July 26, 2024
Office of the Bishop
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following appointments:
Reverend Hugh J. McGuigan, O.S.F.S., relieved of his appointment as a member of the College of Consultors, effective July 1, 2024.
Reverend Monsignor Patrick Dubois, V.F., as a new member to the College of Consultors, effective July 1, 2024.
Reverend Simon Hoang Minh Dao, CRM, relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar and Chaplain for the Vietnamese Community at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, effective July 13, 2024, and thus has returned to his Religious Community.
Reverend Joseph Than Van Liem, CRM, as Parochial Vicar and Chaplain for the Vietnamese Community at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, effective July 13, 2024.
Pope Francis Prayer Petition for August - During the month of August, Catholics are asked to pray that political leaders “be at the service of their own people” and also that they work for the common good, integral human development, and take care of those who have lost their jobs.
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, wrought by Hurricane Ian, reinforces the fact that we need to pray for God’s protection and care during these next months. A Prayer for Safety during the Hurricane Season is available here in both English and Spanish.
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 August 30. 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 August 30. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available here.
St. Pio 25th Anniversary - To mark the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the beatification of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, the Saint Pio Foundation has made available a series of resources. These authentic materials are designed to be shared with the faithful who may be interested in understanding Saint Pio’s spiritual legacy and are offered free of charge. Several assets are available, including photographs, songs, letters, and a film. To view and download, visit therealsaintpio.org. The Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina on September 23rd.
Office of Marriage and Family Life
Participants in World Grandparents Day Will be Granted Plenary Indulgence -The Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will take place July 28, and those Catholics who participate will be eligible for a Plenary Indulgence. The World Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the foster grandparents of Jesus. The theme this year is “Do not cast me off in my old age.” (Ps 71:9). A Plenary Indulgence offers remission of the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven, which can be applied to oneself or to the souls in Purgatory. The Indulgence will be granted to grandparents, the elderly, and all faithful who “motivated by a true spirit of penance and charity” will participate in the various functions to be held for the Day throughout the world. It will also be extended to those who dedicate significant time to visit—either in-person or by virtual means of communication—their elderly brothers and sisters who are in need or facing difficulties, such as the sick, abandoned, and those with disabilities. It is also available to the elderly sick and all those who, unable to leave their homes for a serious reason, will unite themselves spiritually to the sacred functions of the World Day, offering their prayers, pains, or sufferings to God, especially during the various celebrations which will be broadcast through the media. The Indulgence is subject to the usual conditions of sacramental Confession, reception of the Eucharist, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.
Respect Life
New Amendment 4 Resources - Say No to Amendment 4 - New resources are available on the Diocese of Venice Respect Life Parish Resources page! There you will find the following new resources:
- Vote No on 4 Video, English and Spanish: Brief video with a powerful message!
- A ¼ page bulletin ad which QR code that links to the DOV Amendment 4 General Information page, which includes education and information for the faithful about Amendment 4 from the Diocese of Venice, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Vote No on 4 advocacy group. Click here.
Please include in bulletins as often as possible, between now and election day! Additionally, palm cards, business cards, buttons and yard signs are in the works! Please contact Jeanne Berdeaux, berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-374-1068 to request these for your Parish.
Office of Marriage and Family Life
Save the Date - The fourth annual Diocese of Venice “Together in Holiness” marriage conference will be held at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The conference, held in collaboration with the St. John Paul II Foundation, presents an opportunity for couples to spend quality time together for a day dedicated to prayer, conversation, fellowship, and reflection on the beautiful vocation of marriage. The day begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at 3:15 p.m. Please see the flyer below for further details and registration.
Evangelization
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.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Catholic Charities
Summertime and the Giving is Easy Appeal - Every day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., serves the most vulnerable population of the Diocese of Venice by feeding, housing, empowering, and helping all in need. This summer, you can be the one that makes a difference. Your acts of kindness have the power to transform lives and leave a positive impact in our community. The Catholic Charities Summertime and the Giving is Easy Appeal is asking for your support. The giving is easy! Your gift will make a positive impact on our less fortunate brothers and sisters! To donate to Summertime and the Giving is Easy Campaign, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or mail a check to Catholic Charities, “Summertime and the Giving is Easy,” 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285.
Office of Marriage and Family Life
Together in Holiness Marriage Conference - Calling all Catholic engaged and married couples! Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for the fourth annual Diocesan “Together in Holiness” marriage conference, 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., October 19, at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The Conference, a collaboration between the Diocese of Venice and the St. John Paul II Foundation, is a great opportunity for all Catholic engaged and married couples in the Diocese to gather for a day dedicated to prayer, conversation, fellowship, and reflection on the beautiful vocation of marriage. Registration is now open for the day-long event which includes a Mass and Marriage Blessing celebrated by Bishop Dewane, and inspirational talks by Catholic speakers Renzo & Monica Ortega, Rev. Alex Pince and Mallory Smith. Childcare, as well as full and partial scholarships, are
available, and Early Bird pricing is offered until September 9th! To register or for further information, please visit togetherinholiness.org/venice.
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 and for further information 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 Session - St Gianna’s Center is offering an introductory, virtual session (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. The next session is August 29. The two-hour session begins 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/, contact Jim Gontis.
Youth and Young Adults
New Location! Theology on Tap Sarasota -Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed and social setting. This program takes place at its new location on the third Thursday of each month at Big Top Brewery and Restaurant, 3045 Fruitville Commons Boulevard, Sarasota, for food and refreshments at 7:00 p.m. with presentations, and discussions about the Catholic Faith to begin at 8:00 p.m. The next scheduled date is August 15. The speaker will be Mr. Jim Gontis, Director, Evangelization at the Diocese of Venice. Jim will discuss the “Four Marian Dogmas: Mother of God, Perpetual Virginity, Immaculate Conception, Assumption”. For any questions, please email Jim Gontis.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
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 August 2. 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.
Calling All Cursillistas - All are invtited to 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.
Catholic Young Adults of Naples - All Catholic young adults are welcome to attend weekly small groups to help strengthen their relationship with God, and build community with each other at 6:30 p.m. beginning Tuesdays, August 6 for ages 35-55 and Thursdays beginning August 8 for ages 21-39 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, FL. No RSVP is required and for further information, please email catholicyoungadultsofnaples@gmail.com.
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.
Cardinal Mooney’s Annual Golf Tournament - The annual golf tournament benefiting Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School will take place at noon with check-in at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 4, at The Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd. Venice, FL 34293. The cost is $225.00 for individuals and $800.00 for a foursome. Proceeds will benefit the CMHS Arts & Athletics Departments. To register please visit www.cmhs-sarasota.org. For more information, please call the School Office at 941-371-4917.
Dinner For Life II - All are invited to the local Knights of Columbus Councils 3358 and 15332 Dinner For Life II event on October 12 at Columbus Hall, 4880 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL., 34232. The Cocktail Reception starts at 5:00 p.m. with dinner at 6:00 p.m. and speakers finishing remarks by 8:00 p.m. The evening's theme is "What a Wonderful World". The event dinner tickets are $75.00 per person and event net proceeds go to the Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center. Click here to register. For further information email jamessylvester1955@gmail.com or 301-788-3756.
Save the Date - Save the date for the “Friends of the Seminary Gala!” taking place on Friday, October 18 beginning with Mass at 5:30 p.m. and followed by a reception, live and silent auctions, and dinner at Saint Vincent de Paul Seminary, 10701 South Military Trail, Boynton Beach. This event is the seminary’s largest fundraiser, and your support is essential to ensure the continuity of an important mission: Forming priests after the heart of Christ for the future of the Church. For further information, please visit our website at www.svdp.edu/friends or contact the Development Office at development@svdp.edu, or call 561-732-4424. We look forward to a wonderful event!
Save the Date - The annual White Mass and lecture for physicians and medical professionals will be held at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, October 19th at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. A White Mass gathers health care professionals to receive God’s blessing upon physicians, nurses, and all health care workers. Following the Mass there will be a blessing of stethoscopes. In addition, there is an educational program, with a Continuing Medical Education credit, in the Parish Center. Breakfast is provided. The keynote speaker is Daniel Sulmasy, MD, PhD, MACP, of Georgetown University and the Kennedy Institute of Ethics.
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.