Office of the Bishop
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for May - We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest. May they see in Mary's life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service.
Ukraine Relief - As the world continues to pray for peace and for the victims of the war in Ukraine, the Diocese of Venice has made it possible for the faithful to support charitable relief and assist in providing humanitarian aid, as well as necessary recovery efforts. Donations may be sent to the Diocese of Venice, with “Ukraine” indicated in the memo or note line at the following address: Diocese of Venice in Florida, Ukraine Relief, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/ and click the donate button. Also, please keep the people of the Ukraine in your prayers.
Synod on Synodality Listening Sessions - As part of the Diocesan Phase for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of Bishops, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” as requested by His Holiness Pope Francis, the Diocese of Venice is holding various listening sessions. Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites all for an evening of listening with the goal of these sessions to discern the Word of God in Scripture, what those Words are saying to us while remembering the living Mission of the Church. Bishop Dewane stressed that this process be based on co-responsibility in the Church. Sessions take place from 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
• (Completed) February 9, St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota (Eng.);
• (Completed) February 16, Epiphany Cathedral, Venice (Eng./Sp.);
• (Completed) February 22, Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish, 2850 75th St. W., Bradenton (Eng/Sp.);
• (Completed) March 3, St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral (Eng./Sp.);
• (Completed) March 14, St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers; (Eng.)
• (Completed) March 16, Sacred Heart Parish, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda (Eng.);
• (Completed) Thursday, March 24, St Elizabeth Seton Parish, 5225 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples (Eng./Sp.);
• (Completed) Monday, March 28, St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples (Eng.);
• Monday, May 9, St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring (Eng./Sp);
• Monday, May 16, St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (Eng.);
• Monday, May 23, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, 355 S. Bridge St., LaBelle (Eng./Sp);
• Virtual Session from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, May 25 (Eng./Sp.).
Eng. - English Sp. - Spanish
To allow participation for as many of the faithful as possible, kindly confirm your attendance by registering for any ONE session most convenient for your schedule at www.dioceseofvenice.org. For any questions regarding the listening sessions, please email synod@dioceseofvenice.org.
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 Fort Myers and 93.3 FM (NEW) and 1660 AM and in Naples. "Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane" can be heard at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, April 29. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts.
Sign Up for Digital Florida Catholic - The Florida Catholic e-Edition is FREE! Keep up to date on the latest news from across the Diocese of Venice by signing up now for the weekly digital paper at https://dioceseofvenice.org/news/. The Florida Catholic also includes Catholic news from Florida, the U.S., and the Vatican. (Website and bulletin editors, please use this link for the latest e-Edition website: http://Venice.thefloridacatholic.org.)
Respect Life
Novena of Masses for Life 2023 - When your 2023 Mass book is open, please consider hosting a full Novena of Masses for Life in your parish. These Masses are usually scheduled between the Annunciation (March 25) and Christmas on or near the 25th of each month (or on the closest weekend Mass for greater exposure). Please complete the registration form HERE and send it to Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org. For more information about the novena, see www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife/novena-of-masses-for-life or call 941-441-1101.
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. For further information, 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
Respect Life
New Pro-Life Documentary - “The Matter of Life,” a new Pro-Life documentary, will be in theaters for a limited engagement on Monday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 17 only. The documentary takes you on a journey to unravel the complexities of the abortion debate by addressing the issue through science, philosophy, history and powerful personal stories with testimonies from some of the best pro-life national speakers such as Scott Klusendorf, Stephanie Gray Connors and Dr. Anthony Levatino, a former abortionist. The film answers hard questions and provides hope for the future. With the impending Supreme Court ruling on the Dobbs case (a review of the Alabama abortion law and could ultimately overturn Roe v. Wade - www.prayfordobbs.com), now is the time to learn all you can about this important issue. See www.thematteroflife.org for a trailer, theater locations and more. Questions? Contact Jeanne Berdeaux, Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1101.
Office of Family Life
“Two Become One” Seminars - The Diocese of Venice Office of Family Life has announced the 2022 dates for the “Two Become One” Sacramental Marriage Retreat for those couples 55 years and above. The dates are Saturday, May 7, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, and September 10 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Registration is at 9:00 a.m. and the seminars end at 5:00 p.m. A specially prepared volunteer team share their experiences and information with the intention of enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of a Sacramental Marriage. The retreat is designed to be completed after the couple has done the initial consultation with their priest. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/two-become-one-2022 for the required pre-registration. If you have any questions, please contact Carrie Harkey at 941-484-9543 or harkey@dioceseofvenice.org. (CLICK HERE for a flier.)
Free “Witness to Love” Training in Spanish - All clergy, marriage prep coordinators, and couples wishing to be more involved in marriage ministry are invited to a “Witness to Love” Training in Spanish (WTL) sponsored by the Family Life Office of the Diocese of Venice. The training will take place from noon to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 21 at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, and will provide an overview of the current state of marriage preparation and offer an alternative method to ensure couples are rooted in the parish during and after the time of preparation. The training includes lunch and all the resources needed to implement WTL’s unique virtue and mentorship model at your parish. “Witness to Love” has spread to over 400 parishes in 70 dioceses across North America since its launch 10 years ago. Be a part of the movement! Register at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/sesion-de-entrenamiento. For more information, contact Carrie Harkey at the Office of Family Life at 941-484-9543 ext. 3019 or harkey@dioceseofvenice.org. (CLICK HERE for a flier in Spanish.)
Day of Reflection for Sacramental Marriage - The Diocese of Venice Office of Family Life is hosting several one-day seminars for couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage. The day is designed to offer couples a deeper awareness of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. Registration at all locations and on all dates begins at 9:30 a.m. with the retreat beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m. Lunch is provided. The fee is $50.00 per couple. The next date and location is Saturday, July 16 at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. (For a complete list of dates and locations, please CLICK HERE for the flier.)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Upcoming Retreats - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center’s final Monthly Day of Prayer Retreat for the season will be Sunday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 11. The cost for each retreat is $40.00 and includes a continental breakfast, two conferences, lunch, adoration, and Mass. The conference topics are the same for both sessions. Our final Group retreat for the season is the Ignatian Preached Retreat scheduled for May 20-23. The cost is $460 and includes a private room and all meals. The Fall 2022 private retreat schedule is published on our website and offers 3-day, 5-day, and 8-day directed retreats on our beautiful campus. To learn more about each retreat and to register, please visit: www.olph-retreat.org or call 941-486-0233.
Hispanic Ministries
Spiritual Exercises in Spanish - Ignatian Spanish Preached Retreats will be offered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Dr. Venice. Registration is now open via RegFox on the dates here provided. For further information please visit our Pastoral Hispana Facebook, e-mail us at pastoralhispana@dioceseofvenice.org and/or contact us by phone at 941-484-9543. (Please CLICK HERE to register with a QR Code.)
• June 24-26: Women Retreat (Level 1) - Rooms available: 20
https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/062422-ficha-de-inscripcion-para-ejercicios-espiritualesmujeres-nivel1
• July 8-10: Men Retreat (Level 1) - Rooms available: 20
https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/07822-ficha-de-inscripcion-para-ejercicios-espiritualeshombres-nivel1
• July 15-17: Women Retreat (Level 2) - Rooms available: 20
https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/071522-ficha-de-inscripcion-para-ejercicios-espirituales-mujeres-nivel2
Ejercicios Espirituales En Español - Retiros Ignacianos predicados en español ofrecidos en Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Dr. Venice. La inscripción ya está abierta en Regfox en las fechas aquí indicadas. Para información adicional por favor visite nuestra página de Pastoral Hispana en Facebook, envíenos un correo electrónico a pastoralhispana@dioceseofvenice.org o llámenos al (941) 484-9543. (HAGA CLIC AQUÍ para registrarse con un QR Code.)
• Junio 24-26: Retiro Mujeres (Nivel 1) - Cuartos disponibles: 20
https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/062422-ficha-de-inscripcion-para-ejercicios-espiritualesmujeres-nivel1
• Julio 8-10: Retiro Hombres (Nivel 1) - Cuartos disponibles: 20
https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/07822-ficha-de-inscripcion-para-ejercicios-espiritualeshombres-nivel1
• Julio 15-17: Retiro Mujeres Nivel 2 - Cuartos disponibles: 20
https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/071522-ficha-de-inscripcion-para-ejercicios-espirituales-mujeres-nivel2
Catholic Charities
Do You Need Help? - If you need assistance from Catholic Charities for food, financial assistance, or tele-mental health counseling, please call 941-355-4680 in Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands Counties; 239-390-292 in Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades Counties; and 239-793-0059 in
Collier County between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm., Monday to Friday.
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, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information on this no fee service, please call 239-455-2655.
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. The next scheduled date is May 20. Please email evangelization@dioceseofvenice.org with any questions.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Rosary for America - Join like-minded faithful each Sunday to pray a Rosary for America with the goal of praying for the nation, following the 10:45 a.m. Mass at San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. This group has been gathering in prayer every week in the Church. In addition, they meet at noon on the first Saturday of the month for the same purpose. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Ania Nazarian at anianaz@yahoo.com or 941-876-3826.
Public Prayer for God’s Mercy Upon America! - Join lay Catholics and others in public prayer asking for God’s Mercy for the United States from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 30, on the east side of U.S. 41, immediately north of Pine Ridge Road, Naples, and opposite the Waterside Shops. This public witness of the Faith offers the opportunity to turn to God for His merciful help during this time of great need. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary will be prayed. Please bring folding chairs, shade umbrellas, bottled water, and signs if you wish. Parking is available in adjacent lots. It is intended that this become a monthly public prayer on the last Saturday of each month while the weather is cool. If you have questions or require additional information, please email world5433@gmail.com or in Español, mariamagdadequesada@icloud.com.
Magnificat Breakfast for Women - Be blessed and encouraged at the next Magnificat breakfast for women, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, April 30, at the Holiday Inn Airport, Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers. The speaker is Father Saji Ellickal, of the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, who is the Parochial Vicar of St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers. Born and raised in a small mountain city of Kerala, India, he joined a minor seminary at the age of 15 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2000. He served at schools and Parishes in India before coming to the United States in 2007. Here he served in the Diocese of Memphis before coming to the Diocese of Venice in 2017. In Father Saji's words: "I really love being a priest and thank the good Lord for trusting me with this divine call to minister to the spiritual needs of the faithful. The most important inspiration for me to be happy is my devotion to the Holy Eucharist and seeking the intercessions of Our Heavenly Mother Mary." Please send a $23 check, payable to Magnificat Fort Myers, to Cristina Martinez,11860 Dixon Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33913. Your mail request must be postmarked by April 19, or you can make reservations online at https://magnificatfortmyers.com/order-tickets/.
St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament and $5,000 Drawing - St. Mary Academy is hosting its 9th Annual Golf Tournament and $5,000 raffle drawing with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., Sunday, May 1, at The Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club, Sarasota. This is a best-ball tournament, and the cost is $100 per player. Participants will receive breakfast, great goody bags and a sit-down BBQ lunch. In addition, there will be a drawing of $5,000 during lunch. You do not need to play to win the cash prize. The event supports St. Mary Academy which educates students with special learning needs. Thank you in advance for making a difference in the lives of our students. For golf or drawing information, please contact Connie Taft, Director of Development and Marketing at 366-4010 ext. 318 or email at ctaft@stmarysarasota.org. Must register in advance to play.
Treasures of the Church - In the month of May, an Exposition of Sacred Relics will take place in several locations within the Diocese of Venice and elsewhere in Florida. Each evening begins with a presentation and teaching on relics which features the catechetical and spiritual basis for the Walk with the Saints where over 150 relics will be displayed. In the Diocese of Venice, the following locations and dates are available for all to attend:
• Incarnation Parish, 2929 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota - Monday, May 9;
• St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1922 SW 20th Avenue, Cape Coral - Tuesday, May 10;
• Ave Maria Parish, 5088 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria - Wednesday, May 11;
• St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 5225 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples - Thursday, May 12.
Each exposition will begin at 6:30 p.m. and there is no fee to attend or need to register.
Breakfast with Bishop Joseph Coffey - The TMIY (That Man is You) Men’s Ministry of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria, is hosting a breakfast with Most. Rev. Joseph L. Coffey, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, at 8:15 a.m., Friday, May 13 in the Parish Hall at 5068 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria. Bishop Coffey will speak on “The Causes of Canonization of Military Chaplains Father (Vincent) Capodanno and Father (Emil) Kapuan.” There is no cost or registration required. For more information, call Dom Micillo at 904-536-1480.
9th Annual Marian Eucharistic Conference - All are invited to the 9th Annual Marian Eucharistic Conference May 13 to May 15 at Ave Maria University, Ave Maria. The theme is “Do Whatever He Tells You.” Featured speakers will include Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Coffey, of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, Father Larry Richards, Father Rick Martignetti, Deacon Dr. Mark Miravalle, EWTN’s Steve Ray, and Johnnette Benkovic, plus music by Martin Doman and the AMU Band. In addition to the talks, the Conference will include a Rosary Walk, Holy Mass, Benediction, and more. The cost is $180 per person and includes lodging, meals and conference fee for the weekend. For more information visit www.aveconferences.com, call 239-348-4725 or email aveconferences@gmail.com.
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, Fridays: 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
St. Leo the Great Parish Campus - 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, Thursdays: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
St. Paul Parish - Parish Hall, 1208 E. Oak Street, 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. Contact Matt Egan at megan@sfoachurch.com or 941-697-4899.
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. Call 941-955-3934 if you have any questions or visit: https://www.stjudesarasota.com/info/st-jude-food-pantry-schedule.
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. Call 941-756-3732 with any questions. 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 holdenbnd@gmail.com.
