November 10, 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.”
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for December - We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation.
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.
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 Constitution banning regulation of abortion. Abortion activists are working to gather petition signatures to place a pro-abortion constitutional amendment, titled Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion, on the November 2024 ballot. This 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. A new ad series of 9 quarter-page ads has been developed to educate parishioners on the facts regarding the proposed amendment. The ads (in English and Spanish) can be found, and downloaded, on the Diocesan website’s Respect Life page, at Respect Life - Diocese of Venice. Please include one ad each week in your bulletin, for a period of nine weeks, beginning immediately. It is imperative that parishioners are alerted to this extremely grave initiative already well underway in Florida. Please spread the word to your spheres of influence and continue to pray for the protection of the unborn.
Save the Date - All are invited to attend the Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School, 5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. This effort, in support of the Church’s National Eucharistic Revival to place an emphasis on the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist, will be an all-day event of faith and fellowship, featuring inspirational Catholic speakers, including nationally acclaimed Catholic speaker and author Steven Ray. English and Spanish sessions will be offered. The day will include the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, as well as adoration, and confessions. Promotion of this important Diocesan Eucharistic event is encouraged. For more information, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org. Please see below for a flier.
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.
Christmas Mass Listing - Each year the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass times for Parishes and Missions in the Diocese of Venice appear on the Diocesan website and in the e-edition of the Florida Catholic. All Parishes and Missions are asked to submit their Mass times by no later than December 11 to Bob Reddy at reddy@dioceseofvenice.org. If you have any questions, please call 941-486-4701.
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.
Parish and Catholic School Leaders Day - The Diocese of Venice in conjunction with the Augustine Institute is holding a day of formation and renewal for Parish and Catholic School Leaders on Saturday, January 13, at Sacred Heart Parish, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. This day is designed to assist those in Parish and Catholic School Leadership positions to live out and convey the mission of the Church and the work of evangelization central to that mission. Included in the day is Morning Prayer, Four Talks by Augustine Institute professors/presenters, Mass with Bishop Frank J. Dewane, and time for food and fellowship. The cost to attend is $15.00 and includes continental breakfast and a box lunch. Please see the Schedule of the Day below for more details, including descriptions of the four presentations. Seating is limited, register early at Parish and School Catholic Leaders Day (regfox.com). For more information, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org. It promises to be an excellent day!
Office of Worship
Tertiaries/Members of Secular Orders - The Diocese of Venice is seeking information on Tertiaries/Members of Secular Orders affiliated with Religious Orders (e.g. Third Order Franciscans, Secular Discalced Carmelites, etc.). Members of such organizations are asked to email the Diocese at survey@dioceseofvenice.org with their name, email, Third Order affiliation, and Parish. Please also indicate if you serve in a leadership role for your local chapter/community (e.g. president, secretary). This information will help the Diocese better serve those lay affiliates of religious orders who are present in the region of the Diocese of Venice. Thank you for your assistance.
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 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
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.
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.
Save the Date - Medical professionals, students, and interested laypeople are invited to the first annual Converging Roads health care ethics conference on Saturday, February 17, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs! This one-day conference will offer continuing education credits for health care professionals with presentations centered on the theme of Catholic Medicine in a Secular Society. For more information or to register, visit convergingroads.com/venice. For further information please contact Carrie Harkey at harkey@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-484-9543.
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 Constitution banning regulation of abortion. Abortion activists are working to gather petition signatures to place a pro-abortion constitutional amendment, titled Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion, on the November 2024 ballot. This 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.
(Bulletin Editors: Please insert image of Fact Ad to accompany this announcement, one a week for nine weeks, as below.)
Declinar a firmar la petición para una peligrosa iniciativa electoral a favor del aborto - Se está llevando a cabo una iniciativa extremadamente grave en la Florida que busca eliminar las protecciones provida insertando un lenguaje en la Constitución de la Florida que prohíbe la regulación del aborto. Los activistas abortistas están recolectando firmas de petición para colocar una enmienda constitucional a favor del aborto, titulada Enmienda para limitar la interferencia gubernamental con el aborto, en la boleta electoral de noviembre de 2024. Esta enmienda permitiría el aborto hasta el nacimiento, incluso cuando el bebé es capaz de sentir dolor, y eliminaría las leyes que requieren el consentimiento de los padres y los protocolos de seguridad para las mujeres. Los floridanos no deben firmar la petición.
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 will be held in the following parishes on Friday, December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception:
- San Pedro, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port - 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (The hour of unity during which time the entire nation will be united in prayer is from midnight to 1:00 a.m. on December 9)
- Christ the King, 1900 Meadowood St., Sarasota - Eucharistic adoration from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- St. Andrew, 2628 Del Prado Blvd. S, Cape Coral - Following 7:00 p.m. Spanish Mass: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer time until 11:20, rosary, benediction, and repose of the Blessed Sacrament at midnight.
- St. James, 3380 Placid View Dr., Lake Placid - Following 7:00 p.m. Mass: Eucharistic adoration from 8:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
For more information, visit www.nationalnightofprayerforlife.org or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.
Catholic Days at the Capitol - Join others from around the state for the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol in Tallahassee from February 6-8. The three-day trip includes a legislative briefing on important bills relating to human life and dignity, a breakfast with legislators and the Florida Bishops, tours of the capitol and museum, scheduled visits with legislators and the annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit with the Florida Bishops and public officials. Bus transportation is provided at no cost as long as space is available. The registration deadline is January 8; for registration visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife. For further information contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068 or Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org. See below for a flier or contact Jeanne Berdeaux for other size ads.
Cities for Life Day - Pray for an end to the use of the death penalty! On Thursday, November 30, communities around the world dedicated to the abolition of the death penalty will participate in the World Day of Cities for Life, Cities Against the Death Penalty. Many cities take part by lighting up major monuments such as the Colosseum in Rome. The date coincides with the anniversary of the first death penalty abolition in history in Tuscany, Italy in 1786. Show your support for the cause of the abolition of the death penalty. Light a candle from the comfort of your home in honor of the souls who have been executed, their families, their victims, their victims’ families, and prison personnel who have had to carry out the executions. Take some time to learn more about the issue by watching Pope Francis speak on the issue at https://dioceseofvenice.org/death-penalty-is-not-the-answer/ and Dale Recinella at https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/death-penalty/. Learn more at www.fadp.org or www.catholicsmobilizing.org. Questions?
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 - The December Monthly Day of Prayer sessions will be held on Sunday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 13. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with continental breakfast, and includes two conferences, lunch, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation, and prayer. The day concludes with Mass that ends at 3:15 p.m. For the December sessions, Fr. Mark Yavarone OMV, will be the presenter. The topic for the day is “How to Pray the Mass,” as Father Mark offers a profound method of praying the various parts of the Mass from the heart. The cost is $40. In January 2024 the Monthly Days of Prayer will be held on Wednesday, January 10, and Sunday January 14, 2024. The presenter will be Fr. Greg Cleveland, OMV. The topic is the same for both sessions, so choose the day that works best for your schedule. To register, please visit:// https://olph-retreat.org/monthly-day-of-prayer. The schedule for our spring retreats will be published in December 2023.
Various Retreat Opportunities - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice, is open for several different retreat opportunities: 1) There are dates available for our Desert Day retreats, a one day overnight private retreat. 2) OLPH is offering single-day Youth Retreats for grades 6-12. 3) Dates are now available if you are interested in the 3-night, 5-night, or 7-night private, directed retreat schedule. 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 Jim Gontis.
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
Fall Festival - Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 207 S. 9th St., Immokalee, is hosting a Fall Festival from Wednesday, 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.
Faith & Ale Lee County - Faith & Ale is a Catholic Men’s group. Come and join in fellowship from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 14, at Church of the Resurrection Parish Center, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker will be Adam Nguyen, Sr. Manager of Engineering & Construction at the Lee County Port Authority. Adam was born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam and immigrated to the U.S. in 1985. He is a member of St. John XXIII Parish and serves as the president of the Vietnamese Catholic Community at the Parish. Adam will be speaking about My Escape from Postwar Vietnam where he shares his own journey to the United States. Pizza and refreshments are included for a $10 donation. Reservations are required - please register online at www.faithandale.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 FREE 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.
Save the Date - Catholic-Jewish Dialogue Program - The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County invites all to the program “Jewish and Catholic Perspectives on Sin and Forgiveness,” at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, January 21, at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, 4720 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. Father George Ratzmann, Pastor of St. William Parish in Naples, and Rabbi Mark Gross of the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, will present their commentaries on the topic. Table discussions will follow the presentations and refreshments will be served. Please call 239-263-4205 to RSVP for this event.
Save the Date - Made for More: Visions of the Promised Land - St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave N, Naples, is hosting Christopher West and Mike Mangione from the Theology of the Body Institute. This event, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, is an inspired blend of live music, art, and presentation that taps the deepest desires of the human heart and offers a vision of the Gospel like you’ve never heard. The cost is $25 and register at www.m4mnaplesfl.eventbrite.com. For further information, contact Natalie Campbell at natalie@sjecc.com or 239-566-8740 ext. 3909.
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, 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.