February 6, 2026
After broad consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Reverend Juan Carlos Sack, as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in LaBelle, effective January 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs.
Reverend Grzegorz Klich, as Parochial Vicar of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte, effective January 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral.
Reverend Michael Young, as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers, effective January 26, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.
Reverend Robert Mulligan, O.S.F.S., as Administrator of St. Ann Parish in Naples, effective January 27, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Ann Parish.
Reverend Manoj Francis, as Parochial Vicar at St. Andrew Parish and St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral, effective January 30, 2026.
Reverend Gilbert Nortilus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, effective February 6, 2026.
Reverend Roderick Mitial, as Parochial Vicar at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, effective February 6, 2026.
The Lenten Journey Begins - Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and ends prior to the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026. The Lenten Season is a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as we prepare to celebrate the Paschal Mystery of our Faith. The precept of confessing grave sins and receiving Holy Communion at least once during the Easter Season is advised. To facilitate this, every Parish in the Diocese of Venice will be open and have a confessor available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Additional times for Confession will also be provided at local Parishes during the Lenten season so that all may find ample opportunity to receive God’s mercy in the Sacrament. Check with your Parish for times!
2026 is An Extraordinary Jubilee Year - Pope Leo XIV has announced as a continuation of last year’s Ordinary Jubilee, Pilgrims of Hope, a new, extraordinary Jubilee Year for 2026, The Year of St. Francis, a celebration of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. This is a year is which all are called to become saints in the contemporary world following the example of St. Francis of Assisi, who was himself a model of holiness in life. This Jubilee Year invites us not only to honor this holy man, but to walk in his footsteps, rebuilding the Church through lives transformed by the Gospel. Pope Leo, in his Jubilee Decree, points out that Saint Francis, the son of a rich merchant, became poor and humble, providing the world with tangible examples of evangelical life and a real image of Christian perfection. “This Year of St. Francis spurs all of us, each according to our possibilities, to imitate the poor man of Assisi, to form ourselves as far as possible on the model of Christ," Pope Leo said, adding that it is now time to transform the hope generated and shared in the last Jubilee Year of Hope into active charity.
The Year of St. Francis will be realized in the Diocese of Venice in a particular way, as the Diocese is blessed to have a Parish named for this saint. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Grove City, located at 5265 Placida Road, has been designated as a Jubilee site, and will be welcoming pilgrims throughout the Jubilee Year for Mass, visits, and special events and activities. The Church Sanctuary and Poor Clare Adoration Chapel will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays to welcome pilgrims. Visit the Parish’s website here for more information. The Year of St. Francis continues at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and around the world, through January 10, 2027, and grants the Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father), which can also be applied in the form of suffrage for the souls in Purgatory.
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.
Chrism Mass - The Chrism Mass, which takes place during Holy Week every year, will be held Tuesday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. Usually held at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, this year the Cathedral is under renovation and the Mass will take place in a new location. During this Mass, Bishop Frank J. Dewane will bless the Holy Oils which are used in the administration of the Sacraments at each parish throughout the year. Priests and Deacons celebrating 25 and 50 years of Ordination are also recognized at this Mass.
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.
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.
40 Days for Life Begins February 18 – Join others in praying for an end to abortion during 40 Days for Life during the upcoming Season of Lent in the Diocese of Venice, February 18 – March 29. 40 days for Life is an international 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful all-day vigils in front of abortion businesses. Campaigns are held in the spring and in the fall. In the Diocese of Venice, 40 Days for Life campaigns are held in three locations: Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples.
Spring Campaign Kickoff Events are coming up! Join us on the sidewalk!
- Sarasota | Monday, 2/16, 10:00 a.m.
Community Pregnancy Clinic, 1419 7th Street - Fort Myers | Ash Wednesday, 2/18, 10:30 a.m.
Sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood, 6418 Commerce Park Drive - Naples | Thursday, 2/19, 10:00 a.m.
Sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood, 1425 Creech Road
To learn more about these kickoff events, or how to support or participate in 40 Days for Life in the Diocese contact Tavia Ames, 941-441-1101, or visit the 40 Days for Life website, here. Join us! We need your prayers!
Project Rachel Retreat – Are you or someone you know struggling because of a past abortion? You are not alone. Healing is possible, and help is available. Project Rachel in the Diocese of Venice offers confidential help, healing and hope, including one-day retreats offered four times a year. The next Healing Retreat will be held Tuesday, February 24. For more information, or to join, call or text Sylvia at 941-412-5860 in English or Espanol.
Prayer Vigils to End the Death Penalty – 2026 has just begun and Florida already has three executions scheduled. Prayer Vigils are scheduled at San Pedro Parish in North Port on the dates these executions are scheduled to take place – February 10, February 24, and March 3. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. The Prayer Vigils begin at 5:30 p.m., last less than an hour and include hymns, a Gospel reading, reflections, intercessions and a praying of the Rosary. A pause takes place at 6:00 p.m., the time the actual executions take place. Everyone involved in the execution process is prayed for: The doctor administering the execution, the witnesses, the victims and their families, and we pray for a conversion of the condemned, and an end to the death penalty. The first Vigil on Tuesday, February 10, will coincide with the scheduled execution of Ronald Palmer Heath, who is scheduled to be the first person executed in Florida this year. Please join us! We will meet in the chapel of San Pedro Parish, North Port,14380 Tamiami Trail.
Vocations Awareness Weekend - Considering the priesthood? Join us for a weekend in the life of a seminarian at Saint John Vianney College Seminary! Open to young men ages 17 and up on March 6-8. Transportation is provided. Contact Lina Johnson to register at johnson@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4720.
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.
Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, February 8, 2026 – “Peace begins Dignity: A Global call to End Human Trafficking” is the theme of the 12th International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, celebrated each year on February 8th, the Feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita. Saint Bakhita was a Sudanese woman and religious sister, enslaved from the age of seven, and has become over time a universal symbol of the Church’s commitment to end the horrific crime of human trafficking. All are asked to pray on February 8, asking God for the grace to walk closely with victims and survivors, to listen to their voices, and for the strength and wisdom to advocate for systemic changes that address the root causes of trafficking and will help to build a world rooted in peace, justice, and dignity for all.
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 February 26, 5:00 p.m., at 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.
Mardi Gras Festival at Epiphany Cathedral - This festive community event scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 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.
St. William's Young Adults Valentine's Day Social - Ages 18 to 35 are welcome to attend a social on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Blessed Mother Center, 750 Seagate Dr, Naples. Enjoy food, fun and faith with friends. RSVP to Lindag@saintwilliam.org
Kevin Matthews to Speak at Epiphany Cathedral - Former radio host and Chicago radio personality, known for his impersonations, pranks, and comedy will be at Epiphany Parish Hall, 310 Sarasota St., Venice on Monday, Feb. 16 at 6:00 p.m. His life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with a rare and debilitating form of multiple sclerosis in 2008, leading to a decline in his on-air career. However, his life was transformed when he discovered a broken statue of Mary in a dumpster, leading to a spiritual awakening and a new purpose as “Mary’s Roadie.”
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 Thursday, 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 Thursday, 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/.
Walk for the Poor - The 5th Annual Walk for the Poor to support the outreach of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (St. Andrew Conference, Cape Coral) will take place Saturday, Feb. 21, 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. The walk will help families throughout Cape Coral as every day, SVdP volunteers provide emergency food, provide medical or prescription cost assistance, and help to restore utilities or prevent cut-off. Every dollar raised goes back to our local community. In 2025, the St. Andrew Conference processed more than 1,100 phone calls, conducted more than 350 home visits, helped 547 households with 1,500 people, including 600 children. The cost is $15. Please register at www.go.rallyup.com/capesvdp.
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.
Royal Rummage Sale XVIII - The St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish Women’s Guild presents Royal Rummage Sale XVIII, in the Parish Hall, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. The early bird sale is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 6, 2026, and the admission is $5. The regular sale, with free admission, is Saturday, March 7, 9:00 a.m. - noon. Don’t miss out on the biggest and best rummage sale on Longboat Key which includes clothing, furniture, art, collectible, jewelry, housewares, linens, toys, electronics, books, and much more.
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.
Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center Annual Life is Beautiful Gala - Church leadership teams and congregations are invited to choose a night at The Ora, 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, for this annual benefit to be held Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13. For more details and to register, please visit sarasotapregnancy.com/LIB. For more information, email events@sarasotapregnancy.com or call 941-702-9974.
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.
"If you have faith the size of a mustard seed...nothing will be impossible for you."