February 16, 2024
Office of the Bishop
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for February - We pray that those with a terminal illness, and their families, receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment.
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for March - Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.
Save the Date - The Chrism Mass, which takes place during Holy Week every year, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 26 at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., in Venice. During this Mass, Bishop Frank J. Dewane will bless the Holy Oils which are used in the administration of the Sacraments at each parish throughout the year. Priests and Deacons celebrating 25 and 50 years of Ordination are recognized at this Mass. All are encouraged to attend in support of our clergy and to participate in this important Holy Week celebration.
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, Kathia Aranga, 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 and schedule of the day in both Spanish and English. For more information, or to register, please click here https://dioceseofvenice.org/eucharistic-conference-2024/. Registration deadline is March 12.
Communications
WARNING - Text/Email SCAM Alert - The Diocese of Venice has been made aware that parishioners continue to receive 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. 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 February 23. This month the topic will be Catholic Women in History in honor of Women's History Month which begins March 1. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available here.
Are you a Flocknote Parish yet?! - Flocknote is a Catholic email and text message delivery system, specifically designed for ease of use! Flocknote provides access to simple, drop-in Catholic content for your emails or texts, and is a great way to engage your flock. The Diocese of Venice, and many individual Parishes in the Diocese, now use Flocknote. It’s easy to get started, and for a limited time only, the Diocese of Venice is covering 50% of the cost of the first year! For more information, or to get started, please contact Karen Schwarz, Director of Communications, at schwarz@dioceseofvenice.org.
For Blind and Visually Impaired Catholics - Free Catholic resources are available, including Mass Missals and the Bible, in hard copy braille, BRF (a downloadable braille-ready file), audio, and large print formats, in both English and Spanish for those who are blind or visually impaired. To access these resources, visit The Xavier Society for the Blind’s website, or reach out to them at info@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org, 800-637-9193, or 212-473-7800.
Para los Católicos ciegos y con discapacidad visual - Hay recursos Católicos gratuitos disponibles, incluidos los Misiles de Misa y la Biblia, en braille impreso. BRF (un archivo descargable listo para braille), audio y formatos de letra grande, tanto en inglés como en español. Para acceder a estos recursos, visite el sitio web de la Sociedad Xavier para Ciegos, o comuníquese con ellos en info@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org, 800-637-9193, o 212-473-7800.
Evangelization
Lenten Resources - The Lenten Journey has begun! For information and resources, visit the Diocese of Venice website at Lent 2024 - Diocese of Venice.
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.
Respect Life
Pray to Defeat Florida’s Abortion Amendment - The political committee behind a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize abortion up until birth in Florida has surpassed the petition signature requirement for placement on the November 2024 ballot. For ballot placement to be confirmed, the amendment language must be reviewed by the Florida Supreme Court to ensure it is clear and limited to a single subject. In her brief to the Court, the attorney general urged the justices to reject the proposal, identifying several terms in the amendment language that are not clearly defined and could mislead voters. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) also filed a legal brief in opposition to the amendment. The FCCB’s brief argued that the proposed ballot title is misleading. The title states that the amendment "limits" government interference with abortion when the text of the amendment itself actually prohibits all regulation before viability. The ballot language also fails to advise voters that the amendment would largely prohibit the state's oversight of abortion clinics and provide fair notice of its impact on existing legal protections for women and children.
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
Building a Eucharistic Marriage - This seven-part-online video series connects seven areas for therapeutically strengthening a couple’s marriage with seven areas of deepening one’s relationship with Christ through the Eucharist. There are options for couples who want to purchase an individual copy for home use or for Parishes who would like to purchase a license for running the video series at the Parish. The Parish License comes with a leaders’ guide, unlimited participant guides, as well as advertising options and a discounted option to own a copy of the program. Special Offer for Parishes in the Diocese of Venice! Click here to purchase the course for 20% off the original price of $250!
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).
Respect Life
Healing After Abortion Retreat - If you had an abortion, no matter how long ago, are having trouble forgiving yourself or need help dealing with the memories, consider attending a one-day women’s retreat on Saturday, March 2. Call or text Sylvia at 941-412-5860 or email her at project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. Do it today; you will be glad you did!
Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life - Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Tuesday, March 5, at St. Martha Church, 200 North Orange Avenue, Sarasota. A free shuttle bus will be provided after Mass until noon so that participants can circle the block around Planned Parenthood in prayer as many times as desired before returning to the church parking lot. Light refreshments will be available near the Community Pregnancy Clinic on 7th Street. For questions or to volunteer, contact Jeanne at 941-374-1068 or Berdeaux@dioceseofveni....
40 Days for Life Spring Campaign - Show your support for life by simply praying for an end to abortion on the public sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood between February 14 and March 24. For details and flier go to www.40daysforlife.com (add /sarasota or /fortmyers or /naples for a direct link to the location near you). Questions? Contact Jeanne at 941-374-1068 or Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org.
40 Days for Life Naples Kickoff Event - Come to hear Shawn Carney, the co-founder of the international 40 Days for Life Campaign, on Wednesday, February 21, at noon on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood, 1425 Creech Road, Naples. Questions? Contact Ricki at 630-514-2058 or 40dflnaples@gmail.com.
Catholic Charities
2024 Catholic Charities Event Schedule - Upcoming events to support the many programs of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., will be centered on various themes and benefit either regional or specific programs. Many of the events will include a cocktail hour, live and silent auctions, fine dining, dancing, and live entertainment. The list of events is as follows:
- Our Mother's House Wine Tasting, Auction and Dinner Dance, 5:30 p.m., February 29, Venice Community Center, Venice, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice. The event will benefit the mothers and children at Our Mother’s House, a 2-year transitional living program located in the heart of Venice, dedicated to empowering single mothers and their young children. Tickets are $90. Register online at http://bidpal.net/2024omh. For more information, 941-485-6264 or email omh@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
- Venetian Charity Ball, 6:00 p.m., March 9, at St. Leo the Great Parish Hall, 28290 Beaumont Rd., Bonita Springs. is themed “Restoring Our Community.” This event supports the programs in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties, the communities hardest hit by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Tickets are $250. Register online at http://bidpal.net/vb2024. For more information, call 239-334-4007 ext. 2100 or email VenetianBall@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
- Emerald Ball, 5:30 p.m., March 14, at Ritz-Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Dr., Naples. This event celebrates 40 years of Catholic Charities in Collier County. Tickets are $400. Register online at http://bidpal.net/eb2024. For more information, email emeraldball@catholiccharitiesdov.org or call 239-455-2655.
For additional information about the good works of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.
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.
Catholic Community Foundation
Scholarship Deadline Approaching - The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida has opened the 2024-25 online scholarship applications. There are currently five different scholarships available from the Foundation. Applications close on Feb. 29, 2024. The majority of the scholarships are for residents of Sarasota County. These scholarships are for graduating seniors (class of 2023 or 2024), or for non-traditional students who have been out of school for 3+ years and wish to pursue a higher education. To find out which Catholic Community Foundation scholarship you qualify for, please visit www.ccfdioceseofvenice.org/scholarships.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Monthly Days of Prayer - In March, the Monthly Days of Prayer will be held on Sunday, March 10 and Wednesday, March 13. The presenter will be Father Mark Yavarone, OMV and the topic will be “Carrying Our Cross.” 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. The topic is the same for both dates, so choose the day that works best for your schedule. To register, please visit:// https://olph-retreat.org/monthly-day-of-prayer. To register or learn more about retreat opportunities, please visitwww.olph-retreat.org or call 941- 486-0233.
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 to 17 and the Sacred Tridium Retreat will be held from March 28 to 31. 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 March 21. The speaker will be Tim Shipe, Theology Teacher at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School and Youth Ministry Leader at St. Martha Parish, both in Sarasota. Shipe will be speaking on The Paschal Mystery. For any questions, please email Jim Gontis.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Faith and Wine Lee County - All women are invited to an evening of faith and fellowship, including light dinner and glass of wine. The next gathering takes place from 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.) until 8:30 p.m., Thursday, February 22, at St. Cecilia Marian Hall, 5598 Sunrise drive, Fort Myers. The presenter is Kitty Cleveland who will speak on our Blessed Mother and how one can benefit from Our Lady’s intercession. Please visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com/ for further information or to register.
3-Day Lenten Mission - All are invited to a 3-day Lenten Mission at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 51030 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 26, Tuesday, February 27, and Wednesday, February 28. The presenter is Father Rick Martignetti, OFM. Father Martignetti, the Director of Campus Ministry at Ave Maria University, returns to share his great stories and to take everyone through St. Bonaventure’s meditations on the Cross of Jesus Christ, as found in his book “Hidden Beauty.” For more information, please call 239-774-3337.
Visit of St. Jude Relic - The faithful are invited to participate in Tour of the Relics of St. Jude the Apostle on its U.S. visit, featuring the arm of the Saint. The only stop in the Diocese of Venice will be Tuesday, February 27 at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 5260 28th Ave. SW, Naples. Veneration begins at 2:00 p.m. and concludes at 10: p.m. There will be a Mass in honor of St. Jude at 7:00 p.m. For additional information, contact the Parish at 239-455-3900.
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.
Luncheon and Fashion Show - The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus of St. Patrick Parish is hosting a luncheon and fashion show, “Flutter into Spring”, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2 at Palm-Aire Country Club, 5601 Country Club Way, Sarasota. Fashions by A’Tu Jewelry and Clothing. The cost is $45. For registration details, email Sue Neumann at auxladiesfashionshow24@gmail.com.
Bowling Bash - San Pedro Catholic Church, North Port is hosting a bowling bash from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 3 at Treasure Lanes, 1059 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. The entry fee is $50.00 cash only for the Singles 9-Pin no Tap Tournament before February 25 and $60.00 thereafter. The Youth 9-Pin no Tap Tournament is $30.00 before February 25 and $40.00 thereafter. To register or for further information, please contact the Parish Office at 941-426-2500.
Mother Teresa Museum - Learn more about St. Mother Teresa, the “Saint of the Gutters,” at the Mother Teresa Museum on the campus of Ave Maria University in Ave Maria. The museum is in a 3,000-square-foot space displaying 30 panels telling Mother Teresa’s life, handwritten letters, a crucifix from her rosary, stunning photographs, and other priceless items. Admission is free. In addition, free public tours, lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, are offered, and must be booked at least one week in advance. Please contact the Mother Teresa Project at 239-304-7954 to schedule a tour or visit https://motherteresaproject.org/museum/.
Royal Rummage Sale - The St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish Royal Rummage Sale XVI, the biggest and best on Longboat Key, will take place Friday March 8, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ($5 admission), and Saturday, March 9, 9:00 a.m. – noon (free admission). The sale will take place in the Parish Hall, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. For more information, please Nancy Gornto at 410-227-6940.
Magnificat Breakfast - The next Magnificat Breakfast for women will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at the Crown Plaza Fort Myers Gulf Coast, formerly Holiday Inn Airport. The speaker will be Kim Rodriguez-Torres, a wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of God. Kim has been involved in Lay Ministry for 30 years and takes every opportunity to share the power of prayer, the love of God and the Mission of Jesus Christ. Make reservations until noon on March 5 at https://magnificatfortmyers.com/order-tickets/. For further information please contact Margaret Mengle at 239-826-7475.
Emmaus Women’s Retreat - Epiphany Cathedral Parish is hosting a Women’s Retreat from early evening Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 4989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. This retreat is an opportunity to experience, renew and deepen your relationship with the Lord. There is limited enrollment. The registration fee is $225 for a double room and $300 for a private retreat. Registration deadline is February 19. To register and for more information, please contact Donna Vodraska at donnavodraska@aol.com or 941-496-4464.
Lenten Fish Bake - St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 51030 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, is hosting a Lenten Fish Bake every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday), 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cost is $12 per person with drive thru or dine in options in the Spirit Center. For more information, please call 239-774-3337.
School Gala - 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 and includes wine, beer, and heavy appetizers. Register at https://faithandale.com/. Ticket sales end March 18.
Migrant Care Grants - The application period for grant requests for funding of projects in 2024 available from the Foundation for the Care of the Migrant Poor Fund are now open and need to be submitted no later than Monday, April 1. To be considered for a grant, the project must clearly be seen as a service to the migrant poor or new immigrants. Preference will be given to those projects under Catholic auspices. Visit https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ccfsf to submit an application.
First Friday Adoration - St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 51030 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, offers a Holy Hour of Adoration, every First Friday at 6:00 p.m. This takes place in the main church with the Chant Choir. The next First Friday offering is March 1. For more information, please call 239-774-3337.
Save the Date - Community Pregnancy Clinics Inc. (CPCI) is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a Gala. “A Legacy of Life" will take place beginning at 5:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 6 at the Ritz-Carlton Tiburon, 600 Tiburon Drive, Naples. Tickets start at $500 and include cocktail social hour, silent auction, elegant 3-course dinner, keynote speech from The Daily Wire's Michael Knowles, and after party with live music and dancing. For further information and to purchase tickets, please contact Joel Chute at jchute@communityforlife.com or 239-328-7547.
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.