October 29, 2023
Office of the Bishop
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for November - “We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfills his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.”
Prayer for Peace - As tensions in the Middle East are rising, and the Israeli/Hamas War continues to cause destruction and loss of innocent lives, let us respond to the Holy Father’s call to pray for peace and reconciliation in these two countries. The flier below contains a Prayer for Peace that may be recited at Masses and shared in bulletins or on social media.
Veterans Day Mass - This year marks the 14th consecutive year the Diocese of Venice is holding a Memorial Mass on Veterans Day in honor of the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve and protect us today. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate the Mass at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72/Clark Road, approximately five miles east of I-75. The Priests, Deacons and Knights of Columbus in the Diocese will join Bishop Dewane for this important event. All are invited to attend, and active military personnel are asked to wear their uniform. Attendees are also encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is ample seating and parking at the cemetery. For further information, please contact
ardy@dioceseofvenice.o... or 941-484-9543. See flier below.
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, titled “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion” on the November 2024 election. The amendment would allow abortion up until birth, including when the baby is capable of feeling pain, and would eliminate laws requiring parental consent and safety protocols for women. Floridians should not sign the petition. Please spread the word to your spheres of influence and continue to pray for the protection of the unborn.
National Eucharistic Congress - Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites the Faithful of the Diocese of Venice to join him on a Pilgrimage to the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. This historic 5-day gathering will take place in Indianapolis July 17 – 21, 2024. The National Eucharistic Congress represents the culmination of the Church’s three-year effort to put an emphasis on the Real Presence of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Eucharistic. It is a pivotal moment in the Church, and a unique opportunity for participants to draw into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Our Lord. The cost of the Diocese of Venice pilgrimage package is $1,049. With the package, pilgrims receive the National Eucharistic Congress 5-day pass, which provides access to all speakers and events, as well as four nights’ accommodations in a 4-star hotel within walking distance of the convention center. Please note, the pilgrimage package does not include transportation or meals. Space is limited! Learn by using the QR code below or visit this link. Questions? Contact Carrie Harkey, harkey@dioceseofvenice.org.
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 November 24. 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.
Respect Life
Christ the King Materials - The USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty has identified the Solemnity of Christ the King as a fitting moment in the liturgical year to promote the Church’s teaching on religious freedom. The Committee has prepared materials to help educate the faithful about this Solemnity, which the Church celebrates this year on November 26, 2023. These materials include: Lectionary Notes ; A brief background on the Solemnity ; Social media graphics ; and A Novena to Christ the King . All materials except for the summary are available at www.usccb.org/ChristtheKing. Please note that this is distinct from the Global Celebration of Young People also taking place on Christ the King Sunday.
National Night of Prayer for Life - The 2023 Annual National Night of Prayer for Life marks its 34th anniversary of people across the country praying to convert America’s heart to cherish life and encourage living the Gospel of Life. It unites the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with the Feast of St. Juan Diego from Friday, December 8, at 9:00 p.m. to Saturday, December 9, at 1:00 a.m., with a national hour of unity across all time zones from midnight to 1:00 a.m. People are invited to join in unity of prayer to restore the protection of life, the family, and the church, establish peace and inspire courage in our nation. For more information or to register your parish to participate, see www.nationalnightofprayerforlife.org or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.
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.
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
Office of Family Life
Jesus and the Eucharist Video Series - Jesus and the Eucharist, is a seven-part video series that has just been released in partnership with the Augustine Institute, the USCCB, and the National Eucharistic Congress. Learn more about the Jesus and the Eucharist series here, and access the first video in English and Spanish (and many other video and audio resources) on the USCCB Learn Platform (search for Jesus and the Eucharist).
A Walk With Jesus For Grieving Parents - The pain from grief can be extreme, but the death of a child is even more intense. Parents experience an emptiness like no other. If you are mourning the loss of a child (from infancy to adulthood), consider attending a Catholic (faith-based) weekend retreat from Friday, December 1 until Sunday December 3 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. The cost is $150.00 per person based on double occupancy and $250.00 for single occupancy. Financial assistance is available. To register scan the QR code in the flier below or Click Here. For further information please contact Carrie Harkey.
Bereavement Training - The Office of Family life is hosting a Bereavement training focused on forming and educating parish bereavement volunteers and those who speak with the bereaved. This training entitled “There is Hope” takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., December 6 and from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. December 7 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. The cost is $35.00 and includes lunch and materials. For more information, please contact Carrie Harkey.
Bereavement Outreach - The Office of Family Life for the Diocese of Venice is holding a bereavement outreach from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, December 4 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 5265 Placida Road, Grove City; and again from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 5 at St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples. Entitled, “There is Hope”, these workshops focus on surviving the holidays after the loss of a loved one. Deacon Henry DeMena will facilitate the workshops. There is no cost to attend, and registration is not required. For further information please contact Carrie Harkey at harkey@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-484-9543.
Surviving Divorce - If you or someone you know is navigating the challenges of a separation or divorce, consider participating in the Surviving Divorce Program developed by Rose Sweet, a well-known Catholic author, and speaker. The twelve-week program begins at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 25 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Contact Bob or Chris Smialek at bobandchrissmialek@icloud.com or 815-275-5305 to register. For further details please see the below flier.
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, titled “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion” on the November 2024 election. The amendment would allow abortion up until birth, including when the baby is capable of feeling pain, and would eliminate laws requiring parental consent and safety protocols for women. Floridians should not sign the petition. Please spread the word to your spheres of influence and continue to pray for the protection of the unborn. Please see half-page bulletin announcements in both English and Spanish below.
Catholic Charities
Volunteers Needed - Join Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., dedicated staff to help in the mission of serving all. There are many opportunities to volunteer in one of many different programs, located throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, Glades, Collier, Desoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties. Catholic Charities offers programs for infants, afterschool programs, the elderly, and much more. Join and make a difference. To learn more about amazing volunteer opportunities, please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/volunteer.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Monthly Day of Prayer - Registration is now open for several retreats at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. The next Monthly Day of Prayer is 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Sunday, November 12 or Wednesday, November 15. The Monthly Day of Prayer is an opportunity to take time out of our The day includes two talks, private prayer time, opportunities for confession, lunch, and a closing Mass. The cost is $40.00 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. To learn more or to register, please click here, or call 941-486-0233.
Various Retreat Opportunities - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice, is open for several different retreat opportunities. First, there are 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 retreat is also available for registration: 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.
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 November 16, and will feature Rev. Anthony Armstrong, O.Carm., Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Osprey. For any questions, please email Marthamaria Morales, Diocese of Venice Director of Youth and Young Adults.
New Young Adult Group - The new San Pedro Parish Young Adults group will meet at 6:00 p.m. each Tuesday in the Parish Life Center, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. The group was founded to provide young adults with a local faith community striving to grow closer to Christ. The first round of meetings (each Tuesday now through December 12 – except Thanksgiving week) will include watching a brief video series called “The Search,” followed by discussions and prayer. This is for men and women ages 18-29. For any questions, please contact the Parish Office at 941-426-2500.
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 239-561-2245.
Youth Holy Hour - Middle school, high school and college youth are invited to attend a Holy Hour once a month at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. The hour will consist of Adoration, prayer and an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The evening follows the 5:00 p.m. Mass and lasts until 7:00 p.m. The next Youth Holy Hour is Sunday, November 5, with gatherings scheduled for December 3, and January 7. For further information, please contact St. John the Evangelist Youth Ministry Director Juliana LoGiudice at juliana@sjecc.com.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Hispanic Fall Festival - St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th St., Sarasota, is hosting the 19th Annual Hispanic Fall Festival, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, November 4. The festival is an event that celebrates the history and culture of the Latino community. The festival includes live music, dances, food from each Latin country the parishioners are from including different countries from Central and South America, Spain and United States. For more information, please call 941-955-3934.
Pro-Life Luncheon - The Jon Sharfenberger Pro-Life Scholarship Luncheon, an event to support pro-life initiatives on the campus of Ave Maria University, will be held at the University on Saturday, November 4. After the passing of former AMU student Jon Sharfenberger in October 2011, the Jon Sharfenberger Memorial Scholarship was established at the University to encourage students to become Catholic leaders in an increasingly secular society. The event will start at 11:30 a.m. with a Mass said by Most Rev. Edward Sharfenberger (Jon’s uncle), of the Diocese of Albany, and it will be followed by a lunch at 12:30 p.m. in the Bob Thomas Student Union Ballroom at AMU. The keynote speaker is Seth Gruber, founder and president of The White Rose Resistance and host of the popular podcast “UnAborted.” A nationally renowned human rights activist and sought-after speaker, Gruber is fighting for a world where every person has the right to be born. For registration information, please visit Ave Maria University.
Kristallnacht Commemoration Program - The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County invites all to the Commemoration of the 85 Anniversary of Kristallnacht “The Night of Broken Glass.” This year’s event will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 5 at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 5225 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples. The speaker will be Rabbi David Maayan of Saint Leo University Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies. Rabbi Maayan’s extensive teaching background has been dedicated to promoting understanding between Catholics and Jews, and the title of his talk is “Theologies of the Other: Catholics and Jews After the Holocaust.” This program is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and Diocese of Venice in Florida. Refreshments will be served. Please register for this free program at jfgn.regfox.com/krista.... For more information please visit jewishnaples.org/get-i... or call 239-263-4203.
Faith and Ale - Faith & Ale is a Catholic Men’s group. Come and join in fellowship on Thursday, November 9 at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, for our November event. The speaker will be Sam Blair, former Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander. Sam held leadership positions on multiple SEAL teams and then went on to teach Leadership and Ethics at the United States Naval Academy. He is currently the CEO and co-founder of Valletta Industries, a government contract company focused primarily on maritime training. Sam will be speaking on The Word, The Flesh & The Devil. The program begins at 6:00 p.m. with pizza and refreshments for a $10 donation and concludes at 8:00 p.m. Reservations are required - please register online at www.faithandale.com.
Casino Night - Incarnation Parish invites everyone out for an exciting evening at the Roaring 20's Casino Night! Join us at the Field Club (1400 Field Road, Sarasota) on Saturday, November 11. The proceeds from the event will help the Parish finish out a Raise the Roof campaign. There are options to purchase tables for dinner, or feel free to come out just for the games. Cocktails and dinner will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the gaming tables opening at 7:00 p.m. To purchase tickets or for sponsorship opportunities, please visit: https://incarnationchurch.org/casino/
Veteran’s Day Ball - The Knights of Columbus of Ave Maria invite all to a Veteran’s Day Grand Ball, on Saturday, November 11, in the del Webb Grand Hall. The keynote speaker is Most Rev. Joseph L. Coffey, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA. The evening begins with a 6:00 p.m. cocktail hour/cash bar, with a 7:00 p.m. program, dinner and dancing. Black tie is optional for civilians, active duty military and veterans are asked to wear dinner dress or Class A Uniform. Tickets are $125 per person and seating is limited. For tickets, go to www.avemariakoc.org.
Fall Festival - Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 207 S. 9th St., Immokalee, is hosting a Fall Festival from Thursday, November 22 to Sunday, November 26. The Festival will feature a modern midway with rides, games food and fun. Advance sale tickets are available at the Parish office. For more information, call 239-657-2666.
Faith & Wine Lee County - The 10th season of Faith & Wine Lee County will once again have faith-filled speakers and wonderful evenings together. The first evening is Tuesday, November 30, at Resurrection Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is Maria Vadia and the topic is “healing: Your Inheritance.” Gatherings will continue monthly through March. Speaker biographies and registration information can be found at www.faithandwineleecounty.com.
Gloria Concert - St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, is hosting a Gloria Concert at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, December 14. The concert will include all the Parish choirs of various languages as well as a children’s pageant. For further details, please contact Nancy Spolsino at 239-774-3037.
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.