March 20, 2026
After broad consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Rev. Phillip Schweda, retired as Administrator of St. Bernard Parish, Holmes Beach, effective March 24, 2026, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Administrator of St. Bernard Parish.
Rev. Gerard Critch, Pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Holmes Beach, effective March 24, 2026, and thus, is to be relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples.
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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. All are encouraged to attend in support of our clergy and to participate in this important Holy Week celebration.
- Priests celebrating 50 years: Father Edward Blackwell, Father Vincent Clemente, Father Lawrence Esposito, Father Francis Hanlon, OSFS, Father Thomas Heck, Father Michael Orsi, and Father Timothy Sheedy.
- Priests celebrating 25 years: Father Lorenzo Gonzalez, Father Philip Joly, Father Jacek Mazur, Father David Pignato, Father Philip Scheff, and Father David Vidal.
- Deacon celebrating 25 years: Deacon Gary Ingold.
What is the Chrism Mass? Parish Bulletin Editors: Please see the attached fact sheet which explains this special Holy Mass and share in your Parish Bulletins! All are welcome to attend!
Mass for Victims of Abuse - April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in conjunction with the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Diocese of Venice will hold a Mass for Victims of Child Abuse for the 18th consecutive year with Bishop Frank J. Dewane as the Celebrant. The Mass will take place Friday, April 10, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. All are invited to attend as we come together to pray for the victims of abuse.
The Lenten Journey Continues! Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that began on Ash Wednesday and ends prior to the celebration of the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. During Lent, we are called to a true inner conversion of the heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully and as we prepare to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.
For more information about the Lenten Season please visit Lent 2026 - Diocese of Venice.
Living the Faith: Six Ways to Evangelize During Lent! During Lent, when your friends express curiosity about Catholic customs and symbolism, why not take the opportunity to use those moments to evangelize! Click here for six common questions Catholics hear during Lent and some evangelizing answers.
Season of Lent Events in the Diocese of Venice
Diocesan-wide Reconciliation Times - Please note that the precept of confessing grave sins and receiving Holy Communion, at least once during the Lenten Season, merits a reminder. To facilitate this requirement, in addition to regular Parish Confession hours, every Parish in the Diocese of Venice will be open with a confessor present 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 27, and 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 28. These opportunities are made available so that the faithful may find ample opportunity to receive God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Lenten Season.
Palm Sunday and Easter TV Mass to air at special times - The Televised Mass for the Homebound on Palm Sunday (March 29, 2026), and Easter Sunday (April 5 and celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane), will air for a full hour on both Sundays. Because of the length, the time of the broadcast on these two Sunday will air at a special time. For viewers in the northern region of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Masses will air at noon on Tampa Bay 44. In the southern region of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Masses will air at 8:00 a.m. on FOX Florida. Please check your cable provider for channel listings. The televised Mass is also always available online at dioceseofvenice.org or on YouTube. Visit dioceseofvenice.org/tv for more information or contact Rachel Powers at powers@dioceseofvenice.org.
An invitation from Rev. Cory Mayer, Pastor
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Designated Jubilee Site
Please see attachment below for a letter from Father Mayer inviting all to visit the Diocese's Year of St. Francis Jubilee site!
Year of St. Francis Prayer Cards - To share in the Church's celebration of The Year of St. Francis, a quantity of Year of St. Francis Jubilee prayer cards are on their way to every Parish and School in the Diocese of Venice. Parishes and schools, please keep an eye out for yours and share with students and the faithful!
TV Mass time change for southern area - Please note that the time for the Televised Sunday Mass for viewers in the southern counties of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties) has been changed to 8:30 a.m. on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). The change was beyond the control of the Diocese. Please check your cable provider for channel listings. The televised Mass is also always available online at dioceseofvenice.org or on YouTube. Visit dioceseofvenice.org/tv for more information or contact Rachel Powers at powers@dioceseofvenice.org.
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Bulletin Editors please see below for the updated Mustard Seed Schedule 2026
Catholic Health Care Ethics Conference - Medical professionals, students, and interested laypeople are invited to the third annual Converging Roads health care ethics conference on Saturday, April 11, at the Church of the Resurrection in Fort Myers. Join national and local experts either in person or online as they discuss topics such as The Vocation to Palliative Care, The Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care, Christian Anthropology and the Renewal of Medicine, and more. Converging Roads is an initiative of the St. John Paul II Foundation and is presented collaboratively with the Diocese of Venice and Southwest Florida Guild of the Catholic Medical Association. Continuing education credits for health care professionals are available. For more information and to register, visit convergingroads.com/venice.
40 Days for Life Closing Event in Sarasota: Jericho Walk - Join us on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. as we come together to pray that God may bring down the walls around hearts to end abortion in Sarasota, in Florida and in the U.S. Meet in the parking lot of Community Pregnancy Clinic (CPC), 1419 7th Street, Sarasota. All are welcome! Bring a friend! For more information, contact Tavia Ames, 941-441-1101, or visit the 40 Days for Life website, here.
Nine Months with Christ in the Womb - As we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25, all are invited to meditate on the mystery of the Incarnation in a unique way. Nine Months with Christ in the Womb draws our attention to Jesus, the God-fetus, during the nine months He lived within Mary. In meditating on the mystery of Christ’s humility in the womb, we foster within a new appreciation for the dignity of our brothers and sisters. Follow nine months of Jesus in the womb week-by-week here!
Project Rachel Healing Retreat - An Abortion Healing Retreat will be held in Spanish on April 18. Stay tuned for an upcoming Abortion Healing Retreat in English!
Retiro de Sanación del Aborto provocado el 18 de abril: ¿Llevas la carga de un aborto provocado en tu pasado o el de otra persona? Tu camino hacia la paz está a solo una llamada. Mantenemos estrictamente la confidencialidad. Llama o envía un mensaje de texto al 941-412-5860 o envíanos un correo electrónico.
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. 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.
- 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.
Theology on Tap, Thursday, April 16 - Calling all young adults! Join us for an evening of fellowship, faith and fun with other Catholic young people from across the Diocese. Don’t miss this chance to grow in faith, connect with others, and enjoy an evening out with friends old and new. Theology on Tap is an opportunity for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. We meet on the third Thursday of every month at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. Next month, we will meet on Thursday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m. To learn more, contact Andres Prias, 941-441-1122.
Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Missionary Opportunity, Summer 2026 - The Diocese of Venice is now accepting applications for college-aged young adults to serve as Totus Tuus Missionaries for the 2026 Parish evangelization and catechesis Summer Program. This role involves traveling in teams to approximately seven parishes throughout the Diocese, leading catechetical sessions for children and youth. Missionaries will participate in a required training period from May 20–30, followed by weekly parish assignments through July 24, with a scheduled break from June 28–July 4. Applicants must be available for the complete program schedule.
During each parish week, missionaries lead daytime sessions for elementary students (grades 1–6) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and evening sessions for middle and high school youth (grades 7–12) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Responsibilities include teaching the Catholic Faith using the Totus Tuus curriculum, facilitating activities, including skits and songs, working collaboratively as a team, teaching about the Mass, leading in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, leading discussion groups for teenagers and leading Night Prayer. This is a paid position.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a High School graduate. Visit the Diocese of Venice website for more information or to register, or contact Andres Prias, Diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 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.
New Safe Environment Posters - Please note that new Safe Environment Posters were sent to all Parishes, schools and Catholic Charities entities earlier this month. Please replace current posters with the new ones. Posters are available in English and Spanish for all, and also in Creole for Parishes. After you receive your posters, please contact Tracy Brooks, Safe Environment Coordinator, if you have questions or need additional posters, 941-486-4732.
The grant cycle is now open for three different community grants from the Catholic Community Foundation. To be considered by the Board of Directors for a grant, the project must clearly be aligned with the intention of the specific fund. Please see below for descriptions of the various funds and note application deadlines. To apply for any Catholic Community Foundation grant, please click here.
The Fund for the Care of the Migrant Poor concentrates its efforts on working to improve the health, education, and welfare of the migrants in the Diocese of Venice. Preference will be given to those projects under Catholic auspices. All applications are due by Friday, April 3, 2026.
The Marilyn Brummer Fund concentrates its efforts on working with entities that are involved in anti-human trafficking assistance, assistance for single mothers, and the Catholic Charities Children’s Center, which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in the Dunbar community in Fort Myers. Programs, projects, and entities must be located in, and associated with, the Diocese of Venice in Florida. All applications are due by May 4, 2026.
The Carey Family Grant provides up to $4,000 in support for critical needs that might go unfunded within the Diocese of Venice in Florida at Catholic Parishes, Catholic Missions, Catholic Schools, or a program or ministry of the Diocese of Venice. All applications are due by May 4, 2026.
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.
Monthly Days of Prayer - The Monthly Day of Prayer is an opportunity to take time out of your busy and hectic life to focus on God. April 8 and April 12 is "Celebrating Divine Mercy." Fr. Leland Thorpe, OMV explains that celebrating Divine Mercy involves a profound reflection of God's mercy and the opportunity to receive special graces. The day begins at 9:30 am with Continental breakfast and includes two conferences by the OLPH priest, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, lunch, and Mass. Time for adoration, private prayer, or meditation on the beautiful grounds. The day concludes at 3:15 pm. The cost is $45. Register on the OLPH website.
Triduum Retreat: Easter Weekend at OLPH - This retreat begins with supper on Holy Thursday and ends with breakfast on Easter Sunday. The liturgies of the Lord’s Supper, Way of the Cross, Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, Easter Vigil, and Sunrise Easter Liturgy are celebrated. A series of six one-hour conferences on varying topics is offered throughout the retreat. In addition, the opportunity for Confession is available. Total cost is $525.00 per retreatant for a private room or $360.00 per retreatant for a shared, double occupancy room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained). No commuter rate is offered
Triduum Retreat: Easter Weekend at OLPH - This retreat begins with supper on Holy Thursday and ends with breakfast on Easter Sunday. The liturgies of the Lord’s Supper, Way of the Cross, Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, Easter Vigil, and Sunrise Easter Liturgy are celebrated. A series of six one-hour conferences on varying topics is offered throughout the retreat. In addition, the opportunity for Confession is available. Total cost is $525.00 per retreatant for a private room or $360.00 per retreatant for a shared, double occupancy room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained). No commuter rate is offered
Ignatian Preached Retreat at OLPH - This 3 Night silent retreat from May 8-11 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.Total cost is $525.00 per retreatant for a private room and $360.00 per retreatant for a shared room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained).
Private Retreats at OLPH - Our spring schedule has openings for 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 OLPH website.
Volunteers - Our Lady of Perpetual Help is in need of volunteers. Areas of need include reception, gardening, dishwashing, serving meals. Contact the office to sign up - 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/new-volunteer
A Mini-Conference with Dr. Edward Sri - “Into His Likeness—Be Transformed as a Disciple of Christ!” is the theme for the Feast of the Annunciation Presentation March 25 from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. at St. William Church, 610 Seagate Dr., Naples. The day includes a reception and noon Mass. No fees required. All are invited to attend.
Heart of Community Gala - Join Community Pregnancy Clinics (CPCI) for an evening of hope and inspiration at the “Heart of the Community Gala,” Saturday, March 28, 5:00 p.m., at the Ritz-Carton Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples. Enjoy a cocktail reception and fellowship alongside other dedicated advocates, followed by a delicious dinner, paddle-raise fundraiser, and a powerful keynote address from Matt Walsh, a renowned filmmaker, author, and pro-life voice. The cost is $500 per person. Tickets are available at www.supportcpci.com.
Lenten Parish Mission - Faith, Hope, and Love is the title of the Epiphany Cathedral Parish Mission March 23-25, every day at 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. Renew, reflect, and grow spiritually while exploring the three virtues that St. Paul teaches in the First Epistle of Corinthians with the Redemptorist Fathers, Fr. Royston Price and Fr. Peter D. Hill. All are welcome!
Magnificat Breakfast - Be blessed and encouraged at the next Magnificat breakfast for women, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., March 28, at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers Gulf Coast. The speaker is Kathy Corona, a woman of deep faith who will share her spiritual journey. Join for breakfast, fellowship, and worship to hear her inspiring testimony of Jesus Christ’s love and healing! Reservations can be made online until noon, March 24 here. For more information, contact Margaret Mengle, 239-826-7475.
In the Name of Their Mothers Movie - On Sunday, March 29 at 2:30 p.m., Saint William Parish, 601 Seagate Dr, Naples, is hosting in partnership with the Catholic Jewish Dialogue, In the Name of Their Mothers movie by Irena Sendler. Irena Sendler was a young Catholic social worker in Warsaw, Poland. In this film, she tells the remarkable story of how she and a group of young Polish women risked their lives to save thousands of Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto. At 95, Sendler tells this story years later. No charge.
Saint William Music Ministry's Handel's Messiah - On Palm Sunday, March 29 at 4:00 p.m. attend G.F. Handel’s choral masterpiece featuring professional soloists, orchestra and the Saint William adult choir, under the direction of Richard Owen, Saint William Music Director at St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Dr, Naples. Reception will follow. Admission is free.
St. Thomas More Parish Divine Mercy Celebration - On Sunday, April 12, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. St. Faustina, who experienced visions of Jesus, wrote in her diary: “the soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion (on Divine Mercy Sunday) shall obtain the complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” This grace is similar to the grace received at baptism and greater than a plenary indulgence. Mass begins at 3:00 p.m., and will be preceded by a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 2:00 p.m., Praying of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy through song at 2:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered beginning at 2:00 p.m.
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 April 16 at St. Cecilia Parish, 5632 Sunrise Dr., Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Dr. Jim Papandrea, who will discuss "The Original Church: Busting the Myths About Early Christianity." Tickets are $10. Doors open at 6 p.m. Register here or contact Faith& Ale via email for more information.
Charity Golf Tournament - The annual St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament has an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start May 16, 2026, at Heritage Harbour Golf Club, 8000 Stone Harbour Loop, Bradenton. The cost is $150 per player. Please call Connie Taft at 941-685-2108 to register or for sponsorship opportunities.
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."