Tag: retreat

Pregnancy resource network leaders meet

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Every year directors and staff of local pregnancy help centers, maternity homes and after-birth homes come together for a day to share and learn from one another.

The latest gathering, Heartbeat 2.0 Retreat, took place on Sept. 5, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice, and covered a wide variety of topics.

The retreat, hosted by the Diocese of Venice, included a presentation by Sara Johnson, from Florida Voters Against Extremism, on the ongoing fight to seek an end to abortion in Florida.

Johnson provided an update on the political landscape of Florida and the United States in the wake of the major 2024 ballot initiative. While Amendment 4, a proposed extreme amendment which would have catastrophically expanded access to abortion in Florida, went down to defeat, Johnson warned that the sentiments on abortion in Florida make the state vulnerable to more attempts to change the laws.

“The numbers are clear, 63% of Floridians think abortion should be legal,” Johnson said. “That is a huge number and makes Florida vulnerable. However, most Floridians think the Heartbeat Protection Act, the current law which prevents abortion after six weeks of gestation, with six exceptions, is reasonable and restrictive enough.”

While the Florida law does not eliminate access to abortion, it is a big step, Johnson stressed. The support behind expanding abortion access dumped $120 million into the Amendment 4 campaign and more money is being raised for ballot amendments in the coming election cycles, if not in 2026, but perhaps 2027 and more likely in 2028.

“It is a coordinated attack to enshrine this agenda of death,” Johnson said. “None of us believe abortion should be legislated or exist at all. Now is the opportunity to educate what it is we are trying to accomplish, that is saving the unborn.”

Pam Stenzel, from BrightCourse and Community Pregnancy Clinics, said the Florida law has many flaws and the perception of it has changed the way girls/women are approaching their decision to choose life or not.

“There is a 24-hour waiting period for getting an abortion, and that is the only time we have to connect with these girls,” Stenzel said. “If she calls one of the pregnancy resources centers (in the Diocese), someone has to be available to answer that inquiry within 15 minutes to answer the immediate need, or else she is gone.”

This reality exists because there is ready access to a chemical abortion through a pill prescription, which is not as regulated as a surgical abortion which takes place in a facility.

Stenzel spoke about a service that is available through Infinite Worth that links pregnancy resource centers to a nationwide response network which offers services through online or phone calls 24/7.

The final speaker was Karin Barbito from Support After Abortion. Because the majority of women and men who have experienced abortion want healing but don’t know where to go for help, Support After Abortion offers compassion and support for all of those impacted by abortion.

Barbito also spoke about Project Rachel, which offers retreats for women who have had an abortion, as well as Walking with Moms in Need, a U.S. Bishop’s program which operates at the Parish level, to increase support for pregnant and parenting mothers in need. It works to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic Church and be connected with the resources she needs.

For a list of the Pregnancy Resource Centers who support Walking with Moms in Need, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/pregnancyhelp/.

If you have any questions about Respect Life activities in the Diocese of Venice, or would like to get involved, contact Tavia Ames at 941-484-9543 or ames@dioceseofvenice.org.

News Briefs for the week of April 25, 2025

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Seeking Diocesan Totus Tuus Summer Camp Missionaries

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

 

Weekend bereavement retreat for parents in May

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

Ignatian Preached Silent Retreat in May

Father Greg Cleveland, OMV, will introduce the great themes of the Spiritual Exercises in a group setting during an Ignatian Preached Retreat, from May 9 to May 12, 2025. The schedule includes conferences each day, daily Mass, and an opportunity to meet at least once with the retreat director for Confession and/or spiritual direction. Conference topics center on Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment.  Register at www.olph-retreat.org and click on “Schedule of Events.”

 

Eucharistic Conference at Ave Maria May 16-18

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

 

Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13

The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13, 2025. The theme for the Conference is “But as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). The Conference will include talks from Sister Maria Jose Socias, SCTJM, Michael Gormley, Mari Pablo, and Father Joseph Lugalambi. Music will be by Epic Music Ministries. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, lodging, meals, t-shirts, a pizza night, and more. Registration is $195 per person. For more information or to register, please visit https://www.aveconferences.com/, or email aveconferences@gmail.com, or call 239-348-4735.

Catholic Culture focus of Diocesan educators

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The faculty and teachers of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools gathered for a retreat to focus on building a Catholic Culture at their respective schools.

The retreat was Sept. 13, 2024, at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, and led by Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education, and Jennifer Falestiny, Diocesan Curriculum Director.

The more than 610 teachers and faculty first gathered for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, during which Father Belmonte explained how “God has called you to your classroom, to your school, to do great work of Catholic education in the Diocese of Venice… Our Lord has given each of us the courage to live out this vocation, providing protection, peace and calm to hear His voice speaking in our hearts.”

Father Belmonte, in later presenting to the group, described Catholic School Culture as the vision, values, systems, language, expectations, behaviors, and beliefs that increase a school’s and Diocese’s chances of accomplishing the strategy of fulfilling its mission: to introduce the world to its Savior. The need to develop a strong Catholic culture is more important than ever as each Diocesan school has seen massive growth in the past four years to a record enrollment of 6,524 this academic year.

Falestiny and four Diocesan principals shared examples of how important building a Catholic Culture is in shaping the way the faculty, staff, students, parents, and the greater community view a school. Ensuring that everyone is focused on putting Christ first in deeds and in actions is critical to achieving this goal.

“It means building up the faith-life of the students and families with whom you will interact,” Falestiny said.

In addition to focusing on promoting a Catholic Culture in each classroom, Father Belmonte asked the educators to focus on the Gift of Christ: Courage. This is the strength given to each educator by the Lord to live out the mission of Catholic education in the Diocese of Venice, that is to introduce the Lord and Savior to the world.

“Aside from administration of sacraments, there is no better mission,” Father Belmonte said. “Take courage in doing what we do – to teach young people to live the. Support each other in this mission, that is to teach the Gospel in this world.”

By introducing students to Jesus, the Catholic educator leads people to discuss not only who Jesus is, but to discover who we are in relation to Him, so that we can answer the fundamental question of life for ourselves and for the students, Father concluded.

The educators also heard a presentation from the creators of the Hallow APP. This online application offers a variety of educational resources which focus on meditation and prayer and allows users to grow closer to the Lord. Diocesan Catholic schools will be given access to the application for use as part of an educational component of the company.

Bishop Verot welcomes largest freshman class

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Preserving the culture and traditions that make Bishop Verot Catholic High School a beacon of Catholic education in Fort Myers is important. The rapidly growing school lives by the mantra: “It’s Just Different Here!” The newest Bishop Verot students had an opportunity to see that mantra brought to life in an exciting Freshmen Retreat.

With a freshman class of 227, the largest ever at Verot, the retreat had to be modified to accommodate so many students while still maintaining the unique bonding experiences past retreats have offered. The freshmen boys stayed overnight on Aug. 21, 2024. The girls arrived on Aug. 22, after doing service work in the community. A joint mixer then took place before the boys left and the girls spent the night.

“The freshman retreat is a great experience for freshmen to get acclimated into the school,” said Camilla Motley, a senior retreat leader. “They meet new people and experience the Verot family to learn what we are all about.”

A key component of the annual retreat included participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

“Going to Mass really helps the students get adjusted to the faith life, because faith life is such a big part of Verot,” Camilla said.

The students also participated in a candlelight vigil in the school courtyard, where they heard inspirational talks and prayed together. This is when the students learn the alma mater, and the importance of the motto: “Non Exidet – We will not fail.”

Another tradition is going into the community to volunteer and perform service hours at locations such as the Calusa Nature Preserve, Children’s Advocacy Center, Community Cooperative Inc., Ronald McDonald House, Special Equestrians, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, and the VA Clinic.

Bobby Lecker, another senior retreat leader, explained how the freshmen were taught how “service is more the idea it is not about you and that the student’s mission is in God. It is to go out and help other people to provide to the community and to strengthen it through our service.”

For the freshmen, the retreat helped them to feel more welcome while also meeting many more people than they had in the first week of school. One freshman admitted that he barely spoke to anyone at school before the retreat, but now he feels more comfortable at Bishop Verot and talks with everyone.

Freshman Taylor Hoffman said she didn’t know what to expect attending Bishop Verot, but after meeting the senior leaders she felt everyone was very welcoming.

“The retreat makes us feel good about being freshmen and that we are actually getting welcomed into high school and that we are excited for the next four years of our lives,” Taylor said. “I kind of just hope to become part of the school culture. The seniors are definitely a big influence on that, and I look up to them as role models.”

The goal of the retreat is to incorporate the freshmen into the school and make them feel special and wanted at Bishop Verot, Camilla explained. “We try to invite them in and get them the new experiences so they can have the best experience possible.”

Small group discussions take place to allow each student to share their story and what they expect to get out of Bishop Verot. The retreat offers new experiences outside of the classroom while the new students are given advice to stay true to themselves.

Freshman Ethan Alexander left the retreat thankful to the senior leaders.

“It is awesome to be welcomed in to start the high school career,” Ethan said. At Bishop Verot, he aspires “to grow my faith in Jesus and to make friends who also love God how I do.”

Camilla said she hopes the big takeaway from the retreat is that the freshmen get new connections. “I think connections are an important thing at Verot so this can be the start of what can be an amazing four years.”

After learning about the culture and traditions of Bishop Verot, the 227 freshmen are certain to become an important part of the school’s culture and history.

The total enrollment is 893 and the freshman application process in now open for the 2025-2026 school year. To reserve a spot for the Freshman Placement Exam, please apply at bvhs.org/admissions/application-process.

Convocation invigorates seminarians – Many new faces discerning priesthood

Posted on by Bob Reddy

For three days each summer there is a gathering of men of different ages and backgrounds, each dedicated to a common goal – continuing their spiritual journey with a focus on becoming a Diocesan priest.

Some are in a seminary college formation program, while others are in advanced programs farther along in their journey, with potential Ordination to the Priesthood not too far off.

During the annual Diocese of Venice Seminarian Convocation at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice (July 22-24, 2024), the men spent time praying, reflecting on their choice of vocation, while also sharing their thoughts and their personal journey with others who are on the same path.

There are currently a total of 18 men discerning a call to the priesthood as a Diocese of Venice seminarian, a large number considering the size of the Diocese. Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the Diocese is blessed to have such a large group of seminarians and thanked the men for answering the called to discern a vocation to the priesthood.

Bishop Dewane celebrated a Mass for the seminarians on July 24. During the Mass, the Bishop encouraged the men to continue to hear the call to holiness of Our Lord in their prayers, while reflecting Christ in the life they live.

The Bishop also stressed the need to make progress both emotionally and spiritually as they progress in their studies and discernment,

“You need to progress from ‘I feel,’ to ‘I am convinced,” about the call of the Lord in your life,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is critical to know yourself – your strengths and weaknesses – to continue in your discernment. It is about looking at our own conscience and asking the Lord for the strength to live, to discern, to listen, and to look back and grow as a person, but more importantly in your faith so that you can look forward guided by the Lord.”

Bishop Dewane said the goal of the discernment process is not only to educate the men, but it is also to allow the time to slow their lives down and let the clutter go away so that they can clearly hear the call of the Lord. The way to do this is through becoming men of deep prayer.

“A meaningful prayer life is something that you will develop and will become a dominant aspect of your life,” Bishop Dewane concluded. “Let prayer help the seeds planted by the Lord grow within you. Just like the seeds in the field, it takes many things to grow, including the will and recognition of the grace of God in your life.”

The multi-day retreat occurs late in the summer as a time of prayer and reflection before each return to their respective seminary. During the three days, the seminarians were led by Father Alex Pince, Diocesan Vocations Director.

With the group assigned to four different seminaries, and with several beginning their vocation journey, the gathering is an opportunity for those early in their formation process to hear from those who are further along. This mentoring helps in building a bond amongst the group, aiding each to appreciate that the discernment process is not only accomplished in the classroom but through the entire experience in seminary, during Parish pastoral assignments, and in their personal life.

Seminarian Joseph Doherty, who attends Pontifical North American College in Rome, said it was inspiring to see the other men making progress while also seeing so many new faces.

“It is great to see that we have a large group of new men who are answering their call to a vocation to the priesthood,” Doherty said. He is scheduled to be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on Oct. 3 in Rome. This is a major milestone before priestly ordination.

A recent highlight for the seminarians was witnessing the June 8 Ordination to the Priesthood of Father Greg Dougherty, with many of the men present to help serve the Mass. This allowed the men to see one of their fellow seminarians reach a goal they are working to attain in the future.

Diocese of Venice Seminarians are supported through the Diocese Catholic Faith Appeal, the Knights of Columbus and the generosity of the faithful.

Parishioners from around the Diocese are encouraged to help support the seminarians in their studies and choice of vocations. To support a seminarian, send a check to the Diocese of Venice, Office of Vocations, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285.

For more information about the seminarians or Vocations, contact Father Alex Pince at pince@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543, or visit www.venicevocations.com.

The Diocese of Venice seminarians and their seminaries are as follows:

  • Transitional Deacon Jacob Gwynn, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton, Beach;
  • Transitional Deacon Patrick Long, St. John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, Massachusetts;
  • Ryan Arciero, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary;
  • Alexander Baugh, Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary;
  • Andres Cordero, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary;
  • Joseph Doherty, Pontifical North American College, Rome;
  • Nolan Fitzpatrick; St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary;
  • Terry Gastauer; Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary;
  • Jesse Gomez; St. John Vianney College Seminary, Miami;
  • Sebastian Harding; St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary;
  • Domenic Jahnke; St. John Vianney College Seminary;
  • Tobias Lopez, St. John Vianney College Seminary’
  • Patrick Mulhall, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary;
  • Brian (Bao) Nguyen, St. John XXIII National Seminary;
  • Doroteo Rodgriguez, St. John Vianney College Seminary;
  • Tam Tram, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary;
  • Alain Valdivia, St. John Vianney College Seminary;
  • Lam Vo, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary.

 

Prayer for Vocations

God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, religious, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help us respond generously and courageously to your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

More than 600 participate in NET retreats

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Dynamic, Parish-based encounters for middle and high school teens took place between Feb. 3 and Feb. 11, 2024, throughout the Diocese of Venice.

The NET Ministries (National Evangelization Teams) retreats, visiting seven Parish and one Diocesan Catholic school between Feb. 3 and Feb. 11, 2024, challenged young Catholics, through relational ministry, to hear about, respond to and live for Jesus Christ.

“An absolutely beautiful evening with our Lord!” St. Michael Parish in Wauchula posted to social media. “NET Ministries you did awesome. Keep praying for our youth! Keep giving them opportunities or they will never experience His Love or get to know Him. May God bless all of our youth all over the world.”

The Diocesan Office of Evangelization sponsored the retreats which cumulatively reached more than 600 middle and high school students. The goal was to inspire young people to form personal and profound relationships with Jesus Christ and His Church.

The theme of the retreats in early February was “True Presence,” building upon the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival. The Revival is an initiative of the U.S. Bishops to encourage a greater passion for the Most Holy Eucharist, the Source and Summit of the Catholic Faith. Most of the retreats included the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and when that was not possible due to time constraints, there was Eucharistic Adoration.

The Diocesan retreats took place at the following locations, St. Thomas More, Sarasota; St. Catherine, Sebring; St. Joseph the Worker, Moore Haven; St. Michael, Wauchula; Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; St. Paul, Arcadia; St. Agnes, Naples; and St. Joseph Catholic School, Bradenton. Several Parishes took the opportunity to use the NET visit as a Confirmation Retreat for youth.

The retreats included guided prayer time and a personal invitation to commit to Christ, as the NET members shared the message of God’s unending love for the youth. This was accomplished in small group discussions, games and activities, and live testimony presentations.

News Briefs for February 9, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Appointments

After broad consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:

Father Joseph Binu, appointed as Parochial Vicar of St. Agnes Parish, Naples, effective January 19, 2024, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Bradenton.

Father Benjamin Casimir, appointed as Administrator of Jesus the Worker Parish, Fort Myers, effective February 5, 2024, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples.

Order of Malta retreat

The Knights and Dames of Malta recently gathered in Naples for a retreat: a time of prayer, reflection and renewal. Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the opening Mass for the retreat at St. William Parish on Feb. 2, 2024, The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. During the Mass, the Bishop said that the message the Knights and Dames carry is one of preparing the way for the Lord. The Order of Malta is a lay religious order of the Catholic Church that seeks to glorify God by promoting the sanctification of each member through witness to the Catholic Faith and service to the sick and the poor. The retreat master was Msgr. Robert Dempsey of Chicago. The retreat is held ahead of Lent to help the Knights and Dames prepare spiritually for this important Liturgical Season.

Eucharistic Conference held at Ave Maria University

The Aquinas Center for Theological renewal and the Thomistic Institute hosted the “Thomas Aquinas and the Eucharist: Pathways to Revival” Conference from Feb. 1 to Feb. 3, 2024, at Ave Maria University. Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass for the Conference on Feb. 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, in the Ave Maria Parish Church. Bishop Dewane praised the Conference organizers and the attendees for taking time to focus on the Holy Eucharist during the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year revival of devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist created by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The conference drew upon Saint Thomas for theological, spiritual, pastoral, and evangelistic pathways in the Eucharistic Revival. Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Dewane was Archbishop Allen Vigneron, of Detroit, who was the conference keynote speaker.

40 Days for Life opens in Fort Myers, Sarasota and Naples

Show your support for life by simply praying for an end to abortion on the public sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood between Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, and March 24, 2024. For details and flier go to www.40daysforlife.com (add /sarasota or /fortmyers or /naples for a direct link to the location near you). Questions? Contact Jeanne at 941-374-1068 or Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org.

Theology on Tap Sarasota Feb. 15

Theology on Tap for young adults takes place on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Mandeville Beer Garden in Sarasota, 428 N. Lemon Ave, Sarasota. Join the gathering for food and refreshments, presentations, and discussions about the Catholic Faith. The next scheduled date is Feb. 15, 2024, and will feature Father Daniel Scanlan, Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota. The topic will be Lent. For any questions, please email Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Walk for the Poor Feb. 17 in Cape Coral

The St. Andrew Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is hosting its 3rd Annual “Walk for the Poor” on Saturday, Feb 17, 2024, in the campus of St. Andrew Parish and Catholic School, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. The event will begin at 10 a.m., and end at 1 p.m. The walk supports the outreach of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which answered 1,176 calls for assistance in 2023. Assistance includes food, transportation, clothing, household items, job resources, as well as financial support for prescriptions, housing and utilities. Anyone interested in walking or making a donation can visit https://go.rallyup.com/capesvdp, or contact Marlene Douglas at 239-772-3543.

Health Care Ethics Conference Feb. 17 in Bonita Springs

Medical professionals, students, and interested laypeople are invited to the first annual Converging Roads health care ethics conference on Feb. 17, 2024, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. This one-day conference will offer continuing education credits for health care professionals with presentations centered on the theme of Catholic Medicine in a Secular Society. For information, contact Carrie Harkey at harkey@dioceseofvenice.org, and to register, go to convergingroads.com/venice.

2024 Catholic Charities Ball Feb. 17 in Sarasota

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., invites all to the 2024 Catholic Charities Ball, 6 p.m., Feb. 17, 2024, at Michael’s On East Ballroom, 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota. The theme is “Serving All,” and supports the programs of Catholic Charities in Sarasota and Manatee counties. This year also marks the launch of the new Long-term Recovery Program, which is actively helping families still recovering from Hurricane Ian and other natural disasters. Tickets are $400 a person. The evening will include a cocktail hour, live and silent auctions, fine dining, dancing, and live entertainment. Register at http://bidpal.net/ccb2024. For more information, 941-376-7845 or email ccball@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

 

 

Retreat opens eyes of students

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A group of students from St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples put their classroom lessons to work when they participated in a weeklong Immokalee Service Retreat.

The group travelled about 40 minutes from their school to Immokalee, a short physical distance but the retreat was a long spiritual journey that surprised many in how deeply it impacted them.

Each of the 18 students, incoming-juniors and incoming-seniors, learned about the Collier County community that is home to many farms and food processing facilities and is also one of the poorest in the country.

Throughout the week of May 31-June 3, the students spent each day assisting at different outreach facilities, including Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities, Habitat for Humanity and others.

The service trip was organized and led by Sisters April Hoffman and April Cabaccang, Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, both of whom are on the faculty at St. John Neumann. To start the week, they prayed each student would gain a renewed sense of Christian Service from their experience. The theme for the week was based on a Gospel quote from 1 Peter 4:10 – “Each of you should use that gift you have to serve others.”

The enthusiasm of the students to put their Catholic Social Teaching to work was reflected in the effort and care they put into each task they were assigned.

When the week began, the students did not expect the retreat to have the deep emotional impact it had on them as most had never been to Immokalee or even heard of the plight of the people there.

Some admitted to participating in the retreat to earn service hours or because a friend was participating. But then, something changed. As the week progressed, the teens began to grow as Christians, shining the light of Christ in the community while also finding the face of the Lord in all whom they encountered.

Several expressed a greater appreciation for the gifts and opportunities they have in their everyday life and a desire to carry the lesson of service beyond the one week. St. John Neumann has several clubs which do service projects, many benefitting the programs of the poor in both Naples and Immokalee.

Each day included evening Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish by Father Inna (Ignatius) Reddy Yeruva, Missionary of Compassion, who works with Catholic Charities.

“God is granting you enlightenment,” Father Yeruva said of the retreat. “You are getting to see a world beyond St. John Neumann and your own homes. This is a gift you must embrace.”

The retreat also included daily prayer and reflection while staying at the Bethel Retreat Center. In addition, the evenings included games and guest speakers who offered words of encouragement. The first guest speaker was a Neumann alum who was on the same retreat several years earlier and shared how it had had a lasting impact on his life.

For example, when some of the students were assigned to count beans at the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen of Catholic Charities, the task seemed pointless, but the youth quickly learned that it was important to sort through the beans to ensure proper portion sizes and their helping lessened the work of the only paid employee of the Soup Kitchen.

Other students helped Pathways Early Childhood Center and learned that the lunch the children receive each day is likely the only food they will have access to all day. Then, while helping to paint and clean homes at a Habitat for Humanity project, the students met a future resident who expressed eternal gratitude for their work.

Sister April Hoffman said the week is much more than service hours earned and being with friends. “It is about developing a desire to serve others and that when we serve, we are serving Jesus in the people we encounter.”

For more information about St. John Neumann Catholic High School, please call 239-455-3044 or visit www.sjnceltics.org.

News briefs for week of June 15

Posted on by Bob Reddy

St. Jude Food Pantry open

The St. Jude  Parish Food Pantry is open and distributing food on Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:30-9:30 a.m. following all social distancing protocols. Please bring an ID and do not exit your vehicle. Volunteers will load cars.  Located at 3930 17th St., Sarasota, please call the food pantry at 941-955-3934 if you have any questions or visit https://www.stjudesarasota.com/info/st-jude-food-pantry-schedule, for updates.

Parish supports local charity

St. Agnes Parish in Naples has stepped up again to help the needy in the area. This time the Parish collected four pick-up truckloads of food and donated it to St. Matthew’s House, a program that provides innovative solutions to fight homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, and poverty in Collier County.

Food pantry open in Wauchula

St. Michael Parish in Wauchula is the home to a food pantry which has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 Pandemic response. To accommodate those who work, the food pantry is open each Saturday, 7–8:45 a.m., at the Parish 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula. If you need food at a different time or would like to support the efforts to assist the community, please call the Parish at 863-773-4089.

Foundation life-planning seminars to resume June 24

Due to the coronavirus, many Parishes in the Diocese of Venice had to postpone the Life Planning Seminars that were originally scheduled for this past spring.  In response to numerous requests, the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. has scheduled three virtual seminars featuring a local Catholic estate attorney, a local Catholic Financial Advisor and Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Foundation. These free seminars are open to anyone wishing to attend, no matter where they are currently located, whether here in Florida or back up north. All attendees will need to register ahead of time in order to join the meeting. The following registration links are unique to each seminar at https://ccfdioceseofvenice.org/home/upcoming-events/. For more information, please contact Michael Morse at 941-441-1124 or by email at Morse@dioceseofvenice.org.

Bradenton food pantry available

The St. Joseph Parish Food Pantry, 2704 33rd Ave. W., Bradenton, is open and distributing food from 9a.m. to noon Monday-Friday, and 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, following all social distancing protocols. New clients are welcome to register during regular pantry hours. Call 941-756-3732 if you have any questions or wish to make a donation of money or food. For more information on the St. Joseph Food Pantry go to https://www.stjoepantry.com/

Dispensation

While the celebration of public Mass resumed May 18, 2020, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announced that the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in effect until June 28, 2020 for those who are at greater risk or anxious about returning at this time. The Faithful ought not to worry about remaining home if they are concerned for their wellbeing or that of other parishioners. Of course, those who are sick or have symptoms associated with COVID-19 are to stay home.

Livestreaming

The Diocese of Venice Mass will continue livestream through the Diocese website and Facebook pages from the Catholic Center in Venice 9:15 a.m. daily so long as the dispensation to attend Mass remains.

Sunday Televised Mass

The Televised Mass for the Homebound is available throughout the Diocese each Sunday. In northern parts of the Diocese (Manatee, Highlands, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto and Charlotte counties) the Mass airs on television at 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Collier, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Charlotte counties) the Mass airs at 10:30 a.m., on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). This same Mass can be found on the Diocese of Venice website at any time during the week, www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass. Please check local listings for channel information.

Parish donations

During this challenging time in the life and mission of the Diocese of Venice, our Parishes face increased risk of financial shortfalls due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and its effects on everyday life. Parishes depend on weekly financial gifts to continue their ministries, especially in this critical time of crisis. The Diocese of Venice is providing an online platform and encourages the Faithful to support their Parish. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/parish-donations-online/ to donate to your Parish. The Faithful may also contribute through their usual channels (e.g., envelopes, and through the Parish online giving option). Together we will navigate through this crisis, provide assistance to those in need, and secure the road ahead for the Parishes within the Diocese of Venice.

Online Resources

A special coronavirus webpage is located on the Diocese of Venice website homepage at www.dioceseofvenice.org. Resources include links to the Mass, the prayer for Act of the Spiritual Communion, videos of the Stations of the Cross, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Pray the Rosary. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website, www.usccb.org, also posts the daily Mass readings.

Year of Saint Joseph

On the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, March 19, 2020, Bishop Frank J. Dewane consecrated the Diocese of Venice to the care and protection of Saint Joseph in the context of the Coronavirus. The Bishop announced a “Year of Saint Joseph” beginning March 19, 2020 through March 19, 2021. Saint Joseph, often referred to as the Protector, can be our protector during this time of the pandemic. To pray a Novena to Saint Joseph please visit the Year of Saint Joseph webpage at www.dioceseofvenice.org.

 

 

Online Directed Retreats

During the current health crisis, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is offering online 3-day, 5-day, and 8-day retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. In these online retreats, Father Mark Yavarone, OMV, or Father Lino Estradilla, OMV, trained spiritual directors, will meet with you for an hour each day via a link provided to you, to help you to pray and to recognize how God is speaking to you. A Bible and journal should be available for your use. Participants will be emailed any additional materials needed as the retreat unfolds. The cost is as follows: 3-day online retreat, $132.23; 5-day online retreat, $203.98; and 8-day online retreat, $306.48. All information will be confidential, and password protected. If you would like to participate in an online retreat, please email Denise Riley at riley@olph-retreat.org and a code will be provided for your online registration as well as an application. For planning purposes, please allow 7 days from your completed application until the beginning of your retreat.

News briefs for the week of May 25 2020

Posted on by Bob Reddy

An act of kindness

Representatives from Children First Inc., a childcare provider, recently visited Our Mother’s House, a program of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc., with a chicken dinner for each mother from Paradise Grill. The mothers were so grateful for their generosity! Our Mother’s House in Venice provides housing and support for mothers and their children who would otherwise be homeless.

Catholic Charities Responds to Pandemic

If you need help

If you need assistance from Catholic Charities for food, financial assistance or tele-mental health counseling, please call the number for your area listed below 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday:

  • Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands counties: 844-385-2407,
  • Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades counties: 844-385-2423,
  • Collier County: 844-385-2404.

Food distribution

Catholic Charities food distribution will take place only at the following times and locations. Please call the regional number for more information.

  • Mondays and Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m., Guadalupe Social Services, 211 S. 9th St., Immokalee;
  • Tuesdays, 9-11:30 a.m., Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, 3174 Tamiami Trail E., Naples;
  • Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, St. Margaret Parish, 208 Dean Duff St., Clewiston;
  • Fridays, 9-11 a.m., St. Leo the Great Parish, 28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs;
  • Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon, Elizabeth K. Galeana Pantry, 4235 Michigan Avenue Link, Fort Myers;
  • 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Paul Parish, 1208 E. Oak St. Arcadia;
  • Saturdays, 7–8:45 a.m., St. Michael Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula.

How to Help

Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. is in urgent need of your financial support during its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate or send a check to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc., 5824 Bee Ridge Road, PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.

Online Prayer Resources and Live Mass

A special coronavirus webpage is located on the Diocese of Venice website homepage at www.dioceseofvenice.org.

Resources include links to the Mass, the prayer for Act of the Spiritual Communion, videos of the Stations of the Cross, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Pray the Rosary by following the links for the Diocese response to Coronavirus included on the Diocese homepage. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website, www.usccb.org, also posts the daily Mass readings.

While the celebration of public Mass has resumed (effective May 18, 2020), Bishop Frank J. Dewane announced that for those who are at greater risk or anxious about returning at this time, that the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in effect until June 28, 2020. The Faithful ought not to worry about remaining home if they are concerned for their wellbeing or that of other parishioners. Of course, those who are sick or have symptoms associated with COVID-19 are to stay home.

While Parishes have been asked to continue live streaming until the dispensation is lifted, the Diocese of Venice Mass live stream will continue from the Catholic Center in Venice 9:15 a.m. daily through June 28, 2020, and is available through the Diocese website and Facebook pages.

In addition, the Televised Mass for the Homebound is available throughout the Diocese each Sunday. In northern parts of the Diocese (Manatee, Highlands, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto and Charlotte counties) the Mass airs on television at 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Collier, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Charlotte counties) the Mass airs at 10:30 a.m., on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). This same Mass can be found on the Diocese of Venice website at any time during the week, www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass. Please check local listings for channel information.

Parish donations

During this challenging time in the life and mission of the Diocese of Venice, our Parishes face increased risk of financial shortfalls due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its effects on everyday life. Parishes depend on weekly financial gifts to continue their ministries, especially in this critical time of crisis.

The Diocese of Venice is providing an online platform and encourages the Faithful to support their Parish. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/parish-donations-online/ to donate to your Parish.

The Faithful may also contribute through their usual channels (e.g., envelopes, and through the Parish online giving option). Together we will navigate through this crisis, provide assistance to those in need, and secure the road ahead for the Parishes within the Diocese of Venice.

Please continue to pray for the repose of those who have died, for the recovery of those who are sick, for the strength of healthcare workers and caregivers, as well as for an end to this health crisis. Thank you for your generosity.

Act of Spiritual Communion

It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion means uniting one’s self in prayer with Christ’s sacrifice and worshiping Him in His Body and Blood.

The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass, as is the case during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.

For all who will not be able to receive the Holy Eucharist in person, consider this special prayer, an Act of Spiritual Communion:

My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.

Year of St. Joseph

On the Solemnity of St. Joseph, March 19, 2020, Bishop Frank J. Dewane consecrated the Diocese of Venice to the care and protection of St. Joseph in the context of the coronavirus. The Bishop announced a “Year of St. Joseph” beginning March 19, 2020 through March 19, 2021. St. Joseph, often referred to as the Protector, can be our protector during this time of the pandemic. To pray a Novena to St. Joseph please visit the Year of St. Joseph webpage at www.dioceseofvenice.org.

Online Preached Retreats

During the current health crisis, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is offering online 3-day, 5-day, and 8-day retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. In these online retreats, Father Mark Yavarone, OMV, or Father Lino Estradilla, OMV, trained spiritual directors, will meet with you for an hour each day via a link provided to you, to help you to pray and to recognize how God is speaking to you. A Bible and journal should be available for your use. Participants will be emailed any additional materials needed as the retreat unfolds. The cost is as follows: 3-day online retreat, $132.23; 5-day online retreat, $203.98; and 8-day online retreat, $306.48. All information will be confidential, and password protected. If you would like to participate in an online retreat, please email Denise Riley at riley@olph-retreat.org and a code will be provided for your online registration as well as an application. For planning purposes, please allow 7 days from your completed application until the beginning of your retreat.

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