November 1, 2024
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following appointments:
Rev. Sebastian Szczawinski, Pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, is welcomed into the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice and is incardinated into said Diocese, effective November 1, 2024.
Rev. Timothy Deutsch, as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, effective October 21, 2024.
Rev. Rodolfo French Naar, as Parochial Vicar at St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres, effective October 23, 2024.
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for November - For anyone who has lost a child: We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.
Hurricane Relief Collection - Please see below for a letter from Bishop Frank J. Dewane regarding the Hurricane Relief Collection (previously distributed). The Hurricane Relief Collection letter is to be included in the Parish Bulletin the weekend of November 9-10, 2024. This collection replaces the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Collection, previously scheduled.
Urgent! Amendment 4 - A new video message from Bishop Frank J. Dewane warning of the dangers of Amendment 4 is now available. It is asked that this video be shown at all Masses this weekend, the last weekend before Election Day. The video can be viewed above and downloaded here. The text of the video, in both English and Spanish, is available in the attachments below.
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.
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.
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. 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.
2024 Youth Rally! - A new video message from Bishop Frank J. Dewane, above, invites and encourages all Catholic Youth grades 9-12 to attend the Diocese of Venice Youth Rally Saturday, November 16 at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, from 12:20 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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 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.
FOR PASTORS AND PARISH STAFF
Communications Department:
"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 November 29. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available here.
Evangelization Department:
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!
Marriage and Family Life Department:
“There is Hope” Bereavement Outreach - The Office of Family Life is hosting a Bereavement training focusing on training parish bereavement volunteers and those who speak with the bereaved. Deacon Henry deMena will lead the training. Deacon deMena holds a master’s degree in counseling and has extensive training and experience in Bereavement. The sessions will be held December 4th and 5th at St. Maximilian Kolbe, 144 Spear Street, Port Charlotte. Please see below for a flyer and promote to your parishioners. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
Vocations Department:
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.
Respect Life Department:
New Resource Available - A new, brief video message from Bishop Frank J. Dewane is available on the Diocese Respect Life Resource Page, here. Please share this urgent message from the Bishop with your parishioners and continue to encourage the faithful to VOTE NO on this dangerous pro-abortion amendment on this final weekend before Election Day! We can still stop this evil pro-abortion amendment from passing!
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Catholic Charities:
Hurricane Recovery - Do you or someone you know need help recovering from the hurricanes? Would you like to donate time or materials to those in need?
Tee-Up Fore Kids! Fundraiser - Support Catholic Charities' African Caribbean American Center (AFCAAM Center) serving children in the Dunbar Community Thursday, December 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Topgolf, 2021 Top Golf Way, Fort Myers. Tickets are $165 per player and $300 for two players and includes golf, food, and entertainment. To reserve your spot or for more information, call 239-344-4007, email, TeeUp4kids@ccdov.org or visit catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Retreat Center:
Monthly Day of Prayer: "How (Not) to Lead Your Family and Friends Back to the Faith"- Chose either Sunday, November 10 or Wednesday November 13 to treat yourself to a day of faith and understanding at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. Fr. Mark Yavorone will lead the retreat that begins at 9:30 a.m. with continental breakfast and includes two conferences, lunch, Eucharistic Adoration, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private mediation, and prayers. The day concludes with 2:30 p.m. Mass. The cost is $45.00 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Click here to register on the OLPH website or call 941-486-0233. For a complete list of group and individual retreats, please visit olph-retreat.org.
OUT AND ABOUT IN 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.
Faith & Ale Gathering - Men are welcome Thursday, November 7 at 6:00 p.m. as Sam Blair speaks about "The Word, The Flesh & The Devil." This former Navy Seals Lieutenant Commander will speak at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. Register and learn more at www.FaithAndAle.com or Damian Hanley at damianpatrick@gmail.com.
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.
20th Hispanic Fall Festival - "Todos son bienvenidos" (All are welcome!) St. Jude Catholic Church, 3930 17th Street, Sarasota is hosting a fun day of live music, Latin American foods, folklore dance, games and family entertainment on Saturday, November 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call Miki at 941-955-3934.
Marriage Enrichment Event - Registration is open for Love Abound Marriage Enrichment Event Saturday, November 16 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Church Parish Center 3000 26th St., West Bradenton. Enjoy a day of inspiring talks, great food and quality time with your spouse! Contact MIMI_RILLO@yahoo.com or 206.356.8423 to register.
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. 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.
Charism Retreat: In Search of Buried Treasure - Enjoy inspiring talks and engaging activities on Saturday, November 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Katherine Drexel Parish Hall, 1922 SW 20th Ave., Cape Coral. The cost is $25.00 and includes lunch, as well as morning and afternoon refreshments, and the Charism Inventory for Catholics Book Version. Register online at drexelcc.org.
Faith & Wine Lee County - "It's never too late to be (bankrupt, homeless, drug addicted, a drop out) ...or who God created you to be" is the theme of Judy Hehr's talk from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, December 5 at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. Tickets are $28.00 and include a three-course dinner with wine followed by the presentation and the opportunity to connect with other faith-based women. For more information and to register online please visit faithandwineleecounty.com.
Christmas Bazaar - The Women's Guild of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish will host its annual Christmas Bazaar from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. November 9 in Father Pick Hall, 4240 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. The ladies from the Women's Guild have curated a collection of handmade ornaments, trees, wreaths and other holiday-themed trinkets. People will also be able to enjoy a variety of baked goods at the Bazaar. For more information, call 941-383-1255.
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.