Diocese of Venice Crest

 

The Diocese of Venice in Florida

The Mustard Seed

  June 26, 2020

 

Office of the Bishop 
After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following assignments:
   
Reverend Christopher Hathaway, F.S.S.P., as Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Sarasota, effective July 1, 2020, and thus he is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of Christ the King Parish, Sarasota.

Reverend St éphane Dupr é, F.S.S.P., has been reassigned by his Religious Community effective July 1, 2020, and thus he is relieved of his duties as Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Sarasota.

Reverend Paul Dechant, O.S.F.S., as Pastor of St. Cecilia Parish, Fort Myers, effective July 1, 2020.

Rev. Stan Dombrowski, O.S.F.S., retiring as Pastor, effective July 1, 2020 and thus he is relieved of his duties as Pastor of St. Cecilia Parish , Fort Myers.

Reverend Simon Hoang Minh Dao, C.R.M., as Parochial Vicar and Chaplain to the Vietnamese Community of St. John XXIII Parish , Fort Myers , effective, June 22, 2020.  
 
Rev. Lawrence Nguyen, C.R.M., has returned to his Religious Order, effective June 20, 2020 and thus he is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar and Chaplain to the Vietnamese Community of St. John XXIII Parish , Fort Myers.
 


Pope Francis Prayer Intention for July - We pray that today's families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance.

Dispensation Extended - Public celebration of the Eucharist and other Sacraments continue in Parishes across the Diocese with certain considerations.  In an abundance of caution for the Faithful Bishop Frank J. Dewane has extended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until September 1, 2020. For any other non-liturgical activities please consult your Parish prior to scheduling any events. For a letter to the Faithful from Bishop Dewane in English, please CLICK HERE and in Spanish please CLICK HERE.

Communication on Racism - The Diocese of Venice offers communications on racism at https://dioceseofvenice.org/diocese-communicates-on-racism/.  The page includes a letter to the Faithful from Bishop Dewane, a letter from Archbishop Gomez, the document "Open Wide Our Hearts" from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as well as a prayer against racism and other resources.

Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate - Bishop Frank J. Dewane will preside over the Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate for the following candidates: Jeffrey Ball of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria; Enrique (Rick) Castro of St. Cecilia Parish, Fort Myers; Ramiro Hernandez of St. Michael Parish, Wauchula; Jack W. Milholland Jr. of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch; Roberto Pagán of Jesus the Worker Parish, Fort Myers; Vern W. Smith of St. Martha Parish, Sarasota; and Dr. William Soscia of St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton.  The Ordination will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 15, at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice.  A reception in the Parish Hall will follow. All are invited and encouraged to attend.

Year of Saint Joseph - On the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, March 19, Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in the context of the Coronavirus, consecrated the Diocese of Venice to the care and protection of Saint Joseph. The Bishop announced a "Year of Saint Joseph" beginning March 19, 2020 through March 19, 2021. Saint Joseph, often referred to as the Protector, can be our protector during this time of the pandemic. All are invited to pray daily using the "30 Days of Prayer to Saint Joseph" located on the Diocesan website at https://dioceseofvenice.org/a-year-of-st-joseph/ or CLICK HERE for English or CLICK HERE for Spanish.).  

Communications Department
Live-Streamed Mass from Catholic Center - Please join Bishop Frank J. Dewane at 9:15 a.m. daily in the celebration of the Mass from the Catholic Center at www.dioceseofvenice.org. or https://www.facebook.com/DioceseofVenice/.

Televised Mass - The Diocese of Venice in Florida airs the televised Sunday Mass for the homebound 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. Please CLICK HERE for the Act of Spiritual Communion prayer.

Music Licensing - Parishes livestreaming Masses or other devotionals should be aware that if music is included that is subject to copyright, a license for podcast and livestreaming must be obtained.  If you require assistance in applying for a license, One License carries much of the music from the common hymnals. Please visit the website at www.onelicense.net for options and cost for various licenses depending on your need.  Should you have any questions please contact Gail Ardy at 941-484-9543 or ardy@dioceseofvenice.org.

Scam Alert - It has once again been brought to the attention of the Diocese of Venice that parishioners have received text/email messages from people pretending to be priests and requesting donations in the form of gift cards and/or wire transfers. The messages often greet the person by name and have the priests name in the closing signature of the message; this is a well-crafted and targeted attack on the Church across the country which has hit our Diocese again. These text/email messages are 'spoofed' fakes that should not be responded to or taken seriously by anyone. The best defense against this sort of scam is to raise awareness in the community and not respond or open any worrying attachments. It is Diocesan policy that no priest or staff within the Diocese request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc.

There is already an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the Parish. Whenever a parishioner is worried about any request for money from the parish or a priest, they should immediately call their parish and under no circumstances should they respond to these scam requests.

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. For further resources please visit the USCCB website, https://usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/index.cfm. The Election and Political Activities Guide released by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops is also available at https://www.flaccb.org/news/election-political-activities-guide-a-resource-for-pastors-and-parishes.

"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 31, 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.

Prayer for Safety During Hurricane Season - With the 2020 Hurricane Season officially underway, a prayer for safety during Hurricane Season is included. The season will continue through November 30. All are encouraged to pray for protection from the storms that often threaten Southwest Florida. The devastation of recent hurricanes reinforce the fact that we need to pray for God's protection and care. (CLICK HERE for the prayer in English and CLICK HERE for the prayer in Spanish.)    
                                                                                              
Respect Life
Voter Guides - Please be advised that the only voter guide allowed to be distributed on your premises is the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops Candidate Questionnaire being prepared at this time. You will be notified when it is ready to be included in your bulletins. Additional information is available at https://flaccb.org/election-materials-and-guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.

Novena of Masses for Life - The 2020 Novena of Masses for Life schedule is available (CLICK HERE).  If your parish has Masses to be added to the list, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org.  Please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respect-life/novena-of-masses-for-life/ if you are participating for Prayers of the Faithful, a poster and quarter-page bulletin ad.  A link to Spiritual Adoption information is provided on the page.  If you need Spiritual Adoption prayer cards (English, Spanish or Creole), contact Jeanne Berdeaux, 941-374-1068.

Office of Worship
Large-print Roman Missal - The Roman Missal is available on CD and can be ordered by priests and deacons at www.ncpd.org/romanmissal. It is available in larger print size with fonts in 24, 34 and 44 pts. The Office of Worship can help with ordering these materials by contacting Sean Myers at 941-484-9543 or myers@dioceseofvenice.org for details. The Lectionary is available as well.

Education
Safe Environment Training - As part of the Safe Environment Program, the Diocese of Venice requires all employees and 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
Office of Stewardship and Development
Help Your Parish - During these challenging times, Parishes face increased risk of financial shortfalls due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and its effects on everyday life. Parishes depend on weekly financial gifts to continue their ministries, especially in this critical time of crisis. Please prayerfully consider an online donation to your parish by visiting https://dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/parish-donations-online/. You may also contribute through your usual channels (e.g., envelopes, and through the Parish online giving option). Together we will navigate through this pandemic, aid those in need, and secure the road ahead for the Parishes within the Diocese of Venice. Please continue to pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died, for the recovery of the sick, for the strength of healthcare workers and caregivers, as well as for an end to this health crisis. Thank you for your generosity.

Catholic Charities
Response to Pandemic - In response to COVID-19, Catholic Charities is focusing efforts toward food services, financial assistance, and tele-mental-health support for the 10-county area for clients in need. Food pantries will continue to distribute food while taking measures to protect staff from the coronavirus. Financial assistance teams have been established in each region to assess and support persons who need help making ends meet during this challenging time. Also, tele-mental-health services are offered by behavioral health teams through video conferencing and telephone services.

How to Help - Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. needs your financial support during its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate or send a check to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc., 5824 Bee Ridge Road, PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.

Do You Need Help? - If you need assistance from Catholic Charities for food, financial assistance or tele-mental health counseling, please call the number for your area listed below between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday:
*    Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands counties: 844-385-2407;
*    Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades counties: 844-385-2423;
*    Collier County: 844-385-2404.

Food Distribution - Catholic Charities food distribution will take place only at the following times and locations. Please call the regional number for more information.
*    Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Guadalupe Social Services, 211 S. 9th St., Immokalee; Soup Kitchen open for meals-to-go;
*    Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, 3174 Tamiami Trail E., Naples;
*    Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. -  noon, St. Margaret Parish, 208 Dean Duff St., Clewiston;
*    Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., St. Leo the Great Parish, 28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs;
*    Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - noon, Elizabeth K. Galeana Pantry, 4235 Michigan Avenue Link, Fort Myers;
*    2nd and 4th Fridays of the month, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., St. Paul Parish, 1208 E. Oak St. Arcadia.

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.

Evangelization
Online Bible Study LIVE - A Bible Study continues to be offered online through the Diocese of Venice on Facebook Live Tuesdays through July 28, using the program "Genesis to Jesus" from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. Each session will begin at 2:00 p.m. Visit https://www.facebook.com/DioceseofVenice/ and simply watch the live-stream video on the page. You will also be able to type in your questions and comments in real-time to participate from your own home. You do not need to have a Facebook account to watch the video but you do need to have an account to comment and ask questions!  (CLICK HERE for a flier.)

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Online Directed Retreats - During the current health crisis, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice will offer online 3-day, 5-day, and 8-day retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. In these online retreats, Father Mark Yavarone, OMV, or Father Lino Estradilla, OMV, trained spiritual directors, will meet with you for an hour each day via a link provided to help you to pray and to recognize how God is speaking to you. A Bible and journal should be available for your use. Participants will be emailed any additional materials needed as the retreat unfolds. The cost is: 3-day online retreat, $132.23; 5-day online retreat, $203.98; and 8-day online retreat, $306.48. All information will be confidential, and password protected. If you would like to participate in an online retreat, please email Denise Riley at riley@olph-retreat.org and a code will be provided for your online registration as well as an application. For planning purposes, please allow 7 days from your completed application until the beginning of your retreat.

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.

Misa dominical en español - La Catedral de la Epifanía transmitirá en vivo la Santa Misa dominical en español los sábados por la noche a las 6:00 p.m. La misa se puede ver en: https://www.facebook.com/EpiphanyCathedral/. HAGA CLIC AQUA.

Spiritual Exercises in Spanish - Ignatian Spanish Preached Retreats offered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice, have been cancelled in compliance with guidelines due to Coronavirus. The Level 1 Retreat for Women has been rescheduled for the weekend of August 7-9, 2020.

Ejercicios Espirituales En Español - Retiros Predicados Ignacianos en Español ofrecidos en Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice, han tenido que ser reprogramados y/ó cancelados cumpliendo con las pautas establecidas debido al Coronavirus. A la fecha, solo tenemos el Retiro Nivel 1 para Mujeres que está programado para el fin de semana del 7 al 9 de agosto de este año.

Youth and Young Adults
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.

OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Bible Study on Mary - San Marco Parish, Marco Island is hosting a virtual Bible Study on Mary via Zoom starting 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Participants will watch the videos on Formed.org on their own and then everyone will be invited to participate in the live discussion. If you would like to participate, contact Kim Adamson at 239-394-5181 ext. 13 or email Kim.Adamson@sanmarcochurch.org.

Online Master's in Bioethics Offered - St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens is offering a new Master's in Bioethics to be earned in four semesters. The comprehensive program is designed for graduates to be equipped to address all relevant bioethical issues of our time; to serve as consultors; to give workshops; develop Parish programs; and to train others to do the same. All courses are taught according to the teachings of the Catholic Church. The program is four consecutive semesters (fall, spring, short summer, fall and students who start in the fall of 2020 will be graduating in December of 2021. The program consists of two courses per semester for a total of 30 credits and are fully available online. For more information, contact Father Alfred Cioffi, Director of the Institute for Bioethics, St. Thomas University, at 786-489-9369 or acioffi@stu.edu.

Bradenton Food Pantry - The St. Joseph Parish Food Pantry, 2704 33rd Ave. W., Bradenton, is distributing food from 9:00 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays, following all social distancing protocols. Cars will be directed through the parking lot and trunks will be loaded by volunteers in protective gloves and masks. Call 941-756-3732 if you have any questions. You do not need to be a regular client to receive food. To donate money or food, please visit https://www.stjoepantry.com/.

Wauchula Food Pantry - St. Michael Parish in Wauchula is home to a food pantry which has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 Pandemic response. To accommodate those who work, the food pantry is open Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., at 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula. If you need food at a different time or would like to support the efforts to assist the community, please call the Parish at 863-773-4089.
    
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 holdenbnd@gmail.com.

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