Office of the Bishop
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Reverend Richard York, retired as Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City effective January 11, 2021.
Reverend Cory Mayer, appointed as Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City, effective February 1, 2021, and at the same time he is relieved of his duties as Pastor of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria.
Reverend David Vidal, appointed as Pastor of Ave Maria Parish, effective February 1, 2021, and at the same time he is relieved of his duties as Administrator at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in Labelle.
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for February - We pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded.
COVID-19 Vaccines - The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement on the new COVID-19 vaccines. The full statement and additional information are available online in English and Spanish at usccb.org/prolife/biomedical-research.
Anniversary Masses - All couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more than 50 years of marriage are invited by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an Anniversary Mass in their honor to be celebrated in two locations. This year, considering the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, each location will have two Masses to allow for appropriate social distancing. The Masses are 10:00 a.m. and noon on February 6, Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, and 10:00 a.m. and noon, March 6, St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. All registration is being handled through your local Parish. Please reserve seats at least one week before the Mass you wish to attend.
2021 Catechetical Day Postponed - The Catechetical Conference, “Encountering Christ in the Classroom” has been postponed and will be rescheduled for the fall of 2021. For more information, please contact Anne Chrzan, Diocese of Venice Director of Religious Education at [email protected] or 941-484-9543.
Men’s & Women’s Conferences 2021 - Registration is now open for the 2021 Men’s & Women’s Conferences! The Men’s Conference will feature speakers Patrick Madrid and Joel Stepanek on Saturday February 20th. The Women’s Conference will feature speakers Kimberly Hahn and Mary Ann Weisinger-Puig on Saturday March 13. Both conferences will be held at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (doors open at 8:00 a.m.) with Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Confession available all day. CLICK HERE for the Men’s Conference flier or CLICK HERE for the Women’s Conference flier. For more information or to register visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/adultconferences.
Safe Haven Sunday - Pornography is one of the leading causes of addictions, abuse, adultery, divorce, and even human trafficking: it is, in short, a pervasive evil inflicting grave wounds on our families. Pornography creates unsafe environments for children and confuses others about attitudes towards sex and marriage. It is a moral issue. For this reason, March 7 has been designated as Safe Haven Sunday in the Diocese of Venice. This day for awareness will give an opportunity to address the harmfulness of pornography in marriages, families, and culture, while providing helpful resources for all. Detailed information about the implementation of this program will be shared in the coming weeks through your Parishes. If you have any questions, please contact Carrie Harkey, Diocesan Coordinator of Family Life at [email protected] or 941-484-9543. (For bulletin inserts in English CLICK HERE, in Spanish CLICK HERE; for ad inserts in English CLICK HERE and in Spanish CLICK HERE; and for Sample Intercessions CLICK HERE for English and CLICK HERE for Spanish.)
Year of Saint Joseph - On the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, March 19, 2020 Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in the context of the Coronavirus, consecrated the Diocese of Venice to the care and protection of Saint Joseph. The Bishop announced a "Year of Saint Joseph" beginning March 19, 2020. In light of Pope Francis recently dedicating a “Year of St. Joseph,” the Diocesan celebration will continue through December 8, 2021. Saint Joseph, often referred to as the Protector, can be our protector during this time of the Pandemic. All are invited to commit daily to the Prayer to St. Joseph - "Deliver us from Coronavirus" located on the Diocesan website at https://dioceseofvenice.org/a-year-of-st-joseph/ and for English or Spanish please CLICK HERE.
Communications
"Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane" - Join Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice, for his monthly radio program on Relevant Radio. "Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane" can be heard at 8:30 a.m., on Friday, January 29 and then on Friday, February 26. Anyone has access to the program at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts.
Office of Family Life
National Marriage Week - The Office of Family Life encourages Parishes to promote National Marriage Week - Marriage is Worth It! from February 7 to February 14. A number of resources from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops can be found at www.foryourmarriage.org. For a flier in English CLICK HERE, in Spanish CLICK HERE. There is also Prayer for Married Couples available HERE.
Education
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 trained in Safe Environment prior to beginning employment or should you wish to volunteer. For further details, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/programs/safeenvironment/. Report any abuse against minors to the Florida Department of Children and Families at 800-962-2873. To report abuse by Diocesan personnel or volunteers also notify the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, Susan Benton, at 941-416-6114. Please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/employment, if you are interested in employment or volunteer opportunities within the Diocese of Venice or reach out to the Parish directly for more information on volunteer opportunities. (BULLETIN EDITORS: Please publish above text in parish bulletins)
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Catholic Charities
Do You Need Help? - If you need assistance from Catholic Charities for food, financial assistance, or tele-mental health counseling, please call the number for your area listed below between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday:
* Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands counties: 844-385-2407
* Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades counties: 844-385-2423
* Collier County: 844-385-2404.
Food Distribution - Catholic Charities efforts toward food distribution will take place only at the following times and locations:
• Monday thru Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Guadalupe Social Services, 211 S. 9th St., Immokalee. Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen now open daily. Soup Kitchen will provide meals-to-go;
• Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, 3174 Tamiami Trail E., Naples;
• Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., St. Margaret Parish, 208 Dean Duff St., Clewiston;
• Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., St. Paul Parish Hall, 1208 E. Oak St., Arcadia;
• Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs;
• Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Elizabeth K Galeana Pantry, 4235 Michigan Avenue Link, Fort Myers.
Catholic Charities Ball - Please join us Saturday, February 13, for an elegant evening at one of Sarasota’s beautiful Jewels on the Bay, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Bring your valentine to an elegant evening featuring exquisite cuisine and wine pairing by Michael’s on East. The beautiful and unique setting of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens reminds us that, despite this pandemic, we are surrounded by God’s majesty and Mother Nature’s glory. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails. Tickets are $350 each, with a limit of 150 guests. For more information call 941-909-7817 or email [email protected].
Virtual Fundraiser - Our Mother’s House, a program of Catholic Charities which provides housing and support for homeless mothers and their infant children, is having a virtual fundraiser titled “Child’s Play.” This night of interactive fun begins at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 25, with funds raised used to ensure that the mothers and their children receive the support they need as they strive for self-sufficiency. For information about the event, contact Lisa Ventura at [email protected] or 941-485-6264. A generous donor has offered to match all donations up to a total of $125,000. Please participate and help make a difference.
Respect Life
40 Days for Life - Join other Christians from Ash Wednesday, February 17 through March 28, for the spring 40 Days for Life campaign. This Campaign encompasses 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. Stand and peacefully pray during vigils in the public right-of-way outside Planned Parenthood in Fort Myers or Sarasota. For more information, go to www.40daysforlife.com and click on the location nearest you. (Contact your Parish Coordinator for specific information about your Parish's commitment days. For the Sarasota 40 Days for Life flier in English CLICK HERE and HERE for Spanish. For the Fort Myers 40 Days for Life flier in English and CLICK HERE and HERE for Spanish.)
Fort Myers Prayer Walk for Life - Join Bishop Dewane for Mass at 8:00 a.m. at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers on Ash Wednesday, February 17, followed by a rosary outside Planned Parenthood, 6418 Commerce Park Drive (approximately 9:15 a.m.). This event kicks off the 40 Days for Life Spring Campaign in Fort Myers. Contact [email protected] or 941-374-1068 for details. (For the flier in English CLICK HERE, in Spanish CLICK HERE, and for the ¼ page ad in English CLICK HERE.)
Office of Family Life
2021 Marriage Preparation Retreats - The Diocesan Office of Family Life is offering “Day of Reflection” retreats for couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage. A specially prepared volunteer team of married couples and a priest will share their experiences and information with the intention of enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. The retreats in English are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays April 17, August 7 and November 13. Retreats in Spanish are at the same time and will be Saturdays March 6, August 7 and October 30. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/marriage-preparation-retreat-2021 to register for the English retreats. To sign up for the retreat in Spanish, please contact St. Jude Parish in Sarasota at 941-955-3934. For more information or to inquire about a virtual option contact Carrie Harkey at 941-484-9543 ext. 3019.
Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation
Encountering God in Prayer: A Lenten Journey - Spend this Lent growing in prayer! “Encountering God in Prayer: A Lenten Journey” is a theological and practical online course offered by the Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation. The course will guide you through the rich and beautiful teaching on personal prayer found in part four of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Short video lectures, online discussions, prayer exercises and other learning activities will constitute the class content. Students log in each week at times most convenient to them. The instructor, Dr. John Gresham, Executive Director of the Institute, has extensive experience teaching on prayer in courses, workshops, and retreats. The course runs from Ash Wednesday, February 17 to April 5. For more information, visit the Institute website at www.institute-dov.org, call 941-766-7334 or email [email protected].
Evangelization
Begin Your Year with Jesus in the Eucharist - What better way to begin the year of 2021 than in the presence of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament? The Office of Evangelization will be hosting several evenings of Eucharistic Adoration with Confession available, music, reflection, and time for silent prayer. Jesus, who makes “All Things New” will bring a newness to your faith in this new year. Locations include St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naples; Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria; Our Lady of Light Parish in Estero; Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch; St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples; Incarnation Parish in Sarasota; and St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton. Adoration begins at 7:00 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m. (CLICK HERE to see the flier for dates and more information.)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Monthly Days of Prayer - The Retreat Center of the Diocese of Venice, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, continues to offer single days of prayer and overnight retreats in a safe, tranquil setting along the Myakka River. A Monthly Day of Prayer is offered on both the second Sunday and the second Wednesday of each month. For more information or to register, please call 941-486-0233, or visit the website at www.olph-retreat.org and click on “Schedule of Events.”
Hispanic Ministries
Sunday Mass in Spanish - Epiphany Cathedral live streams the Sunday Vigil Mass in Spanish on Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m. The Mass can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/EpiphanyCathedral/. Please CLICK HERE for the Prayer for the Act of Spiritual Communion in Spanish.
Misa de Vigilia Dominical en Español - La Catedral de la Epifanía transmite en vivo la Santa Misa de Vigilia dominical en español los sábados por la noche a las 6:00 p.m. La misa se puede ver en: https://www.facebook.com/EpiphanyCathedral/. Haga CLIC AQUI para la Oración por el Acto de Comunión Espiritual en Español.
Youth and Young Adults
Theology on Tap Sarasota - Theology on Tap has resumed on the third Thursday of the month (February 18) at 7:00 p.m. at the Mandeville Beer Garden in Sarasota, 428 N. Lemon Ave, Sarasota. Join us outside in the garden for free food and refreshments, presentations, and discussions about the faith. Please contact Joshua Mazrin at [email protected] with any questions.
Theology on Tap Fort Myers - Young Adults are invited to attend Theology on Tap at Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, for a lovely outdoor venue with picnic benches for free food and refreshments as well as practical presentations. Feel free to bring a lawn chair if you are more comfortable. The event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month (February 11). Please contact Joshua Mazrin at [email protected] or Patty Cox at [email protected] with any questions.
Office of Stewardship and Development
Help Your Parish - Parishes face increased risk of financial shortfalls due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and its effects on everyday life. Parishes depend on weekly financial gifts to continue their ministries, especially in this critical time of crisis. Please prayerfully consider an online donation to your parish by visiting https://dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/parish-donations-online/. You may also contribute through your usual channels (e.g., envelopes, and through the Parish online giving option). Together we will navigate through this Pandemic, aid those in need, and secure the road ahead for the Parishes within the Diocese of Venice. Please continue to pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died from Coronavirus, for the recovery of the sick, for the strength of healthcare workers and caregivers, as well as for an end to this health crisis. Thank you for your generosity.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Virtual Gala - The Saint Ann School Foundation is hosting its annual Heart for Education Gala as a virtual event on February 3. The Foundation is dedicated to ensuring a faith-based education remains accessible to all families desiring it for their children, regardless of income. Many of our families have experienced great hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The need is greater now as more families have asked for additional scholarship funds. To register to receive a link to the Virtual Gala, please visit www.stann.net/gala or contact Pamela Macia at 239-262-4110 ext. 307 or [email protected] or [email protected].
Faith and Wine Lee County - The next gathering of Faith and Wine Lee County will be a virtual Zoom event beginning at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 25. The speaker is Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, who will present “Small Things with Great Love: To Love like Mother Teresa.” To see the complete line-up of speakers, or to register, visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com.
Cathedral School Gala - The Epiphany Gala is one of our most successful fundraisers for Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School and will take place April 16 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice. The Gala theme is the Amalfi Coast and features both live and silent auctions as well as a dinner and dancing. This year's Shining Stars are Troy and Joyce Sacco. For more detail, please contact Leah Mihm at 941-615-0284 or [email protected]. Note, this event may become a Virtual Gala if conditions require.
Sunday Mass In Spanish - St. Jude Parish in Sarasota broadcasts the Holy Mass in Spanish, celebrated by Pastor Father Celestino Gutiérrez, every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. on radio station FM99.1 and at 10:00 a.m. on FM105.3. A thank you is offered to the sponsors for this Mass and SOLMART Media for their collaboration in this effort.
Misa Dominical En Español - La Iglesia de San Judas en Sarasota transmitirá la Santa Misa en español, oficiada por su Párroco, el Padre Celestino Gutiérrez, todos los domingos a las 8:00 a.m. por la emisora de radio 99.1 y a las 10 a.m. por la 105.3. Agradecemos a los Patrocinadores para esta Misa y a SOLMART Media por su colaboración en este esfuerzo.
"Magyar Mise" - Mass in Hungarian is available on the second Sunday of each month beginning at 1:30 p.m., at Incarnation Parish, 2902 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.
St. Jude Food Pantry - The St. Jude Parish Food Pantry, 3930 17th St., Sarasota, is open and distributing food on Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., following all social distancing protocols. Please bring an ID and do not exit your vehicle. Volunteers will load cars. Please call 941-955-3934 if you have any questions or visit: https://www.stjudesarasota.com/info/st-jude-food-pantry-schedule.
Wauchula Food Pantry - St. Michael Parish in Wauchula is home to a food pantry located at 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula. The pantry has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 Pandemic response. To accommodate those who work, the food pantry is open Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. If you need food at a different time or would like to support the efforts to assist the community, please call the Parish at 863-773-4089.
Bradenton Food Pantry - The St. Joseph Parish Food Pantry, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton, is distributing food from 9:00 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Call 941-756-3732 with any questions. Please visit https://www.stjoepantry.com/ to donate money or food,
Free Rosary Repair Service - Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, 7930 Estero Blvd. #502, Fort Myers, 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 or email [email protected].
