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| January 9, 2009 |
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September 2008 Stewardship Day coming Oct. 21FORT MYERS | In an effort to build strong parish communities, the Diocese of Venice is holding its fourth annual Stewardship Day at Our Lady of Light Parish on Oct. 21. The goal of the day is to educate key leaders in parishes about the theology of stewardship, or discipleship, and how to use the theology to strengthen parishes, said diocesan Stewardship and Development Director Mary Campo. This will be done through a series of workshops and featured speakers. “We have invited exciting speakers to help people truly understand what stewardship is and to learn about practical applications to build a strong stewardship program,” Campo said. The keynote speaker is Leisa Anslinger, a pastoral associate for evangelization, catechesis and stewardship at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Cincinnati. She will explore elements that lead to an engaging and evangelizing community. Other speakers include Michael Murphy, executive director of the International Catholic Stewardship Council, and Joe Citro, of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, who will also provide a workshop in Spanish. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will be there to welcome people, provide the opening prayer and celebrate Mass. Campo said she hopes people who attend the workshop will come away from it with ways to create welcoming and dynamic parishes. The goal of stewardship is more about the needs of the individual to give thanks than it is about the church’s need to receive anything, she said. “We need to recognize that everything is a gift from God,” Campo said. “We return it through the joyful use of our time, treasure and talent. You have to ask yourself if you are being a responsible Christian and if you are planning time in your life for God.” For more information about Stewardship Day call 941-441-1117. Bob Reddy | 09.26.08 | Return To Top | Diocese of Venice Front Page Clergy AppointmentsThe Bishop’s Office announces the following appointments effective Oct. 1: Father George Ratzmann to pastor of St. William Parish in Naples from rector of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Father John F. Costello to rector Epiphany Cathedral in from pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton. Father Paul F. McLaughlin to administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton from parochial vicar. Father Robert M. Murphy to parochial vicar of St. William Parish in Naples from temporary administrator. Bob Reddy | 09.22.08 | Return To Top | Diocese of Venice Front Page Deacon Ladroga elected to national association
Deacon William Ladroga, director of formation for the Diocese of Venice’s permanent diaconate program, has been elected to a two-year term as Region XIV representative for the National Association of Diaconate Directors (NADD). “I was encouraged to run by the other directors in the region, and I am deeply blessed and honored to be selected for this important position,” Deacon Ladroga said. The NADD consists of the diaconate directors of the dioceses and eparchies of the United States, and several dioceses in Canada. Region XIV is comprised of the diaconate programs for seven dioceses of Florida, one in South Carolina, two in North Carolina and two in Georgia. NADD regional representatives are elected from each of the respective episcopal regions delineated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Regional representatives convene at least one annual meeting of the diaconate staffs from their respective regions, submit regional meeting reports to NADD, maintain communication with the members of the region and serve on committees as needed by NADD. NADD is a professional organization that exists to assist (arch)diocesan diaconate offices and their staffs in implementing the policies and procedures of their respective bishops and the USCCB; to serve as an advisory resource for the USCCB; and to study, design and provide resources for the development, growth and strengthening of the ministry of deacon in the Catholic Church, following the model of Jesus the deacon. Bob Reddy | 09.19.08 | Return To Top | Diocese of Venice Front Page Incarnation is a ‘Blue Ribbon’ schoolSARASOTA | Incarnation School has been recognized as one of the No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. The U.S. Department of Education recently released a list of 320 schools that earned the Blue Ribbon designation for garnering test scores in the top 10 percent of schools in the nation – as Incarnation School did – or for dramatically improving student performance on standardized tests in reading and math. Incarnation is one of 50 nonpublic schools to earn the honor, and one of two Catholic schools in the state of Florida. “This is validation of something we already know – that the Diocese of Venice is committed to providing an excellent education for children, not only in traditional subjects, but also in terms of values and morals,” said Dr. Kathleen Schwartz, diocesan director of education. Incarnation Principal Sister Monica Paul Fraser, Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, N.Y., said the award is an affirmation of the support the parents and parish have given to the school.” “They play an important part in helping the children live our school motto: ‘To grow in faith, knowledge and love,’” she said. Sister Fraser will receive the award Oct. 20 at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will join Incarnation faculty, staff, students and parents Sept. 26 for a school celebration to express appreciation for their hard work. Bob Reddy | 09.19.08 | Return To Top | Diocese of Venice Front Page September 11: A time to remember and pray
From the Front Page | 09.12.08 | Return To Top | Diocese of Venice Front Page Catholic Charities has new three–county director
FORT MYERS | Christine Nolan has been overseeing all of the programs and services in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties for Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. for about six months. Nolan is responsible for the overall management, program operations, budget administration and project development for five office locations in those three counties. The social service centers provide prevention, support and service coordination activities that include: after-school tutoring and summer youth programs; emergency financial and infant/toddler assistance; financial literacy counseling; immigration services; elderly services; drug/alcohol, youth and family counseling; job readiness and placement; citizenship and language classes; food and clothing distribution; and an HIV/AIDS ministry. Nolan obtained a bachelor’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Miami and a Master of Social Work from Barry University. She recently worked as a consultant to the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami and has served in executive positions locally, and in Dade and Broward counties. In the few months that Nolan has worked for Catholic Charities, she has strived to develop several partnerships within the community. “My vision is to put more measurable services in place that deliver more impact,” Nolan said. “I want clients to have more of a hand up than a hand out.” Bob Reddy | 09.12.08 | Return To Top | Diocese of Venice Front Page Billboards put up to promote marriage
VENICE | The Diocese of Venice is asking motorists, and voters, to consider a question aimed at making them think: “What have you done for your marriage today?” The question is posed on two diocese-sponsored billboards: one on Interstate 75 near exit 138 in Fort Myers and the other on U.S. 41 between Osprey and Sarasota. The billboards have gone up in cooperation with the For Your Marriage campaign of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Their message is timely as the Nov. 4 election draws near with the nature and meaning of marriage at issue on the ballot in the form of Amendment 2. “We want people to see the billboards and ask, ‘What HAVE I done for my husband or my wife today?’” Bishop Frank. J. Dewane said. “We hope this reminds them to treat each other with respect, and keep their marriage strong because this means a healthy family life.” The bishops of Florida through the Florida Catholic Conference support the state’s existing marriage law, which describes marriage as a legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife. Amendment 2 affirms the definition of marriage in the state’s constitution. “As teachers and pastors, we seek to educate our Catholic faithful on the true nature and meaning of marriage as established by God and honored by Catholic teaching and tradition,” Bishop Dewane said. The church teaches that “the marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator. By its very nature it is ordered to the good of the couple, as well as to the generation and education of children. Christ the Lord raised marriage between the baptized to the dignity of a sacrament.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No 1660) The Florida bishops remind the faithful that as citizens of the United States and Catholics, they have a duty to participate in the debate of public issues and the selection of civic leaders, while carrying the values of the Gospel into the public square. These dual responsibilities to faith and citizenship are at the heart of what it means to be a Catholic in a free and democratic nation, the bishops say. Bob Reddy | 09.12.08 | Return To Top | Diocese of Venice Front Page Neumann High organizes Undie Sunday donationsNAPLES | Members of the St. John Neumann High School Student Council and other student volunteers worked up a frenzy as they organized donations of children’s underwear from this year’s Undie Sunday drive. The underwear donated at parishes at weekend Masses was sorted into huge boxes Aug. 28-29 and will be distributed to children in need through Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. Alexa Hughes, student council president, said the council wanted to help people in need and when members heard about the Undie Sunday donation effort, they were struck by the need in the community. “I never knew that kids don’t have underwear – and it is not just happening in Immokalee, but even in Naples,” Alexa said. “I want us all to take this experience with us and remember it.” Over the past 12 years, more than 500,000 pairs of socks and underwear have been distributed to needy elementary schoolchildren in more than 15 schools in the area through the Catholic Charities Undie Sunday program. Denise Szedelyi, the student council adviser and English teacher, said working hands-on with the organizing of the donations is one way the students will learn about social issues in their community. “It is wonderful that they are enjoying what they did but it also a way for them to realize the needs of the community outside of the boundaries of the school.” Bob Reddy | 09.12.08 | Return To Top | Diocese of Venice Front Page In Brief…Support offered for separated and divorcedA discussion group for separated and divorced people will take place Wednesdays, starting Oct. 15, 7 p.m., at San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte. To register, please contact Sister Colleen McGinnity at 941-624-3799. All are welcome. Respite care course availableA free respite care certification course will be offered through Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda Oct. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more details e-mail Barbara Chamberlain at barbarachmberlain@embarqmail.com or call Dottie Bonjean at 941-637-3952. Preregistration is required. Squires install officers St. Dominic Savio Squires Circle 5078 at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Parrish recently installed officers for 2008-2009. Newly installed Chief Squire Xavier Colon said he plans during the coming year to emphasize community service, charitable activities, sports, growth in membership and cooperation with its sponsoring organization, Mother Cabrini Council 12155 of the Knights of Columbus. The other officers are Kevin Healy, bursar; and Matthew Davis, deputy chief Squire. The Squires program, which includes male Catholics 10 to 18 years of age, was formed at the parish in 2006. It is one of more than 1,300 such circles worldwide. Catholic Chamber of Commerce meeting setThe Southwest Florida Catholic Chamber of Commerce will hold a meeting Oct. 13 at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral. The meeting will be preceded by a Mass at 7 a.m. All businesses and ministries are welcome from all parishes, and attendees may bring business cards for networking. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge to attend. Call 239-549-5416 or e-mail toni@biaggio.com for information. Youth rally to be held Oct. 11There will be a “Youth Rally Day” for all sixth- through 12th-grade students of the Diocese of Venice. Sponsored by Epiphany Cathedral’s Youth Ministry, the rally will be Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the cathedral in Venice. The cost per student is $5, which will cover the cost of food and drinks throughout the day. The rally will feature Bryan Murdaugh, a Catholic musician and youth minister from South Carolina, and will conclude with the celebration of the liturgy. For more information about the youth rally or to R.S.V.P. for the event, contact one of the following planning members: Cheryl Vignola, youth minister, Epiphany Cathedral, 941-484-3505, or vignola@epiphanycathedral.org; Tim Holliday, youth minister, St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota, 941-376-0279 or sttmyouthrocks@aol.com; and Nathan Boock, youth minister, San Pedro Parish in North Port, 941-426-4729 or nathboo5@hotmail.com. New real estate/construction coordinator hiredThe Diocese of Venice has hired Linda Weaver as the real estate/construction coordinator in the Building Department. She replaces Joanne McAleney, who left diocese in June. Weaver has managed a construction company and prior to that she was a benefits administrator for Prudential Insurance in Akron, Ohio. She and her husband, Tim, live in Punta Gorda with their three children: Tim, Madelyn and Sarah. The Weavers are parishioners at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte School to celebrate 70th anniversaryAlumni, students and parents of St. Francis Xavier School in Fort Myers are invited to celebrate the school’s 70th anniversary Oct. 25, 6 p.m., at Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant, 14301 Comfort Road, Fort Myers. The celebration includes cocktail dining, dancing and reminiscing with family and friends. Call 239-334-7707, ext. 243, for tickets. R.S.V.P. by Oct. 10. Certification course begins Oct. 27A respite care certification course will be held Oct. 27, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at 111 Tropicana Drive in Punta Gorda. Anyone interested in helping with respite care may preregister. Also, please be advised that future fingerprinting is mandatory to proceed to the next level. For more information or to register, call Barbara Chamberlain at 941-575-6761 or e-mail barbarachamberlain@embarqmail.com. Novena takes place through OctoberA respect life novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is being held Wednesdays through Oct. 29, 6 p.m., at Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda. Organizers say all are welcome and encouraged to pray for those involved in the respect life movement within the Diocese of Venice, and especially for volunteers as they participate in the 40 Days for Life, a national interfaith program involving more than 170 communities in America, which prays for an end to all abortions in the United States. Contact Barbara Chamberlain at 941-575-6761. Gear up for November electionsAs the November election approaches, Catholic dioceses in Florida, as well as around the country, are stepping up efforts to help Catholics understand church social teaching so they will vote with a well-formed conscience. Efforts revolve around “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” the document approved last November by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Please visit www.faithfulcitizenship.org to stay informed. Food pantries desperately need donationsCatholic Charities of Lee County is experiencing a 75 percent increase in demand for food from clients suffering from the current state of economy. The food pantries are extremely low in supplies. Basic food commodities are needed such as rice, dry beans, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese, canned meats and fish, tomato sauce, cooking oil and corn flour. For drop-off locations in your area, please contact Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. at 941-484-9543. Bob Reddy | 09.19.08 | Return To Top | Diocese of Venice Front Page Squires dispose of worn U.S. FlagsYoung men in Squires Circle 5068 respectfully disposed of about 150 worn out and tattered U.S. flags by burning them in a solemn ceremony on the grounds of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Parrish. After singing the “Star Spangled Banner” and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, each carefully folded flag was placed in a fire pit that the Squires had prepared the previous day. Three empty seats among the audience of about 70 people represented absent servicemen and servicewomen who had been killed or seriously injured fighting for freedom. The ceremony ended with disposal of a large tattered flag that had flown in front of a business on U.S. 301 in Palmetto. Bible study classes to beginSan Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte will host a Bible study and a study on the Gospel of Matthew. The Great Adventure, a 24-week Catholic Bible study including DVD lectures by Catholic teacher Jeff Cavins, will begin Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. The second class is a 24-week Gospel of Matthew study with DVD lectures by Cavins starting Oct. 7 at 9 a.m., and Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. Cost is $70 per person or $105 per couple. Call Madeline Miller at 941-743-1038 or Ron Miles 941-764-1727. Day of recollection set for volunteersDiocese of Venice Prison Ministry volunteers are invited to a day of recollection Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Port Charlotte. The guest speaker will be Deacon John Alvarez. Contact Betty Karsokas at 941-484-9543. St. William women walk to raise awarenessSarah Gatt and Trisha Brownfield from St. William Parish in Naples recently participated Aug. 5-15 in a walk between Toronto and Canada’s capital city of Ottawa as part of the Canadian Crossroads walk, a distance of about 450 kilometers or 280 miles. The walk raised awareness about pro-life issues and included stops at local abortion clinics along the route to participate in prayerful, peaceful protests and sidewalk counseling. The walk concluded with a Mass at the cathedral of the Diocese of Ontario. The women were among five walkers that constituted Canada’s participation in the growing Crossroads organization, where every summer dozens of volunteers walk thousands of miles across the U.S. and Canada in support of the culture of life. This is the second year that Canada has had such a walk. Bob Reddy | 09.12.08 | Return To Top | Diocese of Venice Front Page |
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