Office of the Bishop
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for April - That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.
Catholic Home Missions Appeal - The Catholic Home Missions Appeal will take place the weekend of April 28 and April 29. This appeal supports the dioceses here in our own country that struggle to make ends meet and to serve the needs of their parishioners. Your support makes a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters right here in the United States. Thank you for strengthening the Church at home. (CLICK HERE for a copy of Bishop Dewane's letter.)
Yom HaShoah - The annual Yom HaShoah Hour of Remembrance will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, April 15 at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. Each year the Diocese of Venice in Florida hosts this commemoration of the Holocaust as an interreligious gathering bringing members of the Catholic and Jewish communities together to recommit to the promotion of peace and solidarity among all peoples. The guest speaker will be Bishop James Massa, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, previously a Consultor to the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and a Member of the Joint Working Group between the Holy See and the World Council of Churches. All members of the Jewish Community are encouraged to attend, especially survivors of the Holocaust and their families, as well as members of the Catholic Community of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
Share the Journey Continues - The Diocese of Venice continues to promote Share the Journey, a worldwide two-year initiative of Our Holy Father, Pope Francis. In the next seven issues of the Mustard Seed, the Diocese will run a series designed to answer questions focusing more specifically on Refugee Resettlement. This will serve as an aide to build bridges of reconciliation, understanding and hospitality, in keeping with the spirit of Share the Journey. The topics covered include: "What Does the Gospel Say About Refugees?", "What is the Economic Impact?" and "Are Refugees a Burden?", etc.
Below is the first of the series. It is the request of Bishop Frank J. Dewane that ALL PARISHES publish the text in their Sunday bulletins as they appear in this and the upcoming newsletters.
What Does the Gospel Say About Refugees?
1. The Catholic Church in the United States has been helping immigrants and refugees since the founding of this nation. Indeed, it is what the Gospel calls us to do: in Matthew (25:35) Jesus tells his disciples, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Source: Matthew, Chapter 25
2. Refugees are fleeing persecution and violence and have suffered great loss, including loss of their homes, livelihoods, possessions and families. Only 1% of these refugees get resettled. Migration Refugee Services (MRS) assists with food, clothing, shelter, employment, English as a second language, and orientation to a new community and culture. Source: MRS
3. MRS works to create "a world where immigrants, refugees, migrants, and people on the move are treated with dignity, respect, welcome and belonging." Source: MRS Vision Statement.
Confirmation - On Pentecost Sunday, May 20, Bishop Frank J. Dewane will be conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation on the adults and young people who have been prepared in their parishes but due to unforeseen circumstances were not able to be confirmed in their home parishes. The Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Avenue West, Venice. In order to have an accurate count of the number of Confirmandi, please go to https://epiphanycathedral.weconnect.com/Pentecost-Sunday-Confirmation and follow the instructions. A list of Frequently Asked Questions as well as forms in Spanish and English are available on the website. Anyone participating in the Sacrament of Confirmation must be entered into your ParishSoft Census Program with full and proper name and birthdate. Please send all completed forms to: Sister Frances Lalor, RSM, Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota Street, Venice, FL 34285; fax 941-488-9333; phone 941-485-2325 or email to Alice Keough at [email protected]. The deadline for forms is May 10.
Save the Date - The Ordination to the Priesthood of Transitional Deacon Shawn Roser will take place at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 14, at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Avenue West, Venice. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this important event in life of Deacon Shawn and the Diocese of Venice.
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 on Friday, April 27 at 8:30 a.m. on 1660 AM in Naples and 1410 AM and 106.7 FM in Fort Myers. Listen anywhere online at RelevantRadio.com. The program will continue to air on the last Friday of each month. (CLICK HERE for a flier.)
Respect Life
Novena of Masses for Life - If you have not yet submitted your dates and times to participate in the Novena of Masses for Life for 2018, please CLICK HERE for the form to complete and return to [email protected]. If you have any questions, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-441-1101.
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 all 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 call the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, Barbara DiCocco at 941-416-6114. (CLICK HERE for a schedule of upcoming training schedules in English and CLICK HERE for a schedule of upcoming training sessions in Spanish.)
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Respect Life
Project Rachel, Post-Abortion Reconciliation & Healing - A word from then Pope John Paul II to those suffering because of abortion: "Do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope... The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation" (The Gospel of Life #99). Call Project Rachel for a confidential referral to a priest and/or counselor who can help or for retreat information: 239-719-7210 or email [email protected].
Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation
Spanish 101 for the Workplace - This course is being offered by the Institute of Catholic Studies and Formation from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., Thursday mornings through June 7. The goal is to provide basic level Spanish to leaders who instruct Catholics whose first language is Spanish. Mr. Nelson Perez is the facilitator. The course can be accessed by attending in person at the Institute, 10222 SW Peace River Street (3.7 miles east of I-75 at exit 170), by Skyping in, or watching recorded lessons at your convenience. Further information as well as registration details can be found at https://institute-dov/Courses.html.
Catechetics Summer Course - The Institute for Catholic Studies is hosting a 13-week collegiate level class online Tuesdays from May 15 to August 14. The course is entitled "Catechetics: Handing on the Faith in the World of Today". Learn the history, methods and contemporary practice of Catholic Religious Education. The cost is $600.00 and also serves as a pre-requisite for the Masters in Catechetics program. To register or for additional information, please visit Institute-dov.org or call 941-766-7334. (CLICK HERE for a copy of the flier.)
Catholic Community Foundation
The Lasting Impact of Endowment Funds - Would you like to make a significant difference in the lives of others for years to come? Are you interested in making sure your parish, school or favorite ministry continue well beyond your lifetime? Consider creating an endowment fund with the Catholic Community Foundation. Endowment funds help provide long-term stability and sustainability by investing your original donation and using the earnings to support the Catholic organization of your choice.
If you would like more information about endowment funds, please contact the Catholic Community Foundation at 941-441-1124 or email [email protected].
For Good - For God - Forever!
Create a Catholic Legacy - Support Seminarian Education! - You already know the joy that comes from sharing with the less fortunate. Think about the joy that will be yours when you know you have created a Catholic legacy that will provide priests to the Diocese forever. Once again this year we need your help to support Seminarians in their discernment of the call to priesthood. A gift to the Timothy Endowment Fund will help provide income to train our future priests for years to come.
If you would like more information about the "Timothy Fund", please contact the Catholic Community Foundation at 941-441-1124 or email [email protected].
For Good - For God - Forever!
Family Life
Marriage Enrichment - Husbands and wives spend immense amounts of time on their job, careers, children and leisure but how much time do you spend just the two of you as a couple? You deserve to learn how to make the most of your time and relationship. Attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend (WWME) and find out how! The next available weekend in the Diocese of Venice will be May 4 to 6 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. For more information or to register visit WWME.org or call 813-270-7832.
Mother Daughter Overnight Retreat - Shepherding young women on the path of purity, sexuality and chastity is a sacred role entrusted to parents. Mothers, especially, yearn for effective strategies and answers. The Woman in Love Mother Daughter Retreat helps you deliver God's remarkable good news about sexuality. Katie Hartfiel leads mothers and daughters (grades 7-9) on a journey that weaves engaging talks with powerful prayer and extraordinary fun to create an experience of a lifetime. Come gather at St. John Neumann High School in Naples, Florida from Friday, May 11 to May12. Sign up at www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar. Contact Kim Elsmore at 941-484-9543 or [email protected] for additional information.
Workshop Teachers Requested - The Office of Marriage and Family is looking for married couples who are excited about the Catholic Faith and willing to teach a one-day workshop up to three times per year. Training will be provided on the basics of Theology of the Body and the teachings of the Catholic Church on Marriage. A stipend is paid to those couples who assist with this important service. Interested couples should contact Kim Elsmore at [email protected] for more information.
Natural Family Planning - The Diocese of Venice is hosting a practitioner training for the Creighton Model FertilityCare from June 1 to June 8. Anyone interested in the training, please contact Kim at [email protected] for more information.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
"Be Healed" Retreat - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice, is holding a retreat from 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 through lunch on Friday, May 11. This retreat is an invitation from Jesus to reflect on what's holding us back from experiencing ever more the power and promise of the Resurrection. Drawing upon Dr. Bob Schuchts book, "Be Healed" and directed by Father Shawn Monahan, OMV, give yourself time to encounter the Divine Physician in personal prayer allowing the Lord to heal the wounds that may be holding you back from living a more abundant life. The cost of the retreat is $284.50 and includes accommodations and meals. To register, https://olph-retreat.org/ignatian-healing-retreat or call 941-486-0233.
Youth and Young Adults
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 Joshua Mazrin at [email protected].
Naples Area - Theology on Tap - The site of the gatherings rotates among different parishes and takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays: First Tuesdays at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Avenue North; Second Tuesdays at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road; Third Tuesdays at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road; Fourth Tuesdays at St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive.
Lehigh Acres Area - St. Raphael Parish, 2514 Lee Blvd., LOFT young adult group meets at 6:00 p.m., on the third Monday of each month. Call 239-369-1831 for further information.
Fort Myers Area - St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers hosts "Rooted", a Young Adult Program offering an opportunity to build Community. The group meets at 7:15 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. This program is for ages 18-39, married, single, women, men, parishioners and non-parishioners. Sessions vary from praise and worship, events and adventure, bonfires, and social justice events. For more information like Rooted on Facebook at "Rooted at St. John XXIII," or contact Kelly Evers at 239-561-3022.
Diocesan Scout Awards Ceremony and Mass - The Diocesan Scout Awards Ceremony and Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, May 6 at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Tampa Avenue West, Venice. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane followed by an awards ceremony and lunch. Scouts and Scouters are invited to process in wearing their uniforms. Award applications need to be turned in to Robert Paquette before April 15 at 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. For more details, contact Janet Thorne at 941-484-9543 or [email protected].
World Youth Day Pilgrimage: Panama 2019 - The Diocese of Venice has opened registration for the 2019 international pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Panama with Pope Francis! This trip will take place from January 19 to January 28, 2019. For questions and to reserve your group please contact Joshua Mazrin at [email protected]. (CLICK HERE for a copy of the flier.)
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Crawfish and Seafood Festival - All are invited to the Seventh Annual St. Martha Catholic School Cajun Crawfish & Seafood Festival presented by Let's Jump Events. The festival will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 on the grounds of St. Martha Catholic School, 4380 Fruitville Road. As in previous years, this too will be an event to remember! Cajun food, crawfish, music & entertainment, and tons of fun for the whole family!
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, April 15. All are welcome.
Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention - The Venice Diocese of Catholic Women will hold its 33rd Annual Convention on Saturday, April 21 at Epiphany Cathedral, Venice. The one-day convention hosted this year by the Northern Deanery Council of Catholic Women officially opens at Epiphany Cathedral (Hall A) with a continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Registration follows at 8:00 a.m. with Mass at 9:00 a.m. A most interesting, educational, and inspiring program is promised. There will be some amazing guest speakers, including our keynote speaker, the Rev. Deacon Scott Little of Epiphany Cathedral, Sharon Aragona, interim CEO of Venice Diocese Catholic Charities, and Erika Pineros, Latina speaker of the day. Please join us for a wonderful convention filled with inspiration and joy. For further information please contact Fran Frederick at [email protected] or 941-493-5904 or Carol Valvo at [email protected] or 941-776-8447.
Prayerful Rally to Protest Planned Parenthood - On Saturday, April 28, the 3rd Annual "Protest Planned Parenthood" rallies will be held nationwide, including one at Planned Parenthood in downtown Sarasota on Central Avenue at 8th Street. The schedule begins at 10:00 a.m. on the grounds of the new Community Pregnancy Center located right next to Planned Parenthood at 1419 7th St. (off Central), with a prayerful walk to follow. Those unable to join the Walk can line the street in prayer in front of Planned Parenthood; those who need it may bring a small chair or stool. Parking is available behind Planned Parenthood in the Sarasota Military Academy lot. Signs will be available or bring your own. Everyone is asked to keep a peaceful attitude throughout, witnessing to the love of Christ. It is important to remember that Planned Parenthood is the leading provider of abortion, over 320,000 a year by their own statistics. Contact James Kurt at [email protected] or 941-371-7339.
End of Year Gala - St. Francis Xavier Catholic School is hosting a gala from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4 in Father Anglim Gymnasium, 2055 Heitman St., Fort Myers. Enjoy an evening of camaraderie and musical entertainment. The evening includes a delicious buffet, beer, wine, live and silent auctions. Space is limited. Cost: $60 per person. Please contact [email protected] or 239-334-7707 ext. 222 or purchase tickets at www.stfrancisfortmyers.org.
Summer STREAM Camp - Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, 316 Sarasota St., Venice, is hosting summer camp from June 4 to July 27. Activities include sports computers, Bible study, arts and crafts, cooking, team activities, music, dance and theater. Weekly field trips will also take place. Cost for a full day is $150 per week or $100 per week for half days. Please contact Nicole Loseto, 941-488-2215, or [email protected] for further information.
Summer Camp - St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, 21505 Augusta Ave., Port Charlotte is offering Summer Camp from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., weekdays, June 4 to August 3. STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) focused classes change each week. Before care and after care will be available. For cost and details, contact Marie Tambasco at 941-625-553 or [email protected].
Vacation Bible School - Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota St., Venice is hosting Vacation Bible School from 9:00 a.m.to noon the week of June 18 to June 22. This year's theme is "Totally Catholic Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus." The camp is available to children kindergarten through fifth grade. Aftercare is available. To register or volunteer, visit epiphanycathedral.org.
Items for consideration in the Mustard Seed should be sent to [email protected] no later than two weeks before the scheduled
event.
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