Office of the Bishop
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for January - May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all.
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 - The Catechetical Conference, “Encountering Christ in the Classroom” will be held on Saturday, February 13 at Bishop Verot High School, 5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. The day begins with Mass celebrated by Bishop Dewane at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, followed by keynote addresses and workshops in English and Spanish. All workshops will focus on how to best engage catechists and students in teaching the faith while bringing Jesus Christ to the center. Exhibitors will be present for new and creative ideas on using technology and new teaching techniques. The cost is $25 per person, which includes lunch. Hotels have reduced their rates for those who choose to stay close to the conference. The registration for this event can be found here: https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2021-catechetical-day. Contact Anne Chrzan, Diocese of Venice Director of Religious Education at 941-484-9543.
Save the Date - Mark your calendars for the 2021 Men’s and Women’s Conferences which will be held at Bishop Verot Catholic High School, 5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. The Men’s Conference will be 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 20, and the Women’s Conference will be held 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 13. Stay tuned for registration details! Please contact the Office of Evangelization with any questions at [email protected] or 941-484-9543.
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
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
Live-Streamed Mass from Catholic Center - Please join Bishop Frank J. Dewane at 9:15 a.m. for daily Mass from the Catholic Center at www.dioceseofvenice.org or https://www.facebook.com/DioceseofVenice/.
"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. Anyone has access to the program at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts.
Respect Life
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, January 22 - According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (#373): In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22…shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.
The following resources are available for use in your parish for this annual observance of the Supreme Court abortion decisions:
www.respectlife.org/january-22
www.usccb.org/resources/respect-life-action-guide-anniversary-roe-v-wade
www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/6-rlp-20-action-guide-homily-january.pdf
www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/upload/rlp-19-january-22-choices-of-readings.pdf
www.usccb.org/resources/word-life-january-2021.
Vocations
Melchizedek Project - “Every good, young, practicing Catholic man who loves Jesus Christ and His Church should spend some time discerning the priesthood.” Father Shawn Roser, Vocations Director, is continuing his online Melchizedek Project meetings for young men who would be interested in considering the priesthood with an open heart. The next meeting is 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 27. If any priests know any young men who might be interested in joining this group, please contact Father Shawn at [email protected]. If there are any priests who are interested in starting a Melchizedek Project discernment group in their own parish, Vianney Vocations provides these materials for the priest and discerners at no cost. Please contact the Vocations Office at 941-484-9543 x3015 so we can assist you.
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
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 Galleana Pantry, 4235 Michigan Avenue Link, Fort Myers.
Respect Life
Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life - The 23rd annual Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life will be held on Friday, January 22, beginning with the 8:30 a.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Dewane at St. Martha Church, 200 North Orange Avenue. A shuttle bus will run after Mass until 3:00 p.m. to Planned Parenthood, 736 Central Avenue, where participants will circle the block in prayer for an end to abortion. An additional parish Mass is available at noon. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, space is limited and advanced registration is required at dioceseofvenice.org/2021prayerwalk. The 8:30 a.m. Mass will be livestreamed as part of the national 9DaysforLife.com campaign at facebook.com/DioceseofVenice. Masks will be required. Questions? Contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068. (Click HERE for a full-page flier, HERE for a ¼-page ad or HERE for an 11x17 poster. Other sizes and formats available upon request.)
March for Life D.C. Events - You can participate virtually in the annual March for Life and related events in Washington, D.C. on January 28 and 29 via EWTN or your computer. (See schedule HERE.) Questions? Contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068.
Virtual Catholic Days at the Capitol - Through the use of technology, Catholics will continue to bring their values and voices to Tallahassee to promote and protect human life and dignity. Register now to participate in the February 2 and 3 virtual event to include a legislative briefing on key bills, a rosary with the Florida Bishops, an award presentation to a legislator, meetings with legislators and the Red Mass of the Holy Spirit. Join us for all or any part of the event! For details see flaccb.org/cdac or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068 today. (Click HERE for flier.)
Fort Myers Prayer Walk for Life - Join Bishop Dewane for Mass at 8:00 a.m. at St. John XXIII Church in 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. (Click HERE for flier or HERE for ¼ page ad.)
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. Please 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 AQUÍ 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 (January 21) 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 (January 14). Please contact Joshua Mazrin at [email protected] or Patty Cox at [email protected] with any questions.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Sunday Mass In Spanish - St. Jude Parish in Sarasota broadcasts the Holy Mass in Spanish, celebrated by Pastor Father Celestino Gutiérrez, every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. on radio stationFM99.1 and at 11:00 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 9:00 a.m. por la emisora de radio 99.1 y a las 11 a.m. por la 105.3. Agradecemos a los Patrocinadores para esta Misa y a SOLMART Media por su colaboración en este esfuerzo.
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, January 21. The speaker is Kitty Cleveland, who will present “Beloved: Finding my identity in Christ.” To see the complete line-up of speakers, or to register, visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com.
St. Ann Catholic School Open House - St. Ann Catholic School, 542 8th Avenue South, Naples, is hosting an open house from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 31. The enrollment fees of $450.00 will be waived at the open house. Registration is required by emailing [email protected]/.
Community Pregnancy Clinics - The life-affirming Community Pregnancy Clinics of Naples will host a 2021 Life Saver Event featuring “An evening with Tim Tebow” beginning at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, February 27, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs. Space is filling up fast with a deadline of January 19 to register. Contact Sarah Kozak at 239-262-6381, or click CPCI Life Saver Event 2021 - Naples, Florida to register.
"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].
