June 19, 2026
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in consultation with the Priest Personnel Board, announces the following appointments:
Reverend Robert G. Mulligan, OSFS, is relieved of his duties as Administrator of St. Ann Parish in Naples, effective July 1, 2026, and thus will return to his Religious Community.
Reverend Cory A. Mayer is appointed as Administrator of St. Ann Parish in Naples, effective July 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City.
Reverend Krzysztof Piotrowski is appointed as Administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City, effective July 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.
Reverend Paul Dechant, OSFS, is relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers, effective July 1, 2026, and thus will return to his Religious Community.
Reverend Michal Szyszka is appointed as Administrator of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers, effective July 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres.
Reverend Christian Chami is appointed as Administrator of St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres, effective July 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Jude Parish in Sarasota.
Reverend Francis Hanlon, OSFS, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers, effective July 1, 2026, and thus will return to his Religious Community.
Reverend Russell Wright is appointed as Administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, effective July 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of Church of St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota.
Reverend Robert G. Mulligan, OSFS, is relieved of his duties as Administrator of St. Ann Parish in Naples, effective July 1, 2026, and thus will return to his Religious Community.
Reverend Cory A. Mayer is appointed as Administrator of St. Ann Parish in Naples, effective July 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City.
Reverend Krzysztof Piotrowski is appointed as Administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City, effective July 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.
Reverend Paul Dechant, OSFS, is relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers, effective July 1, 2026, and thus will return to his Religious Community.
Reverend Michal Szyszka is appointed as Administrator of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers, effective July 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres.
Reverend Christian Chami is appointed as Administrator of St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres, effective July 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Jude Parish in Sarasota.
Reverend Francis Hanlon, OSFS, is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers, effective July 1, 2026, and thus will return to his Religious Community.
Reverend Russell Wright is appointed as Administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, effective July 1, 2026, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of Church of St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota.
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The Ordination and Installation Mass of Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, OFM Cap., will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 11, at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers. Out of necessity, due to high demand and capacity constraints, this event is by Invitation Only.
But all are called to be part of this historic moment via livestream! Both the Ordination Mass on July 11 and the Solemn Vespers, Friday, July 10, will be livestreamed via the Diocesan website or on Facebook.
Parishes are encouraged to hold Watch Parties, showing the livestream, so that together we may all be part of this joyous and historic moment in the Diocese of Venice.
Please join us in prayer as we welcome Bishop Emilio to the Diocese of Venice!
For more information on Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, OFM Cap., click here.
But all are called to be part of this historic moment via livestream! Both the Ordination Mass on July 11 and the Solemn Vespers, Friday, July 10, will be livestreamed via the Diocesan website or on Facebook.
Parishes are encouraged to hold Watch Parties, showing the livestream, so that together we may all be part of this joyous and historic moment in the Diocese of Venice.
Please join us in prayer as we welcome Bishop Emilio to the Diocese of Venice!
For more information on Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, OFM Cap., click here.
The Year of St. Francis
Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City to serve as a pilgrimage destination for the Diocese of Venice in the extraordinary Jubilee Year of St. Francis, honoring St. Francis of Assisi on the 800th anniversary of his death. All are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to the Parish during this Jubilee Year for a unique experience of encounter, prayer and renewal. The Church and its Poor Clare Adoration Chapel are open to welcome pilgrims every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at other times by arrangement. Read an invitation from the Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Rev. Cory Mayer, here.
Background
By decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary issued on January 10, 2026, at the request of Pope Leo XIV, the Church has solemnly proclaimed a special Year of St. Francis of Assisi, running from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027. This Jubilee Year commemorates the 800th anniversary of the passage into Heaven of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226), one of the most beloved saints in Christian history. The Papal Decree emphasizes the enduring relevance of St. Francis in today’s world. His radical Gospel life – marked by poverty, humility, peace, and love for creation – continues to speak powerfully to a humanity wounded by division, violence, and indifference. The Holy Father invites all the Faithful to rediscover Francis not merely as a gentle lover of nature, but as a man conformed to Christ Crucified, whose life was a living proclamation of the Gospel, and a model of Christ’s peace.
Pray for Priests Calendar - The Diocese of Venice is blessed to have 119 priests on official assignment in the Diocese. The Pray for Priests Calendar honors a priest each day with a designated day for prayer and gratitude; all priests in the Diocese are listed on at least one day during the year. If you do not see your priest listed this month, please check again next month! (Priests are honored daily throughout the year via alphabetical order.) Print your very own Pray for Priests Calendar here.
Pray for Safety! Hurricane Season is here - The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. With a history of these storms producing destruction in the region, Bishop Frank J. Dewane reminds us that we must pray for safety: “Let us all ask God for protection and safety and also pray for the people who continue to recover from previous disasters."
To view or download a Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season in English or Spanish, visit the Diocese of Venice website.
To view or download a Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season in English or Spanish, visit the Diocese of Venice website.
For the nine months from the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord (March 25) to Christmas (December 25), all are invited to meditate on the mystery of the incarnation in a unique way. Nine months with Christ in the womb draws our attention to Jesus during the nine months he lived within Mary. In meditating on the mystery of Christ’s humility in the womb, a new appreciation for the dignity of our brothers and sisters is awakened. Click here to follow along!
Marriage Prep Retreats/Seminars - Marriage Preparation Retreats are required by the Diocese of Venice for those couples preparing for Sacramental Marriage in the Catholic Church. The retreats are from 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. and the $60 registration fee includes all retreat materials and lunch. Registration is required. Couples unable to attend an in-person retreat may contact the Diocesan Marriage Prep office to register for the online version. Please contact Jim Gontis, (941) 486-4754.
- Day of Reflection Marriage Retreat - A specially prepared volunteer team of married couples, and a priest, share their experiences and information, enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. The next Marriage Retreat is scheduled for September 12 at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples and November 7 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center. Register now.
- Two Become One Marriage Retreat (55 and older) - Couples 55 and older preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage or convalidation in the Catholic Church. The next Two Become One Marriage Retreat is on September 26 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center. Register now.
Totus Tuus Parish Catechetical Summer Camps! For Grades 1 - 12
Remaining camp opportunities include:
June 21-26
St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral
Sacred Heart Parish, Bradenton
June 28- July 4: BREAK, NO CAMP
July 5-10
June 28- July 4: BREAK, NO CAMP
July 5-10
St. James Parish, Lake Placid
St. Catherine Parish, Sebring
Our Lady of Grace Parish, Avon Park
Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle
July 12-17
Our Lady of Grace Parish, Avon Park
Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle
July 12-17
St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton
Our Lady of Light Parish (Day Session)/ St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers (Evening Session)
July 19-24
July 19-24
Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch
St. Jude Parish, Sarasota
Sign up at the Parish!
For more information, contact Andres Prias, 941-441-1122
Theology on Tap, Thursday, July 16 - Calling all young adults! Join Catholic young people from across the Diocese for an evening of fellowship, faith and fun! Theology on Tap is an opportunity for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. Theology on Tap meets on the third Thursday of every month at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. No need to register in advance. This month, the group will meet on Thursday, July 16, at 7:00 p.m. Featured speaker is Dr. David Tomasic, OFS, DRE of Epiphany Cathedral Catholic Church who will be leading a talk called, "The Eucharist Commits Us to the Poor: A Reflection of Secular Franciscan Spirituality." To learn more, contact Andres Prias, 941-441-1122.
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.
Join Us in Making a Difference. Volunteer! - Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice helps solve the problems of those in need – non-Catholics and Catholics alike.
The neglected child, the homeless family, and the hungry senior are among those for whom we provide help and create hope. You can do your part too, by volunteering to work with one of our programs, located throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, Glades, Collier, Desoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties. Sign up today HERE.
The neglected child, the homeless family, and the hungry senior are among those for whom we provide help and create hope. You can do your part too, by volunteering to work with one of our programs, located throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, Glades, Collier, Desoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties. Sign up today HERE.
Mental Health Counseling Services - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice is offering Mental Health Counseling, and Tele-Health Counseling, for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information, please call 239-455-2655 or visit Catholic Charities online
To view all OLPH events, visit www.olph-retreat.org and click on Events, then Schedule of Events. Register online for all events.
Retreat Center Open House June 27 - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is inviting the faithful to join them for a day of prayer, rest, renewal, and fellowship for an Open House, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., June 27, 2026, the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Come spend time exploring the peaceful grounds, touring the facilities, meeting the team, and learning more about the retreats and programs offered at the Center. Whether you have visited many times or have never been before, the OLPH team would love to welcome you. OLPH is located at 3989 S. Moon Dr., in Venice. Please RSVP by June 20, 2026, by calling 941-486-0233.
Request a Mass - The practice of requesting a Mass to be offered for the needs of a specific person, for a special intention, or in thanksgiving is a wonderful part of Catholic tradition. To have a Mass celebrated for a special occasion, on behalf of a family member/friend, or a deceased loved one the donation amount is $10.00 per Mass. Please complete the online form to register your intention.
Request a Mass - The practice of requesting a Mass to be offered for the needs of a specific person, for a special intention, or in thanksgiving is a wonderful part of Catholic tradition. To have a Mass celebrated for a special occasion, on behalf of a family member/friend, or a deceased loved one the donation amount is $10.00 per Mass. Please complete the online form to register your intention.
Private Retreats at OLPH - Our spring schedule has openings for 3, 5, and 7-night individual (directed) retreats. Group retreats are also available: To learn more or to register for a group or private retreat, please visit the OLPH website.
Volunteers - Our Lady of Perpetual Help is in need of volunteers. Areas of need include reception, gardening, dishwashing, serving meals. Contact the office to sign up, 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/new-volunteer
Breaking Open the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart – A presentation by Jim Gontis, Director of Evangelization, Diocese of Venice, will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church, 208 N. Deane Duff Avenue, Clewiston, FL 33440. This talk will explore the meanings of the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, following a full day of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Margaret’s. All are welcome, and admission is free of charge. For more information, contact Jim Gontis, (941) 486-4754.
Catholic Fellowship Around Naples for Singles - Meet-Up at the Museum will be held at the Baker Museum/Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, for Catholic singles ages 30-59 on Sunday, June 28 at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free and no RSVP required.
Catholic Fellowship Around Naples for Singles - Meet-Up at the Museum will be held at the Baker Museum/Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, for Catholic singles ages 30-59 on Sunday, June 28 at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free and no RSVP required.
Ave Maria 10th Annual "God Bless America" Parade - Saturday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m. join the parade of bikes, trikes, golf carts, skateboards, and strollers, decorated or not, in front of the Ave Maria Catholic Church, 5088 Annunciation Cir, Ave Maria. There will be a "Blessing of the Bikes," a reflection by an Ave Maria veteran and birthday cake for our Nation. The route is approximately 2 miles long and all are welcome.
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.
"If you have faith the size of a mustard seed...nothing will be impossible for you."