and all of these men, as they continue their spiritual journey on the road to ordination.
Local Emmaus prayer groups mourn loss of founder
On the weekend of Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2020, Emmaus prayer groups across the Diocese of Venice took time to mourn the passing of Myrna Gallagher, the person who encouraged the formation of Emmaus prayer groups and developed the current retreat format some 42 years ago in Miami. That movement spread throughout world and has influenced many to accompany others on their faith journey, explained Father Jiobani Batista, Diocesan Spiritual Advisor for Emmaus. Father said the passing of Gallagher comes at a time when the movement is at its strongest point here in the Diocese. Special prayer services were held at more than dozen Diocesan Parishes in honor of Gallagher.
St. Andrew students initiate pet supply drive
Students in seventh grade at St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral worked collaboratively to organize a school-wide “Pet Supply Drive,” which kicked off on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Patron Saint of Animals). The initial goal of collecting 350 items was well exceeded upon the final count of 747 items. Some of the requested items included: no-pull freedom harnesses, four-inch heavy-duty carabiners, wet food for cats and dogs, cat litter, dog potty pads, dog and cat toys, black trash bags and many other items. All were donated to the Gulf Coast Humane Society. hroughout the drive, students collected, sorted, and counted the supplies, then helped pack the van on the day of pick up.
Blessings and cards for law enforcement officers
Father Phil Scheff, School Chaplain at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte blessed local law enforcement officers on Oct. 28, 2020, National First Responders Day. Meliquor Jean, School President, and Maya Ramdhan, Vice President, presented the law enforcement officers with more than 300 cards to share. The students were able to participate in the prayer service virtually through video conferencing in their classrooms.
Adopt a family for Christmas
Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities is looking for people who want to make Christmas special for single mothers and their babies by providing gifts from their wish list. If you are interested in adopting a family for Christmas or want to donate a gift, please contact Rita Millner, Case Worker for Our Mother’s House at 941-485-6264, or email rita.millner@catholiccharitiesdov.org. All wrapped gifts must be delivered before Dec. 9, 2020. Our Mother’s House is committed to helping homeless mothers and their children achieve self-sufficiency.
Catholic Charities Response to Pandemic
If you need help
If you need assistance from Catholic Charities for food, financial assistance or tele-mental health counseling, please call the number for your area listed below 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Services have expanded to include assistance in applying for state and federal benefits if you have lost work due to the COVID-19 Pandemic:
- Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands counties: 844-385-2407,
- Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades counties: 844-385-2423,
- Collier County: 844-385-2404.
Food distribution
Catholic Charities food distribution will take place only at the following times and locations. Please call the regional number for more information.
- Monday-Friday, 9-11 a.m., Guadalupe Social Services, 211 S. 9th St., Immokalee, the Soup Kitchen is providing meals-to-go;
- Tuesdays, 9-11:30 a.m., Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, 3174 Tamiami Trail E., Naples;
- Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, St. Margaret Parish, 208 Dean Duff St., Clewiston;
- Fridays, 9-10:30 a.m., St. Paul Parish, 1208 Oak St., Arcadia;
- Fridays, 9-11 a.m., St. Leo the Great Parish, 28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs;
- Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon, Elizabeth K. Galeana Pantry, 4235 Michigan Avenue Link, Fort Myers.
How to Help
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. is in urgent need of your financial support during its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate or send a check to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc., 5824 Bee Ridge Road, PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.