January 23, 2026
Milestone Wedding Anniversary Masses - An invitation is extended to all couples celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or more years) to join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for an Anniversary Mass in your honor. The Diocese of Venice hosts two Wedding Anniversary Masses each year (one in the northern part of the Diocese and the second in the southern part) to accommodate all. The first Mass in 2026 is at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The second Mass is at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 14, at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. A luncheon will follow the Mass. Photos with Bishop Dewane will also be provided for each couple. To register for an Anniversary Mass, please contact your local Parish office no later than one week before the Mass you wish to attend. For additional information contact Jim Gontis, 941-484-4754.
February 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 click here.
2026 Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Missionary Conference - After a three-year effort to reignite faith in, and reverence for, the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, it is time for us to look at another dimension: that of becoming more fully Eucharistic Missionaries. Join us for the Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Missionary Conference on Saturday, February 7, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. Nationally recognized Catholic presenter, best-selling author, and radio host, Jon Leonetti, will be our speaker for this event. His presentations are entitled: 1) Sacrament Most Holy, Sacrament Divine and 2) Saints and the Eucharist. There will also be food and fellowship. The conference will conclude with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. There is no cost, but registration is required. Space is limited, register today! View Conference Schedule or register. For more information, contact Jim Gontis, 941-486-4754.
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 has just begun 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,941-486-4754.
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.
- 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 next Marriage Retreats are scheduled for March 21 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice and June 20 at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. Register now.
- 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. Register now.
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.
Muffins for Life! – Join us for the Diocese of Venice’s inaugural Muffins for Life event on Thursday, February 5, 10 AM, at Incarnation Catholic Church in Sarasota. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will lead the group in celebrating Diocesan Culture of Life award winner and Knight of Columbus Art Reilly for his outstanding commitment to life in our community. Guest speaker Pam Stenzel from Safe Haven Baby Boxes and Rich Owens from 40 Days for Life will discuss different ways everyone can help protect life. Muffins for Life brings together life-affirming organizations and individuals in the pro-life ministry throughout the Diocese for discussion, education and fellowship. There is no cost for the event, but registration is required. Email Tavia Ames to register.
Catholic Days at the Capitol: Make the trip, make a difference! – Join the Diocese of Venice in Tallahassee in February 10 - 12 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! Click here to learn more. 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!
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!
Diocesan Lenten Youth Retreats – The Diocese of Venice Youth & Young Adult Ministry will offer opportunities for Middle School and High School students to have a privileged moment of encounter during Lent. Diocesan Lenten youth retreats are designed to create a time and place for silence, reflection, and shared experience, allowing young people to step away from the pace and distractions of daily life and re-focus their hearts on God. Lenten Youth Retreats will be offered:
- Friday, February 20, for Middle School students, 5:00 - 8:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth Seton, Naples.
- Sunday, February 22, for High School students, 3:00 - 8:00 pm, St. Raphael, Lehigh Acres.
- Sunday, March 1, for High School students, 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, St. Thomas More, Sarasota.
- Tuesday, March 3, for Middle School students, 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm, St. Paul, Arcadia.
Registration will open at dioceseofvenice.org on January 20, cost is $10/student. For further information, please contact Andres Prias, 941-441-1122.
Diocese of Venice Missionary Opportunity for Summer 2026 Now Open - Could the Lord be calling you? The Diocese of Venice is inviting college-age young adults to apply to serve as Totus Tuus Missionaries for the Diocese’s Parish Catechetical Summer Totus Tuus Camps. As a Totus Tuus Missionary, you will be an authentic witness to Christ’s love, teach the Catholic faith to children and youth, and grow in leadership, community, and your personal relationship with Christ. Many missionaries describe Totus Tuus as one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences of their lives, a summer where faith deepens, friendships grow, and God’s call becomes clearer. Don't miss this unique opportunity! Apply today! Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and available from May 20 through July 31, 2026. For further information, contact Andres Prias, Diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.
(For Parishes) Youth Adoration Nights – The Diocese of Venice Youth & Young Adult Ministry is offering Youth Adoration Nights for Parishes that would like to host this experience locally. This evening of Adoration is designed especially for young people, providing a space for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, music, silence, and reflection. Parish Youth Adoration Nights are a great opportunity for young people to encounter Christ in the Eucharist. If your Parish is interested in hosting a Youth Adoration Night, please contact Andres Prias, 941-441-1122.
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.
Human Trafficking Awareness Training - January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc., is offering two awareness training opportunities. This first is 10:00 a.m. – noon, Jan. 29, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, and then 11:30 a.m., Feb. 5, in the Activities Center of San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. Both interactive sessions will be led by Alex Olivares, Catholic Charities Regional Director, and will help participants identify potential survivors, understanding the different forms of trafficking, and learn how and when to report concerns. The Catholic Charities team has provided services to more than 250 victims of human trafficking in the region. There is no cost to attend either session. If you have any questions, about the Fort Myers training please call 941-525-6567 or email npozo@ccdov.org. For information about and to register for the North Port training, please call 941-426-2500, ext. 106, or email seniorlife@sanpedrocc.org.
2026 Catholic Charities Ball - The 2026 Catholic Charities Ball – In Christ, We are One, will be held at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, at 6 p.m., February 7, to benefit the programs and services in Sarasota County. Please join Catholic Charities for an elegant evening to celebrate the program’s mission to serve all of those in need who come for help, regardless of race or religion. Tickets are $500. Register online. For more information, call 941-294-9400 or email CCBall@ccdov.org.
Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Auction and Dinner Dance - The annual Catholic Charities Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Auction and Dinner Dance is 5:00 p.m., Feb 26, Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice, to benefit the mothers and children at Our Mother’s House, a 2-year transitional living program located in the heart of Venice, dedicated to empowering single mothers with a child. Tickets $150. For tickets, please visit Catholic Charities online. For more information, 941-485-6264 or omhwinetasting@ccdov.org.
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.
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
To view all OLPH events, visit www.olph-retreat.org and click on Events, then Schedule of Events. Register online for all events.
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.
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.
9th Annual Blue Mass - St. Agnes Parish, 7500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, is hosting the 9th annual Blue Mass for law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 31. Father Steve Angi, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Chaplain for the Cincinnati Police and Hamilton County Sheriff's Department. All are welcome to honor the sacrifice of those dedicated to serving the community. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
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. Jacob Gwynn, 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.
St. William Parish Author Event - Mallory Smyth, author and podcaster, will present "Divine Revelation: How Praying with Scripture Changes Everything," on Tuesday, February 3 at 10:00 am at St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Dr., Naples. Reception and book signing will follow the presentation.
Naples Parish Author Event - St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting an Author Event, featuring Mallory Smyth, author and podcaster, at 10 a.m., Feb. 3, 2026. Smyth’s talk is titled, "Divine Revelation: How Praying with Scripture Changes Everything." A reception and book signing will follow the presentation.
Fashion Show and Luncheon in Naples - The St. William Parish Council of Catholic Women invites you to join them for their annual Fashion Show and Luncheon on Feb. 6, 2026, in the Church Hall at 750 Seagate Drive, Naples. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and guests will be greeted with a bubbly reception, followed by a catered lunch by ‘Delicious by Design’ and a fashion show presented by Kay’s on the Beach. There will be door prizes, raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will benefit Community Pregnancy Clinics, Providence House, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Saint William HOPE, Sunlight Home, St. Matthew’s House and the CCW Scholarship Fund for Catholic Education. Tickets are $80 per person and can be purchased here. For more information contact: Pauline Rota at 732-570-7461 or prota184@gmail.com.
Mardi Gras Festival at Epiphany Cathedral - This festive community event scheduled for February 14 from noon to 7:00 p.m. will feature delicious, authentic New Orleans–style cuisine, fun activities for children of all ages, and lively entertainment from three outstanding live bands. Your help in promoting the festival among family, friends, and fellow parishioners will play an important role in making this celebration a joyful and successful gathering for our parish and the wider community. For more information call 941-484-3505 or check the website.
Faith & Ale of Southwest Florida - Faith & Ale, a Catholic Men's Apostolate in Southwest Florida, offers monthly gatherings of Catholic men promoting fellowship and growth in faith. The next meeting is Feb. 19, 2026, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Father James Rafferty, Director of the Institute for Priestly Formation, who will discuss “Discerning God’s Voice & The Tempter’s Voice.” Tickets are $10. Doors open at 6 p.m. Register https://faithandale.com/. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.
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 Feb. 19, 2026, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Carol Razza, whose talk is titled: “Wake Up Sleeping Beauty, You Have Already Been Kissed.” 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/.
Lenten Parish Mission - Father Cedric Pisegna, C.P., an inspirational and motivational speaker and author of 26 books, will be hosting a Lenten Mission Sunday, March 1 through Wednesday, March 4 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Rd, Venice beginning at 5:30pm. Call 941-497-2931 for more information.
Emmaus Experience - Women's Retreat 2026 - This weekend retreat scheduled Friday, March 6 through Sunday, March 8th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice, is based on the Gospel of Luke 24:13-35 in which Jesus joins two disciples on their way to Emmaus. Women will receive tremendous healing, lifting of burdens, and experience love and joy. Limited Enrollment: registration deadline is February 16, 2026. For registration information please contact Donna Vodraska donnavodraska@aol.com or 630-336-0918.
"If you have faith the size of a mustard seed...nothing will be impossible for you."