Marilyn Brummer Fund grant deadline Aug. 31
The deadline to apply for the Marilyn Brummer Fund of Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida (CCF) is Aug. 31, 2025. Brummer was a devout Catholic and an active parishioner at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers. She was incredibly generous with her time, her talent, and her treasure in order to make a difference in the lives of others, especially students and the most vulnerable among us. As a part of her Catholic Legacy, and through a generous gift from her estate, Marilyn created a fund with CCF to continue supporting causes which she cared about most, long after she is gone. This year, the CCF will be awarding a total of $108,000 in grants to programs, projects, or entities that are located in, and associated with, the Diocese of Venice. The program, project or entity must be involved in one of the following areas: anti-human trafficking assistance; programs that assist single mothers; and/or the Children’s Center of Catholic Charities in Fort Myers. Grant applications must be submitted online and can be found on the CCF website ccfdioceseofvenice.org, under “Community Grants.” For questions, contact the Foundation at CCF@dioceseofvenice.or or 941-441-1124.
Carlo Acutis Movie Now Streaming: Watch!
On Sept. 7, 2025, we will witness a historic moment: the canonization of two young men who continue to inspire countless people around the world, Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. These two men will join the long list of young Saints in the Church, offering today’s generation a powerful example of virtue and commitment. Their lives bring the concept of Holiness closer to young people, showing that it is not some distant ideal but an urgent call to live out Christian virtues and give witness to faith in a world deeply polarized and wounded by sin. Learn more about one of these future saints, Carlo Acutis, by streaming “Carlo Acutis, Roadmap to Reality;” this moving documentary not only tells the story of Carlo’s life and his remarkable gifts but also paints a vivid picture of spirituality in the digital age and the profound impact his witness has on young people. The National Eucharistic Revival is offering a 20 percent discount for the rental with the code REVIVAL20 for a limited time. Visit https://watchcredo.com/ to stream the film.
Walking with Purpose Bible study coming to Naples
St. William Parish in Naples is hosting Walking with Purpose Bible study for women in day or evening sessions, Tuesdays, from Sept. 9 to Oct. 21, 2025. The day sessions are in the Church Hall, 601 Seagate Drive. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with a coffee social and treats, followed by the Bible study from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Evening sessions are in the Blessed Mother Center, Room 203, 750 Seagate Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the session from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Babysitting services are available. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/54zkmcby. Attendees are asked to purchase “Ordering Your Priorities” at https://walkingwithpurpose.com. For scholarships, babysitting, or questions, contact Lisa McGowan at 484-432-5128 or mcgowanlh@gmail.com.
Jubilee Monthly Days of Prayer Sept. 10 and 14
The Monthly Day of Prayer at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, for September is Sept. 10 and 14, 2025. Father Greg Cleveland, OMV, will explain how to “Find God in All Things.” Discover how God dwells in all things by his essence, presence, and power. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast and includes two presentations, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, lunch, and Mass. Time for adoration, private prayer, or meditation on the beautiful OLPH grounds is also provided. The day concludes at 3:15 p.m. Cost is $45. Register at olph-retreat.org.
National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children
On Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, Incarnation Parish, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, will observe the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children. After the 8:30 a.m. Saturday Mass, there will be a Prayer Service followed by presentations by others who will speak briefly about upcoming local Respect Life initiatives. Flowers will also be placed in front of the Incarnation Memorial to the Unborn in the prayer garden. All are welcome to attend. For more information, or with questions, contact Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1101.
Naples Catholic singles potluck and social event Sept. 13
The Catholic Fellow Fellowship Around Naples presents Catholic Singles Potluck & Social Event, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sept. 13, 2025, in the Rome Room of St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. This event is intended for singles aged 25-55. There is no cost, but it is a potluck so bringing food is encouraged. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/mr2xwty8.
St. Andrew Catholic School golf tournament Sept. 13
Register now for the annual St. Andrew Catholic School golf tournament, Sept. 13, 2025, at Palmetto Pine Country Club in Cape Coral. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Lunch and awards follow. Sponsorships are available. The cost is $125 per golfer, or $500 per foursome. Register at standrewcs.org/sacs-golf. For more information, call 239-772-3922.
Registration open for Together in Holiness Marriage Enrichment Conference
Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites all Catholic married couples to join him at the Diocese’s fifth annual Marriage Enrichment Conference on from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Oct. 18, 2025, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. Engaged couples are also welcome! The Marriage Conference, “Family, A School of Love,” presents a unique opportunity to share a day dedicated to prayer, conversation, and reflection on the sacred vocation of marriage together with your spouse. Grow together in holiness and receive guidance and tips for how to strengthen your marriage and form your children in the Catholic faith. Early bird registration is $64 for couples before Sept. 8. Childcare is available for $5 per child. This event will sell out, so register early! To learn more, and to register, visit www.togetherinholiness.org/venice. Questions? Contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseovenice.org, or 941-486-4754.
Young Adult Spanish Retreat Sept. 13 in Naples
St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, is hosting a 2025 Young Adult Spanish Retreat, ¿Cómo nos llega el texto bíblico?, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sept. 13, 2025. The Young Adult Retreat is designed to reach bilingual and Spanish-speaking young adults, inviting them to a time of spiritual renewal, connection, and growth in the Naples community. The retreat will include worship, teaching, small groups, and opportunities for rest and fellowship. For more information, please contact Alejandra Alvarado, St. John Paul II Young Adult Group Coordinator at 305-209-2225.
Retiro de español para jóvenes adultos el 13 de septiembre en Naples
La Parroquia San Pedro Apóstol, ubicada en 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, organiza el Retiro de Español para Jóvenes Adultos 2025, “¿Cómo nos llega el texto bíblico?”, de 7:30 a. m. a 7:30 p. m., el 13 de septiembre de 2025. Este retiro está diseñado para conectar con jóvenes adultos bilingües e hispanohablantes, invitándolos a un tiempo de renovación espiritual, conexión y crecimiento en la comunidad de Naples. El retiro incluirá culto, enseñanza, grupos pequeños y oportunidades de descanso y convivencia. Para más información, comuníquese con Alejandra Alvarado, Coordinadora del Grupo de Jóvenes Adultos de San Juan Pablo II, al 305-209-2225.
Naples school hosting “Dueling Pianos” event Sept. 13
The St. Ann Catholic School Home and School Association presents “Dueling Pianos,” 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sept. 13, at the St. Ann Jubilee Center, 985 3rd St. S., Naples. This is a first of its kind adults-only event held to support St. Ann Catholic School. Tickets are $75 and include a live performance, catered food, and adult beverages. Join in the singing, dancing, and laughing all night long. Deadline to purchase tickets is Sept. 4, at https://pci.jotform.com/form/252088122620146.
Natural Family Planning introductory sessions available
Learn about Natural Family Planning with a free introductory session. The Diocese of Venice sets forth the Creighton Model Fertility Care System, and free online training sessions are being offered by the St. Gianna Center for Women’s Health & Fertility Care on Sept. 20, and Oct. 21, 2025. Choose the session that fits your schedule! The online sessions are free, but registration is required. Register at bit.ly/SGIntroSession. For more information, visit www.stgiannacenter.com, or direct questions to Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseovenice.org, or 941-486-4754.
Day of Reflection for Sacramental Marriage in September and November
Couples preparing for Sacramental Marriage in the Catholic Church are encouraged to attend a Day of Reflection either Sept. 20, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Pulte Hall, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, or Nov. 8 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Taking place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. a specially prepared volunteer team of married couples will share their experiences and information, enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. A priest will share information about the vocation of marriage and its spiritual component. The $60 registration fee includes all retreat materials and lunch. Registration is required. Contact James Gontis for more information at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543, ext. 4754.
40 Days for Life Fall Campaign
Join the 40 Days for Life 2025 campaign this fall from Sept. 24 to Nov. 2, 2025. This campaign, scheduled for locations in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples, aims to end abortion through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful vigil in front of abortion facilities. Participants support the mission by spreading awareness and praying. The Sarasota campaign is hosting a special kickoff at 10:30 a.m., Sept. 26, 2025, in the parking lot of Community Pregnancy Clinics Inc., 1419 7th St., Sarasota. The clinic sits in the shadow of the regional headquarters of Planned Parenthood, the largest abortionist in the country. For more information, please email Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-441-1101.
Laps for Life 5K Oct. 4 in Sarasota
Our Lady of Victory Knights of Columbus Council 3358 in Sarasota is hosting its 6th annual Laps for Life 5K, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Oct. 4, 2025, at Cardinal Mooney High School, 4171 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Proceeds will support Solve Maternity Homes. The cost is $45 per runner/walker. Participants can register at www.RunSignUp.com, under the listing: Sarasota Laps for Life 5K. The Knights of Columbus is also hosting a pre-race Pasta Night, 6 p.m., 8 p.m., in the Knights Hall, 4880 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Tickets are $10 per person.
Diocesan Rosary Congress returns in October
The Diocese of Venice will host its annual Rosary Congress Oct. 4-10, 2025. The theme of this year’s Rosary Congress is My Soul Magnifies the Lord (Luke 1:46). The Rosary Congress begins with the celebration of daily Mass and ends with Mass at the same time the following day. During these designated 24 hours, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for perpetual Adoration, and the five decades of the Rosary are prayed by the faithful every hour, on the hour. Many Parishes will also have Confession available. Stay tuned for a list of participating Parishes, and how you can be part of this beautiful opportunity to adore and grow closer to our Lord. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-486-4754.
Retreat for young women
Single women ages 18-30 who are seeking God’s will in their life are invited to grow deeper in prayer and in their identity as a woman, as well as learn more about discerning religious life during a Fiat Ministries Retreat the weekend of Oct. 10-12, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. This retreat is led by Team Fiat, a dynamic group of lay women passionate about supporting other young women. Additionally, consecrated religious sisters from various religious communities from the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) assist at each retreat, making each one a unique experience. The goal is for the retreatants to walk away with a greater desire to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ while meeting religious sisters. The cost is $50. Registration can be found at https://fiatministries.org/retreats/. For questions, please email Emily at fiatministriesinc@gmail.com.
Ignatian Priest Retreat coming to Retreat Center
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, is hosting a silent Ignatian Priest Retreat, Nov. 21-24, 2025. This 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 with the retreat director for Confession and/or spiritual direction. Conference topics center on Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment. The 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). Register at olph-retreat.org.
Faith & Ale Lee County returns in October
Faith & Ale, a Catholic Men’s Apostolate in Southwest Florida, is entering its 16th season. The monthly gatherings of Catholic men promote fellowship and growth in faith, on the third Thursday of every month between October and April. The next meeting is Oct. 23, 2025, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Drive, Bonita Springs. The guest speaker is Matt Laboda, a father, consultant, speaker and theologian who lives in Ave Maria, and the theme is “The Miracle of Joy – A Journey of Trust & Faith in God.” Tickets are $10. Register at https://faithandale.com. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.
Volunteers needed at Sarasota Catholic Charities Sarasota Office
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc., welcomes volunteers who wish to become involved with any of their programs, services or ministries. The most urgent need for volunteers is at the Sarasota office, 5055 N. Tamiami Trail, which offers disaster response, housing and support services, anti-human trafficking, immigration assistance, and much more. The mission of Catholic Charities is to eliminate food insecurity, homelessness and offer essential mental health services to everyone seeking assistance – regardless of race or religion. To sign up as a volunteer, please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/volunteer, or for more information, please call 941-355-4680 ext. 1100.
Support After Abortion help available
Are you or someone you know struggling because of a past abortion? You are not alone. Healing retreats and support are available for anyone who has experienced an abortion, including mothers, fathers and other family members who have been hurt. For help, or to learn more about the Diocese of Venice support after abortion program, Project Rachel, simply call or text 941-412-5860, or email in English or Spanish to project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org,. All contacts are confidential.
The weekend of July 11-13, 2025, more than 800 high school youth representing five Dioceses from across Florida attended the 16th Annual Ave Maria University’s “Proclaim” High School Youth Conference. Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the closing Mass on July 15, encouraging the youth to work at having a personal relationship with Christ and going out into the world “proclaiming the Good News of the Lord” to the world. The theme for the Conference was: “But as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60).
The Knights of Columbus Ponce de Leon Council 8074 held their annual dinner recently in which many local groups are given donations. Due to the generosity of the faithful at Sacred Heart Parish, the Punta Gorda community, and the work of the Knights during the past fraternal year, more than $145,000 was given to many deserving philanthropic organizations. Among the groups supported: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte, St. Mary Academy in Sarasota, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, an ultrasound machine for Pregnancy Solutions and more. Joe Prine was honored as Knight of the Year and Richard and Lora Favreau were awarded the Family of the Year.
In the first five weeks, the program has taken place at 12 Parishes, with the most recent camps being held the week of July 6-11, 2025, at St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers, and jointly at Our Lady of Light and St. John XXIII Parishes, both in Fort Myers. Priests and staff have universally expressed how positive the program has been for their entire congregation.
Multiple Diocesan Catholic schools hosted STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) camps. Some covered several weeks for eager students.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., is still on the ground helping families recover from Helene and Milton, as well as Ian, stated Christopher M. Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice.
Experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a range of 13-19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), slightly above the seasonal average. This follows the 2024 season which produced 18 named storms, including Hurricanes Debby (Aug. 6-7), Helene (Sept. 26), and Milton (Oct. 9), each of which brought their own misery of wind and rain. Helene, which paralleled the coast, and Milton, whose eye went over Siesta Key, both brought unprecedented storm surges to the barrier islands from Naples in the south through Palmetto to the north. NOAA stated that numerous factors were considered in the forecast, including warmer than average ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation, NOAA reported.
