January 24, 2025
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for February 2025 - For vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ's mission in the priesthood and religious life.
Our Hope is Always in Jesus Christ - The President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, has issued a statement on the recent Executive Orders signed by President Trump, saying that many issues addressed are “matters on which the Church has much to offer.” Archbishop Broglio reiterates that the Catholic Church is not aligned with any political party, and that the Church’s teachings remain unchanged regardless of who occupies the White House or holds the majority on Capitol Hill. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, let us recall that as Christians, our hope is always in Jesus Christ, the source of all truth. As such, “our prayer is one of hope that, as a Nation blessed with many gifts, our actions demonstrate a genuine care for our most vulnerable sisters and brothers, including the unborn, the poor, the elderly and infirm, and migrants and refugees. The just Judge expects nothing less.”
See below for direct links to Archbishop Timothy Broglio’s statement, and two additional recent statements issued by the USCCB on this topic. The USCCB will publish additional information pertaining to specific Executive Orders on usccb.org.
- Statement from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, 1/22/25, click here.
- Statement from Bishop Mark J. Seitz, chairman, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration, 1/22/25, click here.
- Joint Statement from Bishop Mark J. Seitz, chairman, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration, Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM, president and CEO, Catholic Health Association of the United States, and Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO, Catholic Charities USA, 1/23/25, click here.
Parish staff is encouraged to include the following immigration resource information in Bulletins, given recent Executive Orders which may raise questions for immigrants.
Know Your Immigration Rights (English) - The Catholic Church is committed to defending the sanctity of every human life and the God-given dignity, regardless of nationality or immigration status. Visit the Diocese of Venice website for resources and information regarding immigration, including a “Know Your Rights” brochure offered in both English and Spanish.
Conozca Sus Derechos de Inmigración (Español) - La Iglesia Católica está comprometida a defender la santidad de cada vida humana y la dignidad dada por Dios, independientemente de la nacionalidad o el estatus migratorio. Visite el sitio web de la Diócesis de Venice para obtener recursos e información sobre inmigración, incluido un folleto "Conozca sus derechos" que se ofrece tanto en inglés como en español.
Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference – In recognition and celebration of the third and final year of the National Eucharistic Revival, and the 2025 Jubilee Year, the Diocese of Venice will host a third Eucharistic Conference. The Diocesan-wide event will take place Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center in Punta Gorda located at 75 Taylor Street. The theme of the event is “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries,” and will include Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice, inspirational talks by Dr. Scott Hahn and Kimberly Hahn, and Spanish breakout sessions featuring Mary Ann Weisinger-Puig and Andrés Arango. The Conference will include opportunities for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession. Registration is now open! Cost is $35 per person and includes lunch. (Clergy and Consecrated Religious are free admittance, but registration is requested.) All are welcome. Embrace the opportunity to reinforce your belief in and reverence for the Most Holy Eucharistic, become a Eucharistic missionary and celebrate the Jubilee Year! Register at: dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/eucharistic-conference
"Pilgrims of Hope:" Jubilee Year 2025 - The 2025 Jubilee Year, as established by Pope Francis, has begun. Five locations in the Diocese of Venice have been designated as Jubilee pilgrimage sites by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. These pilgrimage sites are:
- Epiphany Cathedral in Venice
- St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers
- St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples
- St. Paul Parish in Arcadia
- Our Lady of Perpetual Health Retreat & Spirituality Center in Venice
These five locations, located in each of the geographical regions of the Diocese, were selected for the convenience of the faithful, so that they may take advantage of the grace of the Jubilee Year. The public schedule for each of the Diocese of Venice pilgrimage sites will be forthcoming. Further information will be also be available on the Diocesan website.
A series of four Youth & Young Adult Adoration Nights, the first of many opportunities within the Diocese of Venice to participate in the Jubilee Year, has already begun. Each Jubilee Adoration Night takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
- Friday, January 31, St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral
- Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
- Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia
Although the Adoration Nights are youth-focused, with youth-centric music and speakers, all are welcome to come to adore and praise the Lord and celebrate the Jubilee. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested. To register: dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights- For more information contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543.
Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Eastern Deanery February 15 - Five Parishes in the Eastern Deanery will be hosting a Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will visit the parishes of St. James, St. Catherine, Our Lady of Grace, St. Michael, and St. Paul, on Saturday, Feb.15. This is a unique opportunity to respond to the call of the Eucharistic Revival Mission and celebrate the 2025 Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis. The pilgrimage begins at 7:30 a.m., at St. James Parish, 3380 Placid View Drive, Lake Placid, and will include Mass, a Eucharistic Procession and breakfast. Pilgrims will then travel by their own vehicle to St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring, for a 10:00 a.m. Eucharistic Procession. Next will be at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 595 E. Main St., Avon Park, for a noon Eucharistic Procession, followed by lunch. Pilgrims will them proceed to St. Michael Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, for a 3:00 p.m. Eucharistic Procession, followed by snacks. The final stop will be at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia (this is a designated Diocesan Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site), for 6:00 p.m. Mass, which will be followed by food. Pilgrims can participate in as many of the stops as they wish. For more information, please contact Sister Maria Nikopoia, SSVM, at m.nikopoia@servidoras.org or call 863-232-9284.
"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 January 31 and on February 28. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available here.
Scam Alert - Please beware! The Diocese of Venice has learned that several parishioners have received text or 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. The message often claims that the priest/Bishop/staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child, relative, or parishioner. The message then asks the recipient to purchase gift cards/money and then to text/email the redemption code and PIN number. Please know that Diocesan policy prevents any member of the Diocese, whether it be a priest, a nun, or staff member, to request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, or other form of electronic payment via text or email message! 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, or school. If you receive a text or email that you suspect may be a scam, please immediately contact the Diocesan/Parish/school directly!
Catholic Schools Week, January 26 – February 1, 2025 - Please pray for our Catholic School students and staff during Catholic Schools Week, January 26 – February 1! Each day the Diocese’s Catholic School recognize and celebrate a different theme, including parish, community, students, nation, vocations, faculty, and family. The Diocese of Venice has 15 Catholic schools with 6,524 students currently enrolled.
"Invite One Back" Training - Learn how to invite others back to Mass in a non-confrontational way Saturday, February 8 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul Parish Hall, 1330 E. Oak St, Arcadia. This one-day workshop will teach participants person-to-person evangelization and is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Venice and St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE). The cost is $20 per person and includes all materials as well as breakfast and lunch. This training will be in English. Online registration is required at stpaulse.com/venice.
Volunteers Needed for Prison Outreach - Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will “shadow” experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.
Anniversary Masses in 2025 - Two Anniversary Masses will be offered in 2025, for married couples celebrating milestone anniversaries (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 50 years plus). On February 1, 2025, an Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs at 11:00 a.m., and on March 8, 2025, at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, also at 11:00 a.m. Both events will include Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, followed by a reception, and the availability of a photo with Bishop Dewane. Couples must register through their Parish; registration information is forthcoming and will be mailed to Parishes directly.
Catholic Social Doctrine in Medicine - On March 1 from 9:15 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. Converging Roads will present a conference series offering continuing education for health care professionals that equips them to practice the highest ethical and medical standards of their profession at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. For a list of presenters and to register, visit here.
Malta Camp USA - Malta Camp USA, inspired by the Order of Malta’s charism, is a unique 5-day experience for adults with disabilities. The camp is free, and will be offered this summer from June 22-27, 2025, at Siena College in Loudonville, New York (outside of Saratoga). Primarily designed for those 21-40 years of age, Malta Camp participants have an opportunity to feel independent, enjoy new experiences, and make new friends. The camp opens doors for many disabled adults who might otherwise live very “shut-in” lives. To learn more, or to apply, visit www.maltacampusa.org. Application deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025.
2025 Marriage Preparation Retreats (English and Español) - Are you preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage? A specially selected volunteer team of married couples along with a priest will share their experiences and information, enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $60 per couple which includes retreat materials and lunch. The retreat lasts from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact Jim Gontis gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, or call 941-484-9543.
English Speaking Couples:
- Naples: May 10 or September 13 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The cost is $60 per couple which includes retreat materials and lunch. Click here to register.
- Venice: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive
March 15 or November 8 and lasts from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The cost is $60 per couple which includes retreat materials and lunch. Click here to register.
Spanish Speaking Couples:
- Naples: St. Peter the Apostle, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road
February 15-16 or September 20-21. These retreats are not overnight. The cost is $60. Please contact Spanish Marriage Prep Coordinator, Maria Gomez, for more details and to register, 239-302-8548 or marly2002@comccast.net. - Sarasota: St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th Street
March 1, August 2 or October 25. The cost is $60. Please call the Parish office to register 941-955-3934.
Catholic Days at the Capitol - See the lawmaking process in action and meet with legislators to advocate for policies promoting human life and dignity March 18-20 at the Capitol in Tallahassee. Registration is limited and ends February 18. Direct link to register: dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/catholic-days-at-the-capitol-2025
Contact Jeanne Berdeaux by cell 941-374-1068 with questions.
Contact Jeanne Berdeaux by cell 941-374-1068 with questions.
Vocation Awareness Weekend - Discover what the seminarian life is all about during the weekend of March 7-9 at St. John Vianney College Seminary, 2900 SW 87th Ave, Miami. Participants will travel together for a weekend of fellowship, prayer and fun. Speak with seminarian students and teachers about their journey. Transportation is provided. For questions or to register contact Lina Johnson at johnson@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4720.
Theology on Tap February - 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 at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The speaker for Thursday, February 20 is Father Daniel Scanlan from St. Thomas More Parish. 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. Please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org with any questions.
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.)
Better than Chocolate: Preparing to Have Your Best Lent Yet - February's Monthly Day of Prayer at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center, 3989 S. Moon Dr., Venice will be presented by Fr. Leland Thorpe, OMV. Fr. Leland will reflect on how we can prepare now to have our best Lent yet when it begins. Treat yourself to a day of peace and spiritual growth on either Sunday, February 9th or Wednesday, February 12th. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with continental breakfast, and includes two conferences, lunch, Eucharistic Adoration, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation, and prayer. The day concludes with 2:30 p.m. Mass. To register, please visit olph-retreat.org/monthly-day-of-prayer.
Emmaus Experience Women's Retreat - Dedicate time away from the distractions of daily routine to listen to Jesus and the Holy Spirit in an environment of faith, fellowship and worship on Friday, February 28 (early evening) through Sunday, March 2 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center, 3989 S. Moon Dr., Venice. This retreat is based on the Gospel of Luke 24:13-35 in which Jesus joins two disciples on their way to Emmaus. The cost is $275 and includes a double room or $375 for a private room. To register, please contact Donna Vodraska, donnavodraska@aol.com or 630-336-0913. The deadline to register is February 10, 2025.
Easter Triduum Retreat - Supper on Holy Thursday, April 17 begins this 4-day retreat, ending with breakfast on Easter Sunday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center, 3989 S. Moon Dr., Venice. Enjoy six Conferences focusing on the passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord. Celebration of the liturgies of the Lord’s Supper, Way of the Cross, Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, Easter Vigil, and Sunrise Easter Liturgy are celebrated. Confessions also available. Register today at (www.olph-retreat.org) and click on “Schedule of Events.”
Jubilee Pilgrimage Site - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center has been designated as a Jubilee Pilgrimage Site for the 2025 Jubilee. Our Retreat Center is open for visitation Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please check our website for Mass times and confessions.
Immigration Help (English) - Catholic Charities has identified a central contact for immigration questions and information. Marco Sanchez’s services are those of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. Mr. Sanchez’s contact information is marco.sanchez@catholiccharitiesdov.org or 941-208-2384 (direct office line), 941-599-0851 (cell phone). There is no charge for a phone or email conversation. There is a fee of $30 for in-person consultation.
Ayuda de Inmigración (Español) - Caridades Católicas ha identificado un contacto central para preguntas e información de inmigración. Los servicios de Marco Sánchez son los de Caridades Católicas, Diócesis de Venice, Inc. La información de contacto del Sr. Sánchez es marco.sanchez@catholiccharitiesdov.org o 941-208-2384 (línea directa de oficina), 941-599-0851 (teléfono celular). No hay ningún cargo por una conversación telefónica o de correo electrónico. Hay una tarifa de $ 30 para la consulta en persona.
CCF College & Vocational Scholarships NOW OPEN - The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. The deadline for entry is Sunday, March 2 at 11:59 p.m. To apply for all available scholarships, visit ccfdioceseofvenice.org/scholarships. For more information contact Anna Kollmeyer at 941-486-4722 or ccf@dioceseofvenice.org.
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 Parish in the Claussen Center, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, FL. No RSVP is required and for further information, please email Marisa Bermudez at catholicyoungadultsofnaples@gmail.com.
Sidewalk Advocacy Training - Learn how to help abortion-minded women choose life through loving counsel on Saturday, February 1 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 625 111 Avenue North, Naples. Lunch and workbook will be provided. For more information or to register, contact Cyrille Velasco the local leader of Sidewalk Advocates for Life at cyrillevelasco@gmail.com.
2025 Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference, "Spirit Called" - Enjoy enlightening teaching, heartfelt worship and meaningful fellowship at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 21505 Augusta Ave, Port Charlotte from Friday, February 7 (7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) to Saturday, February 8 (8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.). The Friday night event is free, and the Saturday event registration fee is $45 and includes lunch. Visit www.charisms.org to register or contact Maria Lugue at 239-651-9527.
Valentine's Day Dinner Dance - Raise money for the St. Jude New Church fundraising campaign by attending this Valentine's Event on Friday, February 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th Street, Sarasota. Tickets are $100 per couple and include dinner and dancing.
4th Annual Walk for the Poor - Help local neighbors in need with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of St. Andrew's Parish, 2628 Del Prado Boulevard South, Cape Coral at 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15. Registration and/or donations can visit go.rallyup.com/capesvdp
Kentucky Derby Gala & Auction - Help build a brighter future for St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School by attending the Kentucky Derby Gala on Saturday, February 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Heritage Bay Golf & CC, 10154 Heritage Bay Blvd, Naples. The cost is $175 per person and all proceeds benefit ongoing campus and classroom expansions and improvements. For more information contact Gina Groch at 239-455-2262 x321 or to register visit SaintElizabethSeton.com/Gala.
The Regency Garden Gala - Bishop Verot Catholic High School presents a formal evening of timeless regency elegance Saturday, March 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, 5001 Coconut Rd, Bonita Springs. Dress is formal and proceeds benefit the high school. To secure tickets visit www.bvhs.org/advancement/gala. Call the school at 239-274-6700 for additional information.
A Walk in the Garden Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon - Secure your reservation early for the Ladies Auxiliary of The Knights of Columbus Fashion Show and Luncheon Wednesday, March 26 at Lakewood Ranch Country Club, 7650 Legacy Blvd, Lakewood Ranch from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The price is $50 per person with proceeds donated to selected charities. To register or for more information contact Sue Neumann at 208-863-3831 or sueneumann_1@msn.com.
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.