October 4, 2024
Office of the Bishop
Rev. Robert R. Cannon Named Monsignor - Congratulations to Rev. Robert R. Cannon who has been named Chaplain to His Holiness with the title Monsignor. Monsignor Cannon has served as the Chancellor of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) for the last eight years.
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for October - For a shared mission: We pray that the Church continue to sustain in all ways a Synodal lifestyle, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, the communion and the mission shared among priests, religious and lay people.
Hurricane Helene Special Intentions -
- For those devastated by Hurricane Helene, may they find hope in God’s love, and may God’s grace sustain them in the work of recovery and rebuilding, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those who have died in Hurricane Helene, may God welcome them into the eternal joy of heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
Global Day of Prayer and Fasting - Pope Francis has called for a Global Day of Prayer and Fasting on Monday, October 7, 2024. Please ask the faithful this weekend to join the Diocese of Venice in this important effort for peace in the world.
Please continue to share the truth about Amendments 3 & 4 - Encourage all to VOTE NO on these dangerous amendments. Recent polls indicate that nearly 17% of voters remain undecided on these issues! This faction could push these amendments through if they decide to vote yes. This is not the time to stop sharing the dangers of these two amendments! Rather, please increase your efforts from now until the election! For a letter to the faithful from Bishop Frank J. Dewane regarding Amendments 3 & 4, please click here.
Election Season Resources - The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a variety of new resources regarding our voting responsibility as Catholics, and the responsibility of creating a moral society. Please share these resources with the faithful in this important election season.
Video: Florida Catholic Bishops Introduce Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. The Bishops of Florida share excerpts from this important USCCB teaching document.
Voter Guide: The FCCB Voter Guide provides information about Catholic teaching, offers considerations on key topics, and poses questions regarding current issues to assist voters in evaluating candidate positions or political party platforms.
Presidential Candidate Comparison: This document provides a comparison of the positions of candidates for U.S. President, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, on multiple topics.
Red Mass Naples - The Catholic Lawyer's Association of Southwest Florida cordially invites you to its inaugural event. The Red Mass will be celebrated by Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice at 6:00 p.m., October 16, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Rd, Naples. RSVP to Tylan Ricketts at tricketts@willisdavidow.com.
Red Mass Sarasota - The 16th Annual Red Mass will be celebrated by Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice at 5:30 p.m., October 22, at St. Martha Catholic Church, 200 N. Orange Avenue in Sarasota. Judges, lawyers, lawmakers, their families and staff are cordially invited to attend. A reception hosted by the Planning Committee of the Catholic Lawyers Guild will follow in the Fr. Fausto Parish Hall. RSVP before October 11 for the Red Mass and/or reception to Tina Mroczkowski at 941-366-5510 or tinam@bowmangeorge.com.
Catholic Mass on Veterans Day - On Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, the Diocese of Venice will hold its 15th annual Catholic Mass in honor of the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve and protect us today. Opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 p.m., with the Mass at 3:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72/Clark Road, approximately five miles east of I-75. The priests, deacons and Knights of Columbus in the Diocese will join in the celebration of the Mass. All are invited to attend, and active military personnel are asked to wear their uniform. Attendees are also encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is ample seating and parking at the cemetery. For further information please contact Gail Ardy at ardy@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4714. Please see below for a flyer and bulletin ad.
2024 Youth Rally! - All students Grades 9 to 12 are invited to attend this year’s Diocesan Youth Rally from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, November 16 at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. The theme for this year’s Rally is “Ignite!” This is a day dedicated to faith, fellowship, and fun, where all come together to have hearts ignited by the Lord Jesus, so that He can draw each person present into a deeper relationship with Himself. The Diocesan Youth Rally will feature inspiring talks, uplifting music, and opportunities to connect with other youth from across the Diocese. Please contact Andres Prias, Youth and Young Adult Outreach Director, Diocese of Venice Department of Evangelization at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543 for further information.
Jubilee Year 2025 - The various United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committees and corresponding staff have begun to build resources for the Jubilee Year 2025. The landing page for these resources is available HERE. As additional information is released by the Dicastery for Evangelization and the dates for various Jubilees draw closer, this page will be continually updated. The Vatican webpage can be found HERE and offers additional resources for your use. Further, Catholic News Service (CNS) Rome recently published a story regarding the decision to return to the tradition of only opening Holy Doors to the Cathedrals in Rome and the Vatican during the 2025 Jubilee year.
Communications
Day of Prayer for the Health and Wellness of Clergy and Religious - For the second consecutive year, St. John Vianney Center (SJVC) is holding a Day of Prayer to encourage the faithful to support clergy and men and women religious to remain healthy in mind, body and spirit and to show gratitude for them. The Day of Prayer will be livestreamed beginning at 9:00 a.m. on October 18 with Morning Prayer and Adoration, followed by keynote speaker from the Saint John Vianney Center President and CEO David Shellenberger, RN, BSN. A prayer hour will follow led by the Spiritual Care team and will end with Mass celebrated by SJVC Chaplain Father David Brzoka at 11:00 a.m. Please visit www.sjvcenter.org/dayofprayer for further information and to register.
"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 October 25. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available here.
Evangelization
Rosary Congress - The Annual Diocese of Venice Rosary Congress will take place at numerous Parishes throughout the Diocese between Saturday, October 5, and Friday, October 11, in response to Our Lady of Fatima’s call to prayer and conversion. The theme this year is, "Do Whatever He Tells You" (John 2:5), Mary’s last utterance in Scripture, in which she speaks to the servants at the Wedding Feast at Cana. The primary public intention for the Rosary Congress this year will be for the Defeat of Amendment 4. For a list of host Parishes, and the times of the Rosary Congress, click here. All the faithful are welcome to participate at any location at any time.
National Eucharistic Revival Enters Year of Mission - The National Eucharistic Revival now enters its third and final year, The Year of Mission (through June 2025). This is an exciting new season of the Revival movement. The Holy Spirit has enkindled a missionary fire in the heart of our nation, and now is sending out every member of the Church to spread the Good News – sharing the gift of our Eucharistic Lord! This is your chance to be part of it all! Visit the National Eucharistic Revival website to download a Year of Mission Playbook to help you to discern and embark on your personal Eucharistic mission. Join the movement! Become a Eucharistic Missionary!
Vocations
Vocation Awareness Weekend - St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami is hosting a Vocation Awareness Weekend from Friday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. to Sunday, November 10 at 12:00 p.m. This seminary visit is open to young men, ages 17 and up and is an engaging time of prayer, talks, sports, and other fun activities with the seminarians and priests. There is no cost and transportation is provided. To register, please contact Lina Johnson at johnson@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-486-4720.
Office of Marriage and Family Life
Pulpit Announcement for the Weekends of October 5-6 and October 12-13 for Together in Holiness Marriage Enrichment Conference -
Just two more weeks to register for the 4th annual Together in Holiness Marriage Enrichment Conference on Saturday, October 19, at Resurrection Catholic Church, Fort Myers. There will be outstanding speakers, Catholic vendors, and good fellowship with married and engaged couples of all ages from parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice. Childcare is available for those with young children. Those interested can find information in the parish bulletin or can contact the Diocese of Venice Evangelization Office.
Together in Holiness Marriage Conference -The fourth annual Diocese of Venice “Together in Holiness” marriage conference will be held at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers on Saturday, October 19. 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 2:45 p.m. Please see the flier below for further details and registration. Watch! Click here to view an invitation from Bishop Frank J. Dewane to all Catholic married and engaged couples to join him. Space is limited. Please encourage your parishioners to visit http://www.togetherinholiness.org/venice to register.
National Catholic Mental Health Campaign - Since October 2023, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has been working through various Conference Committees and member bishops to promote the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign (https://www.usccb.org/mentalhealth) beginning with a Novena for Mental Health from October 10 – 18. The USCCB will once again run an online novena in October along with video interviews with various bishops. Additional resources can be found on the landing page linked above. Social media graphics for the Novena can be found here. The National Catholic Mental Health Campaign is an opportunity to bring awareness to the mental health crisis by combating the stigma surrounding the topic, encouraging those who need help to seek it, and to allow the local Church to lift up existing mental health initiatives.
Respect Life
New Resources Available - Powerful, short television commercials (including one warning of taxpayer-funded abortion!), and a longer video of the Florida Bishops sharing excerpts from Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, an important USCCB teaching document about our voting responsibility as Catholics are now available on the Diocese Respect Life Resource Page, here. Please continue to share the dangers of Amendments 3 & 4 and encourage the faithful to VOTE NO on these amendments! We can still stop these from passing!
Respect Life Sunday and Respect Life Month - October is Respect Life Month. Although Florida dioceses and parishes will continue to focus on Amendment 4, USCCB graphics are available at www.usccb.org/resources/2024-respect-life-month-graphics which can be used at a later date or in conjunction with the Vote No on 4 campaign. The USCCB prayer cards and posters were shipped to parishes during the summer upon request. For questions or additional information contact Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.
40 Days for Life Midpoint Rally - A flyer and bulletin ad for the Midpoint Rally of 40 Days for Life can be found below. Please include in bulletins September 29, October 6, and October 13.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Catholic Charities
Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery - Catholic Charities is collaborating with the Catholic schools in Sarasota County to assemble "Rebound Buckets" for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, as well as for future needs. The disaster response distribution site will be located at St. Bernard Catholic Church at 248 South Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach Tuesday, October 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Thursday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, or to drop off an assembled Rebound Bucket, contact Tim Granell at 941-786-8087. If you would like to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene in the Diocese of Venice, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
Food Donations Needed - To help fight hunger in Collier County, the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. food pantry, located at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, 3174 Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112, is seeking donations. The food pantry needs non-perishable foods such as canned vegetables and fruits; rice, pasta and grains; peanut butter and canned protein (chicken, tuna, etc.), cereal and other pantry staples. For more details, please contact Allegra Belliard, Program Director, at 239-793-0059 ext. 3304, or at allegra.belliard@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Undy Sunday Collier County - The annual Undy Sunday Campaign will take place in Collier County the weekends of October 19 and 20, and October 26 and 27. This collection of new and unused underwear and socks helps thousands of underserved Elementary School students receive underwear and socks. There are three ways to assist with this campaign. Please see the flyer below for these options and additional information or contact Allegra Bellard at 239-793-0059.
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 2:45 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 Smyth. Childcare, as well as full and partial scholarships, are available. To register or for further information, please visit togetherinholiness.org/venice.
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, November 9. You are not alone! 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! (Bulletin Editors, see below for a 1/4 bulletin ad.)
Statewide Culture of Life Conference - Registration is now open for the 2024 Statewide Culture of Life Conference hosted by the Diocese of Orlando on October 18 and October 19 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. See https://cflcc.org/culture-of-life-conference/ for the lineup of speakers, hotel accommodations and registration. For questions or further information contact Jeanne Berdeaux, Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.
Fall 40 Days for Life Sarasota/Fort Myers/Naples - Join others in praying for an end to abortion from September 25 to November 3 for 40 Days for Life. This peaceful prayer movement needs you and your Parish to join in praying for the unborn and families on the public sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood in Sarasota/Fort Myers/Naples. We need you now more than ever with the push to dispense the abortion pill and the push to pass more extreme abortion measures onto the people of Florida. Please pray for the defeat of Amendment 4. For a complete list of the Forty Days for Life events, please click here.
Special Fort Myers 40 Days for Life Mid-Point Rally - Come and hear Dr. Haywood Robinson, former abortionist turned pro-life Director of Medical Affairs and Education for the National 40 Days for Life Movement, on Thursday, October 17, at 6:00 PM in front of Planned Parenthood, 6418 Commerce Park Drive, Fort Myers. See www.40daysforlife.com/fortmyers for details.
Special Sarasota 40 Days for Life Mid-Point Rally - Come and hear Dr. Haywood Robinson, 40 Days for Life National Medical Director and former abortionist, and Art Reilly, past Board Chair of Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Thursday, October 17, at St. Patrick Parish Center, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. See www.40daysforlife.com/Sarasota for details.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Retreats - The Monthly Days of Prayer in October will be held on Wednesday, October 9 and Sunday, October 13 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. 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 presenter will be Reverend Greg Cleveland, OMV, the topic being “The Saving Stream that Leads to Our True Native Land.” 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. The Ignatian Preached Retreat is scheduled for November 22 to 25; “Can You See Me?” Retreat for November 22 to 24 and the Advent Retreat for December 12 and 13. The new 2025 Spring schedule is posted, there are several openings for 3, 5- and 7-night silent directed retreats. 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 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 Brewing – Restaurant and Brewery, 3045 Fruitville Commons Boulevard, Sarasota. The evening begins with food and refreshments at 7:00 p.m. and presentations, and discussions about the Catholic Faith begin at 8:00 p.m. The next scheduled date is October 17. The speaker will be Father Eric Scanlan, pastor of Incarnation Parish who will discuss St. Theresa of Avila. Please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org with any questions.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
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. Tuesdays for ages 35-55 and Thursdays 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.
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. For further information email jamessylvester1955@gmail.com or call
301-788-3756.
Pro-Life Rally - Show your support to defeat the Abortion Amendment 4 by attending a rally at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 15 at Word of Life Church, 6111 S. Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers. The speakers will include Pastor Gaspar Anastasi and Jim Havens. Please contact Nancy McGovern at 239-850-1539 for further information.
40 Days for Life - Help save lives in Fort Myers on Thursday, October 17 at 6:00 p.m. on the sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood, 6418 Commerce Park Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33966. Former abortionist, Dr. Haywood Robinson, Director of Medical Affairs & Education at 40 Days for Life National, will inspire those in attendance to pray for the mothers and children of Lee County. The event will take place rain or shine. Bring a lawn chair, water and umbrella. No RSVP required. For further information or questions email 40DaysForLifeFM@gmail.com.
Oktoberfest 2024 - San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, is hosting a weekend Oktoberfest, Friday, October 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. All are invited to enjoy live music, great food and company, games for the kids and all the family! The proceeds will support the Reason for Our Hope Campaign. These donations will help complete our Parish Restoration Fund, Upgrades to the Activities Center Kitchen, 2 New AC Units, Security Upgrades and the Creation of an Adoration Chapel. Please visit https://sanpedrocc.org/octoberfest-2024/ for further information or questions or call the Parish Office at 941-426-2500.
"Friends of the Seminary Gala" - 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.
White Mass - 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.
Golf Benefit Tournament - St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School, is hosting a Golf Benefit Tournament beginning at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, October 26 at Spanish Wells Golf and Country Club, 9801 Treasure Cay Lane, Bonita Springs. The tournament is a scramble format, teams and singles welcome. The cost is $175.00 and includes golf fees, awards and prizes, goodie bag and a hot buffet lunch. For player registration and sponsorships, visit SaintElizabethSeton.com/golf. For questions contact Matthew Bucknell @ bucknell@seseton.org or call 239-455-2262.
Ave Maria Veterans Day Ball - All are welcome to attend the Veterans Day Ball at 6:00 p.m. Friday, November 8, at Del Webb Grand Hall in Ave Maria and sponsored by the Parish Knights of Columbus. Tickets are $125 per person and benefit veteran's programs in our nation. Attire is black tie optional for civilians and dinner dress or class A uniforms for active duty and veterans. Contact Dom Micillo at 904-536-1480 or dmicillo@aol.com for more information and to sponsor a Service Table.
Kristallnacht Commemoration - The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County (CJD) invites the community to its annual commemorative service of Kristallnacht or “Night of Broken Glass,” which historians consider the beginning of the Holocaust. The free public event take place at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. The guest speaker is John Koenigsberg, who will share his experiences as a young boy during the Holocaust. At the age of 5, Koenigsberg was brought to the home of a Catholic family by the Dutch Resistance and hid from the Nazis for two years. Kristallnacht recounts the attacks on Jewish communities throughout Germany on Nov. 9-10, 1938. The Kristallnacht commemorative event memorializes the six million Jews and millions of others who were exterminated during the Holocaust. The event is sponsored by CJD, the Diocese of Venice in Florida, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, GenShoah of SWFL, and the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center. Please register at www.jewishnaples.org. A reception will follow the talk.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival - Join St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School for an unforgettable day filled with Mexican-inspired food, beer, activities, and more during their Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival from 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7. The school is located at 21505 Augusta Ave, Port Charlotte. For more information visit www.stcbs.org/festival or contact Alicia Castello at 941-625-5533 ext. 213.
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.