October 3, 2025
Office of the Bishop
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Reverend Jan Rykala, S.A.C., is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Martha Parish in Sarasota, effective October 1, 2025, due to another Parochial assignment with his Religious Community.
“Come, Holy Spirit, show us your beauty,
reflected in all the peoples of the earth.”
reflected in all the peoples of the earth.”
On the fifth anniversary of Fratelli tutti, Pope Francis’ encyclical letter on fraternity and social friendship, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has asked that every American reflect on the value of every human life and try to see Christ in every person, including in those who hold differing thoughts. Archbishop Broglio challenges us all to examine our hearts, our thoughts and our actions and ask ourselves how we contribute to the polarization an animosity plaguing our nation, and to put into practice those behaviors that can help us begin to heal the rifts between us. During this Respect Life Month, we would do well to consider his invitation for reflection, which can be found in its entirety here.
Pope Leo XIV invites all to pray a daily rosary during October - During last week’s general audience Pope Leo XIV invited all the faithful to pray a daily rosary during the month of October, the Month of the Holy Rosary, for personal peace, peace in our families, and in our communities. All are encouraged to do so. Many Parishes in the Diocese of Venice will be hosting the Rosary Congress beginning this weekend and continuing through October 10 – to learn more, including how you can participate, visit Rosary Congress 2025 - Diocese of Venice.
Red Mass in Sarasota - The 17th Annual Red Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane at 5:30 p.m., Oct. 21, 2025, at St. Martha Parish, 200 N. Orange Avenue in Sarasota. Judges, lawyers, lawmakers, their families and staff are cordially invited to attend. A reception will follow. Please RSVP before Oct. 11 for the Mass and/or reception to Tina Mroczkowski at 941-366-5510 or tinam@bowmangeorge.com.
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: www. dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/
For Parishes: New videos available - The following videos are available for download. All are video invitations from Bishop Frank J. Dewane. Please share so that all can be aware of the opportunities presented.
- Together in Holiness Marriage Enrichment Conference: An invitation to all Catholic married and engaged couples (October 18, 2025). View or download here.
- Catholic Mass on Veterans Day Mass at Sarasota National Cemetery: An invitation to all Catholics in the Diocese, to honor USA Veterans (November 11, 2025). View or download here.
- Youth Rally: An invitation to all high school students (November 15, 2025).
View or download here.
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 by clicking here.
2025 Fall Diocesan Catechetical Workshop - Catechists throughout the Diocese of Venice are invited to the 2025 Fall Diocesan Catechetical Workshop, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 18, at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 21505 Augusta Ave., Port Charlotte. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate the closing Mass at 2 p.m. Dr. Luke Arredondo is the featured speaker, and he will discuss the Workshop theme, “The Sacraments of Initiation: Liturgy as Biblical Narrative.” The workshop is free, but RSVP is requested at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-fall-catechetical-workshop-tickets-1748094390379?aff=oddtdtcreator.
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.
WARNING! Text/Email Scam Alert - Please beware! Parishioners have received text/email messages from people pretending to be clergy – including Bishop Frank J. Dewane – or Parish/school staff, requesting donations in the form of gift cards and/or wire transfers. These messages often come from text/emails that look similar to official Diocesan/Parish/school numbers or accounts and often greet the recipient by name and have the priest’s, Bishop’s, or staff member’s name in the “From” line and/or closing signature of the message. The scam often claims that the priest/Bishop/staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child, relative, or parishioner. The message then asks the person to purchase gift cards/money orders and then to text/email the redemption code and PIN number. It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc.! Without this awareness, some have responded to the fake messages, with consequences, including loss of funds. There is an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the Diocese, Parish, or school. If you receive such a scam text or email, please immediately contact the Diocese, Parish, or school directly! Do NOT send money, gift cards, or codes!
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. The cost is $60; please call the Parish to register, (941) 955-3934.
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.
Special Mass to Celebrate 15 Years! - In honor of the 15-year anniversary of 40 days for Life in Fort Myers, Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate a special Mass Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 8:45 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. All are welcome! Following Mass, please also join us on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood in Fort Myers, 6418 Commerce Park Drive, for peaceful, prayerful protest. 40 days for Life is an international 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful all-day vigils in front of abortion businesses. Join this worldwide prayer campaign to end abortion in the Diocese of Venice, now through 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.
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!
For Parishes: New Video! Walking with Moms in Need - A new bilingual promotional video about the Walking with Moms in Need program is now available here. The video features interviews and testimonials in English and Spanish (with subtitles), and is intended to inform and inspire all to get involved, reach out, and accompany women who are pregnant, and in need.
Vocation Awareness Weekend - Discover what the seminarian life is all about during the weekend of November 14-16 at St. John Vianney College Seminary, 2900 SW 87th Ave, Miami. Participants will travel together for a weekend of fellowship, prayer and fun. Speak with seminarian students and teachers about their journey. Transportation is provided. For questions or to register contact Lina Johnson at johnson@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4720.
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!
Arise! Youth Rally - Calling all high school students! Join thousands of young Catholics from the Diocese of Venice for a day of prayer, faith, and fun! This year’s Youth Rally theme, “Arise”, is a call to rise with determination to serve Christ in His Church. It is a concrete response to the call of the Jubilee Year of Hope: It is Jesus Christ Who is our Hope! For students in grades 9 – 12. Students and parents, to register please inquire within your Parish or Catholic School! School & Religious Education Leaders & Parish Staff, register here. For more information, or with questions, please contact Andres Prias, Director, Youth & Young Adult Outreach, 941-441-1122, prias@dioceseofvenice.org Click here for Youth Rally Website!
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.
Undy Sunday Collier County - The 31st annual Catholic Charities Undy Sunday Campaign will take place in Collier County the weekends of Oct. 18 and 19, and Oct. 25 and 26, 2025. This collection helps thousands of underserved elementary school students (ages 5-14), receive new underwear and socks, the top request by needy students. There are three ways to assist with this campaign. Bring new socks and underwear to Parishes in Collier County during the two weekends, donate to the Catholic Charities Amazon wish list, or make a monetary donation online at https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate. To learn more, contact Allegra Belliard at 239-793-0059, or abelliard@ccdov.org.
Tele-Mental Health Counseling Services - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice is offering Mental Health Counseling for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information on this no fee service, please call 239-455-2655 or visit Catholic Charities online: https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/behavioral-health-center
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.
To view all OLPH events, visit www.olph-retreat.org and click on Events, then Schedule of Events. Register online for all events.
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
Photography Lesson Fundraiser with Catholic Press Photographer - Learn your camera features, gain an understanding of lighting and taking photos from the right angles October 19 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with Catholic Press award winning photographer Joe Mixan. It doesn't matter if you take photos with expensive gear or if you use your phone, this is your chance to learn a few new tricks from a professional. Explore the beautiful grounds of OLPH and take photos, practicing what you learned. Submit your favorite photo in our contest. A free family photo session is also available. At the conclusion, join us for Mass at 11:15 am in our St. Joesph Chapel. A continental breakfast is included. This is a fundraiser for OLPH, $30 per person or $75 for a family. Please visit https://olph-retreat.org/schedule-of-events for more information or to sign up.
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.
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.
Mary & Me Conference – All are welcome to attend the annual Mary & Me Conference hosted by the Venice Diocesan 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 - 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.
All Saint's Trunk Festival - Decorate your car, trunk, van, or SUV's trunk in a Saintly, Religious, Fall, Non-scary Halloween theme on Saturday, October 25 from 5:20 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. to St. Francis Xavier, 2050 Heitman St., Fort Myers. Bring some candy for the little ones as they admire your beautiful trunks. There will be a grand prize for the best "saintly/catholic" trunk, as well as for the best Saint Costume for the children. Games, snacks and food will be available for purchase.
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/
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.