The pace of executions in Florida is alarming. With the execution of Edward Zakrzewski on July 31, 2025, the ninth to take place this year, Florida has broken its own record for the number of executions carried out in a single year. The state is not stopping there. Governor Ron DeSantis has already signed two additional death warrants; Kayle Bates is scheduled to be executed on August 19, and Curtis Windom on August 28, thereby setting new records for most executions in a single year in Florida.
The death penalty is a harmful and unnecessary form of punishment. State-sanctioned killing further distorts society’s understanding of the sacredness of all human life, diminishing the recognition of our own inherent dignity and that of others. St. John Paul II expressed strong opposition to the death penalty, advocating for its abolition and emphasizing the inherent dignity of every human life, even in face of serious crime. He acknowledged the traditional teaching allowing capital punishment in cases of absolute necessity, but argued that advances in penal systems made such cases “very rare, if not practically nonexistent.” St. John Paul II also called for a “consensus to end the death penalty” and emphasized the possibility of redemption and rehabilitation for offenders.
As Catholics, we are called to mercy and compassion, not violence and vengeance. With mercy towards the offenders, who themselves have often been victimized in life, and compassion for the victims of violence and their families, whose grief is not eliminated by the taking of another life, justice can be better served.
Please join Bishop Frank J. Dewane and all the Bishops of Florida to pray a novena for an end to the use of Florida’s death penalty. The novena began earlier this week, Aug. 6, and continues through Aug. 14, concluding on the Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who was executed in an Auschwitz prison camp in 1941. Watch for videos of the Bishops and pray along with them on social media at www.facebook.com/flaccb.
The Florida Bishops will continue to ask the governor to stop signing death warrants. However, prayer is powerful and is needed!
Prayer to End the Use of the Death Penalty
Merciful Father, we ask your blessing on all we do to build a culture of life. Hear our prayers for those impacted by the death penalty.
We pray for all people, that their lives and dignity as children of a loving God may be respected and protected in all stages and circumstances.
We pray for victims of violence and their families, that they may experience our love and support and find comfort in your compassion and in the promise of eternal life.
We pray for those on death row, that their lives may be spared, that the innocent may be freed and that the guilty may come to acknowledge their faults and seek reconciliation with you.
We pray for the families of those who are facing execution, that they may be comforted by your love and compassion.
We pray for civic leaders, that they may commit themselves to respecting every human life and ending the use of the death penalty in our land.
Compassionate Father, give us wisdom and hearts filled with your love. Guide us as we work to end the use of the death penalty and to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations.
We ask this Father through your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen
Every day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., serves the most vulnerable population in Diocese of Venice’s 10 counties 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. The giving is easy! To donate to “Summertime and the Giving is Easy Campaign,” please visit 
Every day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., serves the most vulnerable population in Diocese of Venice’s 10 counties 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. The giving is easy! Your 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 
The Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus summer program continues to inspire young people to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. The week-long summer camp program is visiting different Parishes each week and offering camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, as well as for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12. Three missionary teams are leading the campers. In the first four weeks, the program has taken place at 10 Parishes, with the most recent Ave Maria in Ave Maria and St. Jude in Sarasota. Following the Fourth of July holiday, the program resumes at the following: St. Cecilia, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; St. Thomas More, Sarasota (July 6-11); St. Joseph, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 13-18); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch; St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 20-25). Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at 
The Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office and Incarnation Parish staff in Sarasota were recognized for their work in support of Pro-Life initiatives in the community during the Sarasota Ministerial Association “24th Anniversary Celebration,” June 19, 2025, at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church in Sarasota. Among those recognized were Tavia Ames, Diocesan Respect Life Director, Father Eric Scanlan, Pastor of Incarnation Parish, Deacon Kevin McKenney, of Incarnation Parish and the board of Sarasota Family Promise, and Lisa Russo, Incarnation Parish secretary. Presenting the honor was Art Reilly, past board chair of Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center.
Are you or someone you know struggling because of a past abortion? You are not alone. Know that healing retreats and support are available for anyone who has experienced an abortion, including mothers, fathers and other family members who have been hurt. For help, or to learn more about the Diocese of Venice support after abortion program, Project Rachel, simply call or text 941-412-5860, or email 
The Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus summer program continues to inspire young people to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. The week-long program is visiting different Parishes each week and offering day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, as well as evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12. Three missionary teams are leading the campers. In the first two weeks, the program has taken place at six Parishes, with the most recent at St. Agnes in Naples. Upcoming host Parishes include: Ave Maria in Ave Maria and St. Jude in Sarasota (June 22-27); St. Cecilia, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; St. Thomas More, Sarasota (July 6-11); St. Joseph, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 13-18); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch; St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 20-25). Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at 
Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites the faithful to the Ordination to the Priesthood of Transitional Deacons Joseph Doherty, Jacob Gwynn and Pat Long. The Ordination will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this important event in the lives of Deacons Joseph, Jacob and Pat as well as the Diocese of Venice. The Ordination will also be livestreamed at the following link: 
The Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus summer program continues to inspire young people to long for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life. The week-long program is visiting different Parishes each week and offering day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, as well as evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12. Three missionary teams are leading the campers. In the first two weeks, the program has taken place at six Parishes, with the most recent at Sacred Heart in Bradenton, St. Katharine Drexel in Cape Coral and St. Paul in Arcadia. Upcoming host Parishes include: St. Agnes, Naples (June 15-20); Ave Maria in Ave Maria and St. Jude in Sarasota (June 22-27); St. Cecilia, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; St. Thomas More, Sarasota (July 6-11); St. Joseph, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 13-18); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch; St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 20-25). Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at 
Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The next gathering is June 19 and will feature a presentation from Father Christian Chami, Parochial Vicar at St. Jude Parish in Sarasota with the topic: “St. Charbel: Lessons in silence, faith and obedience.” The evening begins with food and refreshments at 7 p.m., with the presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning at 8 p.m. Please email Andres Prias at 
