December 15, 2023
Office of the Bishop
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for January - Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.
Haitian Independence Mass - Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites all to participate in the Annual Mass celebrating the 220th Anniversary of Haitian Independence on Monday, January 1, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The 1:30 p.m. Mass, which takes place on the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, brings together the various Haitian communities within the Diocese of Venice for one celebration. Bishop Dewane and priests serving the Haitian Catholic community of the Diocese welcome Most. Rev. Charles Peters Barthelus, Bishop of the Diocese of Port-de-Paix, who will be the Principal Celebrant and Homilist. There is a reception after the Mass in the Parish Hall. For more information, please contact Father Fritz Ligondé at 239-210-1018.
Seminarian Collection - The Diocese will hold the Annual Seminary Collection the weekend of January 6 & 7. This Collection plays an important role in providing the funds needed to assist the Diocese's seminarians with tuition, room and board, health care, transportation, and other expenses. Thank you for your continuing support of this important Collection. For the Letter from Bishop Frank J. Dewane in English & Spanish, and in PDF and Word formats see below.
Prayer for Peace - Let us respond to the Holy Father’s call to pray for peace and reconciliation in the war-torn areas of the world, especially in the Ukraine and the Middle East. The flier below contains a Prayer for Peace in the Middle East that may be recited at Masses and shared in bulletins or on social media.
Wedding Anniversary Mass - All couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more than 50 years of marriage are invited by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an Anniversary Mass in their honor. The Anniversary Masses will be celebrated in two locations: 11 a.m., Saturday, February 3 at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, and 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 24 at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Avenue West, Venice. Please contact your local parish office for reservations no later than one week before the event you choose to attend.
Save the Date - Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference - 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, Crystalina Evert, and Tim Glemkowski. 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 in both Spanish and English.
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
WARNING - Text/Email SCAM Alert - It has once again been brought to the attention of the Diocese of Venice that parishioners have received text/email messages from people pretending to be clergy – including Bishop Frank J. Dewane – or Parish/school staff, requesting donations in the form of gift cards and/or wire transfers. These messages, which are more frequent during the Christmas Season, often come from text/emails that look similar to official Diocesan/Parish/school numbers or accounts and often greet the recipient by name and have the priest’s, Bishop’s, or staff member’s name in the “From” line and/or closing signature of the message. The SPAM often claims that the priest/Bishop/staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child, relative, or parishioner. The message then asks the person purchase gift cards/money and then to text/email the redemption code and PIN number. It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. Without this awareness, some have responded to the spoofed messages, with consequences, including loss of funds. There is an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the Diocese/Parish/school. If you receive such a SCAM text or email, please immediately contact the Diocesan/Parish/school directly!
"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 December 29. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available here.
2024 Mustard Seed Publication Dates - In order to assist with planning, please find the new Mustard Seed Schedule below. To add the names of parish staff who are not currently receiving the Mustard Seed, and should be, please email newsletter@dioceseofvenice.org.
Televised Mass for the Homebound on Christmas Day - The televised Christmas Day Mass for the Homebound with Celebrant Bishop Frank J. Dewane will air for a full hour on Christmas Day. For all viewers the Mass will air at 8:00 a.m. on both the CW and WFTX (FOX-4) Networks. Please check your cable provider for channel listings. To view the Mass on the Diocesan website visit dioceseofvenice.org/televisedmass. Leaflet missals are available upon request by calling Gail Ardy at 941-486-4714 or by writing: TV Mass, Diocese of Venice, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. For more information email ardy@dioceseofvenice.org.
Respect Life
Decline to Sign Ad Campaign - The pro-abortion advocates are working hard to meet the February 1 deadline to collect almost 1 million petition signatures and have them certified by the respective county Supervisors of Elections. Please continue to include the Decline to Sign ads as found at www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife in your upcoming weekly bulletins to help your parishioners understand the gravity of this amendment proposal. If you have any questions, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.
Annual Respect Life Collection - If you haven’t already done so, please send your October 1 Respect Life Sunday collection to the Diocesan Finance Office by December 28.
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 beginning with morning prayer at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, at Sacred Heart Parish, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda. 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. The day is open to volunteers as well as Parish or School staff. Please see the Schedule of the Day below for more details, including descriptions of the presentations. Seating is limited, register by January 8 at Parish and School Catholic Leaders Day (regfox.com). For more information, please contact Jim Gontis 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
Office of Family Life
Jesus and the Eucharist Video Series - Jesus and the Eucharist, is a seven-part video series 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).
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.
Health Care Ethics Conference - 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
March for Life DC - January 18 and 19, 2024 - Why do we continue to march? Even with the overturning of Roe v Wade last year, the necessary work to build a culture of life in the United States of America is not finished. Sadly, the number of abortions annually is still extremely high. There has been an onslaught of federal administrative and legislative efforts that seek to further expand abortion access nationwide. Many national legislative battles loom, including keeping the Hyde protections which limit government funding for abortion on annual appropriation bills. The goal of the national March for Life is to not only change laws at the state and federal level, but to change the culture to ultimately make abortion unthinkable. If you are planning to participate in the March for Life or are interested in additional information, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or call 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.
Catholic Charities
Annual Christmas Appeal - The 22nd Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is underway and needs your support! The Christmas Appeal takes place now through January 2024. The Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is the largest annual fundraiser and critical to operating this social service organization. Gifts provide funding for the many Catholic Charities programs and services available throughout Southwest Florida. Your generosity enables us to serve those seeking help all year long. To donate please mail a contribution to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.
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.
Evangelization
Catholic Street Evangelization - Interested in learning about Catholic Street Evangelization? If so, register now for the January 27 Saint Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) training at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave N, Naples. Registration deadline is January 23. SPSE is a response to the mandate of Jesus Christ to “preach the Gospel to all nations…” taking the Catholic Faith to the streets. The organization seeks to train others to witness effectively to the truth, beauty, and goodness of Jesus and His Church in the public square in a non-confrontational way. Saint Paul Street Evangelization is supported and encouraged by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. All Catholics who are 18 years of age and older are cordially invited to register. The daily Mass is at 8:00 a.m., and the workshops are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A “Live Lab” will follow. The cost is $15 per person and includes continental breakfast and lunch. Please visit dioceseofvenice.regfox... to register. For other questions, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice....
Volunteers Needed for Prison Outreach - Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will “shadow” experienced volunteers until you feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Monthly Day of Prayer - The January Monthly Day of Prayer sessions will be held on Wednesday, January 10, and Sunday, January 14. 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. The presenter will be Father Greg Cleveland, OMV. The cost is $40. 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.
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 December 21 and will feature the Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice. For any questions, please email Jim Gontis.
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, 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
Mass at Dawn (Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo) – The Mass at Dawn will take place at 6:00 a.m. from December 15 to December 23, with the exception of December 17 when Mass will be held at 8:00 a.m., at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 1441 Spear St., Port Charlotte. Come all days or come when you can. Mass at Dawn comes from the Catholic custom of gathering for celebration of the Eucharist in predawn hours in the nine days before Christmas. All are welcome. Please contact 941-661-8335 for further details.
Evening of Music - St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Avenue North, Naples, is hosting an evening of Adoration and Sacred Music, at 6:30 p.m., Friday, January 5, in the Church. The evening will feature the Adult Choir along with Francesca La Rosa, a Catholic singer, composer, and author. There is no cost to attend, however, a goodwill offering will be appreciated.
5K Resolution Run & Walk - San Pedro Catholic Church,14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port is hosting a 5K run & walk event at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, January 6. Breakfast sandwiches will be supplied to the runners and are available for purchase to the guests. There will be food trucks, raffles and more. A car show will follow the race. To register visit the Parish website at www.sanpedrocc.org. Funds will be used to support the Parish restoration fund. For further information please contact the Parish Office at 941-426-2500.
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.
Faith & Ale Lee County - Faith & Ale is a Catholic Men’s group. Come and join in fellowship from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 18, at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. The speaker will be Jim Havens, Catholic speaker, author and Host of “The Simple Truth.” His topic is “Top Seven Decisions of Saintly Fathers and Husbands.” Pizza and refreshments are included for a $10 donation. Reservations are required - please register online at www.faithandale.com.
Sunshine State Steak Cook-Off, Ave Maria - The 14th Annual Sunshine State Steak Cook-off® will be held Saturday, January 27. All are invited to share in the competition and the excitement, and a great meal including a 16 oz. boneless ribeye steak! As a Grill Team, you will join about 30 other Grill Teams in cooking more than 2,000 steaks in the town center of Ave Maria for more than $4,000 in cash prizes. To register your Grill Team, visit SunshineStateSteakCookoff.com and click on “Team Registration” near the top of the page. Since your friends and family will want to taste your steaks, be sure and get your dinner tickets early– tickets go fast! Steak tickets are available online at SunshineStateSteakCookoff.com or at the Ave Maria Development Welcome Center, 5076 Annunciation Circle, Suite 104, Ave Maria, or the Ave Maria Parish Office, 5078 Pope John Paul II Boulevard Suite 107, Ave Maria.
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. For registration, please visit www.m4mnaplesfl.eventbrite.com. For further information, contact Natalie Campbell at natalie@sjecc.com or 239-566-8740 ext. 3909.
Save the Date - St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Naples, is hosting a Roaring 20’s Gala and Auction, Saturday, March 16 at the Vineyards Country Club, 400 Vineyards Blvd, Naples. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, silent/live auctions, entertainment, and dancing. For additional information, please contact the school at 239-455-2262.
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.