Tag: parish event

Fort Myers Parish celebrates 60th Anniversary

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Depending on one’s perspective, 60 years can be viewed as a long time or short. For the faithful of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers, it represents a rich history and unlimited potential for the future.

St. Cecilia Parish was established on June 14, 1965, so it was appropriate to have a Parish-wide celebration on that day 60 years later. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the main celebrant for the anniversary Mass, which fell on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Concelebrating the Mass were current and former priests who served at St. Cecilia, as well as priests from neighboring Parishes.

“We gather in thanksgiving; looking backward, looking at today, but most importantly, looking forward as people of God here at St. Cecilia,” Bishop Dewane said. “We are here to look back with gratitude to those who built this Parish community, and praise those who continue to bring life to St. Cecilia each day as they prepare the way for the generations to come.”

St. Cecilia Pastor, Father Paul Dechant, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, said the motto for the anniversary is “Looking back with gratitude, ahead with hope. Live Jesus now and forever.”

“The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have served in the Parish since 1982, and as Pastor, I am honored to carry on the tradition of challenging people to ‘Live Jesus.’” Father Dechant said.

Originally founded as a Mission of nearby St. Francis Xavier Parish in 1963 within the then-Diocese of St. Petersburg, the first Masses were celebrated at neighboring Bishop Verot Catholic High School. The original church was dedicated in 1966 and a Parish Hall and rectory followed in 1972.

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales assumed the administration of the Parish in 1982. Father Stan Dombrowski served as Pastor from 2001 until his retirement in 2020. During his time as Pastor, he oversaw the construction of Marian Hall which was blessed by Bishop Dewane in 2019.

Father Paul Dechant, who had served as Parochial Vicar at St. Cecilia in the past, was named Pastor in July 2020.

A reception was held in Marian Hall and the faithful were presented with a book about the Parish history, as well as many photos covering various milestones throughout the 60 years.

Geoff and Jeannie Becker moved to Fort Myers in 1996 with two young boys. They subsequently had a daughter and became very active in the Parish as Eucharistic Ministers, participating in the weekly rosary group, and helping when needed, including at fish fries, Vacation Bible School and more.

“It has been a blessing to be a part of such a wonderful Parish over the years. We cherish the friendships we’ve made and the priests who have led this flock,” the Beckers said.

St. Cecilia Parish currently has more than 1,300 registered families.

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.”

Verot graduate receives Distinguished Stars & Stripes Award

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Samantha Mitchell of Fort Myers has earned the highest recognition the American Heritage Girls (AHG) offers to girl members, the Stars & Stripes Award. In addition to living out the AHG Creed and Oath, award recipients have completed several requirements to achieve this honor.

A member of Saint Francis Xavier AHG Troop FL1203, Samantha is part of the 2025 Class of girls to earn the prestigious Stars & Stripes Award nationally. She is a also recent graduate of Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, having graduated Summa Cum Laude, and attends St. Cecilia Parish. She was recognized in a Court of Honor Ceremony on May 31, 2025, at St. Cecilia Parish Hall, with many Troop members, family members, and friends in attendance.

American Heritage Girls was founded by a group of parents wanting a faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters. The AHG program is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.

“I am very honored to be a Stars and Stripes Award recipient,” Samantha said. “I’ve been a member of American Heritage Girls for 13 years, and earning this award is the highlight of my time with the program. To me, it represents the culmination of hours of diligence, hard work, and service to my community, and I am very grateful for all the support I’ve received along the way.”

To meet the requirements to earn the Stars & Stripes Award, Samantha accomplished the following:

  • Earned the Abigail Adams Level Award;
  • Earned a total of 13 required Stars & Stripes Award Badges;
  • Held a leadership position in the Troop for a minimum of six months;
  • Planned, developed, and provided leadership to others in a 100+ hour service project;
  • Wrote a Spiritual Walk Essay and an AHG Resume;
  • Received at least three Letters of Reference;
  • Passed a Board of Review.

Samantha chose to serve St. Cecilia Parish by expanding the Parish rosary garden. During Phase I, she earned her Abigail Adams Level Award through a service project that created the basic rosary walkway. During Phase II, Samantha and volunteers built an elevated garden bed in the center of the walkway, featuring a beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother. The team constructed paver platforms and installed two park benches with accompanying planters so that parishioners and passersby may enjoy sitting in the garden. The rosary garden project also included the installation of a flyer box with pamphlets on ways to pray the rosary, stations of the cross, and more.

Samantha served as her Troop’s religious awards mentor. She received the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award and earned numerous Diocese of Venice religious awards throughout her 13 years in American Heritage Girls.

At St. Cecilia, Samantha volunteers as an altar server and Eucharistic Minister. At Bishop Verot, she was active in varsity swimming and diving, Academic Team, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Art National Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society.

Samantha’s parents, Joseph and Teresa Mitchell, said they have seen their daughter grow into a confident young woman, in no small part due to the American Heritage Girls.

“The AHG program has encouraged her to flourish in so many ways, from challenging badgework to many service-oriented leadership opportunities,” Teresa Mitchell said. “We are delighted that she had the perseverance to earn this award, but more importantly we are grateful that the AHG program has enabled her to truly learn what it means to be a ‘woman of integrity through service to God, family, community and country’ (AHG’s Mission Statement).”

For more information on the American Heritage Girls, visit www.americanheritagegirls.org.

News briefs for the week of June 13, 2025

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Appointments

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

Father Gerard Critch, Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples is on Temporary Leave, effective May 30, 2025.

Father David Portorreal is assigned as Administrator at St. Peter the Apostle and relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs, effective May 30, 2025.

Father Gilbert Nortilus is assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, effective June 2, 2025.

 

Totus Tuus summer program continues

The Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus summer program continues to inspire young people to long for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life. The week-long program is visiting different Parishes each week and offering day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, as well as evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12. Three missionary teams are leading the campers. In the first two weeks, the program has taken place at six Parishes, with the most recent at Sacred Heart in Bradenton, St. Katharine Drexel in Cape Coral and St. Paul in Arcadia. Upcoming host Parishes include: St. Agnes, Naples (June 15-20); Ave Maria in Ave Maria and St. Jude in Sarasota (June 22-27); St. Cecilia, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; St. Thomas More, Sarasota (July 6-11); St. Joseph, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 13-18); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch; St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 20-25). Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/. For more information, please visit Totus Tuus 2025 – Diocese of Venice.

Parish hosts Mission Week

St. Michael Parish in Wauchula hosted a Parish Mission Week the week of June 2-7, 2025. The week included daily prayer, reflection and trips to different locations to be true missionaries of Christ in the world. The outreach included visiting a nursing home as well as the homebound and needy throughout Hardee County. A Family Day on June 8 which included food, entertainment and music concluded the week. The Parish Mission was organized by the Servant Sisters of the Virgin of Matara who serve at the Parish. Visiting members of the religious order also assisted throughout the week.

Knights elect new State officers

The Florida Knights of Columbus have elected new officers, including Deacon Richard Dahn Jr., of St. Agnes Parish in Naples as State Treasurer. Father Bob Kantor, Pastor of St. Agnes Parish, serves as the State Chaplain for the Knights. The election results were announced May 25, 2025, at the 121st annual Florida State Council Convention in Jacksonville.

Sarasota Parish to host Brazilian Festival July 14

St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th St., Sarasota, is hosting a Festa Junina Brasilera (Brazilian Festival), from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., June 14, 2025. The festival will include food, live music, kids’ games and other activities. St. Jude Parish is also having a Drive Away Raffle for one lucky person to win a 2025 Jeep Wrangler. Tickets are $100 and available in the Parish office or online at www.stjudesarasota.org and must be purchased by noon on Sunday, June 15. All raffle proceeds will benefit the new church building fund.

Children Throughout the World Need Our Help! 

The Administration is terminating all but two of Catholic Relief Services’ school feeding programs, eliminating a daily school meal for close to 800,000 children in 11 countries beginning in July. For many, this was their only meal of the day.  These terminations aren’t just broken agreements with CRS. They are broken promises to children, to farmers, to entire communities. Please ask your members of Congress to urge the Administration to reverse these terminations.  Visit https://www.crs.org/act/mcgovern-dole to be heard.

Theology on Tap June 19 in Sarasota

Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The next gathering is June 19 and will feature a presentation from Father Christian Chami, Parochial Vicar at St. Jude Parish in Sarasota with the topic: “St. Charbel: Lessons in silence, faith and obedience.” The evening begins with food and refreshments at 7 p.m., with the presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning at 8 p.m. Please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org with any questions.

Relevant Radio: “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane”

Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for his monthly half-hour radio program on Relevant Radio 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 be heard at 8:30 a.m. on the last Friday of every month, or anytime at www.dioceseofvenice.org/ourbishop. The next episode will air on Friday, June 27, 2025, and includes a recap of the 2024-2025 Academic Year in Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools.

Ordination to the Priesthood July 12

Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites the faithful to the Ordination to the Priesthood of Transitional Deacons Joseph Doherty, Jacob Gwynn and Pat Long. The Ordination will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this important event in the lives of Deacons Joseph, Jacob and Pat as well as the Diocese of Venice. The Ordination will also be livestreamed.

Respect Life Volunteers Needed!

Do you have a passion for life?  The Diocese of Venice needs you!  We are looking for volunteers and leaders interested in becoming involved in local respect life activities with their Parish. Many new families are moving to Southwest Florida, and we need your help! It’s very rewarding work. For those living in the Palmetto or Parrish area, your assistance is especially needed. To get involved, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1101.

Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13

The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13. The theme for the Conference is “But as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). The Conference will include talks from Sister Maria Jose Socias, SCTJM, Michael Gormley, Mari Pablo, and Father Joseph Lugalambi. Music will be by Epic Music Ministries. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, lodging, meals, t-shirts, a pizza night, and more. Registration is $195. per person. For more information or to register, please visit aveconferences.com/.

Volunteers Needed for Prison Outreach

Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, 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.

Support After Abortion help available

Are you or someone you know struggling because of a past abortion? You are not alone. Know that healing retreats and support are available for anyone who has experienced an abortion, including mothers, fathers and other family members who have been hurt. For help, or to learn more about the Diocese of Venice support after abortion program, Project Rachel, simply call or text 941-412-5860, or email project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org, in either English or Spanish. All contacts are confidential.

Faith is Fun! 2025 Totus Tuus Summer Catechetical Camp begins

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Totus Tuus one-week Parish Catechetical summer day camps have begun with the first three Parishes hosting between June 1 and June 6, 2025. An additional 15 Parishes will host the weekly program through July 25.

Totus Tuus – which means “totally yours” – is a one-week Parish Catechetical summer day camp program, for students entering grades 1-12, and aims to inspire young people to long for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life.

The first host Parishes are St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Parrish; St. Finbar Parish, Naples; and San Pedro Parish, North Port.

Totus Tuus missionaries, trained college-aged or older men and women, lead the program. The week-long camps are divided into two segments, with the day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, and an evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12.

The younger children participate in several classes each day, attend daily Mass, learn the parts and liturgical music of Mass, and participate in games, skits, songs, recess and prayer. They also learning about the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.

At San Pedro Parish, the young children start each day singing and dancing to “My Lighthouse,” an inspirational song that puts a focus on the importance of having the Lord at the center of their lives. Each day they receive a different colored string, which represents a key word for the day. Eventually, the group will put all they learned together and go to Mass.

In the evenings, the older students participate in instruction, small group discussions, quiet meditation, prayer and fellowship. The final night (Thursday) includes participation in Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane encouraged the pilot program be brought to the Diocese in 2022 to great success, with expansions in 2023 to 11 host Parishes, 12 for 2024, and now 18 for 2025.

The following is the upcoming schedule of host Parishes:

  • June 8-13 – St. Paul Parish, Arcadia; Sacred Heart Parish, Bradenton; St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral;
  • June 15-20 – St. Agnes Parish, Naples;
  • June 22-27 – Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria; St. Jude Parish, Sarasota;
  • July 6-11 – St. Cecilia Parish, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Light Parish, Fort Myers; St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers; St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota;
  • July 13-18 – St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle;
  • July 20-25 – Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch; St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples.

Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/.

Faith is fun! Register your children through the hosting Parish! For more information, or with questions, visit Totus Tuus 2025 – Diocese of Venice. You can also contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org or Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

 

Diocese preparing for 2025 Hurricane Season

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Helene and Milton have been added to the list of names of past hurricanes that will conjure up memories of wind, rain, storm surge, power outages and destruction in Southwest Florida.

Time and effort has enabled recovery for some from these devastating storms, but many are still trying to pick up the pieces of their lives while the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season looms large.

NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Milton coming ashore in Sarasota County on Oct. 9, 2024.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season in Florida runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. With a history of these storms producing destruction in the region; just the mention of Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton (2024), Hurricane Ian (2022), Hurricane Irma (2017), or Hurricane Charley (2004), can bring back dreadful memories.

The Diocese of Venice, and many families, are still recovering from Helene and Milton, as well as Hurricane Ian nearly three years after the storm has passed. However, Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the Diocese of Venice is well-prepared for the coming season.

“The catastrophic impacts of back-to-back hurricanes in 2024, and Ian in 2022, are still fresh in the minds of those who witnessed not only the loss of lives but also the devastating destruction of buildings and livelihoods,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said. “As a Diocese we do our best to prepare, but it is also important for us to pray for protection from future storms, and also for the people who continue to recover from previous disasters. As the new Atlantic Hurricane Season arrives, let us all ask God for protection and safety.”

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., is still on the ground helping families recover from Helene and Milton, as well as Ian, stated Christopher M. Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice.

“At Catholic Charities, we’re still walking alongside families who were hit hard by last year’s hurricanes,” Root said. “The headlines may have moved on, but for many, recovery is still happening day by day. We haven’t stopped helping, and we’re also getting ready in case another storm comes our way this season. With support from Catholic Charities USA and a trained disaster response team on the ground in the Diocese of Venice, we’re doing everything we can to be prepared. Whether we’re helping someone rebuild after the last storm or responding to a new one, Catholic Charities is here with compassion, faith, and a real desire to serve.”

Experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a range of 13-19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), slightly above the seasonal average. This follows the 2024 season which produced 18 named storms, including Hurricanes Debby (Aug. 6-7), Helene (Sept. 26), and Milton (Oct. 9), each of which brought their own misery of wind and rain. Helene, which paralleled the coast, and Milton, whose eye went over Siesta Key, both brought unprecedented storm surges to the barrier islands from Naples in the south through Palmetto to the north. NOAA stated that numerous factors were considered in the forecast, including warmer than average ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation, NOAA reported.

Weather forecasters and emergency management officials stress that each tropical system is different, explaining that just because you survived Debby, Helene, Milton, Ian, Irma or Charley, without any damage doesn’t mean the next storm, whether it is a tropical storm or major hurricane, couldn’t destroy everything around you.

With many people no longer watching local news, NOAA officials also stress the need for everyone to have access to reliable local weather reports to avoid confusion when a storm approaches. This can be accessed through the National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, local news outlets or other trustworthy weather sources.

While keeping a wary eye on the weather forecast is important, being prepared before storms approach is just as vital. Preparedness means many things, but a key part is simply knowing where you live in relationship to evacuation zones in your city or county. Also, knowing how well constructed a home is can also impact preparations and planning in the event an evacuation is ordered. Also, as many learned during Helene and Milton, power could be out for days, or weeks, following a storm, and the decision must also be made if one wants to stay under those conditions.

The names for this season, provided by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), include Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin and others. The list of 21 names is repeated every six years. The only time that there is a change is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different storm would be inappropriate for obvious reasons of sensitivity (Helene, Milton, Ian, Irma, Charley, Katrina, etc.).

If a storm comes

Should disaster strike, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, will be at the forefront in preparing and responding. Catholic Charities will send a team to the epicenter of the disaster and then coordinate to set up relief centers — called PODs, which stands for Points-Of-Distribution – where the need is greatest. These centers – often located at Parishes or next to Catholic Charities offices – will be sites where water, clothing, food and other disaster relief assistance can be distributed. PODs were established at multiple locations following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with truckloads of water, food and cleaning supplies distributed to needy families.

One way people help after a storm is through the Catholic Charities Disaster Rebound Bucket program. These buckets are filled with practical supplies that give families a head start on cleanup and recovery. If you visit CCDOV | Disaster Recovery, you’ll find a short video that shows how the buckets work and an Amazon Wish List for anyone who wants to donate items directly.

As noted earlier, the Diocese of Venice is experienced in responding to these storms. Therefore, each Parish, Catholic school and other entities have hurricane preparedness plans which assist in preparation before a storm and recovery afterwards.

NOAA and emergency management officials remind everyone that taking a few steps now can prevent panic and confusion if a storm were to threaten the area. To track and learn more about hurricanes, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Being prepared

Emergency management officials emphasize that having an emergency preparedness plan will help lessen the stress on individuals when, inevitably, a new tropical system forms and threatens the region. Key things like knowing your evacuation zone, knowing if your home can withstand forecasted winds, and having emergency supplies and documents ready ahead of time, are key actions to take ahead of the season.

First, officials recommend each family have a Disaster Supply Kit, which should have a minimum of enough water and food to last three to seven days. That means one gallon of water per person/per day, plus enough non-perishable food that does not require electricity to prepare and consume safely. Those who care for infants or the elderly must plan for what specialty items will be needed.

Other key items for a Disaster Supply Kit include clothing (rain gear and sturdy shoes), blankets/pillows, first aid kit, all medicines and prescription drugs, toiletries, flashlights, battery-operated radio, cash, important documents in a waterproof container, and any items for your pets.

If a storm were to strike, getting basic supplies will be a challenge. The Federal Emergency Management Agency stresses that in the aftermath of a major disaster, you should expect to be on your own for at least three days, if not longer, before substantial state and federal resources can be expected. If you have a Disaster Supply Kit that went unused in 2024, inspect it to ensure all items are fresh and the batteries are still good.

Those who have medical or transportation issues must contact their city/county Emergency Management Office (the number is available online or you can dial the non-emergency 511), to register and to potentially be relocated to a shelter if a storm threatens. This registration must be done annually.

Another key action is to make sure any insurance is up-to-date, and photographs are taken of all valuables before the storm. Keep in mind that hurricane and flood insurance will take a minimum of 30 days to go into effect.

2025 Totus Tuus summer program to be featured at 18 Parishes

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The successful Totus Tuus summer catechetical Parish program will soon be taking place at a Parish near you.

The final week of May saw 15 missionaries undergo intensive training and preparation as the first three Parish camps start June 1, 2025. Ultimately, there will be seven separate weeks with a total18 Parishes serving as weekly hosts through July 25. More than 1,000 children and teens will be impacted by this special outreach.

Totus Tuus – which means “totally yours” – is a one-week Parish Catechetical summer day camp program, for students entering grades 1-12, and aims to inspire young people to long for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane encouraged the pilot program be brought to the Diocese in 2022 to great success, with expansions in 2023 to 11 host Parishes, 12 for 2024, and now 18 for 2025. During past visits to Totus Tuus camps, Bishop Dewane has been impressed by the response each child had to the uplifting program. “In each classroom everyone was so excited and alive about their love of the Lord!”

Bishop Dewane celebrated Mass for the Totus Tuus missionaries on May 28, while they were going through their training at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. He encouraged the young missionaries to call upon the Holy Spirit to guide them through the summer and reminded them of the important role they will have for the boys and girls they encounter this summer.

This training focused on the spiritual aspect of the Totus Tuus program, including daily prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Mass. Other components of the training covered the fundamentals of teaching young children and youth, as well as the fun aspects of the camp including the songs and dances that everyone will learn.

The week-long camps (9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday) are divided into two segments, with the day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, and an evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12.

The younger children participate in several classes each day, attend daily Mass, learn the parts and liturgical music of Mass, and participate in games, skits, songs, recess and prayer. The older students participate in instruction, small group discussions, quiet meditations, prayer and fellowship.

Most importantly, Totus Tuus works to complement what parents teach their children in matters of their faith. This is something Bishop Dewane has stressed since the program had its trial run in the Diocese in 2022.

The 2025 Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Missionaries range in age from 18 to 27, and two are returning for a second year: Jesse Gomez, a Diocesan Seminarian, and Jesenia Cortes who is from St. James Parish and Santigo Mission in Lake Placid. A second seminarian, Tam Tran will also be a missionary this year.

Cortes looks forward to making a connection with the children again. “I’m so excited to be back. Last summer, serving as Team Leader, gave me the chance to witness God’s goodness and His personal call to holiness in each child and teen we met. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing His love and growing in faith together.”

The following is a list of host Parishes:

  • June 1-6 – St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Parrish; St. Finbar Parish, Naples; San Pedro Parish, North Port;
  • June 8-13 – St. Paul Parish, Arcadia; Sacred Heart Parish, Bradenton; St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral;
  • June 15-20 – St. Agnes Parish, Naples;
  • June 22-27 – Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria; St. Jude Parish, Sarasota;
  • July 6-11 – St. Cecilia Parish, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Light Parish, Fort Myers; St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers; St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota;
  • July 13-18 – St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle;
  • July 20-25 – Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch; St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples.

Please pray for the success of the Totus Tuus summer program, the campers, and the missionaries.

Camp registration information

Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/.

 

Faith is fun! Register your children through the hosting Parish! For more information, or with questions, visit Totus Tuus 2025 – Diocese of Venice. You can also contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org or Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

 

Diocese of Venice rejoices in election of new Pope

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, has brought with it a sense of great excitement and anticipation as the new Holy Father, the first from the U.S., settles into his position as the Successor of St. Peter.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the election of Pope Leo XIV was the work of the Holy Spirit, and a moment of tremendous grace and blessing for the Universal Church.

“Pope Leo XIV brings with him the strength and charism of St. Augustine, and the humanity and courage of Pope Leo XIII, who was an architect of many of the social teachings of the Church,” Bishop Dewane said while also calling on the faithful of the Diocese of Venice to pray for the new Holy Father and the sacred ministry entrusted to him.

To commemorate the election of Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Dewane will celebrate a Mass in his honor at 12:15 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 S. Sarasota Ave., Venice. All are welcome to attend. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/epiphanycathedral, or at www.epiphanycathedral.org.

Bishop Dewane said he was encouraged to hear that during Pope Leo XIV’s first Regina Caeli, he called on youth to “accept an invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord.”

“That message is something which builds upon the legacy of the Popes since St. John Paul II and shows insight into how he will define his papacy,” Bishop Dewane said.

While the Bishop does not know Pope Leo XIV well, the two spoke in depth during a dinner at the North American College in Rome in 2023, while seated next to each other.

“It was a nice evening, and we spoke about many different things,” Bishop Dewane said. “My mother was from the South Side of Chicago, where Pope Leo is from, and we spent some time discussing that. When I told him that I was from the Diocese of Venice in Florida, he smiled and said ‘Oh! I know the area well!’ He went on to say that one of his brothers lived in Port Charlotte, and that he had been to the area for a visit,” Bishop Dewane said. “He was a very humble man who expressed interest in what was happening here in Florida, and in the Diocese of Venice.”

Catholic Center

At the Catholic Center in Venice, Diocesan staffers watched the announcement of the news in the main conference room, where a livestream from the Vatican was being broadcast. Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, translated from the Italian.

As could be expected, when it was announced that an American had been elected as Pope, the group erupted with shouts of shock and joy. When Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance, a cheer went up and party poppers were set off as confetti showered the staff.

Schools

Students at Diocesan Catholic schools took great interest in the election of Pope Leo XIV, with individual classrooms and in some cases the entire student body gathered to witness Church history.

All of the students at St. Ann Catholic School in Naples gathered in the Jubilee Center to await the announcement of the new Pope. Teachers used this as a learning opportunity to explain how a pope is elected and what role the Holy Father plays in the leadership of the Universal Church.

Meanwhile, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, the election of Pope Leo XIV fell on the last day of class ahead of graduation. The school posted on social media about the twin events happening: “It’s not every day you witness a moment that’ll be in history books. It’s even rarer when it happens on your last day of high school! Talk about divine timing.”

Students at St. Martha Catholic School wrote messages to the Cardinal-electors ahead of the conclave asking that they seek the guidance of God and the Holy Spirit in choosing the next Holy Father. They were surprised by the election of an American Pope.

Parishes

The faithful across the Diocese of Venice learned about the election of Pope Leo XIV via television or the internet, with everyone curious to learn about the man who was born in Chicago and was an Augustinian missionary.

As soon as the announcement was broadcast, preparations were made to update the prayer intentions for the next Masses to include prayers for the Pontificate of Leo XIV.

St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton put up their traditional Easter Season decorations of gold and white bunting, replacing the black bunting which had been put up following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21.

Dolores Conklin of St. Joseph Parish said it was exciting to have an American Pope. The news caused her to reach out to family members across the country. “It is so wonderful to talk to everyone. I immediately felt a connection to him when he came out on the balcony at St. Peter’s. His smile and his clear humility. I pray to God that he will unite the Catholic Church in the United States and around the world.”

George Connor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Osprey was fascinated that the new Pope was from a religious order, just as Pope Francis was. “He is a man of the world. He is from Chicago, but he has been everywhere. He has seen the poor where they are. That must have had an impact on him. I pray he has the strength and grace to lead the Church during these turbulent times.”

Pope Leo XIV’s oldest brother lives in Port Charlotte

Posted on by Bob Reddy

As surprised and overjoyed as most Americans were to learn that the newly elected Pope was from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV’s oldest brother Louis Prevost was in shock.

When the announcement was made, Prevost was lying in bed at his Port Charlotte home, resting from an illness, when his wife Deborah called and said there was white smoke, the first sign from the Sistine Chapel that a new Pope had been elected. He dutifully turned on his TV with a sense of anticipation, knowing his youngest brother, Cardinal Robert Prevost could be named. He read just a few days before that his brother was in the top three candidates just before the conclave started on May 7, 2025.

Prevost described the moment when the Archdeacon started announcing the election of the new Pope from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square: “I heard him say ‘Roberto.’ It was like, it’s Rob. It’s never gonna be the same. What are we going to do? Yes, it’s Rob! If I wasn’t sitting down in bed, I would have collapsed.”

Prevost said that when he has the opportunity to see his brother, he is going to give him a huge hug, offering the type of congratulations that only an older brother can give. “When I see him, I will still call him Rob, until someone tells me not to.”

“When we were little kids, my brother (John) and I used to raise cane, but Rob was always the holy one,” Prevost said. “We used to tease him, ‘You’re going to be Pope.’ ‘You’re too holy.’ My other bother and I would play cops and robbers, while Rob would always want to play priest. Our mom would set up the ironing board and he would offer us communion with Necco wafers. We knew the Holy Spirit was in him.”

Prevost said he was being harassed by juvenile gang members in south Chicago, when his youngest brother, Rob, the new Pope, intervened and deescalated the situation. “He made friends with them. They never bothered me again. You knew he was different. He can get along with anyone.”

Admitting some bias, Prevost believes there’s no one better suited for the papacy, reflecting on his brother’s early commitment to the priesthood. “He knew from an early stage, he wanted to be a priest, and he did. He got out of grammar school, and went right to the seminary,” Prevost said.

He also offered an example of his brother’s humanity, noting that a few months ago, he asked his brother, who was then a Cardinal serving at the Vatican, to reach out to a friend whose husband was dying. “He called her from Rome and they prayed together. She was the first person to call me after the announcement. She said, ‘Oh my God, he’s the Pope, your brother was elected Pope, and I talked to him!”

Following the announcement, the early communication between the brothers came via text messages. As of May 14, Prevost and his wife were unsure if they could be present for the Mass of Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV’s Petrine Ministry, to be held in St. Peter’s Square on May 18. Their daughter, who lives in Amarillo, Texas, was also trying to go.

Prevost and his wife attend St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Port Charlotte, where Administrator Father Claudio Stewart invited the couple to speak following Mass on May 11.

Prevost told the parishioners, “While Rob might be Pope Leo, he is still a man of the people, a good human being with a caring soul. He was a missionary who helped the poor and built schools. That is who he is at his core.”

John Sanders, a Parishioner at St. Maximilian Kolbe, said the Prevosts shared heart-warming stories, the message “very much from the perspective of an older brother, which made the new Pope seem more relatable than would ordinarily be the case.”

Father Stewart said it was a blessing for all the Parish to hear from the Prevosts.

Prevost said his brother visited Port Charlotte during the winter 2023-2024 after attending a fundraiser in Naples. “That was the last time I saw him before he became Pope.”

Before the conclave began, the three brothers spoke on a three-way call about the possibility of Rob being elected Pope. “We knew it was a possibility because he was a Cardinal. But he was American, so that was against him. He was young too. But, he had been head of the Augustinian Order for 12 years, that took him all over the world. That was a positive. You just didn’t know.”

When he asked his brother what would happen if he won, would he accept it, he said, “I will accept it; it’s God’s will; it’s in His hands.”

The time since the announcement has been a whirlwind for Prevost, fielding calls from family and friends, while also doing interviews for media from around the world. “My life has changed. My brother is the Pope. Everything is different.”

Prevost is still coming to terms with the new reality that his own brother is the Pope.

He knows also his relationship with his brother will change forever and that they will likely not speak as often due to his duties as the Holy Father. “Even a week later, saying the name Pope Leo still doesn’t feel right. He will always be my brother. In some ways I feel I lost my brother, but gained a Pope.”

Permanent Diaconate Ordination May 31 in Naples

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Soon, 11 men from across the Diocese of Venice will each kneel before Bishop Frank J. Dewane and be ordained to the Permanent Diaconate.

The ordination is at 10 a.m., May 31, 2025, at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. During the process to become a Permanent Deacon, the 11 men have received training in theology, canon law and pastoral ministry, a discernment and study process that has taken five years.

The men to be ordained are: Richard E. Dahn, St. Agnes Parish; Richard A. Hellenbrand, St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral; Thomas A. Januszka, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Parrish; Stephen L. Jendrysik, Incarnation Parish, Sarasota; James N. Jenkins, St. William Parish, Naples; Ramon R. Kanacheril, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Myers; Mark A. Osterhaus, St. Agnes Parish; Orlando A. Rubiano, St. Vincent de Paul Parish; Jeff Tenbarge, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples, John-William M. Trainer III, St. Peter the Apostle Parish; and Edward J. Watson, Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria.

As part of their formation process, each man was admitted by Bishop Dewane as acolytes in 2024 to assist priests and other Permanent Deacons on the altar during Mass. Prior to that, they were admitted as candidates when they publicly declared their intention of becoming Deacons and the Bishop accepted them. They were also instituted as lectors so they could proclaim the Gospel.

To a man, they describe their journey toward ordination as both a challenging and life-changing process which started with answering a call from the Lord they heard deep in their heart. Each also credits their wife and children for supporting and accompanying them on this journey of enlightenment.

The mission of a Permanent Deacon in the Church is to: serve as a minister of charity, address the needs of others and strive to meet those needs; serve as ministers of the Word, when they proclaim the Gospel, preaching and teaching; serve as ministers of the Sacrament of Baptism; witness marriages; conduct wake and graveside services; and lead the faithful in prayer.

All are invited and encouraged to attend. The livestream of the Ordination will be available at https://www.facebook.com/StAgnesNaples, and stagnesnaples.org.

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