schools Archives - Page 2 of 74

Volunteers help pack hundreds of through of meals for starving children

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Bob Reddy

From Feb. 15-17, 2026, 953 volunteers, including many students from Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools, gathered for the annual Feed My Starving Children MobilePack at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral.

The food packing supports Feed My Starving Children, a Christian hunger relief organization that has volunteers pack and pay for scientifically formulated meals, which assist in preventing and reversing the effects of malnutrition, and are provided free to organizations around the world. St. Katherine Drexel partnered with Christ Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran churches in raising the funds for the food, as well as organizing volunteers to come together to pack the food.

The results were amazing, with 233,280 meals packed thanks to the help of 953 volunteers. In the nine years St. Katherine Drexel has participated in the MobilePack program, more than 1.6 million meals have been packed.

Volunteers ranged in age from teens to their 80s. This year the volunteer corps included 30 National Junior Honor Society students from St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral, and 10 National Honors Society students from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. This was in addition to more than 40 from the Parish youth group, and many from neighboring Trafalgar Middle School. The youth learned a valuable lesson, that by working together, combined with others, they could accomplish much in a short period of time, including having an impact on the lives of children around the world.

Father Ricky Varner was among the packers at the event. He also offered moral support and prayers for the volunteers and for the recipients of the food.

The food packing took place in the Parish Hall. Each volunteer wears a hair net and latex gloves and is part of a team stationed at a group of tables where the packing is set up in an assembly line. Each person takes a different role including measuring, filling, sealing and weighing, but all working together to pack the food efficiently and quickly. The ingredients are pre-determined with the use of measuring devices. Once a bag is filled, it is sealed and packed into a box and eventually loaded onto pallets that will fill a semi-trailer.

According to Feed My Starving Children, hunger causes nearly half of the world’s deaths in children under five years old. From this data, Feed My Starving Children estimates at least 6,200 children die each day from causes related to undernutrition. The organization has sent food to 110 countries since March 2009.

Barth and Mary Jo Wolf, event organizers for St. Katherine Drexel Parish, said the event was a huge success and the next packing event, which they hope will be bigger than this year, is already scheduled for the weekend of Feb. 14-16, 2027.

News Briefs for the week of February 27, 2026

Posted on February 27, 2026February 27, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Cape Coral students “Make-a-Difference”

Serving with heart, leading with faith, and making a difference, eighth grade students at St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral spent Feb. 23, 2026, giving back for “Make-a-Difference Day.” Representing the school, students did service works, such as packing meals, sorting clothes, cleaning, landscaping and more at The Cape Coral Caring Center, Special Populations, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Kiwanis Thrift Store, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, and even at the school. The “Make-a-Difference Day” is an annual outreach in the community which teaches the students how to live their faith through service and action.

Knights donate wheelchairs to Sarasota schools

St. Mary Academy and St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota received three wheelchairs Feb. 12, 2026, personally delivered by a distinguished delegation of the Knights of Columbus. Located together on Fruitville Road, the two schools welcomed the Knights with enthusiasm and gratitude. The wheelchairs will be used to assist students in reaching the school nurse during medical emergencies, ensuring timely and safe care. Since 2003, the Knights of Columbus have funded and delivered tens of thousands of wheelchairs throughout the United States and around the world. This generous donation reflects the organization’s core mission of charity, unity, and service to those in need. It also highlights the powerful impact that partnerships between community organizations and schools can have on the lives of children.

Execution Vigil and March 3

The execution of Florida inmates by the State of Florida continues at an alarming rate. A record 19 executions took place in Florida in 2025, with the first executions of 2026 taking place on Feb. 10 and Feb. 24. For each Florida execution, a Prayer Vigil is scheduled at San Pedro Parish Chapel, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. The Prayer Vigils begin at 5:30 p.m., last less than an hour and include hymns, a Gospel reading, reflections, intercessions and a praying of the Rosary. A pause takes place at 6 p.m., the time the actual executions take place. Everyone involved in the execution process is prayed for; the doctor administering the execution, the witnesses, the victims and their families, and we pray for a conversion of the condemned, and an end to the death penalty. The next execution Prayer Vigil is March 3, to coincide with the execution of Billy Leon Kearse.

Emmaus Experience Women’s Retreat in March

The Epiphany Cathedral Emmaus Retreat Team is hosting an Emmaus Experience Women’s Retreat March 6 to March 8, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. Give yourself the gift of time away from distractions of your daily routine to listen to Jesus and the Holy Spirit in an environment of sincere faith, fellowship, and worship. Registration is $305 for a double room, $415 for a private room. Space is limited. The registration deadline is Feb. 16, 2026. Please contact Donna Vodraska at donnavodraska@aol.com or 630-336-0918.

Vocations Awareness Weekend Retreat

Is God calling you, or someone you know, to the priesthood? The Diocese of Venice Vocations Offices is offering a weekend retreat for young men to learn firsthand about the life of a seminarian at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami! Open to young men ages 17 and up, the retreat is March 6-8, 2026. Transportation is provided. Contact Lina Johnson to register at johnson@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-486-4720.

40 Days for Life Spring Campaign through April 13

The 40 days for Life Spring Campaign (from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026) aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. In the Diocese of Venice, 40 Days for Life campaigns are held in three locations: Sarasota – Daily from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., 736 Central Ave., or visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/sarasota; Naples – Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., 1425 Creech Road, or visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/naples; and Fort Myers – Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., 6418 Commerce Park Drive, or visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/fortmyers.

Royal Rummage Sale XVIII March 6-7

The St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish Women’s Guild presents Royal Rummage Sale XVIII, to be held in the Parish Hall, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. The early bird sale is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 6, 2026, and the admission is $5. The regular sale, with free admission, is 9 a.m. – noon, March 7. Don’t miss out on the biggest and best rummage sale on Longboat Key which includes clothing, furniture, art, collectible, jewelry, housewares, linens, toys, electronics, books, and much more.

Lenten Days of Prayer at Retreat Center in March

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice offers a Monthly Day of Prayer, an opportunity to take time out of your busy and hectic life to focus on God. The next Day of Prayer is March 8 or 11, 2026, and is titled, “Lent Is My Highway to Heaven.” As part of an ongoing series of talks on Heaven, Father Greg Cleveland, OMV, OLPH Spiritual Director, will unpack the mystery of the Beatific Vision as the ultimate fulfillment of human longing. This talk invites you into the beauty, joy, and transformative love of seeing God “face to face,” where faith and reason give way to eternal happiness in Christ. No prior sessions are required – come as you are and be spiritually filled. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with continental breakfast and includes two conferences, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, lunch, and Mass. There is time for adoration, private prayer, or meditation on the beautiful grounds as well. The day concludes at 3:15 p.m. The cost is $45. Register at www.olph-retreat.org/monthly-day-of-prayer

Fort Myers Parish retreat March 10

St. Francis Xavier Parish, 2157 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, is hosting a one-night Parish retreat, 6 – 8 p.m., March 10, 2026, featuring Father Leland Thorpe, OMV, of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. Father Thorpe’s talk is titled: “10 Minutes to Change Your Life: The Examen Prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola.” Learn how you can be transformed when you apply it to your daily life. There is no cost to attend. Bring family, friends, and neighbors. For more information, please call the Parish office at 239-334-2161.

Matt Talbot Men’s Spiritual Weekend Retreat March 13-15

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is hosting a Matt Talbot retreat March 13-15, 2026. The retreat is for people of all faiths and is an opportunity for recovering alcoholics to enhance their spirituality and sober way of life. The people who attend these retreats also attend the 12-step program through AA. The Matt Talbot retreat is private and everything is confidential. Save the date for this upcoming retreat. Choose from a private room, or a shared, double occupancy room, or as a commuter (no room). $385 per retreatant for a private room, $275 per retreatant for a shared, double occupancy room or $195 per commuter. Register at www.olph-retreat.org.

Milestone Wedding Anniversary Mass March 14

An invitation is extended to all couples celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or more years) to join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for an Anniversary Mass in your honor. The Diocese of Venice hosts two Wedding Anniversary Masses each year (one in the northern part of the Diocese and the second in the southern part) to accommodate all. The first Mass in 2026 was Feb. 14 at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs. The second Mass will be held March 14, 11:00 a.m., at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. A luncheon will follow the Mass. Photos with Bishop Dewane will also be provided for each couple. To register for the Anniversary Mass, please contact your local Parish office no later than one week before the Mass. For additional information contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-484-4754.

Emerald Ball March 14 in Naples

The annual Catholic Charities Emerald Ball is 5:30 p.m., March 14, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples. This event benefits the programs and services in Collier County. Tickets are $500, and are available at https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/events. For more information, call 239-455-2655 or email emeraldball@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Faith & Wine and Faith & Ale joint event March 19

The annual joint gathering of Faith & Ale and Faith & Wine in Lee County will take place 6 – 8:30 p.m., March 19, 2026, at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. The guest speakers are Dan and Stephanie Burke. Dan is past president and COO of EWTN, while Stephanie hosts the Divine Intimacy radio show. The talk is titled “Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits.” Faith & Wine is an outreach for uniting Catholic women of all backgrounds and ages to develop friendships and to support one another as they apply the Gospel to their lives. Faith & Ale is a Catholic Men’s Apostolate in Southwest Florida that offers monthly gatherings of Catholic men promoting fellowship and growth in faith. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow. Program begins at approximately 6:45 p.m. and ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. Register https://faithandale.com/. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.

Marriage Prep retreats/seminars coming soon

Marriage Preparation Retreats are required by the Diocese of Venice for those couples preparing for Sacramental Marriage in the Catholic Church. The retreat’s purpose is to enable couples to become more aware of the privileges and responsibility of marriage. The next two of many Marriage Retreats in 2026 are March 21, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice, and June 20 at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. Additionally, the Two Become One Marriage Retreat prepares couples 55 and older who are planning for the Sacrament of Marriage or convalidation in the Catholic Church. The next Two Become One Marriage Retreat is May 2, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. Registration is required for all retreats at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2026-day-of-reflection-mp-retreat. Couples unable to attend an in-person retreat may contact the Diocesan Marriage Prep office to register for the online version. Please contact Jim Gontis at 941- 486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

CPCI Gala March 28

Join Community Pregnancy Clinics (CPCI) for an evening of hope and inspiration at the “Heart of the Community Gala,” 5 p.m. March 28, 2026, at the Ritz-Carton Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples. Begin with a cocktail reception and fellowship alongside other dedicated advocates, followed by a delicious dinner, paddle-raise fundraiser, and a powerful keynote address from Matt Walsh, a renowned filmmaker, author, and pro-life voice. The cost is $500 per person. Tickets are available at www.supportcpci.com.

Diocesan-wide Reconciliation times March 27-28

Please note that the precept of confessing grave sins and receiving Holy Communion, at least once during the Lenten Season, merits a reminder. To facilitate this requirement, in addition to regular Parish Confession hours, every Parish in the Diocese of Venice will be open with a confessor present 4 -8 p.m., March 27, 2026, and 9 a.m. – noon, March 28. These opportunities are made available so that the faithful may find ample opportunity to receive God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Lenten Season.

Magnificat breakfast March 28

Be Blessed and Encouraged at the next Magnificat breakfast for women, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., March 28, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers Gulf Coast. The speaker is Kathy Corona, a woman of deep faith who will share her spiritual journey. Join for breakfast, fellowship, and worship to hear her inspiring testimony of Jesus Christ’s love and healing! Reservations can be made online until noon, March 24 at https://magnificatfortmyers.com/order-tickets/. For more information, contact Margaret Mengle, 239-826-7475.

Chrism Mass March 31 in Bonita Springs

The Chrism Mass, which takes place during Holy Week every year, will be held 10:30 a.m., March 31, 2026, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. During this Mass, Bishop Frank J. Dewane will bless the Holy Oils which are used in the administration of the Sacraments at each parish throughout the year. Priests and Deacons celebrating 25 and 50 years of Ordination are recognized at this Mass.

Priests celebrating 50 years: Father Edward Blackwell, Father Vincente Clemente, Father Lawrence Espisito, Father Francis Hanlon, OSFS, Father Thomas Heck, Father Michael Orsi, and Father Timothy Sheedy.
Priests celebrating 25 years: Father Lorenzo Gonzalez, Father Philip Joly, Father Jacek Mazur, Father David Pignato, Father Philip Scheff, and Father David Vidal.
Deacon celebrating 25 years: Deacon Gary Ingold.

All are encouraged to attend in support of our clergy and to participate in this important Holy Week celebration.

Retreat Center Triduum Retreat

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is hosting a Triduum Retreat, Easter Weekend, April 2-5, 2026. This retreat begins with supper on Holy Thursday and ends with breakfast on Easter Sunday. The liturgies of the Lord’s Supper, Way of the Cross, Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, Easter Vigil, and Sunrise Easter Liturgy are celebrated. A series of six one-hour conferences on various topics is offered throughout the retreat. In addition, the opportunity for Confession is available. $525 per retreatant for a private room or $360 per retreatant for a shared, double occupancy room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained). No commuter rate is offered. Register at www.olph-retreat.org.

Palm Sunday and Easter TV Mass to air at special times

The televised Mass for the Homebound on Palm Sunday (March 29, 2026), and Easter Sunday (April 5 and celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane), will air for a full hour on both Sundays. Because of the length, the time of the broadcast on these two Sunday will air at a special time. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Masses will air at 10:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Masses will air at 8 a.m. on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). Please check your cable provider for channel listings. The televised Mass is also always available online at dioceseofvenice.org or on YouTube. Visit dioceseofvenice.org/tv for more information or contact Rachel Powers at powers@dioceseofvenice.org.

Diocese of Venice Missionary Opportunity for Summer 2026 Now Open

Could the Lord be calling you? The Diocese of Venice is inviting college-age young adults to apply to serve as Totus Tuus Missionaries for the Diocese’s Parish Catechetical Summer Totus Tuus Camps. As a Totus Tuus Missionary, you will be an authentic witness to Christ’s love, teach the Catholic faith to children and youth, and grow in leadership, community, and your personal relationship with Christ. Many missionaries describe Totus Tuus as one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences of their lives, a summer where faith deepens, friendships grow, and God’s call becomes clearer. Don’t miss this unique opportunity! Apply today! To apply, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/562S8YS. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and available from May 20 through July 31, 2026. For further information, contact Andres Prias, Diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Catholic Charities offers Mental Health Counseling Services

Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice is offering mental health counseling, including tele-health, for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information on this service, please call 239-455-2655 or visit Catholic Charities online: www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese

Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.

Retreat Center seeks volunteers

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is in need of volunteers. Help provide a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who come to OLPH seeking transformation in Christ. Areas of need include reception, gardening, dishwashing, and serving meals. Contact the office to sign up at 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/new-volunteer.

Free Rosary Repair Service

Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, Free Rosary Repair Service, 7930 Estero Blvd., Unit 502, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Rosaries will be repaired and returned within the week of receipt. Donations of old rosaries are also accepted, which will be repaired and sent to missions. Include a note indicating repair or donation. For more details, please call 239-463-3993, 860-595-6370 or holdenbnd@gmail.com.

Ash Wednesday: the 2026 Lenten Journey begins

Posted on February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 by Bob Reddy

The opening of the Lenten Season began with the traditional Ash Wednesday Mass, Feb. 18, 2026, starting a journey toward the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of the Faith. The Lenten Season ends prior to the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 2.

During this journey, and informed by the Gospel of Ash Wednesday, one must take time to live the Lenten Season in a particular way, through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three traditional disciplines of Lent.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in celebrating Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, said that as we begin our Lenten journey we must all be cautious to not be on auto-pilot when doing the things we are called to do – pray, fast, give alms.

“That is a good thing you do, but we don’t think as much as we should on how am I praying; what is the difference in the fasting I am doing now, and in terms of giving alms, what am I doing about that truth,” Bishop Dewane said. “Pope Leo XIV has asked us all to take a little more time to reflect upon the Gospel readings with our heart and soul. God has given us intellect, so we must ask ourselves what the Lord is saying when he asks us to pray, fast and give alms. The Holy Father is asking us to do the thing we don’t normally do and get out of our comfort zone.”

Bishop Dewane said our response to the Lenten call says much about who we are as men and women of God. Instead of doing the same thing as we did in Lent last year, or 10 years ago, when maybe we weren’t so successful, now is the time to change.

“Go forward this Lenten Season doing what we learned to do when we were young. Do it with deeper reflection. Do it with greater understanding of who we are as children of God and who we are as made in the image and likeness of God,” Bishop Dewane said. “How does that translate into prayer, fasting and almsgiving? Take some of the things that are not in your comfort zone in terms of a spiritual life. Let us become the ‘more’ that the Lord calls us to be in this Season.”

On Ash Wednesday, the imposition of ashes is a solemn ritual that signals the beginning of the Holy Season of Lent. The ceremony is distinctive; there is no liturgical action like it throughout the entire liturgical year. Ashes come from a previous Palm Sunday. The palms are burned, the ashes collected and then crushed into a fine, sooty powder and placed into bowls, where they are blessed by the priest during the Ash Wednesday Mass after the homily. Then, in a Communion-like procession, people are invited to come forward, and the ashes are applied to each person’s forehead in the shape of a cross as the minister says either, “Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15), or “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19), the older, more traditional invocation.

While the ashes marked on one’s forehead do not last very long, their purpose is to cleanse and purify one’s inner heart. Having a clean heart is a key part of living one’s faith life, and the precept of confessing grave sins at least once during the Lenten Season merits a reminder.

To facilitate this requirement, every Parish in the Diocese of Venice will be open with a confessor present 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 27, and 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 28. Check with your local Parish for additional confession times or the availability of a Penance Service. These opportunities are made available so that the faithful may find ample opportunity to receive God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Lenten Season.

Mardi Gras

Ahead of Ash Wednesday, Bishop Dewane led a Mardi Gras celebration Feb. 17 for staff at the Catholic Center in Venice, which featured homemade paczki, a Polish pastry filled with fruit filling and covered in a sugar glaze. The Catholic Center staff enjoyed the treat as a special “Fat Tuesday” celebration.

In addition, several Diocesan Catholic schools hosted their own Mardi Gras celebration. At Incarnation Catholic School in Sarasota, the pre-kindergarten students held a Mardi Gras float parade, while at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers algebra students learned about the origins of Mardi Gras before diving into a classroom competition that turned math practice into a bead-collecting challenge. Solve a problem first? Earn beads. Challenge a classmate? Win more. By the end of class, it was all about who could collect the most.

43 named 2026 VDCCW Golden Rose Honorees

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Bob Reddy

There are 43 high school girls who now have the distinct honor of being named Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (VDCCW) Golden Rose Award recipients.

The Golden Rose Awards were presented Feb. 15, 2026, following a Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice.

The Golden Rose Award seeks to recognize the tenets of the Council of Catholic Women – spirituality, leadership and service – in young ladies as they live out their faith in the Diocese, a Parish, or a Catholic school.

Bishop Dewane presented the awards with Katie Morris, VDCCW President, while Brenda Dolan, Florida CCW President and Miami Province Director, and Ellen Bachman, National CCW Past-President, presented each young lady a golden rose. Also assisting were Father Jay Jancarz, VDCCW Spiritual Director and Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, and Father Pawel Kawalec, Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Parish in Arcadia.

Bishop Dewane congratulated the young ladies for living out a particular call in their lives and encouraged them to carry that call forward into the future. The Bishop said that by the VDCCW recognizing them they are already living their lives in the way Jesus taught them, but he reminded them to never let that grace fall away.

Noting how the Mass and celebration fell on the eve of the Lenten Season, Bishop Dewane told the young ladies, “During Lent Christ asks you to have an internal transformation that prompts you to keep living your life with the love of Christ in your heart. How are you going to respond to that gift of life? This must change who you are and who you are becoming as a child of God.”

Betty-Ann Busby, VDCCW Golden Rose Chair, announced the honorees and said that each was a worthy nominee, having been nominated by their respective Parishes and Catholic high schools. Nominees are currently in high school, active in their Parish or Catholic school, and practicing Catholics who regularly attend Sunday Mass, while also completing meaningful service projects.

Bachman helped bring the Golden Rose Award to Venice having learned about similar recognition taking place by CCW groups in other Dioceses. The Golden Rose Award was first awarded in 2020 following the example of CCW affiliates, with the first in-person Venice Diocesan ceremony held in April 2021. Bachman said the nominations regarding the young ladies were inspiring, showing their leadership skills and kindness to others.

VDCCW President Morris said that she was inspired by the honorees and said the Diocese is blessed to have such young ladies being active in the Church today.

Each Golden Rose Award recipient was presented with a certificate and golden rose, as well as a membership into the National Council of Catholic Women. One awardee will be selected by the VDCCW Board for submission for consideration for the national award.

The recipients of the 2026 Golden Rose Awards are:

Adeline Dwyer, Resurrection of Our Lord, Fort Myers; Alba Herrera-Mercado, St. Francis of Assisi, Grove City; Alexa Ebersohl, Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; Alyssa Demeo, Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice; Ambriello Cailixte, St. Katharine Drexel, Cape Coral; Angela Prieto, St. Agnes, Naples; Angelia Perez, St. Margaret, Clewiston; Arianna Gamez, St. Peter the Apostle, Naples; Ariesi Sierra, St. Maximillian Kolbe, Port Charlotte; Audrey Fairchild, Ave Maria, Ave Maria; Audrey Pearce, St. Vincent de Paul, Fort Myers; Clara Clulow, Sts. Peter and Paul the Apostles, Bradenton; Clara Nathali-Martinez, St. Paul, Arcadia; Clare Reppert, San Antonio, Port Charlotte; Eva Villarreal, St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; Evelyn Vizcaya, San Marco, Marco Island; Grace London, St. William, Naples; Isabel Jerome, San Pedro, Nort Port; Isabella Dunleavy, Sacred Heart, Punta Gorda; Isabella Vergara, St. Agnes; Kaden Crowley, St. John the Evangelist, Naples; Karla Yuridia Pallares-Pineda, Sacred Heart, Punta Gorda; Kathyrn Domain, Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice; Kaya Houge, Holy Cross, Palmetto; Kaylee Jones, St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; Keiryn Cavins, Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; Lucia del Valle, Incarnation, Sarasota; Marley Villagomez-Rodrigues, St. Peter the Apostle, Naples; Margaret Swift, St. Francis Xavier, Fort Myers; Marleni Munivez, Holy Cross, Palmetto; Michelle Guadalupe Rodriguez; Jesus the Worker, Fort Myers; Nia Reyes, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Sarasota; Olivia Ierulli, St. Joseph, Bradenton; Pepper Tocco, St. William, Naples; Samantha Abdranga, St. Katharine Drexel, Cape Coral; Sandra Resendiz-Espinoza, St. Catherine, Sebring; Sara Ivette Navarro-Vazquez, St. Cecilia, Fort Myers; Savannah Wilmer, San Pedro, North Port; Sephora Esperance, St. Andrew, Cape Coral; Sofia Erquiaga, St. Jude, Sarasota; Sophia Silgato, St. Francis of Assisi, Grove City; Therese Holt, St. Charles Borromeo, Port Charlotte; and Valeria Trujillo, St. Michael, Wauchula.

Large group from Venice attend Catholic Days at the Capitol

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Large group from Venice attend Catholic Days at the Capitol

By Karen Barry Schwarz, Special to the Florida Catholic

Catholic Days at the Capitol was a great success (Feb. 10-11, 2026), with a great showing from the Diocese of Venice, all, of course, dressed in red to invoke the power and presence of the Holy Spirit!

The key part of Catholic Days was Feb. 11, where Catholics from across Florida converge on Tallahassee during the Florida legislative session, to bring the light of faith to the public square and promote Catholic values through civic engagement. The day was off to a good start with a breakfast meeting organized by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops to welcome the group, and to educate attendees about the bills of concern to the state’s bishops, which were: Civil Liability for the Wrongful Death of an Unborn Child; Background Screening and Child Safety; Improving Prison Infrastructure and Conditions.

The Florida Conference staff was then available to answer questions about the bills under discussion. As the meeting wound down and the legislative meetings and sessions were about to begin, the Florida Bishops each led a decade of the Rosary, empowering the group before they set off on their mission to meet with various State House and Senate members. The day came to a close at the 51st Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More, with all the Florida Bishops in attendance concelebrating. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the homilist, and took care to remind all that the true governance and law is that of the Lord.

The group of 50 attending from the Diocese was organized by Tavia Ames, Director of Respect Life, who attended with her three young daughters, all students at Diocesan Catholic schools. The Diocesan group included dozens of Catholic School students from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School and St. Martha Catholic School, both in Sarasota.

Members of the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women were in attendance, including President-Elect Karen Veveer, as well as several members of the Knights of Columbus, including longtime Respect Life advocate Art Reilly, who was recently honored with the Diocese’s inaugural Culture of Life Award. Also participating were Sylvia Jimenez, Diocese of Venice Project Rachel Coordinator, Karen Barry Schwarz and Rachel Powers from the Diocese’s Communications Office. In addition, there were several groups of parishioners from Incarnation Parish and St. Martha Parish, both in Sarasota, Corpus Christi Parish in Naples, Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch, Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Boca Grande, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Port Charlotte and Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Father Daniel Scanlan, Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas Moore Parish in Sarasota also attended, celebrating Mass for the group the evening before the event.

News Briefs for the week of February 20, 2026

Posted on February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Knights donate wheelchairs to Sarasota schools

Students bring history to life

St. Ann Catholic School eighth graders in Naples brought history to life with a Living Museum on Feb. 13, 2026. The students transformed into influential historical figures from the past and present. From presidents and pioneers to saints, scientists, activists, and innovators, each student represented the life, accomplishments, and legacy of their chosen figure. Students put their dedication, creativity, and confidence on display as they shared their research and stood proudly “in character” while guests walked through our museum. History truly came alive in the most engaging and inspiring way.

Project Rachel retreat Feb. 24

For women or men who have been scarred by abortion, the Diocese offers “Project Rachel,” an outreach of the Catholic Church to those who are suffering and in need of healing following an abortion. This program offers help through the sacraments, retreats, and referrals for professional counseling, all confidentially. The next one-day healing retreat will be held Feb. 24, 2026. For more information, or to join, please contact, Sylvia Jimenez, Project Rachel Coordinator, at 941-412-5860 (English and en Español), or project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. The Diocese also works with “Support After Abortion,” a national outreach to provide individualized care for those impacted by abortion. For details, visit https://supportafterabortion.com/.

Execution Vigils Feb. 24 and March 3

The execution of Florida inmates by the State of Florida continues at an alarming rate. A record 19 executions took place in Florida in 2025, with the first execution of 2026 taking place on Feb. 10. For each Florida execution, a Prayer Vigil is scheduled at San Pedro Parish Chapel, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. The Prayer Vigils begin at 5:30 p.m., last less than an hour and include hymns, a Gospel reading, reflections, intercessions and a praying of the Rosary. A pause takes place at 6 p.m., the time the actual executions take place. Everyone involved in the execution process is prayed for; the doctor administering the execution, the witnesses, the victims and their families, and we pray for a conversion of the condemned, and an end to the death penalty. The next execution Prayer Vigil is Feb. 24, 2026, which will coincide with the scheduled execution of Melvin Trotter, who is scheduled to be the second person executed in Florida this year. Another Vigil will take place March 3, to coincide with the execution of Billy Leon Kearse.

Liberty Ball for Ave Maria School of Law

The Ave Maria School of Law invites all to attend the Liberty Ball – Celebrating 250 Years of Justice & the American Way, 5:30 p.m., Feb. 24, 2026, Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Naples. The theme is 18^th century inspired elegance or black-tie optional. The keynote speaker is Christopher Ruddy, CEO, Newsmax Media. Tickets are $1,000. For more information, contact Jackie Burke at 239-687-5341 or jburk@avemarialaw.edu.

Father Leo “The Cooking Priest” to host retreat in Venice

Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota St., Venice, is hosting Father Leo Patalinghug, “The Cooking Priest,” for a Parish retreat at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 and 26, 2026. Father Leo is a priest member of a community of consecrated life, Voluntas Dei, and is the founder, host, and director of Plating Grace, an international apostolate to help strengthen families and relationships through God’s gift of a family meal. His is also a best-selling author who established a non-profit organization, The Table Foundation, with the mission to elevate culture and family life, one meal at a time. Come and join us for a memorable two-day event to see the cooking priest connect food and Eucharistic faith! Register at https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/ce070e22-22f5-4c72-b3bc-520fe7922925.

Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Feb. 26

The Catholic Charities Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Auction and Dinner Dance is 5:30 p.m., Feb 26, at Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice. The annual event benefits the mothers and children at Our Mother’s House, a 2-year transitional living program located in the heart of Venice, dedicated to empowering single mothers with a child. Tickets $150. For more information, 941-485-6264 or omhwinetasting@ccdov.org.

Lenten Parish Mission

Father Cedric Pisegna, C.P., an inspirational and motivational speaker and author of 26 books, will be hosting a Lenten Mission 5:30 p.m. nightly from March 1 through March 4, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. All are welcome. Call 941-497-2931 for more information.

Application deadline for Foundation scholarships is March 1

The deadline for entry for college and vocational scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year from the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida is 11:59 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2025. To apply for all available scholarships, visit ccfdioceseofvenice.org. For more information contact Anna Kollmeyer at 941-486-4722 or ccf@dioceseofvenice.org.

Diocesan Lenten Youth Retreats

The Diocese of Venice Youth & Young Adult Ministry is offering opportunities for middle school and high school students to participate in Diocesan Lenten Youth Retreats designed to create a time and place for silence, reflection, and shared experience, allowing young people to step away from the pace and distractions of daily life and re-focus their hearts on God. The high school retreat will be 3 – 8 p.m., March 1, at St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota. The middle school retreat will be offered 5 – 8:30 p.m., March 3, 2026, at St. Paul Parish, Arcadia. Registration is open at dioceseofvenice.org. The cost is $10 per student. For further information, please contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Emmaus Experience Women’s Retreat in March

Vocations Awareness Weekend Retreat

Royal Rummage Sale XVIII March 6-7

The St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish Women’s Guild presents Royal Rummage Sale XVIII, in the Parish Hall, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. The early bird sale is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 6, 2026, and the admission is $5. The regular sale, with free admission, is 9 a.m. – noon, March 7. Don’t miss out on the biggest and best rummage sale on Longboat Key which includes clothing, furniture, art, collectible, jewelry, housewares, linens, toys, electronics, books, and much more.

Venetian Ball March 7 in Bonita Springs

The annual Catholic Charities Venetian Ball is 6 p.m., March 7, 2026, at St. Leo the Great Parish Hall, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. This gala benefits programming and services in Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties. Tickets are $250, and are available at https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/events. For more information, call 239-342-1620 or email venetianball@ccdov.org.

Monthly Days of Prayer at Retreat Center

Fort Myers Parish retreat March 10

Matt Talbot Men’s Spiritual Weekend Retreat March 13-15

Emerald Ball March 14 in Naples

Faith & Wine and Faith & Ale joint event March 19

The annual joint gathering of Faith & Ale and Faith & Wine in Lee County will take place 6 – 8:30 p.m., March 19, 2026, at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. The guest speakers are Dan and Stephanie Burke. Dan is past president and COO of EWTN, while Stephanie hosts the Divine Intimacy radio show. The talk is titled “Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits.” Faith & Wine is an outreach for uniting Catholic women of all backgrounds and ages to develop friendships and to support one another as they apply the Gospel to their lives. Faith & Ale, a Catholic Men’s Apostolate in Southwest Florida that offers monthly gatherings of Catholic men promoting fellowship and growth in faith. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow. Program begins at approximately 6:45 p.m. and ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. Register https://faithandale.com/. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.

Marriage Prep retreats/seminars coming soon

CPCI Gala March 28

Magnificat breakfast March 28

Chrism Mass March 31 in Bonita Springs

Retreat Center Triduum Retreat

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is hosting a Triduum Retreat, Easter Weekend, April 2-5, 2026. This retreat begins with supper on Holy Thursday and ends with breakfast on Easter Sunday. The liturgies of the Lord’s Supper, Way of the Cross, Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, Easter Vigil, and Sunrise Easter Liturgy are celebrated. A series of six one-hour conferences on varying topics is offered throughout the retreat. In addition, the opportunity for Confession is available. $525 per retreatant for a private room or $360 per retreatant for a shared, double occupancy room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained). No commuter rate is offered. Register at www.olph-retreat.org.

Diocese of Venice Missionary Opportunity for Summer 2026 Now Open

Catholic Charities offers Mental Health Counseling Services

Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese

Retreat Center seeks volunteers

Free Rosary Repair Service

Lent – becoming worthy to share in the Resurrection in 2026

Posted on February 13, 2026February 17, 2026 by Bob Reddy

The Lenten Season presents a unique opportunity to grow closer to God and to distance oneself from evil.

Lent is one of the most important liturgical seasons of the Church’s calendar and begins on Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on Feb. 18, 2026. The faithful prepare during this season for Holy Week, those sacred days in the Church calendar when we celebrate the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Paschal Mystery of the Faith.

“The faithful are all called to know better their faith, to live it more deeply, and share their love of the Lord with others,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said. “This ties in directly with our Lenten call to turn our lives over to Christ and to be more that man or woman of God He calls us to be. We are called to bear witness to the Lord by following the example of His suffering, making us worthy to share in His Resurrection.”

The three pillars of the Lenten observance, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. The Lord calls each person to total commitment, something the Bishop said was not a suggestion but a command as written in the Gospel of Matthew.

“It is a command that you and I are to go out to pray, to fast and we are to give alms. Set about during this Lenten Season to raise your mind and heart to God. Choose how you are going to do that, keeping in mind that Matthew identifies the path you should take,” Bishop Dewane said.

By practicing these observances together, they become more than the sum of their parts. Bishop Dewane said by joining the pillars together we hear the Word of God more deliberately and devote ourselves to prayer more ardently as we celebrate the Paschal Mystery. The pillars become part of a faith that flourishes and a heart that is increasingly dedicated to the Lord.

Fasting and abstinence

Fasting and abstinence is not just about food, or lack of it, but instead about sacrifice for the benefit of our spiritual lives – a fasting from sin. Sacrifice and self-denial should not be viewed as something to lament but instead should be viewed as an opportunity to remove anything that distracts us from Jesus Christ and a reception of grace. Fasting and abstinence are about spiritual conversion and renewal, not solely about meat and no food.

For early Christians, fasting was an important and meaningful Lenten practice in commemoration of Christ’s Passion and Death. The current Lenten discipline, set forth by the Roman Catholic Church, consists of both fasting and abstinence on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18) and Good Friday (April 3), as well as abstaining from meat each Friday of Lent.

“This is an opportunity to teach ourselves an internal discipline,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is good to recognize and to use as a reminder of what it is we should be fasting from and that is sin. When fasting, or abstaining from meat, this Lenten Season try not to just ‘follow the motions,’ so to speak, make an extra effort to improve upon the spiritual areas of one’s life.”

Prayer

The second Lenten pillar is prayer, which the Catechism tells us is coupled with charity. All Catholics are called to a meaningful prayer life. A prayer life includes both personal, which comes from the heart, and traditional prayer. With both dimensions, the faithful grow closer to both Christ Himself and His Church.

Prayer is an indispensable component of the Catholic Faith. By growing and maturing in faith, prayer becomes an act of worship. Prayer is recognized as a critical act of public worship in the Church, especially in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

The five basic forms of prayer are blessing, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise. When someone prays in any one of these forms, they are expressing a different emotion, need, concern or appreciation. No two prayers from the heart are the same, just as no two conversations are the same.

“In this Lenten Season we are called to pray with a deeper sense of spirituality and examine how we can step up our prayer life,” Bishop Dewane said. “This goes beyond a short rote prayer, which can be done in a second and does not require meditation or reflection; prayer requires the input of the heart and soul. And just as importantly, we have to have the patience to listen in prayer. Listen to what the Lord is saying and how is it that God speaks to you.”

Almsgiving

The third pillar of Lent, almsgiving, is coupled in the Catechism with self-denial. While often mentioned as the last of the three traditional pillars of the Lenten observance, it is certainly not the least of the three and is often completely misunderstood. The Church’s expression of almsgiving is an act of self-denial, or an expression of charity and assistance extended to the needy.

By almsgiving during Lent, one not only expresses care for those in need, but also expresses a sign of gratitude for all God has provided in one’s own life. These acts of charity are connected to the responsibilities of living the faith that begins with baptism and is reignited in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

“Almsgiving is about taking the extra step in reaching out in charity and love for the right reason, not just to impress others,” Bishop Dewane said. The Catechism states, “almsgiving, together with prayer and fasting, are traditionally recommended to foster the state of interior penance.”

“In a sense, almsgiving is a type of prayer,” Bishop Dewane said. “Because almsgiving requires sacrifice. It is also a sort of fasting from the material world, in what could have been purchased. We try too hard to silo these pillars and not let them be an integrated expression from our soul as to why we are doing this – to recall the Paschal Mystery – how Jesus saved us – and our being open to receiving the greatness of that gift.”

Reconciliation

In addition, Bishop Dewane said the precept of confessing grave sins and receiving Holy Communion, at least once during the Lenten Season, merits a reminder.

REGULATIONS ON FASTING AND ABSTINENCE

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, and Good Friday, April 3, are days of fast and abstinence. All Fridays of Lent are also days of abstinence from meat.

Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics between the ages of 18 years and 59 years (inclusive). On a fast day, one full meal is allowed. Two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. In the context of observing the fast, eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed. If possible, the fast on Good Friday is to continue until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily His Resurrection.

Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics who are 14 years of age and older on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent, including Good Friday.

(Note: If a person is unable to observe the above regulations due to ill health or other serious reasons, they are urged to practice other forms of self-denial that are suitable to their condition.)

News Briefs for the week of February 13, 2026

Posted on February 13, 2026February 13, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Appointments

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

Father Roderick Mitial, as Parochial Vicar at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples effective Feb. 6, 2026.

Father Gilbert Nortilus, relieved of duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Peter the Apostle in Naples effective Feb. 6, 2026.

Father Manoj Francis, M.C.B.S., as Parochial Vicar of St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral, and St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral, effective Jan. 30, 2026.

Father Robert Mulligan, O.S.F.S., as Administrator of St. Ann Parish in Naples effective Jan. 27, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Ann Parish.

Father Michael Young, as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers effective Jan. 26, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

Father Juan Carlos Sack, as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in LaBelle, effective Jan. 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Temporary Parochial Vicar at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs.

Father Grzegorz Klich, as Parochial Vicar of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte, effective Dec. 31, 2025, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral.

Wauchula man ordained to priesthood for Institute of the Incarnate Work

Congratulations to Father Miguel Castro III, IVE, of St. Michael Parish in Wauchula, who was ordained to the Priesthood for the Institute of the Incarnate Word, Feb. 7, 2026, at St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Father Miguel is the first priest ordained from Hardee County and was scheduled to celebrate his First Mass at St. Michael on Feb. 12. St. Michael is served by women religious, Servant Sisters of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara, who are part from the Incarnate Word order.

Lunar New Year celebrated by Vietnamese Catholic Community in Fort Myers

The Vietnamese Catholic Community of St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers held an early celebration of the Lunar New Year on Feb. 8, 2026, at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers. The celebration, which included a formal dinner and live music, was moved due to ongoing renovations at St. John XXIII. Bishop Frank J. Dewane addressed the faithful saying, “It is I who am honored to be with all of you as a part of this festive celebration. Your presence in the Diocese is positive and beautiful and the contribution you make here to your Parish is substantial.” Adam Nguyen, who has been a leader in the Fort Myers Vietnamese community since its founding many years ago, said it was an honor to have the Bishop present for the community celebration. Also present were Father Jimmy Pham, CRM, the current Chaplain for the Vietnamese community at St. John XXIII, Father Jay Raju, Pastor at St. John XXIII, and Diocesan Seminarian Lam Vo, who is studying at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach and is currently serving as Pastoral Year at the Parish. A larger, family-oriented, outdoor celebration of the Lunar New Year will take place at St. John XXIII on Feb. 15.

Parish Gala held at local aquarium

The Our Lady of the Angels Parish 2026 Gala, themed “Into the Deep,” was held Feb. 6, 2026, at Mote Aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. “Put out into the deep,” comes from the Gospel of Luke and is a call from Christ Himself to journey into the depths of faith, purpose, and mission. This special evening was both a celebration of the profound ways the Parish continues to inspire and a courageous call to journey further—deeper in spirituality, service, and generosity. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the honored guest and noted how the Lakewood Ranch Parish has gained a reputation for its generosity to the community while undergoing rapid growth. The evening included live and silent auctions as well as live music.

Buddy program helps students improve literacy

To help improve the reading skills for students at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota, teachers have developed a buddy system where second grade students read to their pre-kindergarten-4 counterparts. The most recent team-up took place Feb. 5, 2026, helps the older students to improve with their language skills such as fluency and intonation while helping to teach their buddies how to read better all while building friendships and community in the school.

School hydroponics garden helps food pantry

The hydroponics garden at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton has been generating impressive yields of cabbage and tomatoes in recent days. On Feb. 6, 2026, representatives from the school’s Builders Club and K-Kids (Kiwanis Kids), made a delivery to the St. Joseph Food Pantry. The school partners with the food pantry throughout each school year to collect needed food and to also share what is grown in the hydroponics garden. The fresh vegetables were a welcome addition to what was offered at the pantry.

Faith & Wine in Lee County Feb. 19

Faith & Wine, an outreach for uniting Catholic women of all backgrounds and ages to develop friendships and to support one another as they apply the Gospel to their lives, will have its next event of the 2025-2026 season Feb. 19, 2026, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Carol Razza, whose talk is titled: “Wake Up Sleeping Beauty, You Have Already Been Kissed.” Tickets are $28 and include a 3-course meal with wine followed by a presentation by an inspirational speaker. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow. Program begins at approximately 6:45 p.m. and ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. For more information, or to register, please visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com/.

Theology on Tap Feb. 19 in University Park

The next gathering of Theology on Tap, a very special night of fellowship, faith, and fun with fellow Catholic young adults from across the Diocese, is 7 – 9 p.m., Feb. 19, 2026, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The special guest is Martin Doman, who will offer a night of praise and music. Theology on Tap meets on the third Thursday of every month There is no cost to attend, and no registration required. Bring a friend. For more information, contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

Faith & Ale of Southwest Florida Feb. 19

Faith & Ale, a Catholic Men’s Apostolate in Southwest Florida, offers monthly gatherings of Catholic men promoting fellowship and growth in faith. The next meeting is Feb. 19, 2026, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Father James Rafferty, Director of the Institute for Priestly Formation, who will discuss “Discerning God’s Voice & The Tempter’s Voice.” Tickets are $10. Doors open at 6 p.m. Register https://faithandale.com/. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.

Diocesan Lenten Youth Retreats

The Diocese of Venice Youth & Young Adult Ministry is offering opportunities for middle school and high school students to participate in Diocesan Lenten Youth Retreats designed to create a time and place for silence, reflection, and shared experience, allowing young people to step away from the pace and distractions of daily life and re-focus their hearts on God. The middle school retreats will be offered 5 – 8:30 p.m., Feb. 20, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, Naples, and March 3, at St. Paul Parish, Arcadia. The high school retreats will be 3 – 8 p.m., Feb. 22, at St. Raphael Parish, Lehigh Acres, and March 1, at St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota. Registration will open at dioceseofvenice.org on Jan. 20. The cost is $10 per student. For further information, please contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Walk for the Poor in Cape Coral Feb. 21

The 5^th Annual Walk for the Poor to support the outreach of the St. Vincent de Paul St. Andrew Conference in Cape Coral will take place 10 a.m., Feb. 21, 2026, at St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. The walk will help families throughout Cape Coral as every day, SVdP volunteers provide emergency food, medical or prescription cost assistance, and help to restore utilities or prevent cut-off. Every dollar raised goes back to the local community. In 2025, the St. Andrew Conference processed more than 1,100 phone calls, conducted more than 350 home visits and helped 547 households with 1,500 people, including 600 children. The cost is $15. Please register at www.go.rallyup.com/capesvdp.

Project Rachel retreat Feb. 24

For women or men who have been scarred by abortion, the Diocese offers “Project Rachel,” an outreach of the Catholic Church to those who are suffering and in need of healing following an abortion. This program offers help through the sacraments, retreats, and referrals for professional counseling, all confidentially. The next healing retreat will be held Feb. 24, 2026. For more information, or to join, please contact, Sylvia Jimenez, Project Rachel Coordinator, at 941-412-5860 (English and en Español), or project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. The Diocese also works with “Support After Abortion,” a national outreach to provide individualized care for those impacted by abortion. For details, visit https://supportafterabortion.com/.

Execution Vigils Feb. 24 and March 3

Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Feb. 26

Liberty Ball for Ave Maria School of Law

Lenten Parish Mission

Application deadline for Foundation scholarships is March 1

Emmaus Experience Women’s Retreat in March

Vocations Awareness Weekend Retreat

Is God calling you, or someone you know, to the priesthood? The Diocese of Venice Vocations Offices is offering a weekend retreat for young men to learn firsthand about in the life of a seminarian at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami! Open to young men ages 17 and up, the retreat is March 6-8, 2026. Transportation is provided. Contact Lina Johnson to register at johnson@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-486-4720.

Royal Rummage Sale XVIII March 6-7

Venetian Ball March 7 in Bonita Springs

Emerald Ball March 14 in Naples

Marriage Prep retreats/seminars coming soon

Chrism Mass March 31 in Bonita Springs

Diocese of Venice Missionary Opportunity for Summer 2026 Now Open

Catholic Charities offers Mental Health Counseling Services

Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese

Free Rosary Repair Service

Catholic education in Diocese gets deserved spotlight

Posted on February 5, 2026February 5, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Behind all of the fun and games which take place during the celebration of Catholic Schools Week each year is Faith, which shines forth in everything that is done at all 15 of the Diocesan Catholic schools.

Catholic Schools Week 2026 (Jan. 25 to 31) provided an annual opportunity to celebrate and share the good news about Catholic Schools. The theme, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” focused on the important spiritual, academic, and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education firmly rooted in the Truth of the Gospel. In essence, it is a joyful celebration of faith, community, and service.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane joined other priests for a luncheon at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota on Jan. 29, 2026. During this meeting Principal Ben Hopper and other staff provided an overview of what the school has to offer, as well as describing the benefits of several new initiatives that have helped enhance the spiritual and educational experiences for the students. Hopper explained the newly implemented House System, which has far-reaching impacts of bringing students from each grade together to form lasting friendships while helping the students live out their faith. Following the luncheon, student leaders offered a tour of the campus.

Many schools in the Diocese hosted a special Grandparents Day, which included the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Following Mass, there were often presentations or performances to showcase the talents of the students, before classroom visits and more fun was had by young and old alike.

Another key component of Catholic Schools Week is “Community,” and many of the schools took the opportunity to have students complete local service projects. One school, Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice, even had a visit from the mayor.

At St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte, the students spent the day doing service work at different non-profit organizations in the area, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society where the students helped organize clothing donations, unboxed and sorted food and much more. Meanwhile, members of the National Junior Honor Society at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School collected and donated more than 300 sets of pajamas. Through these and other simple acts of service, each student learned that compassion is something that is lived – not just something to be talked about.

To celebrate our nation, in its 250^th year, many schools joined in praying of a living patriotic rosary, with all the students wearing red, white, and blue and prayers dedicated to all local, state, and nation government leaders.

At St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy in Sarasota, the middle school students heard from retired senior master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Israel “DT” Del Toro Jr., who shared his experiences as a combat wounded veteran. He was travelling in a Humvee which drove over an improvised explosive device, he suffered burns to 80 percent of his body, was badly disfigured, and fell into a coma for three months. He was given a 15 percent chance of survival and went on to not only recover, but to re-enlist. An inspiration for many, Del Toro has received many honors for his courage and perseverance. During the presentation, he shared the lessons he learned through hardship and recovery and how he now finds purpose sharing his story and wisdom with audiences around the country in the hopes of helping others find the light in the darkness.

Students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton created a prayer chain, with each link including prayers, special messages and artwork from each student. The students then linked the long chain together and prayed as a school. The chain is now on display in the Parish Center.

In what is an annual Catholic Schools Week tradition, St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral hosted a STREAM Night. This night showcased what the students are learning in science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math. Some of the activities included building 3-D catapults or a bridge to Noah’s Ark, working with musical robots, and much more.

Another fitting way to celebrate Catholic Schools Week and support individual schools was to host a gala. Three such galas took place, first on Jan. 24, 2026, to support St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples, then on Jan. 31 there were events to celebrate St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral and St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples. Each elegant evening offered silent and live auctions, music and dancing, as well as a “Gift from the Heart” appeal seeking direct support for essential school programming.

Each of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools participated throughout this special week with most also holding open houses as a new enrollment period begins.

News Briefs for the week of February 6, 2026

Posted on February 5, 2026February 5, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Youth Adoration Night held in Naples

The first Youth Adoration Night of 2026 took place Jan. 29, at St. Agnes Parish in Naples. Father Eric Scanlan, Pastor of Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers, shared a vocational message, “Come and See,” inviting teens to listen to where the Lord may be calling them. A fantastic band led everyone in praise and music, and many young people received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and spent time in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

Rummage and Bake Sale held in Avon Park

The Women’s Guild of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Avon Park hosted a Rummage and Bake Sale Jan. 30 and 31 in the Parish Hall. There was a large selection of items for sales and good bargains were found. In addition, there were many different baked goods to satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

Execution prayer vigil Feb. 10 in North Port

2026 has just begun and Florida already has 3 executions scheduled. Please join a prayer vigil to pray for the end of the death penalty in Florida, 5:30 p.m., Feb. 10, at the San Pedro Parish Chapel, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. Prayers will be offered for everyone involved in the execution process; the doctor administering the execution, all of the witnesses, a conversion of the condemned, the victims and their families. The vigil will coincide with the scheduled execution of Ronald Palmer Heath, who is set to become the 1st person executed in Florida this year. The vigil lasts less than an hour and includes hymns, a Gospel reading, reflections, intercessions, and a praying of the Rosary. A pause will take place at 6 p.m., the time Florida executions take place. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Milestone Anniversary Masses Feb. 14 and March 14

All couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more than 50 years of marriage are invited by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an Anniversary Mass in their honor. The Diocese hosts two Anniversary Masses each year (one in the northern part of the Diocese and the second in the southern part) to accommodate all. The first Mass is at 11 a.m., Feb. 14, 2026, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The second Mass is at 11 a.m., March 14, at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. A luncheon follows each Mass. Photos with Bishop Dewane will also be available for the couples. To register for either Mass, please contact your local Parish office for reservations no later than one week before the event you choose to attend. For additional information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-484-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Mardi Gras Festival Feb. 14 in Venice

Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota St., Venice is hosting a Mardi Gras Festival, noon to 7 p.m. Feb. 14, 2026. The festival will feature delicious, authentic New Orleans–style cuisine, fun activities for children of all ages, and lively entertainment from three outstanding live bands. Your help in promoting the festival among family, friends, and fellow parishioners will play an important role in making this celebration a joyful and successful gathering for our parish and the wider community. For more information call 941-484-3505 or visit https://www.epiphanycathedral.org/.

40 Days for Life Spring Campaign

During the Lenten Season, the Spring 40 Days for Life prayer campaign to end abortion in the United States will take place from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, through Palm Sunday, March 29. Within the Diocese of Venice, peaceful prayer vigils will take place in front of Planned Parenthood abortion facilities in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples. To learn more about this campaign, please visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/.

Faith & Wine in Lee County Feb. 19

Faith & Wine, an outreach for uniting Catholic women of all backgrounds and ages to develop friendships and to support one another as they apply the Gospel to their lives, will have its first event of the 2025-2026 season Feb. 19, 2026, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Carol Razza, whose talk is titled: “Wake Up Sleeping Beauty, You Have Already Been Kissed.” Tickets are $28 and include a 3-course meal with wine followed by a presentation by an inspirational speaker. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow. Program begins at approximately 6:45 p.m. and ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. For more information, or to register, please visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com/.

Theology on Tap Feb. 19 in University Park

Faith & Ale of Southwest Florida Feb. 19

Diocesan Lenten Youth Retreats

The Diocese of Venice Youth & Young Adult Ministry is offering opportunities for middle school and high school students to participate in Diocesan Lenten Youth Retreats designed to create a time and place for silence, reflection, and shared experience, allowing young people to step away from the pace and distractions of daily life and re-focus their hearts on God. The middle school retreats will be offered 5 – 8:30 p.m., Feb. 20, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, Naples, and March 3, at St. Paul Parish, Arcadia. The high school retreats will be 3 – 8 p.m., Feb. 22, at St. Raphael Parish, Lehigh Acres, and March 1, at St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota. Registration will open at dioceseofvenice.org on Jan. 20. The cost is $10 per student. For further information, please contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Walk for the Poor in Cape Coral Feb. 21

The 5^th Annual Walk for the Poor to support the outreach of the St. Vincent de Paul St. Andrew Conference in Cape Coral will take place 10 a.m., Feb. 21, 2026, at St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. The walk will help families throughout Cape Coral as every day, SVdP volunteers provide emergency food, provide medical or prescription cost assistance, and help to restore utilities or prevent cut-off. Every dollar raised goes back to our local community. In 2025, the St. Andrew Conference processed more than 1,100 phone calls, conducted more than 350 home visits, helped 547 households with 1,500 people, including 600 children. The cost is $15. Please register at www.go.rallyup.com/capesvdp.

Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Feb. 26

The Catholic Charities Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Auction and Dinner Dance is 5:00 p.m., Feb 26, at Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice. The annual event benefits the mothers and children at Our Mother’s House, a 2-year transitional living program located in the heart of Venice, dedicated to empowering single mothers with a child. Tickets $150. For more information, 941-485-6264 or omhwinetasting@ccdov.org.

Liberty Ball for Ave Maria School of Law

Lenten Parish Mission

Application deadline for Foundation scholarships is March 1

Emmaus Experience Women’s Retreat in March

Royal Rummage Sale XVIII March 6-7

Venetian Ball March 7 in Bonita Springs

Emerald Ball March 14 in Naples

Marriage Prep retreats/seminars coming soon

Diocese of Venice Missionary Opportunity for Summer 2026 Now Open

Project Rachel

For women or men who have been scarred by abortion, the Diocese offers “Project Rachel,” an outreach of the Catholic Church to those who are suffering and in need of healing following an abortion. This program offers help through the sacraments, retreats, and referrals for professional counseling, all confidentially. For assistance, please contact, Sylvia Jimenez, Project Rachel Coordinator, at 941-412-5860 (English and en Español), or project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. The Diocese also works with “Support After Abortion,” a national outreach to provide individualized care for those impacted by abortion. For details, visit https://supportafterabortion.com/.

Catholic Charities offers Mental Health Counseling Services

Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese

Free Rosary Repair Service