October 31, 2025
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Reverend Nathan Marzonie, O.M.V., is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of San Pedro Parish in North Port, effective November 3, 2025, due to another Parochial assignment with his Religious Community.
______________________
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. View a video invitation from Bishop Dewane here. For additional graphics, click here. Contact Rachel Powers at powers@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4716 for more information.
______________________
Mental Health Awareness - In light of Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for the Month of November for the prevention of suicide, a reminder is warranted regarding the USCCB's new national Catholic Mental Health Awareness initiative, "Healing and Hope." Parishes are encouraged to raise awareness on mental health, specifically by praying during Masses for those who struggle with this issue. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, now offers free Tele-Mental Health Counseling for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. For more information on this no fee service, please call 239-455-2655 or visit Catholic Charities online 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/
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.
Couples unable to attend an in-person retreat 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.
2026 March for Life - Join a March for Life in Tampa on January 17, 2026, and stand up for the sanctity of life! Through prayer, music and inspiring speeches, raise awareness and advocate for life in Southwest Florida with others dedicated to the pro-life mission. The March will begin at 9 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa and travel to Perry Harvey Sr. Park. This event is organized by our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.dosp.org/2026MarchRSVP.
March for Life, Washington D.C., January 22-23, 2026 - The March for Life is the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world. Every January, tens of thousands of pro-lifers converge in Washington, D.C. and march on Capitol Hill. The goal? To advocate for laws that protect the sanctity of life, and to influence the culture so that it may become a culture of life. Even with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, our work to build a culture of life and put an end to abortion is not done; our work continues at both state and federal levels. In fact, the effort to protect life has gotten even more complex, with the advance and prevalence of the abortion pills, and their easy, anonymous distribution. Join this inspiring, peaceful, vibrant rally of women, men, and people young and old from across the country, and fight for life! If you are planning to participate in the March for Life or are interested in additional information, please contact Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-374-1068.
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.
Calling all Catholic Teens! Be a part of ARISE 2025, the Diocese of Venice Youth Rally! Don't miss this powerful gathering of young Catholics, grades 9-12. This vibrant celebration will unite our young Church for a day filled with faith, joy, dynamic speakers, live music, the Sacraments, and a life-giving encounter with Christ.
Youth Rally ARISE 2025, Saturday, November 15, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, Punta Gorda. Parents, teachers and youth leaders please note that deadline to register your teens through a Parish or School is Friday, November 7. Contact Andres Prias with questions or for more information.
On November 21, Pope Leo XIV will host his first ever live digital dialogue with young people in the United States. This groundbreaking and historic encounter, part of the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), will take place on Friday, November 21, at 10:15 a.m. ET. Pope Leo XIV will participate in a 45-minute real-time dialogue with young people gathered at Lucan Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and with thousands more joining from around the world via livestream. All young people in the Diocese of Venice are encouraged to participate in this rare opportunity for encounter with the Holy Father via livestream. Young people and their families can participate from home! Registration is free. Sign up for the NCYC Digital Experience and receive a livestream link, access to an exclusive pre-event on November 11, and resources to bring the Pope’s message to life. Visit NCYC.us/digitalexperience
Theology on Tap – Join us for a very special night of fellowship, faith, and fun with fellow Catholic young adults from across the Diocese and, in December, with special guest speaker the Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. 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 cost to attend, and no registration required. Bring a friend! Please note that there is no gathering in November, the next meeting is Thursday, December 18 with Bishop Dewane.
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.
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.
Photography Lesson with Catholic Press Photographer - Catholic Press award winning photographer Joe Mixan will share his knowledge to learn your camera features, gain an understanding of lighting and taking photos from the right angles on Sunday, November 16 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. 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, Mass will be celebrated at 11:15 am in our St. Jospeh 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.
Advent Retreat - Contemplate prayer and the spiritual journey with Fr. Murchadh O'Madagain, Ph.D. December 12-14, 5:00 pm Friday through 1:00 pm Sunday. Guided conferences, shared silence, and spiritual reflection is the perfect way to prepare to welcome our Savior at Christmas! Fr. Murchadh is pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Fort Myers, a doctor of spiritual theology, and author of several books. Please visit olph-retreat.org or call (941) 486-0233 to register.
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
Veterans Day Military Celebration Night at Ave Maria Parish - On Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00 pm at the Ave Maria Parish Hall, 102 Pope John Paul II Blvd, Ave Maria, this free family-friendly evening is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the brave men and women of our community who have served and continue to serve our great Nation. This special evening will also recognize Medal of Honor recipients, Father Capodanno and Father Kapaun, for their heroic service and extraordinary ministry as military chaplains.
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
Kristallnacht Commemoration - A commemoration of the 87th anniversary of Kristallnacht, or the "Night of Broken Glass," will be hosted by the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue (CJD) of Collier County on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2:30 p.m. at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. Kristallnacht, which historians consider the beginning of the Holocaust, memorializes the six million Jews who were exterminated. The event is sponsored by CJD, the Diocese of Venice in Florida, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, GenShoah of SWFL, and the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center. All are welcome. The event is free, but registration is requested at jewishnaples.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.
Ave Maria Veterans Ball - All are welcome to attend the Ave Maria Veterans Ball Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 6:00 pm for the Del Webb Grand Hall, Ave Maria. The Keynote speaker is Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the United States Military Services. Tickets are $125 per person and service tables and sponsorships are available. For more information visit AveMariaKOFC.org/Veterans-Ball
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.