April 4, 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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Diocesan-wide Confession Times - The precept of receiving Holy Communion at least once during the Easter Season merits a reminder. To provide ample opportunity for all to prepare for Holy Communion by receiving God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, 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.
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/
Eucharistic Pilgrimage Highlights Video - View highlights from the Eucharistic Pilgrimage in the Eastern region of the Diocese of Venice (above)! A local expression of the National Eucharistic Revival, and celebration of the Jubilee Year, the day-long event concluded with Mass at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, a Diocese of Venice Jubilee Pilgrimage Site, and included hundreds of "Pilgrims of Hope."
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.”
Jubilee Youth Pilgrimage -- Join together with the young people of the Diocese of Venice on Saturday, April 26, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for a special Jubilee Year Youth Pilgrimage to the DeSoto Eucharistic Monument in Bradenton, 8250 DeSoto Memorial Highway. The pilgrimage will be a day of prayer, reflection, adoration and celebration of the Eucharist in the context of the Jubilee Year 2025. Inspired by the theme “Pilgrims of Hope," this event invites youth to grow in their faith, embrace renewal, and strengthen their commitment to Christ. Adoration and Mass on site at the Monument will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. For more information, or with questions, contact Andres Prias, 941-441-1122.
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 for Friday, May 2 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. The Easter Sunday TV Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Dewane. For more information about the television Mass, visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass, or contact Rachel Powers, 941-486-4716.
For Parishes: TV Mass Scheduling & Participation - Rachel Powers, Communications Coordinator, is now responsible for the TV Mass program in the Communications Department. Please contact Rachel with any questions regarding TV Mass, or to inquire about hosting a television Mass taping at your Parish! 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, April 25.
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Next Mustard Seed April 25, 2025 - Please note that the next publication date for The Mustard Seed is Friday, April 25, 2025; there will be no Mustard Seed on Good Friday. The 2025 Mustard Seed publication schedule is attached for your convenience.
National Eucharistic Revival Year of Mission Resources - Now in its third and final year, the Year of Mission, the National Eucharistic Revival asks all Catholics to become "Eucharistic Missionaries." The National Eucharistic Revival has various resources available, including a webinar series to help form you in your faith and equip you to share it with others. The next webinar will be on April 15 at 8 p.m. and will focus on a pastoral approach to same sex attraction; this episode aims to equip participants with compassionate and authentically Catholic guidance. The webinar will be led by Kim Zember and Manny Gonzalez. Kim will share her struggles of living a double life while pursuing earthly desires such as sexuality, money, and comfort. Manny will share his personal experiences with same sex attraction and invite others to seek fulfillment within the Catholic Church. To register: https://dioceseofveniceinflorida.org/webinarApril15. Stay tuned to Year of Mission! - Diocese of Venice to learn more about how you can become a Eucharistic Missionary, sharing the Catholic faith with others. For more information, or with questions, please contact Jim Gontis.
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 - May 2 - 4, 2025. 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.
Bereavement Retreat for Hispanic Parents - April 25 - 27 - 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 retreat costs $150 for individuals and $250 for couples. Financial assistance is available. For more information call 239-592-1949.
Retiro Para Padres en Duelo Caminando Con Jesús - Del 25 al 27 de abril - El Diácono Roberto Landron está organizando un retiro de habla hispana basado en la fe Católica para ofrecer a los padres en duelo un espacio seguro de paz, consuelo y esperanza, mientras forman una comunidad con aquellos que comparten su camino. Llevado a cabo en el Centro de Retiros OLPH, el retiro cuesta $150 para individuos y $250 para parejas. Hay asistencia financiera disponible. Para obtener más información, llame al 239-592-1949.
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. To learn more about how to support or participate in 40 Days for Life in the Diocese of Venice, click on a location below, visit dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife, or contact Tavia Ames, 941-441-1101.
Sarasota Spring Campaign Closing Event: Jericho Walk - Join us for our 40 Days for Life Spring Campaign Closing Event, Jericho Walk, Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 4:15 p.m., at the parking lot of Community Pregnancy Clinic, 1419 7th Street, Sarasota. Just as Joshua and the Israelites did to bring down the walls of Jericho, we will walk around the block of Sarasota Planned Parenthood seven times in silent prayer, praying to God to bring down the walls around hearts to end abortion in Sarasota, in Florida and in the U.S. (Note: Block is .25 miles). You are welcome to attend but not walk or walk only part of the way. There will also be scripture readings, prayer, and a recap of the spring campaign, including where we go from here. Please note, this is a "bring your own chair" event. To learn more about how to support or participate in 40 Days for Life in the Diocese of Venice, visit dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife, or contact Tavia Ames, 941-441-1101.
“Way of the Cross" Prayer Service for Victims of Abortion” - Through His Holy Passion, Our Lord united Himself with all the victims of suffering in this life. None suffer more innocently than children in the womb whose lives are taken by abortion, and their mothers and fathers who carry the burden of abortion for the rest of their lives. On Good Friday, April 18, at 10:00 a.m., a special "Way of the Cross" Prayer Service for all those affected by abortion will be held on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood in Naples, at 1425 Creech Road. Please join us as we pray for healing for the victims of abortion and for a final end to this injustice in our land. For more information, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-441-1101, or Annette Petrone, annettep@reagan.com, 631-599-9748.
9 Months in the Womb with Jesus - Follow nine months of Jesus in the womb week-by-week! Week-by-week graphics, as above, are available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/nine-months-with-christ-in-the-womb/
Theology on Tap April - Calling all young adults! Join us for faith, fellowship and fun at Theology on Tap on the third Thursday of every month. 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. The evenings are held at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park, and begin with food and refreshments at 7:00 p.m., and presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning at 8:00 p.m. For more information, or with questions, contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org.
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. To learn more about the Totus Tuus program, or to apply, visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/totustuus2025. For more information, or with questions, contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org.
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.”
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.”
Faith & Ale - Listen to Rev. Edwin Leahy Headmaster of St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, NJ speak about "The 154 Year Success Story of an Inner-City School Making a Difference" Thursday, April 10 at St. Cecilia Catholic Parish, 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers at 6:00 p.m. There is no cost, however a donation of $10 is appreciated. Register at faithandale.com.
Good Friday Way of the Cross - Gather at Epiphany Cathedral for a solemn procession through downtown Venice, Good Friday, April 18, 11:00 a.m. Meet at the Parish Hall entrance, Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota Street, Venice.
Celebration of Canonization of Carlo Acutis - Calling all young Catholics! A multi-day celebration of the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the world's first millennial saint, will be hosted by St. Patrick Parish at 7900 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota, the weekend of April 26 - 27, 2025. The event will begin in the Parish Hall at 4:30 a.m. (!) on Saturday, April 26, with an exciting LIVE WATCH PARTY of the Canonization Ceremony broadcast from Rome. (The taped ceremony will be replayed later in the day, as well, along with multiple other movies.) Carlo Acutis's famous traveling Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit will on display throughout the weekend, and there will be multiple other fun activities including a signing station with a Get Well card for Pope Francis, a prayer station to ask Carlo Acutis's intercession for personal intentions, and more. The event will conclude with a Divine Mercy Celebration on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the church. All are welcome, and registration is not required. For more information, or with questions, please contact Sue Thompson, sue@churchofstpatrick.org, 941-378-1703, extension 309.
Celebrate the Canonization of Carlo Acutis at Epiphany Cathedral - In recognition of the upcoming canonization of Carlo Acutis, Epiphany Cathedral in Venice will hold a special event for all young people throughout the Diocese on Sunday, April 27, beginning at 12:30 p.m. View sacred relics of Carlo Acutis and St. Faustina Kowalska, and watch a movie about the first ever millennial saint's life! Enjoy a special Holy Hour, and an Italian picnic! All are welcome! For more information, or with questions, contact Wendy Barroso, 941-615-0270.
Our Lady of Light Divine Mercy Service - Gather at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Dr., Fort Myers Sunday, April 27 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.
Eucharistic Conference at Ave Maria - The 2025 Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Conference is scheduled for May 16 – 18, at Ave Maria University. The theme is “Be it done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). The Conference will include talks from Father Chris Alar, Dr. Edward Sri, Mary Healy, Mother Adela Galindo, Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Jon Niven, and Mark Miravalle. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, lodging and meals. Registration is $190. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.aveconferences.com/, or email aveconferences@gmail.com, or call 239-348-4735.
Ave Maria Youth Conference - The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13. The theme for the Conference is “But as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). The Conference will include talks from Sister Maria Jose Socias, SCTJM, Michael Gormley, Mari Pablo, and Father Joseph Lugalambi. Music will be by Epic Music Ministries. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, lodging, meals, t-shirts, a pizza night, and more. Registration is $195. per person. For more information or to register, please visit https://www.aveconferences.com/, or email aveconferences@gmail.com, or call 239-348-4735.
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.