Appointment
After broad consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Father Antony Lukka, as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples, effective Feb. 27, 2026.
Verot wrestler wins State Title
Bishop Verot Catholic High School wrestler Bennett Sweitzer became the Florida High School Athletic Association State Champion in the 175 pound weight class on March 7, 2026, in Kissimmee. Bennett is also the first wrestler in the Fort Myers school’s history to advance that far in the state tournament and earn a title. Other Bishop Verot wrestlers who reached the state tournament were Quinn Enguita, Tiago Passos, and Hudson Sweitzer. In addition, two Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School wrestlers from Sarasota qualified for the state competition. Blake Roulund reached the state finals earning a silver medal, the best state placer in Cardinal Mooney history. Luke Ladle also qualified for the state tournament. Congratulations to each of the athletes!
Bishop Dewane celebrates 76th birthday
To celebrate the 76th birthday of Bishop Frank J. Dewane on March 9, 2026, the Catholic Center staff gathered in the main conference room in Venice. In addition to singing “Happy Birthday,” an Irish poem expressing the blessing of priests was presented. Two birthday cakes, one chocolate and one vanilla, and fresh fruit were offered.
Sarasota student wins national art competition
Chloe, an eighth grader at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota recently received her 1st Place Award in the Family Rosary “Try Prayer! It Works!” Art Competition sponsored by the Family Rosary Holy Cross Family Ministries. Holy Cross Family Ministries is a family of Catholic ministries that inspires, promotes and fosters the prayer life and spiritual well-being of families throughout the world.
Youth make lasagnas for those in need
The St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish youth group in Parrish recently completed a service project to make 10 lasagnas to donate to Lasagna Love which ensures dignity and support for the needy. The program delivers kindness without judgment or qualifications. Whether someone is facing financial challenges, emotional overwhelm, medical issues, or any other hardship, Lasagna Love strives to provide relief, hope, and connection through the simple yet profound gesture of a warm meal.
Two named National Merit Finalists
Sofia Mayus and Ambrielle Calixte of Bishop Verot Catholic School in Fort Myers were named National Merit Scholarship finalists. They now rank in the top 1% of high school seniors and have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,800 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million. The process to become a Finalist included submitting a detailed application with information about academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, as well as honors and awards received. Advancing from Semifinalist to Finalist is no small accomplishment. It reflects continued academic excellence, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to their goals.
TV Mass time change for southern area
Effective March 8, 2026, and going forward, the time for the Televised Mass for the Homebound for viewers in the southern counties of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), has been changed to 8:30 a.m. on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). The change was beyond the control of the Diocese. 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.
Lenten Mission in Naples March 15-17
St. William Parish, 610 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting its Parish Lenten Mission with Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio “Dr. Italy” at 6 p.m. March 15, 2026, and continuing at 8:30 a.m., or 6 p.m. March 16, and concluding 8:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. March 17. The theme of the talk is: “The Lenten Journey: Tapping into Personal Victory, The Difference the Spirit Makes, and Prayer — A Pathway to Joy.” The presentations will be approximately 45 minutes each and will be followed by a book sale and reception on March 17. No registration required. All are invited to attend.
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.
Theology on Tap March 19
The next gathering of Theology on Tap for young adults in Sarasota is 7 p.m. March 19, 2026, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway. Theology on Tap is an evening of fellowship, faith and fun with other Catholic young adults in their 20’s and 30’s from across the Diocese to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. Don’t miss this chance to grow in faith, connect with others and enjoy an evening out with friends old and new. To learn more, contact Andres Prias at 941-441-1122, or prias@dioceseofvenice.org.
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.
Annunciation presentation March 25 in Naples
St. William Parish, 610 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting a mini-conference with Dr. Edward Sri from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 25, 2026. The conference is presented by Dr. Edward Sri, and the theme, “Into His Likeness – Be Transformed as a Disciple of Christ!” is for the Feast of the Annunciation. The day includes a reception and noon Mass. No fees required. All are invited to attend
CPCI Gala March 28
Support Life! 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.
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 Sundays 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.
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 Esposito, 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. Total cost is $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.
Catholic Health Care Ethics Conference April 11 in Fort Myers
Medical professionals, students, and interested laypeople are invited to the third annual Converging Roads health care ethics conference 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 11, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection Parish, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The conference is themed, “The Dignified Mission of Catholic Health Care.” Join national and local experts either in person or online as they discuss topics such as “The Vocation to Palliative Care,” “The Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care,” “Christian Anthropology and the Renewal of Medicine,” and more. Converging Roads is an initiative of the St. John Paul II Foundation and is presented collaboratively with the Diocese of Venice and Southwest Florida Guild of the Catholic Medical Association. Continuing education credits for health care professionals are available. To register, visit April 11, 2026 | Fort Myers, FL | Converging Roads – St. John Paul II Foundation. For more information, contact Taylor Briggs, Conference Coordinator, at 832-779-1070 or taylor@forlifeandfamily.org.
Boots & Bandanas April 24
Round up your friends and join Catholic Charities for a western-inspired evening supporting food security and education programs serving families across DeSoto county at Boot & Bandanas at 6 p.m., April 24, 2026, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia. Tickets are $125. To purchase tickets or to become a sponsor please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/events.
Ignatian Preached Retreat at OLPH May 8-11
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is hosting an Ignatian Preached Retreat May 8-11, 2026. This three-night silent retreat will introduce participants to the great themes of the Spiritual Exercises in a group setting. The schedule includes conferences each day, daily Mass, and an opportunity to meet at least once with the retreat director for Confession and/or spiritual direction. Conference topics center on Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment. Total cost is $525 per person for a private room and $360 per person for a shared room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained). To register, please visit www.olph-retreat.org.
Charity Golf Tournament
The annual St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament has an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start May 16, 2026, at Heritage Harbour Golf Club, 8000 Stone Harbour Loop, Bradenton. The cost is $150 per player. Please call Connie Taft at 941-685-2108 to register or for sponsorship opportunities.
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.
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 
Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass for students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers on March 19, 2024. During the Mass, Bishop Dewane encouraged the students to finish Lent and the school year strong, while focusing on placing Christ before all else. The Bishop also complimented the faculty and students for their support of the wildly successful Diocesan Eucharistic Conference which was hosted by the school and included many student volunteers on March 16. Bishop Dewane said the actions of the faculty and students reflected well on the school and let others in the Diocese know what he already knew – Bishop Verot is a place where students are educated and formed to be leaders in the community.
Congratulations to Diocese of Venice Seminarian Joseph Bao Quoc Nguyen was one of five men installed to the ministry of Acolyte on March 15, 2024, at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Boston, presided over the Mass of Institution which plays a significant role in the formation of these men as they journey towards their ordination to the priesthood. As an Acolyte, the primary responsibility will be assisting the Deacon and priest during Mass, with a focus on ensuring the altar is prepared. They may also serve as Extra-ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Mass and bringing the Holy Eucharist to the sick.
Following the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Bishop Frank J. Dewane continued to celebrate Mass for students at each of the 15 Diocesan Catholic schools during the Lenten Season. The most recent Masses were March 14, 2024, at Incarnation Catholic School in Sarasota, St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton on March 19 (the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary), and Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Catholic School in Ave Maria, on March 20. Bishop continued to encourage the students to finish the Lenten Season strong in preparation for Holy Week.
Epiphany Cathedral in Venice hosted a Mass for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was celebrated in Italian on March 19, 2024, and included the active involvement of the Italian American Club of Venice. Following the Mass, the statue of St. Joseph was carried to the Parish Hall in a procession led by the Knights of Columbus. There, Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Cathedral Rector, blessed the traditional St. Joseph’s table of bread and sweets, which were later distributed.
The St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School Roaring 20’s Gala & Auction took place on March 16, 2024, at the Vineyards Golf and Country Club in Naples. A vintage Duesenberg was on display as guests arrived, many of the woman in sequined flapper-style dresses with feather headbands, while the men dressed in 20’s style tuxedoes, complete with fedoras. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the guest of honor and thanked the parents for entrusting their children’s education to St. Elizabeth Seton. In addition, Bishop Dewane praised the faculty and staff for consistently delivering a quality education centered on faith, while also managing rapid growth and improvement of the school facilities.
For details on youth choirs or musical accompaniment, please contact the Parish via the phone number or website listed for further information.
