groundbreaking Archives - Diocese of Venice

Ground broken for Phase 1 of Donahue Academy expansion

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Bob Reddy

With the entire student population and many supporters present, ground was broken on Feb. 10, 2025, for Phase I of an expansion at Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane led the Rite of Blessing for the expansion which includes permanent portable classrooms which will increase the capacity of the school by 175 students in the 2025-2026 school year, bringing the total student population to 615.

“It is exciting to see what is happening here at Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Parish,” Bishop Dewane said. “We do this ceremonial groundbreaking to respond to a need that exists in the community. I have the responsibility to not just educate the students who are here but to make room for all those who desire to be here according to the 10 Commandments and the Gospels of Jesus Christ. We turn to the Lord to give thanks for the beautiful sight of the students who make up Donahue Academy and do what we can to offer the knowledge of Our Lord to the students in the future.”

Donahue Catholic Academy Principal Dr. Marc Snyder thanked Bishop Dewane, Father John Belmonte, SJ, Superintendent of Catholic Education, Father David Vidal, Pastor of Ave Maria Parish, and all of the parents, grandparents and benefactors of the school. He thanked them all for making the first phase of the planned expansion possible in just 18 months, as well as for being part of this special moment in the 18-year history of Donahue Catholic Academy.

“We will not just be opening the doors to a modular building, we will be opening our doors to Christ for our students,” Snyder said. “It is our moral imperative that we do this. These students deserve a Catholic education, and a Donahue education where we emphasize an encounter with Christ in pursuit of excellence. This is an education with Christ at the center of all things.”

Snyder went on to explain that the new space for 175 students is already filled, and future expansion plans are in the works, including a second modular classroom, an airnasium (covered outdoor sports facility and playground), a gym expansion, chapel, and a three-story wing to the existing school building.

“This is a new day for Donahue Academy,” Snyder concluded. “Donahue’s foundation is strong. Our Mission will never change.”

Father Belmonte said there is much to celebrate at Donahue Catholic Academy and within the Diocese of Venice school system. There are currently more than 6,500 students, the most in Diocesan history, and in the past five years growth has reached 44 percent, the fastest in a Catholic school system in the country. The result is that all 15 Diocesan Catholic schools are at 100 percent capacity with each having extensive waitlists.

“There is much to boast about,” Father Belmonte said. “None of this would have been possible without the guidance of Bishop Dewane and the confidence our parents have in the Diocese providing a Christ-centered education to students at all grade levels.”

During the Rite of Blessing, the Sacred Scriptures were read and prayer intentions for the new building and its future occupants were offered. Bishop Dewane then blessed the modulars, which were being staged ahead of installation, and the ground upon which they will stand.

The groundbreaking ceremony included Bishop Dewane, Father Belmonte, Principal Snyder as well as Kevin Iepson, a member of the school board. The next group included Bishop Dewane and Snyder along with students representing each grade.

One parent expressed his joy about the expansion, noting how the future of the school is being secured for the next group of students who will call Ave Maria their home. “It is wonderful to see this. This town needs Donahue to be a centerpiece of Catholic education for everyone who lives here.”

A second-grade student said she was impressed by the blessing and groundbreaking ceremony with the Bishop sprinkling holy water on the ground and then shoveling dirt. “That was fun. Having the Bishop here is special.”

The blessing and groundbreaking ceremony was preceded by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the students which was celebrated by Bishop Dewane.

Prayer service and groundbreaking kicks off major Cathedral reconstruction project

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

A special prayer service and groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice took place on May 30, 2024, led by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

Bishop Dewane was joined by Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Cathedral Rector, the Cathedral Parish priests and Deacons, members of the Parish Advisory Council, and the mayor of Venice, Nick Pachota, as well as parishioners.

“We gather in prayer to call down the Lord’s blessing upon the work that will be done and that all doing the work will be safe,” Bishop Dewane said. “We pray that this House of God will become ever more a witness to the Lord of All, a place of worship for us, and a fitting and glorious temple for the Lord of Hosts. May almighty God bless this endeavor and all who gather here.”

Joined by other dignitaries for the turning of the dirt, Bishop Dewane said, “With faith in Jesus Christ, this work is begun, and this ground is broken in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” And all responded, “Amen!”

Afterward Bishop Dewane blessed the building site and the people gathered who cheered in approval for the start of this long-awaited project.

Among those in the crowd, one man exclaimed that the renovation project is an “important journey” for the Parish and Cathedral and when the work is completed, it will be something that will last for generations to come.

Epiphany Cathedral was dedicated in 1980, and not built as a formal Cathedral, but as a regular Parish church. The Diocese of Venice was erected in 1984, four years later.

In a public message to parishioners, Cathedral Rector Dubois stated that cosmetic renovations made in 1984 were always intended to be temporary, and that “sometime in the future a more major, permanent renovation/rebuild would take place, transforming the normal Parish church into a proper Diocesan Cathedral.”

Msgr. Dubois stated that several factors have contributed to the idea that now is the time to transform Epiphany, through reconstruction and renovation, into a proper Diocesan Cathedral.

These factors include the continued growth of the Parish and Diocese, the changing needs of the faithful of the Diocese for a proper space and liturgical décor to hold celebrations, some unique to a cathedral, which were never considered when the church was constructed. Additionally, in recent years, the building has shown its age, with structural, electrical, plumbing and other issues requiring more and more upkeep generating ever-growing maintenance costs which were projected to increase dramatically. Therefore, in 2021, discussions began regarding a renovation and reconstruction of the Cathedral.

“The condition of our current church building calls for immediate attention to address issues of safety, of sustainability, of functionality, of creating an enhanced liturgical and spiritual environment capable of serving the needs of the faithful, of our Parish community, and of the Diocese at large, for today and for future generations to come,” Msgr. Dubois stated. Adding that it is “far more economical and sustainable if we proceed with a more thorough renovation of the present aging structure rather than continuing to “patch” things as we go.”

The destruction that came to the Diocese of Venice in the wake of Hurricane Ian in 2022 delayed the project to 2024, with a construction time estimated to take approximately two years.

Brain T. Baker, President, Baker Liturgical Arts, LLC, a liturgical restoration and renovation company, said this renovation will include a new front entrance and gathering space, a new barreled vault ceiling, from the narthex (entrance) to the nave (sanctuary).

“It’s a full restoration from top to bottom,” Baker said. “It will transform the Cathedral tremendously.”

Among the major new aspects of the Cathedral will be the energy-efficient HVAC system, a fire protection system with sprinklers, new pews, a marble reredos (altarpiece) with a large-scale mosaic of the Epiphany, and new liturgical appointments including altar, ambo, throne, cathedra, baptismal font, and more. In addition, a statue of the pieta will be added adjacent to the Memorial Garden, which will remain undisturbed.

Before the renovation began, the Parish Hall, the original Parish church, was renovated to accommodate all worship services during the construction. To lessen the inconvenience during the construction, additional weekend Mass times have been added. Please check the Parish website www.epiphanycathedral.org, for times. While some Diocesan liturgical celebrations will continue to take place at Epiphany during the renovation, necessarily some will be relocated to larger churches in the region.

Demolition of the Cathedral began on June 3.

Bishop breaks ground for a Parish Activity Center in Lakewood Ranch

Posted on November 10, 2023November 10, 2023 by Bob Reddy

With hundreds looking on and cheering their support, ground was broken on Nov. 4, 2023, for the new Our Lady of the Angels Parish Activity Center and rectory in Lakewood Ranch.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane led a brief prayer service and blessing before picking up a shovel to take part in the ceremonial groundbreaking.

“This Parish Activity Center is something that could not have been imagined just a few years ago, and now it is something that is needed for your growing, faith-filled Parish,” Bishop Dewane said.

Father Sebastian Szczawínski, S.A.C., Pastor of Our Lady of the Angels, remarked that he was very grateful for the support and prayers for the campaign which made the groundbreaking possible.

“This is for children and adults who are going to learn about Jesus – how to live a good life, how to live a proper life, connected to Christ,” Father Szczawínski said.

The new 12,580-foot Parish Activity Center will be located on the west side of the Parish property. In addition, there will be a duplex rectory constructed for the Pastor and Parochial Vicar in the northwest corner of the property. The project is expected to take 12-16 months to complete.

Under the guidance of Bishop Dewane and Father Szczawínski, the Parish ran a “Building Our Future” capital campaign during the past two years to help make the Parish Activity Center and rectory a reality.

The new activity center will more than double the existing facilities and will service the needs of an ever-growing community. The activity center will be a one-story building and will house 10 rooms of various sizes for use in ministries and programs. The new structure will serve the needs of the nearly 500 1st – 12th grade Faith Formation students and support the more than 40 outreach ministries and groups of the Parish. The current Parish Hall, which was recently renovated, will remain, and be used for meetings and events as needed.

The construction of a rectory will bring the clergy from off-campus living arrangements to be on-campus and within walking distance of Our Lady of Angels. The new duplex will be a two-bedroom, two-bathroom structure.

The architect for the project is PRA Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP – John Holtz, partner, and the general contractor is ME&S general Contractors, Inc.

Joining Bishop Dewane and Father Szczawínski in the groundbreaking were priests and Deacons who serve the Parish. Members of the Parish Finance Council also turned dirt, as well as many others who were pivotal in making the project a reality.

Our Lady of the Angels serves 3,138 registered families in the growing Lakewood Ranch community with up to seven weekend Masses offered during the peak season.

For more information about Our Lady of the Angels, visit olangelscc.org.

Groundbreaking held for gymnasium and science building

Posted on May 25, 2023May 25, 2023 by Bob Reddy

With a deafening cheer, a blast of confetti and the tossing of dirt, ground was broken on the new St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School gymnasium and Center for Science and Engineering building on May 10, 2023, in Port Charlotte.

Students were excited as Bishop Frank J. Dewane led the ceremony, blessing the ground as he, and others, joined in breaking ground on the project with ceremonial gold shovels.

What was once thought to be impossible has been made possible through prayer, determination and sharing of the treasure of many supporters with their love for education so that others may benefit from it, exclaimed Father John Fitch, Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish.

“It’s an exciting day. We have been working on this for years. Some people have been talking about a gym here since the 1990s,” Father Fitch said. “Today we thank God for the gift of the resources for the gymnasium and Center for Science and Engineering. We ask that this building be entrusted with education and that is to bring the joys of discovery and wisdom with the truth of the Gospel.”

Bishop Dewane acknowledged that the gym project had been around for a while and credited the steadfast efforts of Father Fitch and Principal Tonya Peters to help make the project become a reality as he stood in full support. He added that he pushed to get classrooms added to the original concept to ensure the new building would not only support the growth of body, but also the mind.

“Many made this possible through their kindness, goodness, and their concern for you as students here at St. Charles Borromeo. So, I want to thank all who worked hard on this. It is what was needed to be done,” the Bishop said.

“Grant that the work that we begin may serve to better the lives of all the students who pass through St. Charles Borromeo and through your goodness continue to spread the Kingdom of Christ,” Bishop Dewane concluded before blessing the ground with holy water. Father Fitch did likewise.

Dozens of parents and school supporters stood in the hot sun on the muggy day for the groundbreaking ceremony, something Father Fitch noted in his remarks. “I know it’s very warm out here but that’s why we are building a gym because it is even worse when it’s raining in August,” he said.

Joining Bishop Dewane, Father Fitch and Principal Peters for the groundbreaking were Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education Father John Belmonte, SJ; Diocesan Buildings Director Joe Rego; John Prahl, founder of Canco Construction, the project contractor; as well as David Hunt, a sixth grader who represented the students.

Diocese partners to build affordable apartments in Fort Myers

Posted on April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 by Bob Reddy

With the flick of a shovel, Bishop Frank J. Dewane and members of the Fort Myers City Council celebrated the start of construction of the St. Peter Claver Place Apartments.

This first phase of the project, being constructed in partnership with National Development of America, Inc. (NDA), includes 136 affordable two- and three-bedroom units with the total buildout reaching 214 units. The ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony took place April 11, 2023, and is the result of seven years of meetings, negotiations and financing, ultimately serving as a clear example of the best in public-private partnerships.

“This is a great, great project. I want to thank all the different partners, most importantly the Diocese of Venice,” said Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson during the groundbreaking ceremony. “Totally, 214 units may not seem like a lot when you look at the demand, but it is. It’s huge! It’s a big chunk that’s been added to the inventory. Not only that, we have taken a vacant piece of land and we are collectively going to turn that into something really nice that gives people a place to live, hopefully a place they can call home.”

Bishop Dewane said St. Peter Claver Place is being constructed for the working people of Fort Myers.

“We see throughout Fort Myers people are in need of housing, particularly rental housing. The market is tough. It is difficult for families to find good accommodations, a place to raise their children and know that they are safe and secure. We want to contribute to that by what we undertake here, by what we do with NDA and with the city. We do it for the residents who live here and that is important to all of us. They are the reason why we are here. We are not here because someone is Catholic. We are Catholic and that’s our call; to reach out to others and to help them,” Bishop Dewane said.

Rick Miller, President of NDA, said that the St. Peter Claver Place Apartments is an example of perseverance, as the concept of the project began more than seven years earlier because of the increased demand for affordable rental housing in the Fort Myers area. The first meetings with the city were in 2016 and started the process of rezoning and permitting. The biggest challenge was getting financing for affordable housing.

“We (at NDA) are different than the other guys. Our goal is to provide quality housing at rental rates that working people can actually afford. Today, if something new gets built, the rental rates are well beyond the reach of the working people of this area. St. Peter Claver Place is different; the financing structure allows us to charge rates between $600 and $1,300 per month, a fraction of what people are paying now,” Miller said.

The timing of the groundbreaking comes on the heels of a Florida Atlantic University study released on April 6 which found that for February, the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan area had the largest year-over-year rent increase in the U.S. at 13.59%. The average Cape Coral-Fort Myers rent for February was $2,283.51.

St. Peter Claver Place residents must qualify depending on their financial status, making between 30% and 60% of the city’s average median income. For 2022, that was $83,200, with qualifying salaries based on last year’s numbers being annual incomes between $25,000 and $50,000.

Fort Myers City Councilwoman Teresa Watkins Brown said housing is the No. 1 issue the Council deals with each day. “There are people who cannot find a place to live. Either it is too much, or not decent. I’m elated that this project is here.”

The final deal for the project was approved days before Hurricane Ian struck the area on Sept. 28, 2022, which Miller explained made a difficult process even more difficult.

“We are well underway and will be on schedule for completion by the end of 2023. Our budget was largely out of control because of difficulty of getting materials and supplies, but we got the support needed to get this project going,” Miller said.

Michele Hylton-Terry, Executive Director of Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency, described St. Peter Claver Place as a remarkable affordable housing project, that was supported through the use of tax increment rebate financing.

“Our agency has played a crucial role in bringing this development to life, demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships and addressing affordable housing and the needs of our community. This project not only provides safe, high-quality homes for hardworking families but also contributes to the revitalization of our city, boosting our local economy and creating a more inclusive and vibrant community. Let (St. Peter Claver Place) not only symbolize the opening of new doors to these families who will call this place their home, but let it also be the beginning of a new chapter for our city, one marked with growth, resiliency and unity.”

A number of additional dignitaries were present for the groundbreaking ceremony, including City Councilman Johnny Streets, who echoed the praise for the project. There were other city staff as well as community supporters who were instrumental behind-the-scenes in helping to achieve the success of what is becoming St. Peter Claver Place. Also present were representatives from Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., as well as priests and religious who serve at nearby Jesus the Worker Parish and St. Francis Xavier Parish.

The project is located on Michigan Avenue, within the Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard Redevelopment Area of Fort Myers, and is adjacent to AFCAAM of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., an after-school youth mentoring program. The name, St. Peter Claver Place, is derived from the former Catholic Mission which was located on the property until the early 2000s.

St. Peter Claver (1580-1654) was a Jesuit missionary known as patron saint of slaves, African missions and interracial justice. St. Claver spent his life serving enslaved Africans who were brought to Columbia during the 17^th century.

The Diocese of Venice has a long partnership with National Development of America, having worked together to create two projects in Arcadia: St. John Paul II Villas, an affordable housing project for seniors completed in 2019, as well as Casa San Juan Bosco, a single-family housing project for farmworkers completed in 2016.

Phase 1 of St. Peter Claver Place is expected to be completed by the end of 2023 with occupancy shortly afterward. The second phase of 78 units is pending financing.