World Mission Sunday Collection - World Mission Sunday takes place on October 21 this year with the collection being taken the weekend of October 20 and 21. This day allows the opportunity join in prayer for missionaries around the world and to offer financial support needed by them to provide assistance in poverty-stricken areas of the world. Your generous support in aiding the Missions with a gift for the Society of the Propagation of the Faith is greatly appreciated. ( CLICK HERE for a letter from Bishop Dewane.)

Red Mass - Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate the annual Red Mass at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 24 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. ( CLICK HERE for the flier.)

Veterans Day Mass - This year marks the ninth 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., Sunday, 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. ( CLICK HERE for flier.)

Eastern Deanery Red Mass - Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate a Red Mass at noon, Friday, November 16 at St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring. All Catholic members of the legal profession in the Eastern Deanery (Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, Glades and Hendry counties) are invited and encouraged to attend. For additional information, please call the Parish at 863-385-0049.

Save the Date - Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate a Mass for all widows and widowers at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, January 20 at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota Street, Venice. Dinner will follow in the Parish Hall. Further details, including registration, will be forthcoming.

Communications

Prayer for Safety During Hurricane Season - The 2018 "Hurricane Season" is well underway and we know all too well by the devastation of Hurricane Florence that storms remain very active into the fall. The season will continue through November 30 and all are encouraged to pray for protection from the storms that often threaten Southwest Florida. ( CLICK HERE for a copy of the prayer in English.) ( CLICK HERE for a copy of the prayer in Spanish.)

A Prayer for Priests - Bulletin Editors are encouraged to publish the attached prayer in the weekly Parish Bulletins. ( CLICK HERE for a copy of the prayer.)

Important Election-related dates - The following are key dates during the upcoming Florida General Election: October 27: Early voting begins in all Florida counties for the General Election. County Supervisors of Elections may offer additional early voting dates as early as 15 days before the election. November 6: General Election Day!

"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 26 on 1660 AM in Naples and 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.

Televised Mass for the Homebound - For those who are unable to attend Mass due to medical or physical limitations, the Diocese of Venice offers a televised Mass each Sunday. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese, the Mass airs at 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network; and for those in the southern portions of the Diocese, the Mass airs at 10:30 a.m., on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). Check your local listings for channel information. Leaflet missals are available by contacting Gail Ardy at 941-486-4714, or [email protected].

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 abuses against minors to the Florida Department of Children and Families at 800-962-2873. To report abuse by Diocesan personnel or volunteers, please also call the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator Susan Benton at 941-416-6114. Please visit the Diocese of Venice website for scheduled training dates.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS

Respect Life

40 Days for Life - You are invited to join Christians in praying for an end to abortion from September 26 through November 4 during the international 40 Days for Life Fall campaign. Sign up online at www.40daysforlife.com (choose either the Sarasota or Fort Myers location) and pray for an hour in front of Planned Parenthood. Seeing people praying in front of the abortion center can be just the sign from God that women are hoping to find to let them know that there are alternatives.

Respect Life Sunday - Respect Life Sunday is October 7 in every Parish and Diocese in the United States. (It is always celebrated on the first Sunday in October, Respect Life Month.) In The Gospel of Life, Saint John Paul II said:  "...I propose that a Day for Life be celebrated each year in every country, as already established by some Episcopal Conferences. The celebration of this Day should be planned and carried out with the active participation of all sectors of the local Church. Its primary purpose should be to foster in individual consciences, in families, in the Church and in civil society a recognition of the meaning and value of human life at every stage and in every condition. Particular attention should be drawn to the seriousness of abortion and euthanasia, without neglecting other aspects of life which from time to time deserve to be given careful consideration, as occasion and circumstances demand." (#85) Material for Respect Life Sunday/Month is in the national Respect Life Program packet that was mailed to all priests and others last month and can be found at http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/respect-life-program/index.cfm. Please include Respect Life Sunday in at least one homily in October, preferably on October 7. If you have any questions, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068 or [email protected].

Project Rachel Post-Abortion Healing Retreat - Are you suffering after an abortion? There is hope and healing waiting for you, no matter how long ago it happened. You are never too old to give yourself the gift of a Project Rachel Healing Retreat. The next retreat to be held in Spanish is scheduled for Saturday, October 27. For confidential information, contact Sylvia at 941-412-5860 or

[email protected]. "The Project Rachel Retreat brought me freedom and joy. You will find God's love, mercy and healing." (Retreat graduate) See video testimonials at https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/post-abortion-help/ ( CLICK HERE for a 1/4 page ad.) ( CLICK HERE for a 1/2 page ad.) ( CLICK HERE for a flier.)

Lee County Parishes

Fort Myers Prayer Walk for Life - Join Bishop Dewane for a Prayer Walk for Life beginning with an 8:00 a.m. Mass, Thursday, October 25 at Resurrection Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. Those who have difficulty walking or standing can pray before the Blessed Sacrament in the Church while others proceed to the sidewalk outside Planned Parenthood at 8595 College Parkway (intersection of Winkler Road) to pray the rosary. Questions? Contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068 or [email protected]. ( CLICK HERE  for a 1/4 page ad.) ( CLICK HERE  for a 1/2 page ad.) ( CLICK HERE  for a flier.) 

Family Life

Bereavement Support - The Office of Family Life is offering bereavement workshops led by Deacon Henry de Mena, who holds a master's degree in counseling with extensive training and experience in bereavement. The workshop "There is Hope: Surviving the Holidays" will be offered twice on Thursday, November 15. First from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Incarnation Parish, 2929 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, and then from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Avenue West, Venice. There is no cost to attend. More information can be found at www.dioceseofvenice/calendar or contact Kim Elsmore at [email protected]. ( CLICK HERE for a flier.)

Mother Daughter Advent Retreat and Tea - The 2nd annual retreat and tea is being held from 9am-Noon on December 1, 2018 at Church of the Resurrection in Fort Myers, Florida. Join us in preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus at Christmas and enjoying some Mother-Daughter time! For more information, go to www.dioceseofvenice.org/calendar or contact Kim at [email protected]. Registration closes November 27. Limited space is available. ( CLICK HERE for a flier.)

Vocations

Vocations Awareness Weekend - St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami is hosting a Vocation Awareness Weekend from 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 9 to 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 11. This seminary visit is open to young men, ages 16 and older. It is an engaging time of prayer, talks, sports, and other fun activities with the seminarians and priests of St. John Vianney. Come and experience what life is like for one discerning God's call to the priesthood! There is no cost for the weekend and transportation is provided. To register, please contact the Vocations Director, Father Eric Scanlan, at 941-486-4720 or  [email protected]. ( CLICK HERE for flier.)

National Vocation Awareness Week - National Vocation Awareness Week will be celebrated in our country November 4 to November 10, 2018. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the many and various ways God calls people to serve, with a particular focus on priest and religious vocations. Let us renew our prayers to the Lord for more dedicated and holy priests, deacons and consecrated men and women that they may they be inspired by Jesus Christ, supported by our faith communities, and respond generously to God's gift of a vocation. (Attached are various resources that may be used in bulletins or on social media including the Venice Seminarian Poster ( CLICK HERE), Web & Bulletin Promo ( CLICK HERE), Serra Bulletin Inserts ( CLICK HERE), and Prayer Card for Vocations ( CLICK HERE).

Catholic Charities

Sugar Bowl Show of Shows - The annual Sugar Bowl Show of Shows will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 25 at the Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Avenue, Venice. All proceeds will go to the Sugar Bowl Fund for families in the community who are experiencing a financial hardship. Sponsored by Catholic Charities and the local Knights of Columbus Councils, the show will feature California Surf, Incorporated-all former members of the Beach Boys. These legends of surf music have united to offer the most spectacular tribute to the Beach Boys! Tickets are $25, $30 or $40 a person and can be purchased at www.veniceperformingartscenter.com. ( CLICK HERE for flier.)

Know Your Immigration Rights - The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has numerous resources outlining the rights of immigrants which can be found 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, offers 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, should the need arise.)

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.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center

Come to the Water, Day of Prayer - All are welcome to attend "Come to the Water, Day of Prayer" from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on the second Wednesday of each month, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. The first gathering is Wednesday, October 10. The day includes continental breakfast, lunch, two conferences, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation and prayer. The day concludes with Mass at 2:30 p.m. Registration fee is $35. For more information or to register for the Retreat please visit www.olph-retreat.org/1-day-retreats or call 941-486-0233. (Bulletin Editors: Please note the date change.)

11th Step Retreat for Women in Recovery - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, is hosting a women's retreat Friday, October 26, through Sunday, October 28, for those recovering from addictive diseases and alcoholism. Abandoning ourselves to God: What does that look like? Turning our wills and our lives over to the care of God or abandoning ourselves to God can seem like a tall order. The daily journey will be the subject of this retreat weekend and start from the premise that God wants only our good! There will be talks, discussion, time for reflection and rest. For more information or to register for the Retreat please visit www.olph-retreat.org/11th-step-retreat-for-women-in-recovery or call 941-486-0233.

Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation

Enrolling Now - The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation is accepting enrollment in its graduate program in theology and catechesis for the Spring 2019. Call now for more information, 941-766-7334. ( CLICK HERE for a flier.)

Hispanic Outreach

Formation Program in Spanish - Registration is now open. See attached for more information CLICK HERE.

Programa de Formación en Español - Las registraciones están abiertas. Ver attach para mas información CLIC AQUI.

Retiro de un día en español del Proyecto Rachel - ayúdenos a ayudar a las mujeres hispanas y latinas que están sufriendo de una experiencia de aborto al informarles sobre el próximo Retiro del Proyecto Raquel del 27 de octubre. La coordinadora Sylvia Jimenez es bilingüe y está esperando escuchar de ellos al 941-412-5860. Los siguientes anuncios están disponibles para su uso en boletines: Haga clic  AQUI para ver el folleto de la página completa, AQUI para el anuncio de media página, AQUI para el anuncio de un cuarto de página.

Youth and Young Adults

2018 Diocesan Youth Rally - Be Courageous! - The 2018 Annual Diocese of Venice Youth Rally will be held on Saturday, November 3 at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center in Punta Gorda! This event is for 8th to 12th graders. Further details will follow shortly. Registration is only through local Parish youth groups, religious education programs or Catholic schools. No registration at the door. For more information, please contact Nina Koziuk at [email protected]. ( CLICK HERE for the flier.)

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 throughout 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 Nina Koziuk at [email protected].

Naples Area - Theology on Tap - The site of the gatherings rotate among different Parishes and are held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays: First Tuesdays at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Avenue North; Second Tuesdays at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road; Third Tuesdays at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road; Fourth Tuesdays at St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive.

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

Fort Myers Area - St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers hosts "Rooted", a Young Adult program offering an opportunity to build Community. The group meets at 7:15 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. 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.

OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE

Rosary Rallies - America Needs Fatima is hosting three Rosary Rallies within the Diocese of Venice at noon, Saturday, October 13. One will take place at Georgia's Flower Shop, 21186 Olean Blvd., Port Charlotte, chosen as it is adjacent to a local abortion doctor. The second is at the corner of College Parkway and Winkler Road in Fort Myers. This location is at a shopping plaza which holds a Planned Parenthood abortion facility. The final location is at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Pine Ridge Road in Naples. This location was chosen for its high volume of weekend traffic. The date for the rallies coincides with the 101st anniversary of the final Our Lady of Fatima apparition. All are welcome.

Magyr Mise - A Catholic Mass in the Hungarian Language is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month at Incarnation Parish, 2902 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. The first Mass for the season is Sunday, October 14. All are welcome.

Faith and Ale Lee County - An outreach to help men learn more about their faith and grow closer to Our Lord returns at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, October 18, Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker is Artie Boyle, an author and Development Director of the Archdiocese of Boston. Locations will vary throughout the 2018-19 season. Future dates include Thursday, November 8, Thursday, December 6. To register, or for more information, please visit www.faithandale.com.

A White Mass & Lecture for Medical Professionals - St. Agnes Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples will hold a White Mass at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, October 18, the Feast of St. Luke, for all medical professionals. Following Mass, a lecture and breakfast will take place in the Parish Center. The lecture, "Conscience Protections for Health Care Providers" is presented by speaker Kathleen M. Raviele, MD. There is a $50 fee per person. Register and pay online at www.stagnesnaples.org. For more information please contact Maggie Brady 239-592-1949. Bulletin Editors: Central and Southern Deaneries please note.

Magnificat Breakfast - Come and be Blessed and Encouraged at the next Magnificat breakfast for women, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, October 20 at the Holiday Inn Airport, Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers. The Speaker is Johnette Benkovic Williams, founder and president of Living Abundantly International. She is a Catholic evangelist with outreaches in television, radio and print, and host of Women of Grace program on EWTN. Seating is limited. Tickets are $20. For details, call Joanne Tarantino at 239-200-8592, or Barbara Tay at 646-296-2335., or register online at http://magnificatformyers.org.

9th Annual International Festival - St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples is hosting its 9th Annual International Festival from noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 21. Come experience food, drink, attire and entertainment from the 20 countries represented at the festival. For more information contact Dan Muro at 239-537-9895 or Martha Velasco at 239-687-8038.

Faith and Wine - Lee County - The Catholic outreach to women in Lee County, Faith and Wine, returns at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, October 25, at St. Columbkille Parish, 12171 Iona Road, Fort Myers. The speaker for the evening is Jess Echeverry. Tickets are $10 or $40 for the season. Details and tickets are available at www.faithandwineleecounty.com.

Christmas Craft Bazaar - The Women's Guild of Resurrection Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, invites everyone to the annual Christmas Craft Bazaar, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., on Friday, October 26, and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 27. The bazaar will include quilts, knit and crochet items, wreaths and many other handcrafted items, home-baked goods, gift baskets raffle, $1 table, jewelry, books, collectibles and vintage items. The featured raffle is a beautiful doll house that is fully decorated. For details, please call 239-481-7171 or email [email protected].

Fall Harvest Dinner and Festival - Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish is hosting a New England Harvest Dinner and Festival. The dinner is from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, October 27 in Flynn Hall, 833 Magellan Drive, Sarasota, and will include ham, Boston baked beans, macaroni and cheese, salad and dessert are on the menu. The cost for dinner is $10/person, $6 for children 6-12 and children under 6 are free. The fall festival is from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 28. The day includes games, trunk or treat, prizes for best costume and trunk, a cake walk and food for purchase. There is no cost to attend. For further information about both events, please contact the Parish Office at 941-755-1826.

The Called & Gifted Workshop - All are invited to attend The Called & Gifted Workshop from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 27 at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. The workshop is a one-day live presentation by Mary Sharon Moore and Charlie Hoover of the Catherine of Siena Institute, Colorado Springs, Colo., with a theme of "Discover God's Call for Your Life." The session will be on the nature of charisms, call and vocation and the process of discernment. Participants will leave with a solid understanding of their unique giftedness and how to take the next steps toward purposeful living. There is a $30 fee per person that includes all materials, and a light breakfast and lunch. Some workshop materials are available in Spanish as well. For more information please contact Ivy O'Malley 239-592-1949 or [email protected].

Seminarian Fund - The Venice Diocese Council of Catholic Women invite you to join them in celebrating Priesthood Sunday, on October 28, in a special way, by sending your priests a Seminarian Fund "In honor of" card. The VDCCW Seminarian Fund helps support the education of Diocesan seminarians. Please send donations to VDCCW Seminarian Fund to Cornelia Zanetti, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217. For more details, you can email [email protected]. The amount of the donation will not be revealed to the recipient.

80th Annual Kristallnacht Commemoration - The Catholic Jewish Dialogue of Collier County invites everyone to attend the 80th Annual Kristallnacht Commemoration, 2:30 p.m., Sunday, November 4, at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. Kristallnacht recounts the events of November 9-10, 1938 in Germany, and refers to the litter of broken glass left in the streets of German communities after mobs attacked Jewish society in a horrific program. The guest speaker is Cesar Frustaci who was born in Hungary in the 1930's to a Hungarian Jewish mother and an Italian Catholic father and survived the Holocaust in a Jesuit orphanage. Kristallnacht and all that followed enjoins us to never forget the appalling events of those years yet remain aware and responsive to the ongoing threats to our people and others. The commemoration is free and open to the public. For more information please email [email protected].

Holiday Bazaar - St. Peter the Apostle Parish Council of Catholic Women invites everyone to the annual Holiday Bazaar, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 10 at the Parish located at 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples. Come join us for a huge variety of items for sale by local crafters and artisans. There will also be a variety of fresh cooked food available. The CCW is also actively seeking vendors who are interested in participating. Please contact Maxine Henderson at 239-919-3130 ir [email protected]. Vendor forms are available at http://www.stpeternaples.org/ccw---holiday-bazaar.

Holiday Bazaar - The Ladies of St. Agnes invite everyone to their annual Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 3, and from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 4, at the Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. There will be home-baked goods, crafts and more. Admission to the bazaar is free. For more information please call Barbara Thiele (239)513-0933 or Roberta Hueston (734) 634-4294.

Fall Festival - St. Raphael Parish, 2514 Lee Blvd., Lehigh Acres, is hosting its 24th annual Fall Festival with food, games, rides, raffles and much more. The Festival is 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Thursday, November 15; 5:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Friday, November 16; noon to 1:00 a.m., Saturday, November 17; and 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Sunday, November 18. For information or to purchase tickets, please call 239-369-1831.

Craft Sale - The Council of Catholic Women of St. Raphael Parish in Englewood is hosting a craft sale from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, November 16, and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 17 at Elk's Lodge, 401 Indiana Ave., Englewood. Please contact Marianne Riley at 607-922-1418 or Judie Bull at 941-374-5690.

VDCCW Latina Convocation - All Catholic women are invited to attend the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Latina Convocation 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, November 17 at Sacred Heart Parish, Bradenton. The speakers are Father Juan Carlos Sack, and Father Claudio Stewart on the topics of "Mary and the Women of the New Testament", and "What is the Mass". All talks are in Spanish. The cost is $20. To register, or for more information, please contact Iris Gomez at 863 245-3269.

Abortion Pill Reversal - Women seeking the life-saving service of the abortion pill reversal should immediately visit OptionLine.org or call 800-712-HELP (4357), where they can be referred directly to the nearest certified treatment provider. For general information about Abortion Pill Reversal or any of Community Pregnancy Clinics' life-affirming options for women facing an unplanned pregnancy, please call 239-262-6381.

Holy Land Pilgrimage - A pilgrimage to the Holy Land will take place from February 4 to February 14, 2019. Reverend Peter Vasko, OFM, who has lived in Jerusalem for the past 30 years will be the Spiritual Leader, and Bishop Frank J. Dewane is also joining the pilgrimage. This trip is being organized by John and Maureen Lengyel who have planned Holy Land pilgrimages for 17 years for the Southeastern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. The cost of the pilgrimage is $3,790., double occupancy, from Newark, N.J. to Tel Aviv, Israel. If you are interested or would like additional information, please contact John or Maureen at [email protected] or 941-493-9607. (The pilgrimage is not an event sponsored by the Diocese of Venice in Florida. While Bishop Dewane will be attending this pilgrimage, neither he, nor the Diocese is responsible for any of the arrangements.)

Prison Ministry Volunteers Needed - Join a team of volunteers who share God's love and mercy with those incarcerated in any of the 21 jails/prisons throughout the Diocese. No previous experience required; newcomers are paired with experienced volunteers. Contact Robert Hiniker at 863-558-0407, [email protected].

Items for consideration in the Mustard Seed should be sent to [email protected] no later than four weeks before the scheduled  

event.