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Office of the Bishop
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for February - We pray that parishes, placing communion at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.
Anniversary Masses - All couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more than 50 years of marriage are invited by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an Anniversary Mass in their honor. The Masses will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on February 4 at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs and at 11:00 a.m. on February 18 at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Avenue, Venice. Please contact your local parish office for reservations no later than a week prior to the event you choose to attend.
Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Congress Youth Rally - As part of the National Eucharistic Revival, the Diocese of Venice is hosting a Eucharistic Congress Youth Rally from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Conference Center and Luminary Hotel on the riverfront of downtown Fort Myers. The theme for the Eucharistic Congress is “The Word Made Flesh”. The doors open at 4:00 p.m., and there will be opening music by the band “The Vigil Project,” beginning at 5:00 p.m. The keynote speaker is Father Timothy Anastos. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. There will be both a boys and girls track, as well as English and Spanish tracks. After the breakout sessions, there will be an outdoor concert in the nearby amphitheater, as well as Eucharistic Adoration and closing Benediction. The rally includes the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, dinner, and vendors. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/eucharistic-congress/ for registration, the schedule and list of speakers. CLICK HERE for the flier and CLICK HERE for an 11 by 17 poster in English and CLICK HERE for the flier and CLICK HERE for the poster in Spanish.
Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Congress Adult Conference - As part of the National Eucharistic Revival, the Diocese of Venice is hosting a Eucharistic Congress Adult Conference on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Conference Center and Luminary Hotel in downtown Fort Myers. The theme for the Eucharistic Congress is “The Word Made Flesh”. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. with the opening prayer at 9:00 a.m. A portion of this event is being presented in both English and Spanish. In addition, the afternoon will include breakout sessions geared toward men and women. Featured speakers include Father Don Calloway, Hector Molina, Teresa Tomeo, Mary Ann Weisinger-Puig, and others. There will be a Eucharistic Procession and the day will conclude with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at 5:00 p.m. The day will also include the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, lunch, breakout sessions and vendors. Registration for this exciting day can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/eucharistic-congress/. For those wishing to spend the evening of the 24th or 25th at the Luminary Hotel, please use this link to make your reservation and obtain a special rate:. Eucharistic Congress - Diocese of Venice. CLICK HERE for the flier and CLICK HERE for an 11 by 17 poster in English and CLICK HERE for the flier and CLICK HERE for the poster in Spanish.
World Youth Day 2023 - Registration is open for World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. You are invited to join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for the trip to Lisbon with two nights in Fatima. This 11-day pilgrimage is from July 29 to August 8, 2023. The theme for World Youth Day 2023 is “Mary arose and went with haste”. (Luke 1:39) Travel arrangements are facilitated by Peter’s Way Tours. For further information please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/evangelization/world-youth-day-2023/. (For a bulletin flier, please CLICK HERE. For the travel brochure, please CLICK HERE.)
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 and 1660 AM and in Naples. "Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane" can be heard at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, January 27. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts.
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
Catholic Charities
Annual Christmas Appeal - The 21st Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is underway and needs your support! The Christmas Appeal continues through January, 2023. The Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is the largest annual fundraiser and critical to operating this social service organization. Gifts provide funding for the many Catholic Charities programs and services available throughout Southwest Florida. Your generosity enables us to serve those seeking help all year long. To donate please mail a contribution to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Save the Date - Come to an elegant evening for the “Creating Hope” 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 4 at the Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota. This year is especially important as Catholic Charities moves into the rebuilding phase following Hurricane Ian. Funds raised will continue to provide local communities with much-needed support. This year includes a special “mystery bottle” wine pull. To participate in the wine pull, purchase tickets, sponsorships, or donate other items, please visit https://one.bidpal.net/ccb2023/welcome or email CCB2023@catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Special Event Season - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. is hosting a series of special events to help support its 33 programs within the Diocese of Venice. CLICK HERE for more details about events taking place in your area and a full schedule.
Respect Life
Tallahassee Trip - Join others from around the state for the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol in Tallahassee from March 7-9. The three-day trip includes a legislative briefing on important bills relating to human life and dignity, a breakfast with legislators and the Florida Bishops, tours of the capitol and museum, scheduled visits with legislators and the annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit with the Florida Bishops and public officials. Bus transportation is provided at no cost as long as space is available. The registration deadline is February 6. For further details contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068 or Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org. CLICK HERE for a full page flier or CLICK HERE for a ¼ page ad.
Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life - Join others for the 25th Annual Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life on Tuesday, February 7. The event begins with the 8:30 a.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane at St. Martha Catholic Church, 200 North Orange Avenue. A bus will shuttle people from the church to 7th Street where walkers will circle the block around Planned Parenthood in prayer. The shuttle will run between 9:00 a.m. and noon. Light refreshments will be available near the bus stop on 7th Street. Questions? Contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068. (CLICK HERE for a full page flier or CLICK HERE for a ¼ page ad.)
Fort Myers Prayer Walk for Life - Join others on Ash Wednesday, February 22, for the Fort Myers Prayer Walk, beginning with the 8:00 a.m. Mass at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. A bus will shuttle participants to the area in front of Planned Parenthood at 648 Commerce Park Drive (parking is limited) where students will lead the rosary to kick off the 40 Days for Life Spring Campaign. Contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068 for additional information. (CLICK HERE for a full page flier or CLICK HERE for a ¼ page ad.)
Marriage and Family Life
Surviving Divorce Program - A 12-week divorce support program called “Surviving Divorce ... Hope and Healing for the Catholic Family” will be Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., starting January 24, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Education Building, 1301 Center Road, Venice. The program includes a weekly video segment, group sharing and discussion. The program provides: assurance that one is not alone; a place to tell one's story and be heard; a structured program for healing; mutual support; the benefits of trained leadership and guidance; and a safe confidential place to ask the tough questions. The cost of the program is $25 and includes a Participant’s Workbook and access to all videos. Contact Bob and Chris Smialek at 815-275-5305, or bobandchrissmialek@icloud.com for more information and to register.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Upcoming Retreat - On February 25 and 26, Father Timothy Gallagher, OMV will offer a two-day commuter retreat entitled “Overcoming Spiritual Discouragement: An Ignatian Path to Hope” at San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. Father Gallagher is an acclaimed author of numerous best-selling books including the Discernment of Spirits, Meditation and Contemplation, and Discerning the Will of God. The retreat is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day and includes continental breakfast and lunch. The cost is $150.00. To learn more, click here or visit www.olph-retreat.org.
Hispanic Ministries
Formation Program in Spanish - The next session of the Formation Program has begun. The topic of study is “The Gifts of the Holy Spirit” and there will be a total of seven classes held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm. on Fridays. (During Lent classes will move to Thursdays beginning February 23rd.). The cost for all the classes is $35 including the book. Those who register and attend a minimum of 6 classes will receive a Diocesan Certification. For more information including a class calendar in Spanish please CLICK HERE for our poster and CLICK HERE for the triptych.
Programa de Formación en Español - Ha comenzado la próxima sesión del Programa de Formación. El tema de estudio es “Los Dones del Espíritu Santo” y habrá un total de 7 clases que se darán los viernes por la noche de 7:00 pm a 9:00 pm. (Durante la Cuaresma las clases se trasladan al día jueves a partir del 23 de febrero). El costo de todas las clases es de $35 incluyendo el libro. Las personas que se registren y atiendan un mínimo de 6 clases recibirán una Certificación Diocesana. Para obtener más información así como un calendario de las clases HAGA CLIC AQUI para ver nuestro poster y HAGA CLIC AQUÍ para el tríptico.
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 February 16, and the guest speaker is Reverend Shawn Roser, Director of Vocations and a Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch. For any questions, please email evangelization@dioceseofvenice.org.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Prayer Service (Lee County) - Plan to join a prayer service to pray for those who have lost their faith at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 26 at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. Please contact the Parish Office at 239-267-7088 for further information.
Faith & Wine Lee County - Faith and Wine is a Catholic women’s faith and social community, meeting several times a year at various parishes in the Central Deanery. The next event will be held on January 26 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. The speaker for this event is Kathleen Beckman who will speak on “God’s Armor: How to Pray for Healing and Deliverance of Your Family." Doors open for this event at 6:00 p.m. with dinner to follow. Program begins at 6:45 p.m. and ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. Registration is required at www.faithandwineleecounty.com where the full schedule of 2023 events can be found.
Blue Mass - Save the date to attend a Blue Mass to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 28 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. This Mass recognizes and honors the sacrifices and service made by Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and First Responders to our communities. The guest homilist is Reverend Kevin Donovan, the Chaplain to the Connecticut State Police and Connecticut State Firefighters Association. A hospitality greeting will be held following the Mass. For further information, please contact the Parish Office at 239-592-1949.
That Man Is You! - “That Man is You” is an interactive men’s program that combines the best research from science with the teachings of the Catholic faith and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive. The program begins Saturday, January 28 and will take place Saturday mornings beginning with breakfast at 7:00 a.m. in the Ave Maria Catholic Church Parish Hall, 5088 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria. For more information or to register please contact Steve West at sjwest11@gmail.com or call 551-697-7247.
2023 Parish Mission - Incarnation Catholic Church, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, will be hosting a four-day parish mission from Monday, January 30 to Thursday, February 2. The mission will be led by Sister Briege McKenna, OSC and Father Pablo Escriva de Romani. Sister Briege will give a talk each day after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. The evening sessions begin with Mass at 6:30 p.m. except for January 30 when a Reconciliation Service will be held instead of the Mass. The evening sessions will include talks on reconciliation, prayer, the Eucharist, and the healing power of the Cross. Further information can be found on the Parish Events page of the parish website at www.incarnationchurch.org.
Silent Auction - St. Thomas More Women’s Club invite all from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18 to a Silent Auction in the Chelsea Center of St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. Tickets are $10.00 per person and includes complimentary beverages and hors d’oeurves. Proceeds will benefit the Selah Freedom Inc., a national organization with the mission to end sex trafficking, and the Women’s Resource Center. Please email carol@cmckeone.com for further information.
Faith and Fellowship - All 8th to 12th grade students are invited to attend a day of faith and fellowship at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, February 4 at Bishop Verot Catholic High School, 5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. The day will feature talks and music by Joe Melendrez; begins with check-in at 9:00 a.m., and concludes with Mass at 3:30 p.m. Parents are welcome to attend the Mass. The cost for the day is $20.00 payable in cash or check at the door. Please contact the School Office at 239-274-6700 for further information.
Eucharistic Exhibition - As part of the National Eucharistic Revival, the Vatican Exhibit of the Eucharistic Miracles is visiting St John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers from February 9 to February 12. The exhibition will be open from 9:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m. from February 9 to February 11, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, in the banquet room at the Parish Life Center. The exhibition contains 146 Eucharistic Miracles by country and will be available in English and Spanish. This exhibition was designed by Blessed Carlo Acutis, who dedicated years to collecting information from historical records, maps and photographs of the Eucharistic Miracles that have taken place in several parts of the world.
“Rock-n-Roll” Concert Series - The San Marco Knights of Columbus are hosting three concerts in the upcoming months with the proceeds to help support local and Catholic charities on Marco Island. The first concert will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, February 10 in San Marco Parish Center, 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island, and will feature the Atlantic City Boys featuring the music of the Beach Boys, Drifters, Bee Gees and Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons. The other two concert dates are March 11, 2023, featuring the Brooklyn Boys and April 11, 2023, featuring the Motowners. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and tickets cost $50.00 per person per event or $130.00 per person for all three events. For further information please visit www.Sanmarcoknights.com.
St. Andrew Catholic School Gala - St. Andrew Catholic School Gala entitled “Havana Night” takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday, February 11 at Marian Hall, St. Cecilia Parish, 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. Tickets are $125.00 per person and include appetizers, dinner, dessert, and open bar. The event includes silent and live auctions, cash raffle drawing and entertainment and dancing. For further information and to purchase tickets, visit https://standrewcs.ejoinme.org/.../1335912/Default.aspx.
Maronite Mass in Naples - A Mass in the Syrian/Maronite Rite is being celebrated at 11:00 a.m., on the third Sunday of every month, in the Chapel of St. John Neumann Catholic High School, 3000 53rd St. S.W., Naples. Father Michael Charchaflian from Our Lady of Lebanon Parish in Miami will be the Celebrant. All Maronite Rite Catholics are invited to attend. For further information please feel free to contact Father Thomas Boyer at 405-990-9149 or tboyer1968@gmail.com.
The Courage to be Chaste - Teens in Grade 7 and older and their parents are invited to hear national speaker Pam Stenzel at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, February 23 at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish Hall. The hall is located next to the church at 12001 69 St. E., Parrish. Parents and their teens are encouraged to attend. Contact the Parish Office at 941-776-9097 for additional information.
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.
Free Rosary Repair Service - Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, Free Rosary Repair Service, 1900 Purdy Ave. #2115, Miami Beach, FL 33139. 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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