Office of the Bishop
Pope Francis Prayer intention for September - We pray that we all will make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, rejoicing in our young people who are resolutely committed to this.
9/11 Commemoration - September 11, 2021, marks the 20th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks carried out at the World Trade Center and Pentagon. A commemorative service is being held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, September 11 at Patriot Plaza, Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota. The service is organized by the Sarasota Ministerial Association. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will deliver the invocation. Although an outdoor event, masks are recommended. Rain date is September 12. For volunteer opportunities or free tickets please visit https://bit,ly911FREEtickets.
Faith and Blue Weekend - To show support for local law enforcement a national Faith and Blue Weekend is being held October 8-11. Law enforcement also unites with the Faith community for a nationwide weekend of resolution and reconciliation. Diocesan Catholic School students will be creating special thank you cards to be delivered to local police and sheriff's departments. Parishes are encouraged to use the sample petitions for the Prayer of the Faithful (CLICK HERE), and to offer a special blessing for law enforcement in attendance over these four days. For the tool kit visit:https://faithandblue.org/resources/. To sign up your Parish/School for a specific event visit Submit Event - Faith & Blue (faithandblue.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 visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/year-of-the-family/.
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, and announced a "Year of Saint Joseph". Pope Francis recently dedicated a “Year of St. Joseph” therefore, the Diocesan celebration will continue through December 8, 2021. Saint Joseph, often referred to as the Protector, can be our protector during these troubling times. A 9-day Novena to Saint Joseph is included. This Novena can be prayed any time throughout the year. (CLICK HERE for English and CLICK HERE for Spanish.)
Communications
"Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane" - Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane, for his monthly radio program on Relevant Radio. "Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane" can be heard at 8:30 a.m., on Friday, September 24. Access to listen to the program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts.
Prayers for Cuba and Haiti -The Diocese of Venice Offices have received numerous requests for prayers for the suffering of the people in Cuba and Haiti. In light of the recent protests in Cuba, we express our solidarity with our Cuban brothers and sisters. We also are called to pray for our Haitian brothers and sisters who are in a state of political and social unrest with a recent earthquake and tropical storms. In response to their pleas, sample Prayers of the Faithful are attached for inclusion at Sunday and Daily Masses in the upcoming weeks, and for publishing in Parish Bulletins. Let us continue to pray for the Cuban people in their fight against this brutal communist regime, and for the people of Haiti struggling to find peace in this time of political unrest, violence, and absolute poverty. CLICK HERE for the Prayers in English, CLICK HERE for the Prayers in Spanish, and CLICK HERE for the Prayers in Haitian Creole.
Prayer for Safety During Hurricane Season - With the 2021 Hurricane Season well underway as evidenced by Tropical Storms Elsa, Fred and Henri, 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 reinforces 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 3 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 2-3. Please include this letter in your September 26 bulletins to give people time to prepare for the collection. (Envelopes should be in your regular envelope packets.) Information and images for October 3 bulletins are available from the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities at www.respectlife.org. All program materials are online again this year. Posters and prayer cards have been ordered based on requests received from Parish Respect Life Reps or Parish staff and will be shipped to parishes as soon as they are received. Please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068 with any questions.
Novena of Masses for Life 2022 - If your parish will participate in the Novena of Masses for Life (monthly from March 25 to December 25) and you have not yet submitted your schedule, please do so soon. CLICK HERE for the 2022 form. If Masses are not available on the 25th of the month, they can be scheduled anytime (weekend Masses recommended). Visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/novena-of-masses-for-life/ for details including Prayers of the Faithful and bulletin announcements, or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068.
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. 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
Unraveling the Roots of Men’s Trauma - Men seeking healing, counselors and leaders are invited to join a free virtual conference from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 16. Men are hurting from abortion and other traumas; they are affected by lost fatherhood and “father wounds.” Register now at www.MenHealingFromTrauma.com.
Lee and Collier Counties
40 Days for Life - The Fall 40 Days for Life campaign runs worldwide beginning Wednesday, September 22 through Sunday, October 31, including in Fort Myers. Prayerfully discern where God is calling you. Is it to peaceful sidewalk prayer? Fasting? Adoration? Please consider the many ways in which you can participate. Check www.40daysforlife.com/fortmyers for location and details or to sign up. Join the monthly respect life meetings on the third Wednesday of the month in the Parish Life Center at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers following the 8:00 a.m. Mass (approximately 8:45 a.m.). All are welcome! Contact Maureen at 239-823-6800 with questions.
Sarasota and Manatee Counties
40 Days for Life - The Fall 40 Days for Life campaign runs worldwide beginning Wednesday, September 22 through Sunday, October 31, including Sarasota. Join others in peaceful, prayerful witness for the end to abortion. For details go to www.40daysforlife.com/sarasota or contact Rich at [email protected] or 941-923-0752.
Congreso Pro Vida - Registrations are now open! The Archdiocese of Miami is hosting the 6th national Congreso Pro Vida at St. Thomas University the weekend of October 29-31, 2021 (first time in Florida!) Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities will join Archbishop Thomas Wenski for the event who is also a keynote speaker. See www.congresoprovida.org for details including registration, hotel, schedule, and speakers. Simultaneous interpretation in English or Spanish will be available via headsets. For questions, contact Sylvia Jimenez at [email protected] or call 941-412-5860.
Congreso Pro Vida - ¡Ya están abiertas las inscripciones! La Arquidiócesis de Miami está organizando el 6° Congreso Pro Vida Nacional en la Universidad de St. Thomas el fin de semana del 29 al 31 de octubre de 2021 (¡primera vez en la Florida!). El arzobispo Joseph Naumann, presidente del Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE. UU. se unirá al arzobispo Thomas Wenski en el evento y será el orador principal. Visite www.congresoprovida.org para obtener detalles, incluido el registro, el hotel, el horario y los oradores. Interpretación simultánea de las presentaciones en inglés o español estarán disponibles a través de auriculares. Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Sylvia Jimenez at o al 941-412-5860 o [email protected].
Free Consultations - The National Catholic Bioethics Center answers questions from individuals who seek to better understand or apply Catholic moral teaching to specific ethical issues they are facing in health care or the life sciences – real-life problems or dilemmas. These consultations are free and confidential. You can complete an online form at www.ncbcenter.org or call 215-877-2660, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
Office of Family Life
St. Joseph Devotional - The Diocese of Venice continues to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph with a 30-day Devotional to honor this great Saint during the month of September. All are invited to accompany Bishop Frank J. Dewane on a journey to become better acquainted with the Foster Father of Our Lord. Please sign up by visiting: https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/st-joseph-30-day-devotional. All required materials will be sent to the email address provided. For more information contact Diocesan Family Life Coordinator Carrie Harkey at [email protected].
2021 Marriage Preparation Retreats - The Diocesan Office of Family Life is offering “Day of Reflection” retreats for couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage. A specially prepared volunteer team of married couples and a priest will share their experiences and information with the intention of enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. The retreats in English are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 13. To register for the English retreats, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/marriage-preparation-retreat-2021. Retreats in Spanish will take place: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., October 30 at St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th Street, Sarasota, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., December 4, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, 355 S. Bridge Street, LaBelle. To register for a retreat at Our Lady Queen of Heaven, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/retiro-de-formacion-matrimonial. To register for a St. Jude retreat date please contact the parish at 941-955-3934. For further information contact Carrie Harkey at 941-484-9543 ext. 3019. (CLICK HERE for a brochure.)
Diocesan Marriage Conference - The Diocese of Venice in Florida and the St. John Paul II Foundation announce the “Together in Holiness Marriage Conference” will be held in two locations from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 2 at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples and St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. The speakers for the Conference are Kevin and Lisa Cotter. A “Sign-up Sunday” for the Conference will be held at all Parishes on the weekend of September 11-12. (CLICK HERE for pulpit announcements and frequently asked questions.) To register for the Conference location in Sarasota, please visit https://forlifeandfamily.org/events/th21-vnfl-ss/ and to register for the Conference location in Naples, please visit https://forlifeandfamily.org/events/th21-vnfl-np/. (CLICK HERE for a Conference flier.) If you have any questions or need additional details, contact Carrie Harkey at [email protected].
Stepping into Marriage with Children - The Diocese Office of Family Life is offering a free half day workshop for couples beginning or currently in a stepfamily situation. This program takes a realistic look at blended families and offers strategies and tools for success. The program is being offered 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 9, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, November 6, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. To register https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/stepping-into-marriage-with-children.
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. For more information, please call the Institute at 941-766-7334, or visit www.franciscanathome.org/institute-dov.
Encounter with Sacred Scripture - The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation in partnership with the Diocese of Venice Office of Evangelization is offering a new series of courses, "Feasting On God's Word: Encounter with Sacred Scripture." These 10-week courses are offered online and in-person at host parishes. Start taking courses now and study the entire Bible in 3 years! Courses starting this fall: The Good News of Jesus Christ in the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) will be taught online by Dr. John Gresham, Director of the Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation. Students can log on at any time each week to view the pre-recorded videos and engage in the discussion board. Creation and Covenants: A Study of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) will be taught in-person by Joshua Mazrin, Director of Evangelization. The course will meet at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Both courses begin September 13. The cost is $100. For more information and registration visit www.institute-dov.org or contact Dr. John Gresham at [email protected] or 941-766-7334. (CLICK HERE for a quarter page ad and CLICK HERE for an 11x17 poster.)
Communications
Instagram Mass-Up Promotion - To encourage all on social media to return to Mass in person, the Diocese of Venice Communications Office has begun sharing a graphic titled, “Mass Up”. CLICK HERE for the banner to use on your Parish Instagram pages using the hashtag #massup. The Communications team will be adding short videos on Instagram sharing why parishioners attend Mass in the hope others will join them.
Office of Religious Education
The 2021 Catechetical Conference - “Encountering Christ in the Classroom” is Saturday, September 25 at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2021-catechetical-day. (For a flier in English CLICK HERE and in Spanish CLICK HERE.)
Catholic Charities
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.
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.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center
Upcoming Retreat Center Events - Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Retreat and Spirituality Center has resumed its Monthly Day of Prayer program with the next sessions to be held on September 8th and 12th (both days will have the same conference topics; please choose the date that is compatible with your schedule). The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with continental breakfast and includes two conferences, lunch, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation, and prayer. The cost is $40.00. Please note that our Fall 2021 Group Retreat Schedule has been published on the OLPH website at www.olph-retreat.org. Consider joining us on a group retreat!
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 – Chelsea Center, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. The evening will include a cocktail hour, formal dinner, various musical entertainment, and a silent and live auction. To purchase Butterfly Ball tickets, please visit our website: www.olph-retreat.org or call 941-486-0233.
Diocese of Venice English Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Catholic Alpha Online - Alpha Online is an online course where others meet virtually once a week via Zoom to discuss and share ideas about faith and God in an open, caring and non-judgmental way. The Diocese of Venice English Catholic Charismatic Renewal invites you to experience Catholic Alpha online from the comfort of your home, and to hear from notable Catholic speakers including newly appointed Cardinal Cantalamessa, Mondays from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. beginning September 13 through November 29, 2021. (CLICK HERE for full page flier and registration link and CLICK HERE for half page flier and registration link.) For further information please contact Theresa Salvo at [email protected] or 804-387-8282.
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 a game plan to bring them home! 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 [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 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 [email protected].
OUT AND ABOUT THE DIOCESE
VDCCW Priest’s Appreciation Dinner - The Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Priest’s Appreciation Dinner is 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 17 at the Venetian River Club, 502 Veneto Blvd., Venice. The cost is $40. RSVP with a check by Wednesday, September 1 to: Ellen Bachman, 52414 Lansdowne Way, Palmetto, FL 34221. For more information, please contact Ellen Bachman at 941-721-7393 or [email protected].
Invitation to all Widows and Widowers - Come join the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish faith sharing group to grow together in holiness and the devout life. The next group topic will be: “Praying with the saints, our mentors in the faith.” All are welcome! This 8-week series will be held on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Parish, located at 435 S. Tamiami Trail in Osprey, beginning on September 1. For information and to join this group, please contact Marianne Cano at 941-966-0807 ext. 314, or e-mail [email protected].
Labor Day Pig Roast - Join the Epiphany Cathedral Knights of Columbus for a Labor Day Pig Roast, Monday September 6, at the Knights Hall, 512 Substation Road, Venice. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. and dinner buffet starts at 4:00 p.m. Menu includes roasted pig, plantains, barbecue beans, potato salad, cole slaw, dessert, iced tea, lemonade, and water. Cost is $20 per person. Beer and wine available. Credit cards accepted. Register at epiphanyknights.org or call Nancy Kraszewski at 281-814-9954.
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, October 2, at the Holiday Inn Airport, Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Peg Mengle, a member of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers. Seating is limited. No walk-ins or payment at the door! Advanced registration only. Please send a $23 check, payable to Magnificat Fort Myers, to Margaret Mengle, 5017 Westminster Dr., Fort Myers, FL. 33919. Your mail request must be postmarked by Wednesday, September 22. You can also make a reservation at https://magnificatfortmyers.com/order-tickets/. For more information, please call 239-826-7475.
VDCCW Vocation Fund Fundraiser - Support and encourage our future priests by contributing to the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Vocation Fund by joining them in celebrating Priesthood Sunday, September 26. Send a donation to the VDCCW Vocation Fund “In Honor of” the priest(s) in your Parish. Our Diocese is educating 16 men in various seminaries and your donation of any amount will be a great help! To take part, please send $1.00 for each card in addition to your donation. The extra $1.00 covers the cost of the “IN HONOR OF” card(s) and mailing them to you so you can deliver to your Priest(s). Your donation amount will not be revealed to the Priest(s). And please remember that this is a gift that keeps on giving! Please send $1.00 plus your donation made out to “VDCCW Vocation Fund” to: Cornelia Zanetti, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Questions? Please email [email protected].
Virtual Laps for Life - The Knights of Columbus Virtual Laps for Life will be from Saturday, October 2 to Saturday, October 9. Show your support for the cause by being a part of this virtual event. Your contributions help fund the life changing services provided to expectant mothers at no cost to them at My Choice Pregnancy Center in Sarasota, Florida. There is a $30 Race Fee, and registration ends October 9. Sign up at http://srqlapsforlife.net. For more information, contact Knights of Columbus Council 3358 Pro-Life Chair Joe Gina at 941-702-1700 or [email protected].
Calling All Golfers! - St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples is hosting a Golf Tournament on Friday, October 15 at the Vineyards Country Club to benefit their Campus Expansion Program. Shotgun start at 8:30a.m./scramble format. Luncheon with awards to follow. Entry Fee: $145.00 per person includes all golf fees, goodie bag, awards, great prizes, coffee, hot lunch buffet, & more! Contact Gina Groch at [email protected] or 239-455-2262 for info. Registration/sponsorships available online at: https://Saintelizabethseton.com/golf-tournament-2021. Please come out for a great day of golf on a beautiful course, bringing together parents, parishioners, alumni, friends and supporters to benefit campus improvements and growth.
Day of Renewal for Men and Women - St. Agnes Parish in Naples is hosting a day of renewal given by the Parish Men’s and Women’s “WELCOME” retreat teams. Come celebrate the Parish being fully open with an incredible day of God’s love, friendship, and revitalization. The Women’s Welcome Day is Saturday, October 9 and the Men’s Welcome Day is Saturday, October 23 at the Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. For more information, including free registration, please visit www.StAgnesNaples.org.
Scholarships Available - Each year Catholic Life Insurance offers two scholarships worth $2,000 each through the Rev. Msgr. Larry J. Droll Scholarship Fund, and applications for the current year are now being accepted. The scholarship assists Catholic laymen and women pursuing graduate degrees that will help them qualify for professional positions in Parish and Diocesan Ministry. Scholarships will be awarded to practicing Roman Catholics who have already attained a bachelor's degree and are now enrolled in Catholic graduate schools of Theology or Religious studies. The student must be a resident of one of the states in which they operate, and the school must also be located in one of those states. Currently, Catholic Life Insurance operates in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The deadline to apply is September 13. For an application or more information please visit https://www.cliu.com/giving-back/faith-based-scholarships/msgr-droll-scholarship-for-catholic-laity/.
White Mass - A White Mass and lecture for physicians and medical professionals will be held at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, October 16, at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. A blessing of the stethoscope will also take place. Please wear your white coat. Following Mass, a lecture and breakfast will take place in the Parish Center. The lecture is entitled "Spiritual Leadership in a Secular Healthcare Setting" presented by speaker Paul Hiltz followed by a discussion with Dr. Gloth and other panelists. There is a $50 fee per person (reduced rates for physicians in training and non-physician health professionals). Register and pay online at www.stagnesnaples.org. For more information, please contact Maggie Brady 239-592-1949. (1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit)
Faith and Wine Lee County - We are excited to announce the return of Faith and Wine in Lee County. The first gathering of the season will be held on Thursday, October 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the speaker is Joann Andrews, a parishioner of the Parish, and a registered nurse at Lee Health for the past 31 years. The suggested donation is $12.00 or $55.00 for the season of 5 gatherings. For further information please visit faithandwineleecounty.com.
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.
Misa Dominical En Español - La Iglesia de San Judas en Sarasota transmitirá la Santa Misa en español, oficiada por el Padre Celestino Gutiérrez, todos los domingos a las 8:00 a.m. por la emisora de radio 99.1 y a las 10 a.m. por la 105.3. Agradecemos a los Patrocinadores para 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.
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. 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].
