September 19, 2025
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following appointments:
Reverend Timothy Deutsch is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. WIlliam Parish in Naples effective August 26, 2025, and thus returned to his Diocese of Duluth in Minnesota.
Reverend Jean Kesnel Metellus, C.S. is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Immokalee, effective September 28, 2025, and thus, will return to his Religious Order.
Respect Life Month – As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between. During the month of October, designated as Respect Life Month, the Church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life. This Jubilee Year, we are also asked to be agents of hope. Despite the constant and various attacks on human life we are reminded of every day in the headlines, the gift of human life exists as a desperately needed sign of hope to our world today, and as such must be protected, and celebrated.
Please note that Respect Life Sunday will be observed on Sunday, October 5. Parishes across the Diocese of Venice will conduct a special collection on this weekend to enhance the life-affirming work of the Diocese’s Respect Life Office. The funds remain in the Diocese of Venice and facilitate a Culture of Life as a faith community in Southwest Florida. The Diocese of Venice offers several opportunities to get involved in Respect Life ministry efforts this month, and all year. Visit the Respect Life office website to learn more.
New USCCB Mental Health Initiative –The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has announced a new component within the ongoing National Catholic Mental Health Campaign called “Healing and Hope.” The program is focused on amplifying local engagement on mental health. Parishes are encouraged to raise awareness on mental health, specifically by praying for those who struggle with this issue during Masses on the weekend of October 11-12, following World Mental Health Day (October 10). Resources are available for parishes to participate in Mental Health Sunday. The faithful are encouraged to pray the Novena for Mental Health in solidarity with Catholics across the United States from Friday, October 10, to Saturday, October 18. For more information on the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, please visit: https://www.usccb.org/mental-health.
Save the Date: Catholic Mass on Veterans Day - A Catholic Mass on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, will be held outdoors in the Amphitheater at Sarasota National Cemetery at 3:00 pm. This annual Mass, now in its 16th year in the Diocese of Venice, has become a sacred tradition. Gathering as one people under God, we honor and remember our United States veterans, both living and deceased. All are welcome to attend and join in prayer for the souls of our faithfully departed veterans as well as for those currently in the military, and all who labor to protect the freedom we enjoy. If you are a member of the military, come, and wear your uniform! Opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 p.m.
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.
Youth Jubilee Adoration Night - All youth are invited to St. Catherine Catholic Church, 820 Hickory Street, Sebring on Friday, September 26, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Experience an evening of prayer, music, and Eucharistic Adoration as part of the Jubilee 2025 celebrations. For more information, contact Andres Prias, 941-441-1122.
Pray for Priests Calendar - Please join us in praying for our priests! The Diocese of Venice is blessed to have 128 priests serving in Southwest Florida. Our Pray for Priests Calendar honors a priest each day with a designated day for prayer and gratitude; all priests in the Diocese are listed on at least one day during the year. If you do not see your priest listed this month, please check again next month! (Priests are honored daily throughout the year via alphabetical order.) Print your very own Pray for Priests Calendar for October below or by clicking here.
Pray for Safety! Hurricane Season is here - The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season runs through 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:
“Let us all ask God for protection and safety and also pray for the people who continue to recover from previous disasters." To view or download a Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season in English or Spanish, visit the Diocese of Venice website.
“Let us all ask God for protection and safety and also pray for the people who continue to recover from previous disasters." To view or download a Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season in English or Spanish, visit the Diocese of Venice website.
Rosary Congress 2025 – The Diocese of Venice will host its annual Rosary Congress October 4-10, with 55 Parishes throughout the Diocese now 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. Click here 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 for pastoral outreach, distribution of the Eucharist and more. 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 Diocese of Venice Prison Ministry Co-Coordinators Bob Hiniker, 863-558-0407 or Joe Mallof, 224-217-7139 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.
Together in Holiness Marriage Conference – Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites all Catholic married and engaged couples to join him at the Diocese’s fifth annual Marriage Enrichment Conference on October 18 at Our Lady of Light, 19680 Cypress view Drive, Fort Myers. 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. To register, visit www.togetherinholiness.org/venice. Questions? Contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-486-4754.
Marriage Prep Retreats/Seminars - Marriage Preparation Retreats are required by the Diocese of Venice for those couples preparing for Sacramental Marriage in the Catholic Church. Remaining Marriage Preparation Retreat offerings this year are:
For English-Speaking Couples - Day of Reflection Retreat, November 8 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The $60 registration fee includes all retreat materials and lunch. Registration is required. To register, click here.
For Spanish-Speaking Couples - Retreats in Spanish are offered at St. Jude Parish, Sarasota, October 25, and at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples, November 8 & 9. St. Jude cost is $60; please call the Parish to register, (941) 955-3934. Retreats at St. Peter the Apostle are Saturday and Sunday (1 & 1/2 days), however, not overnight. Sessions will begin at 7:15 a.m. for check in and light breakfast on both days; Saturday's session will conclude at 5:30 p.m., and Sunday's session will conclude at 3:00 p.m., including Mass. Cost is $150.00 per couple. Financial assistance is available. Please contact the Parish's Spanish Marriage Prep Coordinator, Maria Gomez, for more details and to register, (239) 302-8548 or marly2002@comcast.net.
Couples unable to attend one of the above in-person retreats may contact the Diocesan Marriage Prep office to register for the online version, available in both English and Spanish. Please contact Jim Gontis, (941) 486-4754.
Natural Family Planning Introductory Session – Learn about Natural Family Planning with a free introductory session. The Diocese of Venice sets forth the Creighton Model Fertility Care System, and a free online training session is being offered by the St. Gianna Center for Women’s Health & Fertility Care October 21. The session is 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 November 15, 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.
Bereavement Retreat – For those grieving the death of a loved one, the Diocese offers a Bereavement Retreat on October 30, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Led by Deacon Henry deMena, who holds a Master’s degree in counseling, this faith-based retreat offers a safe and prayerful space to find peace, comfort, and healing. For more information or to register, contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, (941) 486-4754.
Bereavement Training for Parish Teams -This two-day training session, to be held on October 27-28, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, equips parishes to support those who are grieving with compassion and faith. Led by Deacon Henry deMena, a counselor with extensive bereavement experience, the training sessions are open to all those who work or volunteer in parishes to help the bereaved. Practical guidance will help participants confidently serve those who mourn within their parish communities. Topics include the role of God in suffering, and group facilitation skills. For more information or to register, please contact Jim Gontis, 941-486-4754.
40 Days for Life kicks off Wednesday, September 24 - Join us on the sidewalk! 40 Days for Life proves that with God all things are possible. 40 days for Life is an international 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. Join this worldwide prayer campaign to end abortion in the Diocese of Venice, September 24 – November 2, 2025. To learn more about how to support or participate in 40 Days for Life in Southwest Florida, contact Tavia Ames, 941-441-1101, or visit the 40 Days for Life website, here.
Special Kickoff Events This Fall Include:
Fort Myers Kickoff Event! Wednesday, September 24, 6:00 p.m. - Highlighted by an abortion testimonial and inspiring pro-life speakers, and a Diaper Drive for Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers. (Please bring diaper donations 5 & 6!) Meet on the sidewalk outside Planned Parenthood, 6418 Commerce Park Drive, Fort Myers. All are welcome! Come to be inspired, and to pray for the mothers and children of our community and an end to abortion in Lee County. Questions? Email 40DaysForLifeFM@gmail.com
Naples Kickoff Rally & Adopt A Day to Pray! Wednesday, September 24, 10:00 a.m. - Meet on the sidewalk outside Planned Parenthood, 1425 Creech Road, Naples, for a peaceful prayer vigil. Speakers include Scott Baier, CEO, Community Pregnancy Clinics, and Pam Stenzel, Client Services Director, Community Pregnancy Clinics. All are welcome! Bring your friends and church members!
Also in Naples, sign up is now open for Adopt A Day to Pray! Sign up for a spot September 24 – November 2, anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., in front of the Planned Parenthood, 1425 Creech Road, Naples. To Adopt A Day to Pray, text or call Ricki Giersch at 630-514-2058, or email rickigiersch61@gmail.com.
Sarasota Kickoff Event! Friday, September 26, 10:30 a.m. - Join us to pray in the shadow of the regional headquarters of Planned Parenthood, the largest abortionist in the country. Meet in the parking lot of Community Pregnancy Clinics Inc., 1419 7th St., Sarasota. All are welcome! Bring a friend! Questions? Email 40DFLSarasota@gmail.com
Respect Life Month! - Every October, the Church in the U.S. celebrates Respect Life Month, and Respect Life Sunday, which this year is Sunday, October 5. We reflect on the gift of every human life and how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death. To assist in this effort, resources for Parishes are available here.
Respect Life Month Novena - Join thousands of Catholics praying a Respect Life Month novena Wednesday, October 22 – Thursday, October 30. Sign up here to receive daily prayers, reflections, and more, via email or text!
Culture of Life Conference 2025 -Registration is now open for the 38th Annual Culture of Life State Conference! To be hosted by the Archdiocese of Miami on Saturday, October 4, the Conference will feature expert speakers on the topics of IVF, Human Trafficking, Amendment 4, and more! Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Wenski. For more information, or to register, visit the Diocese of Venice website, or contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-374-1068.
Abortion Healing: A Retreat Offering Compassionate Support – If you know someone struggling because of a past abortion, please encourage them to make the call that can provide them with relief, and peace. Project Rachel is the outreach of the Catholic church to those who are suffering from a past abortion. Project Rachel will host a confidential, private retreat for abortion healing in the Diocese of Venice in October. For information, or to join, call or text in English or Espanol, 941-412-5860. All communication is kept confidential.
Sanación después del aborto provocado: Apoyo compasivo y confidencial - Si conoces a alguien que ha tenido aborto(s) provocado(s) en el pasado, anímale a llamar para que pueda experimentar paz y alivio. Llama o envía un mensaje de texto en inglés o español al 941-412-5860 o Project.Rachel@DioceseofVenice.org Sanación después del aborto provocado: Un Retiro que Ofrece Apoyo Compasivo – Si conoces a alguien que ha tenido aborto(s) provocado(s), por favor anímale a hacer la llamada que puede brindarle alivio y paz. Proyecto Raquel es el alcance de la iglesia católica a aquellos que están sufriendo por el aborto provocado. Para obtener información, llamen o envíen un mensaje de texto en inglés o español al 941-412-5860 o a Project.Rachel@DioceseofVenice.org Toda comunicación se mantiene confidencial.
Be A Hero, Save A Life! - Learn the peaceful, prayerful method of sidewalk counseling from Sidewalk Advocates for Life and help women and men entering abortion facilities choose life on Saturday, November 8, 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m., at St. John XXIII parish in Fort Myers, 13060 Palomino Lane. It's free! Lunch and workbooks will be provided. If you would like to learn this method or learn more about this life-saving ministry, please contact Cyrille Velasco at cyrillevelasco@gmail.com or Bob Reynolds at rgrcons1@gmail.com. Please RSVP at least 10 days in advance of the training date. If you are unable to attend the in-person session, online training is also available. More information at sidewalkadvocates.org
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. If you live in the Palmetto or Parrish area, we could especially use your help. To get involved, please email Tavia Ames, or call 941-441-1101.
Celebrate Priesthood Sunday, by Supporting our Seminarians - The faithful are being asked to support, encourage and educate future priests through the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Seminarian Fund. The Diocese is currently educating 16 men at various seminaries, and a donation of any amount would be a great help. The way the VDCCW supports seminarians is through celebrating Priesthood Sunday, Sept. 28. To do this in a special and lasting way, the VDCCW will facilitate sending an "In Honor of” card to your Parish Priest. This is a gift that keeps on giving as all proceeds support the VDCCW Seminarian Fund (The donation amount will not be revealed to the recipient). To take part, please send the name of the priest you would like to honor, along with your donation, made out to VDCCW Seminarian Fund (plus $1 to cover postage and printing) to: Cornelia Zanetti, Seminarian Fund Guardian, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.
Fiat Ministries Retreat - The weekend of October 10-12, 2025, single women ages 18-30 seeking God’s will in their life are invited to grow deeper in prayer and in their identity as women, as well as learn more about discerning religious life. This retreat is led by Team Fiat, a dynamic group of lay women passionate about supporting other young women. Additionally, consecrated religious sisters from various religious communities from the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) assist at the retreats, making each a unique experience. The goal is for retreatants to walk away with a greater desire to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ while meeting religious sisters. Cost is $50. To register, visit fiatministries.org/retreats/. Questions, email Emily at fiatministriesinc@gmail.com
Theology on Tap – Join us for a night of fellowship, faith, and fun with fellow Catholic young adults from across the Diocese. Don’t miss this chance to grow in faith, connect with others, and enjoy a great evening together. Theology on Tap meets on the third Thursday of every month at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. Next meeting is Thursday, October 16! No cost to attend, and no registration required. Bring a friend!
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.
Volunteers needed at Sarasota Catholic Charities Office - Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc., welcomes volunteers who wish to become involved with any of their programs, services or ministries. The most urgent need for volunteers is at the Sarasota office, 5055 N. Tamiami Trail, which offers disaster response, housing and support services, anti-human trafficking programs, immigration assistance, and much more. The mission of Catholic Charities is to eliminate food insecurity, homelessness and offer essential mental health services to everyone seeking assistance – regardless of race or religion. To sign up as a volunteer, please visit catholiccharitiesdov.org/volunteer, or for more information, please call 941-355-4680 ext. 1100.
Jubilee Monthly Days of Prayer - In October, the Monthly Day of Prayer opportunities are on Wednesday, October 8 and Sunday, October 12. The Monthly Day of Prayer is an opportunity to take time out of your busy and hectic life to focus on God. The day begins at 9:30 am with continental breakfast and includes two talks by OLPH priests, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, lunch, and Mass, as well as time for adoration, private prayer, or meditation on the beautiful grounds. The day concludes at 3:15 pm. The cost is $45. Register at olph-retreat.org
Ignatian Preached Silent Retreat - Beginning on Friday, November 21 and ending on Wednesday, November 24, this silent retreat will introduce you 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. The cost is $525.00 per person for a private room and $360.00 per person for a shared room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained). Register at olph-retreat.org.
Save the Date! 2026 Butterfly Ball - OLPH is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Join us as we celebrate the last 30 years and toast to the next 30 at our Butterfly Ball on January 24, 2026. For more information on how you can support or participate in the celebration, visit the Butterfly Ball.
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
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.
OLPH Seeks Volunteers - Our Lady of Perpetual Help is in need of volunteers. Help us provide a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who come to us seeking transformation in Christ. Areas of need include answering phones, gardening, dishwashing and serving meals. Contact the office to sign up at 941-486-0233.
The Filipe Experience for Young Adults (in Spanish) - St. Jude Catholic Church invites young adults (19 to 35 years old) to live the Philip Encounter: A new life in Christ Jesus. Friday, September 26, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Saturday, September 27 · 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Sunday, September 28, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Parish Hall B2, St. Jude Catholic Church, 3930 17th Street, Sarasota. Cost $75.00 per person – Limited space – includes snacks and meals. For more information: (941) 955-3934. Pre-registration here.
La Experiencia Felipe para Jóvenes Adultos (en español ) - St. Jude Catholic Church invita a los jóvenes adultos (19 a 35 años) a vivir la Experiencia Felipe: Una nueva vida en Cristo Jesús. Viernes 26 de septiembre, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm., Sábado 27 de septiembre, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Domingo 28 de septiembre, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Salón Parroquial B2, St. Jude Catholic Church, 3930 17th Street, Sarasota. Costo $75.00 por persona - Cupo limitado – incluye refrigerios y comida. Por más información: (941) 955-3934. Pre-inscripción aquí.
Sarasota Parish hosting St. Padre Pio event Sept. 27 - Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, 833 Magellan Drive, Sarasota, is hosting a St. Padre Pio celebration from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 27, 2025. A first-class relic will be on display. The celebration opens with the opportunity to go to confession, and praying the rosary before the 4 p.m. Mass. Following Mass, the Padre Pio Prayer group will lead prayer intercessions addressed to the Saint. Prayers will continue outside, at the St. Padre Pio Shrine which is adjacent to the Parish Hall. This annual event takes place near the Feast Day of St. Padre Pio (Sept. 23). St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina was an Italian Capuchin friar, priest, and mystic. He was known for his profound wisdom, stigmata (wounds of Christ), and more. For more information, please visit www.olqm.net.
Laps for Life 5K in Sarasota - Our Lady of Victory Knights of Columbus Council 3358 in Sarasota is hosting its 6th annual Laps for Life 5K, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Saturday, October 4, at Cardinal Mooney High School, 4171 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Proceeds will support Solve Maternity Homes. The cost is $45 per runner/walker. Participants can register at www.RunSignUp.com, under the listing: Sarasota Laps for Life 5K. The Knights of Columbus is also hosting a pre-race Pasta Night, 6 p.m., 8 p.m., in the Knights Hall, 4880 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Tickets are $10 per person.
Movie Event at San Pedro Parish - "Unplanned" is the inspiring true story of a Planned Parenthood clinic director who became a pro-life advocate after witnessing the reality of abortion. The free showing is Sunday, October 5 at 3:00 p.m. at San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. Contact Deacon Rich for more information at 914-388-4389.
Homecoming Fish Fry in Sarasota - Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School is hosting a fish fry at the homecoming football game tailgate from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in the newly updated Selby Center, 4171 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Food will be from Walt’s Fish Market Restaurant and Tiki Bar. Purchase fish fry tickets at https://gofan.co/event/4436631?schoolId=FL5804.
Fundraiser for Organization Providing Vital Support to Women - Every woman deserves a safe place to turn when she is pregnant and alone. On October 10, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish, 625 111th Avenue North, Naples is hosting a fundraising dinner for Sunlight Home, an organization that provides vital support and services to women, including those who are pregnant and in crisis, facing homelessness, fleeing abuse or trying to break free from cycles of poverty and fear. Visit https://sunlighthome.org/events/ for tickets or more information.
Mary & Me Conference – All are welcome to attend the annual Mary & Me Conference hosted by the Diocese of Venice Council of Catholic Women, to be held Saturday, October 11, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Church (Parish Hall), 1922 SW 20th Ave., Cape Coral. Mass will precede the conference at 9:00 a.m. in the Church, with a continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. This year’s discussion will be led by Rose Marie Talbot-Babey, Director of Religious Education at St. Katharine Drexel and will focus on Our Blessed Mother’s role as the Mother of God and the Church. The event is open to all, both women and men! Join us. For more information contact Ellen Stock, mtamother@gmail.com.
Faith & Ale Lee County returns in October - Faith & Ale, a Catholic Men's Apostolate in Southwest Florida, is entering its 16th season. The monthly gatherings of Catholic men promote fellowship and growth in faith, on the third Thursday of every month between October and April. The next meeting is October 23, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Drive, Bonita Springs. The guest speaker is Matt Laboda, a father, consultant, speaker and theologian who lives in Ave Maria, and the theme is “The Miracle of Joy - A Journey of Trust & Faith in God." Tickets are $10. Register at https://faithandale.com. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.
Respect Life Movie Night, “The Sound of Freedom” – Come to a free educational event highlighting the tragedy of human trafficking Thursday, October 23, 2025, 6:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall, 2050 Heitman Street, Fort Myers. “The Sound of Freedom” film tells the true story of a federal agent who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue a captive child. A Q&A session will follow the film, hosted by Sergeant Charles Ciulla, Fort Myers Police Department, and former Task Force Officer with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, INTERCEPT Task Force. The event is free, but please register in advance to help us with planning! Beverages and light snacks will be provided. Email info@stfrancisfm.org with your name, phone and email if you plan to attend. With questions, please leave a message at the Parish office, 239-334-2161.
Magnificat Breakfast for Women - Magnificat ministers to women in and out of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal whose faith in Jesus Christ inspires their belief in the Holy Spirit’s active participation in their lives. The ministry appeals to those women who may be struggling with faith or who have lost touch with the Church. Join us for fellowship Saturday, October 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers Gulf Coast. This month's speaker is Father Daniel Scanlan. For reservations: https://magnificatfortmyers.com/order-tickets/ or contact Margaret Mengle 239-826-7475.
Cardinal Mooney Gratia Gala Nov. 15 - The Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Gratia Gala is 6 p.m., Nov. 15, 2025, at the Westin Sarasota. This elegant fundraising event in support of the Cardinal Mooney Catholic School mission will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, and silent and live auction. Together, attendees will celebrate the community's commitment to excellence and provide the resources needed to shape the future of our young leaders. Don’t miss this chance to make a meaningful impact - mark your calendars and prepare for a night of generosity and joy! Tickets are $250 per person. Visit https://www.cmhs-sarasota.org/ and follow the GALA link for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
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.