parish event Archives - Page 40 of 66

News Briefs for the Week of May 27, 2022

Posted on May 27, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Scouting religious awards presented

The Diocesan Scouting Religious Award Ceremony was held May 22, 2022, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Catholic National and Diocesan Awards were presented to Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and American Heritage Girls as well as to adult leaders. Diocesan Scout Chaplain Father Lawton Lang, as well Scout Leaders Jim Fetterman and Bob Paquette, presented the awards. The ceremony followed a Mass in the Cathedral where they were also recognized.

Students artwork recognized

Congratulations to Blaire M., a first grader at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers, whose artwork now adorns the side of a Waste Pro recycling truck. Blaire won 1st Place in the Keep Lee County Beautiful and Waste Pro “Leave the Scene Clean” environmental art contest. The artwork included a caterpillar, flowers, trees, hearts and a butterfly with the words “Plant Trees.” The truck with Blaire’s artwork visited the school on May 19, 2022, for everyone to see.

Catholic Summer Camp Program

Totus Tuus (a Latin phrase meaning “totally yours”) is a summer Catholic youth camp program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness and Eucharistic worship. The weeklong program assists parents and parishes to evangelize and catechize youth by complementing the work they are already doing at the Parish and at home. This summer the program will be offered at eight parishes in the Diocese of Venice. The camp program is for grades 1-5 Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for grades 6-12 Monday to Thursday, from 7:30 p.m.to 9:45 p.m. Parishes hosting the program are as follows:

Katharine Drexel Parish, 1920 SW 20th Ave., Cape Coral, June 6-10.
Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, June 13-17.
Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, 355 S. Bridge St., La Belle, June 20-24.
Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring, June 27-July 1.
John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, July 11-15.
Joseph Parish, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton, July 18-22.
Elizabeth Seton Parish, 5225 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, July 25-29.
Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, August 1-5.

Several parishes still have openings. Please contact the Director of Religious Education at the Parish hosting the program or Carrie Harkey at 941-484-9543.

Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Rally

Please join our national America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally for the Traditional Family and Public Prayers in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to end abortion which will be held Saturday, June 4, from noon to 1 p.m., at the corner of Daniels Parkway and Daniels Commerce Blvd near Tile Outlet of America and TIAA Bank in Fort Myers. Parking is in an empty lot at Daniels Commerce Blvd. and Commerce Park Blvd. or John Yarbrough Linear Park off Daniels at Metro Parkway. Please arrive 10 minutes early and bring your Pro-Life signs, chairs, water, and umbrellas. For more information, please contact Toni at toni@defendingtheunborn.com.

Pentecost Celebration

The Diocese of Venice English Charismatic Renewal invites all to join them for a celebration on Pentecost Sunday at 3 p.m., June 5 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 211 West Charlotte Avenue, Punta Gorda. The afternoon will include praise and worship followed by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at 4:00 p.m. Please bring your Prayer Group Banner and Stand as there will be a Banner Procession. For further information, please contact Alice Keough at keough@epiphanycathedral.org or 941-484-3505 ext. 1104.

22^nd Annual Knights Liberty Ball

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 2542 is hosting the 22^nd Annual Liberty Ball, June 18, 2022, at the Our Lady of Light Parish Center, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. Presented by the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, the evening will honor Knights who are veterans. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with Presentation of Colors at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow. Tickets are $35 and include dinner, two drink tickets and dancing. Dress code for Fourth Degree Knights is tuxedo with Social Baldric, all others, smart casual. This Gala is open to everyone. For ticket or event information, please contact any of the following: Jim Mendolera at 239-390-0346, Frank Haneline, 239-466-6883, or Ron Bekech at 239-437-4999.

Religious Freedom Week 2022

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is once again promoting the celebration of Religious Freedom Week beginning Wednesday, June 22 to Thursday, June 29. Each year the week encompasses the period between the Memorial of Saints Thomas More & John Fisher, through the Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul. The theme for this year is Life and Dignity for All. As we approach the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, we are especially mindful of the debates around our country about abortion. The Church plays a crucial role in both bearing witness to the gospel of life and serving all who will be affected by these discussions and their outcomes. Learn how you can pray, reflect, and act to promote religious freedom at www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek.

Youth Conference

The 14th annual Ave Maria University Youth Conference – “Fearless” – is being held July 8-10. Featured talks are by Father Rick Martignetti, Father Joseph Lugalambi, Father Rich Pagano and Chris Padget. The event includes the talks, Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, fellowship, opportunities for confession and much more. The cost is $175 and includes lodging, all meals, a t-shirt and more. To register, call 239-348-4725, aveconferences@gmail.com or www.aveconferences.com.

Faithful blessed to see Saint relics up close

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Bob Reddy

St. Katherine Drexel Parish was filled with the Faithful looking to view a traveling exhibit of Saint relics.

Being in the presence of 165 relics was a powerful experience for many. Notable pieces in the recent exhibition include a portion of the True Cross and a piece of the veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A relic is a piece of the body of the saint, usually a bone, or an item used or owned by the Saint or an object that has touched the tomb of the Saint.

Even with several hundred people in the Parish Hall, everyone spoke in hushed tones and were in full reverence when they encountered relics of St. Joseph, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Maria Goretti, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Faustina Kowalska, Pope John Paul II and many more.

Some kneeled before certain relics, while other touched them with religious articles, such as medals or rosaries, and still others picked them up to place them close to their heart or kiss the item.

Sofia Thompson of St. Katharine Drexel was brought to tears by being in the presence of the relic of St. Catherine of Siena, a Doctor of the Church, known for her holiness, spiritual visions and writings who had great influence in the Church of the 14th century.

“She was such a strong remarkable woman that my whole family has adored forever,” Thompson said. “My late mother had a strong devotion to Catherine. She had several books about her and a large statue, which now sits in my bedroom.”

Hosted by Father Carlos Martins, C.C. (Companions of the Cross), the “Treasures of the Church” exhibit travels around the world to spread the experience of the living God, through an encounter with the relics in the form of an exposition. Father Martins explained what a relic is and isn’t, the history of why Catholics have relics from the Saints, and then the process of getting relics and verifying their authenticity.

The veneration of these sacred relics is a long tradition in the Church dating to the earliest days when the first Christians would gather near the tombs of the early martyrs. Miracles were connected with these sacred places and relics, which do not have some magical power in them, their power comes from God, Father Martins explained. “The fact that God uses the relics for healing miracles tells us that the Lord wants us to draw our attention to the Saints as models and intercessors.

In fact, every Catholic Church in the world possesses a relic on its altar, a tradition that dates back to the 4th century. The most recent example in the Diocese of Venice occurred in 2021 at the dedication of the new St. Paul Parish Church in Arcadia. At that time, Bishop Frank J. Dewane presided over the placing of the relic of St. Juan Diego in the altar.

While this major exhibition travels throughout the world by invitation, four stops were made in the Diocese from May 9-12, 2022, including St. Katharine Drexel, Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naples and Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria. Students from Incarnation Catholic School, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School and Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish, were each given private time with the relics before evening Parish presentations.

The relics were placed on tables, with information cards adjacent, scattered throughout the hall, with six special pieces on tables where people lined up to wait to see them.

Each exposition began with a multi-media presentation on the Church’s use of relics that is scriptural, catechetical, and devotional, leading to a renewal of the Catholic Faith for many people. After the teaching those in attendance had an opportunity to venerate the relics of some of their favorite saints.

Father Martins said each person has a different experience when in the presence of relics. He said that it was important that people leave behind the sins that hold them back from growing closer to the Lord. He used the example of St. Maria Goretti, an 11-year-old from Italy who was brutally murdered, but completely forgave her attacker before dying.

“Your job today is for you to find your Saint,” Father Martins said at the conclusion of his presentation. “No Saint will force themselves upon you. If you perceive within yourself a commitment to get your life right with the Lord, a Saint will accompany you on that journey.”

Father Ricky Varner, Pastor at St. Katherine Drexel, was impressed by the presentation and exhibition noting that it could have been held over many days with huge crowds. “This was wonderful to have so many people come together and celebrate the Faith in this unique way. The saints have an important role for all of us as they speak to us and connect with us.”

Last chances to participate in the Synod

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Do you want to have a say in the future of the Universal Church? If so, then there are only two opportunities left for the Faithful to have their voices heard during the Diocesan Phase of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of Bishops, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” as requested by His Holiness Pope Francis.

You can sign up now for the last in-person Diocesan Listening Session from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, May 23, 2022, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, 355 S. Bridge St., LaBelle (English and Spanish); or for the Virtual Listening Session via Microsoft TEAMS from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, May 25. To register for either or both, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2022-synod-listening-sessions.

There have been 10 Diocesan Listening Sessions to-date, with the most recent May 16, at St. Agnes Parish in Naples. These Listening Sessions have been available to offer the Faithful the opportunity to provide input into the future of the Universal Church. Each Session asks participants to discern the Word of God in Scripture, what those Words are saying to us while remembering the living Mission of the Church. The feedback has been both positive and passionate.

“For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” is a worldwide effort for a deeper communion, fuller participation, and greater openness to fulfilling our mission in the world. Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the input of the Faithful – with an open heart, mind and soul – is critical as the Universal Church contemplates the future.

The information gathered at the Diocesan Listening Sessions, as well as from direct or follow-up comments from the Faithful, will be synthesized into a document which will be shared with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and ultimately the Vatican. Similar Listening Sessions are being held across the country and around the globe.

Those interested in attending any of the Sessions are encouraged to confirm their attendance by registering at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2022-synod-listening-sessions. (NOTE: to participate in the Virtual Listening Session, you MUST register, so a link can be provided).

For any questions or comments regarding the Listening Sessions or the Synod, please email synod@dioceseofvenice.org.

News Briefs for the Week of May 20, 2022

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Volunteers sort food

More than 150 volunteers came to the St. Joseph Food Pantry in Bradenton to help sort and store 50,000 pounds of food on May 14, 2022. The food was collected during the U.S. Postal Service Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

CCW council re-established in Sebring

The St. Catherine Council of Catholic Women was re-established during a ceremony in Sebring on May 7, 2022. The installation ceremony included representatives from the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women who aided in this process. The Council acts within the Parish to support, empower and educate Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. The installation was presided over by Father Jose Gonzalez, Pastor of St. Catherine.

Diocesan seminarian Valedictorian

Transitional Deacon David Portorreal, a Diocese of Venice Seminarian, graduated on May 12, 2022, from St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. The commencement address was by Most Rev. Felipe J. Estévez, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. Deacon Portorreal was the Valedictorian of his graduating class and will be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on July 16, 2022, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

SVdP International president visits Parish

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul International President General Renato Lima de Oliveira visited members of the Sacred Heart Conference on May 5, 2022, in Punta Gorda. He congratulated the conference for their spirituality, friendship and their Vincentian Spirit. He was amazed at the size and ability of the conference to help the community in so many ways.

Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate June 18

All are invited and encouraged to attend the Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate for the following candidate: Craig Dutka of Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto. The Ordination will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Holy Cross Parish, 506 26th St. W., Palmetto. A reception in the Parish Hall will follow.

Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Rally

Please join our national America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally for the Traditional Family and Public Prayers in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to end abortion Saturday, June 4, from noon to 1:00 p.m., at the corner of Daniels Parkway and Daniels Commerce Blvd near Tile Outlet of America and TIAA Bank in Fort Myers. Parking is in an empty lot at Daniels Commerce Blvd and Commerce Park Blvd or John Yarbrough Linear Park off Daniels at Metro Parkways. Please arrive 10 minutes early and bring your Pro-Life signs, chairs, water and umbrellas. For more information, please contact Toni at toni@defendingtheunborn.com.

Charismatic Pentecost Celebration

The Diocese of Venice English Charismatic Renewal invites all to join them for a celebration on Pentecost Sunday at 3:00 p.m., June 5 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 211 West Charlotte Avenue, Punta Gorda. The afternoon will include praise and worship followed by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at 4:00 p.m. Please bring your Prayer Group Banner and Stand as there will be a Banner Procession. For further information, please contact Alice Keough at keough@epiphanycathedral.org or 941-484-3505 ext. 1104.

Youth Conference in July

The 14th annual Ave Maria University Youth Conference – “Fearless” is July 8-10, 2022. Featured talks are by Father Rick Martignetti, Father Joseph Lugalambi, Father Rich Pagano and Chris Padget. The event includes the talks, Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, fellowship, opportunities for confession and much more. The cost is $175 and includes lodging, all meals t-shirt and more. To register, call 239-348-4725, aveconferences@gmail.com or www.aveconferences.com.

May Crowning honors Mary

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Historically, May is a month dedicated by the Catholic Church to Mary, the Mother of God. As is well known, Mary plays an important and irreplaceable role in the spiritual life of the Church.

To honor the role the Blessed Virgin plays in the life of the Church, many Parishes and Catholic schools in the Diocese have May Crowning ceremonies during which a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is given a crown of flowers. May is also the time when young Catholics often receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time.

One example of this tradition was found St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte. A May Crowning prayer service took place in the school courtyard on May 6, 2022, presided over by Father Phillip Scheff, Parochial Vicar.

The prayers, songs and intercessions were led by the second graders, dressed in white to commemorate that they were to receive their First Holy Communion in May. The prayer service opened with each second grader bringing a flower forward to place before the statue of Mary. The actual crowning of Mary was by Betty Nolan, Student Government President.

St. Charles Borromeo Principal Tonya Peters said the students pray for the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary each day, and the May Crowning ceremony is part of a month-long focus during which the students learned more about Our Lady and her role in the Church.

In addition, at Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish, the entire student body took part in a procession May 2, 2022, from the school to the Parish Church, about a half-mile. The students were led by the school Pro-Life Club, reciting the rosary as well as singing. Father David Vidal, Pastor of Ave Maria Parish, presided over the procession and following prayer service and crowning.

Meanwhile, at St. Michael Parish in Wauchula, the May Crowning took place on May 8, 2022. A statue of Mary, which sits in a grotto outside of the Parish Hall, was crowned in a ceremony after Mass and included families and many children.

These are just a few examples of how the Blessed Virgin Mary is being honored throughout May in Diocesan Parishes and Catholic schools.

Synod Listening Sessions winding down

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Bob Reddy

An enthusiastic group of Faithful from Parishes in the Eastern Deanery shared their thoughts during the latest Diocesan Synod Listening Session on May 9, 2022, at St. Catherine Parish in Sebring.

This was the ninth of 12 such Listening Sessions as part of the Diocesan Phase of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of Bishops, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” as requested by His Holiness Pope Francis.

There are just three Listening Session left: 6:30-8 p.m., Monday, May 16, St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples; 6:30-8 pm., Monday, May 23, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, 355 S. Bridge St., LaBelle (English and Spanish); and 10:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, May 25, Virtual Listening Session via Microsoft TEAMS.

To ensure everyone has a voice, the Faithful are encouraged to consider attending one of the final Listening Sessions, which started in February, with close to 1,000 having their voice heard in this process. Each Session has the goal of discerning the Word of God in Scripture and what those Words are saying to us while remembering the living Mission of the Church. The feedback has been both positive and passionate.

“For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” is a two-year, worldwide effort for a deeper communion, fuller participation, and greater openness to fulfilling our mission in the world. Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the input of the Faithful is critical as the Universal Church contemplates the future. The Faithful continue to be encouraged to respond to the Synod with an open heart, mind and soul, the Bishop added.

Each session is being recorded to allow for proper documentation. The information gathered at the Diocesan Listening Sessions, as well as from direct or follow-up comments from the Faithful, will be synthesized into a document which will be shared with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and ultimately the Vatican. Similar Listening Sessions are being held across the country and around the globe. The XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will take place at the Vatican in October 2023.

The format of the Listening Sessions includes an opening prayer and remarks before lively table discussions. Each Session concentrates on questions inspired by 10 Synod themes supplied by the Vatican. Participants are also able to share additional comments privately by emailing synod@dioceseofvenice.org.

Listening Session locations were selected based of geography and population to cover as much of the Diocese as possible and several have been offered in both English and Spanish.

Those interested in attending any of the Sessions are encouraged to confirm their attendance by registering at www.dioceseofvenice.org. A link will be provided for those interested in participating in the Virtual Listening Session.

For any questions or comments regarding the Listening Sessions, please email synod@dioceseofvenice.org.

News Briefs for the week of May 13 2022

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Appointments

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

Father Jayabalan Raju, Parochial Vicar of Epiphany Cathedral Parish, Venice, is welcomed to the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice and is incardinated into said Diocese, effective April 22, 2022.

Father Fausto Stampiglia, S.A.C., V.F., retired as Pastor of St. Martha Parish and other Diocesan responsibilities, effective May 14, 2022, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Martha Parish.

Father Jerzy (George) Suszko, S.A.C., is appointed as Pastor of St. Martha Parish, effective May 14, 2022. At the same time, he is relieved of his duty as Parochial Vicar at St. Martha Parish.

Father Marcin Koziola, is relieved of his duties as Administrator of Holy Cross Parish, effective May 2, 2022.

Father Kristian Villafaña, is appointed as Temporary Administrator of Holy Cross Parish, effective May 2, 2022.

Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate June 18

Sarasota Beach Volleyball team State Champs

Congratulations to our Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Girls Beach Volleyball team from Sarasota, they are State Champions for the Sunshine State Conference! The team beat Merritt Island High School on April 30, 2022, at Hickory Point Beach in Taveras. The team then fell in the quarterfinals of the FSHAA State Tournament on May 7, 2022, at Florida State University in Tallahassee. The team finished the season with a 22-2 overall record.

Fort Myers tennis team takes second at State

Congratulations to the Bishop Verot Catholic High School Viking Girls Tennis team in Fort Myers. They made Verot history today, earning 2nd place in the State Championship on April 29 at Red Bug Lake Park in Casselberry! The ladies entered the State Tournament at the 6th seed and took down two teams before falling in the Final to Gulliver Prep. Way to go ladies!

Pitcher throws Perfect Game

St. John Neumann Catholic High School Freshman Sophia Escobar pitched a Perfect Game on April 26, 2022, against South Fort Myers High School. She also struck out 14 batters during the game. A Perfect Game means Sofia did not allow any walks, hits or runs. Well done!

Venice school is STREAM Accredited

Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice is officially a STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) Accredited Catholic School in the Diocese of Venice. Accreditation became official on April 26, 2022, from the Florida Catholic Conference of Bishops Accreditation Committee. The process of being certified has taken six years and the school credits its teachers for dedicating unit and lesson plans to the process.

Youngest students have fun measuring

Pre-kindergarten students, the youngest at St. Catherine Parish in Sebring, had fun on May 9, 2022, learning how to measure different objects. This lesson is helping to prepare these young minds for more advanced math in Kindergarten and beyond.

Priest, founder of two Parishes, dies

Posted on May 6, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Father Charles K. Sullivan, founding Pastor of St. Columbkille and St. John XXIII Parishes in Fort Myers, died April 27, 2022, at the age of 85 in Ocala.

Father Sullivan was born the second son of Joseph Sullivan and Ruth Keiter, on Aug. 6, 1936, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ordained to the priesthood on May 1, 1964, at St. Michael Monastery with the Passionate Congregation in Union City, N.J., Father Sullivan served for four years in the northeast leading missions and retreats.

Eventually, Father Sullivan arrived in Florida to become associate retreat director at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm Beach. In 1970, Father was the founding Pastor of St. Paul of the Cross Parish in North Palm Beach and served there for 12 years. He returned to New Jersey serving in a merged Parish there before returning to Florida when the Diocese of Venice was erected in 1984.

Father’s first assignment in the Diocese of Venice was as Administrator of St. Isabel Parish in Sanibel (1984-1985) before becoming Administrator of Our Lady of Mercy Mission (now Parish) in Boca Grande (1985-1988). Father Sullivan was then named co-Pastor of San Marco Parish in Marco Island (1988-1990), before being assigned as Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Naples (1990-1993).

It was in 1993 when Father Sullivan helped establish St. Columbkille Parish in south Fort Myers as Pastor. The first liturgies were celebrated in modular units before a Parish Church was built in 1997.

Then in 2002, Father was founding Pastor of St. John XXIII Parish (formerly Blessed John XXIII Mission) in Fort Myers which held its first liturgies at Noonan Elementary. Once again, Father oversaw the construction of a new Parish Church, which was dedicated in 2005.

Throughout his ministry, Father Sullivan was active in prison outreach and a strong supporter of the Cursillo Movement. Shortly after his 70^th birthday, Father Sullivan retired from active ministry on Sept. 1, 2006.

A viewing will take place from 5-8 p.m., Friday, May 6 at St. Columbkille Parish, 12171 Iona Road, Fort Myers, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 7 at St. Columbkille.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and the consolation of his family. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in eternal peace.

“Young Catholic Leaders” initiative begins

Posted on May 6, 2022 by Bob Reddy

A new leadership program created for teenagers who serve the Church got off to a strong start with its first gathering on April 28, 2022, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

Eager teens learned about the new “Young Catholic Leaders” program, which is a post-Confirmation Religious Education course for teenagers who have been confirmed and want to continue the learning about Catholic Identity. The first meeting was just the beginning of a journey, as these teens will meet several times a year and discuss some of the bigger questions facing young people today.

“The idea is to be gathering young people together to learn about the Catholic Faith, beyond what they already know,” said program organizer Anne Chrzan, Diocesan Director of Religious Education “Then they will learn how to share that newfound knowledge with other people.”

At this introductory session, each of the teens was invited by various religious educators at the Parish-level having been identified as potential future leaders within the Church. Each student has been asked to have a Catholic mentor – someone who is fully initiated, participates in weekly Mass, daily prayer, and service to the community. The teens also learned about a newly online course, developed specifically for them, which includes five lessons on discernment, reflective prayer, spiritual gifts and leadership.

Chrzan said the “Young Catholic Leaders” program is dedicated to Blessed Carlos Acutis who was a young Catholic leader who had a strong devotion to the Eucharist. He died of leukemia at the age of 20.

“All of us are asked to emulate saints and work toward holiness,” Chrzan said. “Having a young man as a role model who is in the process of becoming a saint gives the ‘Young Catholic Leaders’ someone to honor, pray to and ask for intercessions.”

The group also heard from Jimmy Mitchell, Campus Minister from Tampa Catholic High School, who shared his experiences of ministering to teenagers, many of whom never knew the Catholic Faith.

Mitchell shared his own journey of discovering the Catholic Faith and explained how the teens each need to learn what the Lord is calling them to do in their lives.

“Each of us, in our own unique circumstances, have the opportunity to be a modern Apostle,” Mitchell said. “But you have to be people of prayer. If you don’t pray, you don’t have Christ. That is non-negotiable. From there, you have to know and love the Faith, and you have to be able to defend it. This can be done with a prayer life, because when you have a prayer life and also a habit of study your head and your heart will start to collide, or better yet work together – that’s what the world needs – Apostles whose heads and hearts are alive fully formed and on fire.”

Mitchell cited the key marks of a modern-day Apostle: prayer, study, integrity, joy, zeal, humility, reliability, obedience, normalcy, beauty.

“God is calling you to be saints in our times,” Mitchell added. “To achieve this, the resolution you can make right now, is that you will advance your prayer life and let that zeal and love for the Lord take you to another level.”

The “Young Catholic Leaders” will have four regional gatherings throughout the year centered on being a Catholic teenager in today’s secular world, Chrzan explained.

Additional Diocesan-wide quarterly meetings will consist of Catholic leadership development, addressing the following topics:

What is Faith? How do I know if God exists?
How can I remain a Catholic when I leave home and start college or a career?
Philanthropy – The Catholic Church and the mission to help the poor. Learn about Catholic Charities and our responsibilities as Catholics to help the Church.
Vocations: What does having a calling mean to me and my friends?

Just for attending the introductory meeting, the teens were each given a gift bag, which included a backpack with the “Young Catholic Leaders” logo, as well as a water bottle, a rosary, a how to pray card, a St. Benedict bracelet (rosary on the wrist), a journal book, and a stress ball with the inscription: “With God, all things are possible!”

Chrzan explained that the goal is to have the leaders understand that they are not just part of a Parish-based group, but part of a Diocesan-wide initiative and their service to the Church will reach far beyond what they have done in the past.

The inaugural “Young Catholic Leaders” meeting for the southern part of the Diocese will be in early June at St. Agnes Parish in Naples. For more information about the coming meeting or becoming a “Young Catholic Leader,” contact Anne Chrzan at 941-484-9543 or chrzan@dioceseofvenice.org.

CCW Golden Rose award presented

Posted on May 6, 2022May 6, 2022 by Bob Reddy

There are 28 high school girls who now have the distinct honor of being named Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (VDCCW) Golden Rose Award recipients.

The Golden Rose Awards were presented during an April 30, 2022, luncheon at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. The Golden Rose Award seeks to recognize the basic tenets of the Council of Catholic Women – spirituality, leadership and service.

Father Jay Jancarz, VDCCW Spiritual Advisor and Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice, presented the awards while Anne De Camillo, President of St. William Parish CCW and Chair of Golden Rose Committee, gave each young lady a rose.

“This is a such an honor to be recognized,” said Golden Rose recipient Gianna Frino, of St. William Parish in Naples. The freshman at Barron Collier High School is an outstanding athlete and very active in the Parish. She is an altar server and active in the Parish youth group. In her spare time, Giana loves to volunteer at the Parish, specifically in the outreach to the younger children. “I am so blessed to be able to give back to the Parish.”

Josephine Weiss, VDCCW President, said it is important for the VDCCW to recognize these worthy recipients who were each nominated by their respective Parishes and Catholic schools. Nominees must currently be in high school, active in their Parish, and a practicing Catholic who regularly attends Sunday Mass, Weiss said.

“We recognize those girls who exhibit outstanding qualities in spirituality, leadership ability, while also completing a meaningful service project,” Weiss said. “We received a great response and are proud to honor these young ladies with the Golden Rose Award.”

Father Jancarz congratulated the young ladies and said it is noble to recognize the girls for their service and leadership.

Father said the best example of a perfect leader for them to follow is Jesus Christ. “He showed His leadership on Holy Thursday, getting up from the table and washing the feet of His friends, the Disciples. Every good leader is a person of humility. Thank you for your great dedication to your parishes and to the people you serve… you have the spirit of dedication, commitment and service which not only came down from the Holy Spirit, but it also came from your parents.”

Each Golden Rose Award recipient was presented with a certificate and golden rose. They will also receive a membership into the National Council of Catholic Women.

The Golden Rose Award was first awarded in 2020 and 2021 following the example of CCW affiliates, with the first in-person Venice Diocesan ceremony held in April 2021.

Those receiving awards this year were: Michelle Aguilera, Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Megan Grace Ayan, St. Ann, Naples; Emma Beckner, Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles, Bradenton; Lucy Brodeur, Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; Alexis Camina, St. Elizabeth Seton, Naples; Julianna Courville, Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Abigail Cudnik, St. Andrew, Cape Coral; Misda Dantes, St. Peter the Apostle, Naples; Venessa de la Rosa, St. Michael, Wauchula; Abby Dunston-Wagner, St. Joseph, Bradenton; Sofia Flores, St. Cecilia, Fort Myers; Trinity Nicole Forget, St. Ann, Naples; Gianna Frino, St. William, Naples; Natalie Gomez, St. Catherine, Sebring; Madeline Harkness, St. Katherine Drexel, Cape Coral; Anna Latell, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Fort Myers; Delaney Lento, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Sarasota; Juanita Leon, Holy Cross, Palmetto; Rebecca Lozada, San Antonio, Port Charlotte; Alexis Mendieta, San Pedro, North Port; Belinda Cruz Paz, St. Agnes, Naples; Natalie Pfeiffer, St. Francis Xavier, Fort Myers; Gabriella Ragozzino, Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice; Karyme Ramirez, St. Finbarr, Naples; Faith Romero, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria; Mackenzie Thomas, St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; Madison Thomas, St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; and Charlotte Thompson, St. Joseph, Bradenton.