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The Diocese of Venice in Florida
The Mustard Seed
November 5, 2021
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Office of the Bishop
Pope Francis Prayer intention for November - We pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.
Veterans Day Mass - This year marks the 12th consecutive year 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. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate the Mass at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 11 at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72/Clark Road, approximately five miles east of I-75. The priests, deacons and Knights of Columbus in the Diocese will join Bishop Dewane for this important event. All are invited to attend, and active military personnel are asked to wear their uniform. Attendees are also encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is ample seating and parking at the cemetery. For further information, please contact ardy@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-484-9543. (CLICK HERE for a flier.)
Nine Day Novena Preceding Christ the King - For the nine days leading up to the Solemnity of Christ the King Sunday, November 21, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has prepared a Novena to be prayed from Friday, November 12 through Saturday, November 20. Let us offer prayers to our Sovereign King for the freedom of the Church. To participate in the novena visit www.dioceseofvenice.org.
Year of the Family - On March 19, 2021, the fifth anniversary of the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, on the joy and beauty of familial love, Pope Francis inaugurated the year “Amoris Laetitia Family” which will conclude on June 26, 2022, on the occasion of the next World Meeting of Families in Rome. When announced, the Dicastery said in a statement, “The Pandemic experience has highlighted the central role of the family as the domestic Church and has shown the importance of community ties between families”. To learn more about the effort and the initiatives occurring in the Diocese during this commemorative year please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/year-of-the-family.
Communications
"Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane"- Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane, for his monthly radio program on Relevant Radio on 106.7 FM and 1410 AM in Naples. "Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane" can be heard at 8:30 a.m., on Friday, November 26. Outside of the listening area access to the program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts.
Respect Life
Pray for Dobbs - Please support this USCCB ecumenical prayer campaign by reviewing the “Ideas for Participating” under RESOURCES at www.prayfordobbs.com or implement your own ideas such as:
· Asking different parish group leaders to share the information and lead prayers.
· Add announcements before live streamed Masses or on PowerPoints or verbal announcements before Masses.
· Add information on your website and social media pages.
· If you have a parish-wide e-mail system, send an announcement.
· Have a special prayer vigil before or on December 1.
· Have a weekly parish rosary.
· Hold monthly prayer gatherings until the Supreme Court announces its decision.
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 complete online training in Safe Environment prior to beginning employment or volunteering. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/programs/safeenvironment/. Report any abuse against minors to the Florida Department of Children and Families at 800-962-2873. Further, if Diocesan personnel or volunteers are involved, also notify the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, Susan Benton, at 941-416-6114. (BULLETIN EDITORS: Please publish above text in Parish bulletins.)
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vocations
Vocation Awareness Weekend - St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami is hosting a Vocation Awareness Weekend from Friday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m. to Sunday, November 14 at 12:00 p.m. This seminary visit is open to young men, ages 18 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 Shawn Roser, at roser@dioceseofvenice.org or call the Vocations Office at 941-484-9543 x 3022. (CLICK HERE for a flier.)
Respect Life
Join a National Prayer Campaign: Pray for Dobbs! - The Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization could impact the fate of millions of preborn children and their mothers by overturning Roe v Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. Pray that the Justices will not be persuaded by political pressure or perceived public opinion, but that they would be impartial in their judgment. Oral arguments begin Wednesday, December 1; a decision will be announced by June 22, 2022. Here are some things you can do to help:
· Register at www.prayfordobbs.com to join together in continued prayer and stay informed on the case.
· Encourage others to register and pray.
· Choose a time during the day (example: 3:00 p.m.) to say a prayer for the case and for the moms and babies.
· Fast once a week (food, television, etc.) for the cause.
· Use the social media images and fliers on the website to inform others and share weekly reminders.
· Ask leaders of parish organizations and ministries to include prayer for the Dobbs case in meetings and events.
· Join the special 40 Days for Life 365 prayer vigil on November 30 and December 1 anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. in front of Planned Parenthood in Sarasota or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Fort Myers.
Cities for Life, Cities Against the Death Penalty - Join others across Florida in watching a special virtual presentation on Tuesday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. Hear world renowned speaker Sister Helen Prejean; Florida’s 23rd exonerated Death Row Survivor, Herman Lindsey, and Dr. Joseph Thornton who has visited over 300 inmates on death row. A link will be provided at www.YouTube.com/DOSACatholics. For information, contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068. (CLICK HERE for flier.)
Catholic Charities
Circle of Life Charity Golf Tournament - The Knights of Columbus is hosting a Circle of Life Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. The tournament is Saturday, November 13 at the Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club in Venice. For more information, please email dtura@comcast.net.
Holiday Wish List - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. is in need of key items leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. All Catholic Charities food pantries are in need of non-perishable food items (canned fruits and vegetables, soup, peanut butter, tuna, tomato sauce, rice, pasta and cereal) to help restock the shelves for the holiday season. In addition, Catholic Charities is also accepting donations for Christmas including unwrapped gifts for children (baby and toddler toys, board games, athletic equipment, bicycles and more) and for the elderly (card, dominoes, activity books, crossword puzzles). Gift cards to local grocery and retail stores are also accepted. To learn about how to make a donation, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/how-you-can-help/ or call 941-488-5581.
Mark Your Calendars - Come support Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. programs in Lee, Hendry, Glades counties, with the first ever Celebration of Hope Luncheon, Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at the Lexington Country Club, 16257 Willowcrest Way, Fort Myers. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. For tickets or to sponsor the event, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/event-on. For more information, please contact Victoria Guevara at 239-334-4007 ext. 2100 or victoria.guevaranunez@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Save the Date - Come to an elegant evening for the “Together Again” Catholic Charities Ball, which supports the programs of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. in Sarasota, Manatee, Highlands, Glades, DeSoto and Hardee counties. The event is 6:00 p.m., Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota. Please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/event-on for tickets or to sponsor the event. For more information, please contact Hilles Hughes at 941-909-7817 or email hilles.hughes@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Helping Mothers in Need - The Our Mother’s House Annual Wine Tasting, Auction & Dinner Dance will take place at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, February 24, 2022, in person at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice, or online. Funds raised by this event will ensure that Our Mother’s House is able to offer the support 22 mothers and their children as they journey towards self-sufficiency. For tickets or to sponsor the event, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/event-on. For more information, please contact Lisa Ventura at 941-485-6264 ext. 1500 or by email at lisa.ventura@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Do You Need Help? - If you need assistance from Catholic Charities for food, financial assistance, or tele-mental health counseling, please call the number for your area listed below between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday:
Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands Counties: 941-355-4680;
Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades Counties: 239-390-2928;
Collier County: 239-793-0059.
Food Distribution - Catholic Charities and other Diocesan entities combined efforts toward food distribution will take place at the times and locations as outlined below in Out and About the Diocese section.
Tele-Mental Health Counseling Services - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc. is offering Mental Health Counseling for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, or helpless, Catholic Charities can help. For more information, please call 239-455-2655. There is no charge for this service.
Catholic Community Foundation
Life Planning Seminars and Individual Meetings - The Catholic Community Foundation is partnering with Parishes and seasoned professionals across the Diocese to offer free Life Planning seminars which will provide parishioners with the knowledge they need to make critical health, legal, and financial decisions for themselves and/or a loved one. In addition to the seminars, the Foundation is also hosting private meetings with individuals and families for those that are uncomfortable with larger groups. With proper planning, an individual or family can not only ensure their wishes are followed but can also ensure their charitable and financial goals are met.
The following seminars and individual meetings have been scheduled before the end of the year:
· 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 12 at St. Martha, Sarasota (Seminar).
· 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 16 at Epiphany Cathedral, Venice (Women’s Seminar).
· 9:30 a.m., Thursday, November 18 at San Marco, Marco Island (Seminar).
To schedule a Life Planning seminar in your parish, please contact Michael Morse at the Catholic Community Foundation at 941-441-1124 or email morse@dioceseofvenice.org.
For Good – For God – Forever!
Diocese of Venice Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation
Franciscan at Home Online Workshops - The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation presents “Franciscan at Home,” offering online workshops for all who want to grow deeper in the Catholic Faith. This is a program sponsored by your Parish at no cost to you. Workshops are available on Parenting, Youth Ministry, Prayer, Catholic Social Teaching, Theology of the Body, Scripture and much more. Many workshops are available in Spanish. Please visit www.franciscanathome.org/institute-dov, or call the Institute at 941-766-7334 for further information.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Fall Retreats - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive in Venice is offering several group Ignatian Preached Retreats (November 19-22), and the one-day Monthly Day of Prayer Retreat on November 10 and 14 (same conferences both days) and December 8 and 10 (same conference both days), and the Advent Retreat (December 6-7). To register for any of these events, please visit www.olph-retreat.org, or call Simona Handley at 941-486-0233.
Save the Date - The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center fundraiser gala, entitled “The Butterfly Ball,” is scheduled for February 19, 2022, at St. Thomas More Parish Chelsea Center, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. The evening will include a cocktail hour, formal dinner, musical entertainment, and a silent and live auction. To purchase Butterfly Ball tickets, please visit www.olph-retreat.org or call Simona Handley at 941-486-0233. Sponsorships are still available.
Office of Evangelization
Have Your Children Left the Catholic Church? - A troubling statistic shows that 50 percent of young people raised Catholic are no longer practicing Catholics today. The Catholic Church is losing young people at an alarming rate. Behind this are millions of mothers, fathers and grandparents praying for their children and grandchildren to come home to the Church. To understand why young people drift away, Brandon Vogt and Word of Fire Ministries released the book "Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church". The passive wait-and-see approach is no longer an option. We need to focus on young people being proud of their Faith and bringing them home to the Church! For further information or to order the book please visit "Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church" by Brandon Vogt. (www.wordonfire.org).
Youth and Young Adults
Theology on Tap Sarasota - Theology on Tap takes place on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Mandeville Beer Garden in Sarasota, 428 N. Lemon Ave, Sarasota. Join us outside in the garden for food and refreshments, presentations, and discussions about the Catholic Faith. Please contact Joshua Mazrin at evangelization@dioceseofvenice.org with any questions.
Theology on Tap Fort Myers - Young Adults are invited to attend Theology on Tap at Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers, for a lovely outdoor venue with picnic benches for food and refreshments as well as practical presentations. Feel free to bring a lawn chair if you are more comfortable. The event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Please contact Joshua Mazrin with any questions at evangelization@dioceseofvenice.org.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Migrant Care Grants - Grant requests for funding of projects in 2022 are available from the Foundation for the Care of the Migrant Poor and need to be submitted no later than Sunday, February 28. To be considered by the Board of Directors for a Grant, the project must clearly be seen as a service to the migrant poor or new immigrants. Preference will be given to those projects under Catholic auspices. Applications can be submitted by going to the Foundation page on the Diocese website at https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/organizations/foundation-for-the-care-of-the-migrant-poor/.
Veteran’s Dinner and Dance - The Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly 3862 is hosting a tribute to all veterans with a Veteran’s Day Dinner and Dance from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday, November 12 at the Del Webb Grand Hall in Ave Maria. Tickets are $50 per person and the event in limited to 125 people. Please call or text Ralph Petragnani at 443-983-2726 by November 1 to ensure your registration. Proceeds will benefit the Fort Myers Hearts and Home for Veterans.
A Morning for Women North - Join the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women for “A Morning for Women…” Saturday, November 13, at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, 833 Magellan Drive, Sarasota, for a morning to relax and join other women from different Parishes in the Northern Deanery. The topics discussed will be dealing with stress and burnout; the Latino community and a Junior Council; a voice for Catholic Women in the World. The day begins at 9:00 a.m. with a continental breakfast and talks beginning at 9:30. The program ends at noon. The cost is FREE! Please e-mail Mary Jo at mjcruise@yahoo.com or Ellen at pennyln99@aol.com to make your reservation.
An Evening of Thanksgivings - You are invited to join Epiphany Cathedral for “An Evening of Thanksgivings,” a black-tie dinner dance, Saturday, November 13, at Epiphany Cathedral Parish Center, 301 Sarasota St., Venice. Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m., with dinner at 7:00 p.m. Dance to The Soul Sensations. Cost is $125 per person. For tickets and sponsorship, please visit www.epiphanycathedral.org or call 941-484-3505.
5K Walk/Run for LIFE - The 7th Annual St. Agnes 5K Walk/Run for LIFE will be Saturday, November 20 at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Venice. Registration is 6:00 a.m., with the race to begin at 7:15 a.m. The Run/Walk for LIFE is an event with the main purpose of promoting a respect life message and raising funds for pro-life causes while encouraging healthy living (body and soul). Registration is open using the Run for Life link at www.st.agnesnaples.org. For more information, please call 239-592-1949 or email deaconroberto@stagnesnaples.org. Only those registered by midnight November 15 will receive a race shirt.
Hispanic Heritage Dinner Dance - Please join the Knights of Columbus Council 7052 for its inaugural Hispanic Heritage Dinner Dance in celebration of different Hispanic cultures. The Dinner Dance is Saturday, November 20 at the Knights Hall, 512 Substation Road, Venice. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. and buffet opens at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. You can get your tickets online at https://epiphanyknights.org/product/hispanic-heritage-dinner-dance/ or make reservations in English by calling Nancy Kraszewski at 281-814-9954 or in Spanish by calling Maria Montalvo at 941-623-7519.
Thanksgiving Dinner - If you are alone on Thanksgiving, please join the Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary of Council 7052 for a meal at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 25, at the Knights Hall, 512 Substation Road, Venice. There is no charge for the dinner, but reservations are requested and a free-will offering is appreciated. Make your reservations at https://epiphanyknights.org/product/thanksgiving-dinner/ or call Nancy Kraszewski at 281-814-9954.
Faith and Wine Lee County - the next gathering of Faith and Wine in Lee County will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, December 2 at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the speaker is Donna Heckler, an international corporate executive who is now a “fan-favorite” Catholic author and inspirational speaker who encourages people to live radiantly, letting God shine through them. The suggested donation is $12.00. Registration ends by Monday, November 29. For further information please visit faithandwineleecounty.com.
Christmas by the Sea Soiree - Support the Collier Community Abstinence Program (CCAP) “My Mentor Program” Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director who is now a pro-life advocate and author of “Unplanned” which was made into a feature movie. Johnson will appear at the Christmas by the Sea Soiree event at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 14,at the Hammock Bat Golf Club, 1370 Borghese Lane, Naples. Tickets for dinner are $300. Tickets for a private meet and greet with Johnson are $1,000. To register online go to https://mymentor.regfox.com/abby-johnson-christmas-soiree-by-the-sea. For tickets by mail, make check payable to CCAP, and mail to CCAP, Attn: Theresa Barbale, 6110 Lancewood Way, Naples, FL 34114.
St. Jude Parish Christmas Festival Raffle - Tickets for the St Jude Parish Christmas Festival Raffle are now available online at www.stjudesarasota.org or by phone 941-955-3934, or in the Parish Office located at 3930 17th Street, Sarasota. With a $50 ticket you can win one of the following prizes: $4,000, $2,000, $1,000, or another $1,000. One ticket makes you eligible for any of the four prizes. All proceeds benefit the Church’s Charitable Programs. The Drawing is Sunday, December 26, at the noon Mass. For more information, call the Parish Office at 941-955-3934.
12th Annual Sunshine State Steak Cook-off - The 12thh Annual Sunshine State Steak Cook-off® will be held Saturday, January 29. All are invited to share in the competition and the excitement, not to mention a great meal including a 16 oz. boneless ribeye steak, potato, salad, roll and water. As a Grill Team, you will join about 30 other Grill Teams in cooking more than 2,000 steaks in the town center of Ave Maria for more than $4,000 in cash prizes. They will have grills of all shapes and sizes with cook teams from near and far. To register your Grill Team, visit SunshineStateSteakCookoff.com and click on “Team Registration” near the top of the page. All Grill Team registrations must go through the website. Since your friends and family will want to taste your steaks, be sure and get your dinner tickets early– tickets go fast! Steak tickets are available immediately online at SunshineStateSteakCookoff.com and will be available starting December 1 at the Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Catholic School Office, 4955 Seton Way, Ave Maria.
Knights of Columbus Native American Documentary - A documentary film on the faith, perseverance and inspiring example of Indigenous Peoples across North America is now available for all to watch at: Enduring Faith | Knights of Columbus (kofc.org). This film will inspire in viewers a deeper appreciation for the spiritual and cultural gifts of Native American Catholics, a greater awareness of the wrongs inflicted upon them and a sense of hope for how Native American Catholics continue to live out their faith in fully enculturated ways today.
Radio Broadcast of the Sunday Mass in Spanish - St. Jude Parish in Sarasota broadcasts the Holy Mass in Spanish celebrated by Father Celestino Gutiérrez, every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. on radio station 99.1 FM, and at 10:00 a.m. on 105.3 FM. A thank you is offered to the sponsors for this Mass and SOLMART Media for their collaboration in this effort.
Transmisión Radial de la Misa Dominical en Español - La Parroquia San Judas en Sarasota transmite la Santa Misa en español celebrada por el Padre Celestino Gutiérrez, todos los domingos a las 8:00 a.m. en la estación de radio 99.1 FM, y a las 10:00 a.m. en 105.3 FM. Se agradece a los patrocinadores de esta Misa y a SOLMART Media por su colaboración en este esfuerzo.
Food Distribution - For various food distribution sites throughout the Diocese of Venice, the days, times, and locations are listed below:
Guadalupe Social Services - 211 S. 9th St., Immokalee
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen open daily. The Soup Kitchen Dining Room is open for dine-in and also provides take-out/meals-to-go.
Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center - 3174 Tamiami Trail E., Naples.Mondays - Fridays: 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. and Tuesdays - Fridays: 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
St. Margaret Parish - 208 Dean Duff St., Clewiston
Thursdays: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Bonita Springs - 28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs
Fridays: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Elizabeth K. Galeana Food Pantry - 4235 Michigan Ave. Link, Fort Myers
Fridays: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
St. Paul Parish - Parish Hall, 1208 E Oak St., Arcadia
Fridays: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry - 5265 Placida Road, Grove City
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:15 a.m. -11:15 a.m.
St. Jude Food Pantry - 3930 17th St., Sarasota.
Wednesdays: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Please bring ID and do not exit your vehicle. Volunteers will load cars.
Wauchula Food Pantry - 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula
Saturdays: 7:00 a.m.- 8:45 a.m.
Call the parish at 863-773-4089 if you require a different time or would like to support the efforts to assist the community.
St. Joseph Food Pantry - 3100 26th St W., Bradenton
Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Free Rosary Repair Service - Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, 7930 Estero Blvd. #502, Fort Myers, FL 33931. Rosaries will be repaired and returned within the week of receipt. Donations of old rosaries are also accepted which will be repaired and sent to missions. Include a note indicating repair or donation. For more details, please call 239-463-3993 or email holdenbnd@gmail.com.
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