June 14, 2024
Office of the Bishop
After consultation with the Priest Personnel Board, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following appointments:
Reverend Thomas Gregory Doughtery, as Parochial Vicar of St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers, effective June 10, 2024.
Reverend Mark Heuberger, retired as Pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish, Bradenton, effective June 30, 2024, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish.
Reverend Gordon Zanetti, as Pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish, Bradenton, effective July 1, 2024, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota.
Reverend Nicholas Thompson, as Administrator of St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota, effective July 1, 2024, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples.
Reverend William Adams, retired as Pastor of Ascension Parish, Fort Myers Beach, effective July 1, 2024, and thus, is relieved of his duties as Pastor of Ascension Parish.
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for June - We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger and violence, find welcome and new opportunities in the countries that receive them.
Prayer for Safety During Hurricane Season - The 2024 Hurricane Season began on June 1 and continues until November 30. All are encouraged to pray for protection from the storms that can and have threatened Southwest Florida. The devastation, as witnessed by Hurricane Ian, reinforces the fact that we need to pray for God’s protection and care during these next months. See below for a Prayer for Safety during the Hurricane Season in English and Spanish.
Religious Freedom Week - The annual observance of Religious Freedom Week will take place June 22 - 29. The week begins with the Feast Day of Ss. Thomas More and John Fisher, includes the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and ends with the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. This year, with the theme of “Called to the Fullness of Dignity,” Religious Freedom Week highlights concern about attacks on houses of worship, and calls attention to threats to Catholic ministries that serve immigrants. The attacks on both sacred spaces and ministries to migrants reflect the political and cultural polarization that has come to characterize so much of American life. Religious Freedom Week encourages Catholics to do their part to promote civility by recognizing the dignity of all people and inviting others to do the same.
Please share the dates and importance of the observance of Religious Freedom Week with the faithful. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers daily topics addressing different aspects of religious liberty for prayer, reflection, and action at www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek. Further, the faithful may connect with the USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty by texting FREEDOM to 84576 or signing up at First Freedom News: Monthly Newsletter | USCCB. Through prayer, education, and public action during Religious Freedom Week, Catholics can promote the essential right of religious freedom not only for Catholics, but for those of all faiths.
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 June 28. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available here.
"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 June 28. 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 email Karen Schwarz, Director of Communications.
Respect Life
Amendment 4 - In an effort to facilitate weekly communication to the faithful about Amendment 4, the dangerous and misleading pro-abortion amendment that will appear on Florida's ballot on November 5, 2024, a weekly schedule can be found below for the logical dissemination of information about the amendment. Please share the available information with your parishioners according to the schedule below, in weekly parish bulletins and on parish social media accounts.
Week 2: Fact One - Puts Women at Risk
Note that a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet about Amendment 4 was shared previously as an introduction to the amendment; this FAQ sheet is a good place to start your Parish dialogue about Amendment 4 if you have not yet done so, before beginning the schedule above. (Click here for FAQ in Spanish).
In addition to sharing information about Amendment 4 weekly from now until the election, please encourage the faithful to pray for the defeat of this dangerous pro-abortion amendment. The Prayer to Defeat Florida's Abortion Amendment should be included in bulletins every week between now and Election Day and is available for inclusion in bulletins in both half-page and quarter-page formats, and in Spanish (half-page, quarter-page). A limited supply of prayer cards will be shipped to parishes. Please note that in addition to being used as bulletin ads, the prayer can be printed out and used as inserts in missalettes, or bulletins, or simply handed out. Further, the front of the prayer card is now available for use in churches as a poster in two sizes: 11x17” and 8 ½ x11”. If you would like laminated posters in either size, email the quantity and size needed to Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org. All resources can also be found on the Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office’s new Parish Resources page, here: Parish Resources - Diocese of Venice. This page will be frequently updated as new resources become available. For more information or to get involved to help defeat Amendment 4, contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-374-1068.
Evangelization
National Eucharistic Congress Pilgrimage is at Capacity - The Diocese of Venice Pilgrimage to the National Eucharistic Congress with Bishop Frank J. Dewane is now full. To be added to the wait list, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
National Eucharistic Revival - Parish Year - The second phase of the National Eucharistic Revival is underway and fosters Eucharistic devotion at the Parish level. All can participate! For educational resources on the Diocese of Venice website, please click here.
Totus Tuus, Parish Catechetical Summer Camp Program - The Totus Tuus Parish Catechetical Summer Camp program, open to grades 1-12, has been very well-received by young people, parents, and Parishes in the Diocese of Venice for the last two years. The program is available in the Diocese of Venice again this summer with the first two weeks having already taken place. Totus Tuus aims to inspire young people to long for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life. All camps are one-week day camps, and programs are divided according to age. See the flyer below for a list of Parishes in the Diocese hosting the program this summer, along with the dates. To register or learn more about the Totus Tuus program in the Diocese of Venice, click here, or contact Jim Gontis.
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
Evangelization
Curious about the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage?- The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage has begun! Four distinct routes, forming a cross across the geography of the United States, will converge in Indianapolis in July for the National Eucharistic Congress. For updates from the Pilgrimages, tune into weekly press conferences, open to all, offered by the National Eucharistic Congress media team. Pilgrims en route to the Eucharistic Congress will be answering questions like “What is going well?” and “What is challenging, surprising, or unexpected?” The press conferences are being held on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. ET and continuing through July 10 (no press conference the week of July 4th). The press conferences are open to all, you need not be a member of the press. Register in advance for the press conferences here.
Office of Marriage and Family Life
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, October 11 until Sunday October 13 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Deacon Henry De Mena will lead the Retreat. 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 contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org for further information.
Un Caminar con Jesús para Padres en Duelo - El dolor de la pena puede ser extremo, pero la muerte de un hijo es aún más intensa. Los padres experimentan un vacío como ningún otro. Si está de luto por la pérdida de un hijo (desde la infancia hasta la edad adulta), considere asistir a un retiro católico basado en la fe de fin de semana desde el viernes 19 de julio hasta el domingo 21 de julio en el Centro de Retiros de Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. El diácono Roberto Landron dirigirá el retiro. El costo es de $150.00 por persona en base a ocupación doble y $250.00 en ocupación individual. Hay asistencia financiera disponible. Para registrarse, escanee el código QR en el folleto a continuación o comuníquese con Jim Gontis en gontis@dioceseofvenice.org para obtener más información.
Natural Family Planning Introductory Sessions - St Gianna’s Center will be offering introductory, virtual sessions (via Zoom) in The Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System (CrMS). The Creighton Model is a natural family planning method, based on common biological markers. These markers help women and couples understand the woman’s fertility and can help a couple naturally avoid or achieve pregnancy. Upcoming Sessions include June 27, July 18, and August 29. The two-hour sessions each begin at 6:30 p.m. If you are interested in attending a virtual session, use the QR code on the flier to register, or call St. Gianna’s Center at 813-421-4625. For more information, visit https://www.stgiannacenter.com/events/, or contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
Marriage Preparation Retreat (Spanish) - The next Marriage Preparation Retreat for Spanish-speaking couples will take place form 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22 and from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunday June 23 at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples. The doors open at 7:15 a.m. each and on Sunday the Retreat will conclude with Mass at 2:00 p.m. The cost is $150.00 per couple and includes all meals and materials. For registration or questions, please contact Maria Gomez at 239-302-8548.
Retiro de Preparación Matrimonial (Español) - El próximo Retiro de Preparación Matrimonial para parejas que hablan español se llevará a cabo de 8:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m., el Sábado 22 de junio y de 8:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m. el Domingo 23 de junio en la Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples. Las puertas se abren a las 7:15 a.m. todos los días y el domingo el Retiro concluirá con la Misa a las 2:00 p.m. El costo es de $150.00 por pareja e incluye todas las comidas y materiales. Para registrarse o hacer preguntas, comuníquese con María Gómez al 239-302-8548.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Retreats - The Spring Schedule for Retreats is posted, and there are several openings for 3-, 5- and 7-night silent directed retreats in June. To learn more or to register for a group or private retreat, please visit www.olph-retreat.org or call 941- 486-0233.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Life in the Spirit Seminar - All are welcome and invited to attend the upcoming Life in the Spirit Seminar from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish Center, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. This seminar provides an opportunity to understand and grow in the fruits of the Holy Spirit, to discover the power and love of God, and to experience the fire of the Spirit. Scripture materials are provided along with a light breakfast and lunch. There is no cost to attend. To register or for further information, please contact Janet by calling or texting 708-525-4352.
First Friday Adoration - St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 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 July 5. For more information, please call 239-774-3337.
Sidewalk Counselors and Prayer Warriors Needed - As the weather turns hotter there is an urgent need for sidewalk counselors and prayer partners to provide coverage to stand as peaceful witnesses for life at the Planned Parenthood abortion facilities at 6418 Commerce Park Drive, Fort Myers, and 1425 Creech Road, Naples. No training is necessary to be a prayer partner - just bring a hat and a rosary. For those interested in counseling, training and necessary resource materials will be provided. In addition, during this process an experienced counselor will be present. Prayer partners and counselors are a vital component in the Pro-Life movement, as they ensure a constant presence in front of abortion facilities, showing that women and their unborn children in crisis are not abandoned in their time of need. To learn more details, please call Mary Claire Dant at 239-200-8117.
Fourth of July Parade - The 8th Annual “God Bless America” Independence Day Bike and Golf Cart Parade presented by Ave Maria Parish, 5088 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria, will take place at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 4. The celebration will begin in the Piazza in front of the church and will include patriotic songs, a reflection from a veteran, prayers and then the parade that will include bikes, trikes, golf carts, strollers and more. The event is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Ave Maria Assembly 3862. For further information call 239- 348-4725.
Calling All Cursillistas - Please join the Cursillo Movement Ultreya on the third Monday of each month, at 6:30 p.m., at St. Peter the Apostle Parish Ministry Center, Conference Room 3, 5025 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples. This is for those who would like to deepen their relationship with Christ and help “renew the face of the earth.” There is no cost to attend. For information, please contact Pam Black at 703-850-6868 or pamblack49@gmail.com.
15th Annual Ave Maria University High School Youth Conferences - All high school age youth from incoming freshman to outgoing seniors are invited to join the 15th Annual Ave Maria University High School Youth Conference, “CALLED.” This incredible weekend will be full of faith, fellowship, music, and great speakers. Including Fr. Timothy Antastos from the Diocese of Chicago who is currently serving as a National Eucharistic Preacher and featured regularly on “Reel Homilies”, Noelle Garcia a Catholic recording artist who shares her faith through scripture and music, nationally known chastity speaker Pam Stenzel, and Fr. Joseph Lugalambi, Adjunct Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University. Music will be provided by EPIC Music Ministries. The cost is $190 per person. This includes lodging in the dorms, meals, conference fee, and a cool t-shirt! Register now by visiting 2024 Youth Conference - July 12-14 — Ave Maria University Conferences or for more information call 239- 348-4725, or email aveconferences@gmail.com.
“Come to the Table” Vacation Bible School - All children from Kindergarten to Grade 5 are invited to attend Vacation Bible School from 9:00 a.m., July 22-26 in the Parish Hall at San Marco Parish, 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island. The theme for the week of “Come to the Table” invites children to hear how everyone is welcome at God’s table through worship, Bible study, art and science projects and active games. The cost the week is $50.00. This program is the perfect companion for the Eucharistic Revival. For registration and questions, please email Bernadette DiPino Coordinator of Religious Education at Bernadette.dipino@sanmarcichurch.org or call 239-394-5181 ext. 110.
Medical Association Conference - The Catholic Medical Association 93rd Annual Educational Conference is September 5-7, at Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando. The theme is Imago Dei – Made in His Image: Male & Female He Created Them. The keynote speaker is Jesuit Father Robert Spitzer. To register and for more information, please visit www.cathmed.org.
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.