Tag: parish life

Parish demolishes offices, makes room for growth

Posted on by Bob Reddy

After being condemned following Hurricane Debby, the St. Michael the Archangel Parish office building was demolished by an excavator on Sept. 14, 2024, making way for a new Parish Center and offices.

The demolition of the offices comes as the Parish is in the middle of a fundraising campaign to cover the final costs of the new Parish Center and offices. The office was initially damaged during Hurricane Irma in 2018, then again during Hurricane Ian in 2022, and the final damage came on Aug. 4, 2024, when the winds of Hurricane Debby compromised a wall.

The former Parish Hall was torn down following damage from Irma. In the meantime, the Parish church underwent a major renovation to include a new roof and renovated sanctuary which included a new altar. While the Parish offices were scheduled to come down in the future, the impact of Hurricane Debby forced the demolition to take place sooner than expected.

The “Demolition Day” ceremony took place prior to the 4 p.m. Mass, with Kathy Rudolph, Parish Liturgy Coordinator, serving as emcee for the event. Rudolph said the demolition is a monumental event in the history of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, where the faithful of the Parish are ready to put the past behind them and look to the future.

Rudolph stressed the immense value of the support of the Diocese of Venice, particularly from Bishop Frank J. Dewane, during the entire process from the initial damage years ago to now helping to ensure the new Parish Center is constructed in a timely manner. Present at the ceremony was Joe Rego, Director of the Diocese of Venice Building and Construction Office.

Dave Campbell, chair of the Parish Construction Committee, said the condemning of the office building spurred the demolition and fast-tracked the start of the construction of the new Parish Center. This project was designed using value-engineering to ensure the financial support is being used wisely and for the benefit of the entire Parish community.

Doug Lumpkin, from the Parish Finance Committee, shared how the funding for the project is progressing and will be financed. This included a commitment from donors to match up to $2 million. Lumpkin called the project a Catholic legacy that is given to children, grandchildren and future generations. “We want everyone to be part of this story.”

Father John Belmonte, SJ, who is assisting at St. Michael the Archangel on the weekends, offered an opening prayer and a few remarks.

Once the ceremony concluded, the excavator tore a hole in the side of the two-story office building. After a few more swipes, large portions of the building were torn down, to the delight of the crowd of parishioners.

The next phase of the construction project, the building of the new Parish Center, is expected to commence in the coming months. Meanwhile, portable offices will be placed on the property for temporary use.

Adoration: Spending time with the Lord

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Placing a greater emphasis on the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist has been the ongoing focus of the National Eucharistic Revival, an ongoing initiative called for by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Bishop Frank J. Dewane notes how an encounter with presence of the Lord in the Most Holy Eucharist during Adoration or at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, “must have an impact on your life, bringing you into a deeper relationship with the Lord. We must spend time intentionally approaching the Lord in every Mass, and spending time adoring Him in the Blessed Sacrament. In this way, we will come to know Him more deeply.”

During the Revival, numerous events within the Diocese of Venice have included Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, including at the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress in 2023, and Eucharistic Conference in 2024. An additional Eucharistic Conference is scheduled for March 2025 to continue to teach the faithful about the importance of the Most Holy Eucharist in their lives. Meanwhile, resources have been provided to Parishes, encouraging them to promote this effort at the local level.

Several Diocesan Parishes have Adoration Chapels, some available 24-hours-a-day and others for multiple hours daily. In addition, several Parishes have added extra hours to monthly First Friday Adoration, or additional times following daily or Sunday Masses.

At San Pedro Parish in North Port, the First Friday Adoration, Sept. 6, 2024, followed the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Father Nathan Marzonie, OMV, led the faithful in the opening prayers for the Adoration for a Holy Hour. The First Friday Eucharistic Adoration Holy Hour has a dedicated following of people who find beauty and peace during their time in the presence of the Lord.

“It’s absolutely wonderful,” said one devotee. “The power is sometimes overwhelming.”

At the moment of exposition of the Most Holy Eucharist, Father Marzonie raised the monstrance and sang Tantum ergo, with the faithful joining. Father then led everyone in silent prayer, kneeling before the altar and the Blessed Sacrament.

The faithful are encouraged to take the intervening time before the closing Benediction to pray silently before the Lord.

While Adoration at San Pedro was for an hour, the First Friday Devotion at other Parishes often lasts many hours from morning into the evening, to include Evening Vespers, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. A few Parishes, such as at St. Peter the Apostle in Naples, offers liturgical readings, music and intercessions.

While not every Parish in the Diocese has a First Friday Holy Hour, Adoration at Parishes is typically available on the First Friday or on another designated day each month. Meanwhile, many Parishes, such as Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. Raphael in Lehigh Acres, St. John the Evangelist in Naples, St. John XXIII in Fort Myers, St. Charles Borromeo in Port Charlotte, St. Michael in Wauchula, San Marco on Marco Island, Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton, and others, have Adoration Chapels where extended adoration is offered. Check with your Parish, or nearby Parishes, for adoration hours. For Parish contact information please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org and click the “Find a Parish” link.

 

 

 

Fall 40 Days for Life begins Sept. 25 in Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Join others in praying for an end to abortion during the fall campaign of 40 Days for Life with prayer vigils each day Sept.25 to Nov. 3, 2024, in Fort Myers, Naples and Sarasota.

This peaceful prayer movement needs everyone to join in praying for the unborn and families on the public sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood. The need for support is more important than ever as there are efforts to push to dispense the abortion pill and to pass more extreme abortion measures onto the people of Florida.

A number of events are taking place for the fall campaign. In Fort Myers, a 6:30 p.m. kickoff will be Tuesday, Sept. 24, in front of Planned Parenthood, 6418 Commerce Park Drive, Fort Myers. The Sarasota campaign has its own special kickoff event from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Sept. 26, at Community Pregnancy Clinic, 1419 7th Street Sarasota, around the corner from the regional headquarters of Planned Parenthood.

“The Pro-Life movement is all about people coming together in every way they can to be a witness for the unborn, being a voice for the voiceless,” said Diocese of Venice Respect Life Director Jeanne Berdeaux. “Participating in 40 Days for Life is one way to do that. Another way to act is to vote NO on Amendment 4!”

The 40 Days for Life vigil takes place in hundreds of locations nationwide as the faithful stand in prayer, in the public right of way, outside of abortion facilities seeking an end to abortion in the U.S. and the world. At the direction of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, the Diocese of Venice was one of the first Dioceses in the country to participate in 40 Days for Life campaign in 2007.

The fall campaign encompasses October, which is National Respect Life Month, and includes Respect Life Sunday (Oct. 6). Since its inception, 40 Days for Life participants report having saved 24,853 lives from abortion during a campaign. That’s the type of impact that led an ACLU spokesperson to describe 40 Days for Life as the “greatest threat to choice.” 40 Days for Life has contributed to a groundswell of pro-life support worldwide. More than 155 abortion centers, along with numerous referral centers, where campaigns have been hosted, have closed their doors forever.

The prayer vigil in Fort Myers is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon. – Sat.), at 6418 Commerce Park Drive. For more information, please contact Maureen at 40daysforlifefmsp@gmail.com, or visit 40daysforlife.com/fortmyers.

The Naples prayer vigil is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Mon. – Sat.), at 1425 Creech Road. For more details, please contact Ricki at 40DFLnaples@gmail.com, or visit 40daysforlife.com/naples.

In Sarasota, the vigil is daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 736 Central Ave. For more details, please contact Rich at  40DFLSarasota@proton.me, or visit 40daysforlife.com/sarasota. A mid-campaign event will take place 10:30 a.m. – noon, Oct. 17 10:30, at St Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota. The speakers are Dr Haywood Robinson, former abortionist, Medical Director of 40 Days for Life, and Art Reilly, former Board Chair of Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center and speaker for Vote No On 4.

While 40 Days for life is taking place the faithful are all reminded to be inspired to put their love for others into action by protecting, supporting, and accompanying mothers and their children.

To help live out this call, Catholics are invited to join “Walking with Moms in Need.” Through this process, Catholic Parishes and communities accompany local pregnant and parenting women to better understand, support, and respond to their needs. It is important for them to know they are not alone. For resources, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.

For those suffering from the impacts of abortion, there is hope and healing. Many women and men experience deep pain and grief after an abortion and don’t know where to turn. Project Rachel is the outreach of the Catholic Church to those who are suffering this loss. The program offers help through the sacraments, retreats, and referrals for professional counseling. For confidential information, contact Sylvia Jimenez, Project Rachel Coordinator, 941-412-5860 (English and en español), project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org, or visit https://hopeafterabortion.com. Help is also available at Support After Abortion at https://supportafterabortion.com/.

Additional opportunities to support pro-life activities within the Diocese of Venice:

Amendment 4 ad now available for viewing and sharing

Keep your eye out for the new VOTE NO ON AMENDMENT 4 television ads!  View the commercial by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls-sAaGUq98. Please share this commercial far and wide. Let everyone know about the dangers of this misleading amendment!  Share the link on your social media and send it to your contacts.  Many are unaware of the true nature of this amendment and would likely vote NO once they learn what it really means for our state. Thank you for helping to spread the word! For more resources regarding Amendment 4, please visit the dedicated Diocesan Respect Life website at https://dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife/amendment4.

5K Walk/Run for Life in Naples Oct. 5

This annual event will take place Oct. 5, 2024, at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Registration on the day of the event opens at 6:00 a.m. with the race beginning at 7:15 a.m. This event is meant to promote a respect for life message and raise funds for pro-life causes while encouraging healthy living. The entry fee is $25 for adults and $10 for children under 12 if registered by October 4.  For a T-shirt please register by Sept. 29. Fees for all entries on the day of the race/walk is $30. Please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Naples/StAgnes5KWalkRunforLife.

Pro-Life program in Naples Oct. 11

St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting a pro-life program on Oct. 11, 2204, at 1 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The program, titled: “Wisdom in the Constitution and America’s Religious Legacy: Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness – how can we uphold it?” is presented by Dr. Seana McGuire Sugrue, D.C.L., Ambassador Michael Novak Chair of Politics at Ave Maria University, where she has previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty. The program will address relevant topics being debated in the 2024 General Election here in Florida and nationwide. The event is free and light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact St. William Parish at 239-261-4883.

That Man is You program now at 17 Parishes

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Venice – That Man Is You (TMIY), a program which addresses the pressure and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers, will be offered throughout the Diocese of Venice beginning this month at 17 different Parishes.

The men’s program serves to bring men together as a “band of brothers in Christ” in encouragement and support of one another to fulfill their crucial roles in the family, the Church, and society.

Jim Gontis, Diocese of Venice Director of Evangelization credited the growth of the TMIY program in the Diocese to the encouragement and leadership of Bishop Frank J. Dewane. This support, combined with the enthusiasm of Diocesan Priests, and Deacons, as well as the many at the Parishes, how made the initiative thrive.

“Men everywhere, and the culture itself, is thirsting for men to become the best husbands, father, sons, brothers, and friends they can be,” Gontis said. “They want to grow in fellowship with their brothers in Christ.  Finally, they are thirsting to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and His Catholic Church.  That Man is You is helping to do just that.”

The program began in the Diocese several years ago at Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria and then quickly expanded afterward to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Parrish and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City. The 2023-2024 season included 12 Parishes.

The weekly gatherings will run for 26 sessions through April 2025. The program is free, with no registration. In addition, there is no requirement to attend each week, and men can drop in at any time during the length of the program. Also, participants do not need to be a registered member of the host Parish to attend.

TMIY program has Core Teams at each host Parish who will serve as the guide through the weekly gatherings. A session is about 90 minutes, broken into three, 30-minute segments: breakfast and fellowship; featured video; and small group discussions.

TMIY harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive.  Since its inception, approximately100,000 men nationally have been involved in TMIY.

For more information, please contact Jim Gontis, Director of Evangelization, 941-486-4754, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Parish listings – meeting day, time, (start day), Core Team Leader contact

Ave Maria Parish, 5088 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria

Saturdays, 7 a.m.-830 a.m., (Sept. 21, 2024), Dominic Micillo, 904-536-1480, dmicillo@aol.com.

Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

Saturdays, 6:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m., (Sept. 14), Deacon Scott Little, 814-241-5590, little@epiphanycathedral.org.

Incarnation Parish, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota

Saturdays, 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m., (Sept. 14), Steve Jendrysik, 215-205-8655.

Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 12905 E. State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch

Saturdays, 6:20 a.m. – 7:50 a.m., (Sept. 14), Mike Gonzales, 913-424-8255, gonzalesmichaelpaul@gmail.com.

San Marco Parish, 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island

Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., (Sept. 4), Tom Gunkel, 239-394–5181.

San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port

Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 8:15 a.m., (Sept. 7), Jack Todaro, 860-559-1596, jacktod24@gmail.com.

St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples

Saturdays, 6:45 a.m.–8 a.m., (Sept. 14), Isaac Mejias, 732-986-8572, iosc7@yahoo.com.

St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 21505 Augusta Ave., Port Charlotte

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., (Sept. 25), Michael Barrett, 941-625-4754, michaelb@stcbc.org.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, 12001 69th St., Parrish

Saturdays, 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m., (Sept. 14), John Kreger, 941-993-9988, kregerjd@aol.com.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 5265 Placida Road, Grove City

Thursdays, 7 a.m. – 8:10 a.m., (Sept. 19), John Coyne, 724-316-5263, coyne.johnp@yahoo.com.

St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples

Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., (Sept. 14), Brandon Karas, brandonkaras1993@gmail.com.

St. Joseph Parish, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton

Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 8:15 a.m., (Sept. 21), Miguel Rodriguez, 718-300-1992, rod730@gmail.com.

St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1922, SW 20th Ave., Cape Coral

Thursdays, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., (Sept. 19), Timothy Altieri, 239-810-1093, Timothy.Altieri@altierilawfirm.com.

St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota

Fridays, 6 a.m. –7:30 a.m., (Sept. 13), Joe Gomez, 303-549-4739, zemogrj@comcast.net.

St. Peter the Apostle, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples

Saturdays, 6:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m., (Sept. 14), Jeff Tenbarge, 239-839-3354, jtenbarge15@gmail.com.

St. Therese Parish, 20115 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers

Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., (Sept. 21), Jason Dudley, 239-722-9119, jasdudley1@gmail.com.

St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota

Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m., (Sept. 28), Chris Parisieau, 443-994-7397, parisieau314@outlook.com.

For more information, please contact Jim Gontis, Director of Evangelization, 941-486-4754, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Summer camps bring love of Christ to young faces

Posted on by Bob Reddy

“Learned about Jesus!” “Learned about the Bible!” “Took part in fun and games at my Parish!” “Took a trip with friends from my Parish!” “God loves me, no matter what!” “I developed skills to help one day become an engineer!” “Gained a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary!” “Grew closer to the Lord!”

These are just some of the answers which children from across the Diocese of Venice offered to their friends and teachers when they returned to the classroom and were asked: “What did you do this summer?”

At nearly every Parish in the Diocese, there were captivating summer camps, with faith at their core. During these camps, thousands of children were engaged, and their young minds were, at least temporarily, focused on the Lord.

At 12 Parishes, the Diocese of Venice Department of Evangelization brought “Totus Tuus” camps for children and teens. This program was dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic Faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness and Eucharistic worship. The camps were directed by a team of missionaries. Parish staff and volunteers augmented the team and together they made the week memorable for all who participated.

Vacation Bible School programs were also offered at 40 Parishes in the Diocese this summer. This weeklong Bible themed camp focused on learning the important lessons of Scripture in a fun and engaging way. The most common theme this summer was “Scuba: Diving into friendship with God.” At Vacation Bible School, children attended daily Mass and participated in Eucharistic Adoration. They also learned uplifting songs and dances, made crafts and generally had a great time.

Several Parishes also hosted summer activities for the teens, some included taking part in service projects, while others went on retreat, either locally or even out-of-state.

A dozen different Diocesan groups took part in Camp Covecrest 2024, a Life Teen retreat in northern Georgia which focuses on leading teens closer to Christ. This is an intensive retreat which focuses the teens on building their relationship with the Lord through team activities, reflection, and prayer. The focus of these retreats included Eucharistic Adoration, opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and participating in Mass.

In addition, at St. Michael Parish in Wauchula, the women religious of the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, hosted three different summer camps, one each for young boys, young girls, and for teens. These camps included taking part in the Mass and rosary processions, as well as arts and crafts, games, and a visit to an area entertainment center.

Meanwhile, multiple Diocesan Catholic schools hosted STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) camps. Some of these camps covered several weeks and introduced the eager students to new projects such as arts and crafts, engineering various objects and other activities that incorporated the different aspects of STREAM. The longer camps stressed different skills and included field trips to augment the in-class experience. The camps actively incorporated Catholic values and virtues through the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence.”

For the athlete in many of our young people, the area Catholic high schools hosted a variety of sports camps for soccer, football, basketball, cheerleading and many others. These camps offered a chance for younger children to learn the skills needed to excel in different sports while having fun with their peers.

These are just some of the examples of the exciting activities that took place for the thousands of young people in the Diocese during the “slow” season.

News briefs for the week of September 8, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Students learn important lesson

Young students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers were studying religion on Aug. 27, 2024, when they learned about how the Bible says: “I have called you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43) This passage shows that we are so special to God and so loved, that He knows us all by name. The first graders then artfully created their name in their own unique way to showcase this Biblical passage.

Sarasota Parish to host St. Padre Pio relics Sept. 28

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, 6600 Pennsylvania Ave., Sarasota, is hosting a visit of the relics of St. Padre Pio, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 28, 2024. Our Lady Queen of Martyrs is host to a St. Padre Pio Shrine located next to the Parish Hall. St. Padre Pio is known for many extraordinary gifts, including the stigmata, prophecy, ability to speak languages he had never studied, gift of conversions and more. The day will begin with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, 4 p.m. Mass, with the relics and a chalice used by the saint. The Mass will be followed by the praying of the Holy Rosary which will include blessings with the relics. Afterwards, the celebration moves to the Parish Hall, with a new video about the St. Padre Pio Shrine at the Parish, short talks, as well as the relics on display. Food will also be available. There is no charge to attend any of the activities but space is extremely limited in the hall. Reservations are required by Sept. 18. To make a reservation, please contact Donna Hrycyk at dhrycyk@olqm.net or call 941-755-1826. The St. Padre Pio chalice will be used at the 9 a.m. Mass on Sept. 29, at St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton.

Boutique Sale in Cape Coral

The Council of Catholic Women of St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1922 SW 20th Ave, Cape Coral, is hosting a Sisters Boutique Sale in the Parish Hall from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 14, 2024, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 15. The sale will include formal gala gowns, mix and match bridesmaid dresses, prom and cocktail dresses in all sizes. Proceeds go to the Parish, as well as local faith-based charities. For more information, please email staroflife4003@aol.com.

Food drive helps hurricane victims

The Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School community came together to support people impacted by flooding from Hurricane Debby by hosting a food drive during the Aug, 30, 2024, home football game in Sarasota. More than 425 food items were collected and will be distributed to the local food bank. The school sports field were flooded and equipment was damaged or destroyed during the hurricane, but the school community opted to support the families who had flooding and are trying to rebuild.

Theology on Tap Sarasota Sept. 19 in Sarasota

Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed and social setting. On Sept. 19, 2024, the gathering will be held at Big Top Brewing – Restaurant and Brewery, 3045 Fruitville Commons Boulevard, Sarasota. The evening begins with food and refreshments at 7 p.m. Presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith begin at 8 p.m. The speaker will be Art Reilly, Culture of Life Chair for the Knights of Columbus at Incarnation Parish, Sarasota. Reilly will discuss why everyone should vote no on Amendment 4, Just Say No! For questions, please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

Support our seminarians

Support, encourage and educate future priests through the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Seminarian Fund. Join the VDCCW in celebrating Priesthood Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in a special and lasting way by sending your Parish Priest a Seminarian Fund “IN HONOR OF” card. This is a gift that keeps on giving. The Diocese is currently educating 18 men in various seminaries and a donation of any amount would be a great help (The donation amount will not be revealed to the recipient). To take part, please send your donation, made out to VDCCW Seminarian Fund (plus $1 to cover postage and printing) to: Cornelia Zanetti, Seminarian Fund Guardian, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Responding to False Claims About Catholic Organizations Serving Newcomers

Accusations levied against the Church for providing refugee assistance and resettlement are nothing new; anti-Catholic bias and misinformation has surrounded this ministry since its beginnings. However, assisting newcomers is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy and Integral to Catholic identity. A new document issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops aims to address the many false claims about Catholic organizations serving newcomers. Please share this document (or excerpts) with the faithful to aid in your discussions about why the Church must serve this vulnerable population. The USCCB document, Responding to False Claims About Catholic Organizations Serving Newcomers, can be found at migrationclaims.pdf (usccb.org).

15th annual Diocesan Veterans Day Mass to be held in Sarasota

On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, the Diocese of Venice will hold a Memorial Mass in honor of the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve and protect us today. This is the 15th year the Diocese has held a Mass on Veterans Day. The opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 p.m., with the Mass at 3 p.m. in the Amphitheater at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72/Clark Road, approximately five miles east of I-75. The priests, deacons and Knights of Columbus in the Diocese will join in the celebration of the Mass. All are invited to attend, and active military personnel are asked to wear their uniform. Attendees are also encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is ample seating and parking at the cemetery. For further information please contact Gail Ardy at ardy@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4714.

Diocesan Youth Rally Nov. 16

All students Grades 9 to 12 are invited to attend Diocese of Venice Youth Rally from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Nov. 16, 2024, at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. The theme for this year’s Rally is “Ignite.” This is a day dedicated to faith, fellowship, and fun, where all come together to have hearts ignited by the Lord Jesus, so that He can draw each person present into a deeper relationship with Himself. The Diocesan Youth Rally will feature inspiring talks, uplifting music, and opportunities to connect with other youth from across the Diocese. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience to grow in your faith and make lasting memories. Register now through your Parish. For further information please contact Andres Prias, Youth and Young Adult Outreach Director, Diocese of Venice Department of Evangelization prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543.

Legion of Mary Annual Retreat Sept. 28

The Legion of Mary Manasota Curia invites men and women for a day of prayer from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 28, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. The day includes breakfast, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, lunch and talks. The guest speaker will be Bob Wilson, Director of Saint Paul Street Evangelization. The cost is $45 and seating is limited.  RSVP by Sept. 9 to your Parish Legion of Mary Representative or to Kathi Bragdon at 908-419-7619.

Evangelization Training in September

To learn what authentic, non-confrontational, joyful evangelization looks and sounds like, be sure to attend the upcoming workshop with St. Paul Street Evangelization Vice President Adam Janke. The workshop is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 28, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. Mass will be offered at 8 a.m. in the Parish Chapel. There will also be an optional “Live Lab” experience from 4 p.m.- 5 p.m., giving participants the chance to put into practice what they have just learned.  Saint Paul Street Evangelization is a non-profit, grassroots organization that has mobilized thousands of ordinary Catholics to take the Gospel to the public square and be instruments of God in the salvation of souls. The one-day Basic Evangelization Training with SPSE is open to all adult parishioners from any Catholic parish. Registration is $25 and includes light breakfast, lunch and all training materials. Please register at http://stpaulse.com/venice.

A Walk With Jesus For Grieving Parents retreat in October

The pain from grief can be extreme, but the death of a child is even more intense. Parents experience an emptiness like no other. If you are mourning the loss of a child (from infancy to adulthood), consider attending a Catholic faith-based weekend retreat from Oct. 11 until Sunday Oct. 13, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Deacon Henry De Mena will lead the Retreat. The cost is $150.00 per person based on double occupancy and $250.00 for single occupancy. Financial assistance is available. For further information contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Women’s Bible Study in Naples

St. William Catholic Church, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples will once again be hosting the Naples Area Inter-Parish Women’s Bible Study entitled “Walking with Purpose.” This bible study was voted in the top 10 for Catholic programs in the country and last year the Church Hall accommodated close to 250 women.  The bible study take place from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays, from Sept. 24 to Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. This year’s theme is “Reclaiming Friendship” and each participant is asked to purchase the book by the same name at https://walkingwithpurpose.com or on Amazon. Babysitting is available. For questions, details regarding babysitting and to register please contact Lisa McGowan by calling or texting 484-432-5128, or email mcgowanlh@gmail.com.

 

News briefs for the week of August 30, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop offers video invitation to Diocesan marriage Conference

Click this link https://vimeo.com/1003280007?share=copy, to view an invitation from Bishop Frank J. Dewane to all Catholic married and engaged couples to join him at the Diocese of Venice 4th Annual Together in Holiness Marriage Conference on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Faith, fellowship, and a beautiful celebration of the vocation of marriage. Space is limited! To reserve your spot, visit http://www.togetherinholiness.org/venice.

Food donations needed in Naples

To help fight hunger in Collier County, the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. food pantry, located at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, 3174 Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112, is seeking donations. The food pantry is in need of perishable foods such as: canned vegetables and fruits; rice, pasta and grains; peanut butter and canned protein (chicken, tuna, etc.), cereal and other pantry staples. For more details, please contact Allegra Belliard, Program Director, at 239-793-0059 ext. 3304, or at allegra.belliard@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Support our seminarians

Support, encourage and educate future priests through the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Seminarian Fund. Join the VDCCW in celebrating Priesthood Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in a special and lasting way by sending your Parish Priest a Seminarian Fund “IN HONOR OF” card. This is a gift that keeps on giving. The Diocese is currently educating 18 men in various seminaries and a donation of any amount would be a great help (The donation amount will not be revealed to the recipient). To take part, please send your donation, made out to VDCCW Seminarian Fund (plus $1 to cover postage and printing) to: Cornelia Zanetti, Seminarian Fund Guardian, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

High school hosts evening Eucharistic Adoration for students and families

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota hosted a Eucharistic Adoration with praise and music in the All Saints Chapel on the evening of Aug. 21, 2024. The Adoration was open to all families and led by Father Christian Chami, Parochial Vicar at nearby St. Jude Parish.

Backpacks blessed for school year

Father Eric Scanlan, Pastor of Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, blessed the backpacks of the students at Incarnation Catholic School following an all-school Mass on Aug. 26, 2024. Blessings were for the backpacks to help carry our students strongly, successfully, and safely throughout the school year. Father Scanlan also visited the classrooms to pray with the students and offer a blessing as well.

Young students tour Bradenton church

Kindergarten students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton were treated to a tour of the Parish church on Aug. 23, 2024. Liliana Ronderos, St. Joseph Parish Director of Religious Education, and Michelle Szczepanski, Parish Youth Minister, were the tour guides. The tour included stops at the various statues, the sacristy, the chapel and other key locations in the church. Each part of the Mass was explained to help the students better understand what they see each week. In the sacristy, some of the students were allowed to try on the priest vestments. During each stop, the students asked great questions, and they were eager to learn more.

Knights escort Silver Rose through Diocese

Each year, from early March through mid-December, Silver Roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes from Canada to Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Silver Rose visited 14 Parishes in the Diocese of Venice from Aug. 21 to Aug. 27, 2024. Stops included prayer services, the praying of the Holy Rosary or the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This custom started in 1960 between Mexico and Texas. Now there are a total of eight silver roses, including one blessed by Pope Francis. The journey now starts in Canada and it travels to Mexico. The intent is the same: to reaffirm the Order’s commitment to the sanctity of life and honor the Blessed Virgin under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.

Catholic Thinkers Men’s Group 4th Season begins Sept. 4 in Naples

The Catholic Thinkers Men’s Group of St. Agnes Parish begins its fourth season at 9:30 a.m., Sept. 4, 2024, at Perkins Restaurant, 3585 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. The topic is; “National Eucharistic Congress: Were the Revival Objectives Achieved?” The discussion will last no more than 90 minutes and registration is limited to 30 participants. Admission is free; breakfast is not. You will need to register for every session at www.stagnesnaples.org to reserve your space. For more information, please contact Dr. George Blewitt, gblewitt5183@gmail.com.

15th annual Diocesan Veterans Day Mass to be held in Sarasota

On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, the Diocese of Venice will hold a Memorial Mass in honor of the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve and protect us today. This is the 15th year the Diocese has held a Mass on Veterans Day. The opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 p.m., with the Mass at 3 p.m. in the Amphitheater at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72/Clark Road, approximately five miles east of I-75. The priests, deacons and Knights of Columbus in the Diocese will join in the celebration of the Mass. All are invited to attend, and active military personnel are asked to wear their uniform. Attendees are also encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is ample seating and parking at the cemetery. For further information please contact Gail Ardy at ardy@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4714.

Diocesan Youth Rally Nov. 16

All students Grades 9 to 12 are invited to attend Diocese of Venice Youth Rally from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Nov. 16, 2024, at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. The theme for this year’s Rally is “Ignite.” This is a day dedicated to faith, fellowship, and fun, where all come together to have hearts ignited by the Lord Jesus, so that He can draw each person present into a deeper relationship with Himself. The Diocesan Youth Rally will feature inspiring talks, uplifting music, and opportunities to connect with other youth from across the Diocese. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience to grow in your faith and make lasting memories. Register now through your Parish. For further information please contact Andres Prias, Youth and Young Adult Outreach Director, Diocese of Venice Department of Evangelization prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543.

Legion of Mary Annual Retreat Sept. 28

The Legion of Mary Manasota Curis invites men and women for a day of prayer from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 28, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. The day includes breakfast, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, lunch and talks. The guest speaker will be Bob Wilson, Director of Saint Paul Street Evangelization. The cost is $45 and seating is limited.  RSVP by Sept. 9 to your Parish Legion of Mary Representative or to Kathi Bragdon at 908-419-7619.

Catholic Charities Summertime Appeal concluding

Every day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., serves the most vulnerable population in the 10 counties that constitute the Diocese of Venice by feeding, housing, empowering, and helping all in need. This summer, you can be the one that makes a difference. Your acts of kindness have the power to transform lives and leave a positive impact in our community. The Catholic Charities “Summertime and the Giving is Easy” Appeal is asking for your support. Any gift will make a positive impact on our less fortunate brothers and sisters! To donate to Summertime and the Giving is Easy Campaign, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or mail a check to Catholic Charities, “Summertime and the Giving is Easy,” 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285.

Evangelization Training in September

Would you like to know what authentic, non-confrontational, joyful evangelization looks and sounds like? If so, be sure to attend the upcoming workshop with St. Paul Street Evangelization Vice President Adam Janke from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 28, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. Mass will be offered at 8 am in the Parish Chapel. There will also be an optional “Live Lab” experience from 4 p.m.- 5 p.m., giving participants the chance to put into practice what they have just learned.  Saint Paul Street Evangelization is a non-profit, grassroots organization that has mobilized thousands of ordinary Catholics to take the Gospel to the public square and be instruments of God in the salvation of souls. The one-day Basic Evangelization Training with SPSE is open to all adult parishioners from any Catholic parish. Registration is $25 and includes light breakfast, lunch and all training materials. Please register at http://stpaulse.com/venice.

A Walk With Jesus For Grieving Parents retreat in October

The pain from grief can be extreme, but the death of a child is even more intense. Parents experience an emptiness like no other. If you are mourning the loss of a child (from infancy to adulthood), consider attending a Catholic faith-based weekend retreat from Oct. 11 until Sunday Oct. 13, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Deacon Henry De Mena will lead the Retreat. The cost is $150.00 per person based on double occupancy and $250.00 for single occupancy. Financial assistance is available. For further information contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Theology on Tap Sarasota Sept. 19 in Sarasota

Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed and social setting. On Sept. 19, 2024, the gathering will be held at Big Top Brewing – Restaurant and Brewery, 3045 Fruitville Commons Boulevard, Sarasota. The evening begins with food and refreshments at 7 p.m. Presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith begin at 8 p.m. The speaker will be Jeanne Berdeaux, Director of the Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office. Jeanne will discuss Amendment 4, Just Say No! For questions, please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

Women’s Bible Study in Naples

St. William Catholic Church, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples will once again be hosting the Naples Area Inter-Parish Women’s Bible Study entitled “Walking with Purpose.” This bible study was voted in the top 10 for Catholic programs in the country and last year the Church Hall accommodated close to 250 women.  The bible study take place from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays, from Sept. 24 to Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. This year’s theme is “Reclaiming Friendship” and each participant is asked to purchase the book by the same name at https://walkingwithpurpose.com or on Amazon. Babysitting is available. For questions, details regarding babysitting and to register please contact Lisa McGowan by calling or texting 484-432-5128, or email mcgowanlh@gmail.com.

Two years later, Ian recovery continues

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian in September of 2022 was unprecedented and felt across the entire Diocese of Venice, with thousands of people and hundreds of buildings affected.

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the Diocese of Venice, along with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, prioritized the emergency needs and wellbeing of residents throughout the Diocese, including food, and shelter.  This support is ongoing, even now, as many are still without homes, or jobs, resulting from that terrible storm.

Simultaneously, the Diocese’s immediate focus was on preventing further, crippling damage to the affected buildings throughout the Diocese, with the goal of getting as many Parishes back up and running as soon as possible. Bishop Frank J. Dewane, and Diocesan Chancellor Dr. Volodymyr Smeryk made an immediate tour to assess the extent of damage and offer assistance. Both have made numerous subsequent visits to monitor the progress of the recovery efforts.

Within the Diocese of Venice, the Building and Construction Department reported 93 locations (Parishes, schools, Catholic Charities, and other entities) that constituted damage reports on 841 buildings or land improvement structures (landscaping, fencing, lighting, and other infrastructure), with 404 of the buildings receiving enough significant damage to require an insurance claim and/or major reconstruction.

While huge strides have been made in most locations, there are several notable exceptions which include Ascension Parish on Fort Myers Beach, St. Isabel Parish in Sanibel, and to a much lesser extent at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, and in Fort Myers both San Jose and Sagrada Familia Missions.

In the aftermath of Ian, mitigation work began immediately to prevent additional damage, but the widespread scope of the damage overwhelmed the available resources. Supply chain issues, as well as surging costs continue to complicate the recovery efforts.

Most significantly impacted was Ascension Parish on Fort Myers Beach, where every building on the property suffered massive damage, leaving the church destroyed. Because of the unprecedented nature of the storm damage and resulting saltwater intrusion, it was necessary to first determine what might even be possible at that location moving forward. Due to the extreme nature of the damage, as well as new and changing building codes and insurance requirements, this first decision took some time.

Bishop Dewane made several visits to the site and consulted with other areas in Florida where Parishes have been similarly drastically impacted on other occasions. Taking into consideration the pastoral needs of Fort Myers Beach, the decision was made to rebuild on the site, including preserving the existing Memorial Garden, and plans are making progress. An architectural firm as well as a construction firm have been engaged and are actively working on the site re-development.

Factors in the delay have been many, including simply clearing the massive amounts of debris from the property. It also took a year for electricity to be restored. In addition, the finalization of new FEMA requirements, including a rule for new construction to be built six feet above sea level, have slowed down attempts by the Bishop, and other Diocesan officials, to develop a concrete plan for the future.

“Although a final plan has not yet been approved, we are well on our way,” Bishop Dewane said. “I can tell you that a new church will be built at a more central location on the property, with increased capacity for parishioners. While it will not be the original church, it is going to be a beautiful new place of worship and community.”

Chancellor Smeryk explained that at Ascension Parish, and at all reconstruction efforts across the Diocese, factors in rebuilding include an emphasis on safety and durability, as well the history and beauty of the property as contributing factors.

The timeline for completion of Ascension church is anticipated to be 3-4 years, which is similar to the recovery following Hurricane Charley in 2004 when it took the same amount of time to rebuild two Parishes. Regarding staffing, Father William Adams and the Poor Sisters of Saint Clare will not be returning to the “new” Ascension; Father has recently retired, and the Sisters have elected to move elsewhere and not live under the threat of a repeat occurrence.

Many former parishioners of Ascension are no longer in the area, having returned to homes up north, or to live with family elsewhere since Hurricane Ian. Those who remain in the area have been encouraged to attend nearby St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs for Mass as well as for any other pastoral or Sacramental needs; many have found welcome there.

At St. Isabel Parish on Sanibel, the damage was also extreme, with storm surge destroying the rectory and invading the church and Parish hall. While the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass returned to the church three months after Ian, the situation was not ideal, as the church floors and walls were bare after much was removed for mitigation purposes.

The priority at St. Isabel was to first repair the Parish hall and then the focus would switch to the church. The hall was completed in the spring of 2024. At that time, the celebration of the Mass moved to the hall and the focus of the reconstruction switched to the church. That work is expected to be completed by Christmas. The rectory, which was destroyed, will be built new at a future date.

Sagrada Familia Mission in Fort Myers has had delays in its own roof repairs due to the nature of the original construction. In addition to roof repairs, the infrastructure (outdated wiring, HVAC, etc.) also need to be upgraded. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

At San Jose Mission, also in Fort Myers, the Mission church had extensive flood damage and reopened in May. However, portable classrooms used for religious education were damaged beyond repair and will be replaced in the coming months.

Meanwhile, at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, most of the major roof damage was repaired within nine months, but there has been a significant delay in completing the work. This occurred because the chapel roof is domed and has a unique skylight. While the chapel roof could have been replaced without a skylight, the necessary structural reinforcements to the building were cost prohibitive. The new skylight is expected to be installed in November, with the final roof repairs completed soon thereafter.

Bishop Dewane expressed his gratitude for the patience and understanding the faithful have shown through the arduous recovery process following Hurricane Ian.

“The resilience of the faithful has been inspiring to witness,” Bishop Dewane said. “Let us continue to pray for safety during this hurricane season in Southwest Florida.”

Diocese honors Mary on Solemnity of Her Assumption

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Pope Francis described why on Aug. 15 the Church celebrates one of the most important feasts dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary: the Solemnity of Her Assumption. “At the conclusion of Her earthly life, the Mother of Christ was raised in body and soul to Heaven, that is, in the glory of eternal life, in the full communion with God,” said

In celebration of this important Solemnity, Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice offered additional Mass to allow the faithful to participate in this Holy Day of Obligation. In addition, Diocesan Catholic Schools also celebrated school-wide Masses.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the Assumption as follows: “The Immaculate Virgin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of death.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane stated, “Since the corruption of the human body is a consequence of sin, it would not be right that the Virgin Mary – who is free from sin – should be affected by this natural law. It is a privilege granted to Mary, as the Mother of Jesus.”

Pope Francis said that “Mary’s Assumption is a great mystery that concerns each one of us; it concerns our future. Mary, in fact, precedes us on the way in which all those go that, through baptism, have bound their life to Jesus, as Mary bound her life to Him. This (Solemnity) pre-announces the ‘new heavens and the new earth,’ with the risen Christ’s victory over death and the definitive defeat of the Evil One.”

Students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton observed the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the celebration of the first Mass of the 2024-2025 Academic Year. This was also the case at many other Diocesan Catholic Schools, as they prayed that all students hold Mary’s example close to their hearts as they navigate new classes, experiences, and friendships.

Following a Solemnity Mass for students St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers, third graders took time to reflect on ways they can be more like Mary throughout this year. They also created works of art which depicted the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers joined as a student body for the first Mass of the academic year, which was celebrated by Father Shawn Roser. Father is the new school Chaplain and is also Parochial Vicar at nearby Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish.

Jesuit Father John Belmonte, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, celebrated Mass on the Solemnity at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota. Father Belmonte also reminded the students to grow in their devotion to the Blessed Virgin in their lives, using Mary as an example.

To stress this point, Father Belmonte spoke how in the New Testament, the last words spoken by Mary occurred during the Wedding at Cana: “Do as He says!” Her instruction to the servants – who represent the faithful throughout the generations – was to always do as Jesus, Her Son, says. “This is the lesson we must all learn and live by in our lives,” Father said.

Totus Tuus benefits 1,200+ – Young participants spend summertime growing closer to Christ

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Hearts are on fire for Jesus Christ for the more than 1,200 young faithful who took part in the Totus Tuus weekly sessions throughout the summer.

The goal of the Totus Tuus program is to help young people develop in their understanding of the faith and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ. Totus Tuus is a Latin phrase meaning “Totally Yours.” It was a motto of St. John Paul II, taken from St. Louis de Montfort’s “True Devotion to Mary.” It signifies our desire to give ourselves entirely to Jesus Christ through Mary.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who brought the Totus Tuus program to the Diocese of Venice in 2022, said the summer program has proven to be effective in uplifting children in ways which other, more traditional summer camps and religious education programs do not. Bishop Dewane has been impressed by the response each child has had to the uplifting program.

“Throughout the summer the Totus Tuus missionaries brought an excitement about the faith to different Parishes each week, helping to awaken in children of all ages a desire and enthusiasm for holiness,” Bishop Dewane said.

Through evangelization and catechesis, Totus Tuus seeks to foster openness to the sacrifices and blessings of the various Christian vocations. The program inspires young people to develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life.

Totus Tuus works to complement what the children are learning from their parents, who are the first and best educators of the faith. This is something Bishop Dewane has stressed since the program had its trial run in the Diocese in 2022.

This summer, there were 10 missionaries who worked in two teams, though for Parishes with large groups of children the teams merged for the week. Twelve Parishes served as hosts through the seven-week program. The weeklong program was divided into two sessions, with the day component for students grades 1 – 6, and the evening session for middle school and high school students grades 7 – 12.

Lessons for the younger children build during the week as the children learn about the importance of prayer, and ways to pray, which includes the basics of the Our Father and Hail Mary through the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. This year, there was also a special emphasis on learning the key lessons of the Apostles’ Creed. In addition to dancing, music and prayer, the children had time for activities such as crafts and games.

The younger children participated in four classes each day, attended daily Mass, learned the parts and liturgical songs of Mass, and participated in games, skits, songs, recess and prayer. The older students participated in instruction, small group discussions, quiet meditations, prayer and fellowship and importantly had the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration.

The Totus Tuus missionaries went through an intensive training session in early June in preparation for the summer. By the end of the summer, each missionary left the Diocese feeling blessed by the experience.

Missionary Anne Moultrie, who is studying education at Ave Maria University, said the Totus Tuus program was an amazing experience as she quickly connected with students, from the youngest of her charges to the teens. She hopes to become a teacher, and this experience reinforced her desire to impart knowledge, particularly about the Catholic faith.

“It was a challenge, but most rewarding as the children embraced what we were teaching with their whole heart and soul,” Moultrie said. “It was a struggle to say good-bye to each group. To see the excitement and joy of the faith in a young face is so beautiful.”

“With the support of Bishop Dewane, the Parish Pastors, Parish lay leaders, and the missionaries, the Totus Tuus program continued to have great success here in the Diocese of Venice,” said Jim Gontis, Diocese of Venice Director of Evangelization. “Everyone worked together to help the young people find out that, besides everything else, the Catholic Faith can be fun!”

Gontis said the impact of the Totus Tuus summer program goes beyond reaching 1,206 children and youth. This includes reaching the families of the participants, the host Parishes, the volunteers and more. At least two program participants, he said, were encouraged to seek a conversion to the Catholic Faith through a Parish religious education program.

Looking forward, Gontis said that due to the ongoing success of the program, in 2025, the Diocese will be seeking to recruit an additional Totus Tuus missionary team. If this occurs, it is also hoped that the number of Parishes served will grow in number!

Parishes hosting Totus Tuus this summer were: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Parrish, and Our Lady of Grace, Avon Park (June 2-7); Ave Maria, Ave Maria (June 9-14); St. Finbarr, Naples, and St. Paul, Arcadia (June 16-21); Epiphany Cathedral, Venice, and St. Katharine Drexel, Cape Coral (June 23-28); Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 7-12); Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers, and St. Cecilia, Fort Myers (July 14-19); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch, and St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 21-26).

Find a Parish
Clergy
Find a School
TV Mass
Español
Ways to Give