January 5, 2024
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.
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.
Collection for the Church in Latin America - The annual Collection for the Church in Latin America will take place in the Diocese of Venice the weekend of January 20 and 21. Each year the proceeds from this collection go to helping meet the needs and challenges of the Church in Latin America. A letter from Bishop Dewane in both English and Spanish, and in .pdf and word formats, can be found below. Bulletin editors are asked to insert the letter in their January 13 and 14 bulletins.
Sunday of the Word of God - In 2019, Pope Francis established Sunday of the Word of God to be celebrated each year on the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. This year on January 21, in observance of the Sunday Word of God a "Sunday Seminar Series" of four videos about Sacred scriptures in the life of the Church will be offered. These videos in English and Spanish will be available on January 19 at https://catholic.bible/sunday-of-the-word-of-god/. Please share this information in your parishes, website and social media platforms.
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, 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, Father Elvis Gonzalez, 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
Catholic Content Available in Flocknote! Schedule now for 9 Days for Life! - For those parishes who use Flocknote to email and text their parishioners, note that there is excellent Catholic content available for your use in the Flocknote Library. The Flocknote Library can be found on your homepage once you are logged in. This month, you are encouraged to use the 9 Days for Life content, created by the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. Emails, texts, and promotional messages are already developed and available to you, in both English and Spanish. The content is simply copied into your account, and a different message can be scheduled for each of the nine days. Take advantage of this quick and easy way to get this important message of life out to your parishioners! For more information, or with questions regarding Flocknote or the Flocknote Library, please contact Karen Schwarz.
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 January 26. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available here.
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 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@icl... 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
9 Days for Life - Join the annual national novena for the protection of human life from January 16-24 by signing up to receive the daily prayers via email or text message. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. See www.9daysforlife.com. [Graphics for the intentions, fliers and logos are available at www.respectlife.org/9-days-image-gallery for parish bulletin editors’ use.]
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 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? 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.... See flier below.
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 Monthly Day of Prayer for 2024 will resume in February, on the second Sunday and second Wednesday of the Month. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with continental breakfast, and includes two conferences, lunch, Eucharistic Adoration, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation, and prayer. The day concludes with Mass that ends at 3:15 p.m. In February the Day of Prayer will be Wednesday, February 7 and Sunday February 11. The presenter will be Fr. Greg Cleveland, OMV, and the topic is “Lost in Wonder”. Fr. Mark Yavarone, OMV will present “Carrying Our Cross” in March. 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 - The spring Schedule is posted and there are several openings for Desert Days, 3,5- and 7-night silent directed retreats. The semi- annual Matt Talbot Retreat is scheduled for March 15-17 and the Sacred Tridium Retreat will be held from March 28-31, 2024. To learn more or to register for a group or private retreat, please visit our website: www.olph-retreat.org 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 January 18 and will feature Deacon David Reardon who will speak on the Permanent Diaconate: What We Are and What We Are Not. For any questions, please email Jim Gontis.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Eucharistic Miracle Exhibit - St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples is hosting the Vatican International Exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles from January 11 to January 14. Presented by Faith Based Communication, there will be both the exhibit and presentations over the course of the 4 days. For a schedule of times, please visit the website at https://www.stagnesnaples.org/ or call the Parish at 1-239-592-1949. There is no need to register and no cost to attend.
Is the Lord Calling You? - The Melchizedek Project is a discernment group for young men (16-24) who love Jesus Christ and His Church and are willing to talk with other like-minded men about their future. The group will use Fr. Brett Brannen’s “To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide to Discerning a Vocation to the Priesthood”. The presentation and dinner are at 6:30 p.m. on January 16, February 13, March 12, April 9, and May 7 in the St. Agnes Parish Center, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. To RSVP or for further information please contact Father David Portorreal at dportorreal@stleocatholicchurch.org or 239-992-0901.
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.
Incarnation Annual Gala - Incarnation Catholic School, Sarasota, is hosting its annual gala, “The World of Incarnation” from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, January 27, at the Chelsea Center, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. Ticket prices are $100.00 each, $200 VIP. Tickets and table sponsorship are available at event.gives/icsgala2024.
Community Pregnancy Clinics - All are invited to attend the 50th Anniversary of Community Pregnancy Clinics at their “A Legacy of Life” dinner event in Sarasota at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, February 3, at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, 7650 Legacy Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. There is no cost to attend; an opportunity to make a financial contribution will be extended. Seating is limited. Visit supportcpci.com for reservations.
“A Night in Siena” - St. Catherine Catholic School, Sebring, is hosting a Gala and Auction from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 pm., Saturday, February 3 in Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall, 595 E. Main Street, Avon Park. The evening will include auctions, raffles, live music, appetizers, cash bar, dinner, and dessert. The cost is $100.00 per ticket and seating is limited. The funds raised will be used for the school expansion.
For further information, contact the Parish Office at 863-385-0049.
Save the Date - The Diocese of Venice Catholic Charismatic Renewal Commission (DVCCRC ) will be hosting a day of Renewal and Formation for all prayer group leaders, core members, anyone interested in starting a prayer group in their parish, and those who desire a deeper prayer and worship life experience within the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Prayer Group Community. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., Saturday, February 3 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 1441 Spear Street, Port Charlotte. The guest speaker is Joe Boroden, a retired Chemical Engineer now working full-time for the Lord. He has been serving the CCR for many years. Joe developed a series of videos to assist CCR prayer groups to grow and flourish. The cost to attend is $10.00 per person for lunch, which will be provided. Seating is limited. Registration info will be available soon. For further information, please contact commission members: Theresa Salvo at solotogod@yahoo.com or Margie DeFrancesca at imyb25@yahoo.com or by calling or texting 239-595-1938.
Parish Mission - Incarnation Parish, 2929 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota is hosting the Dominican Friars for a Parish Mission from February 5 to 7. Fathers Benedict Croell, Jean-Baptiste Blandino and Mark Padrez, OP will speak on experiencing more deeply the Presence of God at work in our lives. Mission talks take place at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. each of the 3 days, culminating with a Eucharistic healing service on February 7. Many opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered throughout the mission. For further information, please visit the Parish Events page at incarnationchurch.org.
St. Joseph Catholic School Gala - You are invited to celebrate 70 years of Catholic education in Manatee County at the St. Joseph Catholic School Gala, “Heritage of Faithfulness” at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, February 10 at IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Tickets are $125.00 each, or a table of eight is $900.00. Tickets can be purchased at sjsfl.org/70th-anniversary-gala and in the school office. For further information please contact the School Office at 941-755-2611 or email development@sjsfl.org.
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.
Faith and Ale and Faith and Wine Lee County - Plan to attend this joint event between Faith and Ale and Faith and Wine, 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 21 at St. John XXIII Catholic Church Parish Life Center, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Father Larry Richards, EWTN radio host, author and pastor in Erie, Pa., who will speak on “Living Easter Joy”. Tickets are limited and will not be available at the door. The cost is $25.00 and includes wine, beer, and heavy appetizers. Register at faithandwineleecounty.com or mail a check payable to Faith & Ale Fort Myers, Inc. including your name(s), address, telephone number, email and parish to Faith & Ale, c/oTom Callans, 15161 Canongate Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Ticket sales end March 18.
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.