March 21, 2025
Chrism Mass - The Chrism Mass, which takes place during Holy Week every year, will be held Tuesday, April 15 at 10:30 a.m. 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.
The jubilarians being honored this year are:
Priests 50 Years: Father Gregory Klein, O. Carm., Father Normando Feliz, and Father Michael Mullen
Priests 25 Years: Father Luis Pacheco, and Father Saji Ellickal Joseph, MCBS
Deacon 25 Years: Deacon Richard Klish
All are encouraged to attend in support of our clergy and to participate in this important Holy Week celebration. The Chrism Mass will also be livestreamed at www.sjecc.org/mass-livestream
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Additional Opportunities for Confession - The precept of receiving Holy Communion at least once during the Easter Season merits a reminder. In preparation to receive Holy Communion, the following additional opportunities for Confession will be available to all during the Lenten season, so that the faithful may find ample opportunity to receive God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Check with your local Parish for additional confession times or the availability of a Penance Service.
- Diocesan-wide Confession Times - Every Parish in the Diocese of Venice will be open with a confessor present Friday, April 11, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 12, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
- 24 Hours for the Lord - The Diocese of Venice will be participating in 24 Hours for the Lord on March 28 – 29, as called for by Pope Francis during this Jubilee Year. Several Parishes in each region of the Diocese have been designated to participate in this extraordinary initiative, and will be open for Adoration, with confessors available. In the Northern Deanery, the following three Parishes will be offering this special time of grace and communion with our Lord. For other regions, please check with your local Parish.
- St. Martha Catholic Church, 200 N Orange Ave, Sarasota
- Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, 12905 State Road 70 E, Lakewood Ranch
- San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port
Jubilee Year 2025, Pilgrims of Hope - Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated five locations in the Diocese of Venice as Jubilee pilgrimage sites. The sites are located throughout the Diocese for the convenience of the faithful, so that the grace of the Jubilee Year 2025 may be experienced by all.
- 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
More information about how to participate in the Jubilee Holy Year can be found throughout the year at the Diocese of Venice website: www. dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/
Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference – Embrace the opportunity to reinforce your belief in and reverence for the Most Holy Eucharistic, become a Eucharistic missionary and celebrate the Jubilee Year! The Diocese of Venice will host its third Eucharistic Conference Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The theme of the event is “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries,” and will include Mass celebrated by Bishop Dewane, inspirational talks by Dr. Scott Hahn and Kimberly Hahn, and Spanish breakout sessions featuring Mary Ann Wiesinger Puig and Andrés Arango. All are welcome but space is limited. Reserve your spot today! Learn more and register at https://www.dioceseofvenice.org/eucharistic-congress
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.”
Youth & Young Adult Adoration Nights - Come to adore and praise the Lord during the Jubilee Holy Year! Although these Adoration Nights are youth-focused, with youth-centric music and speakers, all are welcome. One remaining Youth Jubilee Adoration Night is currently scheduled at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak Street, Arcadia, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights-
Special Hour-Long TV Masses Offered for the Homebound - The Diocese of Venice TV Mass for the homebound is broadcast every Sunday and is usually a half-hour program. However, twice a year, two hour-long Masses are offered, and will air at a special time. On Palm Sunday, April 13, and Easter Sunday, April 20, the TV Mass will air from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Fox 4, and from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the CW Network. Fox 4 reaches the counties of Collier, Lee, Hendry, Charlotte, Glades, and Desoto; the CW network reaches the counties of Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee, Desoto, and Highlands. The Easter Sunday TV Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Dewane.
The Sunday Mass on Television is an outreach of the Department of Communications and is supported by the donations of viewers. This outreach serves those who are unable to attend Sunday Mass in one of the parishes of the Diocese. For many homebound individuals, this outreach reminds them that they are loved by their brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the Diocese of Venice, and that they remain a vibrant and loved part of our faith community. For more information about the TV Mass in the Diocese of Venice, including specific channels that carry FOX 4 or the CW Network, or how to donate, please visit dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass, or contact Rachel Powers, powers@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-486-4716.
Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane on Relevant Radio - 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 the last Friday of every month, or anytime at dioceseofvenice.org/ourbishop. The next episode will air on Friday, March 28.
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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.
Weekend Bereavement Retreat - A Walk with Jesus for Grieving Parents is a weekend bereavement retreat for parents who have lost a child. Deacon Henry deMena, M.A., an experienced grief counselor, will lead the retreat, which offers a supportive environment for healing through prayer, reflection, and shared experiences. Parents will find comfort and community as they walk together, and with Jesus, in faith. For more information or to register, please contact: Jim Gontis, Director of Evangelization, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, (941) 486-4754.
Malta Camp USA - Still looking for volunteers! Although the application for campers is now closed, Malta Camp USA is still looking for volunteers, and has extended its volunteer application deadline until Friday, March 28th. Malta Camp USA, inspired by the Order of Malta’s charism, is a unique 5-day experience for adults with disabilities. The camp will be offered this summer from June 22-27, 2025, at Siena College in Loudonville, New York (outside of Saratoga). To learn more, or to apply to be a volunteer, visit www.maltacampusa.org.
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/
40 Days for Life Spring Campaign - 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. The campaign began on Ash Wednesday, March 5, and continues through April 13. In the Diocese of Venice, 40 Days for Life campaigns are held in three locations: Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples. The Naples team will host a Meet & Greet with Shawn Carney Wednesday, April 2, 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. Shawn Carney is the CEO of 40 Days for Life and leader of the first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign in Texas in 2004. 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.
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, March 25, 2025 - Exactly nine months before we celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, we celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord. In today’s Gospel, we hear how Mary answered God’s call to bear his only Son. To honor Our Blessed Mother, the Earthly Mother of Jesus Christ, and her unquestioning "yes" to God, perhaps pray the Hail Mary before your mealtime prayer today with your family.
9 Months in the Womb with Jesus - Follow nine months of Jesus in the womb week-by-week at https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/nine-months-with-christ-in-the-womb/
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
Theology on Tap April - Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. 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.
Young Adults Lenten Retreat - Grow closer to God in the season of Lent at St. Jude Catholic Parish 3930 17th Street, Sarasota on Sunday, March 30, with this opportunity to return to Him with a whole heart. This Wounded in Christ Retreat promises engaging talks, small group discussions, silent prayer and reflection. Adoration, Confession, Mass, and a Communal Dinner are included at no cost. Register at CatholicRetreat.Evenbrite.com. Contact Father Chami for more information at frchami@stjudesarasota.org or 941-955-3934.
Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Summer Camp Missionaries Wanted for Summer 2025! – Totus Tuus is an exciting Catholic Parish Catechetical Camp for students in grades 1 – 12. The weeklong day camp held at Parishes in the Diocese of Venice is led by trained, paid missionaries. Applications are welcomed from anyone age 18 or older with an authentic, dynamic Catholic faith who is actively living the teachings of the Catholic Church. One year of college/work is preferred, but mature recent high school graduates will be considered. This is a great summer experience for anyone who wants to work in ministry, education, or with children in other settings! Click the QR code or visit https://www.totustuus.church/be-missionary to apply!
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.
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.”
Bereavement Retreat for Hispanic Parents - Deacon Roberto Landron is hosting a Spanish-Speaking retreat based on the Catholic faith to offer grieving parents a safe space of peace, comfort, and hope, as they form community with those who share their path. Held at the OLPH Retreat Center the weekend of April 25, 26 and 27, the retreat costs $150 for individuals and $250 for couples. Financial assistance is available. For more information call 239-592-1949.
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 online (www.olph-retreat.org) and click on “Schedule of Events.”
Emerald Ball - Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 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
New Fund Provides Opportunity to Leave Lasting Legacy Supporting Those In Need
A new Legacy Fund supporting the work of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., is now available at the Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) and was established with the funds previously held by the former Catholic Charities Foundation. The new CCF Catholic Charities Legacy Fund exclusively supports the operational and capital expenses of Catholic Charities, thus helping it fulfill its mission of supporting those in need within the Diocese of Venice in Florida. Additionally, several new donor-restricted funds have been established within the CCF to support specific Catholic Charities programs, aligning with the original intentions of the donors when they created these funds with the Catholic Charities Foundation.
Through the new CCF fund, donors to the former Catholic Charities Foundation gain access to proven best practices in administering endowments, handling bequests, and stewarding donor-restricted funds. To learn more about the Catholic Charities Legacy Fund, creating your own Catholic Legacy with the Catholic Community Foundation, or other gifting options, please contact Michael Morse at 941-441-1124 or Morse@dioceseofvenice.org.
5-Day Parish Lenten Mission - “Living the Sacraments” – Finding God at the Intersection of Heaven & Earth" Lenten Mission at St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th Street, Sarasota, Sunday, March 30 through Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. (English) and 7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. (Spanish). Five evenings, 5 topics presented by Redemptorist Priests, Fr. Patrick Keyes and Fr. Moisés Mosqueda Ventura, CSS.R. For more information, please call 941-955-3934.
The Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell - A presentation by Jim Gontis, Director of Evangelization, 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 the Saturday, April 5 dinner event supporting Community Pregnancy Clinics at the Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Dr, Naples. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. and includes a reception, dinner and a talk by pro-life advocate and Blaze TV host Liz Wheeler. To register visit supportcpci.com or email events@community4life.com to learn more.
Our Lady of Light Divine Mercy Service - Gather at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Dr., Fort Myers Thursday, April 24 at 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. for Adoration followed by Benediction. Spend some time in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament and the Divine Mercy Image. Followed by Bilingual (Spanish and English) Service of Prayer, Sung Chaplet and Consecration from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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.