youth Archives - Page 9 of 25 - Diocese of Venice

News Briefs for the week of June 14, 2024

Posted on June 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Bishop confirms more inmates

Bishop Frank J. Dewane conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation upon several inmates at Avon Park Correctional Institute on June 3, 2024, and then again at DeSoto Correction Institute In Arcadia on June 4. When celebrating the Mass for the incarcerated, Bishop Dewane emphasized that he is bringing the forgiveness, mercy, compassion, peace, love and joy of the Lord to others. Each year, the Bishop celebrates Mass for inmates at different facilities throughout the 10-county Diocese, and has conferred the Sacraments of Confirmation, First Communion and Baptism for dozens of inmates since 2006. The Diocesan Prison Ministry provides a variety of services, including Bible study, religious education and assistance with receiving the Sacraments. Within its boundaries, the Diocese has five state prisons, 10 county jails and one civil commitment program. There are approximately 15,000 incarcerated within the Diocese; meaning the need for priests and volunteers is great. If you are interested in learning more about the Diocesan Prison Ministry, please contact Bob Hiniker at hinbob5@hotmail.com or Joe Mallof at mallofjt@comcast.net.

Mooney hosts first local Special Olympics Camp

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School hosted the Inaugural Sarasota Camp Shriver in partnership with Special Olympics the week of June 10-14, 2024. The event kicked off June 10 with a celebratory ribbon cutting with Special Olympics President and CEO Sherry Wheelock. Also present was Lucy Nicandri, Executive Director for Suncoast Charities for Children. Each day, the Special Olympics campers participated in various sports and activities, such as lacrosse, football, baseball, softball, volleyball (beach and indoor), cheerleading and more. Mooney buddies, seen at right, paired up with the campers for the week, while Mooney coaches organized the different activities. When not having fun playing sports, there were plenty of other activities, including a dance party and other fun games.

Theology on Tap at new location

Theology on Tap, a young adult outreach of the Diocese of Venice, is returning June 20, 2024, after a brief hiatus at a new location, Big Top Brewing Restaurant & Brewery, 975 Cattleman Road, Sarasota. Please come to this event, which starts at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Join other young adult Catholics for food and refreshments, presentations, and discussions about the Catholic Faith. The next speaker is Mother Maria Therese Nikopoia Klobe, SSVM, Director of Religious Education at St. Michael Parish in Wauchula. Sister Nikopoia will be speaking about “Wise Choices.” For any questions, please email Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Vote No on 4! Spread the word.

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

Ave Maria Youth Conference registration open

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

Sidewalk counselors and prayer warriors in Fort Myers and Naples needed

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

News Briefs for the week of June 7, 2024

Posted on June 13, 2024June 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Fort Myers Catholic youth reaches national Spelling Bee quarterfinals

David Nicasio, 13, who is an active member of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers, reached the quarterfinals of the 96th Scripps National Spelling Bee from May 28-30, 2024. David tied for 60th place, making it through three rounds before tripping up in the fourth round. Words he spelled correctly were: Braeburn, larceny and pulvillus. David, an altar server, lector, as well as in the middle school and youth groups at St. Cecilia, won a series of local competitions to qualify as one of 245 students from across the nation to reach the national Spelling Bee. Just for making the National Spelling Bee, David will receive a number of gifts and prizes related to learning. As a quarterfinalist he will receive a commemorative pin and a $100 gift card. Well done David!

Penny Wars competition benefits area children

The kindergarten class at St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring won the fourth annual Penny Wars. The students collected a combined $1,190, allowing St. Catherine to purchase hygiene items, duffle bags, diapers, jackets and sweatshirts for two organizations that help foster children. Dixie Kreulen, student council moderator for St. Catherine, coordinated the Penny Wars from April 15-30. The Student Council, Kiwanis Builders Club and the Rosary Club assisted with loading and organizing the items. The kindergarten class, which won last year, was rewarded for all their hard work in collecting coins by receiving an ice cream party. The first-grade class was treated to cookies since they were only 24 cents behind the kindergarteners. The teacher raising the most money was Elizabeth Kosta who won a $15 gift card to Starbucks.

Summer upgrades start in Naples

The summer vacation at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples means the start of a classroom reconfiguration process to handle the increasing number of students. On May 30, 2024, the demolition work began in two classrooms while additional work in the science labs starts soon. The work will make a new guidance office area, upgrade the media center and allow for better office space for faculty and staff, while freeing up room for more classrooms, and more students!

Foundation benefits Catholic Charities

The Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation awarded $105,000 to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., to support their anti-human trafficking program, the result of several annual fundraising golf tournaments and galas. Overall, the Foundation presented nearly $1.8 million in grants to six designated charities serving abused and at-risk children in Southwest Florida. Founded by longtime Fiddlesticks resident Bobby Nichols, winner of 14 PGA Tour tournaments, the PGA recognizes the Nichols Cup golf tournament as one of the most successful community sponsored Pro-Am tournaments in the U.S. To date, the Nichols Cup tournaments and auction gala has raised a total of more than $18 million to benefit local children’s charities.

New Transitional Deacon feature of seminarian podcast

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

Donations of baby supplies needed

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

Ave Maria Youth Conference registration open

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

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

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

Vote No on 4! Spread the word.

TOTUS TUUS – Summer program returns to Diocese

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

Making a triumphant return to the Diocese of Venice, the successful Totus Tuus summer catechetical Parish program will soon be taking place at a Parish near you.

Eleven missionaries are undergoing final preparations as the first two Parish camps start June 2, 2024. Ultimately there will be eight separate weeks with 12 Parishes serving as hosts through the end of July. More than 1,000 young children and teens will be impacted by this special outreach.

Totus Tuus – which means “totally yours” – teaches children of all ages to put a spotlight on sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness, and Eucharistic worship. The goal of the week is to help the children develop a true and lasting longing for holiness.

The 2022 and 2023 programs garnered rave reviews, with host Parish priests and catechists describing how the children’s love for Christ reached new heights in a single 5-day period more than in an entire season of religious instruction.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane encouraged the pilot program be brought to the Diocese in 2022 and an expansion for 2023 to 11 host Parishes and 12 for 2024. During visits to Totus Tuus camps, Bishop Dewane said he has been impressed by the response each child had to the uplifting program. “In each classroom everyone was so excited and alive about their love of the Lord!”

Totus Tuus aims to inspire young people to develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life. The program also seeks to foster openness to the sacrifices and blessings of the various Christian vocations in both the young participants and the missionaries.

The week-long camps (9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday) are divided into two segments, with the day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, and an evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12.

The younger children participate in four classes each day, attend daily Mass, learn the parts and liturgical songs of Mass, and participate in games, skits, songs, recess and prayer. The older students participate in instruction, small group discussions, quiet meditations, prayer and fellowship.

Most importantly, Totus Tuus works to complement what the children learn from their parents, who are the first and best educators of the faith. This is something Bishop Dewane has stressed since the program had its trial run in the Diocese in 2022.

To ensure success of the program, Totus Tuus missionaries are principally from the Diocese. The missionaries (five men and six women) went through an intensive training session from May 23-31, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice.

This training focused on the spiritual aspect of the Totus Tuus program, including daily prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Mass. Other components of the training covered the fundamentals of teaching young children and youth, as well as the fun aspects of the camp including the songs and dances that everyone will learn. As their training neared its conclusion, they each expressed their enthusiasm to help make a difference in the lives of young Catholics throughout the Diocese.

The 2024 Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Missionaries are: James Allen, Kansas State University; Anne Moultrie, Ave Maria University; Natalia Abrams, Ave Maria; Gianna Cox, Ave Maria; James Gates, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary; Juliana Courville, University of Louisiana-Lafayette; Jesse Gomez, St. John Vianney College Seminary; Carson Stecklein, Ave Maria; Sara Prius, Georgia State University; Jesenia Cortes, University of Florida; and Max Sindlar, Ave Maria.

Parishes hosting Totus Tuus this year are: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Parrish, and Our Lady of Grace, Avon Park (June 2-7); Ave Maria, Ave Maria (June 9-14); St. Finbarr, Naples, and St. Paul, Arcadia (June 16-21); Epiphany Cathedral, Venice, and St. Katharine Drexel, Cape Coral (June 23-28); Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 7-12); Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers, and St. Cecilia, Fort Myers (July 14-19); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch, and St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 21-26). To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/.

Please pray for the success of the Totus Tuus summer program, the campers, and the missionaries.

Camp registration information

Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/.

For general questions about the Diocesan Totus Tuus program, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/totustuus2024/, or contact James Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

News Briefs for the week of May 31, 2024

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

Florida Knights Chaplain of the Year from Diocese of Venice

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

Venice Yacht Club supports Catholic Charities

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

Mooney teacher honored

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

Marian statue installed in Fort Myers Parish rosary garden

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

New Transitional Deacon feature of seminarian podcast

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

Donations of baby supplies needed

Ave Maria Youth Conference registration open

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

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

News Briefs for the week of May 24, 2024

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

Vote No on 4! Spread the word.

Students meet pen pals

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

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

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

Ordination to the Priesthood June 8

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

Totus Tuus, Parish Catechetical Summer Program coming soon

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

Retreat For Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child

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

Ave Maria Youth Conference registration open

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

May Crownings Honor Mary

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Bob Reddy

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

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

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

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

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

News Briefs for the week of May 17, 2024

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

First Holy Communion celebrated across Diocese

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

Bishop celebrates Baccalaureate Mass for Ave Maria School of Law graduates

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

Seminarians visit ship during Miami Fleet Week

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

Retreat For Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child

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

Ordination to the Priesthood June 8

Totus Tuus, Parish Catechetical Summer Program coming soon

Ave Maria Youth Conference registration open

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

Confirmation – sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Through the Sacrament of Confirmation the faithful become more perfectly bound to the Church as true witnesses to Christ as their full Christian initiation is completed. This season 1,738 have been confirmed in the Diocese of Venice, which is an increase over last year’s number.

Pope Francis said Confirmation is a Sacrament which must be understood as a continuation of the faith journey, beginning with Baptism, along with the Eucharist, to constitute a single saving event – Christian initiation – “in which we are brought into Christ who died and rose again, and become new creatures and members of the Church.”

Here in the Diocese of Venice, a group of young men and women recently completed their own final step of Christian initiation by being “sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” with sacred Chrism oil administered by Bishop Frank J. Dewane during their Confirmation at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Immokalee on May 4, 2024.

This Sacrament has been repeated by Bishop Dewane, and delegated Parish priests in the Parish at the Easter Vigil, since the fall of 2023, with 1,738 young men and women receiving their Confirmation during that time. Among that number were 662 adults who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at their home Parishes on Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil on March 30, 2024.

Bishop Dewane told the confirmandi at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish that part of receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation is a willingness to come forward and say they are ready to receive the Holy Spirit and live out that commitment.

“Nothing magical happens today,” Bishop Dewane said. “Each one of you must be aware in your mind, and more profoundly in your heart and soul, that you have let the Holy Spirit into your life. That encounter with Christ, that encounter of receiving the Holy Spirit, must change your life as you become more the man or woman of God you are called to be.”

Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, the young men and women are confirmed with the abundant gifts of the Holy Spirit. In the anointing, they will each be formed more closely to Christ, the Son of God.

“We are all supposed to follow Jesus Christ in our life,” the Bishop said. “When He was on earth, the Lord said to the Apostles and His Disciples ‘Follow Me.’ Christ says ‘Follow Me’ to us on a regular basis because sometimes we get a little lost. When this happens, Christ says, ‘come back – follow me.’ As you follow the Lord, you will come to have a deeper understanding of who God is in your life, allowing you to conform your life more fully to Christ, the Son of God.”

Bishop Dewane told the young men and women that this is a call to live out their faith fully, not selectively. This is because the Sacrament of Confirmation is not an ending to the faith journey, but a beginning. This means living their faith outside the four walls of the church, doing the will of the Lord, and living in a manner worthy of the call that each has received.

“By being anointed with the sacred Chrism, you are called to stand up in the midst of others and show you are a man or woman of faith,” Bishop Dewane said. “As a witness for Christ, there is a profound value you give by demonstrating your faith. You do this by speaking up, or maybe by making the sign of the cross in a restaurant before you start your meal, and in everything you do. It has far more value than what you think. Your example reminds others of what they should or could be doing.”

During the Sacrament of Confirmation, the confirmandi renew their baptismal promises, which Bishop Dewane said is done to publicly proclaim who they are as Catholics and to have the courage, hope, faith and perseverance to be true followers of Christ.

As the Rite continues, the Bishop says an introductory prayer and asks all to join him in praying for the candidates and then he recites an additional prayer. Finally, the candidates are presented by coming forward, with their sponsor placing their right hand on the candidate’s right shoulder. Then with his right thumb, the Bishop makes the sign of the cross on their forehead with the holy Chrism oil and says “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The confirmed reply, “Amen.” At this point, the Bishop says, “Peace be with you,” and they respond “And with your spirit.”

Pope Francis often stresses how important it is that all children receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. While there is a logical emphasis on the Sacrament of Baptism, he notes that there tends to be less of a focus on the Sacrament of Confirmation. Therefore, those who are baptized remain at a halfway point, and as Pope Francis said, they do not “receive the Holy Spirit that gives us the strength to go forward in Christian life.”

The Diocese of Venice has a religious education program which emphasizes the importance of the Sacrament of Confirmation during a two-year period. The young men and women go through a process where they renew and refresh what they previously learned before transitioning into studying about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This program culminates in Confirmation, when they are full Christians who are called to be more and reflect the love and goodness of Christ in their heart and soul.

There is an additional program called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, which not only assists adults in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, but other Sacraments they might be missing, thus allowing them to be in full Communion with the Church. Contact your Parish if you wish to inquire about the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults in Diocese of Venice.

Six Diocesan Parishes selected for national youth accompaniment pilot program

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Looking at new ways to approach youth ministry at the Parish-level, representatives from six Diocese of Venice Parishes are taking part in a national pilot program focused on accompanying youth into developing a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Holy Catholic Church.

The Accompaniment Project is a grant-funded initiative of the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) that seeks to guide parishes through reimagining how to accompany all young people encountering Christ and growing in discipleship. The Accompaniment Project is an experimental approach to youth ministry that helps Parishes meet the needs of the young people in their communities.

Of the more than 17,000 Parishes nationally, only 43 Parishes were selected by the NFCYM to take part in the pilot program nationally. The Diocese of Venice is blessed to have six participating, including: Epiphany Cathedral in Venice; St. Paul in Arcadia; St. Peter the Apostle in Naples; St. Joseph in Bradenton; Our Lady Queen of Heaven in LaBelle; and St. Catherine in Sebring. The program with the Diocese is being facilitated through the Youth and Young Adult Outreach Office, under the auspices of the Office of Evangelization.

To help facilitate the program for the six Parishes, an introductory workshop took place on May 4, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. The workshop was led by Juan Carlos Montenegro and Luis Chacon, Salesian Lay Ministers from the Los Angeles area.

“Sometimes the way we do youth ministry is not necessarily what is best for young people,” Montenegro said. “For 23 years I have seen plenty of young people coming through the Confirmation program and right after they are confirmed they act as if they graduated from the Catholic Church, and they don’t come back anymore. Or, after they go to university, and someone challenges them on their faith, that’s it, they don’t know how to believe anymore. The reason why I am here is because I also want to see how we can help young people get engaged to the Catholic Church.”

Montenegro and Chacon provided the Parish representatives information about Catholic youth and reasons why they leave the Church, and more importantly why they don’t feel welcome. Throughout the day, the presentation shifted focus to accompaniment, or walking with the youth on their personal spiritual journey of growth and understanding.

“Often, we want to choose for our youth, to tell them something because we think we know what is best for them,” Montenegro said. “Unfortunately, that approach leads to a spiritual dryness. To quench their thirst, they will seek truth anywhere they can find it (internet, friends, other religions, etc.), because they don’t know where to find it. The most important thing to remember is, Christ leads while we accompany.”

The Accompaniment Project is a three-year initiative in which the first six months is devoted to Strategic Planning to design effective youth ministry at the Parish level. This plan will be implemented for two years. Finally, there will be a six-months phase for evaluation of the plan. The NFCYM coordinates and coaches the entire process.

In that time, the Parish leaders hope to educate the adults in their communities on what it means to accompany young people in faith as well as to provide them with the practical skills they need to do so. In this effort, these Parishes will be testing a new model of ministering with young people which focuses on developing a community of faith companions.

When asked why the different Parishes are participating in the pilot program, several representatives explained how they want to better connect to their youth which would solidify their faith and encourages other young people to become involved.

At St. Joseph Parish, the Pastor, Father Rafal Ligenza, participated in the training session and brought with him two from his youth ministry.

St. Joseph, and the other Parishes, hope with their Parish participation in the Accompaniment Project, the teens will describe their faith experience as having a deep sense of spiritual peace and strong relationship with God as well as a sense of gratitude and desire to attend the Mass weekly.

Ultimately, the true goal is to have these students want to give back and become future catechists. But above all, that they develop and grow towards a mature faith reorienting their lives to live for God and for eternity within the community of Faith.

Each Parish noted how they are conscious of the responsibility this participation in the pilot program brings, so that many more Parishes will benefit from the lessons learned.

During this initial gathering, Montenegro and Chacon offered the Parishes numerous resources to get started. In the fall, they will meet with different Parishes and begin the planning for the next steps of creating this unique outreach to our youth.

Young ladies honored with “Golden Rose” award

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Bob Reddy

There are 23 high school girls who now have the distinct honor of being named Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (VDCCW) Golden Rose Leadership Award recipients.

The Golden Rose Awards were presented during an April 21, 2024, Mass and reception 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.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Father Jay Jancarz, VDCCW Spiritual Advisor and Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, presented the awards while Katie Morris, VDCCW President, gave each young lady a rose.

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, and thanked the members of the VDCCW for recognizing these women for their contributions to the Church, their school, and the community.

“The Lord sees the accomplishments in what you do and what you continue to do in your life going forward,” Bishop Dewane said. “Your willingness to be a part of the Golden Rose Award will have a ripple effect going forward. Be proud of who you are as women of faith. You can speak about that and be an example to others – putting your foot forward and saying, ‘I am proud of who I am as a child of God.’”

Morris, the VDCCW President, told the young ladies that they are “the Church of today. We need to tap into your service and leadership. You are powerful, service-oriented, rooted in friendship, in love and service. Thank you! We need you!”

Ellen Bachman, VDCCW Past-President, helped bring the Golden Rose Award to Venice after having learned about similar recognition taking place by CCW groups in other Dioceses. Bachman said the nomination write-ups on the young ladies were inspiring. “You will make a difference in the world, as we all pray God walks closely with you on your journey.”

Nominees must currently be in high school, active in their Parish, and a practicing Catholic who regularly attends Sunday Mass, while also completing a meaningful service project. They were nominated by the respective Parishes and Catholic schools.

Brenda Dolan, the Florida CCW President and VDCCW Past-President, said that the young ladies were not randomly honored. “You are here because God chose you to be here before you were in your mother’s womb. Never forget that. Remember this day in your heart. Remember why you are here and continue to open your heart to the Holy Spirit so that He leads you and directs where you need to be in your lives.”

Dolan concluded by also recognizing the parents for their years of love and support of their daughters. “It has all come to fruition. Remember the basis is your faith and the Holy Spirit that you hold in your hearts.”

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.

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.

Those receiving 2024 VDCCW Golden Rose Leadership Awards were: Grace Breen, Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Fort Myers; Abigail Rose Buckley, St. Cecilia Parish, Fort Myers; Ally Amalia Buckley, St. Cecilia Parish, Fort Myers; Ambrielle Calixte, St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral; Abigail Crawford, Our Lady of Light Parish, Fort Myers; Addyson Domain, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Venice; Sofia Droullard, St. Agnes Parish, Naples; Valerie Gonzalez, St. Michael Parish, Wauchula; Kaela Harrington, St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton; Sloane Janopoulos, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples; Madelyn Jessup, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School and St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota; Teresa Kucik, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria; Genesis Lemus, Holy Cross Parish, Bradenton; Sophia McCartney, St. John Neumann Catholic High School, Naples; Isabella Marulanda, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Myers; Fatima Munoz, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, Sarasota; Marissa Peck, Bishop Verot Catholic High School and St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers; Valerie Rettig, St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton; Asha Sallapudi, Epiphany Cathedral Parish, Venice; Lauren Sawczyn, St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers; Kennedy Trompler, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Sarasota, and Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch; Gabriela Vasquez, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Fort Myers, St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral; Jasmine Yamashita, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Port Charlotte.