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News Briefs for the week of May 31, 2024

Posted on May 30, 2024May 30, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Florida Knights Chaplain of the Year from Diocese of Venice

Father Joseph Gates, Pastor of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Parrish, was honored with the Florida State Blessed Michael McGivney Award by the Knights of Columbus during the Florida State Convention in Orlando on May 26, 2024. Father Gates was nominated by Grand Knight John Kreger IV, of Council 12155. Noted in the nomination was that Father Gates is a teacher of the faith; apostle of Christian family life; devoted Parish priest; exemplar of charity; builder of Catholic fraternity; and a role model to the faithful of the Parish. “He leads by example and is at the forefront of many Parish activities,” the nomination stated. “Father Joseph is the face of St. Frances Cabrini. From preaching the Gospel from the altar to his many posts on social media, he leads his flock in the goal of spending eternity with God.” The award was presented by Knight Richard P. Hughes, State Deputy and Father Bob Kantor, Florida Knights of Columbus Chaplain and Pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Naples.

Venice Yacht Club supports Catholic Charities

Members of the Venice Yacht Club presented Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., with a check for $5,000, on May 20, 2024. Catholic Charities CEO Christopher Root accepted the check, which was specifically designated for the Housing & Supportive Service Program, formally known as Family Haven. Sylvia Hollister, chair of the Yacht Club Charitable Foundation, said that the Club has donated $40,500 to the program since 2016, and has been generous in supporting other Catholic Charities programs, including Our Mother’s House.

Mooney teacher honored

Clare McVey, a social studies teacher at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota. has been named a 2024 Sarasota County Gator Club Teacher of Distinction. McVey was one of 11 teachers so honored by the Gator Club.

Marian statue installed in Fort Myers Parish rosary garden

In time for the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, on May 20, 2024, a new statue of the Holy Mother has been added to the rosary garden at St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers. The rosary garden is located directly across the street from the Parish church.

New Transitional Deacon feature of seminarian podcast

Transitional Deacon Pat Long, a Diocese of Venice Seminarian, is featured in the latest “Never Too Late” podcast from Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. The podcast is hosted by Msgr. Bill Fay, a member of the faculty, and includes a discussion with seminarians who found a vocation to the priesthood later in life. In the 24th episode of the podcast, Deacon Pat speaks about his personal path to Pope St. John XXIII. Hear how the witness of both his parents who were an influence on his faith, and priests who also encouraged and guided him. Friends also played a significant role in Deaon Pat’s decision to pay closer attention to God calling him, and his decision to take action and follow God’s call. Discussed is the broader definition of family and what it is like being a new deacon in the Church (he was ordained on April 6, 2024). He also offers a suggested four-part plan for any man engaging his own discernment process. To hear the podcast, please visit : https://www.grexly.com/nevertoolate.

Donations of baby supplies needed

Community Pregnancy Centers Inc. is seeking donations of diapers and clothing to support the children of the women that are served each day. Items sought include new or gently used clothes (size 12 months to 3T); baby wipes; diapers (size 4-6); baby shampoo/lotion; new clothes for babies (0-3 months); pacifiers; pull ups/training diapers. Community Pregnancy Clinics has offices in Naples, Fort Myers and Sarasota. Please call 239-326-0453 or visit https://communitypregnancyclinic.com/ for locations.

Ave Maria Youth Conference registration open

All high school age youth from incoming freshman to outgoing seniors are invited to attend the 15th Annual Ave Maria University High School Youth Conference, “CALLED,” from July 12 – 14, 2024. This faith-filled weekend will be full of fellowship, music, and great speakers, including Father Timothy Anastos from the Diocese of Chicago who is currently serving as a National Eucharistic Preacher and featured regularly on “Reel Homilies”, Noelle Garcia a Catholic recording artist who shares her faith through scripture and music, nationally known chastity speaker Pam Stenzel, and Father Joseph Lugalambi, Adjunct Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University. Music will be provided by EPIC Music Ministries. The cost is $190 per person, which includes lodging in the dorms, meals, conference fee, and a cool t-shirt! Register now by visiting https://www.aveconferences.com/called-youth-conference-july-2024. For more information call 239- 348-4725, or email aveconferences@gmail.com.

Urgent need for sidewalk counselors and prayer warriors in Fort Myers and Naples

As the weather turns hotter there is an urgent need for sidewalk counselors and prayer partners to provide coverage to stand as peaceful witnesses for life at the Planned Parenthood abortion facilities at 6418 Commerce Park Drive, Fort Myers, and 1425 Creech Road, Naples. No training is necessary to be a prayer partner – just bring a hat and a rosary. For those interested in counseling, training and necessary resource materials will be provided. In addition, during this process an experienced counselor will be present. Prayer partners and counselors are a vital component in the Pro-Life movement, as they ensure a constant presence in front of abortion facilities, showing that women and their unborn children in crisis are not abandoned in their time of need. To learn more details, please call Mary Claire Dant at 239-200-8117.

Graduations held at three Diocesan Catholic high schools

Posted on May 30, 2024May 30, 2024 by Bob Reddy

St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, and Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers held their commencement exercises in mid-May.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass for each of the schools, with the Mooney Mass celebrated May 15, 2024, at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, the Neumann Mass was May 16, at St. Peter the Apostles Parish in Naples, while the Verot Mass was May 17, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Fort Myers.

Bishop Dewane first thanked the parents and guardians for entrusting their children to one of the Diocesan Catholic high schools for four years of their education, and then congratulated the graduates for their own accomplishments.

While graduation is the end of a specific academic endeavor, Bishop Dewane told the graduates that the learning will continue throughout the rest of their lives.

“It is my prayer that this time of learning will include the school of faith,” Bishop Dewane said. “Faith is about welcoming and cherishing a bond with Jesus Christ and God. Guided by the Holy Spirit, cultivate every dimension of your life for the glory of God.”

The Neumann commencement exercises included 75 graduates receiving their diplomas. The class, which accumulated more than 10,000 service hours, also earned $12 million in scholarship offers and nearly all are going off to college. The Valedictorian was Alessio Cirino and Salutatorian was Tatum Costantini. Three of the graduates will be attending military service academies.

For Cardinal Mooney, commencement took place at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center in Sarasota, with 159 graduates. The Valedictorian was Lauren Burd and the Salutatorian was Tyler Ruben. This group earned nearly $10 million in scholarships and completed more than 17,500 service hours.

The Bishop Verot commencement, with 182 graduates, including 35 Summa Cum Laude students (no valedictorian or salutatorian are recognized). However, Patrick Dendis, provided the introductory address, while Aliza Litvak, who offered the commencement address. The class earned more than $15 million in scholarship offers and completed more than 21,000 service hours.

The fourth Diocesan Catholic high school, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria will hold their Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercises on May 24.

The total reported scholarships offered to the graduates at the three schools exceeds $35 million. However, that total does not include Florida Bright Future Scholarships, which are pending due to a delay in processing awards.

The graduating Class of 2024 went through a disrupted freshman year with the Covid-19 pandemic when masks and social distancing disrupted many activities. They also dealt with the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian in 2022. Please pray for all the new graduates!

Catholic Community Foundation presents 22 scholarships for 2024

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, joined by Board members of the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc., honored 22 scholarship winners during a ceremony on May 16, 2023, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice.

The recipients of the Mary Fran Carroll, Coseglia, Schaerf, and Schwarz Scholarships were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and for their commitment to continuing their education in pursuit of wide-ranging career paths such as education, medicine, business, engineering and more. The Foundation Scholarship Committee carefully reviewed 85 applications before determining the winners. Many of the Foundation Board members were present for the luncheon.

Bishop Dewane opened the presentation with prayer and said he was impressed with the new Foundation scholars, noting their academic success and ambition to seek out distinctive goals. “We pray that what they embark upon, the students will certainly be successful in their life.”

Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation, congratulated the new scholars, saying the young men and women are worthy to forever be known as Foundation Scholars.

“These scholarships were created by individuals (and couples) to support higher education, because they strongly believe in it,” Morse said. “Our committee works hard in the selection process, and it is one of the most rewarding things the Board does. When we see your application and what you have done and are going to do, it gives us all hope for the future.”

Lily LaMorey, the James and Margaret Schwarz Scholar, graduated from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High in Sarasota, and said she is pursuing a career in elementary education at the University of South Florida because her work as a summer camp counselor was “the most fulfilling thing I have done.”

Cameron Phayre, of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, was named one of four Frank and Florence Coseglia Memorial Scholars (he is also a Mary Fran Carroll Scholar). Cameron will attend the University of South Florida in the fall to study global business. “My passion is to bring the benefits of innovation and technology into the lives of others to make the world a better place. This overarching theme has inspired my career path. My long-term career goal is to either run a successful business or lead as a chief officer at a software or tech company.

Mary Fran Carroll Scholar Anastasilia Lezhanina, a graduate of North Port High School who will be studying hospitality management and tourism and will also study film making at State College of Florida, is an immigrant who fled the Ukraine when the war with Russia began in 2022. She thanked the Foundation Board for awarding her the scholarship because without it she could not afford to go to college. “My family arrived in this country with nothing, and college would be too expensive for my family. This scholarship will help me start my path, so that I will be able to achieve my dreams.”

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship provides a total of 16 academic scholarships ($3,500) to residents of Sarasota County and is available for tuition, books and fees. This year there were 15 traditional scholarship winners (high school graduates pursuing an undergraduate degree) and one non-traditional winner (an adult learner seeking an advanced education after being away from school for a number of years). The scholarship is renewable annually up to a total of five academic years ($17,500 total) for students maintaining a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.2 or greater, while also making progress toward their career goal. In the past year, many students had their scholarship renewed.

The Coseglia Scholarship provides a one-time scholarship ($1,100) to one financially needy graduating senior from each of the four Catholic High Schools within the Diocese of Venice. The winners were nominated by their high schools and approved by the Foundation Board.

The Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship provides a one-time scholarship ($4,000) to a graduating senior from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience or similar field. This was the fifth year the scholarship was offered.

The Schwarz Scholarship is a one-time college scholarship ($7,500) to be awarded for tuition, books, fees, and housing expenses for a student graduating from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota.

During the scholarship ceremony, the recipients shared their personal experiences as well as college and career goals. Each expressed their appreciation for the scholarship from the Foundation. Many specifically explained how the scholarship money will assist in lessening the financial burden of attending college and pursuing their career goals.

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. was established to provide philanthropic opportunities for individuals, such as Mary Fran Carroll, to create lasting gifts in support of Catholic programs and ministries within the Diocese of Venice. This year, the Foundation is on track to distribute $3.5 million in endowed support for Catholic Schools, Parishes, Seminarian education, programs for the needy, college scholarships and more.

To learn more about the Catholic Community Foundation, please contact Michael Morse at 941-441-1124 or by email at Morse@dioceseofvenice.org. You can also visit the Foundation website at www.CCFDioceseofvenice.org.

2024 Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. Scholars

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars – traditional

Jewel Medina, Venice High School (2023), University of Central Florida;

Charlotte Gillis, North Port High School (2023), University of Central Florida;

Emmalee Bunnell, Venice High School, Marymount Manhattan College;

Danile Potepa, Riverview High School, University of South Florida;

Christina Bowser, Sarasota High School, State College of Florida;

Ornella Rokh, Venice High School, Boston University;

Cameron Phayre, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, University of South Florida;

Miranda Lauber, Riverview High School (2023), Florida State University;

Jackie Williams, Suncoast Polytechnical School, University of South Florida;

Anastasilia Lezhanina, North Port High School, State College of Florida;

Marco Vegh, Riverview High School, University of Florida;

Giselle Cisneros Lobo, Venice High School, Georgetown University;

Peyton Pablo, Venice High School, Florida State University;

Summer Maclay, Venice High School, Florida State University;

Hailey Renner, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Florida Gulf Coast University.

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars – non-traditional

John Quigley, Ringling College of Art and Design.

Frank and Florence Coseglia Memorial Scholarship

Cameron Phayre, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, University of South Florida;

Beata Blood, St. John Neumann Catholic High School, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University;

Teresa Klucik, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria University;

Naissa Esperance, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, University of South Florida.

James and Margaret Schwarz Scholarship

Lily LaMorey, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, University of South Florida.

Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship

Naissa Esperance, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, University of South Florida.

Diocesan athletes earn titles, medals at States

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Diocese of Venice Catholic school athletes excelled on a grand stage in May with their performances in state tournaments.

At the Florida High School Athletic Association 2A Track and Field Championships on May 16, 2024, at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, two distance runners earned state titles, another athlete a bronze medal, while still others earned honors by finishing in the top eight in their respective events.

Addison Dempsey, a graduating senior at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, earned a state title in the 3,200 meter race with a time of 10:35.87, a race she finished third in 2023. She finished seventh in the 1,600 race. Dempsey earned a bronze in the November Florida High School Athletic Association Girls Class 2A 5K. She earned a silver in the same event in 2022.

In the 1,600 meter race, Mackezsie De Lisle, a junior at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, took first place with a time of 4:59.82. Mackenzie also reached the podium with a fourth place finish in the 3,200 race with a time of 10:53.36, the same position she achieved in 2023. The Verot girls track and field team placed 13th overall out of 49 teams. Of note was Ava Martin-Gonzales, a junior at St. John Neumann Catholic High School, who reached the podium with an eighth place finish in the high jump in the 1A state tournament on May 15.

On the boy’s side, the Verot team finished 11th overall out of 60 teams, with junior Ryan Peterson earning a bronze medal with a discus throw of 49.15 meters. Another junior James Little IV, took fourth in 110 Hurdles, and 5th in the 400 Hurdles. Jadrien Carmo took seventh in the 400 dash, while Andrew Marino was seventh in the 3,200 race. The Verot boys also took 8th in the 4X400 race.

The Verot baseball team fell in the state semifinals, May 21, at Hamond Stadium in Fort Myers to North Broward Prep, a team that is ranked second in the state and 11th nationally. The Verot boys reached the semifinals after winning their first regional championship since 2016. Bishop Verot has won two state titles. Due to the proximity of the game to the school, more than 500 Verot students, faculty and supporters caravanned in buses and vans to cheer on the Viking players.

Not to be left out, both the Cardinal Mooney and Bishop Verot girls beach volleyball teams reached the State Tournament in Tallahassee on May 11. However, both teams on the cups of reaching the quarterfinals lost in separate matches. The Mooney team was a state semifinalist in 2023.

News Briefs for the week of May 24, 2024

Posted on May 30, 2024May 30, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Vote No on 4! Spread the word.

To learn the facts about Amendment 4 and how it is designed to mislead voters, visit the websites of the Florida Voters Against Extremism, tooextreme4fl.com, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, https://flaccb.org/, and the Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office, dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife. To get involved and help defeat this dangerous pro-abortion amendment, contact Jeanne Berdeaux, Diocese of Venice Director of Respect Life, berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-374-1068.

Students meet pen pals

Third grade students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton had the opportunity to meet their cursive pen pals from nearby Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish at a year-end party on May 16, 2024. As part of this enrichment, students and volunteers exchanged letters that would then help develop the penmanship skills of the third graders. It was a wonderful experience for all involved, and they enjoyed a fun-filled celebration with great conversations and lots of smiles.

Urgent need for sidewalk counselors and prayer partners in Fort Myers and Naples

As the weather turns hotter there is an urgent need for sidewalk counselors and prayer partners to provide coverage to stand as peaceful witnesses for life at the Planned Parenthood abortion facilities at 6418 Commerce Park Drive, Fort Myers. and 1425 Creech Road, Naples. No training is necessary to be a prayer partner – just bring a hat and a rosary. For those interested in counseling, training and necessary resource materials will be provided. In addition, during this process an experienced counselor will be present. Prayer partners and counselors are a vital component in the Pro-Life movement, as they ensure a constant presence in front of abortion facilities, showing that women, and their unborn children, in crisis are not abandoned in their time of need. To learn more details, please call Mary Claire Dant at 239-200-8117.

Ordination to the Priesthood June 8

Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites the faithful to the Ordination to the Priesthood of Transitional Deacon Thomas Gregory Dougherty. The Ordination will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this important event in the life of Deacon Greg as well as the Diocese of Venice. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

Totus Tuus, Parish Catechetical Summer Program coming soon

The Totus Tuus Parish Catechetical Summer Camp program, open to grades 1-12, will be available in the Diocese of Venice again this summer beginning in June 2024. Totus Tuus aims to inspire young people to long for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life. All camps are one-week day camps, and programs are divided according to age. Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. Parishes hosting Totus Tuus this year are: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Parrish, and Our Lady of Grace, Avon Park (June 2-7); Ave Maria, Ave Maria (June 9-14); St. Finbarr, Naples, and St. Paul, Arcadia (June 16-21); Epiphany Cathedral, Venice, and St. Katharine Drexel, Cape Coral (June 23-28); Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 7-12); Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers, and St. Cecilia, Fort Myers (July 14-19); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch, and St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 21-26). To register, contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/. For general questions about the Diocesan Totus Tuus program, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/totustuus2024/, or contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Retreat For Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child

Red Bird Ministries, a non-profit Catholic grief support ministry, is hosting a Grieving Mother’s Retreat from June 7 – 9, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. This retreat is for women who have experienced the loss of a child at any age, from pregnancy through adulthood. Mothers will be helped in addressing the profound healing that needs to happen while also honoring the memory of the child throughout their grief journey. Please visit www.redbird.love/revival for information and registration.

Ave Maria Youth Conference registration open

May Crownings Honor Mary

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Historically, May is a month dedicated by the Catholic Church to Mary, Mother of God. As is well known, Mary plays an important and irreplaceable role in the spiritual life of the Church.

For hundreds of years, the lovely words and melody of the hymn “Bring Flowers of the Rarest,” by Mary E. Walsh in 1871, has been gracing the beautiful traditional crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of May. This special devotion to Mary goes back officially to the 3rd century and continues today in countless Catholic churches, schools and homes throughout the world, and is a moving tribute of faith and love to the mother of God, and our heavenly mother.

Singing “Bring flowers of the rarest. Bring blossoms of the fairest. … O Mary! We crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,” a procession and crowning ceremony at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City, on May 5, 2024, was led by Father Cory Mayer, the Pastor, and he was joined by children in the religious education program.

Prayer intentions were that all Catholics have “Mary’s soul to magnify the Lord and Mary’s spirit to exult in God!” This is the favor granted us in the noblest way in every Holy Communion. The crowned statue of Mary will be specially venerated in the sanctuary throughout May.

Similar May Crownings took place across the Diocese, using the same hymn, in honor of the Blessed Virgin seeking her intercessions from her Son, the Lord, on our behalf.

Last days of school a time of reflection for graduating seniors

Posted on May 21, 2024May 21, 2024 by Bob Reddy

As the calendar changed from April into May 2024 the graduating seniors at the four Diocese of Venice Catholic high schools embarked on a series of events leading up to graduation.

The students at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Fort Myers, Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, and Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria, were treated to several different rites of passage.

First was the final all-school Mass which included the seniors. This is when the outgoing seniors hand-off their leadership roles to the rising juniors who will be part of the class of 2025. Special blessings were offered at these Masses, praying for the continued health, safety, success of the men and women, but most important was a prayer for their growing in a deeper relationship with the Lord.

At the Cardinal Mooney Mass on May 7, school Chaplain Father Eric Scanlan blessed the class rings, and graduating altar servers and Senior Student Ministry students were recognized. Those ministry students earlier signed the school processional cross in honor of their legacy of leadership and faith. The next day, on May 8, the Mooney seniors took part in a traditional “Clap-Out” day wherein the student body lined up at the exits of the school and clapped as the graduates, wearing clothes signed by their classmates, departed the campus for the final time.

At Bishop Verot the class of 2024 took part in the annual “Senior Sunset” on May 8. As the sun set on the night before their final day of classes, the seniors gathered on the football field for a memorable evening filled with laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt goodbyes. The highlight of the night was the distribution of yearbooks, where memories were relived and reminisced by everyone. Seniors signed each other’s shirts, leaving their mark as a lasting reminder of their shared journeys. Another great part of the night was when each senior received the letter they wrote to themselves during their Freshman Retreat. Reading these letters, they reflected on their growth, dreams, and the incredible journeys they’ve experienced together at Verot.

In a similar tradition, St. John Neumann hosted a “Senior Sunrise,” on April 30. As the sun peeked over the horizon, illuminating the new dawn with its golden rays, the students shared laughter, reminisced about cherished memories, and looked ahead excitedly to the adventures awaiting them. The event takes place at sunrise to symbolize the dawn of a new chapter in the graduates’ lives, filled with endless possibilities and bright opportunities.

The events for the graduating class at Donahue Academy are more traditional with each senior receiving special acknowledgement for their part in building the legacy of the school. The school’s Catholic, classical education culminates with its annual Senior Thesis Defense. Students research and write a 15-page paper on a difficult, relevant question answered according to principles of right reason and divine truth, which they must defend in a public forum.

Next up for all graduates is a Baccalaureate Mass, celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. During this Mass, their last as a class, the Holy Spirit is invoked, and prayers of thanksgiving are offered to God for the many blessings received by the graduating students and their families. Finally comes their Commencement Exercises, officially marking the students as alumni of their respective Diocese of Venice Catholic school.

News Briefs for the week of May 17, 2024

Posted on May 21, 2024May 21, 2024 by Bob Reddy

First Holy Communion celebrated across Diocese

During the month of May, more than 3,000 young boys and girls throughout the Diocese of Venice will take part in the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time, their First Holy Communion. Young girls in white dresses and boys in suits, having prepared in their religious studies to reach this important milestone in their spiritual journey of faith, the beginning of a long and intimate relationship with the Lord. This Sacrament comes this year during a time of a National Eucharistic Revival. This revival is a three-year effort of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to reinforce devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the Most Holy Eucharist is important for all, from the youngest who receive their First Communion to the oldest. “It is in a precise way in the Eucharist, that the Lord gives to us, and we receive Him… Put yourself in a relationship with Jesus Christ, through the Eucharist. It is Christ. It is His Body and Blood. It is His Real Presence!” Bishop Dewane said. “Let His Real Presence in the Eucharist fill your heart, fill your mind, fill your soul with His indication of what it is He wants from you and for you to do in your life.” Please pray for all children receiving their First Holy Communion during May, that they love the Lord with all their hearts and forever live faithfully.

Bishop celebrates Baccalaureate Mass for Ave Maria School of Law graduates

The graduates of the Ave Maria School of Law in Naples were told by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to go forward and allow the Holy Spirit to inspire them in their life, during a Baccalaureate Mass at St. Agnes Parish in Naples on May 10, 2024. Bishop Dewane also told them to follow the path of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of the school, who accepted in faith what the Lord asked. “Faith is a virtue – a welcoming and cherishing bond with Jesus Christ,” the Bishop said. “That is what makes us men and women of faith. Let it grow in your heart as you launch into a new life after having been given this tremendous opportunity and experience here at Ave Maria School of Law.” The commencement was April 12, Ascension Sunday and Mother’s Day, at Artis-Naples.

Seminarians visit ship during Miami Fleet Week

A total of 23 seminarians from St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach had the unique opportunity to participate in Fleet Week Miami on May 10, 2024. Over the course of two days, separate groups from the seminary were welcomed aboard the USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship. The visit was organized by Transitional Deacon Jacob Gwynn, a seminarian for the Diocese of Venice, and a co-sponsored seminarian for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and led by the ship’s Command Chaplain, Father Benton Garrett. The two seminarian groups toured the ship and attended Mass in the ship’s chapel, witnessing firsthand the intersection of faith and service within the military context. Among the attendees were Seminary Rector/President, Father Alfredo I. Hernandez, and Midshipman Spencer Dominguez, a relative of Father Hernandez.

Retreat For Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child

Red Bird Ministries, a non-profit Catholic grief support ministry, is hosting a Grieving Mother’s Retreat from June 7 – 9, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. This retreat is for women who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood. Mothers will be helped in addressing the profound healing that needs to happen while also honoring the memory of the child throughout their grief journey. Please visit www.redbird.love/revival for information and registration.

Ordination to the Priesthood June 8

Totus Tuus, Parish Catechetical Summer Program coming soon

Ave Maria Youth Conference registration open

News Briefs for the week of May 10, 2023

Posted on May 9, 2024May 9, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Catholic Center hosts prayer service for Blessed Virgin

The staff of the Diocese of Venice Catholic Center took part in a prayer service, led by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary on May 8, 2024. Bishop Dewane noted how the month of May is dedicated to Our Lady and it is appropriate to honor her seeking the Blessed Virgin’s intercession on our behalf. During the prayer service, the Catholic Center staff prayed Litany of Our Lady of Loretto, the Hail Mary, and sang the Salve Regina.

Pro-Life training sessions May 13 and 15

If you’d like to volunteer to help educate people on the truth about the pro-abortion amendment on the November ballot, plan to attend a training opportunity within the Diocese of Venice in May (one of two). The first training is Monday, May 13, 2024, from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. Patrick Parish Hall (new location), 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. The second session is also from 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, at St. John XXIII Parish Center, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. Lunch will be included at both sessions. Register online at www.LeadershipInstitute.org/Florida for either session. If you have questions, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068 or Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org.

Students learn about business and finances

Fourth and fifth grade students from St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota took part in a school trip to experience a day in the workplace at JA BizTown in Tampa on April 30, 2024. JA BizTown combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town where students receive hands-on experience as both employees and consumers, paying rent, taxes and utilities, purchasing insurance, depositing paychecks and buying other business products, handling customer service, and more. The interactive, project-based program not only teaches students how to manage their own personal finances and the importance of becoming a successful professional within the community, but it also empowers them to take responsibility for their professional and educational futures.

Fort Myers Catholic youth to participate in national Spelling Bee

The faithful of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers will be cheering on one of their own during the 96th Scripps National Spelling Bee from May 28-30, 2024. David Nicasio, 13, who is an active member of St. Cecilia, as an altar server, lector, as well as in the middle school and youth groups, won a series of local competitions to qualify as one of 245 students from across the nation to reach the national Spelling Bee. The competition has four levels: preliminaries, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. The competition will air on the ION network from 8-10 p.m. May 29 and 30. The earlier rounds will be available on ION Plus, a digital platform. Just for making the National Spelling Bee, David will receive a number of gifts and prizes related to learning. Prizes increase to a top prize of $50,000 and a championship trophy for the winner.

Retreat For Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child

Red Bird Ministries, a non-profit Catholic grief support ministry is hosting a Grieving Mother’s Retreat from June 7 – 9, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. This retreat is for women who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood. Mothers will be helped in addressing the profound healing that needs to happen while also honoring the memory of the child throughout their grief journey. Please visit www.redbird.love/revival for information and registration.

Ordination to the Priesthood June 8

Schools’ Marian Devotional Project concludes

Posted on May 6, 2024 by Bob Reddy

The more than 6,200 Diocese of Venice Catholic school students have spent the past six months taking part in a special devotional project wherein they learned more about the Blessed Virgin Mary and the importance of praying the Most Holy Rosary, all in a continued effort to grow closer to Jesus Christ.

The “Cause of Our Joy: Marian Devotional Project” concluded with a Mass and celebration on April 24, 2024, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

The focus on the devotion to the Blessed Mother through the Most Holy Rosary was supported by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. In 2017, Bishop Dewane consecrated the Diocese of Venice to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and he has frequently cited the importance of praying the Rosary to grow closer to Jesus Christ.

Junior catechists, representing the 12 Diocesan elementary schools and who trained to promote the Marian Devotional message to their schoolmates, were invited to participate in the celebration. Also taking part were principals, teachers and parents. Six artists who received the top prize in a related devotional art contest were also invited.

During the Mass, Jesuit Father John Belmonte, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, stressed the importance of Our Lady of Mercy, Patroness of the Diocese of Venice, an image used to inspire the student artists.

Father Belmonte said the goal of this year’s Marian Devotional Project was to bring students a deeper awareness of the mercy Our Lady brings into our lives and her love for all humanity.

“We are taught, through the example of Our Lady, that when we live our lives, it is not for ourselves, but for others,” Father Belmonte said. “She is the merciful Mother who saves us from ourselves and from the world.”

The Mass concluded with everyone present reciting a Marian Prayer of Consecration.

To ensure the devotional project’s success, in October 2023, the Education Department trained the junior catechists, eighth grade leaders from each of the Diocese’s 12 elementary schools. The training stressed the importance for the junior catechists to be leaders in faith, evangelization, and discipleship. These junior catechists then went into the classroom to teach their schoolmates about Our Lady, the Most Holy Rosary and how to grow closer to the Lord.

For their hard work, the junior catechists each received a gift bag which included a special 3D lighted display with Our Lady.

This is the fourth year the Diocesan Catholic schools have had a devotional project, with 2022-2023 focused on the Most Holy Eucharist (which coincided with the Diocesan Year of the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival); 2021-2022 on the Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Saints; and 2020-2021 on St. Joseph.

Devotional Art Contest

During the Mass, Father Belmonte cited the excellent work of the devotional art contest participants, which included six 1^st place winners. The artists used vivid colors and imagery in their work and were selected from among more than 200 entries from Diocesan Catholic students. Honorees were selected by representatives from the Diocesan Department of Catholic Education.

The central artwork placed in front of the altar during the Mass was a piece by Grace Breen, of Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. Elements of the image include Mary, with people are shown seeking shelter under her garments. At her feet is a chain and pieces of gold.

“They are under her mantle – the mantle of Our Lady of Mercy, also known as Our Lady of Ransom. She is saving us from sin and from hell; saving us for eternity,” Father Belmonte said. “Her mantle is an example of her protection and love for us.”

The chain represents the different things that hold us back from Our Lord; while the gold “represents her willingness to free us, saving us from sin and death. That is because she will help all get to heaven. She does this by introducing us to her son Jesus. This means we can go to her for mercy as we try to live our lives under her mantle.”

Hailey Renner, of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, who was recognized for the second year in a row for her artistic talents, portrayed Mary in prayer with the halo blazing behind her head.

“It is such an honor to be recognized again,” Renner said. “I pictured Mary in a contemplative pose because that is how I see her as she prays for all of us.”

As part of the recognition, the artists received an enlarged framed and printed version of their winning artwork with a ribbon and cards with the artwork on the front and the reverse including the Marian Consecration Prayer. While some of the cards were for family members, the cards were also distributed for use at each Diocesan Catholic school.

Marian Devotion Project art winners

The winning artists are: Marina Dolan, St. Ann Catholic School, Naples; Peyton Bass, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School, Naples; Tien Doan, St. Andrew Catholic School, Cape Coral; Mary Guernsey, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria; Grace Breen, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Fort Myers; and Hailey Renner, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Sarasota.