Diocese of Venice Crest

 

The Diocese of Venice in Florida

The Mustard Seed

November 22, 2019 

Office of the Bishop
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for December - That every country determine to take the necessary measures to make the future of the very young, especially those who suffer, a priority.

Retirement Fund for Religious Collection - Please support the Retirement Fund for Religious Collection the weekend of December 7 and 8, 2019. (Bulletin Editors: CLICK HERE for a letter from Bishop Dewane.)

Mass Honoring Widows and Widowers - Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate a Mass for all widows and widowers beginning at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 26 at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th North Avenue, Naples. Dinner will follow in the Parish Hall.  A display of photos will be available for viewing during the reception; should you wish to participate with a photo of you and your deceased spouse, please email Gail at [email protected], or send a copy in advance to Diocese of Venice, ATTN: Widows and Widowers Mass, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, Florida 34285. There is no cost to attend. Registration is required to plan for food. For more details contact Gail at 941-484-9543 or email [email protected], or Kim at [email protected] register online, visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar.  ( CLICK HERE for flier.)

'A Disciple of Christ' Campaign - Beginning with the Advent Season of 2019 and to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Diocese of Venice, Most Rev Frank J. Dewane is launching a campaign for all to become A Disciple of Christ. The campaign will run through the Liturgical Seasons beginning with Advent, Christmas, a portion of Ordinary Time, Lent, Easter, and concluding with Pentecost. Attached is a letter from Bishop Frank J. Dewane introducing the Campaign. ( CLICK HERE for the letter in English.) ( CLICK HERE for the letter in Spanish.)

Bishop Invites Couples Celebrating Marriage - All couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more years of marriage are invited by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an Anniversary Mass in their honor. The Mass honoring significant anniversaries will be celebrated in two locations: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 1 at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota Street, Venice, and 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 29 at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. Information packages will be mailed to Parishes in the coming month.

Communications Department
Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate - As Catholics, we have a long tradition of engagement in the political process as a means of putting our faith into action. We are called to bring the best of ourselves and our faith to the public square -- and yet today, many shy away from such involvement because our national and local conversations are filled with vitriol and harsh language, often directed at individuals. When personal attacks replace honest debate, no one wins. This kind of attack, no matter the reason, only serves to further divide our communities. As Catholics, we must bear witness to a better way. You are invited to join the Civilize It campaign launched by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on November 3 as a way to promote civility, model love for neighbor, and build community. The date of the program's introduction is significant because it is precisely one year from the 2020 presidential election.  Visit www.civilizeit.org to take a pledge as an individual, family, or community to honor human dignity through civil conversation.

Prayer to Mother Cabrini, the Patron Saint of Immigrants - The prayer below was written by a Dreamer at Cabrini University. Please publish this prayer in your bulletins as a reminder for the Faithful to continue to pray for Dreamers.

Mother Cabrini, Patron of Immigrants, who came to help those like me, who abandoned everything we knew. We left country, family, and friends to find a safer place. You embraced the freedom of America and I embrace it now. Sometimes, I'm afraid, anxious, and overwhelmed. I may be criticized, ridiculed, and misunderstood because I look, speak, and act differently. Yet, your love for all, especially the poor and the refugee, is my guiding light. It gives me hope. And I offer the prayer now, that you so boldly prayed then, "Dear God, fortify me with the grace of your Holy Spirit and give your peace to my soul." Amen.

This prayer card was created by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network. To learn more about supporting immigrants, visit www.cliniclegal.org.

Faustina: Love and Mercy - For one day, Monday, December 2 only, the movie "Faustina: Love and Mercy" will be shown in various theaters in cities within the Diocese of Venice at 7:00 p.m.  This docu-drama focuses on the life of St. Faustina and the message given her by Jesus to spread his mission of love and mercy to the world. Please visit https://www.fathomevents.com/events/faustina-love-and-mercy for participating theaters and to purchase tickets.

Christmas Mass Time Listings - The 2019 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass times will be featured on the Diocesan website and in the December 20 edition of The Florida Catholic. To ensure the times are correct, please submit parish/mission Mass times to [email protected] no later than Tuesday, December 10. Please remember to also update your Mass times on Masstimes.org.

"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, December 27, on 1660 AM in Naples as well as 1410 AM and 106.7 FM in Fort Myers. Listen anywhere online at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts/. The program airs on the last Friday of each month.

2020 Mustard Seed Publication Schedule - In order to assist with planning, please CLICK HERE for a copy of the 2020 Mustard Seed Schedule.
                                            
Respect Life
Cities for Life, Cities Against the Death Penalty - Please let the Diocesan Respect Life Office know if you will be tolling your church bells at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, to encourage the community to pause for a moment of silence and prayer for an end to the use of the death penalty. Email Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or call 941-374-1068.  Your participation is appreciated.
 
UNPLANNED Movie - Please consider signing up for a license to show the movie UNPLANNED by submitting a form to the Diocesan Respect Life Office by January 10. ( CLICK HERE for the updated form and submission details). The license will cover unlimited showings up to one year from the initial screening date. Any Parish that has not yet received a free DVD may contact [email protected] or call Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068 and one will be sent.

Project Rachel Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing - Please include a Project Rachel ad in your bulletins whenever space is available. Click HERE for English or HERE for Spanish, or visit  https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/post-abortion-help/.  Retreats are scheduled as needed.  Tear-off ads are available for display, particularly in restrooms (for both women and men) by contacting Sylvia at 941-412-5860.
   
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 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 the Diocese of Venice website for scheduled training dates. (BULLETIN EDITORS: Please publish above text in parish bulletins.)

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Respect Life
Action Alert - Urge Congress to require the bodies of aborted babies to be treated with dignity!  Following the discovery of thousands of aborted babies in a deceased abortionist's home and car, the public is encouraged to ask their federal lawmakers to pass legislation requiring respectful treatment of these tiny humans.  To send a message to your legislator, go to https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/campaigns.

November is Adoption Month - On any given day in Florida, there are over 800 children available for adoption without an identified family. This includes large sibling groups, teenagers, and children with medical conditions. During November, Florida will highlight "30 Days of Amazing Children" to focus on the children who are still waiting and hoping for a family of their own.  Pope Francis encourages adoption and praises it as "a very generous way to become parents."  Catholic Charities offers a private adoption agency throughout 63 of the 67 Florida counties. For more information call 866-973-8638 or visit www.ccadoptfl.org. For more information on children in need of homes currently in the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), visit www.adoptflorida.org or call 1-800-96-ADOPT.

National Night of Prayer for Life - You are invited to join Parishes across the country in a national night of prayer on Sunday, December 8, at any of the following Parishes:
*    9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m., San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port.
*    9:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., San Marco Parish, 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island.
*    6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (Procession to the chapel after the 5:00 p.m. Mass followed by adoration and Night of Prayers.)
*    Sacred Heart Parish, 211 West Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda will offer Adoration after the 8:30 a.m. Mass.
For downloadable prayers to use on your own, or as a family, visit  www.nationalnightofprayerforlife.org or contact Jeanne Berdeaux, at 941-374-1068, [email protected].

Catholic Days at the Capitol - Register by Friday, December 20 to participate in the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol on January 28-30, 2020.  The three-day trip includes a legislative briefing on important bills relating to human life and dignity, a breakfast with legislators and the Florida Bishops, tours of the Capitol and museum, scheduled visits with legislators and the annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit with the Florida Bishops and public officials. Bus transportation is provided while space is available at no cost.  For details visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/legislative-action/.  For online registration please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/catholic-days-at-the-capitol. See the registration form for hotel options.  For more details contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068, email [email protected] or visit https://www.flaccb.org/cda.

Cities for Life, Cities Against the Death Penalty - Cities around the world will observe a time of prayer for an end to the use of the death penalty on Saturday, November 30.  Many Churches will toll their bells at 6:00 p.m. to encourage the community to pause for a moment of silence and prayer.  Learn more about the Church's teaching on this issue by watching a video with Dale Recinella, author of Now I Walk on Death Row, available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/death-penalty/  For additional resources, contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068.

2020 Public Policy Priorities - The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has identified its public policy priorities for the 2020 Legislative Session, set to begin January 14. Key issues of concern are identified under the advocacy areas of Life, Education, Health Care, and family & social concerns.  The priorities are listed at www.flaccb.org and are available in a printed format for distribution.
 
Catholic Charities
Christmas Appeal - The annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal occurs during December 2019 and January 2020. The goal is to raise $565,000 and your gifts are much appreciated! The Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is the agency's largest fundraiser and critical to operating the social service organization. Your donation will benefit Catholic Charities programs and services available throughout Southwest Florida that assist individuals, families, and seniors all year long. Thank you for your giving spirit! To donate please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or mail a donation to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 5824 Bee Ridge Road PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.

Adopt a Family for Christmas - You can make Christmas brighter for a mother and her baby! Our Mother's House of Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers to Adopt a Family for Christmas. The program provides shelter and guidance for single mothers and their children who would otherwise be homeless. The mission is to offer single mothers and their children a safe and secure environment in which to achieve increased self-sufficiency through education, vocational training and personal growth. The resident families have provided a wish list of items needed.  Wrapped gifts are requested to be delivered to Our Mother's House,      207 N. Harbor Drive, Venice, FL 34285 by Monday, December 9. For more information, please contact Case Worker Rita Millner at 941-485-6264, ext. 102.

"It's a Wonderful Life" - A Live Radio Play - A benefit performance of "It's a Wonderful Life" - A Live Radio Play, will take place at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 3, at Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. Proceeds will benefit New Paradigm of Catholic Charities, a program providing transitional housing for families at risk of becoming homeless. Tickets are $23. For more information or reservations, please call 941-475-6756 or visit www.lemonbayplayhouse.com.
 
Jammin' for the Mamas at Our Mothers House - All are invited to support Our Mother's House of Catholic Charities, a mother-child residential housing program, at the Jammin' for the Mamas event from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday, January 13, at Boca Royale Golf and Country Club, in Englewood. Join the Shark Sisters for a "jawsome" night of fun, food and music. Tickets are $50 and includes dinner and the concert. For tickets and information contact Rose Hutchinson at 941-485-6264 or 941-662-7787.

Sugar Bowl Show of Shows North Port - Come support the Sugar Bowl Fund of Catholic Charities and the Knights of Columbus for the Sugar Bowl Show of Shows, 7:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2020, North Port Performing Arts Center, 6400 W. Price Blvd. North Port. The event will feature the Goldtones performing oldies and doo-wop music. The Sugar Bowl Fund assists families in the community who are experiencing a financial hardship. Tickets are $20 or $25 a person and can be purchased at www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Sarasota Charity Ball - Please join us for the Catholic Charities Ball at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota. All proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. in Sarasota and Manatee counties, which include Our Mother's House, St. Martha's Early Learning Center, Bethesda House, Catholic Charities Family Haven, housing counseling and foreclosure prevention, financial assistance, senior services, professional counseling, refugee services, and immigration services. The evening will include a cocktail hour, auctions, dinner, and dancing. The special guest speaker is Tim Tebow. Tickets are $300 a person. For information and tickets visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or call 941-355-4680 or email [email protected].

Know Your Immigration Rights - The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has numerous resources outlining the rights of immigrants located on the website www.justiceforimmigrants.org. The USCCB, in partnership with CASA of Maryland, Detention Watch Network, and National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, offer a comprehensive "Know Your Rights!" brochure in English ( CLICK HERE) and Spanish ( CLICK HERE). (Editor's note: Parish staff is encouraged to print this brochure in English and Spanish to have as a resource.) Additionally, for a guide to better understanding immigrant rights in the workplace please visit: https://cliniclegal.org/resources/know-your-rights-workers.
 
Conozca Sus Derechos Migratorios - La conferencia episcopal de los Estados Unidos (USCCB) tiene diversos recursos detallando los derechos de los inmigrantes, los que podrá encontrar en la Web, www.justiceforimmigrants.org. La conferencia episcopal trabajando conjuntamente con CASA de Maryland, Detention Watch Network y National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, le ofrece un folleto comprensivo de "Conozca sus Derechos", en Inglés ( Haga cliq aqui) y en Español ( Haga cliq aqui).  Adicionalmente, para obtener un mejor entendimiento de los derechos de los inmigrantes en el lugar de trabajo, por favor visite  https://cliniclegal.org/resources/know-uour-rights-workers.

Free Mental Health Counseling Services - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. is offering free mental health counseling services for adults, children and families who lived in Florida during Hurricane Irma. These services are made possible through a grant from the American Red Cross. Counselors can help resolve a variety of issues such as stress, anger, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, depression, low self-esteem and grief. Mental health counseling services are available at various locations throughout the Diocese in both English and Spanish. Please visit the website at www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or call Joan at 941-355-4680 ext. 311.

Servicios gratuitos de consejería de salud mental - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. ofrece servicios gratuitos de consejería de salud mental para adultos, niños y familias que vivieron en Florida durante el huracán Irma. Estos servicios son posibles a través de una subvención de la American Red Cross. Los consejeros pueden ayudar a resolver una variedad de problemas como el estrés, la ira, la ansiedad, los problemas de relación, el trauma, la depresión, la baja autoestima y el dolor. Los servicios de consejería de salud mental están disponibles en varios lugares de la Diócesis, tanto en inglés como en español. Visite el sitio web en www.catholiccharitiesdov.org o llame a Joan al 941-355-4680 ext. 311.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Come to the Water Day of Prayer - The "Come to the Water Day of Prayer" will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., each second Wednesday of the month at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. All are invited to attend. The day includes a continental breakfast, lunch, two conferences, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation and prayer. The day concludes with Mass. The early registration discount 10 days prior is $30, or $35 thereafter. Please register at https://olph-retreat.org/1-day-retreats.

Prepare Your Heart for Christmas/Advent Retreat - Mary delights in the hospitality and gifts, the festivities and decorations, and all that we do to prepare for Christmas. On a deeper level, she wants the Birth of Jesus to be a time for us to come to know and love Him more intimately. This retreat begins with registration at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, December 7, and ends at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 8. The 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 each day. For more information or to register, please visit www.olph-retreat.org.

Youth and Young Adults
2020 Seminary Young Adult Retreat - Come for a young adult retreat with the Seminarians of the St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary for a Young Adult Retreat from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 1, 2020, at the Seminary, 10701 S. Military Trail, Boynton Beach. The theme is "Et Verbum Caro Factum Est (And the Word Was Made Flesh)." Join other young adults (18-35) and encounter the Lord made present to us through His Word in Sacred Scripture and the Holy Eucharist. There will be talks, Adoration, Confession, Mass and more. To register please visit www.svdp.edu/project-page, or for more information please email [email protected]. ( CLICK HERE for a flier.)

Do You Know a Young Person with a Drug Problem? - Perhaps you know of a young friend, neighbor or classmate who suffers from drug addiction and does not know where to turn for help. Drug Addicts Anonymous believes all individuals suffering from addiction have a right to access recovery, be self-sufficient and independent. Drug Addicts Anonymous provides an opportunity for long term recovery and positive change through a no-cost service. Based on a 12-step program, the focus is on the physical, mental and spiritual condition as a whole person; contributing to the individual's social reintegration in a dignified and efficient way. For further information on the program and services available, please visit www.daamerica.org or call 561-420-0930.

¿Conoce A Alguna Persona Joven Con Un Problema De Drogas? - Quizás usted sepa de algún amigo joven, vecino ó compañero que sufre de una adicción a las drogas y no sabe a quién recurrir por ayuda. Drogadictos Anónimos considera que todo individuo que sufre de una adicción tiene derecho a iniciar una recuperación, ser independiente y auto-suficiente. Sin embargo, hoy en día hay mucha gente joven afectada por la drogadicción, privada de un sentido de autovaloración porque no puede pagar por tratamiento adecuado ó; no tiene acceso a recursos de recuperación y apoyo. Drogadictos Anónimos le proporciona la oportunidad de una recuperación a largo plazo y un cambio positivo por medio de un servicio sin costo alguno. Basado en un programa de doce pasos, el enfoque es en la condición física, mental y espiritual de la persona, contribuyendo a la integración social del individuo de una manera digna y eficiente. Para información adicional de este programa y los servicios disponibles, por favor visite www.daamerica.org ó llame al 561-420-0930.

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 in 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].

Theology on Tap - Naples Area - 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.

Fort Myers Area - "Rooted," a Young Adult Program offering an opportunity to build Community meets at 7:15 p.m., on the first Thursday of the month at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. 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 ext.107.

Fort Myers - Theology on Tap - Join us for a time of fellowship and outreach including games, discussion, and complimentary refreshments at 7:00 p.m., on the second Thursday of the month at Old Soul Brewing, 10970 S. Cleveland, Ave., Suite 402, Fort Myers. Please contact Joshua Mazrin at [email protected] for details.

Sarasota Area - Theology on Tap - Join us for a time of fellowship and outreach including games, discussion, and complimentary refreshments at 7:00 p.m., on the third Thursday of the month at the Mandeville Beer Garden, 428 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota. Please contact Joshua Mazrin at [email protected] for details.

OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Christmas Spectacular - All are invited to a Christmas Spectacular Concert starring Billy Dean and Dawn at 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 2, at St. Columbkille Parish, Iona Hall, 12171 Iona Road, Fort Myers. The concert will feature all your Christmas favorites. Proceeds will benefit Parish outreach. Tickets are $20 at the Parish office, or by calling 239-489-3973.

Women's Guild Card Party - St. Francis Assisi Parish Women's Guild is hosting a card party at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 4, in the Parish Hall, 5265 Placida Road, Grove City. Play cards or games until 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 and include lunch, drinks, playing time and door prizes. Make reservations by Monday, December 2 at www. sfoachurch.com, click on "Parish Forms" and "Card Party," or by calling 941-697-4899 ext. 6.  Leave a message with your name, phone number and number of people at your table.

Faith and Wine Lee County - The sixth season of Faith and Wine Lee County is underway at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. This season will include five gatherings at different Parishes through March, and all are from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The speaker for the Thursday, December 5 evening is Barbara Alderfer: "We CAN Change the World! How to Pray Powerfully!" To see the complete line-up of speakers and to register, please visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com.

St. Agnes Advent Day of Reflection - This Advent all are invited to explore Mary's life based on the revelations of Saint Anne Emmerich from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5 at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. The day begins with Mass in the Chapel followed by a continental breakfast and live presentation in the Parish Center. Lunch is included. The cost is $15 fee per person. Mary's Journey to Bethlehem will inspire and fill you with the Holy Spirit of this Advent season! Register and pay online at www.StAgnesNaples.org.  

Seton Golf Classic - Play a round of golf and support St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples at the same time. The Seton Golf Classic begins at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, December 7 at The Club at The Strand in Naples. There will be a complimentary clinic with PGA professionals, breakfast, lunch, prizes and more. Join as a golfer or sponsor to benefit student scholarships. For more details, please contact Jeff Tengarge at [email protected] or Gina Groch at [email protected], or call 239-455-2262.
 
Advent Retreat - Matthew Leonard, host of the hit video series "The Bible and the Virgin Mary" will be leading an Advent Retreat from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday, December 9 at St. Bernard Parish Hall, 248 South Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. The retreat will focus on the mystery of the Immaculate Conception and exploring the timeless mysteries of heaven. The day begins with Mass and concludes with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and will also include lunch. There is no charge for this retreat. Books and videos from Matthew Leonard will be available for purchase. Seating is limited, so reserve your space now by calling 941-778-4769.

Faith and Ale Lee County - All men are invited to the next gathering of Faith and Ale Lee County at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, December 12, at Resurrection Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is Father Vincent Lampert; and the topic will be "Church Teaching on Exorcism." Donations of $10 are requested. To register, please visit www.faithandale.com.

Christmas Concert - The Church of St. Patrick, 8700 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota, and The Venice Symphony present a Spectacular Christmas Concert, featuring our very own St. Patrick's Choir, along with members of The Venice Symphony.  Two performances will be held in the Church, each at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 8 and Saturday, December 14. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of Christmas cheer!  Suggested donation is $25 per person.
10th Annual Sunshine State Steak Cook-off - The registration deadline for the 10th Annual Sunshine State Steak Cook-Off in Ave Maria is Sunday, December 15 for the Saturday, January 25 event. Cook teams from near and far will be competing for trophies and cash prizes. Register at https://www.sunshinestatesteakcookoff.com/. Steak tickets are also now available online or can be purchased at the Donahue Academy Office, Ave Maria Development, Del Webb Oasis Club and the Ave Maria Parish Office.

Mass at Dawn (Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo) - Masses in preparation for Christmas, originating from the Filipino Catholic custom of gathering for celebration of the Eucharist in predawn hours (or the evening) in the days before Christmas will be held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 1441 Spear St., Port Charlotte.  The Parish will be hosting the Mass at Dawn beginning at 7:30 a.m., Sunday, December 15 and Sunday, December 22, as well as at 6:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday, December 16 through December 21. Attend all days or come when you are available.  All are welcome. For more information, please call 941-626-5046.

Goldtones Tickets Now on Sale - San Antonio Parish Knights of Columbus announce that tickets are now on sale for the Goldtones, Florida's famous doo-wop group. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 31 in the Holy Trinity Hall, 24411 Rampart Blvd, Port Charlotte. General Admission tickets are $15. In addition to all the old familiar doo-wop favorites, they will also be singing your favorite Motown hits. Last year the show sold out early, so get your tickets now at 800-838-3006, or online at www.BrownPaperTickets.com.

"Magyar Mise"- Mass in the Hungarian Language - Mass in the traditional Hungarian language will now be available on the second Sunday of each month beginning at 1:30 p.m., at Incarnation Parish, 2902 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.
 
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].