Office of the Bishop
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for July - That priests, who experience fatigue and loneliness in their pastoral work, may find help and comfort in their intimacy with the Lord and in their friendship with their brother priests.
Ordination to the Priesthood - 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 the life of Deacon Shawn and the Diocese of Venice. A reception will follow.
Save the Dates & Mark Your Calendars - The following important events will include exciting speakers, opportunities for sharing of the Faith, the Mass and much more. The Diocesan Men's Conference will be held on Saturday, February 2 and the Diocesan Women's Conference will be held Saturday, February 16. Both Conferences will take place at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers with specific details and registration information available in the coming months.
Save the Date - 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 the New Year.
Share the Journey Continues - The Diocese of Venice continues to promote "Share the Journey", a worldwide two-year initiative of Pope Francis. The Diocese continues to run a series in the Mustard Seed 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 last of the series for ALL PARISHES to publish in their Sunday bulletins. A complete list of the series will be published in the next newsletter.
Are Refugees a Burden?
1. The primary goal of the U.S. refugee resettlement program is to help provide protection to refugees and help them become self-sufficient. (Sources: U.S. Refugee Act, Code of Federal Regulations 45 400.1)
2. Within a period of 2-4 months, most refugees manage to find a stable job, send their children to school and pay taxes. One study in Cleveland found that in 2016, refugees generated a total economic impact of $88.2 million in spending that supported 1,220 jobs in the region. In addition, refugees and refugee service organizations contributed $4.5 million in taxes to the state, county, and municipal governments. (Sources: Chmura Economics & Analytics; MPI)
3. Likewise, between 2002 and 2012 refugees started 38 businesses that employed 141 locals in the Cleveland area. In addition to contributing economically, refugees culturally enrich communities and parishes with new perspectives, histories and cultures. (Sources: Chmura Economics & Analytics; MPI)
Communications
Central and Southern Deaneries
Televised Mass for the Homebound - For Homebound Catholics who view the Sunday Mass on FOX4, on Sunday, July 15, the Mass will air at 7:30 a.m. rather than its usual time at 10:30 a.m. due to a sporting event. The Mass is also available on the Diocese of Venice website, www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass. Please note the decision to air sporting events in lieu of the Mass at its regular time is the decision of the television network and not the desire of the Diocese of Venice.
Prayer for Safety During Hurricane Season - The 2018 "Hurricane Season" is underway and already there have been named tropical storms. The season will continue through November 30 and all are encouraged to pray for protection from the storms that often threaten Southwest Florida. (CLICK HERE for a copy of the prayer in English.) (CLICK HERE for a copy of the prayer in Spanish.)
"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, July 27 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.
Respect Life
Project Rachel Update - Please do not use old ads with Fonda's name as she is no longer employed by the Diocese. As was previously announced, Sylvia Jimenez is now the Project Rachel Coordinator. Sylvia is fluent in English, Spanish and German. Also, please use the 941-412-5860 number when advertising Project Rachel. The old 239 number is being phased out. Since Sylvia speaks Spanish, there is no longer a need for two separate phones. The correct e-mail address to list is [email protected]. If you have any questions, contact Sylvia Jimenez a 941-412-5860 or Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068 or [email protected].
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 call the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, Barbara DiCocco at 941-416-6114. Please visit the Diocese of Venice website for scheduled dates in July.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Respect Life
Statewide Respect Life Conference Registration Now Open! - Online registration for the September 28-29 Florida Respect Life Conference is available at www.dioceseofvenice.org/RLC2018. A conference brochure is also available to be downloaded at this site as well as additional information about the location, hotels, speakers, schedule and more. Mark your calendar and plan to attend. It is only once every seven years that this conference is held in the Diocese of Venice. Questions? Contact Jeanne at [email protected] or 941-374-1068.
Hope After Abortion - Do you often think about an abortion you or a loved one had years ago? Sometimes it helps to have someone who understands and can just listen. Call Sylvia at 941-412-5860 (English, español or Deutsch). All calls are confidential.
Catholic Charities
Summertime and the Giving is Easy - You can be a superhero and empower your neighbors in need by donating to the Catholic Charities "Summertime and the Giving is Easy Appeal". You can be extraordinary this summer and provide support, shelter, food and education to families and individuals in your community. Catholic Charities builds up the people of Southwest Florida with the courage to move beyond poverty and achieve self-sufficiency. A total of 92 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to clients. To donate, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org. The giving is easy! Your gift will make a positive impact!
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, offers a comprehensive "Know Your Rights!" brochure in English (CLICK HERE) and Spanish (CLICK HERE). (Editor's note: Parish staff are encouraged to print this brochure in English and Spanish to have as a resource, should the need arise.)
Conozca Sus Derechos Migratorios - La conferencia episcopal de los Estados Unidos (USCCB) tiene diversos recursos destacando los derechos de los inmigrantes, estos recursos los podrán encontrara en: www.justiceforimmigrants.org. La conferencia episcopal esta conectada con CASA de Maryland, Detention Watch Network, y National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, quienes ofrecen conocimientos "sobre sus derechos". Para información en ingles haga CLIC AQUI, para información en español haga CLIC AQUI.
Evangelization
Grilling with Grace - Looking for something entertaining and spiritual to do this summer? The Office of Evangelization is hosting a summer series entitled "Grilling with Grace!" Each Tuesday in July, the group will meet at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel at Incarnation Parish, 2929 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, for a Holy Hour followed by a barbeque and talk and concluding with more fellowship! The final "Grilling with Grace" will take place on Siesta Key Beach at the pavilion with Bishop Frank J. Dewane as the speaker! The suggested donation for food is $5. For more information visit
https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/daily-resources/calendar/.
Family Life
Bereavement Support - The Diocese of Venice will be offering a series of bereavement workshops and training. Deacon Henry deMena holds a master's degree in counseling with extensive training and experience in bereavement. Save the date for the following "There is Hope" workshops:
August 2 -There is Hope: Miscarriage and Stillborn from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Church of St. Patrick, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota with dinner provided. There is no cost for dinner however registration is required to plan for food. Please register at www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar.
October 4 and 5 - There is Hope: Bereavement Training from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, with lunch provided. The cost is $25 per person. More information can be found at www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar.
November 15 -There is Hope: Surviving the Holidays. Two workshops will be offered from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Incarnation Parish, 2929 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Avenue West, Venice. There is no cost to attend. More information can be found at www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar.
Please contact Kim at [email protected] for questions or further information on any of the workshops.
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 rotate 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.
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
Summer Sports Camps - Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers is hosting a variety of sports camps in July. Sport camps include baseball, basketball, cheer, football, volleyball, softball, as well as an eco-adventure. Each camp is run by High School coaches for their prospective sport and has its own schedule and age requirements. The school is located at 5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. For more details and to register, visit www.bvhs.org/summer-camps.
Ave Maria University Youth Conference - Youth are invited to attend the 2018 Ave Maria University Youth Conference on Saturday, July 7. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the conference lasts until 9:00 p.m. Speakers include Michael (Gomer) Gormley, Father Eric Scanlan, Diocese of Venice Director of Vocations, Joseph Traver and Father Richard Pagano. Music will be by E.P.I.C. Ministries. The cost is $50 and that includes lunch, conference, t-shirt, and pizza party. Register at www.aveconferences.com.
Mall in the Hall - San Antonio Parish, 24445 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte, is hosting the 10th Annual Mall in the Hall sale with boutique items, gifts and much more. The event is 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 7, and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Sunday, July 8. For more details, please call Maureen Garafalo at 941-743-3765 or email [email protected].
Vacation Bible School - The week of July 9 to July 13, St. Francis Xavier Parish, 2157 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, will hold Vacation Bible School "Totally Catholic Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus" available to children entering Pre-K3 to 6th grade. Hours are 9:00 a.m.- noon. Cost is $30 per child or $70 for a family of three or more. Please visit www.stfrancisfm.org for further information.
Philosophy Course for Physicians, Allied Health Workers - The Catholic Medical Association of Southwest Florida invites all physicians and Allied Health Workers to a three-part course to backfill knowledge of the philosophic traditions of the Catholic Faith to gain a better understanding of our bioethical teachings. Held at 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays, July 14, July 28 and August 11, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fort Myers, the presentation will be given by Timothy Kearns, Adjunct Professor of Philosophy from the University of Connecticut and Diocese of Venice Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation. Space is limited. The cost is $125 for all three sessions or $50 each. Register at https://www.123signup.com/register?id=hcncm, or contact Dr. Steve Hannan at 239-849-6908 or [email protected].
Summer Musical Theater Camp - Don't miss the chance to star in Disney's "The Jungle Book KIDS" with a Summer Musical Theater Camp from July 16 to 20 and July 23 to 27 at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 2157 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Castmates will embark on a two-week musical theater journey culminating in an on-stage performance. This is a chance to perform in the full show while making new friends, singing, dancing and acting. Tuition is $375 and includes snacks and materials. To register, email Monica Nelson at [email protected].
Laps for Life - The Our Lady of Victory Council 3358 of the Knights of Columbus invites everyone to participate in the Sarasota Laps for Life to support the ultrasound initiative on Saturday, October 6 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. The event will raise money to purchase an ultrasound for My Choice Pregnancy Center in Sarasota. The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m. Be a part of the culture of life and join the Knights to walk/run a 5K-lap. The race fee is $35. To register or to support the Knights Ultrasound Initiative Program, please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sarasota/SarasotaLapsforLife.
The Called & Gifted Workshop - All are invited to attend The Called & Gifted Workshop from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 27 at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. The workshop is a one-day live presentation by Mary Sharon Moore and Charlie Hoover of the Catherine of Siena Institute, Colorado Springs, Colorado, with a theme of "Discover God's Call for Your Life." The session will be on the nature of charisms, call and vocation and the process of discernment. Participants will leave with a solid understanding of their unique giftedness and how to take the next steps toward purposeful living. There is a $30 fee per person that includes all materials, a light breakfast and lunch. Save $5 when you register and pay by September 1 at www.stagnesnaples.org. Some workshop materials are available in Spanish as well. For more information please contact Ivy O'Malley 239-592-1949 or [email protected].
Prison Ministry Volunteers Needed - Join a team of volunteers who share God's love and mercy with those incarcerated in any of the 23 jails/prisons throughout the Diocese. No previous experience required; newcomers are paired with experienced volunteers. Contact Robert Hiniker at 863-558-0407, [email protected].
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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