pastor Archives - Diocese of Venice

New Pastor installed at St. Francis Xavier in Fort Myers

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed Father Steven Clemente as Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Fort Myers on Oct. 19, 2025, in the context of the Mass.

“I ask that you pray for Father to have the grace needed as he takes on the task in leading St. Francis Xavier Parish,” Bishop Dewane said. “I also ask you, the parishioners, to do your best to support Father when you can. You are not going to agree 100% of the time, but that’s okay. In the end you have to come together and support Father in whatever path he chooses.”

St. Francis Xavier Parish dates to the 1870s when the Catholic community was originally served by traveling Jesuit priests from the Tampa area. The original name of the Fort Myers mission was Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary when Masses were celebrated in a stable and a private residence. The name was changed to St. Francis Xavier in 1890 when the first church in Fort Myers was built. With the construction of the second church, the Parish was established in 1910. The current church was built in 1961 and renovated in 1977. The original steeple for the first Parish church was restored and sits as a monument on the Parish property. St. Francis Xavier Catholic School opened in 1938. The Parish includes 1,000 families and offers Mass in English and Haitian-Creole.

Bishop Dewane initiated the installation process by calling Father Clemente to the ambo following the homily. Father then recited an Oath of Fidelity in which he promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the College of Bishops enunciate when they exercise authentic magisterium.” Father Clemente then recited, along with the parishioners, the profession of faith, including additional parts solely for him. The installation also included prayers to provide the new Pastor the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the Parish.

Documents were then signed by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish Community, who serve as official witnesses on behalf of all of the parishioners. Copies of these documents are put in the Diocesan files for the Parish and Father, while a copy is kept at the Parish. Bishop Dewane then presented Father Clemente as the new Pastor to the gathered faithful to enthusiastic applause.

After Mass, Father Clemente first thanked Bishop Dewane for the honor of appointing him and trusting him to lead St. Frank Xavier, while also thanking the faithful for being so supportive since his assignment to the Parish in 2022.

Father Clemente said that when he first arrived at St. Francis Xavier, he asked the faithful to join him in building a vision for the future of the Parish, a journey that continues to this day.

“It takes faith and it takes people to pull it off,” Father said. “We have done some amazing things here and I want to thank you for helping me do that.”

A reception followed in the Parish Hall.

New Pastor installed in Arcadia

Posted on February 28, 2025February 28, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed Father Luis Pacheco as Pastor of St. Paul Parish in Arcadia on Feb. 23, 2025, in the context of the Mass.

The installation of a new Pastor is like a punctuation mark for the life of the Parish – a new era under the stewardship of Father Pacheco, explained Bishop Dewane .

“We do this installation because a Pastor is called upon to administer to the people of God in their faith life by ministering the sacraments and helping each one of you grow closer to the Lord,” Bishop Dewane said. “Support your new Pastor, and all priests, for theirs is not an easy job. Pray for your Pastor as he serves all of you.”

St. Paul Parish has a rich history in Arcadia that dates back to the 1870s when Jesuit priests would serve the area on horseback. The first permanent priest arrived in 1910 and the first Church was built in 1915. St. Paul was canonically erected as a Parish on July 25, 1958, in the Diocese of St. Augustine which then covered the entire state of Florida. The current church was dedicated by Bishop Dewane in March 2021 in a building that was converted from a supermarket. The church seats 1,100 for Mass, a includes a large Parish Hall, as well as 11 rooms for religious education, and multiple offices. Currently, St. Paul serves more than 4,000 individuals. St. Paul Parish has been designated by Bishop Dewane as a Diocesan Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site.

Bishop Dewane initiated the installation process by calling Father Pacheco to the ambo following the homily. Father then recited an Oath of Fidelity in which he promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the college of bishops enunciate when they exercise authentic magisterium.” Father Pacheco then recited, along with the faithful, the profession of faith, including additional parts solely for him. The installation also included prayers to provide the new Pastor the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the Parish.

The Bishop then presented Father Pacheco as the new Pastor to the faithful gathered. Documents were signed by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish Community, who serve as official witnesses on behalf of all of the parishioners. Copies of these documents are put in the Diocesan files for the Parish and Father, while a copy is kept at the Parish.

After Mass, Father Pacheco first thanked Bishop Dewane for the honor of appointing him and trusting him to lead St. Paul Parish. Father has been at St. Paul since 2021.

“I have no words to convey my thoughts, feelings and emotions, especially my appreciation to everyone for their support,” Father Pacheco said. “I pray to God and the Holy Spirit that I can live up to this responsibility. Know you are all in my heart.”

A reception followed in the Parish Hall.

New Pastor installed in Clewiston

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed Father Jean Woady Louis as Pastor of St. Margaret Parish and Santa Rosa de Lima Mission in Clewiston on Feb. 9, 2025, in the context of the Mass.

Bishop Dewane explained that the installation of a new Pastor is like a punctuation mark for the life of the Parish – a new era under the stewardship of Father Woady.

“We do this installation because a Pastor is called upon to lead people closer to God through the areas of evangelization, worship of God and the caring for the poor,” Bishop Dewane said. “Father has to be many things to many different people and I ask that you continue to support him and pray for your Pastor and your priests as they serve all of you.”

St. Margaret Mission in Clewiston had its beginning in the late 1920s when the first permanent priest was assigned to minister to the sacramental needs of families in the growing farming community on the south shores of Lake Okeechobee. Prior to that time, travelling priests had intermittently visited the area to celebrate Mass in various homes. A church was built and dedicated in 1931, and the mission was established as a Parish on Aug. 7, 1931, as part of the then-Diocese of St. Augustine. The Parish Hall was dedicated in 1967. Today, Mass is celebrated in both English and Spanish. St. Margaret and Santa Rose de Lima Mission are served by women religious from the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Light (MHML). The Parish is also home to offices of Catholic Charities, which offer a variety of services, including a weekly food pantry. There are approximately 400 families in the Parish.

Santa Rosa de Lima Mission was developed for the growing Catholic community in Montura Ranch Estates, just south of Clewiston. Initially, the community was administered by priests serving at St. Margaret and Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in LaBelle, with Mass first celebrated in a barn and then a community center before a permanent sanctuary was purchased in 2002. It was at that time Santa Rosa de Lima became a formal Mission of St. Margaret Parish. The Mission serves about 100 families and Mass is only celebrated in Spanish.

Bishop Dewane initiated the installation process by calling Father Woady to the ambo following the homily. Father then recited an Oath of Fidelity in which he promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the college of bishops enunciate when they exercise authentic magisterium.” Father Woady then recited, along with the faithful, the profession of faith, including additional parts solely for him. The installation also included prayers to provide the new Pastor the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the Parish.

The Bishop then presented Father Woady as the new Pastor to the faithful gathered. Documents were signed by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish Community, who serve as official witnesses on behalf of all of the parishioners. Copies of these documents are put in the Diocesan files for the Parish and Father, while a copy is kept at the Parish.

After Mass, Father Woady first thanked Bishop Dewane for the honor of appointing him and trusting him to lead St. Margaret Parish and Santa Rosa de Lima Mission, as well as the faithful for being so supportive since his appointment in 2021.

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad,” Father Woady said. “I am blessed to be part of this beautiful community that has welcomed me into their hearts.”

A reception followed in the Parish Hall.

New Pastor installed in Fort Myers

Posted on February 6, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed Father Jaybalan Raju as Pastor of St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers on Jan. 26, 2025, in the context of the Mass.

“We are all called to go forth, responding every more faithfully to the Lord,” Bishop Dewane said. “That is why I have asked Father to be here – to lead all of you in that spiritual life, to lead each of you in your individual response to the Lord. For this reason, Holy Mother Church calls for a Pastor to accomplish that in each Parish. Father has to be many things to many different people and I ask that you continue to support him and pray for your Pastor and your priests as they serve all of you.”

St. John XXIII Parish was established in 2002, and the first Masses were held in a gymnasium of the Noonan Academy. A new church, which seats 1,350 in the main sanctuary and 350 additional in the Chapel, was dedicated on April 9, 2005, on 40 acres, just north of Daniels Parkway, where there is now a church, Parish Center, rectory and Adoration Chapel. Masses are celebrated each week in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The Parish has more than 3,700 families. Father Raju is the third Pastor of St. John XXIII Parish.

Bishop Dewane initiated the installation process by calling Father Raju to the ambo following the homily. Father then recited an Oath of Fidelity in which he promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the college of bishops enunciate when they exercise authentic magisterium.” Father Raju then recited, along with the faithful, the profession of faith, including additional parts solely for him. The installation also included prayers to provide the new Pastor the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the Parish.

The Bishop then presented Father Raju as the new Pastor to the faithful gathered. Documents were then signed by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish Community, who serve as official witnesses on behalf of all of the parishioners. Copies of these documents are put in the Diocesan files for the Parish and Father, while a copy is kept at the Parish.

After Mass, Father Raju first thanked Bishop Dewane for the honor of appointing him and trusting him to lead St. John XXIII Parish, as well as the faithful for being so supportive since his appointment in 2023.

“I am full of gratitude from the Lord, as this is a special year for me and for all of us,” Father Raju said. “This is a Jubilee Year and this is the year I celebrate 25 years of my priesthood. This is the best gift God has given me… I am really blessed.”

A reception followed in the Parish Hall.

Pastor installed in Palmetto Parish

Posted on September 21, 2023September 21, 2023 by Bob Reddy

An installation of a new Pastor is a punctuation in the life of a Parish.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed Father Teofilo Useche as Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto, on Sept. 17, 2023, in the context of the Mass.

“You knew him as your Pastor in the past, and he has returned,” Bishop Dewane said. “This Parish is of two cultures, two languages (English and Spanish), two gifts that come together, respectfully, one for the other. It is a beautiful sight to see.”

Bishop Dewane told the faithful how important a Pastor is to the spiritual development of the Parish, particularly one that is as culturally rich as Holy Cross.

“Father is here to help you grow into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ,” Bishop continued. “It is my prayer that you continue your support of Father well into the future as your Parish continues to thrive.”

Father originally served at Holy Cross from 2003 to 2011, appointed first as Administrator, then as Pastor. He was appointed to St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs in 2011 before going on to St. Maximilan Kolbe Parish in Port Charlotte in 2013.

Enhancing the celebration, the installation of Father Useche was just a few days following the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (Sept. 14), the Parish Feast Day.

The history of Holy Cross dates to 1956, when the first Mass was celebrated at the Palmetto Women’s Club. A new church was built on U.S. 41, north of the town and was dedicated in 1958. Due to growth, the Mission was elevated to Paish-status in February 1960. The current church was dedicated in 1989. The Parish has more than 1,000 families and Mass is celebrated in English and Spanish each weekend.

As part of the installation process, the priest first recites a profession of faith for all to hear, including an additional part solely for him. The new Pastor then recites an Oath of Fidelity and promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the college of bishops enunciate when they exercise authentic magisterium.” The installation also includes prayers to provide the new Pastor the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the Parish.

The ceremony concludes with the signing of documents by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish Community, who serve as witnesses for all.

At the conclusion of Mass, Father Useche thanked the faithful of Holy Cross for being so supportive upon his return and considers them all part of his extended family. Among the well-wishers for the Mass were family and friends, as well as faithful from St. Maximilian Kobe Parish, where he had served as Pastor from 2013 to 2023.

A reception celebration was held in the Parish Hall. In addition, prior to Mass, and after Mass, dancers in traditional garb performed.

Englewood Pastor installed

Posted on March 31, 2023March 31, 2023 by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed Father Robert Murphy as Pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Englewood on March 26, 2023, in the context of the Mass.

“To cater to the spiritual needs of the faithful of St. Raphael, it is appropriate that I come here to install your new Pastor,” Bishop Dewane said. “Father has been here a while, and you have come to know him, but I ask that you continue to pray for him as he continues on this path of leading your Parish into the future.”

St. Raphael Parish was established in 1964 and is in the southern end of Sarasota County near the Charlotte County border. Primarily a retirement and snowbird community, the Parish has more than 1,500 registered families. Father Murphy is the 10^th Pastor of St. Raphael.

As part of the installation process, Bishop Dewane first calls the priest to the ambo following the homily. The priest then recites, along with the faithful, the profession of faith, including an additional part solely for him. The priest then recites an Oath of Fidelity in which he promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the college of bishops enunciate when they exercise authentic magisterium.” The installation also includes prayers to provide the new Pastor the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the Parish.

The Bishop then presents the new Pastor to the faithful gathered. Documents are later signed by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish Community, who serve as witnesses on behalf of all of the parishioners. Copies of these documents are put in the Diocesan files for the Parish and Father, while a copy is kept in the Parish records.

After Mass, Father thanked the Bishop for appointing him as Pastor, and the faithful of St. Raphael for being so supportive since his appointment as Administrator in 2019. Father Murphy also expressed his joy that his 101-year-old father, and his sister and brother-in-law, were present to see the installation. A reception followed in the Parish Hall.

Pastor installed in North Fort Myers

Posted on February 4, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Father Jan Antonik was installed as Pastor of St. Therese Parish in North Fort Myers by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Jan. 30. 2022.

For Bishop Dewane, the installation as Pastor will solidify in the minds of the faithful that Father Antonik is there to serve the Parishioners; Father Antonik has served as Administrator of the Parish since February 2020. Outwardly, there will be no changes in the operation of the Parish but nevertheless the Bishop noted this was an important moment for all of the faithful at St. Therese.

Bishop Dewane reminded the people of St. Therese Parish to support their Pastor in his daily work in administering the Sacraments and orchestrating the spiritual direction of the Parish, while recognizing he will be called to make difficult decisions.

“I ask you to be understanding so as to accept that Christ has put Father here for a reason, and that he is here to serve you,” the Bishop said. “When you disagree with a decision Father makes, find a way to do so as respectfully as you can. But also, when you do agree, stand up make it known. Father needs to hear that.”

During the installation, the priest begins with selected words leading to the start of the Creed at which point he is joined by the faithful. At the end of the Creed, the new Pastor has extra lines which are exclusive for him. In addition, the Pastor takes an Oath of Fidelity to the Bishop and his successors, formalized by placing his hand upon the Book of Gospels.

The installation ceremony concluded with the signing of documents by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish community who serve as witnesses for all of the parishioners.

Father Antonik thanked Bishop Dewane for having the honor of being installed as Pastor of St. Therese Parish. Father also thanked the faithful for their support since his arrival as Administrator and was emotional when recounting the story of calling his mother – who lives in Poland – shortly before the installation.

Following the Installation Mass, Father Antonik greeted well-wishers who offered their sincere congratulations while enjoying a celebratory cake.

New Cathedral Rector installed

Posted on August 19, 2021 by Bob Reddy

A new Rector was installed at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, marking only the fifth time in its history.

In the context of the Mass on Aug. 8, 2021, Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed Msgr. Patrick Dubois as Rector starting a new chapter in life of the priest and the faithful of Epiphany Cathedral.

Bishop Dewane encouraged the people of the Cathedral to be united behind Msgr. Dubois as he will be called upon to make difficult decisions going forward.

“A priest can’t listen to everyone because it is full of contrasting opinions, but he will make a decision after listening to the people of God,” the Bishop added. “Remember, we receive Christ individually but it’s up to you to lift up the community. It is for all of us.”

As part of the installation process, Bishop Dewane first introduces the priest as Rector to the parishioners. The priest later begins the Profession of Faith for all to hear, including an additional part solely for him. The new Pastor then recites an Oath of Fidelity and promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the College of Bishops enunciate when they exercise authentic magisterium.” The installation also includes prayers to provide the new Rector the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the Parish.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of documents by the Bishop, the new Rector, and two official witnesses of the Parish community, who serve as witnesses for all of the parishioners. Those documents are split between the Cathedral and Diocese as well as Monsignor’s personnel records. A celebratory reception was held in the Parish Hall.

Msgr. Dubois, who is also a part of the Diocesan Tribunal, expressed his gratitude to Bishop Dewane for having the confidence in him to be the Rector of the Cathedral. He also thanked his parents, who were present and brought up the gifts during Mass, for being his living example of the faith.

To the people of the Cathedral, Msgr. Dubois promised that he will live out his ministry grounded in prayer and “together we will continue to make the Cathedral a place of encounter of Jesus to the faithful.”

The history of the Parish dates to the 1930s when the Church of the Epiphany was created as a Mission of St. Martha Parish in Sarasota. It was in 1955 when the Mission was elevated to Parish status. With the Catholic population in Florida steadily increasing, St. Pope John Paul II in 1984 established two new dioceses, one of which was the Diocese of Venice. The Church of Epiphany was selected to become the Cathedral for the new Diocese. Mass is celebrated at the Cathedral in English, Spanish and Polish and representatives from each group were present for the Mass, as well as friends and family of Msgr. Dubois from his previous pastoral assignements.

Pastor installed at Lake Placid Parish

Posted on June 18, 2019 by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy – Florida Catholic

6/18/19

There are moments in the life of each Parish that are well remembered: the dedication of a new building, significant anniversaries, and of course, the installation of a new Pastor.

For the faithful of St. James Parish in Lake Placid, such a day occurred June 2, the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, when Father Vincent Clemente was installed as Pastor by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

The Ascension was an appropriate time to install and Pastor, because it was when Jesus commissioned the Apostles to go out into the world and spread the Gospel. The Church, in creating its structure, has established Parishes to help orchestrate that effort. The leader of a Parish is appropriately a Pastor who will give the impetus to the faithful to go forward out into the world to live the Gospel by spreading the Good News through their words and actions.

Bishop Dewane encouraged the faithful to offer advice to their new Pastor but also know that he will be called to make difficult decisions that not everyone will appreciate. “He needs your support through prayer and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Let the decisions that are to be made become a part of who you become as a Parish community.”

During the installation, the priest begins with selected words leading to the start of the Creed when he is then joined by the faithful. At the end of the Creed, the new Pastor has extra lines which are exclusive for him. In addition, the Pastor makes an Oath of Fidelity to the Bishop and his successors; formalized by his placing his hand upon the Book of Gospels.

Following the installation, two members of the parish, representing the entire congregation, served as witnesses and signed the formal documents, copies of which are left at the Parish, placed in the Diocesan archives and in the personnel file of Father Clemente. Bishop then introduced the new Pastor to a rousing applause.

Father Clemente thanked Bishop Dewane for his appointment and commented on how hospitable the Parish community has been since the day he was first assigned.

After the installation, a reception was held in the Parish Hall.