Diocese of Venice Crest

 

The Diocese of Venice in Florida

The Mustard Seed

August 16, 2019 
Office of the Bishop 
Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:
 
Reverend Benjamin Casimir, Parochial Vicar of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples, is welcomed to the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice and is incardinated into the said Diocese, effective May 16, 2019.
 
Reverend Shawn Monahan, OMV , as Parochial Vicar of Epiphany Cathedral, Venice, effective September 17,2019.

Pope Francis Prayer Intention for August - That families, through their life of prayer and love, become ever more clearly "schools of true human growth."

Pope Francis Prayer Intention for September - That politicians, scientists and economists work together to protect the world's seas and oceans.
 
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 Inquirer Information Meetings for men interested in the diaconate. Those men that have an interest, along with their wives, are invited to attend one of two meetings: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, September 21, at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Avenue, Naples, or 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.  A sample Prayer of the Faithful for the vocation of the Permanent Diaconate is below:
That many generous men may respond to the Holy Spirit's calling to the vocation of deacon in the Diocese of Venice.
 
Priesthood Sunday - This year, throughout the United States, Priesthood Sunday takes place on Sunday, September 29, 2019.  This day is set aside for all to reflect upon and affirm the vocation of the Priesthood as a central role in the life of the Church. Priesthood Sunday is an opportunity to show gratitude to our priests who serve the faithful tirelessly throughout the year, and who are instrumental in conferring the Holy Sacraments. (CLICK HERE for a sample Prayer of the Faithful and a Prayer for Priests is available for parishes.)
 
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.

Prayers Needed - Pope Francis recently approved a miracle attributed to Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, making possible 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 as a saint. 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.
Save the Date - 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, Nov. 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 ardy@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543.
 
Communications Department
The Florida Catholic Needs Your Help! - The Florida Catholic and the Diocese of Venice Communications Department would like your opinion on the way you receive your Catholic News. Your input and insights on the following survey are very important as we consider what our focus and priorities should be for the future. That is, (1) what articles, stories, news and information are most important to you and (2) the most effective ways of communicating or delivering news and information to you. We hope you will take the time to complete this survey, which is part of a strategic planning process that will help the Florida Catholic develop a successful plan for the future. As a token of our appreciation for completing the survey, your name will be entered in a drawing to win an iPad Mini 4 and a subscription to the Florida Catholic e-Edition. Kindly complete the survey by Friday, August 30. Drawing winners will be notified by e-mail. To proceed with the survey, please click on https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LWGJPJW. 
 
Prayer for Migrants - The current situation at the border compels Catholics to be aware that migrants are human beings and should be treated with the same compassion and dignity as we ourselves would expect. Prayers for our brothers and sisters, and in particular, for the children, are needed now more than ever. The Diocese of Venice has a bilingual (English/Spanish) prayer for migrants. Parishes are asked to publish the prayer in their bulletin and to remind the Faithful to include the migrant families in their prayers. Should you wish a supply of prayer cards for your parish, school or mission, please contact Gail Ardy at ardy@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4714. ( CLICK HERE for a copy of the prayer in English or CLICK HERE for a copy of the prayer in Spanish.)
 
Prayer for Safety During Hurricane Season - The 2019 "Atlantic Hurricane Season"  will continue through November 30. All are encouraged to pray for protection from the storms that often threaten Southwest Florida. The devastation brought here by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and in the Florida Panhandle from Hurricane Michael in 2018, 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, August 30 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
UNPLANNED Movie - The blockbuster film UNPLANNED is now available on DVD. A license is required for any showing outside of a private home. (CLICK HERE to see Public Performance Law information). Please submit an UNPLANNED Film License Request Form to the Diocesan Respect Life Office (CLICK HERE for form and submission details). As a gift (no charge to you), a license will be purchased from Ignatius for your parish or school and a Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Download will be shipped. The license will cover unlimited showings up to 1 year from the initial screening date. Additional DVDs and Abby Johnson's two books are available for purchase. See www.UnplannedScreenings.com for details or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.

Catholic Community Foundation
Customized Marketing Materials - The Catholic Community Foundation proudly announces that customized marketing materials are available for all Parishes, Schools and programs within the Diocese of Venice.  Each marketing piece will feature your logo along with custom text in order for donors to create a Catholic Legacy to support your Parish, School or program.  Current options include stories, articles and fact sheets that can be used in bulletins, newsletters, direct mail, websites and more.  For additional information, please contact Michael Morse at the Catholic Community Foundation at 941-441-1124 or via email at Morse@dioceseofvenice.org.
For Good - For God - Forever!

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
St. Augustine Bus Trip - Register online now for the October 10-13 bus trip to St. Augustine for the statewide Florida Respect Life Conference. A sightseeing excursion is included along with activities for the Feast of Our Lady of LaLeche at the shrine named after Her. You pay for the conference registration, hotel, food and any additional tours. Conference registration is available at www.dosafl.com/respectlifeconference . Hotel reservations for the three-night trip can be made via the Diocese of Venice room block at the Ponce St. Augustine Hotel at 904-824-5554. For free bus transportation please use this link to sign up:   https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2019-state-respect-life-conference-bus-reservation . The registration deadline is September 20. For additional information, contact Jeanne Berdeaux, Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.

Office of Family Life
Married Couples - Summer will soon be over with school back in session and vacations over. As the busy fall begins, take time as a couple to focus on your marriage for a weekend!  The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in this area is scheduled from Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22 at the Hampton Inn in Oldsmar. Space is limited, so please apply early! For more information about taking private time away, check out flwc-wwme.org or call 813-270-7832.

Catholic Charities
Summertime and the Giving is Easy Appeal - Real people. Real lives. Make a real difference! Catholic Charities offers people in need throughout Southwest Florida help that brings about real change in their lives. The Catholic Charities Summertime and the Giving is Easy Appeal is asking for your support. You can donate to the type of assistance you believe is the most important, such as food, shelter, education or support. The giving is easy! Your gift will make a positive impact on our less fortunate brothers and sisters!  Please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or mail a check to Catholic Charities, 5824 Bee Ridge Road PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.

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, 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 .

St. John Paul II Villas - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice 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.

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. In English: 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, 2019 at the Venice Performing Arts Center. All proceeds will go to the Sugar Bowl Fund for families in the community who are experiencing a financial hardship. The show will feature the Mystics performing pop, rock and doo wop music. Tickets are $25, $30 or $40 a person and can be purchased at www.veniceperformingartscenter.com.

Catholic Charities Tours - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. is offering tours of their programs located throughout Southwest Florida. Anyone interested in learning more about the work of Catholic Charities and visiting services locations, please contact Helen Rombalski at 941-488-5581 or rombalski@dioceseofvenice.org.

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.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Women's 11-Step Spiritual Retreat - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, is hosting a Women's 11-Step Spiritual Retreat on Friday, September 27 through Sunday September 29. The retreat is for people of all faiths and is an opportunity for recovering alcoholics to enhance their spirituality and sober way of life. The people who attend these retreats are all recovering alcoholics and attend the 12-step program through AA. It is a fellowship with a common bond in our Lord where you can share and receive help and support spiritually and to receive strength from each other and from God. The retreat is facilitated by Diane Butcher. The cost is $220, double occupancy, or $50 Saturday day-rate. Please register at https://olph-retreat.org/womens-11-step or call 941-486-0233 .
 
Feast of the Archangels Clambake - Come celebrate the Feast of the Archangels with the staff of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 29. Enjoy a traditional clambake and great company! $29.95 per person. Hurry, space is limited! Please, register at https://olph-retreat.org/feast-of-the-archangels-clambake .
 
Come to the Water Day of Prayer - The monthly "Come to the Water Day of Prayer" resumes 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, beginning at 9:00 a.m., for a continental breakfast, lunch, two conferences, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation and prayer. The day of prayer concludes with Mass at 2:30 p.m. 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 $425.10. 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, all that we do to celebrate Christmas. At 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 and space 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 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, for the "Prepare Your Heart for Christmas Advent Retreat" Saturday, December 7 through Sunday, December 8.  This 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 Friday and Saturday, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. For more information and to Register:  www.olph.retreat.org   This retreat fills fast!
 
Save the Date -  Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a special event on Saturday, January 25. A c ocktail event with lots of fun surprises!  Sponsorships and reservations are open! RSVP at www.olph-retreat.org . Call Colleen for sponsorships at 941-486-0233 x3002.

Youth and Young Adults
Attention Young Adults!  Missionary Discipleship Society - The Diocese of Venice is starting a Missionary Discipleship Society beginning in the Naples and Fort Myers area this September.  The Missionary Discipleship Society is a group of young adults (ages 21-39) who will commit to a year to 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 who are signed up as well as participate in a ministry/service project monthly.  Members will learn their faith like never before as they 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 mazrin@dioceseofvenice.org. (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 evangelization@dioceseofvenice.org. ( CLICK HERE for 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 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 mazrin@dioceseofvenice.org.

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

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

Fort Myers Area - "Rooted", a Young Adult Program offering an opportunity to build Community meets at 7:15 p.m., on the first Thursday of the month at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. This program is for ages 18-39, married, single, women, men, parishioners and non-parishioners. Sessions vary from praise and worship, events and adventure, bonfires, and social justice events. For more information like Rooted on Facebook at "Rooted at St. John XXIII," or contact Kelly Evers at 239-561-3022 ext.107.
 
Sarasota Area - Theology on Tap - Join us for a time of fellowship and outreach including games, discussion, and complimentary refreshments at 7:00 p.m., on the third Thursday of the Month at the Mandeville Beer Garden, 428 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota. The next gathering is September 19. For more information, please contact Joshua Mazrin at evagelization@dioceseofvenice.org.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Florida Catholic Chamber of Commerce - Please join the Florida Catholic Chamber of Commerce for their next networking/lunch meeting at 11:30 a.m., August 29, at Calusa Harbor, 2525 1st St., Fort Myers. The Florida Catholic Chamber of Commerce promotes Catholic businesses and ministries supporting one another! The Chamber's purpose is to inform and unite Catholic businesses to encourage the use of Catholic values and a culture of life in the home, community and workplace. All Catholic businesses and ministries are invited to attend all networking meetings. The gatherings are free and no membership is required. Please RSVP to toni@floridacatholicchamber.com or 239-980-0921.

Magnificat Breakfast - Magnificat, a Ministry of Catholic Women is holding its next breakfast talk from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, August 31, at the Holiday Inn Airport, Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers. The special guest is Cathy Duffy, who will speak about her spiritual journey. Seating is limited. No walk-ins. Advanced registration required. Please send a check for $23, payable to Magnificat Fort Myers, to Margaret Mengle, 5017 Westminster Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919 by Monday, August 19, or online at www.magnificatfortmyers.com, or by calling 239-826-7475.

Blue Mass - The Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Lourdes Council 9924 invites all to attend the 9th Annual Blue Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, September 8, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Please join the Knights in honoring all active, retired and deceased first responders. The Assembly for the procession into the Church begins at 9:45 a.m. A brunch in the Parish Hall will follow the Mass. For further information please contact the parish at 941-497-2931.
 
Laps for Life Ball - The Our Lady of the Angels Parish Culture of Life Committee and Knights of Columbus Councils are hosting "Knight Fever", a Laps for Life Ball, at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, September 21, at the Knights Banquet Hall, 4880 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. The evening will include hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and cash bar, with semi-formal attire. Tickets are $40 per person and available through Sunday, September 15 at https://knight-fever-ball.evenbrite.com or email knightfeverball@gmail.com . Proceeds benefit My Choice Pregnancy Center of Sarasota.

Laps for Life - The Our Lady of Victory Knights of Columbus Council 3358 invite everyone to participate in the 2nd Annual Sarasota Laps for Life to support their ultrasound initiative.  Sign-in begins at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, September 28, at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. The event will raise money to purchase an ultrasound for My Choice Pregnancy Center in Sarasota. For more information contact Joseph Gina at 941-620-1625, or email at info@victorykofc.org or srqlapsforlife@gmail.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)

A Women's Day of Reflection - Sacred Heart Parish, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda and the Guild of Our Lady present "A Women's Day of Reflection" with Johnnette Benkovic Williams from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19. You are invited to spend the day hearing from Johnnette, a prolific author and national speaker, and a daily TV and radio host on EWTN. The day will explore the powerful influence God calls us to be in our homes, in Church, and in the world. The cost is $35 and includes lunch. Seating is limited. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. For more information and to reserve your place call Dee Blayney at 317-496-6381.
 
Faith and Wine Lee County Returning - 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 Kohlkauff "Mercies in Disguise." This season will include five gatherings at different parishes through March. To see the complete line-up of speakers and to register, please visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com.

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 followed by breakfast 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 gloria@stagnesnaples.org or 239-592-1949 ext.118.

Save the Date - The St. Raphael CCW Englewood will be holding 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 shesbmma@aol.com, 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 is 8:30 a.m., Saturday, December 7 at The Club at The Strand, 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 tengarge@seston.org or Gina Groch at groch@seston.org , or call 239-455-2262.

Knights on Bikes - If you're driving almost anywhere in Florida or the United States, you've probably seen or noticed a motorcyclist with a Knights of Columbus patch and a cross on their leather riding vests with various other patches. They are known as Knights on Bikes and are members of the Knights of Columbus. They are first and foremost dedicated to their roles in the Knights of Columbus, the Diocese of Venice, and to the Holy Spirit!  If you are a current, or planning to become a Knight of Columbus, with a positive passion for motorcycles and would like to ride with fellow minded Knights on Bikes, please contact us!  We are always looking for properly formed good spirited Catholic men within the Diocese of Venice and other Dioceses for rides and fundraising. Please contact Venice Diocesan Knights on Bikes Chairman George Lopez at Knights1314@yahoo.com for further information. We look forward to hearing from you.  Our motto is, "In God We Trust and Ride".

Religious Education for those with Special Needs - Epiphany Cathedral, Venice offers Religious Education for individuals with special needs ages 10 through adult who wish to prepare to receive the Sacraments. This program provides a deeper relationship with God and fosters the ability to recognize oneself as a person of dignity who is loved by God. The classes are held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday in Magi Hall, 200 Harbor Drive N., Venice. For further information please contact Colleen DeVita at 941-928-5819 or colleendevita@me.com, or Sister Frances Lalor at 941-485-2325 or lalor@epiphanycathedral.org.

Legal Help Available for the Needy - Cenacle Legal Services, Inc. (CLS), a not-for-profit legal aid organization, in partnership with the Diocese of Venice, serves the legal needs of its income-eligible clients in South Sarasota County. CLS offices are located at 237 N. Nassau St., Venice. To request an appointment, please call 941-244-0308, email CenacleLegal@gmail.com, or visit https://cenaclelegalservices.org/ for further information.

Items for consideration in the Mustard Seed should be sent to newsletter@dioceseofvenice.org by no later than three weeks before your event.