Tag: parish life

“Jesus, I trust in You”- Divine Mercy Sunday

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Second Sunday of Easter, or Divine Mercy Sunday, completes the Octave of Easter, a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the blessing of His continuing presence in our midst. The Gospel reading for Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2025, recalls the encounter between St. Thomas (the doubting Apostle) and Jesus after the Resurrection.

Divine Mercy Sunday celebrates the mercy of Jesus as reminded to us by St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, a religious sister who lived a humble life, to whom Jesus appeared. St. Faustina was born in Krakow, Poland and lived from 1905-1938. She was canonized by St. John Paul II in 2000, who at that time also declared the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. This celebration also honors St. Faustina’s vision of Jesus Christ, and His message of love and peace for the world.

St. Faustina wrote in her diary from private revelation that Jesus told her: “I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My Mercy (Diary 1109). The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion will obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment (Diary 699).”

The image of the Divine Mercy was created by St. Faustina who was told to paint the image of Jesus as she saw Him. The painting has the saying at the bottom: “Jesus, I Trust in You.” The rays emanating from the Sacred Heart of Jesus represent water (white) – which makes souls righteous — and blood (red) — which is the life of souls, Jesus told St. Faustina.

Many Parishes throughout the Diocese hold Divine Mercy services and several have novenas of prayer leading up to the Sunday. The popularity of Divine Mercy has been embraced by many diverse communities throughout the Diocese.

At St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton, Divine Mercy Sunday included the traditional afternoon prayer service, incorporating the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a reflection from Father Rafal Liganza, Pastor of St. Joseph, a recitation of the Divine Mercy Litany, singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Solemn Benediction.

Debbie Sutherland helped to organize the Divine Mercy prayer service at St. Joseph, saying that she developed a deep devotion to the celebration 10 years ago.

“It is about what Jesus represents in offering His mercy to all of us,” Sutherland said. “This devotion has changed my life, literally saving me and bringing me closer to the Lord.”

At St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, the Divine Mercy celebration included a presentation by Sister Teresa de la Fuente, Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy (St. Faustina’s religious order). St. John the Evangelist was one of several Parishes in the Diocese to also offer the opportunity to venerate a first-class relic of St. Faustina.

Exhibit shows off work of millennial saint

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Even though the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the world’s first millennial saint, was postponed due to the passing of Pope Francis, the life of the young man was still celebrated April 26 and 27, 2025, at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota.

While the multi-day celebration was supposed to coincide with the canonization in Rome for the Italian teenager on April 27, Sue Thompson, St. Patrick Director of Religious Education, said it was good that the event still happened.

“While we are disappointed that the canonization was postponed, it is important for young people to learn about this inspiring young man and his love for the Eucharist and passion for technology,” Thompson said.

The central focus of the celebration was the traveling Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit. The exhibit, with 170 panels, includes a visual story of different Eucharistic Miracles from across the globe. Carlos Acutis researched and catalogued the miracles onto a website before he died in 2006 from leukemia at the age of 15.

The exhibit was borrowed by Thompson from a colleague in the Diocese of St. Augustine. As part of the exhibit, the faithful moved from panel-to-panel, and learned about the confirmed Eucharistic miracles that have taken place through the centuries. The panels represent what the future-saint posted on a website before his passing.

For two full days, the exhibit was on display in the Parish Hall, with scores of people participating, often before or after Mass. Prayer cards and other prayer aids, as well as books about Carlo Acutis were made available. Playing on a large screen was a loop of several videos recounting the life of Carlo Acutis. In addition, a group of 118 journeyed to a downtown Sarasota movie theater to see the premier of “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality.”

Among those who viewed the exhibit was Caroline Bradford who is a seasonal resident from Indiana. She was fascinated by such a young person being named a saint and has her own passion for Eucharistic miracles. She said she loved how the exhibit, with its different miracles, offered the full story behind each event, the significance of the miracle on the local community, as well as the images.

“Each one is different and wonderful,” Bradford said. “It’s amazing such a young man could accomplish so much.”

Others had similar responses to the exhibit with young people noting their own affinity for the soon-to-be saint.

The original plan was for the exhibition to open in the predawn hours of April 27, the day of scheduled canonization, so young people at the Parish could gather to watch the event live from Rome. The canonization was to be presided over by Pope Francis but will now be presided over by the new Holy Father on a date to be announced.

To honor Pope Francis, there was an image on display as well as a book for people to offer their condolences. Children were also encouraged to write notes of remembrance to Pope Francis on heart-shaped paper.

Thompson said there will be some sort of commemoration of Carlo Acutis when the canonization is rescheduled, but it will not include the Eucharistic Miracles exhibit, as it was only loaned to the Parish for the weekend.

Masses honoring Pope Francis celebrated at Parishes

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice have been holding Memorial Masses in the wake of the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Diocesan-wide Mass to commemorate the papacy of Pope Francis on April 24, at Our Lady of Lourdes in Venice.

Subsequently, Parishes throughout the region have followed suit with many of the Masses in honor of Pope Francis, first the Masses of the Day within the Octave of Easter with the repose of the soul of Pope Francis as the intention. Following the Octave of Easter Parishes followed the Mass for the Dead, where the celebrating priests wore red vestments and prayer intentions were for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

At St. Agnes Parish in Naples, the Mass to honor Pope Francis was April 25, Friday within the Octave of Easter in English and Spanish, with Father Bob Kantor, Pastor, and Father Alejandro Giraldo-Roldan, Parochial Vicar, concelebrating.

Speaking of Pope Francis, Father Kantor said at the opening of the Mass that “this is a Mass to acknowledge his life and service to Our Lord, and for the special place he had in the Church as the successor to the Apostle .In a way we gather as do for a funeral, because we mourn the death in the family. This time it is our Holy Father, someone who served faithfully and to his last breath proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Father Kantor later reflected upon the extraordinary mercy and humility Pope Francis brought to his papacy, reminding the Catholic faithful that Jesus’ death and resurrection brought with it mercy from God for us all.

“He described the Church as a field hospital, an instrument of healing for those in need,” Father said. “He stressed this fact over and over again, with a Year of Mercy (2016) and ministering to those on the margins of the Church.”

Father Kantor encountered Pope Francis during World Youth Day pilgrimages, first in 2013 to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, months after Pope Francis was elected Pope, and then again in Krakow, Poland in 2016. The papal message to the youth, which resonates to this day: “I’m inviting you to set out on a journey to discover life along the path of love and to seek the face of God – do not set out as mere tourists but as true pilgrims.” That message is reflected in the ongoing 2025 Jubilee Year, with its message calling all to be “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Father Giraldo-Roldan said having Pope Francis be the first Pope elected from the Americas will always be close to his heart, himself being from Columbia. He also appreciated how the Holy Father made himself accessible to the people, personally interacting with many sharing his true love for all.

Prior to the Mass at St. Agnes was a Holy Hour, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the prayer intentions also said for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

Similar Memorial Masses took place throughout the Diocese leading up to the end of the mourning period on May 4. Prayer intention at Masses will then shift to calling for the Holy Spirit to guide the College of Cardinals in the voting for the next Pope during the coming Conclave.

Diocese of Venice commemorates passing of Pope Francis

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice is saddened by the April 21, 2025, passing of Pope Francis who will be mourned and commemorated throughout the Diocese.

A Diocesan-wide Mass, celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and concelebrated by the priest of the Diocese, was held April 24, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice. Many clergy participated, as hundreds of the faithful attended to honor Pope Francis.

Known for his humble pontificate, Bishop Dewane expressed his profound sadness at the passing of Pope Francis, and his view of the Holy Father as a dedicated and caring Shepherd.

“Pope Francis served as Bishop of Rome from March 13, 2013, until his death. In possession of a true pastor’s heart, his concern for the poor and those on the peripheries, as well as his devotion to the Blessed Mother, were among the hallmarks of his Papacy,” Bishop wrote in the letter to the faithful.

Bishop Dewane said he was blessed to have met with Pope Francis on a number of occasions, and was touched by the Holy Father’s humility, sense of humor, and profound concern for “the other.”

A photo of Pope Francis was on display before the altar during the Mass, and a condolence book was made available. This book will be kept at the Catholic Center during the period of mourning for visitors to sign. In addition, the Diocese of Venice website has an online form where the faithful can fill out their messages of condolence at https://dioceseofvenice.org/condolences-for-pope-francis/. The condolences will be sent to the Vatican at the end of the mourning period.

Personal Memories of Holy Father from Bishop Dewane

The Bishop’s first encounter with Pope Francis took place in April 2014. Bishop Dewane spoke to Pope Francis in Italian, a common language for the pair, and they discussed Florida, and most importantly what the Diocese was doing for the youth. The Bishop described the annual Youth Rally, and how large groups from the Diocese took part in World Youth Day.

A year later, Bishop Dewane was among the select few to greet Pope Francis during the 2015 World Meeting of Families gathering with U.S. Bishops at St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington, D.C. At that time, Pope Francis and the Bishop spoke about environmental issues related to the publication of the Encyclical “Laudato Si,” and on the treatment of migrant workers.

In addition to these meetings, whenever Bishop Dewane was in Rome for business, and the Holy Father had a General Audience, Bishop Dewane would participate. While these encounters were necessarily brief, the warmth and care Pope Francis had for the faithful in the Diocese was always clearly conveyed.

Parish and school honor Holy Father

In response to the passing of Pope Francis, Parishes and Diocesan Catholic schools are honoring the passing of Pope Francis in a variety of ways.

First, the death of the Holy Father was announced at all Masses. Black bunting was placed at the main entrance of churches as a visible sign of mourning. In addition, Parishes placed a photo of Pope Francis in a prominent location, either in the narthex or sanctuary of respective churches. These were set up to allow the faithful an opportunity to offer their prayers and veneration in honor of the Holy Father.

Prayer intentions have been added at all Masses. Parishes are celebrating Masses for the repose of the Pope’s soul, with the first scheduled after the Diocesan-wide Mass and into the following week. Many Parishes also scheduled a Holy Hours in honor of Pope Francis.

At Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice, students gathered on April 22 to pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be in honor of the Holy Father. Then the bell of Santa Maria Chapel, at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice, tolled 88 times at noon to mark the passing of Pope Francis, a toll for each year of his life. The tolling of the bells took place at all churches in the Diocese. This is a traditional practice to announce the death of a Pope to the community at-large.

At Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, middle school students tolled the bell, while Principal Deacon Michael Pipitone and Cathedral Rector Msgr. Patrick Dubois led the students in prayer.

Msgr. Dubois was blessed to have worked at the Vatican early in Pope Francis’ Papacy. While working for the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Msgr. Dubois said he would have occasional working meetings with the Holy Father and saw how passionate he was about the family and the elderly.

“The Holy Father valued grandparents and elders, knowing how important they are to connecting our faith across generations,” Msgr. Dubois said. “This touched me personally.”

By being at the Vatican, Msgr. Dubois’ parents were able to meet the Holy Father several times, including once when they were presented a rosary.

“That shows who he was as a man of God, the leader of the Church, meeting with people on their level and spreading the love of Christ to others,” Msgr. Dubois said.

Events impacted by Death of Pope Francis

The previously scheduled Jubilee Year Youth Pilgrimage to the DeSoto Eucharistic Monument in Bradenton on April 26 has been postponed. This event will be rescheduled at a later date. Notifications will go out to respective Parish religious education and youth directors. If you have any questions, contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1122.

An event commemorating the canonization of Carlo Acutis scheduled to take place on April 27 at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, has been postponed and will be rescheduled to coincide with the new date of canonization. The Divine Mercy Sunday Holy Hour, scheduled for 3 p.m., will still take place.

At St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota, the two-day commemoration of the canonization of Carlo Acutis will continue with a modified schedule. Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit (created by the future saint) in the Parish Hall, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 26, and from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 27, when a Divine Mercy Sunday celebration will begin. On both days, several videos about the young future Saint’s life will be shown throughout the day.

EASTER: Spreading the Good News of the power of Light over Darkness

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Throughout the Universal Church the faithful gathered for a joyous celebration on Easter; that is the Resurrection of Our Lord, the Summit of the Catholic Faith.

This celebration comes after the holiest of weeks which began with the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and included the suffering and death of Our Lord. The Resurrection on Easter completes the journey for Jesus when death was conquered. This moment marks the beginning of a new journey of belief and hope for all the faithful, Bishop Frank J. Dewane said during the Easter Vigil Mass, April 19, 2025, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

“Humanity has never really known a single night so powerful as tonight, during this Easter Vigil – so majestic, so holy – the greatest night, when the power of death is conquered,” Bishop Dewane said. “Our Faith flows from our belief in the Resurrection. Christ’s victory over sin and death means new life for us all – from darkness to light, from suffering to joy. Easter is the proof of God’s love for humanity.”

The Easter Vigil, which takes place after sunset on Holy Saturday night, “is the greatest and most noble of all solemnities and it is to be unique in every single Church,” according to the Roman Missal. At Epiphany Cathedral, the Vigil began in darkness before the Easter fire was kindled and the Paschal (Passover) Candle was lit, and then carried down the main aisle by a Deacon, into the darkened church with the proclamation that Christ is our Light.

The Gospel reading tells of the three women who went to the tomb of Jesus to complete the anointing of Jesus’ body properly, even though they knew a great stone was in their way. The women were carried by their faith, hope and love for Jesus Christ because following a great darkness, the sun had risen that Easter morning.

“We must continually grow closer to the Lord, seeking His help, and proclaiming that He is risen,” Bishop Dewane said. “By living faith, hope, and love, in our own lives, just as those women did, the stones which keep us from the Lord will be moved out of our way, because we are each called to enter into the tomb and be with Christ, seeing, understanding and expressing that belief each day.”

During this Mass, the faithful heard Salvation history proclaimed in numerous Scripture readings. It is also at this time when the Bishop/priests confer the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation for the catechumens and candidates. At Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice, there were 552 women and men who entered fully into the Catholic Church, a huge number for a Diocese the size of Venice. Among that number are 13 Diocesan Catholic school students and four Catholic school faculty.

At Epiphany Cathedral, Bishop Dewane presided over one baptism, while a group of 14 were confirmed. The Bishop lauded the catechumen and candidates for having the courage and strength to hear the call of the Lord in their lives and respond in a definitive way.

“We must all act with strength and courage in response to the call of the Lord in our lives,” Bishop Dewane said. “We have each been given graces and with that we must live our lives to the fullest. We do this as the apostles and the early Christians did, building the Church we are all a part of today. We must do our part to build up His Church. This Church is not perfect. It falters because it is human and divine. It is the divine that will keep it alive. That is what we celebrate at Easter.”

The newly confirmed at Epiphany Cathedral could not hold back their excitement upon receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. Sarah Desquesnes, who received three sacraments, baptism, confirmation and First Holy Communion, couldn’t stop smiling because of the overwhelming joy and love of Christ she felt come upon her during the Mass.

The celebration of Easter is not confined to a single day, in fact, throughout the next 50 days the Easter Season is celebrated “in joyful exultation as one Feast Day, or better as one ‘great Sunday.’”

The first days make up the Octave of Easter and are celebrated as solemnities of the Lord. On the 40th day of the Easter Season, Catholics celebrate the Ascension of the Lord (May 29, which is moved to the following Sunday on June 1 in most Dioceses in the U.S., including the Diocese of Venice), and for the nine days following, in preparation for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (June 8).

2025 Easter Triduum celebrated in Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum, from the evening of Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery.

The single celebration of the Triduum marks the end of the Lenten Season and leads to the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.

The liturgical services that take place during the Triduum are:

  • Mass of the Lord’s Supper
  • Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion (Good Friday)
  • Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord (Easter Vigil)

Thousands of the faithful of the Diocese of Venice gathered at Parishes for the celebration of the Triduum, April 17-19, 2025.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Catherine Parish in Sebring included the commemoration when Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of Holy Communion prior to His arrest and crucifixion. It also observes His institution of the priesthood. This Liturgy included the presentation of the oils blessed and consecrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane during the April 15 Chrism Mass, at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, which will be used for the Sacraments in the Parishes throughout the year. Later was the traditional washing of the feet, reenacting Jesus washing the feet of the Disciples. Following the Prayer after Communion, the Mass concluded with a procession to transfer the Holy Eucharist to a place of repose in the Parish Hall. This action left the tabernacle vacant until the Easter Vigil.

 

On Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion, the faithful at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral participated in the liturgy. This celebration is not a Mass, as the hosts offered at Communion were consecrated on Holy Thursday. The liturgy included the reading of the Passion from the Gospel of John. Next was the presentation of the cross, brought forth by the priest and unveiled as the priest sang: “This is the wood of the cross, on which hung the salvation of the world,” and the congregation responded: “Come let us adore.” The faithful were then encouraged to venerate the cross. The cross at St. Katharine Drexel was brought to each section of the church and the faithful came forward and venerated by a touch, a bow, or a genuflection.

Either prior to, or after, the Good Friday Liturgy, many Parishes hosted the Stations of the Cross, sometimes led by children or including a dramatic retelling, often by Catholic school students.

For the second year in a row, a public Stations of the Cross took place in downtown Venice, starting at Epiphany Cathedral and proceeding into nearby Centennial Park and then down Venice Avenue. Approximately 500 took part, including members of the youth group, as the streets were temporarily blocked for the occasion. In addition, faithful from St. Martha, St. Patrick, St. Thomas More, Incarnation, St. Jude and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parishes Sarasota took part in the annual Sarasota Ministerial Association Good Friday Stations of the Cross on Main Street. More than 1,000 participated with several Catholic priests and deacons leading the readings at the different stations.

On Holy Saturday, the only Mass of the day is the Easter Vigil. This is also the day when many of the faithful have Easter Baskets blessed. These baskets are filled with food to be served on Easter Sunday and candies to be given to children. At San Pedro Parish in North Port, nearly 500 baskets were brought to the altar steps to be blessed. Father Nathan Marzione, OMV, offered the blessing in both Polish and English.

On Easter Sunday, several Parishes celebrated Mass at sunrise while extra Masses were added to accommodate the increased numbers common for this holiest of days.

Many Parishes also hosted fun for children which often included Easter egg hunts either on the Saturday or following a Children’s Liturgy on Sunday.

New scholarship fund offers educational opportunities for needy students

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The benefits of a quality education can offer a student the opportunity to have a better chance to succeed in life. This is at the core of a new scholarship endowment fund created for the express purpose of providing financially disadvantaged children with the opportunity to attend one of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools.

The St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish Women’s Guild Scholarship Fund was established in January 2025 to create a lasting legacy for this and future generations of students.

“Given the incredible importance of a good education, we believe this will serve a deeply meaningful purpose in the lives of young students in need and provide them with more positive life opportunities” explained Kay Kochenderfer, President of the Women’s Guild based in Longboat Key.

The Women’s Guild Scholarship Endowment Fund was initially started in January with $10,000 in seed money, but incredibly, through outreach at the Parish and in the local community, the Fund has now exceeded $80,000 toward a $100,000 base goal.

“The response has been incredible, because people understand the importance of a quality Catholic education,” Kochenderfer said.

Only recently elected as the Women’s Guild president, Kochenderfer added that the idea for the Scholarship Endowment Fund came about when the Guild leadership was looking for ways to create a value-added program beyond what the group already does for the community.

Through annual events, such as the Royal Rummage Sale, Christmas Bazaar, and more, the Guild has been a long-time supporter of various outreach programs including the religious education program at St. Michael Parish in Wauchula, food pantries, and helping the homeless. Most recently, the Guild aided many impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which did extensive damage to the island community.

The vision for the Scholarship Endowment Fund was to set up the initial Fund, and that it would increase every year going forward.

“Instead of a one-time donation, we wanted to create a Fund, which would be something that can be depended on in the long term,” Kochenderfer said.

To maximize its impact, the Scholarship Fund will be managed by the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc.

Foundation Executive Director Michael Morse said the new Fund is an example of an organization seeing a need in the community and then taking action to ensure that parents who seek Catholic education for their child can get the help they need to make that a reality.

“What the St. Mary, Star of the Sea Women’s Guild has done by creating an endowed scholarship will make a huge difference in support of Catholic education for many years to come,” Morse said. “The Catholic Community Foundation was established specifically to support such a vision.”

The Catholic Community Foundation was established in 2004 by Bishop John J. Nevins as an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, with its own by-laws, Board of Directors, and staff professionals.  The Foundation helps donors create lasting Catholic Legacies by working with them to provide long-term support and sustainability to the Catholic entities and programs about which they care most. These include Catholic Schools, Catholic Charities, Parishes, Seminarian education, programs for the needy, college scholarships and more.

If you would like to support the St. Mary, Star of the Sea Women’s Guild Scholarship Endowment Fund, please visit St. Mary Star of the Sea Women’s Guild Scholarship Fund – Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, or use the QR code.

To learn more about the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc., please visit https://ccfdioceseofvenice.org/, or contact Michael Morse at 941-441-1124 or morse@dioceseofvenice.org.

News briefs for the week of April 18, 2025

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Palm Sunday opens Holy Week

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (April 13, 2025) brought the faithful together as the Lenten Season nears a close (Holy Thursday). This is the day we remember and honor Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, greeted by cheering crowds waving palm branches that they set out on the ground along his path, before his crucifixion on Good Friday.  As is tradition, the faithful received palms upon entering church, which were then blessed by the presiding priest. During this Mass, the Passion of the Lord from the Gospel of Luke was read.

 Easter TV Mass to air at special time

The Televised Mass for the Homebound on Easter Sunday (April 20 and celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane), will air for a full hour at a special time. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Masses will air at 12 p.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Masses will air at 10:30 a.m. on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). Please check your cable provider for channel listings or visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass.

Jubilee Youth Pilgrimage April 26

Join with the young people of the Diocese of Venice on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9 a.m. 1 p.m. for a special Jubilee Year Youth Pilgrimage to the DeSoto Eucharistic Monument in Bradenton, 8250 DeSoto Memorial Highway. The pilgrimage will be a day of prayer, reflection, adoration and celebration of the Eucharist in the context of the Jubilee Year 2025. Inspired by the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” this event invites youth to grow in their faith, embrace renewal, and strengthen their commitment to Christ. Adoration and Mass on site at the Monument will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. For more information, or with questions, contact Andres Prias, 941-441-1122.

Eastern Deanery youth soccer tournament a success

St. Michael Parish in Wauchula hosted an Eastern Deanery Youth Soccer Tournament on April 12, 2025. Five Parishes were represented, including St. Michael, St. James in Lake Placid, St. Catherine in Sebring, Our Lady of Grace in Avon Parish, and St. Paul in Arcadia. The finals pitted St. Michael versus St. Paul, with the Arcadia team taking home the championship with a final score of 2-1.

Verot weightlifter wins state title

Justin Davis, a senior weightlifter at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers won a Florida High School Athletic Association Olympic Class 1A Championship in the 183-pound weight class on April 12, 2025, in Lakeland. Justin lifted a combined 515 pounds to take the gold medal.

Theology on Tap April 24

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 on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The evening begins with food and refreshments at 7 p.m. Presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith begin at 8 p.m. The next presentation will be by Father Christian Chami, Parochial Vicar at St. Jude Parish in Sarasota, and the title of his talk is “St. Charbel: Lessons in silence, faith, and obedience.” Please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org for more information.

Divine Mercy commemoration in Naples

St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, is hosting a two-part commemoration of Divine Mercy Sunday. First, the Parish will host a presentation on April 25, 2025, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass, by Sister Teresa de la Fuente, OLM, a member St. Faustina Kowalska, the founder of Divine Mercy Sunday. The theme for the presentation, which will follow a light breakfast reception, is, “Draw Water Joyfully from the Founts of Mercy.” On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, an additional commemoration begins at 2:30 p.m. and will include the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Mass, a procession and veneration of the Divine Mercy image and first-class relic of St. Faustina. All are welcome at both events. For more information please call 239-566-8740.

Two special events for Canonization of Carlo Acutis

In recognition of the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, two Parishes will host special events. St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, will host a live watch party for the canonization at 4:30 a.m. April 27. The replay of the canonization will be available for viewing later in the day. The Parish will also display the Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit (created by the new saint) in the Parish Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 26, and from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 27, when a Divine Mercy Sunday celebration will begin. On both days, several videos about the young Saint’s life will be shown throughout the exhibition. In addition, there will be a signing station for a get-well card for Pope Francis, a prayer station for prayers to the Holy Father and to the newest saint, and a prayer wall to post intentions. Books and prayer cards will also be available. Contact Sue Thompson at 941-378-1703 ext. 309.

In addition, Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, will hold a special event beginning at 12:30 p.m., April 27, 2025, where participants can view sacred relics of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Faustina Kowalska, and watch a movie about Carlo’s life. The event begins with an Italian picnic and will include a special Holy Hour, including a Divine Mercy Chaplet and Eucharistic Adoration. All are welcome. For information, Wendy Barraso at barraso@epiphanycathedral.org, or 941-615-0270.

Divine Mercy Service in Fort Myers April 27

Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, will be hosting its annual Divine Mercy Sunday service on April 27, 2025. The prayer service opens with Adoration followed by Benediction from 1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., to allow the faithful time in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament and the Divine Mercy Image. This will be followed from 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. by a bilingual (Spanish and English) Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Consecration. All are welcome.

Seeking Diocesan Totus Tuus Summer Camp Missionaries

Totus Tuus is an exciting Catholic Parish Catechetical Camp for students in grades 1 – 12. The weeklong day camp held at Parishes in the Diocese of Venice is led by trained, paid missionaries. Missionary applications for the summer 2025 camp are now being accepted from anyone, age 18 or older, with an authentic, dynamic Catholic faith who is actively living the teachings of the Catholic Church. One year of college/work is preferred, but mature recent high school graduates will be considered. This is a great summer experience for anyone who wants to work in ministry, education, or with children in other settings. Visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/totustuus2025/ for more information, or to apply.

Weekend bereavement retreat for parents in May

The Diocese of Venice Office of Evangelization is offering “A Walk with Jesus for Grieving Parents,” weekend bereavement retreat for parents who have lost a child, no matter the child’s age or how long ago the loss occurred. The retreat will take place May 2 – 4, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. Facilitated by Deacon Henry deMena, M.A., an experienced grief counselor, this retreat offers a supportive environment for healing through prayer, reflection, and shared experiences. Parents will find comfort and community as they walk together, and with Jesus, in faith. For more information or to register, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-484-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Ignatian Preached Silent Retreat in May

Father Greg Cleveland, OMV, will introduce the great themes of the Spiritual Exercises in a group setting during an Ignatian Preached Retreat, from May 9 to May 12, 2025. 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.  Register at www.olph-retreat.org and click on “Schedule of Events.”

Eucharistic Conference at Ave Maria May 16-18

The 2025 Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Conference is scheduled for May 16 – 18, 2025, at Ave Maria University. The theme is “Be it done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). The Conference will include talks from Father Chris Alar, Dr. Edward Sri, Mary Healy, Mother Adela Galindo, Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Jon Niven, and Mark Miravalle. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, lodging and meals. Registration is $190 per person. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.aveconferences.com/, or email aveconferences@gmail.com, or call 239-348-4735.

Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13

The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13, 2025. 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 https://www.aveconferences.com/, or email aveconferences@gmail.com, or call 239-348-4735.

Diocesan-wide opportunity for Confession April 11 and 12

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Holy Week is days away, but it is not too late to ponder how well prepared we are for the Resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church is found a number of precepts for living the faith in preparation for the Easter Season. The first precept (Catechism 2042) requires the faithful to participate in the Eucharistic celebration when the Christian community gathers throughout the Easter Season. “The second precept is “You shall confess your sins at least once a year.” While the third precept states, “You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion at least during the Easter Season.”

To help facilitate this requirement, the Diocese of Venice will have the Sacrament of Reconciliation available at the same time at ALL Parishes to allow the faithful ample opportunity to receive God’s Mercy. To make this opportunity as convenient as possible, and following consultation with the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated the following days and times for Confession at each Parish: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday, April 11, 2025, and from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 12.

Bishop Dewane recently spoke during Mass at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota and told the students that the Gospel message about the prodigal son, who returns home and asks his father for forgiveness, is an example to follow.

“Let us be aware of the fact that we too, at times, fail,” Bishop Dewane said. “Our Father in Heaven knows this and wants us to seek His forgiveness. In this Lenten Season, no matter how long it has been, we need make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is what the Lord asks of us. We must do this.”

Throughout the Lenten Season, Parishes have offered extended hours for the Sacrament, in addition to offering Penance Services, where multiple priests from the region were made available to hear confessions.

Pope Francis often speaks about the healing benefits of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, explaining that he goes about once every two weeks.

“In Confession, let’s give God first place,” the Holy Father said. “Once He is in charge, everything becomes beautiful and confession becomes the Sacrament of joy, not of fear and judgement, but of joy.”

Pope Francis noted how “the Lord comes to us when we step back from our presumptuous ego… He can bridge the distance whenever, with honesty and sincerity, we bring our weaknesses before him,” Pope Francis said. “He holds out his hand and lifts us up whenever we realize we are ‘hitting rock bottom’ and we turn back to him with a sincere heart. That is how God is. He is waiting for us, deep down, for in Jesus he chose to ‘descend to the depths.’”

The Pope also emphasized that God waits for us, especially in the Sacrament of Penance, where he said the Lord touches our wounds, heals our hearts, and leaves us with inner peace.

As the Catechism teaches, the priest is acting in Persona Christi, that is in the person of Christ, within the confessional. So, like presenting oneself at the altar to be nourished by Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist, a person going to confession is not ultimately confessing to a priest, but confessing to and receiving forgiveness from Jesus Christ.

Bishop dedicates and blesses new Parish Activity Center in Lakewood Ranch

Posted on by Bob Reddy

With hundreds looking on and cheering their support, Bishop Frank J. Dewane dedicated and blessed a new Parish Activity Center on March 30, 2025, Laetare Sunday, for Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch.

“We dedicate this Parish Activity Center of Our Lady of the Angels,” Bishop Dewane said. “We bless and open it today for the education and wellbeing of the present and future students and parishioners as they grow in faith, hope, love, and learning. May it be a place where students and parishioners will search for the wisdom that guides the Christian life and strive wholeheartedly to stand by Christ, their teacher, Your Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns forever and ever, Amen.”

Father Sebastian Szczawínski, Pastor of Our Lady of the Angels, said the new Parish Activity Center and rectory were made possible thanks to the enthusiastic support of the families who make up the Parish community.

“I am extremely grateful for your support, prayers and contributions,” Father Szczawínski said. “This activity was greatly needed for the various ministries but more importantly in faith formation, because we have more than 500 students.”

Bishop Dewane remarked that the new activity center is beautiful from the outside but what will make it most beautiful will be when the 500 students are settled in.

The Bishop also encouraged all to pray for those will enter and be educated for generations to come. “This building will be here for a long time. It is an accomplishment all of you have undertaken. Thank you for that.”

Following the dedication ceremony, the Bishop walked through the building, blessing each of the meeting rooms with Holy Water. Father Szczawínski also joined in the blessing of the building.

The faithful closely followed the Bishop through the building, with many taking photos or videos. All expressed their joy and wonder at the new building, with many remarking about how wonderful the facility will be for the students in religious education.

The activity center is more than double the size of the original facilities and will service the needs of an ever-growing community. The activity center will be a one-story building and will house 10 rooms of various sizes for use in ministries and programs. The new structure will serve the needs of the more than 500 1st – 12th grade Faith Formation students and support the more than 40 outreach ministries and groups of the Parish. The Parish Hall will remain and continue to be used for meetings and events as needed. A celebratory reception for the new activity center was held in the Hall.

The new 12,580-foot Parish Activity Center is located on the west side of the Parish property. In addition, there is a new duplex rectory for the Pastor and Parochial Vicar in the northwest corner of the property.

Our Lady of the Angels serves 3,730 registered families in the growing Lakewood Ranch community with seven weekend Masses offered during the peak season. Bishop Dewane recently decreed that a new Mission Church of Our Lady of the Angels be erected. That future Mission (St. Benedict) will be constructed on Diocesan-owned land at Lorraine Boulevard and University Parkway. For more information about Our Lady of the Angels, please visit olangelscc.org.

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