The second annual Converging Roads Conference for health care professionals, students and interested lay people took place March 1, 2025, at St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers.
Presented by the Diocese of Venice, the St. John Paul II Foundation, and the Southwest Florida Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, the theme for the Conference was “Catholic Social Doctrine in Medicine,” and addressed the increasingly complex and confusing issues of ethics facing medical professionals today.
The Conference offers continuing education for health care professionals that equips them to practice the highest ethical and medical standards of their profession, by offering the tools, ideas, and fundamental principles necessary to better serve patients who are in their care now and in the future.
Bishop Dewane celebrated Mass ahead of the Conference and spoke at the opening of the event, stressing the importance for medical professionals in all fields and all ranges of experience to understand Catholic Social Doctrine in Medicine.
“I ask that your hearts, minds, and souls be open to what it is you hear; be conscious of the facts and take the truth the Lord gives and bring it back into your workplace,” Bishop Dewane said at the Conference opening.
The talks covered a wide range of issues. The titles included: “The Implications of Catholic Social Doctrine for Health Care,” “The Origins, Challenges, and Ethics of Transhumanism,” “Human Dignity at the End of Life,” “The Mental Health Crisis for Children and Adolescents,” and “The Science and Ethics of In Vitro Fertilization.” There was also a roundtable discussion on “Advance Directives: How Should a Catholic Prepare?”
Deacon Michael J. Deem, of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the emcee and a speaker for the Conference, explained that the topics and speakers were handpicked by a local committee from the Diocese who felt these were pressing issues that are facing health care professionals today both regionally and nationally. More than 80 participated in the Conference in person, while still more participated online.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive as each speaker went in depth on complex issues and clarified where the Catholic Church stands. Some even noted that they didn’t even know the Church had a stance on some of the issues.
A nurse from LaBelle said she had her eyes opened when learning about several different topics, such as transhumanism and end of life issues. “These are things I don’t deal with daily, but in a few years, they may be what everyone is dealing with or talking about. It is a scary world out there and I am blessed to know where the Church stands.”
A nursing student at Ave Maria University delayed her spring break to attend the conference. “I knew I would learn a lot on many different issues in a very short time. I don’t know when, or if, I will face these issues in the future, but I want to be ready with the right answers now.”
The St. John Paul II Foundation is a national Catholic apostolate proclaiming the Good News about life and family through education and formation. In addition to the Converging Roads initiative, the Foundation supports continuing education for clergy (Shepherd’s Heart for priests and Servant’s Heart of Permanent Deacons), as well as marriage enrichment with its “Together in Holiness” program, a one-day Conference series for couples, and a year-round formation series, which has been active in the Diocese of Venice for five years.
Diocese of Venice Seminarian, Joseph Corboy Doherty was one of 19 seminarians to enter into the Ministry of Acolyte on March 5, 2023, in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the Pontifical North American College, Vatican City State. Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville was the main celebrant and spoke the following words as he handed the paten to each candidate: “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.” In his homily, Archbishop Fabre encouraged the seminarians, saying, “The ministry of an acolyte has a special connection to the altar and to the Eucharist. It is the duty of the acolyte to assist in serving the altar during liturgical celebrations and to attend to the Eucharist in certain functions and capacities. This is certainly an important ministry since it involves service to some of the most important elements of our Catholic faith, if not the most central element.” Representing the Diocese of Venice were Father Christian Chami and Transitional Deacon Daniel Scanlan.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. in Arcadia is seeking help in giving the gift of an Easter Basket for children of Casa San Juan Bosco farmworkers housing, local families, and migrant farm workers. Supporters can donate Easter Basket supplies, gift cards, or check to help the program bless children this Easter! Drop off or deliver items ordered online to Catholic Charities, 1210 East Oak St., Arcadia, FL 34266, by April 5.
Claire Sattler, a Bishop Verot Catholic High School 2019 graduate, recently joined 27 former teen Jeopardy! contestants as they faced off in the Jeopardy! High School Reunion Tournament. The players competed for a $100,000 grand prize and a spot in the next Tournament of Champions. Sattler, now a senior at Yale University, won the 2018 Teen Tournament of Champions. In the opening quarterfinal round, which aired Feb. 27, 2023, Sattler was able to secure her win in the Final Jeopardy round because of a research paper topic that was given to her by her freshman English teacher – Lynn Chervenok Knox. In honor of her former teacher, Sattler drew a smiley face next to the winning question and wrote, “Thanks, Mrs. Knox!” With her victory, the native of Bonita Springs next appeared in the semifinals on March 6. Sattler, who had been in the lead with $8,600 going into Final Jeopardy. All three contestants failed to get the correct solution, so when Sattler bet $8,201, and dropped to $399, she ended up in third place. Well done as she continues to proudly represent Bishop Verot.
Leadership of the Southwest Florida Guild of the Catholic Medical Association met with Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Nov. 5, 2020 at the Catholic Center in Venice. The leadership provided Bishop Dewane with their annual report on their latest activities.
