December 5, 2025
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following appointments:
Rev. Juan Carlos Sack assigned as temporary Parochial Vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs as of November 30, 2025, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in LaBelle.
Rev. Christopher Uhl, O.M.V. appointed as Parochial Vicar at San Pedro Parish in North Port effective December 3, 2025.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the new members to the Presbyteral Council, as a result of the most recent elections and appointments. They are:
Reverend Lawton Lang, Representative of the Central Deanery
Reverend Sebastian Szczawinski, Representative of the Northern Deanery
Reverend John Nghia Hoang, Member-at-Large
Reverend Eric Scanlan, Member-at-Large
Reverend Benjamin Casimir, Appointed
Reverend Greg Cleveland, O.M.V., Appointed
Reverend Alex Pince, Appointed
Reverend Teofilo Useche, Appointed
Congratulations to the new members. At the same time, an expression of gratitude is extended to those who served on the Presbyteral Council in their respective categories:
Reverend Anthony Armstrong, O.Carm.
Reverend Thomas Carzon, O.M.V.
Reverend Shawn Roser
Reverend Ricky Varner
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.
All the Faithful are encouraged to participate in the Jubilee Holy Year before it ends! The Jubilee Year will come to a close in the United States on December 28, 2025, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. (The Jubilee Year will conclude in Rome with the closing of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica on January 6, 2026.) All are urged to take advantage of the unique opportunity for grace offered by a Holy Year, which occurs only every 25 years in the Church, or when called for by Our Holy Father in extraordinary circumstances. Don't miss the chance to be part of this historic moment in our Church history and receive God's graces. Visit one of the Diocese's five Jubilee pilgrimage locations before December 28!
It's not too late to be a Pilgrim of Hope!
Special Hour-Long TV Mass Offered for the Homebound - The Diocese of Venice TV Mass for the homebound is broadcast every Sunday and is usually a half-hour program. However, twice a year, two hour-long Masses are offered, and will air at a special time. On Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, the TV Mass will air from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. on the usual channels. The Christmas TV Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.
December 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 December by clicking here.
Jubilee of Prisoners, Sunday, December 14, 2025 - The Church always prays for and remembers prisoners, who have a special place in the Heart of Christ and in the heart of the Church -- visiting prisoners is a Corporal Work of Mercy. However, The Holy See has designated Sunday, December 14 as The Jubilee of Prisoners, and on this day prisoners will be remembered in the Mass in a particular way, by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, and by priests and the faithful throughout the Diocese of Venice. The Jubilee for Prisoners is part of this year’s Jubilee of Hope. A Jubilee Year is a special time of grace to open our hearts to hope and trust in God. Holy Years remind and inspire us to put effort into restoring and reconciling our relationship with our God the Father in Heaven, who always wants to wrap us in His loving and merciful embrace, with Jesus Christ leading us "by the hand" to the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. No matter our past, God is ever willing to pour out His gifts and His grace. Please remember those who are incarcerated in your prayers, on December 14 in particular.
Catholic Women’s Program Offered at Four Diocesan Parishes - She Shall Be Called Woman (SHE) is a free, Parish-based Catholic women’s program, open to all Catholic women. SHE is a place for Catholic women who want to be truly known and loved on their journey with the Lord. It features different topics of study each season, designed to educate and foster deep sisterhood and spiritual growth through talks, discussion, and prayer. A new session begins in January 2026 and continues through April. Parishes in the Diocese of Venice currently hosting the program include Epiphany Cathedral Parish, Venice, contact Elise Filbrandt, 616-446-5902; St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Parrish, contact MaryJo Chronis, 715-308-0710; San Pedro Parish, North Port, contact Kristin McCombie, 941-204-0660; St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Grove City, contact Shauna Haggerty, 210-857-8833. For more information or to join, contact one of the participating Parishes, or Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
WARNING - Text/Email SCAM Alert - The Diocese of Venice has been made aware that 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. Beware! This is a scam! It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. There is an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the Diocese/Parish/School. If you receive such a scam text or email, please DO NOT RESPOND, and immediately contact the Diocesan/Parish/School directly!
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. The first of many Marriage Retreats in 2026 is on January 10 at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples.
- Two Become One Marriage Retreat (55 and older) - Couples 55 and older preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage or convalidation in the Catholic Church. The next Two Become One Marriage Retreat is on May 2, 2026 at 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.
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.
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 online.
2026 March for Life - Take part in a March for Life in Ave Maria 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 10:00 a.m. at the Ave Maria University Football Stadium, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria. For more information contact amprespectlifeministry@gmail.com
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.
Heart of Sarasota Event - Community Pregnancy Clinics of Sarasota will host its Heart of Sarasota event, “Together Miracles Happen,” on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The event will take place at GROVE Event Venue, located at 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. The evening will feature Melissa Ohden, Founder and Director of The Abortion Survivors Network, as the keynote speaker. Mrs. Ohden is nationally recognized for her advocacy and powerful testimony, offering a message of hope and resilience. This event is free to attend, but registration is required. To RSVP or make a donation, please visit HERE. For event questions, please contact sarasotaevent@community4life.com
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.
Catholic Charities Seeking Toy Donations for Needy Children - Bring joy to a child this season! Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice is collecting gifts for children in need across Southwest Florida. This year, more than 500 families have requested assistance, and the generosity of all can help ensure every child experiences the magic of the holidays. Every gift makes a difference, join Catholic Charities in spreading hope and happiness. Donate new or unwrapped toys for kids of all ages to the following Catholic Charities locations: 5055 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 4235 Michigan Link Av., Fort Myers; 1208 E. Oak St., Arcadia; 3174 Tamiami Trail, E., Naples. You can also give online. If you have questions, please email info@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
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
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 HERE, or for more information, please call 941-355-4680 ext. 1100.
To view all OLPH events, visit our website and click on Events, then Schedule of Events. Register online for all events.
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 the website 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 the website 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 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 the website 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 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.
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.
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 our website.
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 online. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.
Christmas Concert in Sarasota - Celebrate the Christmas Season December 12 and 13 at 7:00 p.m. with four different choirs, three soloists and keyboard wizard, Alex Dilan at St. Thomas More Catholic Church's Chelsea Center, 2506 Gulf Gate Dr., Sarasota. Admission is free and donations will be accepted for the Catholic Faith Appeal.
St. Jude's Young Adult Advent Retreat - Sunday, December 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. join Father Christian Chami at the St. Jude's Festival Grounds, 3930 17th St., Sarasota, for the Young Adult Advent Retreat. The retreat will focus on how to live in hope. Ages 20-35 welcome. No cost. Registration is required. Please call (941) 955-3934 for more information.
Mass at Dawn (Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo) - This Mass comes from the Catholic custom of gathering for celebration of the Eucharist in predawn hours in the nine days before Christmas. Join us all days or when you can from Monday, December 15 through Sunday, December 23 beginning at 6:00 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 1441 Spear St., Port Charlotte. All are welcome. For more information, please call 941-661-8335
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 online.
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 the website.
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.