Office of the Bishop
Thanksgiving Message from Bishop Dewane -
Greetings for a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving are extended to all! It is a time when we give thanks for all of God's gifts and blessings! During this time, let us also remember to pray for those who are hurting, lonely or in need of assistance.
I also wish to thank all who have been so generous in assisting our brothers and sisters afflicted by the hurricanes this year. Please be assured of my gratitude!
Further, our country has recently suffered many tragedies resulting in the loss of life. May we give thanks to the Lord for our gift of life. Let us remember the power of prayer and be united in prayer to Christ! Know you remain in my prayers!
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for November - That the language of love and dialogue may always prevail over the language of conflict.
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for December - That people, who are involved in the service and transmission of faith, may find, in their dialogue with culture, a language suited to the conditions of the present time.
Retirement Fund for Religious Collection - Please support the Retirement Fund for Religious Collection the weekend of December 8 and 9, 2018. Your support provides direct financial assistance towards medications, nursing care and much more. (CLICK HERE for a letter from Bishop Dewane.)
The Solemnity of Christ the King - On the last Sunday of each Liturgical Year the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Let us rededicate ourselves this year to recognizing the reign of Jesus Christ and his Sacred Heart in every aspect of our lives. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has provided materials and resources for Priests and Parishes including bulletin inserts, social media campaigns, and reflections on the meaning of Christ the King for the Faithful today. The materials can be found at http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/christ-the-king/.
"Courage in Red" for Persecuted Christians - All are invited to attend a Prayer Vigil at 5:30 p.m. on November 28 at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota Street, Venice. The Diocese will join "Aid to the Church in Need" for "Courage in Red", an annual initiative designed to raise awareness for persecuted Christians. This year, the Cathedral will be illuminated in red. Diocesan Catholic students are encouraged to wear red to school while learning about the plight of persecuted Christians before attending the evening Vigil. (CLICK HERE for a flier.)
Mass Honoring Widows and Widowers - Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate a Mass for all widows and widowers at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, January 20 at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota Street, Venice. Dinner will follow in the Parish Hall. Registration details and further information to be available shortly.
2019 Men's Conference - The Diocese of Venice will be revamping this year's Men's Conference! Enjoy spiritual fellowship with some grit, a burgerfest, outdoor games, and great food! The event is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 2 at Bishop Verot Catholic High School, 5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. Cost in advance is $20 (pre-registration online), students $5 pre-registration. Cost at the door is $30, and $10 for students. The speakers this year are Dr. Mary Healy, Deacon Ralph Poyo, and Hector Molina. Come be filled and transformed with the fire of God's love! To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2019-mens-conference. (CLICK HERE for the flier).
2019 Women's Conference - Attention women of all ages! Please mark your calendars for this year's Diocese of Venice Women's Conference! We are blessed to offer the exciting opportunity to listen to speakers such as radio-host Jennifer Fulwiler, popular speaker and former model Leah Darrow, and Mother foundress of the Servents of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Mother Adela Galindo! This year's event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 16, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School, 5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. Cost in advance is $20 (pre-registration online), students $5 pre-registration. Cost at the door is $30, and $10 for students. Come receive your blessing! To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2019-womens-conference . (CLICK HERE for the flier).
Couples Celebrating Marriage - 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. The Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in two locations: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 2 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, and 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 16 at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs. Information packages will be mailed to Parishes in January.
Holy Land Pilgrimage - A pilgrimage to the Holy Land will take place from February 4 to February 14, 2019. Reverend Peter Vasko, OFM, who has lived in Jerusalem for the past 30 years will be the Spiritual Leader, and Bishop Frank J. Dewane is also joining the pilgrimage. This trip is being organized by John and Maureen Lengyel who have planned Holy Land pilgrimages for 17 years for the Southeastern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. The cost of the pilgrimage is $3,790., double occupancy, from Newark, N.J. to Tel Aviv, Israel. If you are interested or would like additional information, please contact John or Maureen at [email protected] or 941-493-9607. (The pilgrimage is not an event sponsored by the Diocese of Venice in Florida. While Bishop Dewane will be attending this pilgrimage, neither he, nor the Diocese is responsible for any of the arrangements.)
Communications
A Prayer for Priests - Bulletin editors are encouraged to publish the attached prayer in the weekly Parish Bulletins. (CLICK HERE for a copy of the prayer.)
Ideas for Engaging Parishes - Parishes have been asking for ways to engage Parishioners in dialogue regarding sexual abuse within the Church. In addition to the Diocesan Communication Resources recently released, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has provided suggestions that may be helpful in holding Parish events to engage the Faithful. (CLICK HERE for a copy.)
"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., Friday, November 30 on 1660 AM in Naples and 1410 AM and 106.7 FM in Fort Myers. Listen anywhere online at RelevantRadio.com. The program airs on the last Friday of each month.
2019 Catholic Center Holiday Schedule - In order to assist with planning, please CLICK HERE for the 2019 Catholic Center Holiday Schedule.
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. For further information, visit the Diocesan website at www.dioceseofvenice.org/safeenvironment. Report any abuses against minors to the Florida Department of Children and Families at 800-962-2873. To report abuse by Diocesan personnel or volunteers, please also notify the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, Susan Benton at 941-416-6114. Please visit the Diocese of Venice website for scheduled training dates.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Respect Life
Cities for Life, Cities against the Death Penalty - Join the Diocese of Venice in participating in the worldwide campaign in over 2,000 cities in support of ending the use of the death penalty. St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 21505 Augusta Ave., Port Charlotte, will host a prayer vigil and program after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, Friday, November 30 in the Parish Hall. A video of Marietta Jaeger Lane's presentation at the 2018 Florida Respect Life Conference will be offered. Although advance registration is not required, those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP to [email protected] or 941-374-1068 by November 27 so that food can be ordered. (CLICK HERE for full page or HERE for ¼ page ad.)
National Night of Prayer for Life - On December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, San Pedro Parish in North Port, St. Agnes Parish in Naples, and San Marco Parish on Marco Island will host prayer vigils from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. People will be praying across the country, with an hour of unity in all time zones from midnight to 1:00 a.m. St. Raphael Parish teens in Lehigh Acres will lead a rosary following the 8:00 a.m. Mass. If you are not able to participate in person, please join in prayer wherever you are. Questions? Contact the Respect Life Office at 941-441-1101.
Evangelization
Bible Study Training Day - Scripture Series - The Office of Evangelization is offering two opportunities to take part in the latest Bible Study Training Day "Be Transformed in the Word!" Join us from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, November 29, at St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, or from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 30, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Come to a better understanding of Scripture and how to utilize it in your everyday life through this. Matt Leonard, of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, will present exciting talks on the mystery of God's Word in your life. If you want to receive the tools to understand Scripture more easily and even lead a Bible study at your Parish, you do not want to miss this event! Resources will also be available to help you carry out this mission in your own life with follow up by the Office of Evangelization. The cost is $15 in advance (includes lunch) or $20 at the door. For more information visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar. For more details, please call 941-484-9543 or email [email protected]. (CLICK HERE for November 29 flier.) (CLICK HERE for November 30 flier.)
Family Life
Mother and Daughter Advent Retreat and Tea - The 2nd Annual Advent Retreat and Tea is being held from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 1 at Church of the Resurrection, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. Join us in preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas and enjoying some Mother-Daughter time! To register please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar. For more information contact Kim Elsmore at [email protected]. Registration closes November 27. Limited space is available. (CLICK HERE for a copy of the flier.)
Marriage Enrichment - Join the Office of Family Life along with Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice, in reflecting on how our Advent journey intersects with our journey through married life. Deepen your matrimonial and sacramental call to love, faith and unity. This Advent, come see what God has in store for you and your marriage. Bob and Chris Smialek, authors and speakers for over 20 years will be the presenters. Two options are available. Daily Sessions on Monday, December 10, Tuesday, December 11, and Wednesday, December 12 following the 8:00 a.m. Mass or a consolidated evening program from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on December 12. Childcare available during the evening program with advanced registration. Marriage Vow Renewal on Wednesday morning and evening with a "Wedding Celebration" to follow. To register, please visit, www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar.
Bereavement Training - The Office of Family Life is hosting another day of training called "There is Hope: Bereavement Training" which will focus on training parish bereavement volunteers and those who speak with the bereaved. This is a training, not a workshop to help someone who has recently lost a loved one. Deacon Henry de Mena holds a Master's Degree in Counseling with extensive training and experience in Bereavement. The training will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on January 24 and 25 at St. Ann Parish, 985 3rd Street South, Naples. Cost is $25 per person which includes lunch for both days and materials. More information can be found at www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar. The registration link is: https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/bereavement-training-jan2019 and please register by January 21. Contact Kim Elsmore at [email protected] for questions about the training. (CLICK HERE for a copy of the flier.)
Catholic Charities
Sugar Bowl Show of Shows - The annual Sugar Bowl Show of Shows will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 25 at the Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Avenue, Venice. All proceeds will go to the Sugar Bowl Fund for families in the community who are experiencing financial hardship. Sponsored by Catholic Charities and the local Knights of Columbus Councils, the show will feature California Surf, Incorporated. Tickets are $25, $30 or $40 a person and can be purchased at www.veniceperformingartscenter.com. (CLICK HERE for the flier.)
Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation
Enrolling Now - Looking for the next step in your ministry? Need a higher degree to get your certification as a Director of Religious Education (DRE) or Catechist? Are you looking for a deeper grasp of the Faith? The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation in the Diocese of Venice offers online classes and is now accepting applications to begin master's-level classes in the Spring. Earn your Master's in Theology or Ministry through our partnership with Franciscan University of Steubenville at a 1/3 Florida resident discount! Go to https://institute-dov.org/programs/graduate-studies/ or call us at 941-766-7334 to learn more. Studying the Faith is a life-changing process. (CLICK HERE for a flier.)
Basic Introduction to Catholic Morality - Keep an eye out for the Institute's next class in January with Arielle Harms Ph.D., who will share a basic introduction to Catholic Morality. Also check out the Institute's growing list of classes, podcasts, and resources at Institute-dov.org, or by calling 941-766-7334.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Prepare Your Heart for Christmas Advent Retreat - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center (OLPH), 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice is hosting an Advent Retreat Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8. The Birth of Jesus is a time for us to come to know and love Him more intimately. This retreat will include presentations, ample time for personal prayer, opportunities for Confession and/or private conferences, and small or large group sharing. Mass will be celebrated on Friday and Saturday, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. For more information and to register, please visit www.olph.retreat.org. This retreat fills fast!
Come to the Water - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center (OLPH), 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice, invites all to its monthly "Come to the Water" day of prayer on the second Wednesday of the month. The next scheduled date is December 12. Each day begins at 9:00 a.m. and includes continental breakfast, lunch, two conferences, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation and prayer. Mass at 2:30 p.m. will conclude the day. Registration discount, 10 days prior is $30. Registration increases to $35 thereafter. Register at https://olph-retreat.org/1-day-retreats.
Ignatian Preached Retreats - Directed by Father Sean Morris, OMV or Father Mark Yavarone, OMV at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center (OLPH), 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice, Ignatian Preached Retreats are silent retreats that include scheduled conferences each day, Mass, and an opportunity to meet at least once with the retreat director. The conference topics center around Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment. Each retreat is four days and all rooms are single occupancy. The next scheduled retreat is Thursday, December 13 to Sunday, December 16, For more information, additional dates or to register, visit https://olph-retreat.org/ignatian-spirituality-retreats.
Hispanic Outreach
Formation Program in Spanish - Registration is now open. For more information CLICK HERE.
Programa de Formación en Español - Las registraciones están abiertas. Ver attach para mas información CLIC AQUI.
Youth and Young Adults
Sarasota Area - Theology on Tap - Join us for games, discussion and complimentary refreshments at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 6, at the Mandeville Beer Garden, 428 Lemon Ave., Sarasota. For more information, please contact Joshua Mazrin at [email protected]. (CLICK HERE for flier.)
Calling All Young Adults - The Diocese of Venice offers many opportunities for young adults to build community. Through programs like Theology on Tap, intramural sports teams, and Parish-organized social events, there is something available for everyone throughout the Diocese. Young Adults (18-39) are encouraged to participate in these opportunities to enrich their faith and make friends! If you have any Young Adult activities planned or would like to learn about them in your area, please contact Nina Koziuk at [email protected].
Naples Area - Theology on Tap - The site of the gatherings rotate among different Parishes and are held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays: First Tuesday at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Avenue North; Second Tuesday at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road; Third Tuesday at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road; Fourth Tuesday at St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive.
Lehigh Acres Area - LOFT young adult group meets at 6:00 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at St. Raphael Parish, 2514 Lee Blvd. Call 239-369-1831 for further information.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
"Sexuality & the Culture of Life" - Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 12905 E. State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch is hosting a talk from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, November 29 on Chastity and Abstinence. Pam Stenzel will be the speaker, and all Church and youth groups (7th Grade and older) are invited to attend. There is no cost however, a free-will offering or the bringing of baby items for the Community Pregnancy Center in Sarasota would be appreciated. For further information, please contact Rosemarie Coon at 941-758-0149.
Faith and Wine - Lee County - The Catholic outreach to women in Lee County, Faith and Wine - Lee County, will have its next gathering at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, November 29, at Resurrection Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker for the evening is Beth Benham, who will present "Let Go and Let God". Tickets are $10 or $40 for the season. The next gathering will be January 24. For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit www.faithandwineleecounty.com.
Golf Tournament - Sign up for a fun-filled golf tournament with prizes for all levels of play sponsored by San Antonio Catholic Church in Port Charlotte. The tournament will be held at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, December 1 at Deep Creek, 1260 San Cristobal Ave., Port Charlotte. The $60 entry fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch, 18 holes with a cart and many fabulous prizes including four rounds of golf at most of the local courses. Teams of four or individual sign-ups are welcome. For reservations please call Linda Caldwell 286-3304.
"Christians and Jews in Dialogue" Presentation - The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County will present the work of Sister Mary Boys, SNJM, and Rabbi Sara Lee who co-authored the book "Christians and Jews in Dialogue," a personal journey of religious identity. The presentation will be at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, December 9, at St. William Parish Ministry Center, 750 Seagate Drive, Naples. Please RSVP to [email protected] or call 239-263-4205.
Magyar Mise - A Catholic Mass in the Hungarian Language is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month at Incarnation Parish, 2902 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. The next Mass is Sunday, December 9. All are welcome.
Faith and Ale Lee County - Faith and Ale is an outreach to help men learn more about their faith and grow closer to Our Lord. The next gathering is 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 6, at Resurrection Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is Father Jonathan Romanoski, FSSP, of Corpus Christi Chapel, Naples. Locations will vary throughout the 2018-19 season. Future dates include Thursdays, January 17 and February 12. To register, or for more information, please visit www.faithandale.com.
Bishop Verot Viking 5K Fun Run - Kick off Catholic Schools Week with the 5th Annual Verot Viking 5K Fun Run at 8:00 a.m., Saturday, January 26 at Bishop Verot Catholic High School, 5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. Registration starts at 7:00 a.m. Cost is $30 for adults and $20 for students. For more information, please contact Jeff Brown, Director of Development, at 239-274-6730 or [email protected].
"REBOOT! LIVE! Featuring Chris Stefanick" - St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, is hosting internationally renowned speaker and author, Chris Stefanick from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, February 21. REBOOT is for all ages, 12 and up, from teenagers to grandparents. Rediscover God and rediscover the life you were made for. The cost is $25 per ticket and includes two books by the author. Tickets can be purchased at www.RealLifeCatholic.com/Reboot or by contacting Natalie Campbell at 239-566-8740 ext. 3909.
Prison Ministry Volunteers Needed - Join a team of volunteers who share God's love and mercy with those incarcerated in any of the 21 jails/prisons throughout the Diocese. No previous experience required; newcomers are paired with experienced volunteers. Contact Robert Hiniker at 863-558-0407, [email protected].
Free Rosary Repair Service - Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, 7930 Estero Blvd. #592, 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. 239-463-3993. [email protected].
Items for consideration in the Mustard Seed should be sent to [email protected] no later than four weeks before the scheduled
event.
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