February 21, 2025
Diocesan Priest Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA - Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Gregg M. Caggianelli as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. Bishop-elect Caggianelli is a priest of the Diocese of Venice in Florida and currently serves as the vice-rector of Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.
Bishop Dewane congratulates Bishop-elect Caggianelli on his appointment to the Episcopate and prays that his ministry be filled with blessings and inspiration as he undertakes this new responsibility serving our Lord and our nation. Bishop Dewane asks that all priests, deacons and faithful of the Diocese of Venice share in his joy at this appointment and pray for the successful ministry of Bishop-elect Caggianelli.
Bishop Dewane congratulates Bishop-elect Caggianelli on his appointment to the Episcopate and prays that his ministry be filled with blessings and inspiration as he undertakes this new responsibility serving our Lord and our nation. Bishop Dewane asks that all priests, deacons and faithful of the Diocese of Venice share in his joy at this appointment and pray for the successful ministry of Bishop-elect Caggianelli.
Save the Date - The Chrism Mass, which takes place during Holy Week every year, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 15 at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. During this Mass, Bishop Frank J. Dewane will bless the Holy Oils which are used in the administration of the Sacraments at each parish throughout the year. Priests and Deacons celebrating 25 and 50 years of Ordination are recognized at this Mass. All are encouraged to attend in support of our clergy and to participate in this important Holy Week celebration.
Jubilee Year 2025, Pilgrims of Hope -- Pope Francis has designated the 2025 Holy Year as a time to renew ourselves as “Pilgrims of Hope.” As Pilgrims of Hope, we are asked to carry hope in our hearts and bring hope to others. There are many ways to participate in the Jubilee Year, including right here in the Diocese of Venice! More information about how to participate in the Jubilee Holy Year can be found below, and throughout the year at the Diocese of Venice website: www. dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/
Five locations in the Diocese of Venice have been designated as Jubilee pilgrimage sites by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. 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 2025. 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
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
Jubilee Monthly Days of Prayer - March 5 (Ash Wednesday), and March 9 (First Sunday of Lent) Presenter Father Greg Cleveland, OMV presents, "Food for the Journey: The Eucharist as the New Manna from Heaven." As we begin our Lenten desert journey toward Easter, the Eucharist heals and strengthens us in our surrender to the Lord. To register, please visit olph-retreat.org/monthly-day-of-prayer.
A series of Youth & Young Adult Adoration Nights - Each Jubilee Adoration Night takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
- 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.
Jubilee Year of Hope Retreat: A Path to Healing Your Broken Heart - Walk together on the journey of healing, restoring our hearts and preparing to receive Christ with open arms at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Dr, Venice on Friday, April 11 at 3:00 p.m. through Sunday, April 13 at 1:00 p.m. Led by Father Shawn Monahan, OMV, an experienced guide who has a passion for helping others heal the wounds that come from living in a broken world. Register on OLPH website (www.olph-retreat.org) and click on “Schedule of Events.”
"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 March 28. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available here.
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 Mass - The second of two Anniversary Masses for married couples recognizing milestone anniversaries (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 50 years plus) will be celebrated on March 8, 2025, at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota at 11:00 a.m. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, followed by a reception, and the availability of a photo with Bishop Dewane. Please register through your Parish.
Catholic Social Doctrine in Medicine - On March 1 from 9:15 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. Converging Roads will present a conference offering continuing education for health care professionals that equips them to practice the highest ethical and medical standards of their profession. Students and interested lay people also welcome! The event will be held at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. For a list of presenters or register 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.
Malades & Caregivers-In-Spirit Program – Are you a member of The Order of Malta? If so you may want to take advantage of a special program, which benefits the most seriously ill among us, and/or their caregivers. Called Malades and Caregivers-In-Spirit, each year the Order invites its members to suggest someone they know of who is seriously ill, or their caregiver, to “attend” their annual Lourdes Pilgrimage, in spirit. If you are a member of The Order of Malta and have a candidate for the MIS Program or CIS Program, please speak to that person first; if the person wants to be included in the program, please complete the registration form by April 15th. The registration form can be found at www.orderofmaltaamerican.org/members/lourdes-pilgrimage/mis/
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
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.
40 Days for Life Spring Campaign, March 5 - April 13 - 40 days for Life is an international 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. Campaigns are held in the spring and in the fall. In the Diocese of Venice, 40 Days for Life campaigns are held in three locations: Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples. Sarasota will hold a special Spring Campaign Kick-off event on Monday, March 3, in the parking lot of Community Pregnancy Clinic, 1419 7th Street, Sarasota. The event will feature Shawn Carney, who led the first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign in Texas in 2004. Naples will hold a special Kick-off Event on March 5, 12 noon – 1:00 p.m., on the public sidewalk outside Planned Parenthood, 1425 Creech Road, Naples. The Naples event will feature talks with Ramona Trevino, a former Planned Parenthood manager, and Scott Baier, CEO of Community Pregnancy Clinics. To learn more about how to support or participate in 40 Days for Life in the Diocese of Venice, click on a location below, or visit dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.
Florida Catholic Advocacy Network (FLCAN) - The Florida legislative session is starting soon, and your elected officials need to hear from you! As a Florida Catholic, you have the opportunity to put your faith into action with the Florida Catholic Advocacy Network (FLCAN). Stay informed and advocate for the protection of human life and dignity in state law and policies. Stand up for the vulnerable, including preborn babies, low-income families, children, the sick and dying, immigrants, refugees, incarcerated individuals, and others who often have no voice of their own. Sign up today at flaccb.org/flcan
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, March 20 is Father Nathan Marzonie, OMV. The evening begins with food and refreshments at 7:00 p.m. 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. 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. Please visit the Diocese of Venice website for further information.
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.”
Ignatian Preached Silent Retreat - Father Greg Cleveland, OMV will introduce you to the great themes of the Spiritual Exercises in a group setting Friday, May 9 to Monday May 12. The schedule includes conferences each day, daily Mass, and an opportunity to meet at least once with the retreat director for Confession and/or spiritual direction. Conference topics center on Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment. Register on our website (www.olph-retreat.org) and click on “Schedule of Events.”
Venetian Ball - Saturday, March 22, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $250 per person and will benefit the programs in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties. Contact 239-342-1620 or email VenetianBall@catholiccharitiesdov.org Buy tickets online here: https://one.bidpal.net/vb2025/welcome
Emerald Ball - Wednesday, March 26, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, 2600 Tiburon Dr., Naples at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $400 per person and will benefit the programs in Collier County. Contact 941-786-2762 or email EmeraldBall@catholiccharitiesdov.org Buy tickets online here: https://one.bidpal.net/eb2025/welcome
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.
Cyber Safety Workshop - Ideal for students grade 5 and up to parents and guardians will be held Friday, February 28 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community Parish Center, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers.
Liz Repking, Cyber Safety guru will share stories and strategies for parents and students to keep kids safe online. No cost.
Royal Rummage Sale on Longboat Key - Longboat Key’s “Biggest and Best” Royal Rummage Sale XVII will take place at St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive on February 28 and March 1. The Friday sessions is 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and costs $5 to attend. The Saturday session is free and runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon. For more information, call the Parish at 941-383-1255.
Walks for Life in March - Pregnancy Solutions is hosting three Walks for Life – “A Mosaic of Hope” in March 2025. The first walk is March 1 at Gilchrist Park, 400 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, the next two are both on March 8, one is at Maxine Barrit Park, 1800 Harbor Drive S., Venice, and the other is at Morgan Park, 100 W Hickory St., Arcadia. Each walk begins at 9 a.m. Since 2001, Pregnancy Solutions has protected the vulnerable with an approach that is life-affirming, solutions-based, and Christ-centered with clinics in Port Charlotte, Venice, North Port and Arcadia. Pregnancy Solutions serves babies who have no voice to speak for themselves, moms and dads as we come alongside them with the support they need to confidently step into the role God has called them to, and students as they navigate relationships and make healthy, Godly choices. For more information, or to register, please visit https://pregnancysolutions.org/walk/.
Mardi Gras Festival - Epiphany Cathedral in Venice will hold its first-ever Mardi Gras Festival on March 1. The event will be held on the Epiphany Cathedral School field, located at 316 Sarasota Street, Venice, and will kick off at 11:00 a.m. This family-friendly event promises to be a fun-filled day for everyone, featuring some of the area’s top talent— Florida’s Very Own “Frank Sinatra” & Le Orchestra Fantastique! with Carnival food favorites, kids’ games, raffles, giveaways, and much more! All are welcome.
Night of Eucharistic Adoration with Confession - On Thursday, March 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Incarnation Parish, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, the evening will include Adoration, Confession, and worship music that spans from the traditional "O Salutaris Hostia" and "Tantum Ergo" to "Praise", "Lord I Need You" and other contemporary Christian music. All are welcome. It is both informal and very reverent.
Event to Support Homeless Outreach in Naples - St. William Parish in Naples is hosting the inaugural “A Night of Building HOPE,” an inspiring event dedicated to fostering community support and raising awareness for the homeless in the Naples. The event will take place on March 8, 2025, in the Parish Center at 750 Seagate Drive, Naples. Tickets and sponsorships are available by visiting: https://BUILDHOPE.givesmart.com. For more information about “A Night of Building HOPE” please contact Sharon Tolnai at sharon@saintwilliam.org or 239-330-2267.
Magnificat Catholic Women's Ministry Breakfast - Join us for breakfast, fellowship, praise and worship on Saturday, March 8, from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, at the Crown Plaza Fort Myers Gulf Coast, 9931 Interstate Commerce Dr., Fort Myers.
Reservations can be made online until noon on Monday, March 3 at https://magnificatfortmyers.com/order-tickets/. For more information, contact
Margaret Mengle, 239-826-7475.
San Pedro Bowling Bash 2025 - Support San Pedro's "Reason for Our Hope" campaign Sunday, March 9 at Treasure Lanes, 1059 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte starting at 11:00 a.m. For more information and to register visit sanpedrocc.org/bowling-bash/.
Lenten Parish Mission - St. William Catholic Church, 601 Seagate Dr.
Naples, presents a Eucharistic healing service Monday, March 10 through Wednesday March 12 at 8:30 a.m. and 6:60 p.m. Dominican Friars of the Angelicum in Rome will discuss "The Presence of God." For more information visit www.saintwilliam.org
Naples, presents a Eucharistic healing service Monday, March 10 through Wednesday March 12 at 8:30 a.m. and 6:60 p.m. Dominican Friars of the Angelicum in Rome will discuss "The Presence of God." For more information visit www.saintwilliam.org
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.
The Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell - Join us for a presentation by Jim Gontis, Director, Department of Evangelization for the Diocese of Venice. Wednesday, April 2 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 2157 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers. No cost to attend. For more information, please call 239-334-2161.
Community Pregnancy Clinics Dinner Event - "Reaching Hearts" is the theme of Saturday, April 5 5:00 p.m. dinner event supporting Community Pregnancy Clinics at the Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Dr, Naples. Reception, dinner and keynote speaker from pro-life advocate and Blaze TV host Liz Wheeler are included. To register visit supportcpci.com or email events@community4life.com to learn more.
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.