Office of the Bishop
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Reverend Reji Joseph, OSFS,
as
Parochial Vicar of
St. Ann Parish
,
Naples, effective, November 13, 2019.
Reverend Lino Estadillo, OMV, as Assistant Director of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice, effective December 5, 2019.
Reverend Paul Nguyen, Parochial Vicar of St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral, is welcomed to the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice and incardinated into the said Diocese, effective November 25, 2019.
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.
Seminary Collection - Please support the annual Seminary Collection the weekend of January 4 and 5, 2020. (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. To register visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar. (CLICK HERE for the flier.) For more details contact Gail at 941-484-9543 or [email protected], or Kim at [email protected].
'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, or 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
Christmas Day Television Mass for the Homebound - The televised Christmas Day Mass for the Homebound with Celebrant Bishop Frank J. Dewane will air for a full hour on Christmas Day. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Mass will air at 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Mass will air at 8:00 a.m. on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). Please check your cable provider for channel listings. Leaflet missals are available upon request by calling Gail Ardy at 941-486-4714 or by writing: TV Mass, Diocese of Venice, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. For more information email [email protected].
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 (USCCB), 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 general 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.
"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
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. Visit https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/campaigns to send a message to your legislators.
Catholic Days at the Capitol - Register by Friday, December 20 to participate in the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol on January 28-30. 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 additional details online visit:
https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/legislative-action/. Online registration at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/catholic-days-at-the-capitol. See the registration form for hotel options. For more information call Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068, or email [email protected]. Also visit https://www.flaccb.org/cda.
Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life - Please join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for a Mass and a Prayer Walk for Life at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 21, at St. Martha Parish, 200 N. Orange St., Sarasota. Following the Mass, participants can take a shuttle or walk to the Planned Parenthood on Central Avenue for the Prayer Vigil. For more information please contact Jeanne at [email protected].
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 now through January. 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.
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 include 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 at the Sugar Bowl Show of Shows, beginning at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25, at the North Port Performing Arts Center, 6400 W. Price Blvd. 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, 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 ckiq aqui) y en Español (Haga ckiq 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.
Youth and Young Adults
Young Adult Retreat - Come for a young adult retreat given by 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, 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].
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Marriage Preparation Retreat - A Witness to Love Marriage Preparation Retreat will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 21505 Augusta Avenue, Port Charlotte, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11. It is recommended for engaged couples to attend this retreat before their 5th meeting with their mentor couples, and the Theology night with the Priest or Deacon. Mentor couples and those preparing for convalidation through the Witness to Love Civil Marriage Initiative are also welcome to attend. The cost is $25 per couple. Register with Michael Barrett at (941) 585-0668 or [email protected] by January 4th.
Bingo Knights - The Knights of Columbus of San Marco Parish, 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island, will host bingo each Thursday night in the Parish Hall beginning January 2 through April 2. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. For more information call John DeRosa at 239-389-5633.
Save the Date! - An art auction sponsored by the Incarnation Parish Conference of St. Vincent de Paul will be held from 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 12, in the Finegan Center, 2929 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Cost is $5 per person. There is something for everyone with both live and silent auctions.
Faith and Wine Lee County - The next gathering of Faith and Wine Lee County is 6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 23, at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. The speaker Kelly Nieto: "My Holy Mess!." To see the complete line-up of speakers and to register, please visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com.
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 will be competing for trophies and cash prizes.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.
Magnificat Breakfast -The next Magnificat Breakfast for women is 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, January 25, at the Holiday Inn Airport, Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers. All ladies are invited. The speaker is Ireland-born Sr. Briege McKenna, O.S.C., a world-renowned author and speaker who entered the Sisters of St. Clare at the age of 15. Visit www.magnificatfortmyers.org. for more information. Seating is limited. Advanced registration only and tickets are $23. For more information, please call 239-826-7475.
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.
Adoration Chapel Hours - Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 12905 State Route 70, Lakewood Ranch, invites everyone to spend time with the Lord for Adoration. The Adoration Chapel hours are: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; 7:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: and a Divine Mercy Hour (vocal prayer) at 3:00 p.m., Mondays. For more information, please call the Parish Office at 941-752-6770.
"Magyar Mise"- 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].
Please submit items for consideration in the Mustard Seed at least one month in advance to [email protected].
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