Tag: schools

News briefs for the week of May 26, 2023

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Verot athlete wins discus state title

Wyatt Whalen, a graduating senior at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, won the Florida State 2A Discus Championship at the recent Florida High School Athletic Association Track & Field State Championship on May 19, 2023, at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Whalen made a throw of 16.48 meters (54-feet 1-inch), which follows up his 2022 state title in the shot put. Verot teammate Grayson Tubbs, also a senior, finished third in the 800-meter race with a time of 1:56.52. The Verot boys finished 7th overall, with the girls coming in at 16th. Other top performances came from the girls and boys 3200 relay teams, which both finished fourth. Other Verot athletes to reach the awards podium (top 8) were: Logan Schwartz, javelin (4th), Mackenzie De Lisle, 3200 (4th); Julie Reitz, 1600, (8th); Ryan Peterson, discus (5th); Raven Gadsen, triple jump (8th). In the same competition, Marc Dalmau, a graduating senior at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, took third in the discus with a throw of 49.12 meters (161-feet 2-inches). Congratulations to everyone!

Neumann falls in baseball state semifinals

The dream year for the St. John Neumann Catholic High School baseball team came to an end on May 18, 2023, in the state semifinals at the Lee County Sports Complex in Fort Myers. The team fell by a score of 3-0 to Lakeland Christian, the eventual state 2A champions. The Celtics finished the season with a record of 23-9 and reached the state Final Four for the first time since 1985. Great season everyone!

40-Hours Devotion and Eucharistic Procession coming to North Port

San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, will celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi and the ongoing Eucharistic Revival with a 40-Hours Devotion and Eucharistic Procession. Adoration will begin at 3 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, and conclude at 7 a.m., Sunday, June 11. Adoration will be interrupted during the daily Masses (8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, June 10). There will be a Eucharistic Procession around the Parish grounds following the 10:45 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 11. To sign up for an hour of adoration, please contact 941-426-2500 or sanpedrorevival@gmail.com.

Physics on display

The Bishop Verot Catholic High School Honor’s Physics class of Michelle Vocu held a time-honored tradition on May 16, 2023, and tried their luck with the egg drop experiment. The assignment was to design and construct a container that would allow the egg to fall freely without increased air resistance from the top of the football stadium press box, and land unharmed. The maximum weight allowed was 600 grams, and the students were encouraged to have a minimum size for the structure. In addition, they were not allowed to use any food or packaging materials in their design. After their drops (most of which were successful), the designs were evaluated, and recommendations were made for a redesign. The students were also able to calculate the impact force and velocity of their egg, using the data collected. What a great way to round out the year!

School improvement project moves into next phase

The North Campus Improvement Project at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton has moved into Phase 2 beginning in mid-May 2023. The next activity includes the installation of a shade structure over the outdoor basketball courts. The improvement project includes the construction of a six-classroom early learning/aftercare center, updates to the playground, classroom lighting and much more. If you have questions about how you can help support the school, please contact Carlee Colonneso at development@sjsfl.org,or visit https://www.sjsfl.org/donate.

Retreat encourages men to return to Church

The latest John XXIII Movement retreat took place the weekend of May 19-21, 2023, at Campo San Jose Retreat Center in Lake Placid. The retreat was for men who have been absent from the Church and marginalized from society. The John XXIII Movement is a private international association of laity, born to be a movement of evangelization/conversion and to work, helping the faithful return to full and active participation in the Catholic Church.

 

 

Groundbreaking held for gymnasium and science building

Posted on by Bob Reddy

With a deafening cheer, a blast of confetti and the tossing of dirt, ground was broken on the new St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School gymnasium and Center for Science and Engineering building on May 10, 2023, in Port Charlotte.

Students were excited as Bishop Frank J. Dewane led the ceremony, blessing the ground as he, and others, joined in breaking ground on the project with ceremonial gold shovels.

What was once thought to be impossible has been made possible through prayer, determination and sharing of the treasure of many supporters with their love for education so that others may benefit from it, exclaimed Father John Fitch, Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish.

“It’s an exciting day. We have been working on this for years. Some people have been talking about a gym here since the 1990s,” Father Fitch said. “Today we thank God for the gift of the resources for the gymnasium and Center for Science and Engineering. We ask that this building be entrusted with education and that is to bring the joys of discovery and wisdom with the truth of the Gospel.”

Bishop Dewane acknowledged that the gym project had been around for a while and credited the steadfast efforts of Father Fitch and Principal Tonya Peters to help make the project become a reality as he stood in full support. He added that he pushed to get classrooms added to the original concept to ensure the new building would not only support the growth of body, but also the mind.

“Many made this possible through their kindness, goodness, and their concern for you as students here at St. Charles Borromeo. So, I want to thank all who worked hard on this. It is what was needed to be done,” the Bishop said.

“Grant that the work that we begin may serve to better the lives of all the students who pass through St. Charles Borromeo and through your goodness continue to spread the Kingdom of Christ,” Bishop Dewane concluded before blessing the ground with holy water. Father Fitch did likewise.

Dozens of parents and school supporters stood in the hot sun on the muggy day for the groundbreaking ceremony, something Father Fitch noted in his remarks. “I know it’s very warm out here but that’s why we are building a gym because it is even worse when it’s raining in August,” he said.

Joining Bishop Dewane, Father Fitch and Principal Peters for the groundbreaking were Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education Father John Belmonte, SJ; Diocesan Buildings Director Joe Rego; John Prahl, founder of Canco Construction, the project contractor; as well as David Hunt, a sixth grader who represented the students.

Cardinal Mooney Graduation 2023

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Class of 2023 Commencement Exercises were held May 12, 2023, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on the Sarasota Bayfront. There were 141 graduates who received their diploma.

The Valedictorian was Michael Ramsamooj and Salutatorian was Michael Yencik. The Commencement Address was given by Patrick Del Medico, former parent of three Mooney graduates and school Advisory Board Chair.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the main celebrant at the Baccalaureate Mass on May 10 at Incarnation Parish, with priests of the Diocese assisting.

Nearly every graduate is going on to higher education, with one opting for military service and another for a gap year.

The Class of 2023 (141 graduates) earned $15.8 million in scholarship offers and among the graduates are four who received Commended Recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Program, and three who received National Hispanic Scholar Recognition from the PSAT National Merit Scholarship Program. Congratulations Cougar Alumni!

News Briefs for the week of May 19, 2023

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Neumann baseball reaches Final Four

For the first time since 1985, the St. John Neumann Catholic High School baseball team has reached the State Final Four. The Naples boys went on the road and defeated Canterbury of Fort Myers on May 15, 2023, to win the Class 2A-Region 3 championship. The Celtics (23-8) will face either St. Johns Country Day or Lakeland Christian on May 18 at the Lee County Sports Complex in Fort Myers. If they win, the State Championship game will be May 20. The team is led by first year coach Charlie Mauer. Congratulations and good luck!

Sarasota beach volleyball team falls in Final Four

The Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School girls beach volleyball team fell in the state Final Four on May 13, 2023, at the Florida State University Beach Volleyball Courts in Tallahassee. The Sarasota team was the fifth seed going into the tournament and won twice, including the quarterfinals, before falling in the semifinals to eventual state champions, top seeded New Smyrna Beach. The Cougars finished the season 24-2. On April 22, the team were crowned the Sunshine State Class AA Beach Volleyball champs for the second straight year, after having competed at the Game Point Event Center in Orlando. Great season Cougars!

Living Rosary held in Naples

On the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, May 13, 2023, faithful at St. Agnes Parish in Naples took part in a “Living Rosary,” where people stand in to represent the beads on a rosary. The event was organized by Karen O’Shea and prayers were given for Peace in the World and the life of pre-born babies.

Youth help clean Our Mother’s House

Youth from Epiphany Cathedral in Venice took time out on May 13, 2023, to do a service project at Our Mother’s House, a Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., residence program for moms and their babies, who might otherwise be homeless. The teens cleaned up the various properties, did some planting and much more. Great job everyone.

Sarasota cheer team wins at Nationals

The two Incarnation Catholic School cheer teams from Sarasota took first place on May 20, 2023, at the East Coast Cheerleading Grand Nationals Championship in Orlando. The “Littles” and “Older” girls wowed the judges. The teams put in endless hours of practice and their dedication and teamwork paid off. Congratulations!

Fort Myers e-sports team wins title

The Bishop Verot Catholic High School E-Sports Team won the Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC) State E-Sports Rocket League Championship in Orlando on May 11, 2023. Rocket League is a high-energy, physics-based sports game that combines elements of soccer and demolition derby, requiring skillful maneuvering of vehicles to outscore opponents. The Fort Myers team competed against top-ranked schools from throughout Florida culminating in a dominant 4-0 victory over Master’s Academy in Orlando.

Construction projects shared with young students

Prekindergarten students at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota got a special treat on May 12, 2023, when they were invited to learn about different construction projects made by sixth-grade students in the class of Sister Cathy Bonfield, SSND. The older students showed off their amazing K’Nex creations (a rod and connection building system that incorporates battery-powered moving parts to create large designs), which included rollercoasters, cranes and much more. The sixth-grade students also shared how the creations move and operate, and about the building process, while the prekindergartners listened in rapt attention.

Money raised for homeless

St. Catherine Catholic School students in Sebring recently finished a “Penny War” contest, raising more than $1,200 for supplies for homeless children and families of Highlands County. These items were delivered on May 16, 2023, to the Kiwanis Club which is partnering on the purchase of shoes. The various personal care items were then packed by students before delivery.

Food pantry thanks community

The St. Joseph Food Pantry in Bradenton was overwhelmed by the recent U.S. Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive and dozens of volunteers helped sort the food on May 13, 2023. St. Joseph Food Pantry is the primary food pantry in Manatee County and the Postal Carrier donation is a big help as the pantry is gearing up to help feed children throughout the summer as they are away from regular school meals. If you would like to help, please visit https://stjoepantry.com/. Donors can also bring food such as canned corn, canned green beans, 1lb box spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, boxed macaroni and cheese, cheese, cereal, as well as peanut butter and jelly to St. Joseph Food Pantry, 2704 33rd Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34205. The food pantry is open 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Volunteers are always welcome. For more information, call 941-756-3732 or email directors@stjoepantry.com.

Students learn about history visit Diocesan Eucharistic Memorial

Fifth grade students from St. Joseph Catholic School enjoyed a May 12, 2023, visit to the DeSoto National Memorial in Bradenton, where they learned about Florida history as well as Diocesan history. The students learned that Hernando DeSoto led an expedition of 10 ships and 620 men, including 12 priests, which landed near present-day Bradenton on May 25, 1539 (68 years before the founding of Jamestown). A Eucharist Memorial and Cross were built and dedicated by the Diocese of Venice in this location to commemorate this historical event.

Students learn about saints

Third-grade students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers took part in a special project called the Saints Wax Museum. This project included learning about the saints, doing research and making a presentation about their life, what acts led them to being named a saint, and much more. The culmination of the project was on May 11, 2023. The students dressed as their saint and stood behind a table, which had a display with the biographical information about the saint, and they had to be prepared to talk about the saint as students from other grades (and later parents) came by to ask them questions. This was a fun and immersive way for all of the students to learn about saints.

Day of Reflection for Sacramental Marriage

The Office of Marriage and Family Life will be hosting a Day of Reflection for couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church on two separate dates. A specially prepared team will share their experiences and information enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage.  The first event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 17 at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1922 SW 20th Avenue, Cape Coral. The cost of $50/couple covers all retreat materials and lunch. Pre-registration is required at Marriage Preparation Seminar 2023 (regfox.com). Should you have questions or require additional information contact Carrie Harkey at harkey@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543 ext. 4748.

Bishop celebrates Baccalaureate Mass for university

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the main celebrant at the Baccalaureate Mass for Ave Maria University on May 5, 2023, in Ave Maria.

A Baccalaureate Mass is a Mass of Thanksgiving for God’s many blessings upon the graduates.

During the Mass, Bishop Dewane encouraged the graduates to use what they have learned, combined with the gifts God has bestowed upon them, to bring the light of Christ and the message of the Good News that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, into the world.

Citing the missionary spirt of the Second Vatican Council and its transformational document Lumen Gentium, the Bishop said each graduate is called to live out that document which calls upon all Catholics to evangelize. They must do this accompanied by Christ, that includes opening up to the Lord in their daily life, their family, their job, in public and in private.

“Your parents sacrificed for you to be here. The faculty has educated and formed you so that as graduates you can realize your potential,” Bishop Dewane continued. “You have been prepared to enter the world. It is my prayer that you will use your influence of faith to make the light of Christ present in whatever position you achieve or vocation you follow as you move forward. That is what being a graduate of a Catholic university is about.”

Bishop Dewane concluded his remarks by telling the new graduates that now that they have received the necessary skills during their time at Ave Maria University, to “go forth as agents of that evangelization; willing to instill that into others during a time when it is ever more necessary. My prayer is that you are blessed to take up the challenge to render the light of Christ wherever you may find yourself.”

Following the Mass, Bishop Dewane greeted the graduates outside of the church and many complimented him on his words and support of the university.

Ave Maria University is celebrating its largest graduating class in its 25-year history, with 297 students receiving their diplomas during Commencement Exercises on May 6.

The commencement speaker was Patrick Lencioni, president of Table Group and bestselling author of 13 books, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.

News Briefs for the week of May 12, 2023

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop leads prayer service to honor Our Lady

Bishop Frank J. Dewane led a prayer service for the staff of the Catholic Center in Venice on May 3, 2023, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary who we celebrate throughout the month of May.

Artist recognized during exhibition

Valentina Montes, a graduating senior at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, has been invited by Artis Naples to display her art pieces at the 14th Annual Student Exhibition. The event runs from May 6 to July 23, 2023. Valentina will continue her art education in the fall at Florida Atlantic University.

Fun run held in Cape Coral

St. Andrew Catholic School students participated in the Boosterthon Fun Run in Cape Coral on May 5, 2023. Families and extended families helped the school reach and exceed its goal of $40,000. Students not only ran but participated in a number of fun activities as part of the celebration. Funds will be used to enhance school security and plan for future expansion.

Cinco de Mayo celebrated in Naples

The Spanish classes at St. Ann Catholic School in Naples celebrated Cinco de Mayo (May 5, 2023) in style with traditional food and fun times honoring the Mexican culture.

Seniors have last day in school

The graduating seniors at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School had fun on their last formal day of class on May 4, 2023, in Sarasota. There were lots of hugs, smiles and a few tears as the students were cheered as they exited the school building at the end of the day by teachers and the freshman, sophomore and junior students.

Student has 1-in-a-million visit to baseball game

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A celebratory shower of confetti, streamers and party poppers, hugs from Marty the Marauder, and cheers from the staff of the Bradenton Marauders greeted Connor Longo as he entered LECOM Park in Bradenton on April 23, 2023.

The sixth grader from St. Joseph Catholic School was taking part in the school’s Mother-Son Baseball Game, when he was welcomed as the one millionth fan to walk through the gates of the park since the team began play in 2010.

“I love Marauders baseball,” Connor said. “I’m so excited that I’m the one millionth fan!”

Connor received season tickets for life, and a Marauders jersey; he threw out a ceremonial first pitch, and was seated with his mother in a special viewers box for the game.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this exciting milestone,” Craig Warzecha, general manager, said. “This is a testament to the continued support of our fan base and community. We look forward to providing memorable experiences for our guests for many years to come.”

Valerie Longo, Connor’s mother stated, “This will definitely be a hard mother-son event to try to top in the future!”

The Bradenton Herald reported on the moment, with Valerie Longo explaining how the pair were late for the game after making a last-minute stop.

“So Connor is walking in front of me and – WHOA!!!” as she described the moment the confetti started flying.

“It was pretty crazy!” Connor said. “Took me awhile to realize what was actually happening.”

Valerie Longo said “They treated us like royalty. Connor kept saying, ‘This is the best day ever!’”

News Briefs for the week of May 5, 2023

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Religious sister, longtime educator, dies

Sister Gloria Hillman (Sister Rita Joseph), of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, died on April 10, 2023. She was 88 years old. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Sister Gloria entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, N.Y., in September 1953. She made her First Profession in June 1955, and Final Profession in August 1958. Sister Gloria earned degrees from Nazareth College, Rochester, N.Y., Catholic University, Washington D.C., and Fairfield University, Connecticut. Sister Gloria’s ministries included education and pastoral care. She taught at schools in Paterson and Camden, New Jersey; New Haven and Danbury, Connecticut; and Raleigh, North Carolina. It was in 1975 when she started teaching religious education at a Parish in Hawthorne, N.Y., before moving to Florida. Sister Gloria was Director of Religious Education at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota from 1981 to 1991, and Religious Education Teacher at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Boca Grande from 1991 to 1994, as well as a substitute teacher at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota from 1992 to 1994. She served as Director at Manasota S.O.L.V.E. Inc. pregnancy resource center in Bradenton from 1994 to 1998, before returning to assist at St. Thomas More Parish from 1998 to 2001. In her later years, Sister Gloria ministered to the elderly in the Sarasota area. Sister Gloria is survived by her sister, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A funeral took place April 22, 2023, at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota.

Students pack meals for needy

National Honor Society & Key Club members from St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples participated in the annual Meals of Hope Packing Drive on April 29, 2023. Club moderators Susan Cavness and Denise Szedely led the students during the packing event. Meals of Hope operates 15 food pantries in Southwest Florida and their packing events help bring food to the needy both locally, nationally and globally.

Students build cathedrals in science class

The total learning experience was on display in the 8th grade science class of Cindy Neunder at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota. During late April 2023, students put in a lot of time, effort and teamwork to create their beautiful Gothic cathedrals. The objective of this project was to foster a love of our Church history, incorporate fortitude and beauty as Gifts of Christ, and nurture a better understanding of the engineering process. The results were impressive.

Rocky science project surprises

It is amazing what one can find when walking around outside. As part of the rocks and minerals units for the St. Joseph Catholic School 4th grade class of Blaire Hamric the students took a rock walk on April 28, 2023. While on the walk, the students collected rocks and then later washed and sorted them into categories. Using tools like sandpaper, the students then examined each rock’s texture and appearance and then reported on their findings.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week

The Home and School Association at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice kicked-off “Teacher Appreciation Week” with welcoming signs and refreshments on May 1, 2023. This was also Principal Appreciation Day, so Principal Nicole Loseto was give the royal treatment.

 

Lion Cup II – Diocesan STREAM Robotics competition a huge success

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The second annual Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools Lion Cup robotics competition was a huge success as 39 teams and more than 220 students gathered April 22, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers.

The Lion Cup – a STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) middle and high school robotics tournament, included competitors and teams representing all 15 Diocesan Catholic schools. The competition was fierce, and the intensity built as the day progressed and the participants became laser-focused on being the best.

“I am very impressed,” said Bishop Frank J. Dewane to all the competitors during the closing awards ceremony. “Everyone was at such a great level. Well done!”

Bishop Dewane said his support for the STREAM program, and robotics component, grew out of the concept of preparing students for the future.

“Whether in high school or middle school, we must prepare you to have the skills and exposure to this kind of process. STREAM and robotics introduce the skills that will be used in many different areas, and this faith-infused program enforces the virtues that are instilled into the very fabric of this program,” Bishop Dewane said.

The Bishop also thanked the Diocesan Education team, the teachers, coaches, parents and the students for embracing the STREAM initiative at all grade levels.

Leah Chung of the middle school Falcons 23 team from St. Francis Xavier said the team had been practicing intensely leading up to the competition, giving them the confidence to succeed.

“We worked so hard to get ready and it was so much fun to compete against the other schools,” Leah, an 8th grader said. “We used our different skills to become a real team and it showed today. We are all so happy.”

The winning high school team, Team NIC (Neumann in Control), was one of four teams competing from St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples. After winning the top prize by one point, the teammates said their key strategy to success was how they focused on having fun, thus allowing the pressure of the competition to go away.

The competition was fierce as teams programmed their robots to accomplish various tasks in a specific order in a limited amount of time. The middle school robots are made from Lego pieces and traversed an obstacle course, attempting to pick up items along the way. Teamwork came into play in design, construction and strategy. The high school robots are 10 times larger and are both autonomous and have a remote control as they do assigned tasks.

The teams participated in a round robin format with each team getting the chance to have their robot compete at least twice. The top eight made the quarterfinals, four to the finals and an eventual winner was crowned. As each level commenced, the emotions ran high. In between the intense competition the teams had pizza and sweets served from food trucks.

Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, said the few hours of competition brought out the best from the students and reflected their core Catholic virtues.

Jennifer Falestiny, Diocese Curriculum Specialist, organized the event and was pleased to see so many competitors, nearly double the inaugural 2022 Lion Cup. “This is so wonderful to see everyone get so involved and excited about STREAM and robotics.”

The Lion Cup honors St. Mark, one of the patron saints of the Diocese of Venice, whose symbol features a winged lion. The competition also pays homage to Leonardo da Vinci, inventor of many of the first robots, one of which resembles a lion.

“Da Vinci’s works incorporate three design attributes developed by Vitruvius, a famous Roman architect and engineer: Firmitas (strength), Utilitas (utility) and Venustas (beauty),” said Father Belmonte.

Special awards were presented to the teams that reflected the attributes of Firmitas, Utilitas, and Venustas.

The day concluded with special guest Shevin McCullough, of Studio 3:16, a popular social media channel geared toward middle school students, who energized the students with music and key phrases to get the students excited about God.

The winning teams were:

Middle school

1st – Falcons 23 – St. Francis Xavier Catholic School

2nd – Stars Team 01 – St. Andrew Catholic School

3rd – St. Joes 6 – St. Joseph Catholic School

High School

1st – Team NIC (Neumann in Control) – St. John Neumann Catholic High School

2nd – Black & Gold Warriors (BGW) – Bishop Verot Catholic High School

3rd – Nerds Inc. – Bishop Verot Catholic High School

Venustas – Beauty – Our Lady – robotic design, innovation and creativity

Middle school – Phoenix #2 – St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School

High school – Academic Weapons, St. John Neuman Catholic High School

Utilitas – Utility – St. Marcina – Patron Saint of Robots – robotic design and function

Middle school – Falcons 23 – St. Francis Xavier Catholic School

High school – Team NIC (Neumann in Control) – St. John Neumann Catholic High School

Firmitas – Strength – St. Mark – Co-Patron of the Diocese of Venice – positive Catholic strength, culture and character

Middle school – ECS Tigers 1 – Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School

High school – Black & Gold Warriors (BGW) – Bishop Verot Catholic High School

Devotion to Most Holy Eucharist promoted in Catholic schools

Posted on by Bob Reddy

When students create an image of the Most Holy Eucharist, the results can be inspirational.

Using vivid colors and inspiring imagery, seven Diocesan Catholic schools students were recently honored for their artwork as part of “The Most Holy Eucharist: The Riches of His Glorious Inheritance” devotional project. The theme was approved and encouraged by Bishop Frank J. Dewane as it supports the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival, led by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The recognition came on April 20, 2023, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, where a Most Holy Eucharist Devotional Mass was celebrated by Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese Superintendent of Catholic Education.

Father Belmonte said the goal of this year’s devotional project was to bring students a deeper awareness and more ardent love of our Lord’s Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist.

Invited to the Mass were the artists and their families (see below for winning artwork), as well as principals, art teachers and junior catechists from each of the 12 Diocese elementary schools who helped deliver the devotional message to their respective classmates. High school students were taught about the 15 Eucharistic miracles during their theology classes.

Another element of the devotional project was to encourage students to get into the habit of visiting the Lord in the Most Holy Eucharist by going to Mass or attending adoration. The Blessed Sacrament visitation tracker was created to allow schools to log their progress from November through April. In the first five months, more than 50,000 visits to the Most Holy Eucharist had been made by the students.

For the art project, seven winning artists were selected from among more than 200 entries from Diocesan Catholic students and were recognized at a reception in the Parish Hall following the Mass. Honorees were selected by representatives from the Diocesan Department of Catholic Education.

Emmanuel Ronquillo, a 6th grader at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton, created an image of Christ crucified with the Most Holy Eucharist emanating from behind the cross to shine its light on the world. “This is what the Most Holy Eucharist is all about – Christ dying on the cross for us all.”

As part of the recognition, the artists received an enlarged framed and printed version of their winning artwork with a ribbon and holy cards. The cards were distributed for use at each school and on the reverse includes the prayer: “Devotional Prayer to the Most Holy Eucharist.”

The Diocesan devotional project during the 2021-2022 academic year was the Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Saints, and during the 2020-2021 academic year it was St. Joseph.

The art contest winners are:

Rosalie Bartsch, kindergarten, Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Catholic School, Ave Maria;

Owen Wessal, 3rd grade, St. Catherine Catholic School, Sebring;

Gabriela Wilk, 5th grade, St. Martha Catholic School, Sarasota;

Emmanuel Ronquillo, 6th grade, St. Joseph Catholic School, Bradenton;

Vance Byrd, 9th grade, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Fort Myers;

Grace Breen, 10th grade, Bishop Verot;

Hailey Renner, 11th grade, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Sarasota.

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