Office of the Bishop
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for September - We pray that the planet's resources will not be plundered, but shared in a just and respectful manner.
Holy Land Collection - The annual Pontifical Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land did not happen as scheduled due to COVID-19. As a result, the collection was rescheduled, and in the Diocese of Venice, will take place the weekend of September 19 - 20, 2020. Please CLICK HERE for a letter from Bishop Frank J. Dewane.
Dispensation for the Vulnerable during COVID-19 - Although in person Masses are taking place and Parishes and Schools have safely opened, there is still a need to protect those most at risk during the Coronavirus Pandemic. For this reason, the dispensation given to all the Faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass has been extended to November 1, 2020, All Saints Day. Masses continue to be live streamed during this time. For a letter from Bishop Dewane, please CLICK HERE for English and CLICK HERE for Spanish.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees - The 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be celebrated on Sunday, September 27, with the title, "Like Jesus Christ, Forced to Flee". Pope Francis is dedicating this year's World Migrants and Refugees Day to the Pastoral care of internally displaced people, as the majority of those on the move are forced to flee due to conflict and environmental disasters. For access to videos and other materials for use on Parish websites and social media please visit: https://migrants-refugees.va/en/idp/To order prayer cards containing a Prayer for Migrants in both English and Spanish, contact Gail Ardy at [email protected] or CLICK HERE for the text of the prayer in English or CLICK HERE for Spanish.
Communication on Racism - The Diocese of Venice offers communications on racism at https://dioceseofvenice.org/diocese-communicates-on-racism/. The page includes a letter to the Faithful from Bishop Dewane, a letter from Archbishop Gomez, the document "Open Wide Our Hearts" from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as well as a prayer against racism and other resources.
Year of Saint Joseph - On the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, March 19, 2020 Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in the context of the Coronavirus, consecrated the Diocese of Venice to the care and protection of Saint Joseph. The Bishop announced a "Year of Saint Joseph" beginning March 19, 2020 through March 19, 2021. Saint Joseph, often referred to as the Protector, can be our protector during this time of the pandemic. All are invited to commit daily to the Prayer to St. Joseph - Deliver us from Coronavirus located on the Diocesan website at https://dioceseofvenice.org/a-year-of-st-joseph/ and for English or Spanish please CLICK HERE.
Communications Department
Fatima, The Movie - It has been said, 'The Movie Fatima can place beacons of hope in the hands and hearts of all Catholics!' Fatima begins in 1917, outside the parish of Fátima, Portugal, where a 10-year-old girl and her two younger cousins witness multiple visitations of the Virgin Mary, who tells them that only prayer and suffering will bring an end to World War I. As secularist government officials and Church leaders try to force the children to recant their story, word of the sighting spreads across the country, inspiring religious pilgrims to flock to the site in hopes of witnessing a miracle. Fatima, The Movie, is now playing in select theaters, and is also available for home rental. For tickets or more details visit: https://www.fatimathemovie.com/tickets/.
Live-Streamed Mass from Catholic Center - Please join Bishop Frank J. Dewane at 9:15 a.m. daily in the celebration of the Mass from the Catholic Center at www.dioceseofvenice.org or https://www.facebook.com/DioceseofVenice/.
Televised Mass - The Diocese of Venice in Florida airs the televised Sunday Mass for the homebound each week. The Mass can be viewed at 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network in Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto, Charlotte, Hardee and Highland counties, and at 10:30 a.m. on FOX4 in Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades and Desoto counties. The Mass is also available on the Diocesan website at www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass. For the Act of Spiritual Communion please CLICK HERE.
Music Licensing - Parishes livestreaming Masses or other devotionals should be aware that if music is included that is subject to copyright, a license for podcast and livestreaming must be obtained. If you require assistance in applying for a license, much of the music from the common hymnals is carried by One License. Please visit the website at www.onelicense.net for options and cost for various licenses depending on your need. Should you have any questions please contact Gail Ardy at 941-484-9543 or [email protected].
Beware of Copyright Infringement - This is a reminder for all Parish bulletin and website editors within the Diocese to be vigilant when choosing images for display on both platforms. It is important to not simply pull images from the internet, but pay for their use from a reliable source, or take the photo yourself. There are many companies that troll websites looking for copyright infringements, so it is important to use caution when selecting images. An oversight can be very costly.
Sign Up for Digital Florida Catholic - The Florida Catholic e-Edition will be FREE for the next year! Keep up to date on the latest news from across the Diocese by signing up now for the weekly digital paper at https://dioceseofvenice.org/news/. Website and bulletin editors, please use this link for the latest e-Edition website: https://Venice.thefloridacatholic.org.
Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate - As Catholics, we have a long tradition of engagement in the political process as a means of putting our faith into action. We are called to bring the best of ourselves and our faith to the public square -- and yet today, many shy away from such involvement because our national and local conversations are filled with vitriol and harsh language. We must bear witness to a better way. You are invited to join the "Civilize It" Campaign launched by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), to promote civility, model love for neighbor, and build community. For further resources please visit the USCCB website, http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/index.cfm. The Election and Political Activities Guide released by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops is also available at https://www.flaccb.org/news/election-political-activities-guide-a-resource-for-pastors-and-parishes.
"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, September 25, on 1410 AM and 106.7 FM in Fort Myers. The program airs on the last Friday of each month. All can listen at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts.
Prayer for Safety During Hurricane Season - With the 2020 Hurricane Season well underway, a prayer for safety during Hurricane Season is included. The season will continue through November 30. All are encouraged to pray for protection from the storms that often threaten Southwest Florida. The devastation of recent hurricanes reinforce the fact that we need to pray for God's protection and care. (CLICK HERE for the prayer in English and CLICK HERE for the prayer in Spanish.)
Respect Life
Respect Life Sunday/Month - October 4 is national Respect Life Sunday and the month of October is Respect Life Month. CLICK HERE for a letter from Bishop Dewane about the annual Respect Life Diocesan Collection to be taken on October 4. Please include this letter in your September 27 bulletins to give people time to prepare for the collection. (Envelopes should be in your regular envelope packets.) Information and images for your October 4 bulletin will be available shortly from the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities at www.respectlife.org. All program materials will be online this year. Due to technical difficulties, updates are still in progress. Please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068 with any questions.
Voter Guides - You may receive requests from organizations or individuals to promote various voting guides, including party platform comparisons. Please be advised that the only voter guide approved to be distributed on Parish premises is the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops Candidate Questionnaire which can be found at https://www.flaccb.org/cqp. A guide on the Presidential candidates is being prepared. Additional information is available at https://flaccb.org/election-materials-and-guidelines. Early voting for the general election begins on October 24 with extended days in some counties beginning on October 19. If you have any questions, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Office of Stewardship and Development
Help Your Parish - During these challenging times, Parishes face increased risk of financial shortfalls due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and its effects on everyday life. Parishes depend on weekly financial gifts to continue their ministries, especially in this critical time of crisis. Please prayerfully consider an online donation to your parish by visiting https://dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/parish-donations-online/. You may also contribute through your usual channels (e.g., envelopes, and through the Parish online giving option). Together we will navigate through this Pandemic, aid those in need, and secure the road ahead for the Parishes within the Diocese of Venice. Please continue to pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died from the Coronavirus, for the recovery of the sick, for the strength of healthcare workers and caregivers, as well as for an end to this health crisis. Thank you for your generosity.
Catholic Charities
Response to Pandemic - In response to COVID-19, Catholic Charities is focusing efforts toward food services, financial assistance, and tele-mental-health support for the 10-county area for clients in need. Food pantries will continue to distribute food while taking measures to protect staff from the coronavirus. Financial assistance teams have been established in each region to assess and support persons who need help making ends meet during this challenging time. Also, tele-mental-health services are offered by behavioral health teams through video conferencing and telephone services.
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: 844-385-2407;
* Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades counties: 844-385-2423;
* Collier County: 844-385-2404.
Food Distribution - Catholic Charities efforts toward food distribution will take place only at the following times and locations:
* Mondays through Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Guadalupe Social Services, 211 S. 9th St., Immokalee; Soup Kitchen open for meals-to-go during the same hours;
* Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, 3174 Tamiami Trail E., Naples;
* Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. - noon, St. Margaret Parish, 208 Dean Duff St., Clewiston;
* Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., St. Leo the Great Parish, 28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs;
* Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - noon, Elizabeth K. Galeana Pantry, 4235 Michigan Avenue Link, Fort Myers;
* 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., St. Paul Parish, 1208 E. Oak St. Arcadia.
Please call the regional number as outlined below for more information regarding the food distribution sites and times:
* Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands counties: 844-385-2407;
* Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades counties: 844-385-2423;
* Collier County: 844-385-2404.
How to Help - Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. needs your financial support during its response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. To help, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate or send a check to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc., 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.) Additionally, for a guide to better understanding immigrant rights in the workplace please visit: https://cliniclegal.org/resources/know-your-rights-workers.
Conozca Sus Derechos Migratorios - La conferencia episcopal de los Estados Unidos (USCCB) tiene diversos recursos detallando los derechos de los inmigrantes, los que podrá encontrar en la Web, www.justiceforimmigrants.org. La conferencia episcopal trabajando conjuntamente con CASA de Maryland, Detención Watch Network y Nacional Inmigración Project of té Nacional Lawyers Guilda, le ofrece un folleto comprensivo de "Conozca sus Derechos", en Inglés (Haga CLIQ AQUI) y en Español (Haga CLIQ AQUI). Adicionalmente, para obtener un mejor entendimiento de los derechos de los inmigrantes en el lugar de trabajo, por favor visite https://cliniclegal.org/resources/know-uour-rights-workers.
Respect Life
40 Days for Life Fall Campaign - The 40 Days for Life national fall campaign begins on Wednesday, September 23, and runs until Sunday, November 1. Click HERE for the Sarasota flier in English or HERE for Spanish. Click HERE for the Fort Myers flier. Since the Planned Parenthood in Naples is closed (at least temporarily), there will not be a campaign there. Local parishes are encouraged to adopt several days to provide coverage. Contact the coordinator for details or Jeanne Berdeaux, 941-374-1068 or [email protected].
Culture of Life Statewide Conference - The 34th annual Florida Respect Life Conference will be a virtual event on Saturday, October 24. This is a great opportunity to learn and pray as national, state and local speakers share their expertise on a variety of life and death issues, including the unborn, Theology of the Body, end of life and the death penalty. Due to the lower cost of a virtual conference, a donation of only $25 is requested. Register now at www.ccdpb.org/respectlife2020. For questions, contact Jeanne Berdeaux, [email protected] or 941-374-1068. (Click HERE for a flier or HERE for speaker information.)
Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation
New Online Course - The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation is launching a new online course entitled "Ecclesial Nature and Mission of Theology" beginning September 7. This is a required background course for an online Master's Degree in Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. The 15-week course provides a basic introduction to the study of Catholic Theology and is being offered at a substantial discount. For more information on the course please visit: https://institute-dov.org/new-course-coming-this-fall-ecclesial-nature-and-mission-of-theology/, or contact Dr. John Gresham, Director of the Institute at [email protected] or call 941-766-7334. (CLICK HERE for a copy of the flier.)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Online Directed Retreats - During the Pandemic Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice offers online 3-day, 5-day, and 8-day retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. In these online retreats, Father Mark Yavarone, OMV, or Father Lino Estadilla, OMV, trained spiritual directors, will meet with you for an hour each day via a link provided to help you to pray and recognize how God is speaking to you. A Bible and journal should be available for your use. Participants will be emailed any additional materials needed as the retreat unfolds. The cost is: 3-day online retreat, $132.23; 5-day online retreat, $203.98; and 8-day online retreat, $306.48. All information will be confidential, and password protected. If you would like to participate please email Denise Riley at [email protected] and a code will be provided for your online registration as well as an application. For planning purposes, please allow 7 days from your completed application until the beginning of your retreat.
Hispanic Ministries
Sunday Mass in Spanish - Epiphany Cathedral livestreams the Sunday Vigil Mass in Spanish on Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m. The Mass can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/EpiphanyCathedral/. Please CLICK HERE for the Prayer for the Act of Spiritual Communion in Spanish.
Misa de Vigilia dominical en español - La Catedral de la Epifanía transmitirá en vivo la Santa Misa de Vigilia dominical en español los sábados por la noche a las 6:00 p.m. La misa se puede ver en: https://www.facebook.com/EpiphanyCathedral/. HAGA CLIC AQUA para la Oración por el Acto de Comunión Espiritual en Español.
Spiritual Exercises in Spanish - Ignatian Spanish Preached Retreats offered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center (3989 South Moon Dr. Venice, FL 34293): Registration is now open via RegFox for the Level 1 Men Retreat to take place the weekend of November 20-22, 2020. Click here to register: https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2020-ficha-de-inscripcion-para-ejercicios-espirituales-hombres-nivel-1.
Ejercicios Espirituales En Español - Retiros Predicados Ignacianos en Español ofrecidos en Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center (3989 South Moon Dr. Venice, FL 34293): La inscripción ya está abierta en Regfox para el Retiro de Hombres Nivel 1 a llevarse a cabo del 20 al 22 de noviembre del 2020. Para registrarse: https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2020-ficha-de-inscripcion-para-ejercicios-espirituales-hombres-nivel-1.
Youth and Young Adults
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. 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.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Virtual Laps for Life - The Sarasota Laps For Life is going Virtual for 2020! Join the Knights of Columbus of the Sarasota and Bradenton area for this special cause by completing a timed distance 5K (3.1 miles) in your neighborhood, park, or other favorite outdoor location, anytime between Saturday, September 12 and Saturday, October 3. Proceeds from Laps for Life benefit My Choice Pregnancy Center, a women's health support center. Sign up and submit your results at ww.srqLapsForLife.net then tag us in your pictures at #SarasotaLapsForLife on Facebook and Instagram. Life is NOT cancelled: Be Safe, Go Virtual!
Weekly Virtual "Oratory" Playground - "Run, jump, shout, but do not sin!" said St. John Bosco, patron saint of young people. With this in mind, the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco will be offering a "virtual oratory" every Saturday beginning September 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for children ages six through 14. Some of the leaders will include religious sisters from St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples. This oratory will give young people around the country a chance to meet new friends, play games, pray together and engage in wholesome activities through Zoom, all with the accompaniment of the Sisters. Every Saturday, the afternoon will start with prayer, ice breakers games, singing and an oratory pledge. This will be followed by large group activities and small breakout groups, by age, that will include anything from movement to virtual field trips to trivia games. There is no cost to participate. To sign up, please visit www.salesiansisters.org/weekly-virtual-oratory or for more information email
[email protected].
Night in Havana Gala Auction - The St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School "Night in Havana" Gala scheduled for September 26 is now a Streamlined Virtual Event! You can place bids on auction items remotely to win beautiful gift baskets, gift certificates, and other fabulous items in a week-long bidding fun from Monday, September 21 to Saturday, September 26. Please join us for this exciting event as together we overcome the challenges of the Pandemic while supporting our great school. For more information, please contact Dr. Dianne Fabii at 239-455-2262 or [email protected]. Mobile bidding registration can be found at www.qtego.net/qlink/celebrateseton2020.
Priesthood Sunday - The Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women invite you to join in celebrating Priesthood Sunday, September 27, in a special and lasting way by supporting the VDCCW Seminarian Fund. Do this by sending the priests of your Parish a Vocation Fund "IN HONOR OF" card. Please remember that this is a gift that keeps on giving! The Diocese of Venice is educating 16 men in various seminaries. A donation of any amount will be a great help. The donation amount will not be revealed to the recipient. To take part, please send $1.00, plus your donation, payable to "VDCCW Vocation Fund" to Cornelia Zanetti, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Please email [email protected] with any questions.
St. Jude Food Pantry - The St. Jude Parish Food Pantry, 3930 17th St., Sarasota, is open and distributing food Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., following all social distancing protocols. Please bring an ID and do not exit your vehicle. Volunteers will load cars. Please call 941-955-3934 if you have any questions or visit: https://www.stjudesarasota.com/info/st-jude-food-pantry-schedule.
Wauchula Food Pantry - St. Michael Parish in Wauchula is home to a food pantry located at 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula. The pantry has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 Pandemic response. To accommodate those who work, the food pantry is open Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. If you need food at a different time or would like to support the efforts to assist the community, please call the Parish at 863-773-4089.
Bradenton Food Pantry - The St. Joseph Parish Food Pantry, 2704 33rd Ave. W., Bradenton, is distributing food from 9:00 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays, following all social distancing protocols. Cars will be directed through the parking lot and trunks will be loaded by volunteers in protective gloves and masks. Call 941-756-3732 with any questions. You do not need to be a regular client to receive food. To donate money or food, please visit https://www.stjoepantry.com/.
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 [email protected].
Exclusive Right of Use - All content on the websites of the Diocese of Venice, all Parishes and Schools, including the Mustard Seed publication, and social media accounts are for the exclusive use of the Diocese and its entities. It is unlawful for outside entities and organizations to use this content for promotion or other purposes without the express written permission of the Diocese of Venice. For more information, please contact the Diocese of Venice Communications Office at 941-484-9543.
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