October 17, 2025
Dilexi te - All are encouraged to read and embrace the first apostolic exhortation from Pope Leo XIV, Dilexi te, which invites all the faithful to renew their commitment and closeness to the poor. “God’s love is vividly demonstrated by his protection of the weak and the poor,” the Holy Father writes. Pope Leo goes further, reminding us of a simple truth: “. . . love for our neighbor is tangible proof of the authenticity of our love for God.” The message from the Holy Father is clear: Love for our neighbor, and charity, is not optional. Rather, it is an essential element and requirement of our Catholic faith.
Catholic Mass on Veterans Day at Sarasota National Cemetery - An invitation is extended to all to attend a Catholic Mass on Veterans Day. Come to worship and also to honor USA Veterans on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota. Opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 P.M. Ample parking and plenty of seating. View Bishop's video invitation here. For additional graphics, click here. Contact Rachel Powers at powers@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4716 for more information.
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.
November Pray for Priests Calendar - Pray 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 November by clicking here.
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.
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 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. 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.
Parents! Pro-Life Essay Contest for Students in Grades 3-12 – This essay contest is an excellent opportunity for your children to think through their arguments and sharpen their pro-life debate skills. Students in each category can select from two age-appropriate essay prompts. $1,500 in cash prizes and pro-life gear will be awarded, as well as the chance to be published on the Culture of Life Studies Program website! If you would like your children to participate, visit prolifeessay.com for submission guidelines, formatting requirements, prize details, and to enter. Questions? Contact Susan Ciancio at clsp@all.org.
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.
Arise! Youth Rally - Calling all high school students! Join thousands of young Catholics from the Diocese of Venice on Saturday, November 15 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!
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. There is no gathering in November, the next meeting is Thursday, December 18! 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.
Undy Sunday Collier County - There is one more weekend for the 31st annual Catholic Charities Undy Sunday Campaign in Collier County: Oct. 25 and 26. 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 catholiccharitiesdov.o. 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.
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.
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 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/new-volunteer
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.
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 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/new-volunteer
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
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 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/
For reservations: https://magnificatfortmyers.com/order-tickets/
St. Jude's 21st Fall Festival - St. Jude Catholic Church, 3930 17th Street, Sarasota, is hosting a Fall Festival, Saturday, November 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Expect live music, delicious Latin American foods, folklore dance, games for the kids and family entertainment. The proceeds will fund the building of the new church.
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
Faith & Ale Lee County - The Catholic Men's Apostolate in Southwest Florida will meet Thursday, November 13 at Our Lady of Light, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Matthew Ingold, co-founder of Metanoia Catholic Podcast and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. The theme for the evening is, "From Combat Leader to Spiritual Warrior." Tickets are $10. Register at https://faithandale.com. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.
Cardinal Mooney Gratia Gala - The Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Gratia Gala is 6 p.m., Wednesday, November 15, 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 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.