Tag: mass

Diocese to host fifth annual marriage enrichment conference on Oct. 18

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice celebrates the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and the vocation of marriage, and recognizes the need to accompany those who chose this path.

The Diocese offers supportive preparation courses, inspiring conferences, and celebrations of the longevity of married couples with annual anniversary Masses. The importance of forming and accompanying all married couples, from newlyweds to empty nesters, to live out their vocation in holiness and joy is a priority. As St. John Paul II famously said, “As goes the family, so goes the nation, and so goes the entire world in which we live.” It is of crucial importance that families in the Church are empowered to their sacred covenant.

To promote greater formation for couples, Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life are working in collaboration with the St. John Paul II Foundation to present the Diocese’s 5th Annual “Together in Holiness” Marriage Enrichment Conference, Oct. 18, 2025. This year’s Conference is at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, and the theme is “Family, a School of Love.”

In a video message encouraging Catholic married and engaged couples to attend this important Conference, Bishop Dewane said the day is a way to celebrate the essential and beautiful vocation of marriage together with God.

“The Marriage Conference is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your spouse, or fiancé, and to put into practice the Lord’s call to build up His Kingdom through your marriage,” Bishop Dewane said. “Hear from marriage and family experts as they share testimony on how to navigate the world together, as a couple, with the Catholic Faith as your foundation. Through prayer and reflection, with other Catholic couples, draw closer to each other, and to God. Allow the Lord to bestow upon you the graces needed to live out the Catholic Faith through your marriage, and your family. Know that your commitment to one another represents hope for the future of the Church. As you grow in love, embracing your vocations as husbands and wives, as parents, our Church flourishes. I hope to see you there!”

Bishop Dewane will celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at the opening of the Conference (9 a.m.). This will include a special marriage blessing from the Bishop for all couples present.

Registration is now open for the day-long event (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), which includes inspirational talks by Catholic speakers Dr. Ryan Hanning, and Deacon Jason and Rachel Bulman, as well as Father David Portorreal, Administrator at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples.

The “Together in Holiness” Conference made its Diocese of Venice debut in 2021, and the event has grown each year with more than 100 couples attending in 2024. The Conference has received rave reviews from participants who remark not only how wonderful the speakers are but also the supportive atmosphere the entire day offers.

A couple from Fort Myers said after the 2024 Conference: “We are in a transition in our marriage and this day really helped us renew our focus on being a Christ-centered family. We know we are the examples for our children, We want to make sure we are the best examples we can be.”

Early bird registration is $64 for couples before Sept. 15. Childcare is available. To learn more, and to register, visit www.togetherinholiness.org/venice. Questions? Contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseovenice.org, or 941-486-4754.

News Briefs for September 12, 2025

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop celebrates Mass for three schools

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass for students at three Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools in early September. The first Mass was Sept. 4, 2025, for Incarnation Catholic School in Sarasota. Next was for Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Catholic School in Ave Maria on Sept. 8. Lastly was at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples on Sept. 10. Bishop Dewane encouraged the students to improve their prayer life as a way to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Following Mass for the elementary/middle schools, the Bishop spoke with the eighth graders, encouraging them to be the leaders of their school. The eighth graders were also given the opportunity to ask the Bishop questions. At the conclusion, a photo was taken with the Bishop and the group.

Newly ordained priest visits Sarasota school

On Sept. 3, 2025, newly ordained Father Patrick Long visited St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota, which he attended. Father Long, who is Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch, was ordained by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on July 12, 2025. During his visit Father Long took time to visit with the students and answer each of their questions.

 Students celebrate Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Fourth grade students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sept. 8, 2025, by creating birthday cards, with some students writing prayers for Mary.

Weekly praying of rosary bonds Catholic school community

Each week, the St. Mary Academy School community gathers in the school Chapel in Sarasota to pray the Rosary together. This is a beautiful time of reflection, unity, and devotion to our Blessed Mother. Through this shared tradition, the students grow in faith, find peace in prayer, and strengthen their bond as a community rooted in Christ. The most recent gathering took place on Sept. 5, 2025.

Death Penalty Prayer Vigil Sept. 17 in North Port

A prayer vigil to pray for the end of the death penalty in Florida will take place 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, in the Chapel. The vigil will coincide with the scheduled execution of David Joseph Pittman, who is set to become the 12th person executed in Florida this year, an unfortunate record number for the state. The vigil lasts less than an hour and includes hymns, a Gospel reading, reflections, intercessions, and a praying of the Rosary. A pause will take place at 6 p.m., the time Florida executions take place. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Youth Jubilee Adoration Night in Sebring on Sept. 26

All youth are invited to St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory Street, Sebring, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, for the Youth Jubilee Adoration Night. Experience an evening of prayer, music, and Eucharistic Adoration as part of the Jubilee 2025 celebrations. For more information, contact Andres Prias at 941-441-1122, or prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

Abortion Healing Retreat being offered in October 

If you know someone struggling because of a past abortion, please encourage them to make the call that can provide them with relief, and peace. Project Rachel is the outreach of the Catholic Church to those who are suffering from a past abortion. Project Rachel will host a confidential, private retreat for abortion healing in the Diocese of Venice in October. For information, or to join, call or text in English or Espanol, 941-412-5860. All communication is kept confidential.

Sidewalk Advocate training available in September and October

Be A Hero, Save A Life! Learn the peaceful, prayerful method of sidewalk counseling from Sidewalk Advocates for Life and help women and men entering abortion facilities choose life! Upcoming training sessions include: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, Ave Maria University, 5088 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria, or 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. The training is free of charge. Lunch and workbooks will be provided. If you would like to learn this method or learn more about this life-saving ministry, please contact Cyrille Velasco at cyrillevelasco@gmail.com or Bob Reynolds at rgrcons1@gmail.com. Please RSVP at least 10 days in advance of each training date. If you are unable to attend these in-person sessions, online training is also available. More information at sidewalkadvocates.org.

Celebrate Priesthood Sunday, by supporting our seminarians

The faithful are being asked to support, encourage and educate future priests through the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Seminarian Fund. The Diocese is currently educating 16 men at various seminaries, and a donation of any amount would be a great help. The way the VDCCW supports seminarians is through celebrating Priesthood Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. To do this in a special and lasting way, the VDCCW will facilitate sending an “In Honor of” card to your Parish Priest. This is a gift that keeps on giving as all proceeds support the VDCCW Seminarian Fund (The donation amount will not be revealed to the recipient). To take part, please send the name of the priest you would like to honor, along with your donation, made out to VDCCW Seminarian Fund (plus $1 to cover postage and printing) to: Cornelia Zanetti, Seminarian Fund Guardian, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

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. For more information, please visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/, or contact Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-441-1101.

  • 40 Days for Life kickoff events – each will include guest speakers and takes place next to a Planned Parenthood, the largest abortionist in the country:
  • Naples – 10 a.m., Sept. 24, outside Planned Parenthood, 1425 Creech Road. Contact Ricki Giersch at 630-514-2058, or email rickigiersch61@gmail.com
  • Fort Myers – 6 p.m., Sept. 24, outside Planned Parenthood, 6418 Commerce Park Drive. Questions?  Email 40DaysForLifeFM@gmail.com
  • Sarasota – 10:30 a.m., Sept. 26, in the parking lot of Community Pregnancy Clinics Inc., 1419 7th St. Contact Rich at 40DFLSarasota@gmail.com.

Culture of Life Conference 2025

Registration is now open for the 38th Annual Culture of Life State Conference! To be hosted by the Archdiocese of Miami on Oct. 4, 2025, the Conference will feature expert speakers on the topics of IVF, Human Trafficking, Amendment 4, and more. Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Wenski.  For more information, or to register, visit the Diocese of Venice at www.dioceseofvenice.org, or contact Tavia Ames at 941-374-1068 or ames@dioceseofvenice.org.

North Port Respect Life movie event October 5

“Unplanned” is the inspiring true story of a Planned Parenthood clinic director who became a pro-life advocate after witnessing the reality of abortion. The free showing is 3 p.m., Oct. 5, 2025, at San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. Contact Deacon Rich for more information at 914-388-4389.

Fundraiser for organization providing vital support to women

Every woman deserves a safe place to turn when she is pregnant and alone. On Oct. 10, 2025, St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, is hosting a fundraising dinner for Sunlight Home, an organization that provides vital support and services to women, including those who are pregnant and in crisis, facing homelessness, fleeing abuse or trying to break free from cycles of poverty and fear. Visit sunlighthome.org/event for tickets or more information.

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.

Marriage preparation opportunities

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.

Marriage preparation retreats in Spanish being offered

Marriage preparation retreats in Spanish are being offered Oct. 25, 2025, at St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th St., Sarasota. The retreat cost is $60 per couple. Please call the Parish to register, 941-955-3934. In addition, on Nov. 8 and 9, at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, is hosting a retreat that will span 1 and ½ days (not overnight). Cost is $150 per couple. Financial assistance is available. Please contact the Parish Spanish Marriage Prep Coordinator, Maria Gomez, for more details and to register, at 239-302-8548 or marly2002@comcast.net.

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.

11th annual St. Agnes 5K Walk/Run for Life Oct. 4 in Naples

The 11th annual 5K Walk/Run for Life event will take place Oct. 4, 2025, at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Registration on the day of the event opens at 6 a.m. with the race beginning at 7:15 a.m. This event is meant to promote a respect for life message and raise funds for pro-life causes while encouraging healthy living (Body and Soul). The entry fee is $25 for adults and $10 for children under 12 if registered by October 4.  Fees for all entries on the day of the race/walk is $30. To register, please visit the Run for Life link at www.stagnesnaples.org.

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.

Jubilee Monthly Days of Prayer Oct. 8 and 12

The Monthly Day of Prayer at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, for September is Oct. 8 and 12, 2025. Father Leland Thorpe, OMV, will be “Unlocking the Rosary.” Father will help participants find ways to enter more deeply into the Rosary and mine the riches it contains. 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.

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.

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.

Bereavement Retreat offered in Venice on Oct. 30

For those grieving the death of a loved one, the Diocese of Venice offers a Bereavement Retreat on Oct. 30, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Led by Deacon Henry deMena, who holds a an advanced degree in counseling, this faith-based retreat offers a safe and prayerful space to find peace, comfort, and healing. For more information or to register, contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754, or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Catholic Mass on Veterans Day

A Catholic Mass on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025, will be held outdoors in Patriot’s Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery at 3 pm. This annual Mass, now in its 16th year in the Diocese of Venice, has become a sacred tradition. Gathering as one people under God, we honor and remember our United States veterans, both living and deceased. All are welcome to attend and join in prayer for the souls of our faithfully departed veterans as well as for those currently in the military, and all who labor to protect the freedom we enjoy. If you are a member of the military, come, and wear your uniform! Opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 p.m

Ignatian Preached Retreat coming to Retreat Center

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, is hosting a silent Ignatian Preached 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.

Volunteers needed at 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. Catholic Charities strives to eliminate food insecurity, homelessness and to 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.

6th Hispanic Emaus Congress draws big crowd

Posted on by Bob Reddy

More than 1,100 people spent a recent Saturday experiencing and growing their love for the Lord while also building up their profound sense of devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

The 6th Emaus Congress took place Aug. 23, 2025, at the Turner-Agri Center in Arcadia. The event, which was in Spanish, was for those who have completed an Emmaus weekend retreat in the past, and also served as an opportunity to renew and recapture the fire that was ignited during their first retreat. During that retreat, participants learned a new way to live their life, as Jesus taught in the Gospel of Luke with a particular emphasis on the story of the Road to Emmaus.

Between the speakers and the music, there was a sense of community that everyone felt, making the day joyous and fruitful. Many of those present commented on how uplifting and unifying the day was, bringing them closer to Jesus Christ in ways they did not expect.

“Beautiful!” “Amazing!” “Powerful!” “I felt Christ’s love!” were just some of the reactions of participants during the day. One woman from St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres could not keep from smiling all day, exclaiming “I am so inspired and happy. What a wonderful day!”

The Congress, with the theme “Y Ellos lo Reconocieron al Partir el Pan (And They Recognized Him in the Breaking of Bread),” built upon the retreat experience by presenting a series of speakers and music, inspiring the participants to leave changed for the better.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass and first noted how the members of Emaus are a blessing to the Diocese. Present for the Congress were representatives from 26 different Parishes, and Bishop Dewane was impressed at how many are leaders at their Parish, some doing work that is visible, but many other doing good works behind the scenes.

“As followers of Jesus Christ, you give yourself to God, and you do it with joy,” Bishop Dewane said. “Your Parishes and the Diocese are stronger because of your presence and the work you do. You see the presence of God in each other. This helps build up the Church. When the Lord asks, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ you live out that response.”

Bishop Dewane said the pillars of the Emaus movement – testimony, adoration and friendship – is witnessed in the faithful’s devotion to knowing the Lord through Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

“You see the goodness around you and continue to be that light of Christ out in the world,” the Bishop said. “Know that you are prayed for and formed for the work that the Diocese carries out in your Parishes.”

Bishop Dewane did note that some members of Emaus did not attend the Congress out of fear, a product of the difficult times in which we live. “Tell those who were not able to be here today that they are very much in our prayers.”

Father Luis Pacheco, Spiritual Director for Hispanic Emaus and Administrator at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, thanked the Bishop for his time in celebrating Mass for the Congress and for his ongoing support of the movement which inspires many throughout the Diocese to grow in their relationship with the Lord.

Father Pacheco said the goal of the Congress is to reinforce the benefits of the impactful retreats.

“This can fade over time,” Father Pacheco said. “This gathering is a renewal so that everyone will carry this message and bring their excitement back to their Parishes, spreading the message of the Lord to others.”

The Emmaus retreat program is a Diocesan-approved retreat weekend that takes place three times a year in both English and Spanish. It’s open to all men and women ages 20 or older seeking to grow in their relationship with Christ regardless of their present level of faith and practice. The purpose of the weekend is to give adults the opportunity to reflect upon themselves, their relationship with God and their community.

To learn more about Emmaus retreats across the Diocese, contact your local Parish or email emaus@dioceseofvenice.org.

Bishop to students: “Make room for the Lord in your life”

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Students at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples were blessed to have Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Aug. 26, 2025.

Celebrated as a Mass of the Holy Spirit, both Bishop Dewane and Father Casey Jones, Pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton, wore red vestments. During the Mass, Bishop Dewane said the Holy Spirit is called upon to be with the students throughout the academic year, prompting and motivating them to embrace the graces of His Spirit in their lives.

“You need to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in your lives,” the Bishop said. “Be doers of your faith. Attending Mass is good but live your faith when you go back to school, or at home or in the community. Focus on what the Lord is saying to you. If you read the message of the Lord, you can become more, always more.”

The more is not just in having more money or material goods, Bishop Dewane explained. The more refers to the person one is becoming by using the graces of the Holy Spirit, learning to love God as He loves you.

“There has to be space you make for God in your life,” Bishop Dewane said. “Visualize that. You have room to follow sports (tennis, football, baseball, and more), as a fan, but where is the room for the Lord in your life? When is it you think about God? The Holy Spirit? Jesus Christ? You need to change your life and make the room in your heart. Respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit because you are called to change, to improve. It is not going to happen overnight, but the holier you become, the closer you will become to that life Jesus calls you to every day.”

Following the Mass, Bishop Dewane spoke to the eighth graders, during which he encouraged each, as the oldest students, to be the leaders of their school, being an example of God’s love for the younger students. He also encouraged them to consider attending nearby St. John Neumann Catholic High School, which most responded to say that it was their plan. Bishop Dewane also fielded questions from the students before having a group picture taken.

Each academic year, Bishop Dewane celebrates Mass at the 15 Diocesan Catholic Schools as often as his schedule allows, usually in the fall and again during Lent.

Bishop celebrates opening Mass for university academic year

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Ave Maria University 2025-2026 Academic Year opened with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Aug. 25, 2025.

Prior to the opening hymn, students carrying banners representing different Households of the resident halls at the university came forward. They were followed by faculty, dressed in their academic robes and seated up front while the students sat behind. Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Dewane were the priests who serve the spiritual needs of the students on campus and in Ave Maria Parish.

The Bishop and priests wore red vestments, to mark the celebration of a Mass of the Holy Spirit, whereupon the community gathers to thank God for the gifts of creation and salvation and to seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the coming year.

Bishop Dewane called upon the Lord to bless the works of the faculty and staff of the university as they are dedicated to the task of building up the students on all levels, but most importantly in their spiritual and faith formation.

The Bishop welcomed new and returning students and noted that they have each been provided with a great opportunity to be at Ave Maria University and said he was praying that they find success in their studies. He encouraged the students to be open to hear the call of the Lord in their lives and to live that answer each day.

As students, they come to Ave Maria University with goals and dreams to enter into a profession or career, but the Bishop remarked how that is secondary to what their commitment to attending a Catholic University is all about.

“Your commitment must be about listening to the Lord and responding in a particular way,” Bishop Dewane continued. “Allow yourself to be guided by the Holy Spirit to respond in prayer to come to know Christ; know Him and what it is that He asks us of you as men and women of God.”

A key part of their lessons at Ave Maria University, the students will learn how to live as God’s people. The Beatitudes serve as a blueprint on how to live one’s life – dignity, respect and care. Use it as a guide because Christ calls each of us to something deeper and long lasting.

“To labor under the banner of God, you have to give of yourself,” Bishop Dewane said. “At Ave Maria University, under the example and intercession of the Our Lady, Mother of God, you are called to become more the image of God. Let that transformative experience allow you to become more.”

Following the closing prayer, the Bishop presided over a commissioning ceremony for three new doctoral students in theology who received the mandatum. As part of the doctoral program, they will be engaged as instructors and teaching assistants for courses in Catholic theology at the University. As such, they are required to obtain the mandatum from the Local Bishop. The object of the mandatum is the content of the professor’s teaching, and thus the mandatum recognizes both the professor’s “lawful freedom of inquiry” and the professor’s commitment and responsibility to teach authentic Catholic doctrine and to refrain from putting forth as Catholic teaching anything contrary to the Church’s magisterium. As part of the ceremony, before Bishop Dewane and the entire school community, each made a Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, vowing to remain faithful to the Teachings of the Church.

After the Mass the Bishop greeted the students who thanked him for his presence and inspiring homily.

Prayers and good luck to all of the Ave Maria students this academic year!

2025-2026 Catholic school year begins Aug. 11

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The excitement is building as the faculty and staff at the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools prepare lesson plans and decorate classrooms for the more than 6,700 students who will be arriving for the start of the 2025-2026 Academic Year on Aug. 11, 2025.

Ahead of opening day, more than 650 educators and faculty of the Diocese of Venice gathered for a Back to School Mass and meeting on Aug. 6, 2025, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Mass at neighboring St. Cecilia Parish, where he identified the teachers and faculty as the first representatives of the Diocese of Venice as men and women of God who impart their knowledge to the child of God placed before them.

“Whatever the situation, you are advocates of a Catholic school culture, which sets us apart; we avoid negativity, we strive to be positive, and you are called upon to be positive in your approach,” Bishop Dewane said. “Let that positivity of who you are as teachers in a Catholic school, as messengers of the Lord in so many ways, be a critical component of your classroom. Let the students be a part of the positivity of what you do.”

Bishop Dewane thanked the educators for being there and answering the Lord’s call, and prayed that the Lord guides the Diocese, the Department of Education, each school, and each educator through the year and that the burdens that do appear be lifted from each of them.

Bishop Dewane also spoke about a renewed emphasis on Diocesan Catholic Curriculum Standards, which were first implemented in 2018 and are being updated for the new school year.

“Religion and faith should permeate everything we do,” the Bishop said. “We must integrate faith across the disciplines so our students know it and live it. As a teacher, you are here to form your students to be men and women of God, living out your own vocation as a teacher.”

Educators at all 15 Diocesan Catholic schools work conscientiously to provide Christ-centered learning experiences that are translatable to the real world, providing children with the tools they need to be successful beyond the classroom.

Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, spoke to the educators about the mission of the Universal Church, that is in every generation to introduce the world to its Savior.

“That world is your classroom, your school, and this Diocese,” Father Belmonte said. “You do that in Southwest Florida, because the mission happens in a particular place and time.”

Father Belmonte said the Diocese of Venice is blessed to have seen a 40 percent growth in the past five years, the fastest rate of any Catholic school system in the country. Enrollment is expected to exceed 6,700 this year, the most in Diocesan history.

“We are in the business of educating and forming souls for Christ – so more souls is better,” Father Belmonte said. “What we do helps makes us, our students, and our world to be better. We should believe that down to our bones.”

Jennifer Falestiny, Director of Curriculum, introduced the educators to online portals and programs that will aid them in in embracing the new curriculum standards.

Falestiny also introduced the group to the Hallow app, an online program that offers a variety of useful educational resources on a variety of relevant topics. One of those topics is related to a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which will be the theme for the 2025-2026 Academic Year School Devotional Project which will kick off in November.

New Teachers Come On Board

On July 31, Father Belmonte led a New Teacher Orientation at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers. Father Belmonte stressed the need for the new employees to be “Catholic School Culture” advocates in whatever role they may have in their school. A “Catholic School Culture” is the vision, values, systems, language, expectations, behaviors, and beliefs that increase a school’s and Diocese’s chances of accomplishing the strategy of fulfilling its mission: to introduce the world to its Savior.

“To achieve this, each teacher must make their classroom a place of theological reflection, because this is where you will pray for them and challenge them to grow in their faith,” Father Belmonte said. “In your classroom, in your school, in your heart; everything is sacred. Everything is given to us by God. It all has value. That is what we believe. Together with your students, you will strive to help them to achieve the ultimate goal, that is to ascend to heaven.”

All 15 Diocesan Catholic schools will open the week of Aug. 11. For more information, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/education/.

In persona Christi – Three ordained to the priesthood

Posted on by Bob Reddy

In a public response to a “call to holiness” Joseph Corboy Doherty, Jacob Christian Gwynn and William Patrick Long were Ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Frank J. Dewane during a Mass on July 12, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice.

The poignant and emotional Rite of Ordination places Fathers Doherty, Gwynn and Long in a new role as they were raised to the Order of the Presbyterate where they will now celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, confer the Sacraments and teach the Gospel. The ordination was held at Our Lady of Lourdes due to the ongoing reconstruction of Epiphany Cathedral.

Father Doherty said afterwards, “This day is one of the most important days of my life and the fulfillment for which I was born; and I hope to be worthy of the call to the priesthood.”

Father Gwynn said it was a long journey, entering seminary right out of high school, but to be there “laying prostrate on the floor, the laying on of hands, the graces of God were overflowing. My heart has been stretched and formed these past many years (9 years in seminary together, but his whole life), so now to receive from God, I can’t do anything but give that back to God through His people in service and fidelity to the priesthood.”

Father Long said the experience of the ordination was “awesome.” “It was a tremendous blessing for which I am very grateful. Grateful to God, He was very present in His Holy Spirit. Jesus was up there with us. And to be able to affect the Eucharist in such a way, not only to share His love, but His Body and Blood with others is a tremendous gift.”

Bishop Dewane congratulated the ordinandi for answering the call to holiness and advancing in formation through prayer, discernment, guidance and direction which helped them grow closer to the Lord. Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the ordinandi are called to reflect and magnify Christ and bring others closer to Christ. The priesthood was established by Christ to be coworkers with the Order of Bishops, with whom they are joined in a priestly office of Christ. As a shepherd for Christ, the newly ordained are to exercise this role without ceasing, to the very best that their ability, talents and gifts allow.

“Today you are to be ordained to the order of presbyterate so that you too may serve as Christ did, as the Teacher, the Priest and the Shepherd,” Bishop Dewane said. “By priestly ministry the body of the Church of Christ is filled up and grows ever more in the world today. You men are to be configured to Christ, the Eternal High Priest. You are to be consecrated as true priests in the New Testament.”

Citing Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Dewane reminded the men that Christ first and foremost desires our friendship. “Become that friend of Christ. This spiritual foundation sustains us in times of trial. It allows us to renew each day the “Yes!” that you express by your presence here today.”

Bishop Dewane encouraged the new priests to be passionate in their priestly life. “That passion must be in the present and in the future with a prophetic heart for whom you strive to be – with a meek and humble heart as Jesus was, and as we are all called to be.”

When the Rite of Ordination began, Doherty, Gwynn and Long were called forth to the presence of the Bishop by Diocese Director of Vocations, Father Alex Pince, and upon hearing his name called out, each answered “Present.” After the homily, each man came forward and knelt before the Bishop to promise respect and obedience to him and his successors. Then they lay prostrate before the altar as the Litany of Supplication/Litany of Saints was sung. The whole assembly joined in the prayer which invoked God’s grace and the intercession of the saints in heaven.

After this solemn act of prayer, the Sacrament of Ordination was conferred when each individually knelt before Bishop Dewane, who in silent prayer, imposed his hands on the head of the ordinand. In the sharing of the priesthood, each priest present laid their hands on the head of the newly ordained men, one at a time.

The ordinandi knelt once again before the Bishop, who recited the Consecratory Prayer of Ordination; the prayer, together with the Bishop’s imposition of hands, is the essential Rite of the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

After the prayer, the newly ordained were vested in the stole and chasuble, vestments which are worn when celebrating the Eucharist and symbolize the responsibility and authority in service to Christ. Father Doherty was vested by Father Michael Nugent, Father Gwynn by Auxiliary Bishop Gregg Caggianelli, of the Archdiocese of the Military Services USA, and Father Long by Father Mark Moretti.

The hands/palms of the new priests were then anointed with the Sacred Chrism by Bishop Dewane, the sign of the special anointing of the Holy Spirit who will make the priest’s ministry fruitful. Next, the Bishop presented Fathers Doherty, Gwynn and Long with the chalice and paten which all priests are called to present to God in the Eucharistic sacrifice saying: “Receive the oblation of the holy people to be offered to God. Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.”

The Rite of Ordination ended with the Bishop giving a fraternal kiss of peace to each newly ordained priest, welcoming him into the Diocesan Presbyterate or priesthood. The priests present then followed the Bishop’s example. The newly ordained Fathers then joined Bishop Dewane at the altar to the applause and joy of all present.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist followed. Fathers Doherty, Gwynn and Long joined all the priests for the first time in concelebrating the Eucharist with Bishop Dewane, reciting together the words of consecration. For the first time, each of the new priests offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, acting in persona Christi. From this sacrifice their whole priestly ministry will draw its strength.

In addition to Bishop Dewane and Auxiliary Bishop Caggianelli, present for the ordination were many family members, friends, and more than 40 priests, including Father Alfredo Hernández, Rector of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Msgr. Brian R. Kiely, Rector of Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, Father Christopher Murphy, Spiritual Director at the Pontifical North American College, and Father Dominic Buckley, Dean of Human Formation at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. Also present were men and women religious, Permanent Deacons, Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta, Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, as well as hundreds of the faithful.

A reception followed in the Parish Hall where the priests formally greeted the public and imparted their priestly blessing upon them.

Hear from newly ordained on Bishop’s monthly radio program

Fathers Doherty, Gwynn, and Long joined Bishop Frank J. Dewane for his monthly half-hour radio program, “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,” on Relevant Radio at 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2025 (the last Friday of each month). The show airs on 106.7 FM and 1410 AM in Fort Myers and 93.3 FM and 1660 AM in Naples. “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” can also be heard at any time by visiting dioceseofvenice.org/ourbishop.

About the newly ordained priests

Father Doherty was born in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. After high school, he moved south to attend Ave Maria University where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics and Political Economy and Government. After working in business for several years and earning a master’s degree in systems engineering from Penn State University, he heard more clearly God’s call to holiness and discerned his vocation to the priesthood, completing his philosophy studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach and a theology degree at the Gregorian University in Rome. He is currently studying at the Angelicum University in Rome. He has completed summer assignments at several Parishes in the Diocese of Venice, including St. Leo the Great in Bonita Springs, St. William in Naples, and St. Francis Xavier in Fort Myers. Father will assist at various Parishes throughout the summer before returning to Rome to complete his studies in dogmatic and fundamental theology.

Father Gwynn was born and raised in Palmetto. He was baptized by Father Teofilo Useche, the current pastor of his home Parish, Holy Cross, and confirmed there by Bishop Dewane. A graduate of Palmetto High School, he went on to study at St. John Vianney College Seminary and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. As a Diocesan seminarian, Father Gwynn has had summer assignments at the following Parishes: St. William in Naples, St. Agnes in Naples; Our Lady of Lourdes in Venice; and Our Lady of Grace in Avon Park, St. John XXIII in Fort Myers, and Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, the latter where he served a pastoral year. He currently serves as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and looks forward to becoming a Navy chaplain following five years of priestly ministry in the Diocese of Venice. Father’s first assignment will be as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples.

The second of six children, Father Long grew up in Sarasota, graduating from St. Martha Catholic School and later Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School. He earned a degree in marketing from Florida State University and before discerning his vocation to the priesthood, enjoyed a career in marketing in the health care industry. Father Long has always been active in the Church, as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Religious Education teacher, youth group leader and Pro-Life volunteer. He credits his active participation in the Church to leading him to hear God’s call to the priesthood. He completed his theological studies at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. As a seminarian for the Diocese, he served summer assignments at Incarnation Parish, St. Martha Parish and St. Thomas More Parish. Additionally, he attended the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University in Nebraska, later participating in a Spanish Summer Immersion Program in Guatemala. His first assignment as a priest will be as a Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch.

Neocatechumenal Way marks 25 years in Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane presided over a Mass for the Neocatechumenal Way on July 9, 2025, at Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers.

The gathering marked the 25th anniversary of the Neocatechumenal Way being active within the Diocese of Venice.  The Neocatechumenal Way was initiated in Madrid in 1964, and is dedicated to post- and pre-baptismal formation of Christians, based on the Word of God, the Eucharist and the Christian community.

The Neocatechumenal Way is at the service of Bishops and pastors as an itinerary of rediscovery of baptism and ongoing formation in the faith, and it is proposed to the faithful who wish to rekindle in their lives the richness of the Christian initiation.

The Way’s itinerary is lived in the Parishes, in small communities made up of people of different ages and social groups – gradually leads the faithful to intimacy with Jesus Christ and transforms them into active members in the Church and credible witnesses of the Good News. It is an instrument for the Christian initiation of adults preparing to receive baptism.

As part of the Way, itinerant-catechists are sent forth to be witnesses to God in the community, announcing the Good News of His resurrection. They also commit to live their lives according to the Nicene Creed and agree to let the Holy Spirit drive out their sins of doubt and guide them through their lives.

Several members of the Way, who are in different phases of the program, offered their testimonials about how the Way has transformed them, and the lives of their families.

One woman explained how she had strayed from a life focused on Christ before being introduced to the Way by a friend. The experience of learning the Way transformed her life and that of her family, as for the past 20 years she has made it her life’s goal to help people grow closer to Christ.

Bishop Dewane expressed his joy at how members of the Way are missionary disciples who go out into the world and live a life of encounter.

“These are encounters of who we are and who Jesus Christ is,” Bishop Dewane said. “Continue to live the love of Christ that has been planted within you and let it grow and allow you to become always more the man or woman of God you are called to be.”

Following the Mass, Bishop Dewane blessed a group of more than 40 local members of the Way who will be participating in a pilgrimage to the Vatican for the Jubilee Year 2025.

Pentecost commemorated – 127 from 23 Parishes confirmed by Bishop

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The journey of the Easter Season is concluded, and the Holy Spirit has descended to provide the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, fortitude, counsel, piety and fear of the Lord.

Celebrated June 8, 2025, the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday marks an important transition in the lives of the Apostles and clarifies their mission in creating the Lord’s Church on earth and is traditionally viewed as the founding of the Church. Pentecost, which literally means 50, falls 50 days after Easter and is 10 days after the Ascension of the Lord. As a symbol of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit, the clergy wear red vestments on this day.

“This is one of the greatest Feast Days of the Church in the context of Salvation History,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is when Jesus establishes His Church on earth … the descent of the Holy Spirit, by the Father and the Son, signals the commencement and founding of the Church and all its works.”

This celebration commemorates when the Apostles, though still afraid, accepted the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and their role in carrying the message of the Lord into the world, the Bishop said.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are sealed in the faithful through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Therefore, Pentecost is the time when those who have been baptized and are seeking to be more fully united to Christ within the Church are confirmed around the world.

At Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers, Bishop Dewane bestowed the Sacrament of Confirmation upon 127 women and men candidates representing 23 Parishes across the Diocese. These candidates were unable (for whatever reason) to be confirmed at their own Parishes during the past several months.

Bishop Dewane thanked the candidates for coming forward to be confirmed and said that the Sacrament of Confirmation must change them as they have been given a new beginning in their lives; they are making a permanent commitment that comes with corresponding responsibilities as an indelible mark is left upon their soul.

“We celebrate your presence here, that each one of you has come forward to be confirmed to receive the Holy Spirit,” the Bishop said. “Every time we receive a sacrament, we have an encounter with Jesus Christ; we must be changed as a result of that encounter. Today, you confirmandi are changed to be more that man or woman of God you are called to be.”

That change comes because living the faith must not flatline (which means spiritual death), it is always a continuing journey to grow closer to the Lord, Bishop Dewane continued.

“You are called to live a better life; called to love your brothers and sisters more dearly; called to respond to the Lord in your lives. It is who you are and who you are becoming as you play your own role in Salvation History,” Bishop Dewane said. “This is because you are called to be doers of your faith as you work to conform yourself closer to Christ. In so doing, when you meet your maker at the end of life, that the indelible mark will be seen and it will be acknowledged, and you will know how you have lived your life.”

During the Sacrament, the confirmandi renewed their baptismal promises, which Bishop Dewane said is done to publicly proclaim who they are as Catholics and to have the courage, hope, faith and perseverance to be true followers of Christ.

As the Rite continues, the Bishop says an introductory prayer and asks all to join him in praying for the candidates. He then recites an additional prayer pertaining to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Finally, the candidates are requested to come forward, with their sponsor placing their right hand on the candidate’s right shoulder. Then with his right thumb, the Bishop makes the sign of the cross on each candidate’s forehead with the Holy Chrism Oil and says “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The confirmed reply, “Amen.” At this point, the Bishop says, “Peace be with you,” and the newly confirmed respond, “And with your spirit.”

One woman from St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral expressed her joy at being confirmed by Bishop Dewane. “It is such a blessing to become a full participant in the Catholic faith.”

A young man from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples explained how his faith journey took place with the encouragement of his parents who recognized the importance of receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. “We moved around a lot so getting confirmed when I was younger was not possible. My mom encouraged me to start the instruction because I want to be married in the Church. I feel complete as a Catholic. A closer relationship to the Lord is what I needed in my life.”

Mooney 2025 seniors graduate

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School held its commencement exercises for 158 graduating seniors on May 23, 2025, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center on the Sarasota bayfront.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass for the graduating class on May 20, 2025, at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota. Bishop Dewane thanked the parents for entrusting Cardinal Mooney with the education of their children. He also praised the graduates for their academic achievement, adding that his prayers were for their continued spiritual growth as they leave the Cardinal Mooney community to points beyond.

New at graduation this year was the presentation of the first Cardinal Mooney Outstanding Senior Award, presented by Principal Ben Hopper to Sy’monique Simon and Mark Yencik. These two students were selected because they demonstrate the school’s ideals of religious and moral responsibility, personal and social responsibility, intellectual achievement, and a sense of purpose and direction, among other desirable traits and qualities. Their pictures and distinct honor will be placed in the school lobby.

The Cardinal Mooney graduating seniors performed approximately 20,000 community service hours, and 94 percent are going directly to college. They earned nearly $10.5 million in scholarship offers, a number that does not include Florida Bright Future Scholarships. Several dozen will be attending Catholic universities, and one will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. Other graduates will serve in the military, work or have a gap year.

Porter Strand was the class Valedictorian and Sy’monique Simon was Salutatorian. Father Alex Pince, Cardinal Mooney Chaplain, offered the invocation, while Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, offered the Final Blessing.

 

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