Catholic Center celebrates Mardis Gras
The staff of the Diocese of Venice Catholic Center took time out to celebrate Mardis Gras on Fat Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Venice. Bishop Frank J. Dewane led everyone in prayer and there were sweet treats for everyone in this tradition of indulgence ahead of the Lenten Season.
Students work on campus beautification project
St. Joseph Catholic School students in Bradenton who are in aftercare took part in a campus beautification project since late February 2025. They have been potting flowers and adding them to special spots throughout the campus. They are also watering these new additions to keep them looking great for the school community.
Religion students learn the parts of Mass
Seventh-grade students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers have been working hard in their religion class to learn the four parts of the Mass (Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites). On March 4, 2025, students put what they learned to the test by playing a review game. They then worked in teams to put the steps of Mass in the correct order on a board as fast as they could. One team took home the win in just under 35 seconds!
Science in action
Chemistry students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers often take a hands-on approach to learning. On Feb. 24, 2025, the students learned how to synthesize an ionic compound. They expertly burned magnesium ribbon in a crucible, creating magnesium oxide and magnesium nitride right before their eyes. Following the synthesis, they tested the validity of their compounds by dissolving the product and examining its conductivity. This practical experiment not only demonstrated key chemical reactions, but also provided valuable insights into the properties of ionic compounds. This is just one example of the well-rounded education students receive in STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math) based curriculum.
Gummy Bears sacrificed for science
Pre-kindergarten students at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota recently sacrificed a few Gummy Bears for the sake of science. On March 3, 2025, the engrossed students worked on developing their observation skills, comparing and contrasting, and learning to make predictions about what will happen when Gummy Bears are put in different liquids, such as water. They also learned about patience as they waited to see the changes over time.
Verot Gala March 15
Bishop Verot Catholic High School presents a formal evening of timeless elegance with The Regency Garden Gala, 5:30 p.m., March 15, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs. Dress is formal and proceeds benefit the high school. To secure tickets visit bvhs.org/advancement/g. Call the school at 239-274-6700 for additional information.
Faith & Wine Lee County and Faith & Ale joint event March 20
Dr. Tim Gray, President of the Augustine Institute and a well-known Catholic speaker and author, is the featured speaker for the 6 p.m., March 20, 2025, joint gathering of Faith & Wine Lee County and Faith & Ale, at St. John XXIII Parish Life Center, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. Gray’s talk is titled: “Lent as a Model for Spiritual Life,” The event is $25 per person and includes wine, beer and appetizers. Tickets are limited and will not be available at the door. For more information and to register, please visit https://faithandale.com/events/tim_gray/.
Next Youth Jubilee Adoration Night March 22
The Office of Youth and Young Adult Outreach is offering Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights as part of the Jubilee Year 2025. The evenings include Eucharistic Adoration, an inspirational talk, prayer, music, and the opportunity to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, concluding with Benediction. While the Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights are geared toward younger Catholics, with youth-focused music and talks, all are welcome. Each Adoration Night is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Upcoming opportunities to participate are: Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. There is no cost to attend. For more information contact Andres Prias at 941-441-1122 or prias@dioceseofvenice.org.
Venetian Ball March 22 in Bonita Springs
The Catholic Charities Venetian Charity Ball is 6 p.m., March 22, 2025, at St. Leo the Great Parish Hall, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. This event supports the programs in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties, and the communities still recovering from Hurricane Ian in 2022. Tickets are $250. Register online at https://one.bidpal.net/vb2025/welcome. For more information, call 239.342.1620 or email venetianball@ccdov.org.
Emerald Ball March 26 in Naples
The Catholic Charities Emerald Ball is 5:30 p.m., March 26, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” inspired by Pope Francis in honor of the Jubilee Year, reflects Catholic Charities’ commitment to providing help and hope to all individuals, regardless of race, nationality, or religion. Tickets are $400. Register online at https://one.bidpal.net/eb2025/welcome. For more information, call 239-455-2655 or email emeraldball@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference March 29
The third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference will take place Saturday, March 29, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The theme for the day-long event is inspired by the Jubilee Year 2025 while also building upon the three-year National Eucharistic Revival. The theme for the Conference is “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries,” and it offers an opportunity to celebrate the Catholic faith with others. The Diocesan Eucharistic Conference will feature Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. There will also be dynamic presentations by nationally renowned Catholic speakers, with the keynote given by Dr. Scott Hahn, a theologian and Catholic apologist, who has written numerous books. There will be breakout sessions in Spanish. In addition, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the opportunity for Confession, as well as Catholic vendors and exhibitors. The cost to attend is $35. per person and includes lunch. To learn more and register, visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/eucharistic-congress/. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
Community Pregnancy Clinics Dinner Event April 5 in Naples
“Reaching Hearts” is the theme of the Community Pregnancy Clinics Dinner Event, which is 5 p.m., April 5, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Dr, Naples. A reception, dinner and keynote speaker from pro-life advocate and Blaze TV host Liz Wheeler are included. Tickets are $500. To register visit https://supportcpci.com/2025-ycfl-event/ or email events@community4life.com to learn more.
Easter Triduum Retreat at OLPH
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, will host its annual Easter Triduum Retreat, April 17-20, 2025. The retreat begins with supper on Holy Thursday and ends with breakfast on Easter Sunday. There will be conferences which will focus on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord. Celebration of 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. Confessions will also be available. Register at www.olph-retreat.org, and click on “Schedule of Events.”
Chrism Mass to be celebrated in Naples on April 15
The Chrism Mass, which takes place during Holy Week every year, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 15, at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. 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. The jubilarians being honored this year are:
Priests 50 Years: Father Gregory Klein, O. Carm., Father Normando Feliz, and Father Michael Mullen;
Priests 25 Years: Father Luis Pacheco, and Father Saji Ellickal Joseph, MCBS
Deacon 25 Years: Deacon Richard Klish
All are encouraged to attend in support of our clergy and to participate in this important Holy Week celebration.