April 25, 2025
The Catholic Church and, indeed, the whole world mourns the death of Pope Francis, who died Monday, April 21, 2025. The loss of this dedicated and caring Shepherd is keenly felt, and there is profound sadness at his passing.
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, I celebrated a Mass for Pope Francis at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice, with more than 500 of the Faithful of the Diocese of Venice in attendance, and approximately 200 more accessing the Mass online. The Mass was livestreamed for those who could not attend in person; a complete recording of that broadcast can be found here. A video of the homily can be found here.
Parishes throughout the Diocese will be offering additional Masses and prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis over the next many days: the official novemdiales, or mourning period, begins on the day of the Pope's funeral, April 26, and continues through May 4, 2025. All Catholics in the Diocese of Venice are encouraged to attend these Masses and are asked to offer prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis during this time. A Novena has been prepared by the USCCB to help the Faithful to pray for the Pope; it can be found online in both English and Spanish.
As we continue to mourn the death of our great pastor and with hope in the resurrection, kindly join me in prayer for Pope Francis:
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
All are welcome to share thoughts, prayers, condolences for Pope Francis online, at Condolences for Pope Francis - Diocese of Venice. Remarks will be shared with the Vatican at the end of the nine-day mourning period.
_________________________________
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Reverend Franckel Fils-Aime, assigned for post graduate study at Pontifical North American College in Rome effective April 10, 2025, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples.
_________________________________
Jubilee Year 2025, Pilgrims of Hope - Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated five locations in the Diocese of Venice as Jubilee pilgrimage sites. The sites are located throughout the Diocese for the convenience of the faithful, so that the grace of the Jubilee Year 2025 may be experienced by all. Information about how to participate in the Jubilee Holy Year can be found throughout the year at the Diocese of Venice website: www. dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/
Youth & Young Adult Adoration Nights - Come to adore and praise the Lord during the Jubilee Holy Year! Although these Adoration Nights are youth-focused, with youth-centric music and speakers, all are welcome. One remaining Youth Jubilee Adoration Night is currently scheduled for Friday, May 2 at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak Street, Arcadia, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights-
Florida Catholic: Be in the know! - Receive the free, weekly e-edition of the Florida Catholic delivered directly to your inbox every Friday! Sign up here: https://dioceseofvenice.org/news/
Relevant Radio: "Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane" - Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for his monthly half-hour radio program on Relevant Radio on 106.7 FM and 1410 AM in Fort Myers and 93.3 FM and 1660 AM in Naples. Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane can be heard at 8:30 a.m. on the last Friday of every month, or anytime at dioceseofvenice.org/ourbishop. The next episode will air on Friday, May 30, 2025.
TV Mass (For Parish Staff) - Rachel Powers, Communications Coordinator, is now responsible for the TV Mass program in the Communications Department. Please contact Rachel with any questions regarding TV Mass, or to inquire about hosting a television Mass taping at your Parish! Rachel Powers, powers@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-486-4716.
Mustard Seed (For Parish Staff) - Is everyone in your Parish office signed up to receive the Mustard Seed delivered directly to their inbox every other Friday? If not, sign them up here: https://dioceseofvenice.org/news/
National Eucharistic Revival Year of Mission Resources - Now in its third and final year, the Year of Mission, the National Eucharistic Revival asks all Catholics to become "Eucharistic Missionaries." The National Eucharistic Revival has various resources available, including a webinar series to help form you in your faith and equip you to share it with others. Past and upcoming webinars can be found here. Be sure to stay tuned to Year of Mission! - Diocese of Venice to learn more about how you can participate in the Year of Mission, including how to become an "Official Eucharistic Missionary," sharing your Catholic faith with others. For more information, or with questions, please contact Jim Gontis.
Volunteers Needed for Prison Outreach - 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.
Respect Life Volunteers Needed! - Do you have a passion for life? The Diocese of Venice needs you! We are looking for volunteers and leaders interested in becoming involved in local respect life activities with their Parish. Many new families are moving to Southwest Florida, and we need your help! It's very rewarding work! To get involved, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-441-1101.
9 Months in the Womb with Jesus - Follow nine months of Jesus in the womb week-by-week! Week-by-week graphics, as above, are available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/nine-months-with-christ-in-the-womb/
Vocations Dinner - Learn about vocations! Bishop Frank J. Dewane is the special guest for this dinner on Sunday, May 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Incarnation Catholic Parish, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Open to young men ages 16 and up. Please RSVP with your pastor. There is no cost.
Catholic Scout Mass, Awards Ceremony - The annual Catholic Scout Mass and Awards Ceremony will take place Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. The event will begin with Mass, celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. After Mass, the Scout Ceremony will follow (including complimentary lunch) in the Parish Hall. Scouts and Scouters are invited to wear their uniforms. Registration must be completed by May 1, 2025. To register, click here. Please note: You must contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-441-1122, no later than May 1 to apply for the awards, emblems and patches that are to be distributed at the Awards Ceremony.
Theology on Tap - Calling all young adults! Join us for faith, fellowship and fun at Theology on Tap on the third Thursday of every month. Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. The evenings are held at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park, and begin with food and refreshments at 7:00 p.m., and presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning at 8:00 p.m. For more information, or with questions, contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org.
Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Summer Camp Missionaries Wanted for Summer 2025! - Totus Tuus is an exciting Catholic Parish Catechetical Camp for students in grades 1 – 12. The weeklong day camp held at Parishes in the Diocese of Venice is led by trained, paid missionaries. Applications are welcomed from anyone age 18 or older with an authentic, dynamic Catholic faith who is actively living the teachings of the Catholic Church. One year of college/work is preferred, but mature recent high school graduates will be considered. This is a great summer experience for anyone who wants to work in ministry, education, or with children in other settings. To learn more about the Totus Tuus program, or to apply, visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/totustuus2025. For more information, or with questions, contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org.
Safe Environment Training - As part of the Safe Environment Program, the Diocese of Venice requires that all employees and those volunteers who work with children and/or vulnerable adults be fingerprinted and complete online training in Safe Environment prior to beginning employment or volunteering. To report any abuse against minors to the Florida Department of Children and Families please call 800-962-2873. Further, if Diocesan personnel or volunteers are involved, also notify the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, Susan Benton, at 941-416-6114. Please visit the Diocese of Venice website for further information.
For all OLPH events, register online (www.olph-retreat.org) and click on “Schedule of Events.”
Ignatian Preached Silent Retreat - Father Greg Cleveland, OMV will introduce you to the great themes of the Spiritual Exercises in a group setting Friday, May 9 to Monday May 12. 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.
Mother's Day Mass and Brunch - Fr. Greg Cleveland, OMV presents, "Precious and Hidden: Reflections on Motherhood," on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11. Continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. followed by a morning conference, Mass at 11:15 a.m. with Mother's Day Blessing, Lunch 12:00 p.m., followed by the afternoon conference and optional Rosary Walk.
May's Monthly Day of Prayer - Titled, "Beauty's Persuasion, Mary at Cana," Fr. Greg Cleveland, OMV will explore the power of intercessory prayer through our union with Christ in his death and resurrection on May 14.
OLPH Available for Private Retreats - The Spring schedule is posted and has openings for 3, 5, and 7-night individual (directed) retreats. Group retreats are also available: To learn more or to register for a group or private retreat, please visit olph-retreat.org or call (941) 486-0233.
Jubilee Prayer Site - Visitors are welcome at OLPH Mondays - Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. throughout the year. The grounds provide a peaceful place to reconnect with the Lord, reflect in solitude and offer up your intentions. Refer to our website for more information: www.olph-retreat.org/jubilee-of-hope-2025
Eucharistic Conference at Ave Maria - The 2025 Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Conference is scheduled for May 16 – 18 at Ave Maria University. The theme is “Be it done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). The Conference will include talks from Father Chris Alar, Dr. Edward Sri, Mary Healy, Mother Adela Galindo with the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Jon Niven, and Mark Miravalle. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, lodging and meals. Registration is $190. For more information and to register, please visit www.aveconferences.com/
St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament - St. Mary Academy is hosting their 12th Annual Golf Tournament with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, May 18, at University Park Country Club, 7671 The Park Blvd, Sarasota. This is a best-ball tournament, and the cost is only $150 per player. Participants will receive a great goody bag, drinks, snacks, prizes, awards, and a sit-down BBQ dinner buffet. The event supports St. Mary Academy, which educates students with special learning needs. Contact Connie Taft, Director of Development and Marketing at 941-366-4010 ext. 318 or ctaft@stmarysarasota.org for more information and to register.
Ave Maria Youth Conference - The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13. The theme for the Conference is “But as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). The Conference will include talks from Sister Maria Jose Socias, SCTJM, Michael Gormley, Mari Pablo, and Father Joseph Lugalambi. Music will be by Epic Music Ministries. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, lodging, meals, t-shirts, a pizza night, and more. Registration is $195. per person. For more information or to register, please visit www.aveconferences.com/
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 email the Holdens.