Diocese of Venice Crest

 

The Diocese of Venice in Florida

The Mustard Seed

August 2, 2019 

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

Collection for Catholic University of America - The Diocese of Venice collection for Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. takes place the weekend of September 7 and 8, 2019.  This is the National University of the Catholic Church in the United States and is the only institution of higher education founded by the U.S. Bishops and chartered by the Vatican. (CLICK HERE for a letter from Bishop Dewane.)

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.)

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
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 Spanish or CLICK HERE for a copy of the prayer in English.)

Prayer for Safety During Hurricane Season - The 2019 "Atlantic Hurricane Season" began June 1 and 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 - UNPLANNED is due to be released on DVD on Saturday, August 13. The Diocese of Venice is working with the distributors on licensing agreements for the movie to be shown in churches and schools. Please be aware that any showing outside of a private home requires a license (by federal law) or there is a risk of a large fine. More information will be available soon. For questions, contact Jeanne Berdeaux, 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 - The Diocesan Respect Life Office is organizing a bus trip to the Statewide Florida Respect Life Conference in St. Augustine from October 10 through October 13 (3 nights).  The State Conference is an excellent opportunity to learn about different Respect Life issues from national and state experts. Time will be allotted for sightseeing and leisure activities before the Conference begins. The registration deadline is September 14. Contact Jeanne Berdeaux, Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org for details and registration.

Execution Prayer Vigils - Gary Ray Bowles is scheduled to be executed at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, August 22, by the State of Florida. Please join a prayer vigil (choose from list below) or pray at home for Mr. Bowles, his family, the victims and their families, and those who must carry out the execution. To learn more about the death penalty, watch the video at https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/death-penalty/.  For additional information, contact the Diocesan Respect Life Office at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1101.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2267 states: "The Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that 'The death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,' and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide."

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) document, A Culture of Life and the Penalty of Death, states: "When the state, in our names and with our taxes, ends a human life despite having non-lethal alternatives, it suggests that society can overcome violence with violence. The use of the death penalty ought to be abandoned not only for what it does to those who are executed, but for what it does to all of society."

Execution Prayer Vigil Locations for Thursday, August 22:
5:00 p.m. - St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring.
5:30 p.m. - Sacred Heart Parish, 211 West Charlotte Avenue, Punta Gorda (outdoor Last Supper Table); St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers; St. Raphael Parish (chapel), 2514 Lee Blvd., Lehigh Acres.
5:45 p.m. - St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota; San Pedro Parish (chapel), 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port; San Marco Parish, 851 San Marco Drive, Marco Island.
6:00 p.m. - St. Joseph Parish, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton; St. Katharine Drexel Parish (chapel), 1922 SW 20th Ave., Cape Coral.

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 a 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 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. The next workshops are: in Bradenton, 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Saturday, August 10, in Spanish; 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday, August 19, and Tuesday, August 20, in English, at 1219 16th St. W.; and in Sarasota, 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Saturday, August 24, in Spanish, at 5055 N. Tamiami Trail. For more information and to register for the workshop, please call Catholic Charities at 941-714-7829.

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
Matt Talbot Retreat for Women in Recovery - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, presents a Matt Talbot Retreat for Women in Recovery, from Friday, September 27 through Sunday, September 29, This retreat is an opportunity for recovering alcoholics to enhance their spirituality and sober way of life and will be facilitated by Diane Butcher. The people who attend are all recovering alcoholics and participate in the 12-step program through AA. The retreat is private, and everything is confidential. There is no affiliation between AA and Matt Talbot Retreats, however, the retreats are intended to foster and enhance spiritual recovery as suggested by AA's Twelve-Step Program. The cost is $220 double occupancy and includes accommodations and meals. Day rate Saturday only is $50.00 and includes lunch and dinner. Register at https://www.olph-retreat.org/womens-matt-talbot-retreat.
Registration ends Tuesday, September 17.

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.

Private Group Day of Prayer - If your group or organization is interested in having a private day of prayer in a peaceful setting, please consider Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. The private days include continental breakfast and lunch, two conferences, the opportunity for Confession and concludes with Mass. For further information please contact Denise Riley at 941-486-0233 or at riley@olph-retreat.org.

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 - then they will even 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.

OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
10th Annual Greatest Generation & Beyond Tribute - All veterans, their spouses, children and grandchildren are invited to the 10th Annual Greatest Generation & Beyond tribute from 9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 10, at the St. John the Evangelist Parish Pulte Life Center, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. The tribute features "Remembering D-Day and Peter Thomas." There is a complimentary continental breakfast and lunch with exhibits from numerous local military organizations. The main program begins at 10:30 a.m. The event is free and sponsored by the Parish and the SWFL Veterans Alliance. Registration is required by visiting www.saintjohntheevangelist.com or by contacting Lois Bolin at 239-594-2978 or swflveteransalliance@gmail.com.

Florida Catholic Chamber of Commerce - Please join the Florida Catholic Chamber of Commerce for their next networking/lunch meeting 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 9:30 a.m. - 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 - The Our Lady of Victory Council 3358 of the Knights of Columbus invites everyone to participate in the 2nd Annual Sarasota Laps for Life to support their ultrasound initiative 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 at 8:30 a.m., Friday, October 18, the Feast of St. Luke, with medical professionals. 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.

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. With speakers on 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 having 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.

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.

Early Learning Classes - For the coming Academic Year 2019-2020, Incarnation Catholic School, 2911 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, will be expanding their early learning classes to include a PreK-3 program. The program will offer a monthly theme-based curriculum which will include Math, Science, Language and the basics of our Catholic faith. Our little learners will discover answers to big questions like "How do Plants Grow?" and "Who lives in the Ocean?" Small class sizes will allow for individual attention and differentiate instruction. Playground time will provide an opportunity to work on gross motor skills. The program will offer full and part time options, perfect for every family. Children must be potty trained and three years old by September 1. For more information please call 941-924-8588.

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

















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