Tag: mass

Prison and jail outreach volunteers recognized

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The men and women volunteers who enter the jails and prisons scattered throughout the Diocese of Venice serve a crucial role to a segment of society that is too commonly dismissed and forgotten.

Prison outreach volunteers were recognized for their work by Bishop Frank J. Dewane during a Mass of Appreciation on Nov. 22, 2024, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Port Charlotte. The outreach provides a variety of services, including Bible study, religious education and assistance with receiving the sacraments such as Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Bishop Dewane, who celebrated Mass for the volunteers, praised the group for responding to answer a specific call from God, that of serving the incarcerated, those who are often marginalized or forgotten by society.

“The Diocese is blessed that the Lord has put you volunteers there to serve in a particular way for those men and women who need it the most,” Bishop Dewane said. “The incarcerated have value. All of us who go into the jails and prisons find the image and likeness of God in those whom we encounter. It isn’t just a feel-good mission. We each go in as instruments of the Lord and take it from there.”

Bishop Dewane, who celebrates Mass at jails and prisons within the Diocese of Venice multiple times each year, said the volunteers who participate in prison outreach touch the heart of the incarcerated because they talk to them about the Lord.

“God put you where you need to be, and for that, I am grateful,” the Bishop said.

The Bishop, who admitted being nervous during his first prison visit while working in Rome, said each encounter has a personal impact on him. When celebrating the Mass for the incarcerated, Bishop Dewane said he knows he is bringing the forgiveness, mercy, compassion, peace, love and joy of the Lord to others.

Since his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese in 2006, Bishop Dewane has conferred the Sacraments of Confirmation, First Communion and Baptism for dozens of inmates. In April and June of this year the Bishop conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on two groups of inmates at Avon Park Correction Institute in Avon Park, and also in June for a group at DeSoto Correctional Institute in Arcadia.

Following the Mass for volunteers, a luncheon was held in the Parish Hall. The volunteers heard from Florida Department of Corrections State Chaplain Johnny Frambo who updated everyone on the positive impacts of their ministry.

Diocesan Prison Outreach Co-Coordinators Bob Hiniker and Joe Mallof also provided updates and the good news that programs to support the incarcerated are expanding, including a re-entry program and the expansion of digital classes and resources.

Hiniker read a letter from one inmate from DeSoto Correctional Institute who expressed the thoughts of the many who are uplifted by the prison outreach volunteers. “You show us that there are people out there who care… This is more amplified during the holiday season when family cannot take time out to visit their incarcerated loved ones. I wanted to let all the volunteers know how important they are to the men here and how much of an impact they are making. Thank you, and God Bless You!”

At DeSoto Correctional Institute in Arcadia, there is a weekly Mass with more than 50 in attendance. This Mass includes viewing the TV Mass for the Homebound produced by the Diocese Department of Communications, as well as reflections on the readings.

Within the Diocese, there are currently 20 priests, five deacons and 120 laity who volunteer in prison outreach in 10 county jails, five state prisons and one civil commitment facility. The Prison Ministry of the Diocese is under the guidance of the Office of Evangelization.

During the program, Hiniker and Mallof presented Bishop Dewane with a crystal cross, a token of recognition for his unfailing support of the Prison Outreach program. Similarly, a crystal cross was presented to Johnny Frambo, who will be retiring from his position as State Chaplain in early 2025.

There are approximately 15,000 men and women incarcerated within the Diocese and new volunteers are needed. All volunteers participate in an orientation program before entering a correctional facility and “shadow” experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility.

If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about the Diocesan Prison Outreach, or perhaps becoming a volunteer, please contact Bob Hiniker at hinbob5@hotmail.com or Joe Mallof at mallofjt@comcast.net.

Rally “Ignites” Youth of Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice Youth Rally “Ignite” was aptly named: more than 1,800 teens participated and clearly showed their hearts were on fire with love for Jesus Christ.

The Youth Rally took place Nov. 16, 2024, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda and for more than eight hours the young men and women prayed, listened, cheered, and filled their hearts full of love and mercy.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane encouraged the young men and women to ignite the fire of the Holy Spirit from within in response to the call of God, building upon the theme of the Rally: Ignite – “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us…” Luke 24:32.

Based on the response of the teens as they were leaving Youth Rally, that goal was achieved. “Wow! What a great day. I was blown away,” said one girl from St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral. “Awesome,” said one young man from Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers. “What a great day.”

Other youth shared similar responses, with most raving about how the Youth Rally overcame any misgivings they might have had before participating. Many expressed the joy of celebrating their faith with more than 1,800 of their fellow Catholic brothers and sisters.

“Jesus Christ is the one who fans the flame,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is the Lord who puts that fire within us and how it grows, and it teaches us the self-control that we need in our lives when we go about living; becoming that man or woman of God that He calls us to be.”

The Bishop told the youth that they need to open their hearts up – through prayer, attending Mass, reading Sacred Scriptures, going to confession, and in many other ways – to hear the Holy Spirit in their lives and learn how to become a better version of themselves.

“The Lord fans the flame, but you and I have to be the ones to look within and accept the guidance provided. Recognize how the Holy Spirit is prompting you to respond,” Bishop Dewane said. “We are all called to action and to be doers of our faith. If we don’t have actions, that flame will stay locked in, and we will be empty.”

Bishop Dewane urged the youth to take what they have learned from the Diocesan Youth Rally and better conform their lives to the call of Christ. “It starts within ourselves, at home, because we must leave room for Christ to set us aflame for the love of God, allow the Holy Spirit to grow within you and you will be able to set aside what is keeping you from growing closer to the love and mercy of the Lord,” Bishop concluded.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass concluded the Youth Rally. This was preceded by Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist which also included a procession through the crowd led by Bishop Dewane.

The Youth Rally included the group praying of the Holy Rosary, Catholic trivia, vendors and tables including for the promotion of vocations.

The day included inspirational talks from nationally renowned speakers Mari Pablo and Tanner Kalina. Pablo’s talk to the entire group was titled “From Despair to Faith, the Journey Transformed by Jesus,” and to the girls was “Mary’s Pure Heart, the Path to Jesus.” Kalina’s talk to the entire group was “The Masterplan of God – State of the Confession Time,” and to the boys “Beauty, Adventure, Battle.”

Vocation talks were offered to the men by Father Alex Pince, Diocesan Vocations Director, who was later joined by seven Diocesan seminarians. The women heard from Sister Maria Nikopoia, SSVM, Director of Religious Education at St. Michael Parish in Wauchula.

Energetic music was provided by the John Blakesley Band who inspired the crowd with spiritual songs.

Throughout the day, hundreds availed themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many also took time out to spend quiet time with the Lord in the Adoration Chapel. The temporary Chapel also included a first-class relic of Blessed Carlos Acutis, the first millennial saint who had a passion for the Eucharist.

The Diocese of Venice Youth Rally was organized by the Diocesan Office of Evangelization’s Youth and Young Adults Office, under the direction of Director Andres Prias, and with the support of nearly 100 adult volunteers.

15th Annual Catholic Mass honors veterans at National Cemetery

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The 15th Annual Catholic Mass on Veterans Day at Sarasota National Cemetery was celebrated to thank God for all who serve or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including those who are on active duty, as well as those who have died, and their families.

More than 800 people attended the Mass which takes place in Patriots Plaza at the National Cemetery in Sarasota on Nov. 11 each year. Bishop Frank J. Dewane initiated the Catholic Mass in 2010 just a few years after the cemetery opened.

The main celebrant and homilist for the Mass was Father Bob Kantor, Pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Naples, State Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, and a retired U.S. Navy Chaplain. In addition, 18 priests concelebrated.

Father Kantor expressed how he was blessed and honored to celebrate the Catholic Veterans Day Mass at the National Cemetery, having served during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

“We are on ground that is hallowed by the bodies of those who have served our nation so honorably and to those of you here present who are still alive to bear witness to Jesus Christ,” Father Kantor said. “We join our prayers to yours, praying to the souls of those departed and those living we celebrate this Veterans Day. May it be a day of joy and strength and recognition for what a blessing you are to our nation.”

“Whenever our nation has gone to war, brave men and women have answered the call; sometimes those in the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine gave their lives,” Father Kantor said. “Today we remember those who returned, some who suffered physically or mentally, all who sacrificed heroically.”

Reflecting upon his service in Afghanistan and Iraq, Father Kantor described bringing the sacraments to sailors, soldiers, and airmen on ships, oil platforms and at forward operating bases. He remembered those who, despite enduring active combat zone conditions, held close to and even grew in their faith. These men and women gathered on short notice in a mess tent that served as a temporary Chapel, with dirty faces and little rest were sacrificing to draw closer to the Lord.

“Many of us who served can remember comrades who did not make it home,” Father Kantor said. “We remember those people who helped us get through; those who showed us what it was to serve honorably. We hold lessons deep in our hearts. Everyone has his or her memories. Some that are an open book – some locked away to be revealed to no one, but God. We gather to pray for all who had these experiences and for us veterans to entrust ourselves to God, knowing we did our best.”

Veterans Day prophetically falls on the Feast of St. Martin of Tours, a Bishop who was a soldier who then dedicated his life to God. Father Kantor noted that the Saint’s life represented a transition from war to a condition of peace. The holiday was established following World War I as a recognition of the end to that terrible conflict on Nov. 11, 1918. Established as Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919, the day similarly marked a transition from war to peace. The recognition was broadened to honor and thank all who have served in the U.S. Armed Services, becoming Veterans Day under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

 

Prior to the opening of the Mass, all veterans – active and retired – were asked to stand and be recognized and were honored with resounding applause. This was followed by the presentation of the Colors by the Knights of Columbus Color Corps and then the singing of the National Anthem.

The Sarasota National Cemetery celebration concluded with a procession, escorted by the Knights of Columbus Color Corps to the nearby graves as those in attendance sang “God Bless America.”

Father Kantor, priests, Deacons, the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, and all present, then gathered in silent prayer before “Taps” was played on a bugle.

John Robinson, a parishioner at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota and a combat-wounded U.S. Marine who served during the Korean War, has attended every Catholic Mass on Veterans Day because he feels it is his duty to honor the memory of his comrades in arms.

“I found my faith during war,” Robinson said. “I was proud to serve my country and it is wonderful that the Catholic Church recognizes the sacrifice made by our veterans by having this Mass every year.”

There are now more than 25,000 veterans and eligible family members currently interred in the National Cemetery and some 18.5 million military veterans in the United States.

The Diocese of Venice coordinates the Catholic Mass at the National Cemetery with the backing of the Knights of Columbus and is grateful for the help and support of Sarasota National Cemetery.

During the Mass, the gifts were brought forward by Steve and Kathy Jendrysik, of Incarnation Parish in Sarasota. Both are U.S. Navy veterans.

 

Mass honors grandparents at Neumann

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Grandparents, a vital link to the past – most importantly to the Faith – were welcomed to St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples for a special celebration.

A Grandparents Day celebration on Nov. 7, 2024, opened with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane in the gymnasium to accommodate the large number of students (426) and the 165 participating grandparents.

Bishop Dewane said he was delighted to see the growth at St. John Neumann and that so many grandparents could see what is available for their grandchildren at the school.

The Mass was dedicated to honor all grandparents, present for the Mass or unable to attend, as well as those who are deceased. Bishop Dewane said it is important to celebrate grandparents knowing the goodness of the love that comes from them.

“They live for the other,” Bishop Dewane said. “We are richer and wiser in those who love us. Pope Francis defines love as willing the good of others. I encourage young people to talk to their grandparents about what love has meant to them. It has made them better, richer, and wiser. These are gifts that come from the Lord. It is through the years of experience that the richness of love is found. In that love, we see the mercy of the Lord.”

Bishop Dewane described the young people as bringing a life, or spark, to the family, creating a rare condition of love and richness that must be nurtured.

“Talk to your grandparents as you mature and grow,” Bishop Dewane said. “Let that relationship, between the grandparent and grandchild, be something that makes each one better and richer in who they are. Let it allow them both to be wiser in the decisions they make going forward in their lives.”

Sister Patricia Roche, FMA, Principal of St. John Neumann Catholic High School, said the school was blessed to have so many grandparents present for the special occasion.

“You are the pillars in society,” Sister Patricia said. “Your grandchildren are a wonderful reflection of you. They are not only good-looking and charming, but they are intelligent with great personalities. You can be very proud of them.”

Mass was followed by a reception for the 165 participating grandparents and their grandchildren. In addition to refreshments, students were encouraged to give their grandparents a tour of the school and classrooms.

One grandmother remarked while on a school tour about how beautiful the Mass was and that it is a blessing that her granddaughter can attend such a wonderful school. “Everyone here is so wonderful and welcoming.”

Fort Myers Vietnamese Catholic community celebrates 15 years

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The growing Catholic Vietnamese community in the Diocese of Venice celebrated a milestone, marking 15 years with a permanent Mass at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who was the main celebrant for the Mass on Nov. 2, 2024, expressed his admiration for the Catholic Vietnamese community in Fort Myers, offering strong contributions to the faith-life of the Diocese.

“It is I who am honored to be with all of you as a part of this festive celebration,” Bishop Dewane said. “Your presence in the Diocese, permanently for the past 15 years at St. John XXIII, has been positive and beautiful. The contribution that you make here at your Parish is substantial. You may be small in number, but you are a good number. You are here. The Lord calls you to come, to be present to worship Sunday after Sunday, and we continue to give thanks for that blessing.”

Looking forward, the Bishop said he will continue to support the Vietnamese Catholic community as it grows. In addition to the Mass at St. John XXIII, Masses in Vietnamese are celebrated in Sarasota at St. Martha Parish and mostly recently periodically at San Pedro Parish in North Port. In addition, there are currently two men who are from Vietnam in formation as Diocesan seminarians.

“I see a strong future for the Vietnamese community here in this Diocese,” Bishop Dewane said. “As we go forward, we celebrate 15 years by being grateful for the blessings the Lord has bestowed on this community as it thrives. It is an important part of the Diocese of Venice.”

Father Joseph Than Van Liem, CRM, the current Chaplain for the Vietnamese community at St. John XXIII, concelebrated the Mass, and thanked Bishop Dewane for his support of the community and presence for the 15th anniversary celebration.

The opening for the Mass began with a colorful procession, including the faithful, from the Vietnamese Martyrs Memorial, through the courtyard and into the Parish church. The memorial to 117 Vietnamese Martyrs was dedicated in 2013 by Bishop Dewane. As part of the celebration, Vietnamese Catholic flags were raised above the memorial and parking lot.

The Vietnamese Catholics celebrated Mass at several Parishes in Lee County before Bishop Dewane helped the community find its permanent home in 2009 at St. John XXIII Parish.

Adam Nguyen, who has been a leader in the Fort Myers Vietnamese community since its inception, explained how Bishop Dewane understood the need for finding a permanent home in Lee County and how the staff and faithful at St. John XXIII were very welcoming.

“It was 15 years ago when we felt lost and adrift, much like orphans yearning for a home. When we approached St. John XXIII Parish those doors swung wide open, welcoming us with warmth and compassion,” Nguyen said. “We are endlessly thankful for the Lord guiding us here.”

Nguyen said the blessing and support of Bishop Dewane, bringing in Vietnamese clergy to support the community, has allowed the community to flourish.

“We will always be a part of your legacy, and your unwavering support will forever be in our hearts,” Nguyen said.

Also concelebrating during the Mass were Father Bernadine Tan Minh Dang, CRM, who was the first permanent priest to serve the Vietnamese community at St. John XXIII; Father Joseph Toan Duc Vu, CRM, Parochial Vicar at St. Martha Parish in Sarasota who serves the Vietnamese Catholic Community in the region; Father Jayabalan Raju, Administrator at St. John XXIII; and Father Greg Dougherty, Parochial Vicar at the Parish.

News Briefs for the week of November 8, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Announcements

After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:

Father Sebastian Szczawinski, Pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, is welcomed to the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice and is incardinated into said Diocese, effective Nov. 1, 2024.

Father Timothy Deutsch, as Parochial Vicar of St. John the Evangelist in Naples, effective Oct. 21, 2024.

Father Rodolfo French Naar, as Parochial Vicar of St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres, effective Oct. 23, 2024.

Catholic Mass on Veterans Day

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

Two Diocesan seminarians admitted to Candidacy

Seminarians Alexander J. Baugh and Terry P. Gastauer, in formation for the Diocese of Venice, were among nine to be admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders during a Mass on Oct. 30, 2024, at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Each seminarian has been approved by his Bishop and will continue studies and formation to become a Catholic priest. In addition, they have demonstrated their intention and dedication to complete their preparation for Holy Orders. The Mass for Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders was presided over by Most Reverend David Leon Toups, Bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont, Texas.

Bishop celebrates Mass for three schools

On Oct. 31, 2024, Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass at the Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria on Oct. 31, 2024. In addition, Bishop Dewane celebrated Mass at St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring on Nov. 4, and Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School on Nov. 5. These are the latest in a series of Masses celebrated at Diocesan Catholic schools at the beginning of the academic year. Additional Masses are scheduled through December.

Special collection for hurricane relief Nov. 16-17

A special Hurricane Relief Collection will take place during all Masses in the Diocese of Venice on the weekend of Nov. 16-17, 2024. Bishop Frank J. Dewane called for this collection to aid in the recovery following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Coastal areas were flooded and many other areas had significant wind damage. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., has been working to provide assistance at designated sites, distributing water, food, tarps, cleaning supplies, and other basic necessities. The collection will help provide for the continuing needs, as well as the effort of Catholic Charities in providing both immediate and long-term assistance to those impacted.

Knights golf tournament benefits Catholic Charities’ Our Mother’s House

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., and Our Mother’s House were among the beneficiaries of the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Lourdes Council 9924 Circle of Life Charity Golf Event in October 2024. A check presentation ceremony took place at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice on Nov. 5.

All Saints Day celebrated at Parishes and schools

Young children dressed as their favorite saints were a common sight during All Saints Day celebrations at Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools and Parishes. Several schools hosted pageants with students often sharing information about their chosen saint.

Civics lessons learned on Election Day

While the nation voted on Nov. 4, 2024, Diocese of Venice Catholic School students went to the polls to participate in their own “election.” Students learned about voting rights, the importance of participating in elections and even cast ballots for their favorite ice cream or superhero. This civics lesson helps keep students informed about this important process.

School diaper drive supports Community Pregnancy Clinics

During the month of October, Respect Life Month, the students at the Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria collected diapers and wipes for Community Pregnancy Clinics in Naples. The diapers were picked up by Clinics CEO Scott Baier on Oct. 31, 2024. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was present to bless the donations which will go to support women and their newborn children throughout Southwest Florida.

Bishop encourages students to “pray always”

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Diocese of Venice Catholic School students have been given an assignment by Bishop Frank J. Dewane: to be young men and women of prayer.

It is during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at Diocesan Catholic schools when Bishop Dewane offers his encouragement to the students, explaining, “It is Jesus who calls you to be young men and women of prayer, not just me. The Lord wants us to communicate with Him. You and I communicate with Jesus Christ through prayer. I don’t ask of you something I don’t think you can do. Are you able to be young men and women of prayer? Can you do that this year?”

An echo of “Yes!!!” was the enthusiastic response at each school.

Explaining why he thought prayer was so important, the Bishop said that each time Jesus made important decisions, He went and prayed to God, His Father. Each of us needs to take the time to reach out to the Lord and to be a person of prayer. When asked by how often one should pray, Jesus always responded: “Pray always.” Words all should live by, the Bishop added.

“Right before Jesus was going to die, He goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He knew what was going to happen, He prayed for the assistance from God, to have the grace, the strength and the courage to endure. He received that strength by talking to God, the Father,” Bishop Dewane explained.

“You will find these things also when reaching out to the Lord in prayer. Don’t leave it to somebody else to pray. Do it in the morning, the evening, before meals, before bed. Most importantly, come to Mass each Sunday, because the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the greatest prayer the Universal Church has to offer,” the Bishop concluded.

Following each primary school Mass, the Bishop speaks with the eighth graders, encouraging them to be the leaders of their respective schools and also promoting their attendance to a local Diocesan Catholic high school next year. Bishop Dewane also fields questions from the students before having a group picture taken.

Each academic year, Bishop Dewane celebrates Mass at each of the 15 Diocesan Catholic Schools as often as his schedule allows, usually in the fall and again during Lent. The initial Masses this year were at St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy on Oct. 23, 2024, on Oct. 28 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers and St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral, then on Oct. 30 in Naples at St. Ann Catholic School and St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School. Additional Masses are scheduled through December.

All encouraged to attend 15th Annual Catholic Mass on Veterans Day

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice will be hosting the 15th Annual Catholic Mass on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2024, at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the best way we can honor our veterans, both living and deceased, to whom we owe a great debt. The commemorative Mass reminds the faithful not only of veterans’ service and sacrifice, but also of the great luxury of our personal freedoms.

The 3 p.m. Mass is preceded by an opening ceremony at 2:45 p.m., is held with the intention of thanking and honoring all men and women who have served our country, many of whom are laid to rest at the Sarasota National Cemetery. It is also an opportunity to honor and pray for those who continue to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. All military service personnel, both active and retired, are encouraged to wear their uniforms to the Mass.

Organized by the Diocese of Venice, the annual Mass started in 2010, just two years after the National Cemetery was dedicated. Since that time, the cemetery and Mass have grown. More than 25,000 veterans and their spouses are interred in the National Cemetery since opening. The Diocese is grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at Sarasota National Cemetery. This effort to honor veterans is assisted every year by the Knights of Columbus, who work diligently to support this annual event.

The opening ceremony will include patriotic music, hymns, as well as the Presenting and Posting of the Colors. The Mass, concelebrated by priests from across the Diocese of Venice, will follow immediately.

After the Mass, the concelebrating priests, escorted by the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, will proceed to the nearby graves where they will stand in silent prayer as “Taps” is played.

A military display will be nearby with flags representing the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.

Sarasota National Cemetery is located on State Road 72 (exit 205 at Clark Road), approximately four miles east of Interstate 75. Ample parking is provided, and golf cart shuttles will be available for those in need of assistance. A water station and restrooms will be in place for the ceremony, but visitors are encouraged to wear a hat and sunscreen. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early.

2024 Marriage Conference inspires couples

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice, “Together in Holiness” Marriage Conference, presented in partnership with the Diocese Evangelization Office and the St. John Paul II Foundation, took place Oct. 19, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Fort Myers, was a great success.

More than 100 couples, representing 29 Parishes, took part in this event which was intended to allow couples to grow together in holiness, learn to form their children in the Catholic Faith, enjoy a day of quality time with their spouse, and witness dynamic presentations. The day offered couples an opportunity to reconnect with their spouse through conversation and prayer during a day focused on helping them live their marriage vocation more faithfully and fruitfully. Many married couples brought their families, with more than 60 children enrolled in childcare throughout the day. In addition to married couples, many engaged couples also participated.

The day included the Mass, celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Dewane offered the couples a special marriage blessing.

Bishop Dewane told the couples that the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is the most widely held vocation, by far, which is a good thing because those who dedicate themselves to each other show the entire world the beauty of this vocation.

“Married couples are called to a mission to live the Sacrament to its fullest, taking the grace and goodness that comes with it and living it out and giving witness to those you encounter,” Bishop Dewane said. “Marriage is living out the covenant established by God with His people, and it is based on the commitment that flows out from that Sacrament – to live by giving themselves, one to the other, receiving the other in love, devotion and caring.”

Through this covenant, marriage is a permanent and lasting unity where the couple acts as instruments to the grace of God, the Bishop added.

“In the Sacrament of Marriage, you each bring a unique grace,” Bishop Dewane continued. “Live it out. Act it out. Pray to God to have that inspiration. That sacramental bond needs to be rediscovered repeatedly. To understand the bond of love, one must live in the context of sacramental commitment. You can accomplish this by always allowing space for Christ in your relationship.”

One couple from Fort Myers, married for 21 years with four children, said they went to the event looking to reexamine their marriage as two of their children have gone off to college and two others will soon be leaving their home. “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.”

The Conference included inspirational talks by Catholic speakers Renzo and Monica Ortega, and Mallory Smyth, as well as Father Alex Pince, Diocesan Director of Vocations and Parochial Vicar at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

The “Together in Holiness” Conference made its Diocese of Venice debut in 2021.

For couples who wish to continue enriching their marriage – whether or not they attend the Conference – the “Together in Holiness” Formation series is offered. The Formation series is year-round marriage enrichment for small groups of four to six couples gathering to explore a particular theme based on the life, teaching and witness of St. John Paul II. At the gatherings, couples share a meal, watch a brief video and have guided prayer, Scripture and discussion. If you would like to participate in or learn more about the Together in Holiness Formation series in the Diocese of Venice, contact THFormation@forlifeandfamily.org.

To learn more about other Diocese of Venice initiatives in the support of marriage and family, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-484-4754.

Fort Myers Parish celebrates Golden Jubilee

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Serving as a beacon of the light of Christ in the community, the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish community celebrated 50 years in Fort Myers on Oct. 20, 2024.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Parish’s Golden Jubilee Mass, with Resurrection Pastor Msgr. Stephen E. McNamara, and Parochial Vicars Father Patrick Oliver Toner and Father Shawn Roser among the concelebrating priests.

“Reaching 50 is a true accomplishment,” Bishop Dewane said. “This is a celebration for the Diocese, the Parish, the parishioners, and the priests, those who are here now and those who have come before. It is my prayer that you rejoice in the goodness of God having blessed you for these 50 years knowing God will continue to provide for many years to come.”

Bishop Dewane said the Golden Jubilee is a perfect time to reflect, looking back at what has been accomplished, but also a time to look forward and be challenged to continue the legacy that has been put forth.

“A Parish is a testament to Jesus Christ as it provides His faithfulness and His sustained power for the world,” Bishop Dewane said. “We can’t do these things on our own. We must continue to be faithful to the Lord, allowing His grace to give us guidance as the Parish continues to be that beacon for the community and the world.”

Established as a Mission in 1974, Msgr. McNamara is the only Pastor to have served through the 50 years, overseeing the construction on numerous buildings including the church while the community in south Fort Myers grew. That growth was so strong that St. Columbkille and Our Lady of Light were established in the 1990s as Missions to serve the influx of residents to the area.

“It is a blessing to have Bishop Dewane here to be part of this celebration,” Msgr. McNamara said. “It is amazing to think that 50 years has passed since Resurrection was established. Where does the time go?”

During the reception, there was a string trio, and a slideshow of images on a large screen. The conversation focused on each person’s first time they attended Mass at Resurrection. Some were initially seasonal residents before becoming permanent parishioners, while others told of being present for decades. “It is our spiritual home,” one woman said.

Resurrection Parish currently has more than 2,600 registered families.

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