Office of the Bishop
Merry Christmas to the Faithful of the Diocese of Venice.
Indeed, it is encouraging to affirm the Birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ as a sign of joy and hope in the midst of the challenges in today’s world.
Allow the wonderment brought about by His Incarnation, the birth of Jesus in a manger, to fill your hearts and minds with comfort, peace and joy bringing warmth and assurance to all. It is my prayer that this will be especially true for the sick, elderly, the lonely, vulnerable and those who have lost a loved one. Please join me in this prayer.
Like the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, we face struggles and uncertainties. However, the Light of the World has come! Christ extends His light to us all and asks that we in turn extend that light to others. Pope Francis urges all the Faithful to recall the true meaning of Christmas — the Birth of Jesus — and lend a hand to the neediest. “There's no pandemic, there's no crisis that can extinguish this light." Christ is the light.
It is humbling to ponder the Birth of Jesus designed by God to show the world a Creator’s love for us all and to light the way that directs us. Have a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!!
+ Frank J. Dewane
Bishop of the Diocese of
Venice in Florida
Pope Francis Prayer Intention for January - May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all.
Annual Mass for Catholic Haitian Community - The annual Mass celebrating the 217th anniversary of the independence of Haiti will take place at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 1, 2021, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The Main Celebrant is Bishop Frank J. Dewane. There is ample seating available at the Parish with social distancing and masks required. A drive-thru dinner will follow in lieu of a reception. For more information, please contact Father Fritz Ligondé at 239-210-1018.
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 to be celebrated in two locations. This year, considering the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, each location will have two Masses to allow for appropriate social distancing. The Masses are 10:00 a.m. and noon on Feb. 6, 2021, Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., and 10:00 a.m. and noon, March 6, 2021, St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. All registration is being handled through your local Parish. Please reserve seats at least one week before the Mass you wish to attend.
Save the Date - Mark your calendars for the 2021 Men’s and Women’s Conferences which will be held at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. The Men’s Conference will be 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 20, and the Women’s Conference will be held 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 13. Stay tuned for registration details! Please contact the Office of Evangelization with any questions at [email protected] or 941-484-9543.
Safe Haven Sunday - Pornography is one of the leading causes of addictions, abuse, adultery, divorce, and even human trafficking: it is, in short, a pervasive evil inflicting grave wounds on our families. Pornography creates unsafe environments for children and confuses others about attitudes towards sex and marriage. It is a moral issue. For this reason, March 7, 2021, has been designated as Safe Haven Sunday in the Diocese of Venice. This day for awareness will give an opportunity to address the harmfulness of pornography in marriages, families, and culture, while providing helpful resources for all. Detailed information about the implementation of this program will be shared in the coming weeks through your Parishes. If you have any questions, please contact Carrie Harkey, Diocesan Coordinator of Family Life at [email protected].
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. In light of Pope Francis recently dedicating a “Year of St. Joseph,” the Diocesan celebration will continue through December 8, 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
Christmas Day Television Mass for the Homebound - The televised Christmas Day Mass for the Homebound with Celebrant Bishop Frank J. Dewane will air for a full hour on Christmas Day. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Mass will air at 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Mass will air at 8:00 a.m. on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). Please check your cable provider for channel listings. Leaflet missals are available upon request by calling Gail Ardy at 941-486-4714 or by writing: TV Mass, Diocese of Venice, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. For more information email [email protected].
Live-Streamed Mass from Catholic Center - Please join Bishop Frank J. Dewane at 9:15 a.m. for daily Mass from the Catholic Center at www.dioceseofvenice.org or https://www.facebook.com/DioceseofVenice/.
Sign Up for the 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; use the link http://Venice.thefloridacatholic.org for the latest e-Edition.
"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 for December at 8:30 a.m., on Saturday, December 26. Anyone has access to the program at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts.
Mustard Seed Schedule - The first Mustard Seed newsletter of 2021 will be distributed on Friday, January 8. If you wish to submit items for consideration, please send them at least two weeks before publication to [email protected]. CLICK HERE for the 2021 Mustard Seed Schedule.
Information Technology
Scam Alert - Diocese of Venice Parishioners have received text/email messages from people pretending to be priests and requesting donations in the form of gift cards and/or wire transfers. The messages often greet the person by name and have the priests’ name in the closing signature of the message. This is a well-crafted and targeted attack on the Church across the country which has hit our Diocese again. These text/email messages are 'spoofed' fakes that should not be responded to or taken seriously by anyone. The best defense against this sort of scam is to raise awareness in the community and not respond or open any worrying attachments. It is Diocesan policy that no priest or staff within the Diocese request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc.
There is already an established process in place on how Parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the Parish. Whenever a Parishioner is worried about any request for money from the Parish or a priest, they should immediately call their Parish and under no circumstances should they respond to these scam requests.
Vocations
Melchizedek Project - “Every good, young, practicing Catholic man who loves Jesus Christ and His Church should spend some time discerning the priesthood.” Father Shawn Roser, Vocations Director, is continuing his online Melchizedek Project meetings for young men who would be interested in considering the priesthood with an open heart. If any priest knows of any young men who might be interested in joining this group, please contact Father Shawn at [email protected]. The next Zoom meeting is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 29. If there are any priests who are interested in starting a Melchizedek Project discernment group in their own parish, Vianney Vocations provides these materials for the priest and discerners at no cost. Please contact the Vocations Office at 941-484-9543 x3015 so we can assist you.
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 prior to beginning employment or should you wish to volunteer. For further details, 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. To report abuse by Diocesan personnel or volunteers also notify the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, Susan Benton, at 941-416-6114. If you are interested in employment or volunteer opportunities within the Diocese of Venice, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/employment, or reach out to the Parish directly for more information on volunteer opportunities. (BULLETIN EDITORS: Please publish above text in parish bulletins)
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Office of Stewardship and Development
Help Your Parish - Parishes face increased risk of financial shortfalls due to the Coronavirus 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 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
Christmas Appeal - The annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is happening now through January. A donation to the 19th Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal will give those struggling the means to move beyond their battles and strengthen our communities during these times of high unemployment and despair. During this season of sharing, please consider a contribution to Catholic Charities so we can continue to provide help, create hope, and serve all. Thank you for your giving spirit! To donate, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or mail a donation to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 5824 Bee Ridge Road PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065.
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:
• Monday thru Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Guadalupe Social Services, 211 S. 9th St., Immokalee. Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen now open daily. Soup Kitchen will provide meals-to-go;
• Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, 3174 Tamiami Trail E., Naples;
• Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., St. Margaret Parish, 208 Dean Duff St., Clewiston;
• Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., St. Paul Parish Hall, 1208 E. Oak St., Arcadia;
• Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs;
• Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Elizabeth K Galleana Pantry, 4235 Michigan Avenue Link, Fort Myers.
Respect Life
Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life - The 23rd annual Sarasota Prayer Walk for Life will be held on Friday, January 22. The day begins with the 8:30 a.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Dewane at St. Martha Church, 200 North Orange Avenue. A shuttle bus will run after Mass until 3:00 p.m. to Planned Parenthood, 736 Central Avenue, where participants will circle the block in prayer for an end to abortion. An additional Parish Mass is available at noon. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, space is limited and advanced registration is required by January 11 at www.dioceseofvenice.org/2021prayerwalk. The 8:30 a.m. Mass will be livestreamed as part of the national 9DaysforLife.com campaign at facebook.com/DioceseofVenice. Masks will be required. Questions? Contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068. (Click HERE for a full-page flier, HERE for a ¼-page ad or HERE for an 11x17 poster. Other sizes and formats available upon request.)
9 Days of Prayer for Life - Join thousands of Catholics nationwide in the annual Respect Life novena, 9 Days for Life, Thursday, January 21 to Friday, January 29. Get daily intentions, brief reflections, and more. Sign up at 9dayforlife.com! (Graphics and inserts available on the website.)
Virtual Catholic Days at the Capitol - Through the use of technology, Catholics will continue to bring their values and voices to Tallahassee to promote and protect human life and dignity. Register now to participate in the February 2-3 virtual event to include a legislative briefing on key bills, a rosary with the Florida Bishops, an award presentation to a legislator, meetings with legislators and the Red Mass of the Holy Spirit. For details see flaccb.org/cdac or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068 by January 22.
March for Life - Going to either the St. Augustine March for Life on January 16 or the Washington, DC March on January 29? Please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068.
Evangelization
Time to Take Holiness Seriously - Enjoyed the Catholic Mysticism series and want to go deeper? Or did you miss the opportunity to join us with our first series? You are welcome to join a 10-week Catholic book study on Catholic Spirituality using the book “Knowing the Love of God” by Father Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange. Learn from a true spiritual master with a group of your peers and see how you can actually become a Saint and grow in your spiritual life (no matter the circumstances!). The sessions will be held virtually each Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. beginning January 12 and concluding March 16. Please contact Joshua Mazrin for more details at [email protected].
Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation
“What is Catholic Theology?” - The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation is offering a 16-week online course starting January 11 that introduces students to the principles, practices, and sources of Catholic Theology. The course “What is Catholic Theology? [Ecclesial Nature and Mission of Theology]” counts as a pre-requisite for those beginning the online MA Program in Theology and Christian Ministry at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Anyone interested in a graduate-level introduction to Catholic Theology is welcome to attend for a discounted price. The course is taught by Dr. John Gresham, Executive Director of the Institute. For more information, or to register for the course, visit the website of the Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation https://institute-dov.org/ and click on the link to COURSES. For other information, contact Dr. Gresham by email [email protected] or phone (941) 766-7334.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Monthly Days of Prayer - The Retreat Center of the Diocese of Venice, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, continues to offer single days of prayer and overnight retreats in a safe, tranquil setting along the Myakka River. A Monthly Day of Prayer is offered on both the second Sunday and the second Wednesday of each month. (January 10 and 13 are the upcoming dates.). For more information or to register, please call 941-486-0233, or visit the website at www.olph-retreat.org and click on “Schedule of Events.”
Hispanic Ministries
Formation Program in Spanish - Our next In-Person session of the Formation Program will begin on January 8, 2021. The topic of study will be “The Seven Sacraments” 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 18). The cost for all the classes is $25 and the book must be purchased separately. Those who register and attend 80% of the classes will receive a Diocesan Certification. For more information including a class calendar please CLICK HERE.
Programa de Formación en Español - Nuestra próxima sesión del Programa de Formación comenzará el 8 de enero del 2021 y será de forma presencial. El tema de estudio serán LOS SIETE SACRAMENTOS 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 a los jueves a partir del 18 de febrero). El costo de todas las clases es de $25 y el libro deberá comprarse por separado. Las personas que se registren y atiendan al 80% de las clases recibirán una certificación Diocesana. Para obtener más información así como un calendario de las clases haga CLIC AQUÍ para ver nuestro poster y haga CLIC AQUÍ para el tríptico.
Youth and Young Adults
Theology on Tap Sarasota - Theology on Tap has resumed on the third Thursday of the month (January 21) at 7:00 p.m. at the Mandeville Beer Garden in Sarasota, 428 N. Lemon Ave, Sarasota. Join us outside in the garden for free food and refreshments, presentations, and discussions about the faith. Please contact Joshua Mazrin at [email protected] 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 free 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 (January 14). Please contact Joshua Mazrin at [email protected] or Patty Cox at [email protected] with any questions.
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
Sunday Mass In Spanish - St. Jude Parish in Sarasota broadcasts the Holy Mass in Spanish, celebrated by Pastor Father Celestino Gutiérrez, every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. on radio station 99.1 and at 11 a.m. on 105.3. We thank the sponsors for this Mass and SOLMART Media for their collaboration in this effort.
Misa Dominical En Español - La Iglesia de San Judas en Sarasota transmitirá la Santa Misa en español, oficiada por su Párroco, el Padre Celestino Gutiérrez, todos los domingos a las 9:00 a.m. por la emisora de radio 99.1 y a las 11 a.m. por la 105.3. Agradecemos a los Patrocinadores para esta Misa y a SOLMART Media por su colaboración en este esfuerzo.
St. Ann Catholic School Open House - St. Ann Catholic School, 542 8th Avenue South, Naples, is hosting an open house from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 31. The enrollment fees of $450.00 will be waived at the open house. Registration is required by emailing [email protected]/.
Weekly Virtual "Oratory" Playground - "Run, jump, shout, but do not sin!" said St. John Bosco, Patron Saint of young people. The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco are offering a "virtual oratory" every Saturday 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. Each Saturday, the afternoon will start with prayer, ice breaker 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 and 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].
"Magyar Mise" - Mass in Hungarian is available on the second Sunday of each month beginning at 1:30 p.m., at Incarnation Parish, 2902 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.
St. Jude Food Pantry - The St. Jude Parish Food Pantry, 3930 17th St., Sarasota, is open and distributing food on 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, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton, is distributing food from 9:00 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Call 941-756-3732 with any questions. Please visit https://www.stjoepantry.com/ to donate money or food,
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].
