Diocese of Venice Crest

 

The Diocese of Venice in Florida

The Mustard Seed

 April 12, 2019 

Office of the Bishop
2019 Easter Message from Bishop Dewane 

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Christ is risen! Alleluia!
 
Go out and announce the Good News of the empty tomb,
that is Our Lord's Resurrection!

 
Rejoice in the message of the Easter Season! Put on the love and joy
that is Christ and live it for all to see!  

Let us embrace the Risen Christ who comforts all throughout the world
in times of difficulty!

May you and your family have a Blessed and Happy Easter!

+Bishop Frank J. Dewane

2019 Mensaje de Pascua del obispo Dewane

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

¡Cristo ha resucitado! ¡Aleluya!
 
¡Salgan y anuncien la Buena Noticia de la tumba vacía,
es la Resurrección de Nuestro Señor!

 
¡Regocíjense en el mensaje del tiempo Pascual! ¡Vivan el amor y la alegría que es Cristo para que todos lo vean!

¡Abracemos a Cristo resucitado que consuela a todo el mundo
en tiempos de dificultad!

¡Que tú y tu familia tengan una Feliz Bendecida Pascua!

+ Obispo Frank J. Dewane

2019 Mesaj Pak nan Bishop Dewane

Frèm ak sèm yo nan Jezikri,

Kris la resisite! Alelouya!

Ale anonse bòn nouvèl sa-a, tonb nan vid kounyea,
paske Sovè nou an Resisite!

Fè nou kontan nan mesaj tan Pak la pote pou nou an!
Mete renmen nan kè nou, fè kè nou kontan nan Kris la epi rete
nan li pou-n ka temwanye sa bay lòt yo!

Annou akeyi Rezirèksyon Kris la ki vi-n konsole nou tout
nan mond sa-a sitou nan difikilte nou yo!

Se pou fèt Pak sa-a pote benediksyon pou nou ak tout fanmi nou!

+Bishop Frank J. Dewane

Pope Francis Prayer Intention for April - For doctors and their humanitarian collaborators in war zones, who risk their lives to save the lives of others.

Pope Francis Prayer Intention for May - That the Church in Africa, through the commitment of its members, may be the seed of unity among her peoples and a sign of hope for this continent.

Mass for Victims of Child Abuse - North - April is Child Abuse Awareness Prevention Month, and in conjunction with the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Diocese of Venice will hold a Mass for Victims of Child Abuse on Wednesday, April 24 at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, at 8:00 a.m. This is the 12th consecutive year this Mass will be held in the Diocese. All are encouraged to attend. (Bulletin editors CLICK HERE for the prayer offered by the USSCB for healing of victims of abuse in English and Spanish.)

Mass for Victims of Child Abuse - South - April is Child Abuse Awareness Prevention Month, and in conjunction with the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Diocese of Venice will hold a Mass for Victims of Child Abuse on Thursday, April 25 at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, at 8:00 a.m. This is the 12th consecutive year this Mass will be held in the Diocese. All are encouraged to attend. (Bulletin editors: (CLICK HERE for the prayer offered by the USSCB for healing of victims of abuse in English and Spanish.)
 
Walk to Our Lady - The Second Annual Walk to Our Lady is Saturday, May 4, starting at 8:00 a.m. from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Please join Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who along with other participants, will process 6.6 miles to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive. During the walk, everyone will pray the rosary. A May Crowning will conclude the walk, which will be followed by lunch. The event is free. CLICK HERE for a copy of the flier. Registration is required at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/diocese-of-venice-2019-walk-to-our-lady.

Yom HaShoah - The annual Yom HaShoah Hour of Remembrance will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, May 5 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 Dr. Matthew Tapie, Assistant Professor of Theology and the Director for the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies at St. Leo University. Dr. Tapie is also an author, and in 2016 was appointed to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's Committee on Ethics, Religion and the Holocaust. Members of the Catholic Community of the Diocese of Venice in Florida are encouraged to attend this Hour of Remembrance which will include members of the Jewish Faith and survivors of the Holocaust. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

Blessing of the Bikes - Bishop Frank J. Dewane will bless all motorbikes at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 19 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. The Knights of Columbus, who are hosting this event, will provide a cookout after the blessing. CLICK HERE for a copy of the flier. Please RSVP to George Lopez at [email protected].

Office of Development
Register for Stewardship Day - Stewardship is a fundamental aspect of discipleship and remains a powerful process by which God converts the minds and hearts of His children.  As individuals, then entire communities, begin to embrace stewardship as a way of life, ministries thrive, worship is reinvigorated, and outreach increases. In order to engage the Faithful on the importance of stewardship in the Christian life, the Diocese of Venice will be hosting its Annual Stewardship Day along with the other six Arch/Dioceses of Florida on Saturday, May 4 at the Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel. This event will assist in highlighting the four pillars of Stewardship - Prayer, Formation, Hospitality, and Service; provide an opportunity for those in stewardship Parishes in this Diocese to exchange ideas with others; and offer the necessary tools for Pastors and lay leaders to begin promoting stewardship in their parish. To register or for more information, please visit www.adomdevelopment.org/statewidestewardshipday. (CLICK HERE for a flier.)

Communications Department
Intercessions for Migrant Children - Intercessions for the safety of the children at the border are included for use in parish bulletins. (CLICK HERE for sample intercessions.)

"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, April 26 on 1660 AM in Naples as well as 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.

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
Prayer Calendar for Public Officials - Our public officials need our prayers!  Please use the newly revised Prayer Calendar for Public Officials to remember to pray for them by name on certain days of the month and in general at the end of the month. (CLICK HERE for the calendar.)

Mission Office
Mission Possible Immokalee 2019 - All teens between the ages of 15-17 years old are invited to a mission experience of service to the marginalized. Organized by the Diocese of Venice Mission Office, this mission will take place from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14 in Immokalee. The cost is $180 per person and includes meals, lodging and transportation to work sites. Registration is through your local Parish Youth Group or Catholic School. The deadline to register is May 10. For further information please email [email protected] or contact Lisa Dahn in the Mission Office at 239-241-2233.  (CLICK HERE for a flier.)
 
Evangelization
2019 Scripture Conference with Scott Hahn - Join us for a Scripture Conference featuring internationally known author and Catholic speaker, Dr. Scott Hahn. The Conference will be from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., on Saturday May 18, at Bishop Verot High School, 5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. Dr. Hahn will be giving several talks on aspects of the Scriptures, including on the Virgin Mary, the Eucharist, and the married family as the "First Society." This is something you will not want to miss! Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Lunch is included. Students receive a discount. For more information and to register visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/events or to register directly visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2019-diocesan-scripture-conference. For more information, visit [email protected]  or contact Joshua at  941-484-9543. (CLICK HERE for the flier.) 

Catholic Charities
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. 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 now at the locations listed below:

Sarasota - English and Spanish
Catholic Charities
5055 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
For information and to schedule an appointment in Sarasota, call Joan at
941-355-4680, ext. 311.

Sarasota - English and Spanish
St. Patrick Catholic Church
7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34240
For information and to schedule an appointment in Sarasota, call Joan at
941-355-4680, ext. 311.
 
Sarasota - English and Spanish
St. Jude Catholic Church
3930 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34235
For information and to schedule an appointment in Sarasota, call Joan at
941-355-4680, ext. 311.
 
Bonita Springs - English and Spanish
Catholic Charities
28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
For information and to schedule an appointment in Bonita Springs, call Hilda at
239-390-2928.

Fort Myers - English and Spanish
Catholic Charities
5597 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919
For information and to schedule an appointment in Fort Myers, call Beth at
239-337-4193.

Naples - English and Spanish
Catholic Charities Family Counseling Center
2210 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Naples, FL 34116
For information and to schedule an appointment in Naples, call Nancy at
239-455-2655.

Naples - English
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
625 111th Avenue North, Naples, FL 34108
For information and to schedule an appointment in Naples, call Nancy at
239-455-2655.

Everglades City - English
Everglades City School
415 School Drive, Everglades City, FL 34139
For information and to schedule an appointment in Everglades City, call Terra at
239-919-9599.

Immokalee - English and Spanish
Guadalupe Social Services
211 South 9th Street
Immokalee, FL 34142
For information and to schedule an appointment in Immokalee, call Peggy at
239-657-6242.
 
Wauchula - English and Spanish
 St. Michael Parish
408 Heard Ridge Road, Wauchula, FL 33873
For information and to schedule an appointment in Wauchula, call Sister Gema 863-232-9284.

Servicios gratuitos de asesoramiento sobre salud mental - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. ofrece servicios gratuitos de asesoramiento sobre salud mental para adultos, niños y familias que vivieron en Florida durante el huracán Irma. Los consejeros pueden ayudar a resolver una variedad de problemas, como el estrés, la ira, la ansiedad, los problemas de pareja, el trauma, la depresión, la baja autoestima y el desconsuelo. Las siguientes ubicaciones ahora están disponibles:  
 
Sarasota - Inglés y Español
Caridades Catolicas
5055 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Para informacion y programar cita en Sarasota, llame a Joan al
941-355-4680, ext. 311.
 
Sarasota - Inglés y Español
St. Patrick Catholic Church
7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34240
Para informacion y programar cita en Sarasota, llame a Joan al
941-355-4680, ext. 311.
 
Sarasota - Inglés y Español
St. Jude Catholic Church
3930 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34235
Para informacion y programar cita en Sarasota, llame a Joan al
941-355-4680, ext. 311.

Bonita Springs - Inglés y Español
Caridades Catolicas
28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Para informacion y programar cita en Bonita Springs, llame a Hilda al 239-390-2928, ext. 300.

Fort Myers - Inglés y Español
Caridades Catolicas
5597 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Para informacion y programar cita en Fort Myers, llame a Beth al 239-337-4193.

Naples - Inglés y Español
Caridades Catolicas Centro de Consejeria de Familia
2210 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Naples, FL 34116
Para informacion y programar cita en Naples, llame a Nancy al 239-455-2655.
 
Naples - Inglés
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
625 111th Avenue North, Naples, FL 34108
Para informacion y programar cita en Naples, llame a Nancy al 239-455-2655.
 
Everglades City - Inglés Everglades City School
415 School Drive, Everglades City, FL 34139
Para informacion y programar cita en Everglades City, llame a Terra al 239-919-9599.
 
Immokalee - Inglés y Español
Guadalupe Social Services
211 South 9th Street
Immokalee, FL 34142
Para informacion y programar cita en Immokalee, llame a Peggy al 239-657-6242.
 
Wauchula - Inglés y Español
St. Michael Parish
408 Heard Ridge Road, Wauchula, FL 33873
Para informacion y programar cita en Wauchula, llame a
Hermana Gema 863-232-9284.

Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation
GO DEEPER! - Join the Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation for the next Deeper Waters online series: Mary: Mother of God from Monday, May 13 to Friday, July 5. Learn more about the basic fundamental Catholic teachings on the Blessed Virgin Mary. Explore authentic Marian devotion and spirituality. Join Joshua Mazrin, Diocese Director of Evangelization, as he teaches us more about Mary: Mother of God. With this online course, you have the ability to watch weekly lectures at a time that is convenient for you. For more details, visit us at https://institute-dov.org or call 941-766-7334. (CLICK HERE for a flier.)

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Prime Rib Thursday - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center (OLPH), 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice, is featuring the culinary talents of Chef Brian with a slow-roasted prime rib buffet, seating starting at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, April 25. There is $24.95 donation per person. Seating is limited. Please RSVP by April 15 to 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/prime-rib-Thursday.

Ignatian Preached Retreats - These retreats are directed by Father Sean Morris, OMV or Father Mark Yavarone, OMV at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center (OLPH), 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. Ignatian Preached Retreats are silent. The retreats include scheduled conferences each day, Mass, and an opportunity to meet at least once with the retreat director. The conference topics center around Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment.  Each retreat is four days and all rooms are single occupancy.  The next scheduled retreat is Sunday, April 28 to Thursday, May 1. Registration required by April 18. For more information, or to register, visit https://olph-retreat.org/ignatian-spirituality-retreats.

Come to the Water - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center (OLPH), 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice, invites all to its monthly "Come to the Water" day of prayer. The next scheduled date is Wednesday, May 8. The day begins at 9:00 a.m. and includes continental breakfast, lunch, two conferences, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation and prayer. Mass at 2:30 p.m. will conclude the day. Registration discount 10 days prior is $30.  Registration increases to $35 thereafter. Register at https://olph-retreat.org/1-day-retreats.

Mother's Day Brunch Buffet - Come to the waters of the Myakka River at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center (OLPH), 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice, for a Mother's Day Brunch Buffet. Seating starts at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, May 12. The buffet includes a carving station, omelet station, bagel and lox station, eggs benedict, salads, desserts and more. There will also be the choice of Mimosa or Bloody Mary. The cost is $24.95, and space is limited. Reservations are required by May 1 to www.olph-retreat.org/mothers-day-brunch or call 941-486-0233 for more information.

Private Group Day of Prayer - If your group or organization is interested in having a private day of prayer in a peaceful setting, please contact Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center (OLPH), 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. The private days include continental breakfast and lunch, two conferences, the opportunity for confession and ends with Mass. For inquiry please contact Denise Riley at 941-486-0233 or at [email protected].

Youth and Young Adults
Diocesan Scout Awards Ceremony and Mass - The Diocesan Scout Awards Ceremony and Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, May 5 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].
 
Mission Possible Immokalee 2019 - All teens between the ages of 15-17 years old are invited to a mission experience of service to the marginalized.  Organized by the Diocese of Venice Mission Office, this mission will take place from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14 in Immokalee.  The cost is $180 per person and includes meals, lodging and transportation to work sites. Registration is through local Parish Youth Group or Catholic School. The deadline to register is May 10. For further information please contact Lisa Dahn in the Mission Office at 239-241-2233 or at [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. Yet, today many young people affected by drug addiction are deprived of a sense of self-worth because they cannot pay for proper treatment or access recovery resources and support. Drug Addicts Anonymous provides an opportunity for long term recovery and positive change through a no cost service. Based on a twelve-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.

Lehigh Acres Area - LOFT young adult group meets at 6:00 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month at St. Raphael Parish, 2514 Lee Blvd. Call 239-369-1831 for further information.

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.

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., Thursday, April 25 at the Mandeville Beer Garden, 428 Lemon Ave., Sarasota. Future dates include Thursdays: May 16, June 20 and July 18. For more information, please contact Joshua Mazrin at [email protected].
 
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE    
Sarasota Good Friday Pilgrimage - Everyone is invited to "Walk Your Faith" with more than 20 different Christian congregations this Holy Week by experiencing The Way or Stations of The Cross, Good Friday, April 19 through downtown Sarasota. The pilgrimage begins at 7:30 a.m. in front of the Hollywood 11 Theater, 1993 Main St., Sarasota. Groups from St. Jude Parish, St. Martha Parish, Incarnation Parish and St. Patrick Parish have committed to taking part. The final stop will be at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave. and will be reached at approximately 8:30 a.m. Buses will be available to return participants to the starting point. For information, please call President of the Sarasota Ministerial Association Rev. Dr. Tom Pfaff at 941-724-5018 or [email protected].

Divine Mercy Sunday - St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting a Divine Mercy Sunday service, 2:15 p.m., Sunday, April 28. The service starts with praying the rosary, followed by a procession of the Divine Mercy image led by the Knights of Columbus, then Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and Divine Mercy Chaplet. All are welcome. For more information, please call Fred or Barb Goduti, 239-261-4810.

Sunday of Divine Mercy - Join us at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, for the celebration of Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 28. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at 1:00 p.m., and the Holy Hour will begin at 2:30 p.m. with Adoration, the Chaplet and Benediction. This year we are including the Hearts Afire group consecration to Divine Mercy. For more information, please call 239-267-7088.

Naples Area Vacation Bible Schools - Parishes in the Naples area will be hosting Vacation Bible Schools throughout June. The theme for each this year is "Roar! Life is Wild - God is Good!" Each day is from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and includes new friends, amazing experiments, creative games, surprising adventures and incredible music for children pre-K4 to entering fifth grade in the fall. Dates, locations and links to registration follow:
*    June 3-7, St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., www.saintjohntheevangelist.com;
*    June 10-14, St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, www.saintwilliam.org;
*    June 17-21, St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, www.stagnesnaples.com;
*    June 24-28, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 5225 Golden Gate Parkway www.stelizabethseton.org.

Vacation Bible School in Sarasota - Incarnation Parish, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, is hosting a Vacation Bible School from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14. The theme for this year is "Roar! Life is Wild - God is Good!" Each day is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and includes new friends, amazing experiments, creative games, surprising adventures and incredible music for children pre-K4 to entering fifth grade in the fall. For more information, please call Lisa Russo at 941-724-2518 or register at www.vbsmate.com/students/incarnation.

Vacation Bible School - St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, is hosting a Vacation Bible School, 9:00 a.m. to noon, Monday, June 17 to Friday, 21. All are welcome with program for pre-school age 3 through fifth grade, and older students and adults needed as volunteers. Time to get on Board the St. Patrick VBS Ship. Call 941-378-1703 X309 for more information.

Vacation Bible School in Venice - Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, is hosting a Vacation Bible School from Monday, June 17 to Friday, June 21. The theme for this year is "Roar! Life is Wild - God is Good!" Each day is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and includes new friends, amazing experiments, creative games, surprising adventures and incredible music for children pre-K4 to entering fifth grade in the fall. For more information, please call 941-484-3505.

Volunteers Needed - The Diocesan Prison outreach is in need of volunteers. Volunteers share God's love and mercy with those incarcerated in any of the 21 jails/prisons throughout the Diocese. No previous experience is required. Extensive training and newcomers are paired with experienced volunteers. To learn more, please contact Robert Hiniker at [email protected] or 863-558-0407.

Items for consideration in the Mustard Seed should be sent to [email protected].