August 7, 2026
Relive or hear for the first time the beautiful music of the Episcopal Ordination Mass! The New Shepherd: Lighting the Lantern is a music playlist from the Mass, and includes a recording of the Mass Homily by His Eminence Seán Cardinal O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap. Click on the image, or on the "Listen!" button below. Please share with all the faithful of the Diocese!
Experience the powerful and moving Homily from the Episcopal Ordination, given by His Eminence Seán Cardinal O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap.
BIshop's August Parish Tour 2026 - Bishop Emilio has been traveling throughout the Diocese visiting priests, deacons, religious and faithful at their parishes. The Bishop will take the prayers and hopes of the people of the Diocese to the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul in early September, when he travels to the Vatican for a formation course and retreat for new bishops. A visit to each of the Diocese's Catholic schools will follow in late September and October.
For Parishes: Attached below is Bishop Emilio's expanding travel schedule for August, as he travels throughout the Diocese. Feel free to share with your parishioners!
For Parishes: Attached below is Bishop Emilio's expanding travel schedule for August, as he travels throughout the Diocese. Feel free to share with your parishioners!
More Information
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.______________________________________
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.
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, please pray for safety. To view or download a Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season in English or Spanish languages, visit the Diocese of Venice website.
Save the Date! 2026 DOV Annual Eucharistic Rosary Congress – Preparations have begun for the annual Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Rosary Congress, October 3-9, 2026. This year's theme is My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
At Parishes throughout the Diocese, the Eucharistic Rosary Congress will unfold slightly differently but usually will begin with the celebration of daily Mass and end with Mass at the same time the next day; in the 24 hours between the two Masses, there is perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, with the five decades of the Rosary being prayed every hour. Many parishes will also have the Sacrament of Penance available at different points throughout the schedule. The goal is that each parish participates according to their particular circumstances and that the Holy Eucharist is being adored and the Rosary prayed every hour of every day, somewhere in the Diocese of Venice, from October 3-9. This abundance of prayer will undoubtedly draw down from the Lord many graces upon our families, the Diocese, the Church Universal, the nation, and the world. More information will be available soon, including a list of participating parishes.
For Parishes: Please share the attached flyer with your parishioners to encourage participation. More information is available here. Pastors who are interested in having their parish participate in this year’s Eucharistic Rosary Congress, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
At Parishes throughout the Diocese, the Eucharistic Rosary Congress will unfold slightly differently but usually will begin with the celebration of daily Mass and end with Mass at the same time the next day; in the 24 hours between the two Masses, there is perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, with the five decades of the Rosary being prayed every hour. Many parishes will also have the Sacrament of Penance available at different points throughout the schedule. The goal is that each parish participates according to their particular circumstances and that the Holy Eucharist is being adored and the Rosary prayed every hour of every day, somewhere in the Diocese of Venice, from October 3-9. This abundance of prayer will undoubtedly draw down from the Lord many graces upon our families, the Diocese, the Church Universal, the nation, and the world. More information will be available soon, including a list of participating parishes.
For Parishes: Please share the attached flyer with your parishioners to encourage participation. More information is available here. Pastors who are interested in having their parish participate in this year’s Eucharistic Rosary Congress, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.
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.
A Pastoral Letter on the Death Penalty - The Catholic bishops of Florida have issued a new pastoral letter inviting Catholics and all people of good will to reflect more deeply on the death penalty in light of Catholic teaching and today's criminal justice system. The letter reaffirms the Catholic Church's longstanding commitment to the sanctity of human life and explains that, given today's secure methods of incarceration, capital punishment is no longer justified. The complete letter as well as a brief summary can be found in both English and Spanish at the link below.
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 critical needs for expectant mothers and newborns, such as assistance with rent and utilities, maternity and baby clothes, diapers and other essentials. 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.
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. To register, togetherinholiness.org/venice. The conference is presented by the Diocese of Venice and the St. John Paul II Foundation. 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.
Thank and honor our priests! Priesthood Sunday is September 27, 2026 --What is “Priesthood Sunday”? Priesthood Sunday is a special day set aside to honor the priesthood. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church. In the Diocese of Venice, the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women offer a unique opportunity to all to honor your priest, and to support our future priests, on this special day. Simply send a donation of any amount, along with the name of your priest, and the VDCCW will send a note to your priest letting him know he has been honored by you, and that a donation (undisclosed amount) has been made to the Diocesan Seminarian Fund to support future priests, in his name. Send your donation today to Cornelia Zanetti, Seminarian Fund Guardian, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Please make checks payable to the VDCCW Seminarian Fund. Thank you!
For Parishes: Please share the attached flyer in Parish bulletins from now through Priesthood Sunday, September 27, 2026. Thank you!
For Parishes: Please share the attached flyer in Parish bulletins from now through Priesthood Sunday, September 27, 2026. Thank you!
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.
DISCERN: A Young Adult Retreat, September 13, 2026 - "Hearing God's Voice in Everyday Life" with speaker Mother Nikopoia, SSVM, September 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., $35. per person, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. How can we recognize God's voice in the middle of everyday life? John us for a day dedicated to prayer, reflection, and learning how to discover God's will. Registration fee includes morning coffee and pastries, lunch and retreat materials. Register using the QR code or contact Andres Prias, for more information.
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
SURRENDER! Young Adult Conference Saturday, September 5, 2026 - Fr. David Portorreal, Parish Administrator, and Fr. Wilian Montalvo Tello, Parochial Vicar, on behalf of the St. John Paul II Young Adult Group, warmly invite all young adults 18–35 years of age to participate in our third Young Adult Conference on Saturday, September 5, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples.
Join us for a day of faith, fellowship, and spiritual growth featuring inspiring talks, interactive activities, games, and much more. The day will conclude with the celebration of Holy Mass at 6:00 P.M. For more information or to register, please email Alejandra Alvarado or call the parish office. We look forward to welcoming you! Parishes: Please see attached flyer, and share with your young adults!
Join us for a day of faith, fellowship, and spiritual growth featuring inspiring talks, interactive activities, games, and much more. The day will conclude with the celebration of Holy Mass at 6:00 P.M. For more information or to register, please email Alejandra Alvarado or call the parish office. We look forward to welcoming you! Parishes: Please see attached flyer, and share with your young adults!
Jornada de la Juventud – Parroquia St. Peter the Apostle - El P. David Portorreal, administrador parroquial, y el P. Wilian Montalvo Tello, vicario parroquial, en nombre del Grupo de Jóvenes Adultos San Juan Pablo II, invitan cordialmente a todos los jóvenes y jóvenes adultos de 18 a 35 años a participar en la III Jornada de la Juventud, que se llevará a cabo el Sábado 5 de Septiembre, de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m. Durante esta jornada viviremos un día de formación, oración y convivencia fraterna, con charlas, dinámicas, juegos y otras actividades especialmente preparadas para los jóvenes. La jornada concluirá con la celebración de la Santa Misa a las 6:00 P.M. Para obtener más información o inscribirse, comuníquese con Alejandra Alvarado o llame a la oficina parroquial. ¡Los esperamos!
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
Celebration of the Feast Day of Saint Carlo Acutis - Venerate the first-class relics of Saint Carlo Acutis and his friends and mentors! Celebrate his Feast Day on October 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1922 SW 20th Avenue, Cape Coral. All are welcome! No need to register. Join us! Parishes, please share the attached flyer with your parishioners!
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.
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."