September 1, 2023
Office of the Bishop
Announcement - After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Reverend Patrick O’Connor, OSFS, is relieved of his duties as Pastor of Jesus the Worker Parish and San Jose Mission in Fort Myers, effective September 1, 2023, and thus has returned to his Religious Community.
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for September - “We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance”.
Decline to Sign Petition - An extremely grave initiative is underway in Florida that seeks to erase pro-life protections by inserting language into the Florida State Constitution banning regulation of abortion. Abortion activists are working to gather petition signatures to have a pro-abortion constitutional amendment placed on the statewide ballot in the November 2024 election. To do so, they need nearly 900,000 signatures and are working right now in communities across Florida to collect them. Floridian Catholics should not sign the petition. It is asked that Parishes include this information in their weekly Bulletins as we approach the November elections. See Bulletin announcements.
“Red Mass” - The Red Mass, a medieval tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, has been observed annually in the Diocese of Venice since 2008. This year, the Red Mass will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m., October 18 at St. Martha Catholic Church 200 N. Orange Street, Sarasota. The Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice, will be the Main Celebrant. A reception hosted by the Catholic Lawyers Guild (CLG) follows immediately at the Parish Hall. For further information, please contact Atty. Paul Consbruck at 866-558-7285; 941-966-6706 or adoptfla@yahoo.com.
Communications
"Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane" - Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for his monthly radio program on Relevant Radio on 106.7 FM and 1410 AM in Fort Myers and 93.3 FM and 1660 AM in Naples. "Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane" can be heard at 8:30 a.m. on September 29. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available here.
Prayer for Safety During Hurricane Season - The 2023 Hurricane Season is underway and continues until November 30. All are encouraged to pray for protection from the storms that can and have threatened Southwest Florida. The devastation, as witnessed by Hurricane Idalia to our brothers and sisters just north of us, reinforces the fact that we need to pray for God’s protection and care during these next months. Click here for the Hurricane prayer in English and Spanish.
Evangelization
National Eucharistic Revival - Parish Year - The second phase of the National Eucharistic Revival began on June 11, 2023, and will foster Eucharistic devotion at the Parish level. All can participate! For educational resources on the Diocese of Venice website, please click here.
Traveling Rosary Congress - In early October, the Traveling Rosary Congress will be taking place in parishes across the United States. The Rosary Congress commitment calls for two Masses between October 7-13; Adoration for the entire time between the two Masses; hourly recitation of the Rosary during that time. There are already 22 Parishes signed up for the Rosary Congress throughout the Diocese. If you would like your Parish to participate, please contact Jim Gontis by September 15 at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
Education
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. Please visit the Diocese of Venice website for further information. 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. (BULLETIN EDITORS: Please publish above text in Parish bulletins.)
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Catholic Charities
Boots and Bandannas - The 2023 Boots and Bandannas event to benefit the programs of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., in DeSoto County will take place, at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at Our Lady of Angels Parish, 12905 SR. 70 E., Lakewood Ranch. Enjoy a fun night of great food, live auction, and live music by Andy Pursell and his band. Kick up your heels for a great cause with programs such as a food pantry, farmworker and senior housing, youth and afterschool educational enrichment programs, financial and housing assistance and disaster response and recovery. For more details, and to register for Boots and Bandannas 2023, visit https://one.bidpal.net/2023boots/welcome. You may also scan the QR code contained in the flier below.
Hurricane Ian Survivors - Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. has partnered with St. Vincent de Paul Disaster Services in the Disaster Case Management Program to offer services to individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Ian. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.svdpdisaster.org, email DR4673IAN@svdpdisaster.org, or call 941-799-6779. You may also scan the QR code contained in the flier below.
Evangelization
National Eucharistic Revival - Parish Year - The second phase of the National Eucharistic Revival began June 11, 2023, and will foster Eucharistic devotion at the Parish level. All can participate! For educational resources on the Diocese of Venice website, please click here.
Calling All Men! That Man is You! -That Man is You (TMIY) is a Catholic men’s program that honestly addresses the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers. The program harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive! Since its inception, more than 100,000 men have been involved in TMIY. The transformative effects in participants have been most evident in helping men become better husbands and fathers, strengthening them in virtue, and in increased parish participation. Please click here for a list of parishes that will be starting TMIY programs beginning in September 2023. Please note that the 13-week program is free, with no pre-registration required. Participants are not required to attend every week and can drop in at any time during the length of the program.
Catholic Street Evangelization Training - Interested in learning about Catholic Street Evangelization? If so, register now for the September 30 Saint Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) training at Incarnation Parish, 2929 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota 34239. SPSE is a response to the mandate of Jesus Christ to “preach the Gospel to all nations…” taking the Catholic Faith to the streets in a non-confrontational way. The organization seeks to train others to witness effectively to the truth, beauty, and goodness of Jesus and His Church in the public square. Saint Paul Street Evangelization is supported and encouraged by Bishop Frank Dewane. The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane in the Incarnation Chapel. After that, we’ll move to the Parish Center for the 9:30 to 4:00 p.m. training by SPSE’s Adam Janke. Finally, participants will engage in a “live lab” street evangelization experience in Sarasota from 4:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. All Catholics of good will who are 18 years of age and older, are cordially invited to sign up. Cost is $15 per person and includes continental breakfast and lunch. To register please visit dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/evangelization-training or use the QR code on the flyer below. For other questions, please email Jim Gontis.
Marriage and Family Life
Fertility Awareness Introductory Session - Plan to attend an introductory informational session designed to assist couples with information and education to discover the beauty of the Church’s teachings regarding family planning. This session takes place at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 26 at St. Michael Parish Hall, 408 Bridge Heard Road, Wauchula. Carrie Harkey of the Diocese of Venice Office of Marriage and Family is the instructor for the evening. There is no cost to attend. For additional information contact Carrie Harkey at harkey@dioceseofvenice.org. A flier can be found below.
Catholic Date Night - All engaged and married couples are invited to attend a Catholic Date Night featuring guest speakers Ryan and Mary Rose Verret, creators of the Witness to Love marriage initiative at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 4 at Epiphany Cathedral. Come enjoy faith and fellowship with other couples striving for holiness while enjoying wine and cheese. Advanced registration is required. For more information contact Carrie Harkey at harkey@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543. See below for the flier.
IVF Conference - An In Vitro Fertilization Conference featuring Father Tad Pacholczyk, PhD from the National Catholic Bioethics Center will be taking place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, October 7, in the Prince Building Auditorium at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria. This two-lecture event is titled “Longing for Life: Catholics, Infertility, and IVF.” and will explore both our natural yearning for offspring and the reasons why IVF is morally objectionable. Potential alternative therapies to help resolve underlying causes of infertility, and related approaches that are ethically congruent with marital intimacy, will also be discussed. Registrations will open on September 1 and can be accessed at www.floridacma.org. No registration fee required.
Register for the Marriage Conference - Registration is now open for the Diocese of Venice, “Together in Holiness” Marriage Conference, presented in partnership with the Diocese of Venice Office of Family Life and the St. John Paul II Foundation. To register, please click here. A video message from Bishop Frank J. Dewane can be found here. This marriage enrichment conference will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 21 at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. All Catholic married and engaged couples throughout the Diocese of Venice and beyond are welcome. Grow together in holiness, learn to form your children in the Catholic Faith, enjoy a day of quality time with your spouse, witness dynamic presentations! The day will include the Mass and the availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This special event is for all couples, engaged, newlywed or long married! On-site childcare will be provided. Please contact Carrie Harkey for further
information.
Respect Life
Decline to Sign Petition for Dangerous Pro-Abortion Ballot Initiative - An extremely grave initiative is underway in Florida that seeks to erase pro-life protections by inserting language into the Florida State Constitution banning regulation of abortion. Abortion activists are working to gather petition signatures to have a pro-abortion constitutional amendment placed on the statewide ballot in the November 2024 election. To do so, they need nearly 900,000 signatures and are working right now in communities across Florida to collect them. Floridian Catholics should not sign the petition. Please also continue your prayers for the protection of the unborn and spread the word to your spheres of influence. Please see half-page bulletin announcements in both English and Spanish below.
40 Days for Life - Join other Christians during the Fall 40 Days for Life campaign that runs from September 27 to November 5. This Campaign encompasses 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. Stand and peacefully pray during vigils in the public right-of-way outside Planned Parenthood in Sarasota, Fort Myers or Naples. Contact your Parish Coordinator for specific information about your Parish's commitment days. For the 40 Days for Life flier and additional information go to www.40daysforlife.com and look under the LOCATIONS tab for the area near you or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068. See below for pulpit and bulletin announcements in English and Spanish.
Hispanic Ministries
Formation Program in Spanish - The next session of the Hispanic Apostolate’s Formation Program is scheduled to begin on September 29. The topic of study will be focused on the “National Eucharistic Revival” and there will be a total of seven classes held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm. on Fridays. (During Lent classes will move to Thursdays beginning February 15th.). The cost for all the classes is $35 including the book. Those who register and attend a minimum of 6 classes either at one of the participating parishes or online using our APP (www.pastoralhispanavenice.com) will receive a Diocesan Certification. For more information including a class calendar in Spanish please see the flier and triptych after the below announcement.
Programa de Formación en Español - La próxima sesión del Programa de Formación a cargo del Apostolado Hispano comenzará el 29 de setiembre del 2023. El tema de estudio estará enfocado en el “Avivamiento Eucarístico Nacional” y habrá un total de 7 clases que se darán los viernes por la noche de 7:00 pm a 9:00 pm. (Durante la Cuaresma las clases se trasladan al jueves a partir del 15 de febrero). El costo de todas las clases es de $35 incluyendo el libro. Las personas que se registren y atiendan un mínimo de 6 clases ya sea en una de las parroquias participantes o vía online usando nuestro APP (www.pastoralhispanavenice.com) recibirán una Certificación Diocesana. Para más información incluyendo un calendario de las clases en español, por favor vea el poster y el tríptico que aparecen después del anuncio.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Retreats Returning to OLPH - Registration is now open for several retreats at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. The Monthly Days of Prayer start September 13. Also, several dates are available for our Desert Day retreats, a one day overnight private retreat. In addition, starting this fall, OLPH is offering single-day Youth Retreats for grades 6-12. The following Fall group retreats are also available for registration: Matt Talbot Men’s Retreat scheduled for October 15-17, and the Can You See Me? retreat scheduled for October 27-29. If you are interested in the 3-night, 5-night, or 7-night private, directed retreat schedule, fall dates are now available. To learn more or to register for a group or private retreat, please click here, or call 941-486-0233.
Vocations
Priesthood Sunday - The Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women support, encourage and educate the future priests of the Diocese of Venice through the Seminarian Fund. At present the Diocese is educating men in various seminaries. You are invited to join in celebrating Priesthood Sunday on September 24. A donation of any amount will be a great help. To participate please send your donation (made out to VDCCW Seminarian Fund) along with $1.00 per “honor of” card to cover postage and printing to Cornelia Zanetti, Seminarian Fund Guardian, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.
Education
Support Catholic Schools - The Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools have been invited to participate in “Community Harvest,” a program run by the 1905 Family of Restaurants group. During the month of September, guests at any of the group’s restaurants (see below) will be asked to choose a recipient - including Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools - from a list. Five percent of guests’ checks go to their designated organization. If you visit any of the following restaurants during the month of September, please look for Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools on your “ballot,” and consider checking the box! Participating restaurants are in Sarasota and Tampa and include:
- St. Armand’s Circle, Sarasota: Columbia, ChaCha Coconuts
- Tampa: Columbia Café, Goody Goody Burgers, Casa Santo Stefano, Ulele
Youth and Young Adults
Theology on Tap Sarasota -Theology on Tap takes place on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Mandeville Beer Garden in Sarasota, 428 N. Lemon Ave, Sarasota. Join us outside in the garden for food and refreshments, presentations, and discussions about the Catholic Faith. The next scheduled date is September 21, and will feature Reverend Christian Chami, Parochial Vicar at St. Jude Parish, Sarasota. For any questions, please email Marthamaria Morales, Diocese of Venice Director of Youth and Young Adults.
Rooted - St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, is in the process of making BIG changes to the Rooted Ministry. The Ministry will now be called Rooted Small Groups. The parish is looking for two leaders for each of the following categories: Rooted in College, Rooted ages 20 to 30, Rooted and married, children welcome, or Rooted 31 and up. Leaders must be safe environment trained and have their fingerprints on file with the Diocese. Please contact Kelly Evers, St. John XXIII Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, at kelly@johnxxiii.net or 239-561-3022.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
9/11 Memorial Mass - St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples will be celebrating September 11 with their annual 9/11 Memorial Mass at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 11. All are welcome to attend this Mass in honor of the memory of the nearly three thousand people who perished in these attacks on September 11, 2001.
Prayer Vigil - Action for Life is calling all to keep fighting to protect the unborn by participating in a rally marking the sad anniversary of the opening of a Planned Parenthood abortion facility at 1425 Creech Road in Naples. The abortion facility opened September 14, 2009; and the rally will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 14. For more information, please contact Jerry Taricska, of Action for Life, at 239-777-1881, or drjerrytaricska@gmail.com.
Council of Catholic Women Comedy Night - The Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women has a night of fun planned for all with a night of wine, cheese and comedy, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, September 29, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Avenue, Venice. Come have a glass of wine, some cheese and crackers and sit back and enjoy. Entertainment for the evening includes comedian Juanita Lolita who is an actress, writer and nationally touring stand-up comedian. Juanita was voted “Best of the Bay”, Tampa’s Funniest Female and was a finalist in the World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas. The cost is $25 and can be obtained by stopping by the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish office, or by calling Ellen Bachman at 772-485-9922 or Fran Frederick at 941-223-7003.
Life Chain - You are invited to witness for life and respect life causes on Respect Life Sunday, October 1, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Gather at 2:00 p.m. on US 41 across from Shikany Funeral Home, 28300 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs or Seagate/Pine Ridge in Naples (near St. William Church). Pick up a sign or bring your own, then pick your spot between these locations to silently witness and pray for a greater respect for all human life. Questions? Contact Rich at 239-776-9848.
Youth Holy Hour - Middle School, High School and College youth are invited to attend a Holy Hour once a month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., beginning, Sunday, October 1 at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Avenue North, Naples. The hour will consist of Adoration, Prayer and an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please contact Juliana at juliana@sjecc.com for further information.
Golf Tournament - The St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School Golf Benefit Tournament takes place on Saturday, October 7, at the JW Marriott’s Rookery at Marco, 3433 Club Center Blvd., Naples. The tournament will have an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start with a scramble format. Teams and singles are welcome. The cost of $175 per person includes golf fees, prizes, buffet lunch and more. More information about the event is available at www.Saintelizabethseton.com/Golf, email office@seseton.org, or call 239-455-2262.
An Afternoon of Healing - An Afternoon of Healing is a powerful day of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession. Created in the spirit of the New Evangelization and designed for all of our community seeking healing through acknowledgment of the far-reaching impact from participation in abortion. The afternoon will begin at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7 at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Avenue North, Naples, and concludes at 3:00 p.m. with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. There will be a brief talk given by post-abortion speaker Mary Eisman exploring “The Far-Reaching Impact of Abortion on our Family, Friends, and Society.” Individual Testimonials, Reflections and Intercessory Prayer, a Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as well as recitation of the Holy Rosary will lead up the celebration of the Mass. On this day we offer the opportunity for everyone to come together for a period of contemplation, grace and prayerful intercession seeking forgiveness and healing for ourselves and for our nation. For further information please contact the Parish at 239-566-8740.
Dinner for Life - Are you looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your evening? Do you want to support a great cause and enjoy a delicious meal? If so, you are invited to attend a Dinner for Life, a special event to celebrate and support the Culture of Life in our community. This event will be held beginning at 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 7th, at the Columbus Banquet Hall, located at 4880 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Appetizers will be served followed by a delicious prime rib dinner at 6:00 p.m. You can also enjoy cocktails served at the cash bar. This event will feature guest speakers from Solve Maternity Homes and 40 Days for Life. You will also hear from Father Chris of Saint Martha Church, who will share his insights and experiences on the importance of defending the dignity and sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. The Dinner for Life is a fundraiser event to support these two non-profit organizations that provides Christ-centered care to pregnant mothers in our community and surrounding areas. The tickets for the event are $40 per person or $320 per table of eight. You can purchase your tickets in advance at the Parish Office of St. Martha Parish, 200 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota.
Oktoberfest - San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration on Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14. On Friday, the evening begins at 5:00 p.m. and concludes at 11:00 p.m., and will include an opening ceremony and music by The Boogiemen, and hourly races, as well as a beverage garden, and food favorites such as brats, burgers, hotdogs, perogies, Bavarian and hand-rolled pretzels, ice cream and homemade desserts. On Saturday, the doors are open 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. This is a Family Day; the event is free and open to all. Music includes performances by Beth Travers and Trop Rock, Bud Buckley, The Flashbacks, Shari Fink and the Mission Band, as well as an open mic. There will also be a Foam Party with inflatables, balloons, face painting, rock climbing, trivia, dunk tank, raffles, giveaways and more. Proceeds will support the Parish Restoration Fund. Sponsorship and vendor exhibits are available by calling 941-426-2500, or email events@sanpedrorcc.org.
Golf Tournament - The 12th Annual Msgr. Moretti Memorial Golf Tournament will take place beginning at 7:00 a.m. with check-in on Saturday, October 21 at IMG Golf Course, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton, FL. Tickets are $120 per golfer or $100 for veterans and first responders. Checks may be made payable to Knights of Columbus, 2850 75th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209. For further information please contact Mark Gallagher at 941-504-3498 or Tex Johnson at 941-704-2822.
Radio Broadcast of the Sunday Mass in Spanish - St. Jude Parish in Sarasota broadcasts the Holy Mass in Spanish, celebrated by Father Celestino Gutiérrez, every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. on radio station 99.1 FM, and at 10:00 a.m. on 105.3 FM. A thank you is offered to the sponsors for this Mass and SOLMART Media for their collaboration in this effort.
Transmisión Radial de la Misa Dominical en Español - La Parroquia San Judas en Sarasota transmite la Santa Misa en español celebrada por el Padre Celestino Gutiérrez, todos los domingos a las 8:00 a.m. en la estación de radio 99.1 FM, y a las 10:00 a.m. en 105.3 FM. Se agradece a los patrocinadores de esta Misa y a SOLMART Media por su colaboración en este esfuerzo.
Free Rosary Repair Service - Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, Free Rosary Repair Service, 7278 Salerno Court, Naples 34114. 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.