Diocese of Venice Crest

 

The Diocese of Venice in Florida

The Mustard Seed

September 27, 2019 
Office of the Bishop
After broad consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:   
 
Reverend Joseph Gates, Administrator of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Parrish, effective, October 1, 2019 , at the same time he is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Isabel Parish, Sanibel.
 
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for October - That the breath of the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary "spring" in the Church.

Ordination to the Priesthood - The Ordination to the Priesthood of Transitional Deacon Carlos Encinas will take place at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 5, at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Avenue West, Venice. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this important event in the life of Deacon Carlos and the Diocese of Venice. A reception will follow.

Diocese 35th Anniversary Mass - Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, invites the public to attend a celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the founding of the Diocese with an outdoor Mass at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 25 at the Holy Eucharistic Memorial, located at Riverview Pointe Preserve in Bradenton. The memorial includes two carved relief's depicting a Mass and a Baptism, and a 20-foot obelisk which is figured with carved symbols of the Holy Trinity. A 60-foot Memorial Cross is nearby. Bishop Dewane will be dedicating the Mass to the people of the Diocese of Venice to mark its founding on October 25, 1984, and in honor of the 12 priests who accompanied the 1539 Spanish Expedition and the Native Americans who inhabited the shores. The Preserve is adjacent to DeSoto National Memorial and located a half-mile north of State Road 64. All are encouraged to wear sunscreen and a hat. Personal chairs are welcome. For more information, please contact Gail Ardy at [email protected] or call 941-484-9543. (CLICK HERE for the flier.)
 
Permanent Diaconate Class 2025 - The Diocese of Venice is accepting applicants for the 2025 Class of the Permanent Diaconate. The selection process will begin with an Inquirer Information Meeting for men interested in the diaconate. Those men that have an interest, along with their wives, are invited to attend a meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 19, at St. Martha Parish, Brother Geenan Hall, 200 North Orange Avenue, Sarasota. Certain requirements for selection apply: men must be over 35 years of age and younger than 60 in 2025 and have had stable marriages for at least five years.   For further information, please contact Deacon William Ladroga, Diocese of Venice Diaconate Director of Student Formation, at 941-484-9543 ext. 3080.
 
Prayers Needed - Pope Francis recently approved a miracle attributed to Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, advancing his beatification. The Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints promulgated the decree approving Archbishop Sheen's miracle on July 6. Another recognized miracle attributed to the Archbishop would lead to his Canonization for Sainthood. The hope is that the second miracle be realized in 2019, the 100th Anniversary of Archbishop Sheen's Ordination to the Priesthood. In particular, two individuals, Robert and Wanda, require prayers for the intention of their healing. (CLICK HERE for a prayer for the intercession of Archbishop Sheen.)

Red Mass - Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate the annual Red Mass at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 2 at St. Martha Parish, 200 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota. All Catholic members of the legal profession in Parishes and the community are invited and encouraged to attend. For additional information please contact the Parish Office at 941-366-4210.

Veterans Day Mass - This year marks the 10th consecutive year that the Diocese of Venice is holding a Memorial Mass on Veterans Day in honor of the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve and protect us today. The Mass is being held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, November 11 at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72/Clark Road, approximately five miles east of I-75. All are invited to attend, and active military personnel are encouraged to wear their uniform. Although the event is held in the amphitheater, you are encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is ample seating and parking at the cemetery. For further information, please contact Gail Ardy at [email protected] or 941-484-9543.
 
Communications Department
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. Written by a Cabrini University student, this prayer card was created by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network. To learn more about supporting immigrants, visit www.cliniclegal.org.
 
Prayer for Safety During Hurricane Season - The 2019 "Atlantic Hurricane Season" continues through November 30. All are encouraged to pray for protection from the storms that often threaten Southwest Florida. The devastation seen by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and Tropical Storm Imelda which flooded parts of Texas and Louisiana, as well as Hurricanes Michael (2018) and Irma (2017) reinforce the fact that we need to pray for God's protection and care. (CLICK HERE for a copy of the prayer in English and CLICK HERE for a copy of the prayer in Spanish.)

"Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane" - Join Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice, for his monthly radio program on Relevant Radio. "Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane" can be heard at 8:30 a.m., Friday, October 25, 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.
 
Respect Life
Training: The Wound from Miscarriage and Abortion - All priests and deacons are invited to join professional counselors for a training program on reproductive loss from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 9, at Our Lady of Light Parish Hall, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. The instructor from Life Perspectives (www.lifeperspectives.com) will cover loss from abortion and miscarriage.  For a detailed flier on the event CLICK HERE. Continuing Education Units are available to MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs as required by the National Association of Social Workers.  For questions and registration, contact Sylvia Jimenez at 941-412-5860 or [email protected]. by October 4.

Respect Life Sunday/Month - October 6 is national Respect Life Sunday and the month of October is Respect Life Month. A special section has been set up on the USCCB pro-life secretariat website for priests and deacons regarding the national Respect Life Program for the year, including homily notes for Respect Life Sunday geared to the readings.  See https://www.respectlife.org/priests-and-deacons.  Resources were distributed to Parish representatives at the August regional meetings. If you do not have a Parish Respect Life representative and would like a USCCB Respect Life Program Resource Guide sent to you, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068 or [email protected].  

UNPLANNED Movie - If you are interested in showing the movie UNPLANNED in your parish, please submit an UNPLANNED Film License Request Form to the Diocesan Respect Life Office (CLICK HERE for the form and submission details). An initial showing date is needed in order for a license to be issued. As a gift (no charge to you), a license will be purchased from Ignatius Press for your parish or school and a Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Download will be shipped. The license will cover unlimited showings up to one year from the initial screening date. Additional DVDs and Abby Johnson's two books are available for purchase. For further details contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068.

Catholic Charities
2020 Catholic Charities Events - The 2020 Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. event season is coming soon with many events taking place throughout the Diocese in the first several months of the new year. (CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of upcoming events.)

Mission Office
World Mission Sunday - The Mission Office of the Diocese of Venice is offering bulletin announcements for World Mission Sunday, which is the weekend of October 19 and 20. (CLICK HERE for the flier.)

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
Project Rachel - Please include a quarter page ad (CLICK HERE) whenever possible in your upcoming bulletins. For other sizes, contact Sylvia Jimenez at 941-412-5860 or [email protected].  
 
40 Days for Life - Join the fall campaign in Sarasota, Fort Myers or Naples between September 25 and November 3 to pray for an end to abortion.  See www.40daysforlife.com (under locations) for details about the campaign closest to you.
 
UNPLANNED Movie Showings - There are 16 Parishes in the Diocese of Venice which have committed during October and November to showing the movie blockbuster UNPLANNED, about an abortion industry worker who stepped away when she saw a live abortion (CLICK HERE for a listing). If you are interested in showing the movie at your Parish, please contact the Respect Life representative.

Hispanic Outreach
Formation Program in Spanish - Registration is now open 2019-2020 Formation Program in Spanish. Classes will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Friday evenings (Note: during Lent classes will move to Thursdays beginning February 27, 2020). The cost for all the classes is $25 and the book must be purchased separately. Last year we studied an Introduction to the Sacred Scriptures (God's Revelation). This year we will learn another source of our faith, "The Tradition of the Church," an historical vision. People who register and attend 80% of the classes will receive a Diocesan Certification. For more information including a class calendar please CLICK HERE.

Programa de formación en Español - La inscripción ya está abierta 2019-2020 Programa de formación en Español. Las clases se llevarán a cabo a partir de las 7:00 p.m. hasta las 9:00 p.m., los viernes por la noche (Nota: durante la Cuaresma las clases se trasladarán a los jueves a partir del 27 de febrero de 2020). El costo de todas las clases es de $ 25 y el libro debe comprarse por separado. El año pasado estudiamos una Introducción a las Sagradas Escrituras (la revelación de Dios). Este año aprenderemos otra fuente de nuestra fe, "La Tradición de la Iglesia, una visión histórica". Las personas que se registren y asistan al 80% de las clases recibirán una certificación Diocesana. Para obtener más información, incluido un calendario de clases, HAGA CLIC AQUI.

Catholic Charities
Home Buyer Education Workshop - Catholic Charities of Sarasota and Manatee Counties offers a free monthly Home Buyer Education Workshop. Potential home buyers receive important and useful information on how to purchase a home. Participants in the workshop will be eligible for assistance from Manatee and Sarasota counties bond and/or grant programs for down payment and closing costs. All workshops take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and are offered in English or Spanish at the Catholic Charities offices at 1219 16th St. W., Bradenton. Dates in Spanish are: October 5, December 7, February 29, April 18 and June 20. Dates in English are: November 9, January 11, March 21, May 16. For more information and to register for the workshop, please call Catholic Charities at 941-714-7829. (CLICK HERE for a flier.)
 
Sugar Bowl Show of Shows - Catholic Charities and the local Knights of Columbus Councils present the annual Sugar Bowl Show of Shows which will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 10 at the Venice Performing Arts Center. All proceeds will go to the Sugar Bowl Fund for families in the community who are experiencing financial hardship. The show will feature the Mystics performing pop, rock and doo-wop music. Tickets are $25, $30 or $40 a person and are available at www.veniceperformingartscenter.com.

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.)

Conozca Sus Derechos Migratorios - La conferencia episcopal de los Estados Unidos (USCCB) tiene diversos recursos destacando los derechos de los inmigrantes, estos recursos los podrán encontrara en: www.justiceforimmigrants.org. La conferencia episcopal esta conectada con CASA de Maryland, Detention Watch Network, y National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, quienes ofrecen conocimientos "sobre sus derechos". Para información en ingles haga clic aqui, para información en español haga clic aqui. 

St. John Paul II Villas - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. announces the completion of St. John Paul II Villas in Arcadia - a brand new senior citizen, low-income housing development.  Apartments consist of 1 or 2 bedrooms and are available for individuals 55 years of age and older, and for handicapped or disabled persons of any age. Income restrictions apply. For more information please call Michelle Figuera at 863-884-2123.

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.

Office of Family Life
Women's Retreat - Join other ladies for a Women's Retreat away from the hustle and bustle of life from Friday, October 11 to Sunday, October 13, at the Bethel Retreat Center in Immokalee. Pre-registration is $75 for adults and $35 for students. After October 1 the cost increases to $100 for adults and $50 for students. Meals and lodging are included in the price.  For more information, contact Kim Elsmore at [email protected] or visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar.

Surviving Divorce Support Series - There is comfort offered for men and women who are recovering from divorce in the upcoming Surviving Divorce Support Series beginning at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 15 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. The 12-week program features 30-minute DVDs and discussion covering topics of shock, denial, anger, grief, guilt, forgiveness, money, the courts, the kids, the ex-spouse, annulment, spirituality and much more. Whether you were divorced recently or many years ago, the program offers valuable insights for everyone. The cost is $25 per person and includes a "Personal Survival Guide," refreshments, and all materials. To register, contact the facilitators Bob and Chris Smialek, 815-275-5305 or [email protected].

Bereavement: Train the Trainer - All volunteers who work with the bereaved in Parishes are invited to the There is Hope: Bereavement Training workshop being held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 7 and Friday November 8, at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. The cost is $25 per person with continental breakfast and lunch provided both days. The registration deadline is October 25.  To sign up please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar.  For additional information please contact Kim Elsmore at [email protected].

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Come to the Water Day of Prayer - The monthly "Come to the Water Day of Prayer" resumes from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 9 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. All are invited to attend every second Wednesday of the month.  The day includes a continental breakfast, lunch, two conferences, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation and prayer. The day concludes with the Mass. The early registration discount, 10 days prior is $30, or $35 thereafter. Please register at https://olph-retreat.org/1-day-retreats.
 
Ignatian Preached Retreat - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, presents an Ignatian Preached Retreat from Thursday, November 21 through Sunday, November 24. Directed by Father Sean Morris OMV, or Father Mark Yavarone OMV, the retreats are silent and 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. There will be opportunities for private prayer where the retreatant may bring into their own spiritual life those elements discussed within the conferences. Scripture passages will be provided for personal prayer and meditation. All meals are provided. All rooms are single occupancy with a full-size bed and private bathroom and shower. The cost is $425.00 Please register by visiting www.olph-retreat.org.
 
Prepare Your Heart for Christmas/Advent Retreat - Mary delights in the hospitality and gifts, the festivities and decorations, and all that we do to celebrate Christmas. On a deeper level, she wants the birth of Jesus to be a time for us to come to know and love Him more intimately. In fact, Mary offers us a model of how to prepare our hearts to receive her Son. Accept Mary's invitation to carve out a sacred time where the Living Word of God can "take flesh within you".  Like Mary, say "YES!" to the power of the Holy Spirit and allow God to become more visible to those around you. Join us! Encounter Mary and her Son in a deeply personal and transformative way. This retreat begins with registration at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, December 7, and ends at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 8.  The Retreat will include presentations, ample time for personal prayer, opportunities for Confession and/or private conferences, and small and large group sharing.  Mass will be celebrated on Saturday and on Sunday, which is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. For more information or to register, please visit www.olph-retreat.org.

Youth and Young Adults
Attention Young Adults! Missionary Discipleship Society - The Diocese of Venice has established a Missionary Discipleship Society in the Naples and Fort Myers area. The Missionary Discipleship Society is a group of young adults (ages 21-39) who will commit to a year of becoming Missionary Disciples of Jesus Christ, as well as growing in fellowship with one another. The group will offer a full retreat once a month for all as well as participation in a ministry/service project monthly. Members will learn their faith like never before and grow in a family environment with other members. Each will be given the chance to attend a major Catholic Conference at the end of the year!  For more information, please contact Joshua Mazrin at [email protected]. (For promotional packet,CLICK HERE.)

2019 Diocesan Youth Rally - Called by Name - Attention high school students (grades 9 through 12), the 2019 Diocesan Youth Rally - Called by Name, is scheduled from noon to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, November 2, at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The Rally includes Mass, prayer, music, dinner, opportunities for Confession, Adoration and a Eucharistic Procession through the city. Registration is only through Parish Youth Ministry, Religious Education programs, or Schools. For more details, please email [email protected]. (CLICK HERE for the 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 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].

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.

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., on the third Thursday of the month at the Mandeville Beer Garden, 428 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota. The next gathering is October 17. For more information, please contact Joshua Mazrin at [email protected].
 
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE 
Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast - The Incarnation Parish St. Vincent de Paul Society invites everyone to a Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 5, at Applebee's, 5550 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Breakfast includes, pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs and a beverage. Tickets are $10. Please email [email protected] for ticket information.

Fall Festival - St. Ann Catholic School and Parish in Naples is hosting a Fall Festival from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 12, in the St. Ann Jubilee Center and School Field, 525 Ninth Ave. S., Naples. This is a day of friends, family, food and fun. There will be a chili contest, games, face painting, popcorn, bounce house, line dancing, bake sale, snow cones, food for purchase provided by the Knights of Columbus and more. All proceeds will go toward the St. Ann Home and School Association. For more information, please call 239-262-4110.

2019 America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally Across America - Please join in prayer beginning noon on Saturday, October 12 at the corner of College Parkway on Winkler Road to be a part of the 2019 America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally Across America. Please park behind Sonny's BBQ, 5980 Winkler Road. Please arrive by 11:45 a.m. to sign in as prayers start promptly at noon. For more information, contact Barb at [email protected]

Bingo Knight - Join the Knights of Columbus Council 6344 for weekly Bingo beginning at 7:00 p.m., Thursdays from October 17 through November 14 at San Marco Parish Center 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island. All are invited to enjoy fun and games.

Faith and Ale Lee County - Faith and Ale is an outreach for men to learn more about their faith and grow closer to Our Lord. The 10th annual season will kick-off at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 17, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is Kevin Reilly, a former National Football League player, who will share his cancer survival story: "Tackling Life:  How Faith, Family, Friends and Fortitude kept an NFL linebacker in the Game."  Donations are $10.  To register, or for more information, please visit www.faithandale.com.

White Mass & Lecture for Medical Professionals - St. Agnes Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples will hold a White Mass for medical professionals at 8:30 a.m., Friday, October 18, the Feast of St. Luke.  Following Mass, a lecture, panel discussion, and breakfast will take place in the Parish Center. The lecture is titled, "Spirituality and Health - Complete Doctoring" presented by Dr. Michael Gloth. There is a $50 fee per person. Register and pay online at www.StAgnesNaples.org. For more information please contact Maggie Brady at 239-592-1949. (1 CME Credit)

March for Peace - Respect Life - Please join the faithful on the steps of the Fort Myers City Hall, under the banyan tree, for a March for Peace and Respect Life at 10:00 a.m., October 19. Participants are asked to gather by 9:30 a.m. at Monroe Street on the river by the park and walk the two blocks to the Fort Myers City Hall, 2200 2nd St., Fort Myers, where a service will begin at 10:00 a.m. There is ample free parking, and participants are asked to bring their own water, signs and folding chairs. For more information, please contact Anne Doherty at 239-888-5348, or [email protected].
 
Faith and Wine Lee County - The sixth season of Faith and Wine Lee County begins Thursday, October 24, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive. The featured speaker will be Sara Kohlhauff, "Mercies in Disguise." This season will include five gatherings at different Parishes through March, and all are from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. To see the complete line-up of speakers and to register, please visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com.

Florida Catholic Chamber of Commerce - Please join the Catholic Chamber of Commerce for a complimentary networking lunch meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on October 24 at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 2157 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. We invite all Catholic businesses and ministries and no membership is required.  Community Pregnancy Clinics will give us a Pro-life update, please help them by bringing diapers and wipes to this meeting. For more information visit www.floridacatholicchamber.com.  To confirm attendance please contact Toni at [email protected] or by calling Angela at 239-980-0921.
 
'Thrifty Treasures' Sale - The St. Francis of Assisi Parish Women's Guild is hosting its "Thrifty Treasures" rummage sale with an early bird opportunity from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, October 24 ($3 fee this day only), 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 25, and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26, in the Parish Hall, 5265 Placida Road, Grove City. The sale includes great bargains on top names and just like- new items. Shoppers can expect to see jewelry, small appliances and much more. For further information, please call 941-697-4899.

Respect Life Conference - St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, is hosting a Respect Life Conference: "From Conception to Natural Death" on Saturday, October 26. The Conference begins at 8:30 a.m. with Mass in the Church and presentations in the Parish Center until 3:00 p.m. Speakers will cover a variety of life issues such as abortion, the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, which includes the death penalty.  This Conference promises to be an informative and inspiring event. The cost is $20 and includes breakfast and lunch. Information and online registration are available at www.StAgnesNaples.org. For questions please contact Gloria Carter at [email protected] or 239-592-1949 ext.118.

Holy Cross Parish Concert - All are invited to Holy Cross Parish, 506 26th Street W., Palmetto, for a concert to benefit the Holy Cross Parish Youth Group.  Deacon Wayne Sinclair and Friends will be live and in concert beginning at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, November 3 in the Parish Hall. A collection of original songs detailing the Birth, Death and Resurrection of Our Savior Jesus Christ will be featured. All proceeds will benefit the Holy Cross Youth Group's goal of attending the National Catholic Youth Conference in November 2019. Tickets are $10 and available in the Parish office, or by contacting Andi at 941-729-3891.

Hispanic Fall Festival - St. Jude Parish, 3920 17th St., Sarasota, is hosting its 17th Annual Hispanic Fall Festival from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, November 9, which will feature music, dancing, and food from more than a dozen different countries. There will be plenty of culture, fun and games for children. There are no entrance or parking fees. For more information, or if you would like to be a sponsor, call 941-955-3934.

Kristallnacht Commemoration - This year marks the 81st anniversary of Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass. The Catholic Jewish Dialogue of Collier County invites the entire community to the annual commemoration service at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 17 in the ballroom of St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church located at 625 111 Ave., Naples. It was on the night of November 9, 1938, members of the Nazi party attacked Jewish persons and destroyed Jewish owned property. Kristallnacht is generally regarded as the beginning of the Holocaust in Europe which ultimately led to the murder of more than six million Jews. The keynote speaker for this program will be the distinguished Rabbi Stephen Fuchs of the Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sanibel. Rabbi Fuchs' parents were victims of Kristallnacht. The commemoration is free and open to the public. For more information please contact [email protected].

Save the Date - The St. Raphael CCW Englewood will hold a craft sale from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, November 22, and from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23 at the Englewood Elk's Lodge, 401 N. Indiana Avenue, Englewood. For more details contact Marianne Riley at [email protected] or call 617-922-1418.
 
Seton Golf Classic - Play a round of golf and support St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples at the same time. The Seton Golf Classic begins at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, December 7 at The Club at The Strand in Naples. There will be a complimentary clinic by PGA professionals, breakfast, lunch, prizes and more. Join as a golfer or sponsor to benefit student scholarships. For more details, please contact Jeff Tenbarge at [email protected] or Gina Groch at [email protected], or call 239-455-2262.
 
Items for consideration in the Mustard Seed should be sent to [email protected] by no later than three weeks before your event.