Tag: schools

Thanksgiving across the Diocese 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The idea of giving thanks, knowing that we are here because of gifts given to us by God, is at the core of what Thanksgiving is all about.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane described the holiday this way while celebrating Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch on Nov. 28, 2024.

As hard as we try, Bishop Dewane added, “being who God called us to be is difficult, and we will fail along the way. But, the Bible records the wonderful gifts of God, which we can find within ourselves and in others who are all made in the image and likeness of God.”

The Gospel reading of the day (Luke 17:11-19) was the parable of the 10 lepers, when only one returned to thank Jesus upon being cured of the debilitating illness. Jesus asks where the other nine were. Bishop Dewane stressed how we are all among the missing nine at certain points in our life, but we must always strive to be among the ones who return.

“By your presence at Mass on Thanksgiving, you are counted among those who returned to Jesus, just as you came to give thanks to God today. Know the Lord sees the goodness in you and thanks you,” Bishop Dewane said.

Meanwhile, Bishop Dewane went from the Mass in Lakewood Ranch to take part in a free community Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Victory Council 3358 at their Hall on Fruitville Road in Sarasota.

The Knights delivered more than 200 meals to the elderly and homebound and then served hundreds more meals to those who needed a hot meal or didn’t have anywhere to go for the holiday. Guests were also encouraged to take meals home. Those meals included turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, cranberry sauce, roll, and pumpkin or apple pie with whipped cream.

Bishop Dewane offered the opening prayer for the Knights and other volunteers before the dining room was opened. Then, the Bishop took his traditional spot in charge of serving the corn on a buffet line in the dining room and assisted with the mashed potatoes and gravy as needed. The dining format was a change from previous years of table service which allowed guests to opt in or out on their favorite foods and return for seconds.

Being grateful for what they have was a strong theme during Traditional Thanksgiving activities throughout the Diocese of Venice.

Multiple faiths on Longboat Key came together for the 44th annual interreligious Thanksgiving Worship Service on Nov. 19. Included was Father Robert Dziedziak. Pastor of Our Lady, Star of the Sea Parish. The service and gathering took on a special meaning of healing for the island community which was inundated by storm surge and devastated during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

At several locations throughout the Diocese, turkey giveaways were common. Catholic Charities volunteers provided a hot holiday meal to the homeless on Nov. 26, at the Judy Sullivan Family resource Center in Naples.

At St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, Pastor Father Gerard Critch started the Parish Thanksgiving dinner more than 10 years ago to ensure “no one will spend Thanksgiving alone.” Following a trilingual Mass (English, Spanish, Creole), the annual dinner served hundreds.

For those watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, 14 senior cheerleaders from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers were part of the Spirit of America cheer team. This was the 10th year in a row a group of cheerleaders from Bishop Verot has received this high honor.

Ahead of the Thanksgiving break, young students at several Diocesan Catholic schools had the opportunity to participate in their own local “Macy’s” parade, with the youngest students dressing up as characters and carrying balloons with some creating floats.

First grade students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton recently used their math skills to complete Thanksgiving themed STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and math) games and worksheets. One of the activities included measuring how tall they were compared to the average turkey.

Another holiday tradition takes place at Bishop Verot Catholic High School. Coach Mike Gill’s talented woodshop students crafted wooden turkeys, hand-made treasures for their families that are not only a test of skill but a festive addition to any holiday table. Many alumni of Verot still display their wooden turkey from decades ago.

Gratitude for the many blessings enjoyed by the Diocese of Venice was widespread, and heartfelt!

Mooney football falls in the State Semifinals

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The dreams of another state championship for Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Cougar Football Team from Sarasota came to an end with a Florida State High School Athletic Association 2A State Semifinal home loss on Dec. 6, 2024.

The Cougars who were 2023 Florida State High School Athletic Association 1S State Champs, fell 31-21 to Cocoa High School from Brevard County. Cocoa has a high-powered offense and is heading to its fourth consecutive appearance in the state championship game.

The home crowd continued to cheer for the team, even after the loss, for the many achievements the players and coaches had reached, even if they were short of their ultimate goal of winning another title. The team finished the season with a 12-1 record and had an 18-game overall winning streak, including the state title, dating to September 2023. Previously, Cougar football teams only made it this far in the playoffs a few times, earning a state title in 1972 and the semifinals in 2006.

Although the season ended in disappointment, reaching the State Semifinals is no small accomplishment. What made the run more impressive was that many from the 2023 state championship had graduated and this current team was led all year by a strong defense and dynamic offense filled with underclassmen.

The Cougar offense was led by junior quarterback Devin Mignery and sophomore running back Connail Jackson. Jackson rushed for an average of 128.8 yards per game for a total of 1,545 yards. He finished the season with 29 total touchdowns.

To make the State Semifinal game, Cardinal Mooney defeated archrival Bishop Verot Catholic High School of Fort Myers on Nov. 29, 2024, in Sarasota, the day after Thanksgiving in the Class 2A-Region 3 championship. Both teams held Thanksgiving Day public workouts on their home field ahead of the rivalry game.

Cardinal Mooney took the game 35-14 even though Cougar running back Jackson left the game with an injury in the first quarter. Mooney also beat Verot 49-28 during the regular season in September and leads the overall series 24-22.

With many young players returning for 2025 season, the Cougar Football Team has a bright future ahead. Congratulations on a great 2024 season!

News Briefs for the week of December 13, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Florida Bishops hold retreat in Venice

The Bishops of Florida held an Advent Retreat at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice in early December. The retreat spanned to include the observance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Dec. 9, 2024. (The celebration of the Solemnity was transferred to Dec. 9 from Dec. 8 to not interfere with the Second Sunday of Advent.)

Seminarian instituted into Ministry of Lector

Diocese of Venice Seminarian Bao Quoc Nguyen was among six who were instituted into the Ministry of Lector by the Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia, Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse, on December 4, 2024, at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Those who are in formation to be ordained as Catholic priests must serve in the Ministry of Lector. This role prepares them to proclaim the Word of God through their work in the community and through the celebration of Mass and other liturgical rites. The principal duties of the lector at a Sunday Mass are to proclaim the first and second readings. In the absence of a deacon and/or cantor, the lector may carry the Gospel Book to the altar, proclaim the petitions for the Universal Prayer, and lead the responsorial psalm.

Bishop helps Parish celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the principal celebrant for a Mass at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia. The Mass included prayers, petitions and music in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A full celebration of the Feast Day, which is Dec. 12, followed and included traditional dancers and music as well as food. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas and is an important symbol of the Catholic faith, particularly among Catholics of Hispanic descent. Large celebrations take place at Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice for this Feast Day each year. Please read the Dec. 20 e-edition of the Florida Catholic for full coverage of the local Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations.

Street Evangelization training takes place in Cape Coral

The latest offering of the St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) Training took place on Dec. 7, 2024, at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral. Adam Janke, Vice-President of SPSE was the presenter, offering guidance on how to share the faith in the public square.  Following the classroom training, participants were offered the opportunity to use what they learned in a Live Lab at the Coralwood Shopping Plaza in Cape Coral to gain practical, hands-on experience in real street evangelization.  There were 27 people in attendance at the all-day training and many participated in the Live Lab.

Bradenton robotics team participates in large competition

Three robotics teams from St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton have been busy building machines and learning how to implement new code for competitions. On Dec. 7, 2024, they had an opportunity to test their skills at a local FIRST Robotics Event at the State College of Florida. The teammates had a great time learning together, and with every attempt to run their programs, they showed improvement.

Sarasota Catholic School awarded $10,000 grant

St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support the implementation of a donor database. The grant was provided by the George J. & Alice Pugh Donor Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Implementing a donor database at St. Martha Catholic School will streamline the management of donor information, allowing the school to efficiently track contributions and target outreach efforts. This system will be instrumental in securing the necessary funds to provide educational opportunities and financial assistance to students in our community who need it most. For more information about St. Martha Catholic School, please visit www.stmarthaschool.net.

 

News Briefs for the week of November 29, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Schools Masses celebrated in Sarasota

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass for students at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota on Nov. 20, 2024, and Incarnation Catholic School in Sarasota on Nov. 21. These were the latest in a series of Masses Bishop Dewane celebrates at each of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools during the first semester of the academic year.

Religious Brother dies

Brother Peter Scott Nault, CSC (Brothers of Holy Cross), who served in the Diocese of Venice for 33 years, died Nov. 21, 2024. He was 78. Born in Marquette, Michigan, Brother Peter entered the novitiate of the Brothers of Holy Cross in 1963, professing first vows in 1964 and making perpetual profession on April 17, 1971. He obtained a degree from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, and did graduate work at both the University of Notre Dame and Cleveland State University. Bother Peter taught at Catholic schools in both Ohio and Illinois. For the Diocese of Venice, Brother Peter served as the Assistant Treasurer and Director of Stewardship from 1986-1993, and then beginning in 1993 he worked at Epiphany Cathedral in a variety of roles, including as business manager, until his retirement in 2019. A Mass of Christan Burial was celebrated Nov. 25, 2024, at Epiphany Cathedral.

Cardinal Mooney and Bishop Verot to face each other in regional football final

The football rivalry between Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota and Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers will be on display when the two teams meet for the Class 2A-Region 3 final on Nov. 29, 2024, at Cardinal Mooney. Mooney, the defending 2A State Champs, beat Bishop Verot 49-28 in September and are 11-0 on the season. Verot is 9-3 but are considered one of the top teams in the region. Mooney leads the all-time series 23-22.

Students learn coding skills

Fourth grade students at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples showed off their creativity and coding skills in the classroom on Nov. 22, 2024. The students were tasked with programming robots to successfully navigate a parade route. Once their coding was fine-tuned, the students then designed costumes for their robot companions to wear during the parade.

Diocese of Venice Street Evangelization Training Session Dec. 7

A Basic Evangelization Training session that was postponed due to the hurricane has been rescheduled to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 7, 2024, at St. Andrew Catholic School, 1509 SE 27th St., Cape Coral, and will be offered in both English and Spanish. Pope Francis stated that it is the responsibility of every Catholic to share their faith. Representatives from St. Paul Street Evangelization will lead the training. The cost is $25, and includes a light breakfast and lunch as well as all materials, including the handout book and evangelization supplies. Registration is required online at http://stpaulse.com/venice. For additional information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-484-4754, or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org. NOTE: A second traing session scheduled for Dec. 8 has been postponed and will be rescheduled.

Holiday Bereavement Outreach coming to Naples and Venice in early December

The “There is Hope – Surviving the Holidays” bereavement outreach is being offered by the Office of Family Life from 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 3, 2024, at St. Agnes Parish, Parish Center, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, and again 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 6, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Education Center, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Deacon Henry deMena will offer guidance for loved ones who are trying to cope with loss during the holidays. Suggestions will be offered on how to get through the holidays, such as early planning for any activities to help avoid surprises, making sure not to pretend that everything is the same or fine, or to not talk about the loved one, as this can be more painful for the bereaved. No registration is required. For details, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Tee-Up Fore Kids! Fundraiser Dec. 5 in Fort Myers

Support Catholic Charities’ Children’s Center (formerly AFCAAM Center) serving children in the Dunbar Community of Fort Myers during a golf tournament. The Tee-Up Fore Kids! is Dec. 5, 2024, from 6-9 p.m. at Topgolf, 2021 Top Golf Way, Fort Myers. Tickets are $165 per player and $300 for two players and includes golf, food, drinks, raffles, and entertainment. To reserve your spot or for more information, call 239-344-4007, email, TeeUp4kids@ccdov.org or visit catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Faith & Wine Lee County Dec. 5

Faith & Wine Lee County will have its first gathering of the season at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is Judy Hehr, and the title of her talk is, “It’s never too late to be (bankrupt, homeless, drug addicted, a drop out) …or who God created you to be.” Tickets are $28 and include a three-course dinner with wine followed by the presentation and the opportunity to connect with other faith-based women. For more information and to register online please visit faithandwineleecounty.com.

“There is Hope” Bereavement Outreach Training

The Office of Family Life is hosting a Bereavement training focusing on training parish bereavement volunteers and those who speak with the bereaved. Deacon Henry deMena will lead the training. Deacon deMena holds a master’s degree in counseling and has extensive training and experience in Bereavement. The sessions will be held Dec. 4 and 5, 2024, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 144 Spear St., Port Charlotte. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival in Port Charlotte on Dec. 7

Join St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish and Catholic School for an unforgettable day filled with Mexican-inspired food, beer, activities, and more during their Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 7, 2024. The school is located at 21505 Augusta Ave, Port Charlotte. For more information visit www.stcbs.org/festival or contact Alicia Castello at 941-625-5533 ext. 213.

Blessed Carlo Acutis relic now at Cathedral

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Epiphany Cathedral in Venice has secured a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint.

Blessed Carlo Acutis was a young Italian teenager with a deep love for the Eucharist and an inspiring faith in God. Blessed Carlo was born in 1991 and dedicated his short life to spreading the devotion to the Eucharist, which he called the “highway to heaven.” Known for his exceptional skill with computers, Blessed Carlo created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world, using technology as a way to share his faith. He died from leukemia in 2006 when he was only 15.

The relic was obtained by Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Rector of Epiphany Cathedral, while he was on retreat in October and had the opportunity to pray at the Shrine of the Renunciation in Assisi, Italy, where Carlo Acutis’ body is permanently exposed.

“While there, I visited the Chancery and, as a means to continue in some way the Bishop Conference’s outreach last year for a greater Eucharistic Revival, and also, so as to enable our parishioners, our school children, and indeed, all the faithful who would visit Epiphany, I asked if our Cathedral in Venice could be given a first class relic of the soon to be canonized, Blessed Carlo Acutis,” Msgr. Dubois stated.

Thanks to the kindness and support of Most Reverend Domenico Sorrentino, the Archbishop of Assisi, the request was immediately granted, and Msgr. Dubois was elated to bring back with him the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane formally welcomed the relic to the Cathedral during a prayer service following a Mass for students at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School on Nov. 5, 2024.

“Blessed Carlo Acutis spent his whole life devoted to Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.  He understood his invitation to the Banquet of the Lord,” Bishop Dewane said. “He always kept Christ at the center of his life. He never forgot that invitation he had to the Banquet that Christ prepares for all of us. Despite his illness, he didn’t ask to be excused from going to church for Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, or prayers. He heard those excuses of people who weren’t there at the Banquet and he kept his word to Jesus. You and I are called to do the same. Called to remember; called to pray; called to come to the Mass – the Eucharistic celebration – and to love God and love our neighbor.”

As part of the prayer service, Bishop Dewane incensed the relic and led the students in prayer for the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis

“A relic is a representation of the individual and reminds us that we have to follow the example of these young men and women who have become or are on a journey to become saints. We have to strive to do that in our own lives,” Bishop Dewane continued.” You might think that’s pretty severe. It is not. It is doing what the Lord asks us to do.”

In a decree on May 23, Pope Francis approved a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis, paving the way for him to become the first millennial saint. The recognition of the second miracle attributed to Acutis’ intercession means he will be canonized during Jubilee of Youth Festival on April 27, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, which is part of the larger Jubilee Year.

While housed in the temporary church being used while Epiphany Cathedral is being renovated, the relic was put on display during the 2024 Diocese of Venice Youth Rally on Nov. 16, in Punta Gorda. The relic, in its reliquary and travelling case, was appropriately placed in the temporary Adoration Chapel set up for the Youth Rally.

Relics

Relics are usually broken down into three classes. First-class relics are the body or fragments of the body of a Saint. The Blessed Carlo Acutis relic is in this category. Second-class relics are something that personally belonged to a Saint such as a shirt, prayer card, sacred vessel or vestment, or book (or fragments of those items). Third-class relics are items that a Saint touched or that have been touched to a first- or second-class relic of a Saint. Sacred Scripture teaches that God can act through relics, especially in terms of healing and intercession.

Most Catholic church altars are embedded with relics. Many Parish churches host additional relics for veneration.

Reverencing the saints through the use of relics is not a required devotion of the Catholic Church but does reflect the Church’s belief that the saints in Heaven continue to intercede for us in response to our prayers. However, veneration of the saints through their relics — along with praying the rosary, wearing medals and going on pilgrimages — should not be misconstrued as adoration or worship, which are due to God alone according to the Church.

Diocesan Catholic high schools shine at States – Verot cross country State Champs

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The following is a recap of sports achievements by athletes of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Venice:

Bishop Verot runners take state title

For the first time in history, the Bishop Verot Catholic High School boy’s cross country team won a FSHAA 2A State Championship on Nov. 15, 2024, at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.

The Viking boys from Fort Myers dethroned the four-time defending state champions with the top five Verot runners combining their time of 1:22:07.50, to earn 65 points, 18.5 seconds faster than The Bolles School of Jacksonville, a state powerhouse in cross country.

The top Verot runner was Andrew Marino, a senior who took bronze with a time 15:59.5. Also making the podium was Zachary Zielke, another senior who finished in 5th place with a time of 16:03.5. Their fellow senior teammates also did great: Dennis Olsen, 10th place, Zachary Engle, 19th, and Rafael Casillas, 39th. The future of the Verot cross country team also did well with junior Thomas Eichten finishing 79th, and freshman Christian Ginart, placing 174th among 233 competitors.

On the girls side, the Bishop Verot team placed 25th overall out of 32 teams. Senior Mackenzie de Lisle, placed 5th, with a time of 18:37. Mackenzie was the individual regional champion and finished second in the same event in 2023. Other runners on the regional championship Verot team who qualified for the state competition were Caroline Muddell, Jocelyn Sweeney, Lea Scotti, Zoe McCurry, Lana Schmidt, and Gianna Gyurich.

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School cross country senior runner Paul Svilokos from Sarasota qualified for the State Championship and finished 36th.

In the 1A cross country championships, the girls’ team at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples finished 21st overall, while the team from Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria finished 22nd out of 32 teams. The top Donahue runner was senior Isabelle Meyer who placed 25th overall, while the top Neumann runner was senior Emma Collins who finished 78th overall.

Cardinal Mooney swimmers excel at States

In the FSHAA 1A swimming state championships on Nov. 16 at FAST in Ocala, Cardinal Mooney High School swimmers made a splash, capping off a successful season filled with shattered school records, numerous personal best times, nine swimmers advancing to the state level, and remarkable team spirit, competing against the top athletes in the state.

The Mooney boys’ team finished 12th overall out of 46 teams, while the girls finished 31st out of 44 teams.

In the relay events, the Boys 200-Yard Medley Relay team brought home a podium spot, placing 8th (Jack Gilliam, Daniel Krajewski, Turner Mitten, and Michael Navarro-Lenza). The Girls 200-Yard Medley Relay team finished in 16th place (Sofia Krajewski, Iza Lesniewska, Kiley Renick, and Noelle Troiano). Both relay teams broke school records, etching their names into the CMHS history books.

Individually, Daniel Krajewski earned an impressive 6th-place podium finish in both the 200-Yard Individual Medley (IM) and the 100-Yard Breaststroke. Turner Mitten finished 9th in the 500-Yard Freestyle, and 22nd in the 200-Yard Freestyle.

Sofia Krajewski showcased her versatility and determination with impressive performances in her freshman year, earning 12th in the 100-Yard Backstroke and 14th place in the 200-Yard Freestyle. Other notable performances included Iza Lesniewska, who placed 22nd in both the 50-Yard Freestyle and 100-Yard Freestyle, and Michael Navarro-Lenza, who took 22nd in the 100-Yard Butterfly.

Congratulations to all these athletes for qualifying for the State Championships and their overall performance this season!

Angels Devotional Project coming to Diocesan schools

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Each year, one of the initiatives of the Diocese of Venice Department of Education is the development of the devotional and prayer lives of its students through a Diocesan-wide devotional project.

For 2024-2025 the project is about Angels, which focuses on teaching the more than 6,520 Diocesan Catholic school students about Angels and their importance in Salvation History, all in a continued effort to help each student grow closer to Jesus Christ. The underlying theme for the devotional project is from the Litany of the Holy Guardian Angel: “Instruct me in the duties and truth of Salvation.”

The focus on the devotion to the Angels is supported by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who has encouraged the devotional project since its inception in the 2020-2021 academic year.

Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, and Jennifer Falestiny, Diocesan Curriculum Director, conducted a Junior Catechist Training session on Nov 13, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice. This brought together selected eighth grade leaders from each of the Diocese’s 12 elementary schools. These Junior Catechists will in turn go into the classroom to teach their younger schoolmates about the Angels, Guardian Angels and Archangels, and how to grow closer to the Lord.

“Angels experience a profound connection with God through an intimate, constant awareness of His presence, characterized by an overwhelming sense of awe, love, and absolute devotion,” Father Belmonte said. “We are all called to answer the invitation of the Lord in our hearts. The Angels are there to support us in this endeavor. In the coming months, these Junior Catechists will be spreading the message of this devotion across the Diocese.”

Falestiny explained that the whole basis for the devotional project can be found in Pslam 91:11: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

To emphasize this point, each student in Diocesan elementary schools will receive a pin. The pins are formed in the shape of a shield with a sword held by angel’s wings at the center. At the top reads, “Angel Guard.” Around the base of the shield, it reads: “Protect Me Guardian Angel with the Armor of God.”

Before the training began, Father Belmonte led the Junior Catechists in praying the Litany of the Holy Guardian Angel, something he encouraged the eighth-grade leaders to pray regularly.

The Junior Catechists training focused on the tools each will use to teach their classmates the fundamentals about Angels. Lessons are differentiated by grade level and based on the Bible and Catechism of the Catholic Church.

“Each of these lessons is customized to make Angels cool and interesting for everyone, even the eighth graders,” Falestiny said. The lesson begins by asking the fundamental question – ‘What are Angels?’ A kindergartener might only know them as little babies, the cherubs, but Angels come in all sizes, and everyone has their own Guardian Angel.”

Students in grades 3-5 will delve deeply into the theology and teaching on Angels, while the older students will go further, integrating the lesson with a STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math) project that will allow the students to visually represent the “Nine Choirs of Angels” (Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Archangels, Principalities, and Angels).

A key tool in the project is the book “How the Angels Got Their Wings,” by Anthony DeStefano. This is an illustrated, entertaining and biblically correct and theologically orthodox introduction to Angels, which Falestiny said will be read by the Junior Catechists in each classroom they visit.

Several teachers were present for the Junior Catechist Training and each school was also provided additional digital resources, including suggested devotional projects and lesson plans to reinforce what the Junior Catechists will teach.

As in previous years, the devotional project will include an art competition. Students will be encouraged to produce artwork based on our Catholic artistic tradition around the Angels. The Junior Catechists and art contest winners will gather in the spring for a Mass and reception.

This is the fifth year Diocesan Catholic schools have participated in a devotional project, with 2023-2024 focused on the Most Holy Rosary, 2022-2023 on the Most Holy Eucharist, 2021-2022 on the Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Saints, and 2020-2021 on St. Joseph.

News briefs for the week of November 22, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop celebrates Mass for students in Fort Myers and Bradenton

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Mass for the students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers on Nov. 15, 2024. The Mass was celebrated in the neighboring St. Cecilia Parish church to accommodate all of the students and faculty. Bishop Dewane also celebrated Mass for students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton on Nov. 19. These were the latest in a series of Masses Bishop Dewane celebrates at each of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools during the first semester of the academic year.

Students welcome Bishop to early Thanksgiving luncheon

The students at St. Mary Academy in Sarasota welcomed Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an early Thanksgiving luncheon on Nov. 19, 2024. Students, faculty and guests were treated to a choice of turkey with all the trimmings, ham, and pie. Bishop Dewane led everyone in prayer before the meal.

Holiday Bereavement Outreach coming to Naples and Venice in early December

The “There is Hope – Surviving the Holidays” bereavement outreach is being offered by the Office of Family Life from 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 3, 2024, at St. Agnes Parish, Parish Center, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, and again 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 6, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Education Center, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Deacon Henry deMena will offer guidance for loved ones who are trying to cope with loss during the holidays, including suggestions on how to get through the holidays, such as early planning for any activities to help avoid surprises, making sure not to pretend that everything is the same or fine, or to not talk about the loved one, as this can be more painful for the bereaved. No registration is required. For details, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Tee-Up Fore Kids! Fundraiser Dec. 5 in Fort Myers

Support Catholic Charities’ Children’s Center (formerly AFCAAM Center) serving children in the Dunbar Community of Fort Myers during a golf tournament. The Tee-Up Fore Kids! is Dec. 5, 2024, from 6-9 p.m. at Topgolf, 2021 Top Golf Way, Fort Myers. Tickets are $165 per player and $300 for two players and includes golf, food, drinks, raffles, and entertainment. To reserve your spot or for more information, call 239-344-4007, email, TeeUp4kids@ccdov.org or visit catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Faith & Wine Lee County Dec. 5

The Faith & Wine Lee County will have its first gathering of the season at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is Judy Hehr, and the title of her talk is, “It’s never too late to be (bankrupt, homeless, drug addicted, a drop out) …or who God created you to be.” Tickets are $28 and include a three-course dinner with wine followed by the presentation and the opportunity to connect with other faith-based women. For more information and to register online please visit faithandwineleecounty.com.

“There is Hope” Bereavement Outreach Training

The Office of Family Life is hosting a Bereavement training focusing on training parish bereavement volunteers and those who speak with the bereaved. Deacon Henry deMena will lead the training. Deacon deMena holds a master’s degree in counseling and has extensive training and experience in Bereavement. The sessions will be held Dec. 4 and 5, 2024, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 144 Spear St., Port Charlotte. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Diocese of Venice Street Evangelization Training Sessions Dec. 7-8

The Basic Evangelization Training sessions that were postponed due to the hurricane have been rescheduled to December 7 and 8 and will be offered in both English and Spanish. Pope Francis stated that it is the responsibility of every Catholic to share their faith. Representatives from St. Paul Street Evangelization will lead the training in two locations on two consecutive days to provide ample opportunity to attend. Choose either 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 7, 2024, at St. Andrew Catholic School, 1509 SE 27th St., Cape Coral, or you can opt to attend 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 8, at St. Paul Parish Hall, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia. The training is $25, and this covers a light breakfast and lunch as well as all materials, including the handout book and evangelization supplies. Registration is required online at http://stpaulse.com/venice. For additional information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-484-4754, or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival in Port Charlotte on Dec. 7

Join St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish and Catholic School for an unforgettable day filled with Mexican-inspired food, beer, activities, and more during their Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 7, 2024. The school is located at 21505 Augusta Ave, Port Charlotte. For more information visit www.stcbs.org/festival or contact Alicia Castello at 941-625-5533 ext. 213.

Disaster Relief continues in Diocese

Our Catholic Faith calls each of us to care for those in need and, at this time in particular, for those who are suffering in the wakes of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. To donate, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/disasterrelief/. Please know that donations will support charitable relief for the Diocese of Venice and assist in necessary recovery efforts, such as rebuilding and repairing our churches and schools. Your generosity and prayers for the people of the Diocese of Venice are deeply appreciated. Should you wish to donate via check rather than online, you may mail your donation to: Diocese of Venice in Florida/Disaster Relief, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, Florida 34285. If you are in need of help, please visit Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice at catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Mass honors grandparents at Neumann

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Grandparents, a vital link to the past – most importantly to the Faith – were welcomed to St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples for a special celebration.

A Grandparents Day celebration on Nov. 7, 2024, opened with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane in the gymnasium to accommodate the large number of students (426) and the 165 participating grandparents.

Bishop Dewane said he was delighted to see the growth at St. John Neumann and that so many grandparents could see what is available for their grandchildren at the school.

The Mass was dedicated to honor all grandparents, present for the Mass or unable to attend, as well as those who are deceased. Bishop Dewane said it is important to celebrate grandparents knowing the goodness of the love that comes from them.

“They live for the other,” Bishop Dewane said. “We are richer and wiser in those who love us. Pope Francis defines love as willing the good of others. I encourage young people to talk to their grandparents about what love has meant to them. It has made them better, richer, and wiser. These are gifts that come from the Lord. It is through the years of experience that the richness of love is found. In that love, we see the mercy of the Lord.”

Bishop Dewane described the young people as bringing a life, or spark, to the family, creating a rare condition of love and richness that must be nurtured.

“Talk to your grandparents as you mature and grow,” Bishop Dewane said. “Let that relationship, between the grandparent and grandchild, be something that makes each one better and richer in who they are. Let it allow them both to be wiser in the decisions they make going forward in their lives.”

Sister Patricia Roche, FMA, Principal of St. John Neumann Catholic High School, said the school was blessed to have so many grandparents present for the special occasion.

“You are the pillars in society,” Sister Patricia said. “Your grandchildren are a wonderful reflection of you. They are not only good-looking and charming, but they are intelligent with great personalities. You can be very proud of them.”

Mass was followed by a reception for the 165 participating grandparents and their grandchildren. In addition to refreshments, students were encouraged to give their grandparents a tour of the school and classrooms.

One grandmother remarked while on a school tour about how beautiful the Mass was and that it is a blessing that her granddaughter can attend such a wonderful school. “Everyone here is so wonderful and welcoming.”

News briefs for the week of November 15, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Eagle Run supports Bradenton school

The annual St. Joseph Catholic School Eagle Run took place Nov. 8, 2024, in Bradenton. Thanks to parents, St. Joseph Parish and the greater community, the fundraising goal of $35,000 was reached! Students ran a course and played games in the Parish Center as part of the event in support of the school.

Special collection for hurricane relief Nov. 16-17

A special Hurricane Relief Collection will take place during all Masses in the Diocese of Venice on the weekend of Nov. 16-17, 2024. Bishop Frank J. Dewane called for this collection to aid in the recovery following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Coastal areas were flooded and many other areas had significant wind damage. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., has been working to provide assistance at designated sites, distributing water, food, tarps, cleaning supplies, and other basic necessities. The collection will help provide for the continuing needs, as well as the effort of Catholic Charities in providing both immediate and long-term assistance to those impacted.

Theology on Tap Nov. 21 in Sarasota

The next gathering of Theology on Tap, a young adult outreach of the Diocese of Venice, will be 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at Big Top Brewing, 3045 Fruitville Commons Blvd., Sarasota. The presentation will be offered by Deacon Kevin McKenney of Incarnation Parish in Sarasota. His talk will focus on the Gospel of Matthew 25:36: “I was in prison, and you visited me.” It is part of the passage where Jesus speaks about the importance of caring for others, emphasizing that acts of kindness and compassion towards those in need are seen as acts of kindness towards Him. There is no cost to attend. For more information, contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941484-1122.

Holiday Bereavement Outreach coming to Naples and Venice in early December

The “There is Hope – Surviving the Holidays” bereavement outreach is being offered by the Office of Family Life from 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 3, 2024, at St. Agnes Parish, Parish Center, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, and again 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 6, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Education Center, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Deacon Henry deMena will offer guidance for loved ones who are trying to cope with loss during the holidays, including suggestions on how to get through the holidays, such as early planning for any activities to help avoid surprises, making sure not to pretend that everything is the same or fine, or to not talk about the loved one, as this can be more painful for the bereaved. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Tee-Up Fore Kids! Fundraiser Dec. 5 in Fort Myers

Support Catholic Charities’ African Caribbean American Center (AFCAAM Center) serving children in the Dunbar Community of Fort Myers during a golf tournament. The Tee-Up Fore Kids! is Dec. 5, 2024, from 6-9 p.m. at Topgolf, 2021 Top Golf Way, Fort Myers. Tickets are $165 per player and $300 for two players and includes golf, food, drinks, raffles, and entertainment. To reserve your spot or for more information, call 239-344-4007, email, TeeUp4kids@ccdov.org or visit catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Faith & Wine Lee County Dec. 5

The Faith & Wine Lee County will have its first gathering of the season at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is Judy Hehr, and the title of her talk is, “It’s never too late to be (bankrupt, homeless, drug addicted, a drop out) …or who God created you to be.” Tickets are $28 and include a three-course dinner with wine followed by the presentation and the opportunity to connect with other faith-based women. For more information and to register online please visit faithandwineleecounty.com.

“There is Hope” Bereavement Outreach Training

The Office of Family Life is hosting a Bereavement training focusing on training parish bereavement volunteers and those who speak with the bereaved. Deacon Henry deMena will lead the training. Deacon deMena holds a master’s degree in counseling and has extensive training and experience in Bereavement. The sessions will be held Dec. 4 and 5, 2024, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 144 Spear St., Port Charlotte. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

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