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Office of the Bishop
Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
Reverend Ananda Anki Reddy, as Parochial Vicar, St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral, effective March 17, 2020.
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for April - We pray that those suffering from addiction may be helped and accompanied.
Masses Temporarily Suspended Due to Coronavirus - In addition to prayers for the safety of the Faithful of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, Bishop Frank J. Dewane has temporarily suspended Masses and Liturgical events in Parish Churches beginning Friday, March 20, 2020, until after Easter, in order to minimize the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). For the full Diocesan response, which includes the March 18 letter from Bishop Dewane, CLICK HERE. Once the health situation subsides, the temporary suspension of Masses will be revisited.
Prayer Against Coronavirus - Prayer cards have been ordered containing a Prayer against Coronavirus and will distributed to parishes shortly. Please encourage the Faithful to pray this prayer as we all work to contain this virus. (CLICK HERE for the prayer.)
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 has held a Mass for Victims of Child Abuse for the past 12 years. The Mass this year is scheduled at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20 at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice however is subject to change based on the Coronavirus conditions at that time. (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), the Diocese of Venice has held a Mass for Victims of Child Abuse for the past 12 years. The Mass this year is scheduled at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21 at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Avenue North, Naples however is subject to change based on the Coronavirus conditions at that time. (Bulletin editors CLICK HERE for the prayer offered by the USSCB for healing of victims of abuse in English and Spanish.)
Year of St. Joseph - Bishop Dewane announced the Diocese of Venice will celebrate a "Year of St. Joseph" beginning March 19, 2020 through March 19, 2021. St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and protector of the Blessed Virgin, is the Patron of the Universal Church, as proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1870. This year marks the 150th Anniversary of this Proclamation and on the Solemnity of St. Joseph Bishop Dewane celebrated Mass in which he consecrated the Diocese of Venice to the care and protection of St. Joseph particularly during this time of the Coronavirus pandemic. St. Joseph is known as the saint of protection and we all need protection from evil during these difficult times.Throughout the coming months, there will be announcements as events are planned, as well as prayers and resources. During this coming year let us place our trust in St. Joseph through prayer and his example of humility and kindness. In doing so we will all grow in virtue and ever closer to Our Lord. Please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org to view the Mass for the Solemnity of St. Joseph and the Consecration.
A Disciple of Christ' Campaign - To celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Diocese of Venice, Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane launched an initiative for all to become "A Disciple of Christ." The campaign will continue through Lent, Easter, and conclude with Pentecost. Disciple of Christ prayer cards have been mailed to all Parishes and Missions. For additional cards contact Gail at [email protected].
Communications Department
Holy Week - Please visit the Diocese of Venice website at www.dioceseofvenice.org, to watch pre-recorded daily and Sunday Masses online, and visit https://www.facebook.com/DioceseofVenice/ for live streaming sessions during Holy Week.
Televised Mass - The Diocese of Venice in Florida airs the televised Sunday Mass each week. The Mass can be viewed at 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network in Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto, Charlotte, Hardee and Highland counties, and at 10:30 a.m. on FOX4 in Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades and Desoto counties. The Mass is also available on the Diocese of Venice website at www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass. While Masses in churches are suspended access to daily Mass online can be found on the Diocesan website as well as prayers and other resources at www.dioceseofvenice.org. Please CLICK HERE for the Prayer for the Act of Spiritual Communion.
Sunday Mass in Spanish - Epiphany Cathedral will live stream the Sunday Liturgy in Spanish on Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m. The Mass can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/EpiphanyCathedral/. Please CLICK HERE for the Prayer for the Act of Spiritual Communion in Spanish.
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. 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. Visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/other/2020-election-resources-english-and-spanish/ to take the pledge, and to read the Election and Political Activities Guide released by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.
"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, March 27, on 1410 AM and 106.7 FM in Fort Myers. All can listen at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts. The program airs on the last Friday of each month.
Respect Life
Divine Mercy Sunday - Since legalization in our country, millions of women, men, and families have been hurt by abortion. By the age of 45, as many as 1 in 3 women have had an abortion, and a similar number of men and family members have been involved. Many inaccurately believe that abortion is "the unforgivable sin." They need to hear that God forgives every sin of a repentant heart, even the sin of abortion. The Sunday of Divine Mercy provides an important opportunity to share Christ's message of mercy, especially with those who have been wounded by abortion. Resources, including a sample timeline, homily helps, announcements, sample intercessions, activities, and more are provided in the USCCB Respect Life Program Action Guide to help you spread the message of Divine Mercy with those most in need of healing. You are encouraged to adapt these resources as needed to fit your specific parish. The complete Action Guide is available at https://www.respectlife.org/divine-mercy.
Office of Missions
Mission Possible Immokalee 2020 - Registration Required - The very popular Mission Immokalee trip registration for high school students is now open. Students will work on service projects from June 8 -12, with Catholic Charities of Collier and Lee Counties, Guadalupe Social Services and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. The mission trip is $199 and includes meals, lodging and transportation to work sites. For more information contact the Diocese of Venice Mission Office at 239-241-2233. Registration is through Youth Ministers at Parishes and Schools.
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
(For weekend of April 4-5, Palm Sunday)
Divine Mercy Novena - The Divine Mercy Novena begins on Good Friday, April 10, and concludes Saturday, April 18. In private revelations to St. Faustina, Jesus asked that the Feast of Divine Mercy be preceded by a novena praying for nine intentions with the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The novena can be accessed online at www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/novena.php.
(For weekend of April 18-19)
Divine Mercy Sunday - This weekend we celebrate the Sunday of Divine Mercy. God's greatest desire is to forgive us, pouring out His infinite mercy upon us so that we may be healed. Women and men alike who have been involved in an abortion may feel deep grief, guilt, anxiety, depression, broken relationships and a sense of alienation from God and Church. They may experience reactions on the Anniversary of the date of the abortion or what would have been the baby's due date. For anyone struggling with this, the Church cares. It is never too late to seek the Lord's mercy and healing through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Consider confidential, compassionate help from our diocesan abortion healing ministry. It is open to those of any faith or no faith, offering hope and healing to women and men hurting from past abortions. Contact Sylvia at 941-412-5860 or [email protected] or visit "Find Help" map on HopeAfterAbortion.org.
Spiritual Adoption Program - During this difficult time, please consider spiritually adopting an unborn baby. You can choose a name for your child and pray the simple prayer by Venerable Fulton J. Sheen each day through Christmas: "Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you very much. I beg you to spare the life of the unborn baby that I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion." Visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/wp-content/uploads/SPIRITUALADOPTIONS-.pdf for monthly fetal development information and Scriptures. For a prayer card in English, Spanish or Creole, contact [email protected] or 941-441-1101.
40 Days for Life - The spring campaign continues every day in front of Planned Parenthood in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples through Palm Sunday, April 5. For the hours, go to www.40daysforlife.com and check your closest location. Most hours are covered by two or three people at a time praying for an end to abortion so you can distance yourself for safety. Large gatherings including the closing ceremonies have been cancelled. For questions, contact Jeanne Berdeaux, [email protected] or 941-441-1101.
Hispanic Ministries
Sunday Mass in Spanish - Epiphany Cathedral will live stream the Sunday Liturgy in Spanish on Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m. The Mass can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/EpiphanyCathedral/. Please CLICK HERE for the Prayer for the Act of Spiritual Communion in Spanish.
Spiritual Exercises in Spanish - Ignatian Preached Retreats in Spanish are now being offered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center. The series of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices are in silence. There will be a Level 1 Retreat for men on the weekend of May 1-3 and one for women the weekend of May 22-24. (changed due to the Coronavirus.) There will also be a Level 2 Retreat for women the weekend of July 10-12 and one for men the weekend of July 17-19, for those who participated in the Spiritual Exercises in 2019. Please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar for further information. (CLICK HERE for the flier in Spanish.)
Ejercicios Espirituales En Español - Retiros Predicados Ignacianos en Español están siendo ahora ofrecidos en Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center. Estas series de meditaciones, oraciones y prácticas contemplativas son en silencio. Habrá un retiro Nivel 1 para Mujeres del 3 al 5 de abril y para Hombres, del 1 al 3 de mayo. Por favor tomar nota que nuestro Retiro Nivel 1 para Mujeres está siendo reprogramado para 22 al 24 de Mayo, cumpliendo con las pautas de la Diócesis de Venice debido al Coronavirus (COVID-19). Habrá también un retiro Nivel 2 del 10 al 12 de Julio para Mujeres y del 17 al 19 de Julio para Hombres, para aquellas personas que participaron en los Ejercicios Espirituales en 2019. Para más información por favor visite www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar. (Haga CLIC AQUI para ver poster en Español.)
Catholic Charities
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.
Youth and Young Adults
Mission Possible Immokalee 2020 - Registration Required - The very popular Mission Immokalee trip registration for high school students is now open. Students will work on service projects from June 8-12, with Catholic Charities of Collier and Lee Counties, Guadalupe Social Services and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. The mission trip is $199 and includes meals, lodging and transportation to work sites. For more information contact the Diocese of Venice Mission Office at 239-241-2233. Registration is through Youth Ministers at Parishes and Schools.
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 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]. Please note that in adherence to the Coronavirus guidelines all Young Adult activities have been suspended until a later date.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Florida Catholic Long-Sleeve Relief Drive - The Florida Catholic Newspaper is holding its annual Lenten Long-Sleeve Relief Drive now through Holy Thursday, April 9. Please donate clean, new, or used men's and women's cotton long-sleeve shirts to be worn in the fields to protect against sun and pesticide exposure. Please call ahead before proceeding to one of the following collection sites within the Diocese of Venice:
* Farmworker Association of Florida, Inc.
106 S 2nd St Suite 10, Immokalee, FL 34142
Contact: Jeannie Economos
For referral 407-886-5151; 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
* St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store - Sarasota
2711 Mall Dr, Sarasota, FL 34231
941-444-9343; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
* St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store - Bradenton
1111 8th Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
941-746-0622; 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday;
* St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store - Cape Coral
2023 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990
239-573-0217; 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday;
* Catholic Charities - DeSoto County
1210 Est Oak Street, Arcadia, FL 34266
863-494-1068; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
If you choose to make a monetary donation, please make your check payable to the Florida Catholic and mail to: Long Sleeve Relief PO Box 4993 Orlando, FL 32802-4993.
Diocese of Venice Events and Activities - In adherence with the Coronavirus guidelines, all event and activities have been suspended through Easter. The situation for events after Easter will be reassessed depending on the Coronavirus condition at that time.
School Celebration - St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples invites everyone to "A Night in Havana" from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, April 25, at the Vineyards Country Club, 400 Vineyards Blvd., Naples. Come enjoy an evening with dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions. Call 239-455-2262 ext. 307 for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
Divine Mercy Sunday Service - Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, is holding a Divine Mercy Sunday Service from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 19. Confession will begin at 1:30 p.m. The service entitled "Receiving an Ocean of Mercy", will include prayers, Adoration, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction. Anyone who has completed Father Gaitley's 33 Days to Merciful Love will be making or renewing their Consecration to Divine Mercy. All are welcome. For further information please contact the Parish Office at 239-267-7088.
Save the Date - St. Ann Catholic School, Naples is hosting its "Seaside Celebration" at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at Club Pelican Bay, Naples. Proceeds of the evening will support the school. For further information visit: bidpal.net/seaside20, or contact Tracy Farley at 239-262-4110 ext.313.
"Conquering Hate" Program - The Diocese of Venice and the Catholic Jewish Dialogue of Collier County, under the auspices of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, present "Conquering Hate" at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, April 26, at Beth Tekvah Synagogue, 1459 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. The speaker is Jim Bloom, Chief of Operations for the Collier County Shariff's Office. Chief Bloom will examine the complexities of "Conquering Hate" and offer his thoughts from the perspective of a peace officer. The event is free, and all are welcome. For more information, please call 239-263-4205 or email [email protected].
Catholic Homeschool Conference - Queen of Angels Academy presents the 2020 Catholic Homeschool Conference on May 27-28, at Christ the King Parish, 1900 Meadowood St., Sarasota. Guest speaker Laura Berquist will speak about: What is a classical education; Positive homeschooling; Getting the hearts of your children; Why I homeschooled my children; and a Discussion of Purpose and Practice. The cost is $20 per person for both days, $30 per couple. Contact www.queenofangelsacademy.com for more information or to register.
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 of an event to [email protected].
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