March 15, 2024
Office of the Bishop
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.
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for April - We pray that the dignity and immense value of women be recognized in every culture, and for the end of discrimination that they experience in different parts of the world.
Diocese-wide Opportunity for Sacrament of Reconciliation - During Lent in the Diocese of Venice the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at the same time at ALL Parishes to allow the faithful ample opportunity to receive God’s Mercy. To make this opportunity as convenient as possible, in consultation with the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, the Bishop has designated the following days and times for Confession at EACH Parish: Friday, March 22, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The precept of confessing grave sins and receiving Holy Communion at least once during the Lenten Season merits a reminder to the faithful to take advantage of this opportunity.
Chrism Mass - 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.
The 2024 Priest and Deacon Jubilarians are:
- 50 years - Reverend Richard Bondi, Reverend James Drew, Reverend Brian Manning, Reverend Mark Svarczkopf
- 50 years - Deacon Michael Leahy
- 25 years - Reverend Victor Caviedes, Reverend Anthony Hewitt, Reverend Antonio Jean, Reverend Jay Raju
- 25 years - Deacon Peter Fullen, Deacon Edward Gwiazda, Deacon William Hickey, and Deacon Alfred Mauriello
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship - The Catholic Bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (en Español), a teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement includes guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. The Bishops urge pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good will to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. The statement lifts up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens with rights and duties as participants in the civil order. See Bulletin Announcements for more.
Communications
Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Televised Mass - The Diocese of Venice in Florida will air the televised Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Masses, each for a full hour. The Masses can be viewed at 12:00 p.m., Sunday, March 24, and Sunday, March 31, on the CW Network in Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto, Charlotte, Hardee and Highland counties, and at 10:30 a.m. on FOX4 in Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades and Desoto counties. The Mass is also available on the Diocese of Venice website at www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass.
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 March 29. This month the topic will be Good Friday. 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.
Divine Mercy Sunday - Divine Mercy Sunday occurs this year on April 7, the first Sunday after Easter. Many are unaware of the tremendous opportunity for grace that this day represents in the Church. Please see below for an educational flyer that you may want to share with your parishioners. With information provided by the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, the flyer includes the day’s history and meaning, as well as how to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Evangelization
Lenten Resources - The Lenten Journey continues! 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 Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments on February 7 and then convened privately to decide the fate of the Pro-Abortion Amendment, specifically whether or not the wording is misleading and should be blocked from inclusion on the November 2024 election ballot. By law they must release their opinion by April 1. Please pray that they make the right decision so that voters will not be misled into voting for this dangerous amendment. Florida does not need to have abortion enshrined in the constitution forever, preventing any laws that will protect women and their children. To learn more, go to TooExtremeforFL.com. For questions, contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
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 now through 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.
Dangerous Pro-Abortion Initiative Inches Forward! - The "Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion" has collected enough signatures to qualify for the November 2024 ballot. The Florida Supreme Court is currently considering whether the language of the proposed amendment is misleading. Their decision, due by April 1, will determine if the amendment will appear on the November ballot. How can you help? Stay informed and be ready to defeat this amendment if it makes it to the ballot! Visit TooExtremeforFL.com, a website created by Florida Voters Against Extremism, and share what you learn with your friends. This deceptive amendment is not what it seems and would disallow any government regulation of abortion, allowing it up until birth.
Communications
Keep up with what’s happening in the Diocese of Venice! - Sign up for messages from the Diocese, including direct messages from Bishop Frank J. Dewane by texting DIOCESEOFVENICE to 84576.
¡Manténgase al tanto de lo que sucede en la Diócesis de Venecia! - Regístrese para recibir mensajes de la Diócesis, incluidos mensajes directos del obispo Frank J. Dewane, enviando un mensaje de texto con DIOCSEOFVENICE al 84576.
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship - "We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern" - Pope Francis. In this election year, please remember that shaping the moral character of society is a requirement of our faith, and a basic part of the mission we have received from Jesus Christ. Guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy is available from the USCCB, at faithfulcitizenship.org. Visit the website to deepen your understanding of Catholic Social Teaching, and the teachings of the Church that relate to the social, economic, and political issues of our time.
Office of Marriage and Family Life
A Catholic Date Night -The St. John Paul II Foundation and the Diocese of Venice present the Together in Holiness Formation series: Year-round marriage enrichment for small communities of spouses that equips them with the formation, encouragement, support, and practical tools to grow together in holiness and to form their children in the Catholic faith.
Highlights of the Formation series include:
- A meal and time for fellowship
- Short, compelling videos with national speakers including Danielle Bean and Damon Owens
- Discussion facilitated by Host Couples
- A Bring it Home component that translates learning into living
You and your spouse are invited to learn more about this marriage enrichment opportunity at a Catholic Date Night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13 at the St. Agnes Parish Hall, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Appetizers and wine will be provided, and childcare will be offered with advance registrations. RSVP here >> bit.ly/thfs-vnfl-2024.
Respect Life
Confidential Women’s Retreat (for those affected by abortion) - Do you often think about an abortion you had years ago? Have you received God’s forgiveness in confession but are still having a hard time forgiving yourself or someone who influenced you to make that decision? This one-day retreat on Saturday, April 20 can change your life! Let our caring team guide you through the healing process. For compassionate and confidential help, call or text Sylvia at 941-412-5860 or email her at project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. See ¼ page ad below.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Monthly Days of Prayer - 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 www.olph-retreat.org or call 941-486-0233.
Puedes Verme - Abril 5-7, 2024 - Este retiro te da la oportunidad de conocer el amor de nuestro Señor en Su sacrificio, vas conocer el amor del Padre y del Hijo y poder crecer en tu relación en la Eucaristía. El retiro empieza Viernes entre 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. y la comida a las 5:00pm. En este fin de semana encontrarás conferencias, oportunidades de meditación, misa. El retiro concluye el Domingo en la tarde. El costo es $350 pp, por habitación privada $250pp, por compartir con otra persona la habitación, $150pp, sin habitación. Esta sesión se ofrece SOLO en ESPAÑOL.
Can You See Me? - This weekend retreat provides the opportunity to encounter the Love of our Lord in his sacrifice, meditate on the love of the Father and Son, and increase a personal relationship with the Eucharist. The retreat begins with check-in on Friday, April 5 between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and dinner at 5:00 pm. The weekend's schedule includes conferences, opportunities for meditation, and Mass. The retreat concludes on Sunday, April 7 at noon. The cost is $350pp for a private room, $250pp for a shared, double occupancy room, and $150pp for a commuter (no room). This Session is being held only in Spanish.
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
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.
Lenten Retreat - Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Osprey proudly announces their Parish Lenten retreat will feature international speaker and musician Jimmy Mitchell. The theme is Wounded by Love: Understanding Salvation from Creation to the Cross. This retreat is 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 23, and will be held at the Epiphany Cathedral Parish Hall, 310 Sarasota St., Venice. Tickets are $35 per person. Please contact Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish for more details at 941-966-0807.
Sarasota’s Historical Good Friday Stations of the Cross Pilgrimage - For the 23rd year, a local, ecumenical Stations of the Cross pilgrimage will take place on Good Friday in downtown Sarasota. More than 100 local congregations will be represented, including several Parishes from the Diocese of Venice. All are welcome. To participate, meet at 7:00 a.m. in front of the Regal Hollywood movie theater, 1993 Main Street (just off Washington Blvd.). For those who would like to park at the final Station location, Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., the Siesta Trolley will be available to transport you to the starting point beginning at 6:00 a.m. The pilgrimage is expected to take approximately one hour. At the finish, all are invited to attend a brief Morning Prayer Service inside the Church. For more information, contact Grier Ferguson, gferguson@redeemersarasota.org, 941-955-4263, or email Rev. Dr. Tom Pfaff, chaplaintompfaff@gmail.com
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.
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.