July 24, 2026
Welcome to our new shepherd, Bishop Emilio!
Thank you to all who joined us and prayed with us during the Bishop Emilio's Ordination weekend, either in person or via livestream. Recordings of the livestreams from both Solemn Vespers and the Ordination and Installation Mass can be accessed here, or by clicking the button below. Bishop Emilio's remarks after Mass are also available and are attached below. (Stay tuned for a playlist from the Ordination Mass, available soon!)
More information about our new bishop can be found on the Diocese's website, in the Florida Catholic Special Welcome Edition, or in the paper's latest edition.
For Parishes: Above and attached below is Bishop Emilio's expanding travel schedule for August, as he travels throughout the Diocese. Feel free to share with your parishioners! The list is still growing, and we will update regularly.
For Parishioners: Bishop Emilio has been traveling throughout the Diocese and remains committed to meeting as many of the Diocese's faithful as possible, as soon as possible! Watch your Parish Bulletin for more information.
For Parishioners: Bishop Emilio has been traveling throughout the Diocese and remains committed to meeting as many of the Diocese's faithful as possible, as soon as possible! Watch your Parish Bulletin for more information.
As he travels throughout the Diocese, Bishop Emilio visits and prays at the DeSoto National Memorial Cross and Eucharistic Monument in Sarasota on July 22, 2026.
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The Year of St. Francis
Bishop Frank J. Dewane 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.
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.
Get to Know Bishop Emilio!
An email outlining new communications resources available regarding our Bishop was sent to Pastors and Parish staff last week and can also be accessed here. Of note, official portraits of our Bishop will be delivered to Parishes and Schools in the next two weeks. With questions, or for more information please contact Karen Barry Schwarz, 941-441-1118.
A brief video interview with our new shepherd, Getting to Know Bishop Emilio, is now available in both English and Spanish. To view or download the videos, or for more information, visit the Bishop's page on the Diocese's website here.
Are you and all your parishioners subscribed to the Florida Catholic? All the latest Diocesan news, including more and breaking news about our new Bishop and his activities throughout the Diocese, can be found there. A new digital edition is available every Friday. It's easy to subscribe, and it's free! Share this link with your Parish to encourage sign-ups! Questions? Contact Bob Reddy, 941-486-4701.
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 languages, visit the Diocese of Venice website.
Parish Team Bereavement Training – Parish bereavement teams and volunteers are invited to attend a bereavement outreach training with Deacon Henry deMena on November 2, 2026, at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. For more information, please contact Jim Gontis at (941) 486-4754.
Holiday Bereavement Outreach Retreats – Those grieving the loss of a loved one are invited to “There Is Hope: Coping with the Death of a Loved One During the Holidays", a Catholic bereavement retreat led by Deacon Henry deMena and offered at four locations throughout the Diocese of Venice on November 3-6, 2026. For more information, please contact Jim Gontis at (941) 486-4754.
Pennies for Babies! - The Pennies for Babies Fund is a Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice initiative that supports pregnant mothers and their newborn babies in need. It is part of the Diocese's broader Walking with Moms in Need program. The fund raises money to provide material needs for expectant mothers and newborns, such as maternity and baby clothes, diapers and other essentials. If you wish to help pregnant women in need, please consider giving to the Pennies for Babies Fund. Send checks (not cash) to Catholic Charities Pennies for Babies Fund, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. With questions, please contact Tavia Ames, 941-441-1101.
Volunteers needed! Help moms and babies! - Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., is looking for volunteers to assist in helping moms and their babies in Venice. Our Mother’s House has provided transitional housing to homeless mothers and their children since 1987. The program’s mission is to offer single mothers and their preschool-age children a safe and secure environment to achieve increased self-sufficiency through education, vocational training, and personal growth. Volunteers are needed for assistance with childcare, maintenance, fundraising, and administration. To inquire about volunteering, please call 941-485-6264 or email Celia Kane, Program Manager, Our Mother's House, 941-485-6264, ext. 1505.
It's Natural Family Planning Awareness Week! - As Catholics, we are called to responsibility in our parenthood, considering first what God asks of us, what is good for us as a couple, our family and society in general. The only viable alternative to artificial birth control, Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a safe, natural means to conform a couple’s fertility in accordance with God’s plan. Learn more about Natural Family Planning! Several upcoming Natural Family Planning Educational Opportunities are coming up. St. Gianna's Center for Women's Health & Fertility Care offers excellent introductory educational sessions online for free. Upcoming sessions begin as early as August 8. Register for the Zoom sessions here. With questions, call 813-421-4625, or email the St. Gianna Center or, at the Diocese of Venice, Jim Gontis, (941) 486-4754. More information about NFP can be found in the attached flyer or on the Diocese's website, here.
World Day for Grandparents & The Elderly, in the United States: September 12-13, 2026 -- Celebrate grandparents and the elderly, the first and best teachers of the faith to our families. The theme for the 2026 celebration selected by the pope is “I will never forget you” (cf. Isaiah 49:5). This theme reminds us that God’s unwavering love is the ultimate answer to the isolation and neglect so often experienced by the elderly. It brings comfort and hope, assuring us that the Lord knows each of us personally, forgets no one, and loves us unconditionally, even through the frailties of old age.
(Note: The U.S. bishops have approved the transfer of the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the U.S. from its original date of the last weekend in July, to the first weekend after Labor Day, September 12 and 13, 2026, to coincide with National Grandparents (and the Elderly) Day in the United States.)
Click here for a message from Pope Leo regarding World Day for Grandparents & the Elderly in 2026. "I will never forget you." (Is 49:15)
Click here for a Prayer for World Grandparents Day, and other pastoral guidelines for the day's celebration from the Dicastery for Laity Family and Life.
(Note: The U.S. bishops have approved the transfer of the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the U.S. from its original date of the last weekend in July, to the first weekend after Labor Day, September 12 and 13, 2026, to coincide with National Grandparents (and the Elderly) Day in the United States.)
Click here for a message from Pope Leo regarding World Day for Grandparents & the Elderly in 2026. "I will never forget you." (Is 49:15)
Click here for a Prayer for World Grandparents Day, and other pastoral guidelines for the day's celebration from the Dicastery for Laity Family and Life.
Save the Date! Together in Holiness Marriage Conference – Married and engaged couples are invited to the sixth annual Together in Holiness marriage conference on October 24, 2026, from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers. Spend quality time with your spouse, hear from dynamic national and local speakers, and rejuvenate your marriage through the Sacraments. Registration: $64/couple and $5/child for on-site childcare. An Early Bird discount is available through September 14 as well as scholarships upon request. This conference is presented by the Diocese of Venice and the St. John Paul II Foundation. To register, visit togetherinholiness.org/venice. For any questions, contact Jim Gontis or the conference coordinator, Nancy Ariza.
2026 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. Various retreats are available, including Day of Reflection (for all), Two Become One (for those 55 and older), Hispanic Marriage Preparation (in Spanish), and online. To view the available offerings, please click here to visit the Diocese's Office of Marriage & Family website or contact Jim Gontis, (941) 486-4754.
Is God calling you? -- Are you considering the priesthood, or do you think it might be right for someone you know? Please feel free to reach out to the Diocese’s Director of Vocations, Father Alex Pince, for an informal discussion. Father Pince is available to answer your questions, or provide more information, including resources to help you to discern whether the priesthood is right for you. Father Pince can be reached by email, or phone, 941-486-4703.
Theology on Tap, Thursday, August 13 - 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. Next month, the group will meet on Thursday, August 13, at 7:00 p.m. Featured speaker is Father John Belmonte, Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Venice. 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.
Summertime and the Giving is Easy Appeal - Every day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, serves the most vulnerable population in the Diocese’s 10 counties by feeding, housing, empowering, and helping all in need. This summer, you can be the one that makes a difference. Your acts of kindness have the power to transform lives. The Catholic Charities “Summertime and the Giving is Easy" appeal needs your support. The giving is easy! To donate to “Summertime and the Giving is Easy," visit Summertime Giving, or mail a check to Catholic Charities, “Summertime and the Giving is Easy,” 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. If you have any questions, please call 941-488-5581. The appeal continues through August.
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.
Monthly Days of Prayer - The Monthly Day of Prayer is an opportunity to take time out of your busy and hectic life to focus on God. Join us Wednesday Sept 9 or Sunday, Sept 13 for "Heroic Service in the Church: The Life and Legacy of Venerable Bruno Lanteri." Fr. Leland will share about the heroic holiness and service of Venerable Bruno Lanteri, founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. Fr. Lanteri lived through times of great upheaval and was instrumental in rebuilding the Church in his day and raising up a wave of holiness among God’s people. His teaching and witness continue to be a blessing to the Church today, especially through the ministry of his spiritual sons, the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. The day begins at 9:30am with Continental breakfast and includes two conferences by our OLPH priest, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, lunch, and Mass. Time for adoration, private prayer, or meditation on our beautiful grounds as well. The day concludes at 3:15pm. The cost is $45. Register here.
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
Abortion is Not Healthcare: Refuting the Lies of the Abortion Industry - A free virtual webinar with Dr. William Lile -- Join us for a virtual webinar and fascinating discussion with Dr. Wiliiam Lile, a prolife doctor, on Wednesday, August 12 from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm as he shares his wealth of knowledge to refute the lies of the abortion industry. RSVP here. Meet Dr. Lile and view a promo about the upcoming webinar below!
Parish Marriage Retreat - Ave Maria Parish invites all married couples to the Annual Marriage Retreat, Saturday, August 22 at Ave Maria Catholic Academy,
4955 Seton Way, Ave Maria, for a special day dedicated to strengthening marriages through faith, prayer, and fellowship. The retreat is from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and will be led by Fr. Leandro Fernandez. The cost is $125 per couple, which includes breakfast and lunch. Childcare is available for $15 per child. Register HERE.
4955 Seton Way, Ave Maria, for a special day dedicated to strengthening marriages through faith, prayer, and fellowship. The retreat is from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and will be led by Fr. Leandro Fernandez. The cost is $125 per couple, which includes breakfast and lunch. Childcare is available for $15 per child. Register HERE.
She Shall Be Called Woman Weekly Series in Naples - Beginning on Tuesday, September 15, the first of a series titled, "Masterpiece of Creation," will be held at St. John the Evangelist, 625 111th Avenue North, Naples, in the Nazareth Room. A morning session is from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and the evening session is 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. This series is open to all women at no charge and includes fellowship, a video presentation, and meaningful small-group discussion. Through engaging conversations, authentic speakers, and enriching prayer experiences, participants gain deeper insight into Sacred Scripture, theological truths, and practical wisdom for daily life. Registration is now open
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."