December 19, 2025
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Reverend William Davis, O.S.F.S., is relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Naples, effective December 6, 2025, and thus has returned to his Religious Community.
Annual Mass Celebrates Haitian Catholic Community - An invitation is extended to all to join Bishop Frank J. Dewane at the Annual Mass celebrating the 222nd Anniversary of Haitian Independence on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2026, 1:30 p.m., St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The Mass, which takes place on the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, brings together the various Haitian communities within the Diocese of Venice for one celebration. Bishop Dewane and priests serving the Haitian Catholic community of the Diocese will welcome Bishop Jean Desinor, of the Diocese of Hince, Haiti, who will be the Principal Celebrant and Homilist. A reception and cultural celebration will follow in the Parish Hall. For more information, please contact Father Fritz Ligondé at 239-210-1018.
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 Church history and receive God's graces. Visit one of the Diocese's five Jubilee pilgrimage locations before December 28! Click here for more information.
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, three times a year, an hour-long Mass is offered, including on Christmas. This Christmas, the TV Mass for the Homebound will air on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 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.
January 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 January by clicking here.
Next Mustard Seed, and New Mustard Seed Schedule! The Mustard Seed schedule for 2026 is now available. Please note that there will be no Mustard Seed published on January 2, 2026. The next Mustard Seed will be published January 9, 2026. Submissions for consideration for the Mustard Seed should be sent to newsletter@dioceseofvenice.org. For questions regarding the Mustard Seed, or the schedule, please contact Rachel Powers in the Communications Department.
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 Mary Jo Chronis, 941-776-9097, ext. 209; 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.
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 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 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.
Catholic Days at the Capitol: Make the trip, make a difference! – Join the Diocese of Venice in Tallahassee in February 10 - 12, 2026 for Catholic Days at the Capitol! All are welcome. Each year during the Florida legislative session, Catholics from across the state gather in Tallahassee to bring the light of faith to the public square and promote Catholic values through civic engagement. United with the Florida Bishops, participants advocate for the protection of human life and dignity as lawmakers shape Florida's laws for the common good. By making the trip to our state capitol and lifting our voices, Catholic Days pilgrims help make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of all Floridians. Join us! Register by January 7! Click here to learn more and to register. Contact Tavia Ames, 941-374-1068 with questions, or for more information. Don't miss this unique opportunity to put your faith and civic responsibility into action!
Culture of Life Luncheon with Bishop Frank J. Dewane to Support Respect Life - Celebrate, strengthen, and support the incredible pro-life work happening in the Diocese of Venice on Sunday, January 18 at San Pedro Church's Activity Center, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. The lunch is served at noon, and the cost is $25. Register here.
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.
Called by Name Campaign - Is God calling you, or someone you know, to the priesthood? If someone you know is a young man of faith and service, offer support and encouragement by submitting his name to the Called by Name campaign! The campaign is an effort by the Diocese of Venice in Florida to offer support to men whom God may be calling to the priesthood. For more information about the program, or to submit the name(s) of someone who could be one of our future priests, click here, or contact Father Alex Pince, Director of Vocations.
Theology on Tap – Join us for a very special 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 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.
Catholic Charities Annual Christmas Appeal needs your support!
The Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is underway and needs your support! The Christmas Appeal continues through January 2026 and is Catholic Charities’ largest annual fundraiser, critical to operating this social service organization. Gifts provide funding for the many Catholic Charities programs and services available throughout Southwest Florida. Your generosity enables Catholic Charities to serve those seeking help all year long. To donate please mail a contribution to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or Donate HERE.
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 www.olph-retreat.org and click on Events, then Schedule of Events. Register online for all events.
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.
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.
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, 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.
Ave Maria Veterans Ball - The Knights of Columbus are hosting a program, dinner and dancing Saturday, January 10 at 6:00 p.m. at Del Webb Grand Hall, Ave Maria. The $125 per person cost will benefit veteran's programs in our Nation. Visit AveMariaKOFC.org/Veterans-Ball to register.
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. The next meeting is Thursday, January 15, at Saint John XXIII, 13060 Palomino Ln, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Joe Grabowski, Vice President of Evangelization for the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, who will discuss "Agreeable Disagreement: Lessons in Logic and Life." Tickets are $10. Doors open at 6 p.m. Register online. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.
2026 Local March for Life Events - Take part in a March for Life 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. Two area March for Life events will be offered in January 2026, both on January 17. One March will be held in Ave Maria and one in Tampa. In Ave Maria, the January 17 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. In Tampa, on January 17, the March will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 509 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, and travel to Perry Harvey Sr. Park. The Tampa event is organized by our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. For more information, visit online.
Faith & Wine in 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, January 22, at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palamino Lane, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Kelly Walquist, and her talk is titled “Blessed is the Fruit.” 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 the website.
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
Sunshine State Steak Cook-off - Mark your calendar for the 16th annual Sunshine State Steak Cook-off Championship, Saturday, January 24, 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.
Pints with a Priest - Catholic singles in their 30s, 40s and 50s are invited on Saturday, January 31 to "The Vocation to Love: God's Plan for the Single Seeking Marriage," featuring Fr. Mark Harris, St. John the Evangelist Parish. The event will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bone Hook Brewery, 1514 Immokalee Rd, Unit 106 in Naples. No need to register.
Pig Roast in North Port - San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, is hosting a Pig Roast, Saturday, January 31. The pig roast includes food, fun and dancing, including live entertainment. Doors open at 2 p.m., with the pig roast from 5-7 p.m. (chicken is also offered). Tickets are $50. For tickets, please visit the website, or for more information, email events@sanpedrocc.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.