Tag: parish life

Diocese of Venice 2022 Holy Week Mass times

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Below, please find the 2022 Holy Week Mass times for the Parishes and Missions of the Diocese of Venice, including the address and phone number. The list is in order of the cities where the Parish/Mission is located. If you have any questions, please contact the Parish/Mission directly.

ARCADIA

St. Paul, 1330 E. Oak St.; 863-494-2611; https://www.stpaularcadia.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 9 a.m., noon (Spanish)

AVE MARIA

Ave Maria, 5068 Annunciation Circle, Suite 101; 239-261-5555; www.avemariaparish.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Latin)

AVON PARK

Our Lady of Grace, 595 E. Main St.; 863-453-4757; www.ologap.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish)

BOCA GRANDE

Our Lady of Mercy, 240 Park Ave.; 941-964-2254

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m.

BOKEELIA

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, 12175 Stringfellow Road; 239-283-0456; www.miraculousmedalch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 6 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

BONITA SPRINGS

St. Leo the Great; 28290 Beaumont Road; 239-992-0901; www.stleocatholicchurch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (Spanish – new Auditorium)

EASTER – 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Polish), 5 p.m. (Spanish)

BOWLING GREEN

Holy Child Mission; 4315 Chester Ave.; 863-773-4089; http://michaelwauchula.weconnect.com/

EASTER – 7 p.m. (Spanish)

BRADENTON

Sacred Heart; 1220 15th St. W.; 941-748-2221; www.sacredheartbradenton.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. (Spanish), 4 p.m. (Creole)

Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles; 2850 75th St. W.; 941-795-1228; www.sspeterandpaul.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.;

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

St. Joseph Parish; 2704 33rd Ave. W.; 941-756-3732; www.sjcfl.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

BUCKHEAD RIDGE

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus; 1027 Chobee Loop; 863-946-0696

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 6:30 p.m.

EASTER – 10 a.m.

CAPE CORAL

St. Andrew; 2628 Del Prado Blvd. S.; 239-574-4545; www.standrewrcc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., noon (Spanish)

St. Katharine Drexel; 1922 S.W. 20th Ave.; 239-283-9501; www.drexelcc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 7 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

CLEWISTON

Santa Rosa de Lima; 835 N. Mayoral St.; 863-983-8585

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m. (Spanish); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – 8 a.m. (Spanish)

St. Margaret; 208 N. Deane Duff Ave.; 863-983-8585

HOLY THURSDAY – 8 p.m. (bilingual); GOOD FRIDAY – 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 10 a.m., noon (Spanish)

ENGLEWOOD

St. Raphael; 770 Kilbourne Ave.; 941-474-9595; www.strapheng.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

EVERGLADES CITY

Holy Family; 200 Datura Ave.; 239-394-5181; sanmarcochurch.com

GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.

EASTER – 10:30 a.m.

FORT MYERS

Jesus the Worker; 881 Nuna Ave.; 239-693-5333; www.jesustheworker.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL- 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – 9 a.m. (Spanish), noon (Spanish)

Our Lady of Light; 19680 Cypress View Drive; 239-267-7088; www.ourladyoflight.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

Resurrection; 8121 Cypress Lake Drive; 239-481-7171; www.resurrectionch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 12:15 p.m. (Latin)

San Jose; 10750 Gladiolous Drive; 239-481-1143; www.jesustheworker.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish); GOOD FRIDAY – 5 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – noon (Spanish)

St. Cecilia; 5632 Sunrise Drive; 239-936-3635; www.saintcecilias.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 2 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.

St. Columbkille; 12171 Iona Road; 239-489-3973; www.stcolumbkille.com/

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m. (Iona Hall), 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier; 2157 Cleveland Ave.; 239-334-2161; www.stfrancisfm.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. (Polish), 4 p.m. (Creole)

St. John XXIII; 13060 Palomino Lane; 239-561-2245; www.johnxxiii.net

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 8 p.m. (Vietnamese); EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Spanish), 4 p.m. (Vietnamese)

St. Vincent de Paul; 13031 Palm Beach Blvd.; 239-693-0818; www.stvincentftmyers.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

FORT MYERS BEACH

Ascension; 6025 Estero Blvd.; 239-463-6754;

HOLY THURSDAY – 5:30 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 6:45 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.

GROVE CITY

St. Francis of Assisi; 5265 Placida Road; 941-697-4899; www.sfoachurch.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 6:30 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

HOLMES BEACH

St. Bernard; 248 S. Harbor Drive; 941-778-4769; www.stbernardcc.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

IMMOKALEE

Our Lady of Guadalupe; 207 S. 9th St.; 239-657-2666

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole); GOOD FRIDAY – 4 p.m. (Spanish), 5 p.m. (Creole), 7 p.m. (English); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m. (Spanish), 9 a.m. (English), 10:15 a.m. (Creole), 12:15 p.m. (Spanish), 7 p.m. (Spanish)

LA BELLE

Holy Martyrs; 4290 Crescent Ave. S.W.; 863-675-0030; www.olqh.weconnect.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 4 p.m.

Our Lady Queen of Heaven; 355 S. Bridge St.; 863-675-0030; www.olqh.weconnect.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Spanish), noon (Spanish)

LAKE PLACID

St. James; 3380 Placid View Drive; 863-465-3215; www.stjameschurchlp.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m.

Mision Santiago Apostol; 685 County Road 621 E.; 863-385-0049; www.stjameschurchlp.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Spanish); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Spanish)

EASTER – 10 a.m. (Spanish)

LAKEWOOD RANCH

Our Lady of the Angels; 12905 State Road 70 E.; 941-752-6770; www.olangelscc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:45 p.m.

LEHIGH ACRES

St. Raphael; 2514 Lee Blvd.; 239-369-1831; www.saintraphaelcc.net/

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Spanish), noon, 5:30 p.m. (Spanish)

LONGBOAT KEY

St. Mary, Star of the Sea; 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive; 941-383-8758; www.stmarylbk.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 7:45 p.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

MARCO ISLAND

San Marco; 851 San Marco Road; 239-394-5181; www.sanmarcochurch.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m. (The Charter School), 10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., (The Charter School), 12:30 p.m.

MOORE HAVEN

St. Joseph the Worker; 24065 U.S. Highway 27; 863-946-0696

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual); GOOD FRIDAY – 6:30 p.m. (bilingual); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8 a.m. (bilingual)

NAPLES

Corpus Christi; 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road; 239-592-1949; www.corpuschristifssp.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 5:15 p.m. (Latin); GOOD FRIDAY – 5:15 p.m. (Latin); EASTER VIGIL – 7:30 p.m. (Latin)

EASTER – 7:15 a.m., (Latin), 8:45 a.m. (Latin)

St. Agnes; 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road; 239-592-1949; www.stagnesnaples.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10 a.m. (Palmetto Ridge High School), 11 a.m., 11:15 p.m., 1 p.m. (Spanish), 5 p.m.

St. Ann; 475 9th Ave. S.; 239-262-4256; www.naplesstann.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m. (Jubilee Center), 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m. (Jubilee Center)

St. Elizabeth Seton; 5225 Golden Gate Parkway; 239-455-3900; www.stelizabethseton.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Bilingual); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m. (Spanish)

St. Finbarr; 13520 Tamiami Trail E.; 239-417-2084; www.stfinbarr.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., (Spanish), 10 a.m., 11:45 a.m.

St. John the Evangelist; 625 111th Ave. N.; 239-566-8740; www.saintjohntheevangelist.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m.

St. Peter the Apostle; 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road; 239-774-3337; www.stpeternaples.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (Creole), 7 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (English, Spanish, Creole)

EASTER – 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. (Spanish), 3:45 p.m. (Creole), 7 p.m. (Spanish)

St. William; 601 Seagate Drive; 239-261-4883; www.saintwilliam.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m.

NOCATEE

Capilla Católica de San Juan Diego

5247 S.W. Highway 17; 863-494-2611

EASTER – 1 p.m. (Spanish)

NORTH FORT MYERS

St. Therese; 20115 N. Tamiami Trail;

239-567-2315; www.sainttheresechurch.net

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

NORTH PORT

San Pedro; 14380 Tamiami Trail; 941-426-2500; www.sanpedrocc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 7 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m.

OSPREY

Our Lady of Mount Carmel; 425 S. Tamiami Trail; 941-966-0807; www.olmc-osprey.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon

PALMETTO

Holy Cross; 505 26th St.; 941-729-3891; www.holycrossdov.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Bilingual); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. (Spanish)

PARRISH

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini; 12001 69th St. E.; 941-776-9097; www.sfxcparrish.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 2 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m.,10:15 a.m.

PORT CHARLOTTE

San Antonio; 24445 Rampart Blvd.; 941-624-3799; www.sanantoniorcc.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

St. Charles Borromeo; 21505 Augusta Ave.; 941-625-4754; www.stcharlespc.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:15 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. (Creole)

St. Maximilian Kolbe; 1441 Spear St.; 941-743-6877; www.stmaxcatholic.org/

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (bilingual); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon

PUNTA GORDA

Sacred Heart; 211 W. Charlotte Ave.; 941-639-3957; www.sacredheartfl.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m. (Ponce de Leon Park), 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

SANIBEL

St. Isabel; 3559 Sanibel Captiva Road; 239-472-2763; www.saintisabel.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

SARASOTA

Christ the King; 1900 Meadowood St.; 941-924-2777; www.christthekingsarasota.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m. (Latin); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m. (Latin); EASTER VIGIL – 10 p.m. (Latin)

EASTER – 8:30 a.m. (Latin), 10:30 a.m. (Latin), 12:30 p.m. (Latin)

Incarnation; 2929 Bee Ridge Road; 941-921-6631; www.incarnationchurch.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (Polish)

EASTER – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Polish)

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs; 833 Magellan Drive; 941-755-1826; www.olqm.net

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m.

St. Jude; 3930 17th St.; 941-955-3934; www.stjudesarasota.com/

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (Bilingual)

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. (Spanish), 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish), 1:30 p.m. (Spanish)

St. Martha; 200 N. Orange Ave.; 941-366-4210; www.stmartha.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Vietnamese); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Vietnamese); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m., 11 p.m.

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m. (Spanish), 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, noon (Vietnamese), 5:30 p.m.

St. Michael the Archangel; 5394 Midnight Pass Road; 941-349-4174; www.stmichaelssiesta.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon

St. Patrick; 7900 Bee Ridge Road; 941-378-1703; www.churchofstpatrick.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 6 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

St. Thomas More; 2506 Gulf Gate Drive; 941-923-1691; www.stthomasmoresrq.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m., noon, 12:10 p.m.

SEBRING

St. Catherine Parish; 882 Bay St.; 863-385-0049; www.stcathe.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish – Youth Center); GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. (Spanish – Youth Center); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (Spanish – Youth Center)

EASTER – 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon (Spanish)

VENICE

Epiphany Cathedral; 310 Sarasota St.; 941-484-3505; www.epiphanycathedral.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – 3 p.m.; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:10 a.m. (Parish Center), 11 a.m., 11:10 a.m. (Parish Center), 12:30 p.m. (Polish)

Our Lady of Lourdes; 1301 Center Road; 941-497-2931; www.ollvenice.org

HOLY THURSDAY – 7 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY – noon; EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m.

EASTER – 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m., noon

WAUCHULA

St. Michael; 408 Heard Bridge Road; 863-773-4089; www.michaelwauchula.weconnect.com

HOLY THURSDAY – 5 p.m., 7 p.m. (Spanish); GOOD FRIDAY – 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Spanish); EASTER VIGIL – 8:30 p.m. (bilingual)

EASTER – 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. (Spanish), 3 p.m. (Creole)

Community celebrates the Annunciation of the Lord

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is a day we celebrate when the Blessed Virgin Mary said “Yes!” to God.

Celebrated on March 25, 2022, the Solemnity marks the Angel Gabriel’s appearance to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38), and his announcement that the Blessed Virgin has been chosen to be the Mother of Our Lord, and Mary’s willing acceptance of God’s Holy Plan.

To mark this Solemnity, Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria University, as well as the entire town took part in various activities throughout the day.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane presided at the inauguration of the new Ave Maria University President Mark Middendorf, and was the principal celebrant for a Solemnity Mass.

Other events incorporated into the day included the Prayer of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, an outdoor barbecue dinner, concert and fireworks.

Bishop Dewane said during the Mass that the faithful should learn from the example of Mary and apply Her willingness to be open to the call of the Lord in our own lives; as it is inspiring to know the Blessed Virgin Mary had the courage to say “yes.”

“Take the grace that the Lord gives each of us, and live it and go forward,” the Bishop continued. “We learn the important lesson that ‘nothing will be impossible for God.’ Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her’ (Luke 1:37-38). Without God, we cannot fulfill His Mission. Our Lady understood that, so must each one of us. We have to radically change our inner selves and have that same strength to do the will of the Lord.”

President inauguration

As part of the inauguration of Middendorf as the fourth President of Ave Maria University, Bishop Dewane presided over the Oath of Fidelity and Profession of Faith.

Following the Oath of Fidelity and Profession of Faith, an Investiture Ceremony took place wherein Middendorf was bestowed with the Seal of the Office of the President of Ave Maria University by Board of Trustees Chairman Patrick Rainey. Prior to this, Father David Vidal, Pastor of Ave Maria Parish, and others representing the students, faculty, alumni and Board of Trustees, spoke highly of the appointment of Middendorf as the new President of the University.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Middendorf was educated at Northern Illinois University and DePaul University and had a successful corporate marketing and management career before discerning a special call to the New Evangelization. Middendorf founded a lay apostolate, Lighthouse Catholic Media (LCM), then the largest producer of Catholic audio talks in the world, reaching millions. Upon its merger with the Augustine Institute in 2015, Middendorf became the Institute’s Executive Vice President for Mission Expansion, and led the launch of formed.org platform. Middendorf also serves on the boards of 5 Stones, Ignatius Press, and the Marian Missionaries of Divine Mercy, and has been a long-standing member of Legatus.

Middendorf and his wife, Christine, are the parents of four children, one already a graduate of Ave Maria University and another currently enrolled.

When asked what his first priority would be as University President, Middendorf stated that he will be inviting all staff, students, and friends of Ave Maria to join him in entrusting themselves and the University to the care of our Immaculate Mother. He then added, “The University belongs to her. It has her name on it. As President, I see this as foundational.”

Diocesan Listening Sessions feedback continues

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Three-quarters of the way through the Diocesan Phase of “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission” and the feedback reflects the passion the faithful have for the Universal Church.

Participants come to the Diocesan Listening Sessions focused and ready to share where they believe the Holy Spirit is guiding the Church today. The latest Listening Sessions took place in Naples on March 24, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish and March 28 at St. John the Evangelist Parish. Discussions were both positive and passionate.

The format of the Listening Sessions includes an opening prayer and brief remarks from Bishop Frank J. Dewane, with the focus shifting to 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 through the Synod email, synod@dioceseofvenice.org.

Among the 10 themes under consideration is “Sharing Responsibility.” This is described by the Synod as follows: “The synodal process calls each member of the People of God to equally participate and take responsibility for the method of listening and dialogue being called by the Spirit. The participation of each member of the faithful is required to further the mission of the Church.” Other themes include: “Companions on the Journey,” “Listening,” “Speaking Out,” “Celebration,” and more.

Bishop Dewane has stressed during each Session how important it is to respond to the Synod, and the questions posed, in the context of what the Holy Spirit is asking of us, and can only be accomplished with an open heart, mind and soul. Bishop Dewane encouraged the faithful in attendance to share their dreams for the Church, and when the floor was open for a free discussion, many shared their hopes and dreams for the Universal Church.

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 St. Elizabeth Seton and St. John the Evangelist Listening Sessions were the seventh and eighth of 12 planned through May. Due to Holy Week and the Easter celebrations, the next Listening Sessions will take place in May in Sebring, Naples and LaBelle. Locations for the Sessions were selected based on geography and population to cover as much of the Diocese as possible.

For additional Synod details, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org. To register for any of the Listening Sessions, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2022-synod-listening-sessions.

“For A Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”

Listing of 12 Diocese of Venice Listening Sessions

  • (Completed) Feb. 9, St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota (Eng.);
  • (Completed) Feb. 16, Epiphany Cathedral, Venice (Eng./Sp.);
  • (Completed) Feb. 22, Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish, Bradenton (Eng./Sp.);
  • (Completed) March 3, St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral (Eng./Sp.);
  • (Completed) March 14, St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers (Eng.);
  • (Completed) March 16, Sacred Heart Parish, Punta Gorda (Eng.);
  • (Completed) March 24; St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 5225, Golden Gate Parkway, Naples (Eng./Sp.).
  • (Completed) March 28, St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples (Eng.);
  • Monday, May 9, St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring (Eng./Sp);
  • Monday, May 16, St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (Eng.);
  • Monday, May 23, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, 355 S. Bridge St., LaBelle (Eng./Sp);
  • Virtual Session from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, May 25.

To register for a Listening Session of the Virtual Session, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2022-synod-listening-sessions. Email synod@dioceseofvenice.org for any questions or comments regarding the Listening Sessions.

 

 

Saints honored in varied ways

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Not one word of St. Joseph is ever used in the Bible, yet the foster-father of Jesus is one of the most adored saints of the Church; in fact he is the Patron Saint of the Universal Church. On the other hand, St. Patrick was an iconic figure; through his words and actions, he brought Christianity to Ireland and used a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity.

Both saints are celebrated in particular ways in mid-March, with the Feast Day of St. Patrick celebrated on March 17 and the Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 19. During that week, Parishes and schools throughout the Diocese of Venice held a variety of celebrations in honor of each saint.

A St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Naples featured participation from each Catholic School in Collier County. Other schools in the Diocese held Leprechaun Days and other fun events to honor the Irish saint who is credited with converting Ireland to Christianity.

Epiphany Cathedral in Venice hosted a Mass for the Solemnity of St. Joseph which was celebrated in Italian and included the active involvement of the Italian-American Club of Venice. Following the March 18, 2022 Mass, the statue of St. Joseph was carried to the Parish Hall in a procession led by the Knights of Columbus. There, Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Cathedral Rector, blessed the traditional St. Joseph’s table of bread and sweets, which was later distributed.

Msgr. Dubois explained that saints are made through living the fulfillment of God’s will on earth. This was affirmed by Jesus, who said: “Whoever does the will of my Father in Heaven, is my brother, my sister and my mother.”

It is a challenge for all to listen and respond to the call of the Lord in our own lives; the saints provide clear examples to follow.

Maria Russo said her devotion to St. Joseph comes from her family, who emigrated to the U.S. decades ago. Among their meager belongings were icons of St. Joseph, including several images.

“We always said our prayers and sought the intercessions of St. Joseph, in both times of joy and times of sorrow, always there to hear our prayers and thanks,” Russo said.

St. Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers got into the spirit of both Feast Days, first with a St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance and then an Italia Festa two days later. While the favored colors representing the two saints differed (green for St. Patrick and red and white for St. Joseph), both gatherings involved lots of tasty food, ethnic music and fun.

Retired Pastor from Cape Coral dies

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice is mourning the loss of Father Timothy Murphy, a retired priest of the Diocese of Venice who passed away March 19, 2022, at the age of 97.

Father Murphy most notably served as Pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral for 21 years and later founded St. Andrew Catholic School.

Born in County Cork, Ireland on March 20, 1924, to Timothy and Ellen (McCarthy) Murphy, Father Murphy was the sixth of seven children. He graduated from Mount Mellary College in County Waterford, Ireland, and All Hallows College in Dublin, Ireland. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 19, 1960, in Dublin, for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

It was in 1970 when Father came to the Florida to serve in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, which at the time encompassed a large portion of the current Diocese of Venice. Here, Father Murphy served at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Fort Myers as a Parochial Vicar from 1970 until his appointment as Pastor of St. Andrew in 1976.

Under Father’s direction, the Parish built a new church which was dedicated on Nov. 27, 1983, and was then debt free. As Cape Coral continued to grow and the number of children in religious education classes skyrocketed throughout the 1980s, Father Murphy explored the option of building a Catholic school. St. Andrew Catholic School opened in 1989 and the Sisters of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation of the Most Holy Rosary initially staffed the new school.

Within the Diocese of Venice, Father Murphy was a longtime member of the school board for Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, a member of the Presbyteral Council, Diocesan Treasurer, and then Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Central Deanery (1995-1997) prior to his retirement. In 1984, when St. Pope John Paul II erected the Diocese of Venice in Florida, Father Murphy was a member of an 11-priest committee which oversaw the various activities related to this important occasion. Events supervised included the elevation of Epiphany Church to a Cathedral, as well as the installation of Bishop John J. Nevins as the first Bishop of the new Diocese.

Father Murphy is survived by numerous family members.

The funeral arrangements for Father Timothy Murphy are as follows: Viewing Wednesday, April 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Boulevard, Cape Coral; Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, April 7 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Parish.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Murphy and for 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.

News Briefs for the week of March 25, 2022

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Synod Listening Sessions ongoing

The Listening Sessions for the Diocesan Phase of “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” continues through May. At the invitation of Bishop Frank J. Dewane the faithful are encouraged to be prepared to answer the fundamental concept of what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church today. The in-person Listening Sessions are 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The remaining Sessions are as follows:

Monday, March 28, St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples (Eng.);

Monday, May 9, St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring (Eng./Sp);

Monday, May 16, St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (Eng.);

Monday, May 23, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, 355 S. Bridge St., LaBelle (Eng./Sp);

(NEW) Virtual Session from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, May 25.

To register for a Listening Session or the Virtual Session, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2022-synod-listening-sessions. Email synod@dioceseofvenice.org for any questions or comments regarding the Listening Sessions.

Diocesan-wide opportunity for Sacrament of Reconciliation coming soon

As the Lenten Season progresses, the precept of confessing grave sins and receiving Holy Communion at least once during the Lenten Season merits a reminder to all. To facilitate this requirement, every Parish in the Diocese of Venice will be open with a confessor present from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday, April 8, and from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 9. Check with your local Parish for additional confession times or the availability of a Penance Service. These opportunities are made available so that the faithful may find ample opportunity to receive God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Lenten Season.

Donated ultrasound blessed

A new ultrasound machine, donated by the Knights of Columbus Council 14202 of St. Agnes Parish in Naples, was blessed March 21, 2022, at the Community Pregnancy Clinics Inc. Father Bob Kantor, Pastor of St. Agnes, and Father Michael Orsi, Parochial Vicar of St. Agnes, presided over the blessing. It is noted that more than 90% of women who see their babies on an ultrasound choose life. The machine is the latest model and is courtesy of a nationwide initiative of the Knights of Columbus which matches the contributions of local Council in purchasing the latest machines for Pro-Life clinics.

Naples students do well at Model UN conference

The St. John Neumann Catholic High School Model UN students from Naples took part in the National High School Model United Nations Conference in New York City the week of March 18, 2022. Under the direction of their advisor, Cindy Brewer, the Neumann team placed 3rd for research and presentation out of 135 teams from around the world. In addition, Hunter Lund and Alessio Cirino’s committee placed third out of the 70 committees in their field. This immersive experience in the world of international affairs, problem solving, and diplomacy was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the students. Long recognized for having the best substantive program on the Model UN circuit, National High School Model UN is known for its diverse, talented attendees, its highly engaging debates, and its academically rigorous material. These SJN students were able to attend meetings with the diplomatic representatives of the countries they represented, as well as other UN and Non-Government Organization (NGO) leaders for dynamic question and answer sessions.

Hardee County group takes part in 40 Days for Life

Members of the St. Michael Parish Council of Catholic Woman and Faith Formation Group from Wauchula traveled March 15, 2022, to Sarasota to pray to end abortion at the Planned Parenthood facility as part of the 40 Days for Life spring prayer campaign. The group was present during on the day abortions are done were performed at the facility. This led to an emotional day, leaving the group with both sadness and hope. Sadness about what takes place in such facilities and hope that publicly standing for life made a difference. The group prayed for the mothers and babies that are victims of the lie that abortion is the only answer. The spring 40 Days for Life peaceful prayer campaign is taking place in the public right-of-way in both Sarasota and Fort Myers through April 10. All are encouraged to spend at least one hour in prayer for life during Lent. Contact your Parish Life Coordinator for specific information about your Parish’s commitment days. For additional information about the local 40 Days for Life, go to www.40daysforlife.com/sarasota or www.40daysforlife.com/fortmyers.

Holocaust survivor shares story

Heinz Wartski, a 93 year old Holocaust survivor and Korean War veteran, shared his story with Bishop Verot Catholic High School students on March 15, 2022, in Fort Myers. Heinz Wartski grew up in Danzig with his parents and two siblings. In 1939, Heinz and his family escaped to Italy and later joined the partisan resistance in the Appenine Mountains.  He stated: “We were a minority in every nation in which we lived, and we were therefore easy targets for any government in need of scapegoats.” His family survived until liberation in 1945. Heinz and his family immigrated to the United States in 1949.  He married Hella Wartski, a fellow Holocaust survivor, and had two children.  He currently resides in Naples, and volunteers with the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida.

Digestive system lesson

Thank you to Katy Wallis, professor at State College of Florida, for leading fifth-grade students from St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton through an interactive lesson on the digestive system on March 18, 2022. Students used plastic bags filled with various items to get a “feel” for how the digestive system, including the stomach, works.

Team GPA tops region

The St. John Neumann Catholic High School Celtic Boys Basketball Team in Naples finished the season with a team GPA of 3.74 which is #1 in the Florida High School Athletic Association 2A classification and the #3 team GPA in the entire state. Well done!

Diocesan Listening Sessions building bridges

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Halfway through the Diocesan Phase of “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission” and the ultimate goals have not changed – to ignite minds, to warm hearts, and to restore strength in the common mission of the Universal Church.

The faithful taking part in the Diocesan Listening Sessions come prepared to answer the fundamental concept of what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church today. The latest Listening Sessions took place March 14, 2022, at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers and March 16 at Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda. The feedback continues to be both positive and passionate.

The format of the Listening Sessions includes an opening prayer and remarks from Bishop Frank J. Dewane and then to 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 through the Synod email, synod@dioceseofvenice.org.

Among the 10 themes under consideration is “Celebration.” This is described by the Synod as follows: “Journeying together is only possible if rooted in the Church’s communal listening to the Gospel and the celebration of the Eucharist. A synodal Church discerns how prayer and liturgical celebration inspires and empowers the community’s active participation in our communal mission.” Other themes include: “Companions on the Journey,” “Listening,” “Speaking Out,” and more.

Bishop Dewane has stressed during each Session how important it is to respond to the Synod, and the questions posed, in the context of what the Holy Spirit is asking of us, and can only be accomplished with an open heart, mind and soul.

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 St. John XXIII and Sacred Heart Listening Sessions were the fifth and sixth of 12 planned through May, with the next two taking place in Naples, first on Thursday, March 24, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 5225, Golden Gate Parkway, and then Monday, March 28, St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples.

Locations for the Sessions were selected based on geography and population to cover as much of the Diocese as possible. Additional Listening Sessions will take place through May and will include a newly scheduled virtual session from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, May 25.

To register for any of the Listening Session, including the virtual session, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2022-synod-listening-sessions. For additional Synod details, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org.

Listing of 12 Diocese of Venice Listening Sessions

(Completed) Feb. 9, St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota (Eng.);

(Completed) Feb. 16, Epiphany Cathedral, Venice (Eng./Sp.);

(Completed) Feb. 22, Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish, Bradenton (Eng./Sp.);

(Completed) March 3, St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral (Eng./Sp.);

(Completed) March 14, St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers (Eng.);

(Completed) March 16, Sacred Heart Parish, Punta Gorda (Eng.);

Thursday, March 24; St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 5225, Golden Gate Parkway, Naples (Eng./Sp.).

Monday, March 28, St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples (Eng.);

Monday, May 9, St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring (Eng./Sp);

Monday, May 16, St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (Eng.);

Monday, May 23, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, 355 S. Bridge St., LaBelle (Eng./Sp);

(NEW) Virtual Session from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, May 25.

To register for a Listening Session of the Virtual Session, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2022-synod-listening-sessions. Email synod@dioceseofvenice.org for any questions or comments regarding the Listening Sessions.

Prayer for the Synod: Adsumus Sancte Spiritus (We stand before You, Holy Spirit)

We stand before You, Holy Spirit,

as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us,

make Yourself at home in our hearts;

Teach us the way we must go

and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful;

do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path

nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity

so that we may journey together to eternal life

and not stray from the way of truth

and what is right.

All this we ask of You,

who are at work in every place and time,

in the communion of the Father and the Son,

forever and ever. Amen.

 

Parish marks 15 years

Posted on by Bob Reddy

While 15 years may not seem as it is such a long time to most people, for the faithful of St. Agnes Parish in Naples, reaching this milestone was cause for celebration.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass on March 12, 2022, 15 years to the day the Bishop erected St. Agnes as a Parish, which had been a Mission of St. John the Evangelist Parish from 1999 to 2007.

The vibrant Parish has 5,244 registered families, and while the Church holds about 1,500 people, there are eight Masses each weekend during the winter months, including one at a high school 10 miles away. Because of this reality and continued growth of the area, there are plans for St. Agnes to establish a Mission farther east in Naples in the future.

“We’re so pleased to have Bishop Dewane here,” said Father Bob Kantor, Pastor of St. Agnes. “We celebrate 15 years of life as a Parish and you see beautiful aspects here… there are many new faces, including many of you who have come to the Parishes over the years. We welcome you, whether you’re a parishioner for a short time or all of those 15 years or well beyond.”

Father Kantor thanked Bishop Dewane for his assignment in Naples noting that “the people are wonderful and have been a blessing to me and we have done our best to serve God.”

Bishop Dewane spoke about how it is appropriate to celebrate milestones in the life of a Parish, pausing to look back at what has been accomplished and to look forward to where the Parish is going, particularly, one that continues to grow. The Bishop reflected how the Parish was able to overcome considerable debt in its early years thanks to the generosity of the faithful who had confidence in the vision of Father Kantor and his advisors.

“The life of a Parish is very cyclical, as you follow the footsteps the Good Lord has set generations before,” Bishop Dewane said. “The Catholic population is growing, and many people are moving in and now, today, you find yourself in another role – you are now looking toward a Mission Church.”

The Bishop noted that the faithful are what St. Agnes Parish is all about, as their presence and contribution to the faith community are what make a Parish thrive.

“St. Agnes only grows and changes by your personal response to a call to holiness as you each strive to grow closer to the Lord,” Bishop Dewane said. “St. Agnes started out as a vision by a few, including Father Thomas Glackin of St. John the Evangelist Parish; but it is the faithfulness of the people of God here at St. Agnes Parish who stepped forward to say we can handle it and have carried it forward to today and will do so into the future.”

The original St. Agnes Mission was established in October 1999 with Masses held at two different area schools. The current Parish Church was dedicated as a worship site in 2006, a few months before the Mission was elevated to a Parish. A Parish Hall was later established on a neighboring property.

A 15th Anniversary celebration Mass included the full choir, which is normally present for Sunday morning Masses. Following the Mass, a Gala was held at the Vineyards Country Club.

Rite of Election – More than 400 set to enter Church at Easter Vigil

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A group of women and men who will join the Catholic Church within the Diocese of Venice at the Easter Vigil were recognized during the annual Rite of Election at Epiphany Cathedral on the first Sunday of Lent on March 6, 2022. This annual tradition is a formal Rite during which catechumens are presented and their names are entered into the Book of Elect.

The 156 catechumens (individuals who are not yet baptized) were joined by an additional 247 candidates (already-baptized Christians preparing for confirmation and First Eucharist), who also participated in the formal ceremony and are recognized during the celebration for answering the call to their continuing conversion. The Cathedral was nearly at capacity as many family members were also present to show their support.

The Rite of Election was presided over by Bishop Frank J. Dewane who said he was humbled by the large number present and complimented each for making the commitment to publicly announce the call of the Holy Spirit in a particular way by becoming active members of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Venice. “You are the brave and courageous. The Spirit of the Lord is upon you.”

The catechumens and candidates, who were recognized by Bishop Dewane, are on a continuing journey that will culminate when they come into full communion with the Catholic Church at the April 16 Easter Vigil Mass in their respective Parishes.

The group represent 45 Parishes in the Diocese of Venice and are accompanied by tens of thousands of others across the country that will also join the Catholic Church this year. St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Immokalee had the largest groups of catechumens and candidates.

Bishop Dewane said that each of the catechumens and candidates were responding “to a call within their soul that said to them: ‘I need to be baptized.’ ‘I need to become more active in my Faith.’ ‘I need to give a greater witness as to who the Lord calls me to be in my life.’”

Bishop Dewane said this process should be a conversion of the heart, as each catechumen and candidate must prevent outside influences, such as things, people or objects, standing in their way of developing their relationship with the Lord.

“Go forward knowing the Holy Spirit will aid you in this journey,” the Bishop added. “You have been called to be catechumens and candidates… it is human nature to stumble along the way – but keep working to become ever more that man or woman of God you are called to be.”

The catechumens are part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). RCIA is for those who are unbaptized and unchurched, who come to inquire about becoming part of the Roman Catholic Faith in a process that takes about a year. Often catechumens are those who have begun to seek and understand God in their lives and have been led by the Holy Spirit to become Catholic. RCIA is a journey of discovery and faith. This is most commonly done is three distinct phases: discernment, acceptance into the catechumenate along with purification and enlightenment.

Each catechumen will go through a series of scrutinies during which they examine their readiness to accept Christ and the Catholic Faith in the form of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation). This time culminates at the Easter Vigil when the catechumens are received through Baptism into the Catholic Church. The final period of the RCIA is the time of “Mystagogy” (post-baptismal catechesis). During the weeks following the Easter Vigil, the newly initiated live more profoundly their experience of Baptism and the Eucharist as they begin the journey of discipleship and their growing union with Christ.

For candidates, those who have been correctly baptized with a Trinitarian formula, the Catholic Church does not require re-Baptism. Candidates have already experienced a journey of faith and have an understanding of how Jesus leads us to the Father through the work of the Holy Spirit. In fact, many have been attending Mass with their families for years but may have never received the Sacrament of Holy Communion or the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The candidates are invited to the Cathedral for the Rite of Election as a form of welcome, but because they are already in the Book of the Elect as baptized Christians, they do not bring their names forward; but to symbolize that baptism, and as a sign of their continuing conversion, they come forward and make the sign of the cross with holy water.

Everyone is encouraged to pray for and welcome the catechumens and candidates at their own parish as they continue their journey of discovery in their Faith.

Relevant Radio broadcasts live from Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

In a special treat for the Diocese of Venice, Relevant Radio’s “Family Rosary Across America” was broadcast live from St. Isabel Parish on Sanibel on March 7, 2022.

Host, Father Francis “Rocky” Hoffman, had two special guests, Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis – St. Paul, In addition, a group of more than 60 parishioners were present for the live broadcast which was recorded in the Parish church.

Father Rocky opened the broadcast at 7:45 p.m., interrupting regularly scheduled programming, with an interview of Bishop Dewane and Archbishop Hebda during which they discussed their time together in seminary at the North American College in Rome.

Bishop Dewane asked about about his history and life before entering seminary when he worked in the then-Soviet Union for NBC. The Bishop offered his unique perspective on the current war between Ukraine and Russia, saying that the situation deeply saddens him, knowing the Russian and Ukrainian people who don’t want war.

“There is a strong spirituality in both of those countries, and it is particularly painful to see what has happened and developed and wonder where they have put the place for Christ in their lives,” Bishop Dewane stated. “In the northern part of the Diocese there are large numbers of Ukrainians, and they have a strong spirituality.”

Father Rocky inquired about the reported large number of participants in the daily Mass and wondered if there was something in the water.

“It’s the good people who come here, and those who are here; that’s really what it is, and also the Grace of God,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is true the daily Mass is shoulder to shoulder, crowded. Some Parishes do not have enough room in their Chapel during (the winter) season so the Mass goes into the main Church. I’d say this is a good problem to have.”

When asked for his special prayer intentions during the Family Rosary Across America, Bishop Dewane said: “I think we all need to pray for peace in our world, particularly with Ukraine in mind. To ask Our Lady’s intercession for people who have deep roots in spirituality, in the recognition in Our Lady, that they can come together and that the Holy Spirit will inspire the respective leaders to worry not so much about their egos but to worry about their people who are in such desperate need. Also, here in the Diocese of Venice, for our young people… that the Lord continue to inspire them in a desire for faith and a living of their faith throughout their lives.”

Archbishop Hebda led praying of the rosary who Bishop Dewane lead the responses. Father Rocky described the Joyful Mysteries (used each Monday on the program) while also sharing prayer intentions from callers across the country. These callers included young children who were praying for family members while others called in to request prayer intentions for the ill or those who have died. The faithful from St. Isabel were also afforded the opportunity to share their own prayer intentions.

Relevant Radio can be heard on 106.7 FM and 1410 AM in Fort Myers and 93.3 FM (NEW) and 1660 AM in Naples and is also available online at https://relevantradio.com/.

Bishop Dewane has a monthly radio show “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,” which can be heard at 8:30 a.m. on the last Friday of the month. The next broadcast is March 25. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts.

A reception in the Parish Hall preceded the live broadcast hosted by the staff of St. Isabel Parish including Father Ed Martin, Pastor.

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