July 18, 2025
Congratulations to our newly ordained priests, Father Doherty, Father Gwynn, and Father Long! Please pray for our priests, and especially these three new priests as they begin their priestly journey and assume this tremendous responsibility. A recording of the livestream of the Ordination Mass can be viewed here.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in consultation with the Priest Personnel Board, announces the following assignments:
Deacon Joseph C. Doherty will pursue completion of his Licentiate Studies in Dogmatic and Fundamental Theology at The Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Deacon Jacob C. Gwynn, as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, effective August 4, 2025.
Deacon Patrick William Long, as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch, effective August 4, 2025.
Reverend Timothy Deutsch, as Parochial Vicar at St. William Parish in Naples, effective August 4, 2025, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples.
Reverend Grzegorz Klich, as Parochial Vicar at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral, effective August 4, 2025, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar at St. William Parish in Naples.
Reverend Alan Baldarelli, as Parochial Vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Naples, effective August 4, 2025, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch.
Reverend Augustine Obour, as Parochial Vicar at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, effective August 4, 2025, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Naples.
Statement regarding "Alligator Alcatraz" and Immigration Enforcement -- Earlier this month, a statement was issued regarding the newly opened "Alligator Alcatraz" in Collier County and Immigration Enforcement. The statement can be found here, in both English and Spanish.
Please join the US Bishops in praying for peace! The Catholic Bishops of the United States are deeply saddened to learn about the deaths and injuries at Holy Family Church in Gaza caused by a military strike. Prayers are offered for Father Gabriele Romanelli and all his parishioners, most especially to the families of those killed. With the Holy Father, we continue to pray and advocate for peace. (USCCB statement can be found here.)
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/
New, for Catholic Women! - Pope St. John Paul II coined the term “the feminine genius.” Explore and expand your feminine genius and grow in faith in a new online community, designed specifically for Catholic women. The Women’s Formation Community is a place where Catholic women come together to reflect on their unique charisms and vocation and receive ongoing intellectual formation among a vibrant community of like-minded women. To learn more, or to join, http://institute.wordonfire.org/womens-formation-community.
Catholic Relief Services Urgent Request (For Parish Staff) - Please include this urgent request from Catholic Relief Services in Parish Bulletins: Children Throughout the World Need Our Help! Don't Let Children Go Hungry! The Trump Administration has terminated Catholic Relief Services' McGovern-Dole Food for Education school feeding programs, cutting off daily meals for more than 900,000 children in 13 countries. Please email your members of Congress, asking them to urge the administration to reverse these terminations and reinstate Catholic Relief Services' USDA-funded food programs so that they can continue to provide lifesaving and life-affirming food aid. Visit https://support.crs.org/act/mcgovern-dole to be heard.
Pray for Safety! Hurricane Season is upon us - The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has begun in Florida! The season runs from June 1 to November 30. With a history of these storms producing destruction in the region, Bishop Frank J. Dewane reminds us that we must pray for safety: “As the new Atlantic Hurricane Season arrives, let us all ask God for protection and safety and also pray for the people who continue to recover from previous disasters." ~ Bishop Frank J. Dewane
TV Mass (For Parish Staff) - Has your Parish been featured yet?! 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, 941-486-4716, powers@dioceseofvenice.org
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, July 25, 2025.
Mustard Seed (For Parish Staff) - Is everyone in your Parish office signed up to receive the Mustard Seed directly to their inbox every other Friday? If not, sign them up here: https://dioceseofvenice.org/news/
Save the date! Rosary Congress 2025 – The Diocese of Venice will host its annual Rosary Congress October 4-10, 2025, with a growing number of Parishes throughout the Diocese participating. The theme of this year’s Rosary Congress is My Soul Magnifies the Lord (Luke 1:46). The Rosary Congress begins with the celebration of daily Mass and ends with Mass at the same time the next day. During these designated 24 hours, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for perpetual Adoration, and the five decades of the Rosary are prayed by the faithful every hour, on the hour. Many Parishes will also have Confession available. Stay tuned for a list of participating Parishes, and how you can be part of this beautiful opportunity to adore and grow closer to our Lord. For more information, contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-486-4754.
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.
Together in Holiness Marriage Enrichment Conference – Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites all Catholic married couples to join him at the Diocese’s fifth annual Marriage Enrichment Conference on October 18 at St. John XXIII in Fort Myers. Engaged couples are also welcome! The Marriage Conference, “Family, A School of Love,” presents a unique opportunity to share a day dedicated to prayer, conversation, and reflection on the sacred vocation of marriage together with your spouse. Grow together in holiness and receive guidance and tips for how to strengthen your marriage and form your children in the Catholic faith! Registration is now open! This event will sell out, so register early. To learn more, and to register, visit www.togetherinholiness.org/venice. Questions? Contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-486-4754.
Natural Family Planning Introductory Session – Learn about Natural Family Planning with a free introductory session. The Diocese of Venice supports the Creighton Model Fertility Care System, and free online training sessions are being offered by the St. Gianna Center for Women’s Health & Fertility Care. Remaining 2025 sessions include Thursday, August 14, Saturday, September 20, and Tuesday, October 21. Choose one that fits your schedule! The sessions are free, but registration is required. Register at bit.ly/SGIntroSession. For more information, visit stgiannacenter.com, or with questions, contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-486-4754.
Become a Natural Family Planning Practitioner! St. Gianna Center for Women’s Health & Fertility Care offers a Nationally Accredited Education Program for those wanting to become a Creighton Model Fertility Care Practitioner (FCP). The 13-month course is an empowering approach to women’s reproductive healthcare that is safe from side effects, is life-affirming, cost-effective, and clinically proven. Next class is Nov. 15, 2025, at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Gulfport, FL. Scholarships are available. Contact Becky at 813-421-4625 or visit https://stgiannacenter.com/become-a-practitioner/ Questions? Contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-486-4754.
Day of Reflection for Sacramental Marriage - Couples preparing for Sacramental Marriage in the Catholic Church are encouraged to attend a Day of Reflection either Saturday, September 20 at St. John the Evangelist's Pulte Hall, 625 111th Ave. North in Naples or Saturday, November 8 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Dr. in Venice. From 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. a specially prepared volunteer team of married couples, and a priest, share their experiences and information, enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. The $60 registration fee includes all retreat materials and lunch. Registration is required. Contact James Gontis for more information at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543, ext. 4754.
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!
If you live in the Palmetto or Parrish area, we could especially use your help- ASAP!
To get involved, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org,
941-441-1101.
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.
To view all OLPH events, visit www.olph-retreat.org and click on Events, then Schedule of Events. Register online for all events.
OLPH Available for Private Retreats - The Retreat Center has openings for 1, 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
St. William Summer Educational Series: "Aging in Place: Creating a Safe and Supportive Home Environment" - This free presentation on Wednesday, July 30 at 1:00 p.m. at St. William Church Hall, 601 Seagate Dr., Naples will explore practical strategies to reduce fall risks and improve accessibility. Presenter Kelly Rose, Managing Director and CEO of Life Home Health, will discuss new supportive technologies, home health services and occupational therapy. For more information contact Sharon@saintwilliam.org or 239-330-2267.
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.