November 14, 2025
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Reverend Philip Scheff, retired as Parochial Vicar of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Port Charlotte, effective November 29, 2025, and thus, is to be relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar at St. Charles Borromeo Parish.
Reverend James Simko, retired as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton, effective November 30, 2025, and thus, is to be relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish.
Reverend Raùl Zamora, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish, Bonita Springs, effective November 30, 2025.
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Special Message on Immigration from USCCB - After the recent Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, a Special Message has been issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the first time in 12 years the bishops, as a group, have invoked this particularly urgent way of speaking. The full text of the bishops' Special Pastoral Message follows. The message is also available online here.
As pastors, we the bishops of the United States are bound to our people by ties of communion and compassion in Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care. We lament that some immigrants in the United States have arbitrarily lost their legal status. We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools. We are grieved when we meet parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school and when we try to console family members who have already been separated from their loved ones.
Despite obstacles and prejudices, generations of immigrants have made enormous contributions to the well-being of our nation. We as Catholic bishops love our country and pray for its peace and prosperity. For this very reason, we feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.
Catholic teaching exhorts nations to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants. We bishops advocate for a meaningful reform of our nation’s immigration laws and procedures. Human dignity and national security are not in conflict. Both are possible if people of good will work together.
We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good. Without such processes, immigrants face the risk of trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Safe and legal pathways serve as an antidote to such risks.
The Church’s teaching rests on the foundational concern for the human person, as created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). As pastors, we look to Sacred Scripture and the example of the Lord Himself, where we find the wisdom of God’s compassion. The priority of the Lord, as the Prophets remind us, is for those who are most vulnerable: the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the stranger (Zechariah 7:10). In the Lord Jesus, we see the One who became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9), we see the Good Samaritan who lifts us from the dust (Luke 10:30–37), and we see the One who is found in the least of these (Matthew 25). The Church’s concern for neighbor and our concern here for immigrants is a response to the Lord’s command to love as He has loved us (John 13:34).
To our immigrant brothers and sisters, we stand with you in your suffering, since, when one member suffers, all suffer (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:26). You are not alone!
We note with gratitude that so many of our clergy, consecrated religious, and lay faithful already accompany and assist immigrants in meeting their basic human needs. We urge all people of good will to continue and expand such efforts.
We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement. We pray that the Lord may guide the leaders of our nation, and we are grateful for past and present opportunities to dialogue with public and elected officials. In this dialogue, we will continue to advocate for meaningful immigration reform.
As disciples of the Lord, we remain men and women of hope,
and hope does not disappoint! (cf. Romans 5:5)
and hope does not disappoint! (cf. Romans 5:5)
May the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe enfold us all in her maternal and loving care and draw us ever closer to the heart of Christ.
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Nostra Aetate 60th Anniversary Symposium - The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County, a longstanding Southwest Florida interfaith partnership, is hosting a panel of distinguished theologians, professors and clerics, including Bishop Frank J. Dewane, to discuss the impact of Nostra Aetate, the historic Catholic document that changed 20 centuries of Catholic-Jewish relations. The two-day symposium, titled “Nostra Aetate – 60 years: A new path for Catholic-Jewish relations,” will be held at 2 p.m., Dec. 6, 2025, at Ave Maria University, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria, and 2 p.m., Dec. 7 at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, 4720 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. The same program will be presented for two consecutive days. The symposium will also be available virtually via Zoom. Register for the symposium, either in-person or online, at www.jewishnaples.org.
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/
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. The retreats are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and the $60 registration fee includes all retreat materials and lunch. Registration is required. To Register: 2026 Day of Reflection MP Retreat
- Day of Reflection Marriage Retreat - A specially prepared volunteer team of married couples, and a priest, share their experiences and information, enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage.
- January 10, 2026: St. John the Evangelist
Pulte Hall, 625 111th Ave. N, Naples - March 14, 2026: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice - May 16, 2026: St. John the Evangelist
Pulte Hall, 625 111th Ave. N, Naples - September 12, 2026: St. John the Evangelist
Pulte Hall, 625 111th Ave. N, Naples - November 14, 2026: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice
- January 10, 2026: St. John the Evangelist
- Two Become One Marriage Retreat (55 and older) - Couples 55 and older preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage or convalidation in the Catholic Church.
- May 2, 2026: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice - September 12, 2026: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice
- May 2, 2026: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Couples unable to attend an in-person retreat may contact the Diocesan Marriage Prep office to register for the online version. Please contact Jim Gontis, (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.
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.
Mental Health Counseling Services - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice is offering Mental Health Counseling, and Tele-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, 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. He has a doctorate in spiritual theology and is 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
St. John XXIII Parish Youth & Young Adult Ministry - Every Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. ages 18–35 that are looking for faith-filled discussions, fellowship, and fun with other young adults meet at 13060 Palomino Lane in Fort Myers. For more information contact coordinator Kelly Evers kelly@johnxxiii.net.
St. John XXIII Parish Youth Family Ministry - For a relaxed evening of fellowship and conversation about faith and the joys and challenges of raising children in today’s world, meet on the first Thursdays of each month at 13060 Palomino Lane in Fort Myers. For more information contact coordinator Kelly Evers kelly@johnxxiii.net.
Faith & Wine Lee County - Faith & Wine, an outreach for uniting Catholic women of all backgrounds and ages to develop friendships and to support one another as they apply the Gospel to their lives, will have its first event of the 2025-2026 season Thursday, December 4, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Annie Karto, and her talk is titled “A Perfect Penance.” Tickets are $28 and include a 3-course meal with wine followed by a presentation by an inspirational speaker. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow. Program begins at approximately 6:45 p.m. and ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. For more information, or to register, please visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com/.
Faith and Ale of Southwest Florida - Faith & Ale, a Catholic Men's Apostolate in Southwest Florida, offers monthly gatherings of Catholic men promote fellowship and growth in faith, every month between October and April. The next meeting is Thursday, December 11, at Church of the Resurrection Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Tom Shillue, a FOX News panelist and comedian. The talk will focus on his book regarding fatherhood where “modernizes the lessons of his parents, fathering his own daughters in today’s modern world.” Tickets are $10. Doors open at 6 p.m. Register at https://faithandale.com. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.
Catholic Charismatic Renewal Retreat - The Diocese of Venice Catholic Charismatic Renewal will host a one-day retreat, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. The speaker is Father John Gordon, and the theme is “Jesus is Our Light and Hope.” The cost is $60, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Register at www.charisms.org.
Surviving Divorce - Hope and Healing for the Catholic Family - This twelve-week program with group meetings will begin Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Rd., Venice. The program provides a confidential place to ask the tough questions with trained leaders. The cost of the program is $25 and includes a workbook and access to all videos. For more information and to register, email Bob and Chris Smialek bobandchrissmialek@icloud.com or 815-275-5305.
Sunshine State Steak Cook-off - Mark your calendar for the 16th annual Sunshine State Steak Cook-off Championship, Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Ave Maria. Ave Maria Knights Council 14697 is hosting the event. Enjoy a day of family fun with food vendors, games and fun houses for the kids, as well as a farmer’s market, and silent auction, all topped off with a championship steak dinner. The dinner includes a 16 oz boneless ribeye steak, potato salad, roll and bottled water. To register a team for the cook-off, or to purchase tickets for the dinner, please visit www.sssco.org.
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.