Palm Sunday marked throughout Diocese
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord marks the triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem and starts the events which are marked throughout Holy Week which include the Lord’s crucifixion and Resurrection on Easter. Father Antony Lukka, Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, opened the Vigil Mass with the reading of the Gospel of Matthew (21: 1-11), prior to the blessing and procession with palms. This scene was repeated at Parishes throughout the Universal Church, with options to process from another location into the church, to start in the narthex of the church, or a simple opening with a blessing of palms and opening procession. The Mass includes the Passion of the Lord, also from the Gospel of Matthew (26:14-27:66 or 27:11-54).
Seminarian takes oath ahead of Transitional Deacon ordination
Bao Nguyen, a Seminarian discerning a vocation to the priesthood made a solemn Oath of Fidelity and Profession of Faith in preparation for his ordination as Transitional Deacon this spring. Nguyen was one of three seminarians to take the oath on March 25, 2026, at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. It is customary for all those ordained to the diaconate, priesthood and episcopacy to take the oath before each ordination; the solemn Oath of Fidelity and Profession of Faith is an important and necessary step. By signing these oaths before God, the Seminary rector, and the Seminary community, these men make a public declaration of their faith and believe all that the Catholic Church teaches. They promise to be faithful to that teaching in their ministry as deacons. Nguyen will be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on April 18, at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.
Gala celebrates 70 years of Naples Catholic school
The Saint Ann Catholic School 70th Anniversary Heart of Education Gala took place on March 27, 2026, in Naples, to benefit the school foundation. Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the prayer before the meal and offered remarks about the lasting impact that St. Ann Catholic School has had on the community in Naples and the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Venice. The evening was titled, “Saint Ann School 70 Symphony of Hearts,” and included live and silent auctions as well as live music.
Shroud of Turin presentation April 8
Epiphany Cathedral is hosting an audio-visual presentation on the Shroud of Turin, “Who is the Man of the Shroud?” at 6 p.m., April 8, 2026, at 310 Sarasota St., Venice. The evening will be led by Father Andrew Dalton, LC, a well-known international speaker on the Shroud, who will offer a reflection on Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection as witnessed through the Shroud of Turin. The Shroud is one of the most studied archeological artifacts in the world, yet modern science cannot explain how the mysterious image was formed. You are invited into contemplation of the mysteries of the Shroud as revealed by science, history, art, and Scripture. To register, please call 941-484-3505.
Monthly Day of Prayer
The Monthly Day of Prayer at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is an opportunity to take time out of your busy and hectic life to focus on God. The next Days of Prayer are April 8 and April 12, 2026, with the theme of “Celebrating Divine Mercy.” Father Leland Thorpe, OMV, will explain that celebrating Divine Mercy involves a profound reflection of God’s mercy and the opportunity to receive special graces. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with Continental breakfast and includes two conferences by the OLPH priest, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, lunch, and Mass. Time will be made available for adoration, private prayer, or meditation on the beautiful grounds. The day concludes at 3:15 p.m. The cost is $45. Register at www.olph-retreat.org.
Catholic Healthcare Ethics Conference April 11 in Fort Myers
Medical professionals, students, and interested laypeople are invited to the third annual Converging Roads healthcare ethics conference 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 11, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection Parish, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The conference is themed, “The Dignified Mission of Catholic Health Care,” and the featured speaker is Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Director of Education for the National Catholic Bioethics Center. His talk is titled, “Infertility and Alternatives to Artificial Reproductive Technologies. Converging Roads is an initiative of the St. John Paul II Foundation and is presented collaboratively with the Diocese of Venice and Southwest Florida Guild of the Catholic Medical Association. Continuing education credits for health care professionals are available. To register, visit April 11, 2026 | Fort Myers, FL | Converging Roads – St. John Paul II Foundation. For more information, contact Taylor Briggs, Conference Coordinator, at 832-779-1070 or taylor@forlifeandfamily.org.
Sarasota Parish Divine Mercy Celebration
St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12, 2026. St. Faustina, who experienced visions of Jesus, wrote in her diary: “the soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion (on Divine Mercy Sunday) shall obtain the complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” This grace is similar to the grace received at baptism and greater than a plenary indulgence. Mass begins at 3 p.m., and will be preceded by a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 2 p.m., Praying of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy through song at 2:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered beginning at 2 p.m.
Theology on Tap April 16 in University Park
The next gathering of Theology on Tap, a very special night of fellowship, faith, and fun with fellow Catholic young adults from across the Diocese, is 7 – 9 p.m., April 16, 2026, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. Don’t miss this chance to grow in faith, connect with others, and enjoy an evening out with friends old and new. Theology on Tap is an opportunity for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. Theology on Tap meets on the third Thursday of every month. There is no cost to attend, and no registration required. Bring a friend. For more information, contact Andres Prias at 941-441-1122 or prias@dioceseofvenice.org.
Faith & Ale of Southwest Florida April 16
Faith & Ale, a Catholic Men’s Apostolate in Southwest Florida, offers monthly gatherings of Catholic men promoting fellowship and growth in faith. The next gathering is April 16, 2026, at St. Cecilia Parish, 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Dr. Jim Papandrea, who will discuss “The Original Church: Busting the Myths About Early Christianity.” Tickets are $10. Doors open at 6 p.m. Register https://faithandale.com/. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.
Boots & Bandanas April 24
Round up your friends and join Catholic Charities for a western-inspired evening supporting families in need across DeSoto County at Boot & Bandanas at 6 p.m., April 24, 2026, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia. Tickets are $125. To purchase tickets or to become a sponsor please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/events.
Foundation grant applications open
The grant cycle is now open for two different community grants from the Catholic Community Foundation. To be considered by the Board of Directors for a grant, the project must clearly be aligned with the intention of the specific fund. Please see below for descriptions of the funds and note application deadlines. To apply for any Catholic Community Foundation grant, please visit https://tinyurl.com/y9j4u9nz.
- The Marilyn Brummer Fund concentrates its efforts on working with entities that are involved in anti-human trafficking assistance, assistance for single mothers, and the Catholic Charities Children’s Center, which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in the Dunbar community in Fort Myers. Programs, projects, and entities must be located in, and associated with, the Diocese of Venice in Florida. Applications are due by May 4, 2026.
- The Carey Family Grant provides up to $4,000 in support for critical needs that might go unfunded within the Diocese of Venice in Florida at Catholic Parishes, Catholic Missions, Catholic Schools, or a program or ministry of the Diocese of Venice. Applications are due by May 4.
Ignatian Preached Retreat at OLPH May 8-11
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is hosting an Ignatian Preached Retreat May 8-11, 2026. This three-night 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 at least once with the retreat director for Confession and/or spiritual direction. Conference topics center on Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment. Total 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). To register, please visit www.olph-retreat.org.
Charity Golf Tournament
The annual St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament has an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start May 16, 2026, at Heritage Harbour Golf Club, 8000 Stone Harbour Loop, Bradenton. The cost is $150 per player. Please call Connie Taft at 941-685-2108 to register or for sponsorship opportunities.
Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Missionary Opportunity for Summer 2026
The Diocese of Venice is now accepting applications for college-aged young adults to serve as Totus Tuus Missionaries for the 2026 Parish evangelization and catechesis Summer Program. This role involves traveling in teams to approximately seven parishes throughout the Diocese, leading catechetical sessions for children and youth. Responsibilities include teaching the Catholic Faith using the Totus Tuus curriculum, facilitating activities, including skits and songs, working collaboratively as a team, teaching about the Mass, leading in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, leading discussion groups for teenagers and leading Night Prayer. This is a paid position. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a High School graduate and must be available for the complete program schedule, May 20 – July 24, 2026. Visit the Diocese of Venice website for more information or to register, or contact Andres Prias, Diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.
Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese
Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice for pastoral outreach, to distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.
Retreat Center seeks volunteers
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is in need of volunteers. Help provide a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who come to OLPH seeking transformation in Christ. Areas of need include reception, gardening, dishwashing, and serving meals. Contact the office to sign up at 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/new-volunteer.
Free Rosary Repair Service
Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, Free Rosary Repair Service, 7930 Estero Blvd., Unit 502, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Rosaries will be repaired and returned within the week of receipt. Donations of old rosaries are also accepted, which will be repaired and sent to missions. Include a note indicating repair or donation. For more details, please call 239-463-3993, 860-595-6370 or holdenbnd@gmail.com.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass for students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers on March 19, 2024. During the Mass, Bishop Dewane encouraged the students to finish Lent and the school year strong, while focusing on placing Christ before all else. The Bishop also complimented the faculty and students for their support of the wildly successful Diocesan Eucharistic Conference which was hosted by the school and included many student volunteers on March 16. Bishop Dewane said the actions of the faculty and students reflected well on the school and let others in the Diocese know what he already knew – Bishop Verot is a place where students are educated and formed to be leaders in the community.
The opening of Mass on the Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, begins with the Procession with Palms and a reading of the Gospel of Mark (11:1-10), describing the scene of the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem days before He was put to death and resurrected . This opening is followed by the blessing of the palms and marks the start of Holy Week with the Easter Triduum beginning at sunset on Holy Thursday and continuing until the Great Easter Vigil.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass on the Vigil of Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, March 27, 2021, for the students and faculty of Ave Maria University. Following Mass was a community celebration of the Feast Day of the University, the Annunciation of Our Lord, moved from March 25 to the weekend to allow everyone to participate. The outdoor festivities included a barbeque dinner as well as musical entertainment.
