Florida Catholic | Good For You

BINGO

Bonita Springs: Thursdays, opens 10:30 a.m. Early bird, 11:30 a.m; regular, noon, St. Leo Parish hall, 28290 Beaumont Road. 239-992-8214.

Venice: Sundays, opens noon, early bird 2 p.m. Knights of Columbus Council 7052 hall, 512 Substation Road. 941-484-4512.

North Port: Wednesdays, 12:30-3:30 p.m., San Pedro Parish activity center, 14380 Tamiami Trail. Sponsored by the San Pedro Parish Ladies Guild. 941-426-2052.

Sebring: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 4:30 p.m., games 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus Pope John XXIII Council 5441 hall, 900 U.S. 27 N.

Bradenton: Tuesdays and Saturdays, opens 2 p.m., dinner available 4 p.m., games 6 p.m. Friday matinee, opens 9 a.m., breakfast available 9:30 a.m., games 11 a.m. Knights of Columbus Council 5604 hall, 2203 30th Ave. W. 941-746-6512.

Englewood: Mondays, early bird 10:30 a.m., regular 11:45 a.m. St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 5265 Placida Road, Grove City. Free coffee and doughnut break. Smoke-free. All paper.

BREAKFASTS

Venice: First and third Sundays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus Council 7052 hall, 512 Substation Road. $3.50; free for children under 6 with parent. 941-485-1663.

Bradenton: First and third Sundays, 8 a.m.-noon, Sacred Heart Parish hall, 1220 15th St. W. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 8037. 941-224-7074.

Sarasota: Second Sundays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish hall, 6600 Pennsylvania Ave. (9th Street East). Adults: $4; children ages 6-12: $2. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 13639. 941-755-1826.

FISH FRIES

Sarasota: Third Fridays, 4:30-7 p.m., Knights of Columbus Council 3358 hall, 4880 Fruitville Road. $6 per person, all you can eat.

CONFERENCES/MEETINGS/LECTURES

Monthly day of prayer, May 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center. Cost: $25, includes continental breakfast and lunch. Conferences on “Eucharist and the Mission” and the apostles. 941-486-0233.

Joint diocesan religious education meeting, May 19, 9:30 a.m., St. Thomas More Parish. Contact: Christine MacDonald, 941-484-9543.

Diocesan World Youth Day pilgrimage, July 13-24, Sydney, Australia. Spaces still available. Package includes lodging, airfare, registration fees and several meals. Approximate cost: $3,600. Contact: Devin Jones, djones@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-486-4723.

Annual leadership symposium, July 26-27, sponsored by Orlando Diocese Council of Catholic Women at Lake Yale. “The Harmony of Leadership: Are You the Melody or the Maestro?” All women invited, particularly those interested in leadership. Forms available through local parish CCW affiliations. Cost: $75, includes full registration and double room. Kathy Leigh, 1435B Oak Place, Apopka, FL 32712; Barbara Chamberlain, 941-575-6761.

Shrines of France pilgrimage, Sept. 15-26, pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, for the 150th anniversary observances with Father Vincent Sheehy of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice. Also included: Avignon (papal palace), Lyons (Paray-Le-Monial, St. Margaret Mary), Nevers (St. Bernadette), Loire Valley, Mont St. Michel, Normandy Invasion beaches, Lisieux (St. Thérèse) and Paris (Notre Dame and Sacred Heart Basilica). 941-408-7180.

National Council of Catholic Women General Assembly, Sept. 25-28, Sheraton City Centre Hotel, Salt Lake City. Theme: “We Are Women of Faith, Women of Action.” Early bird registration by July 3: $275. Hotel: $129 for single, double to quads. Reservations directly with hotel: 801-401-2000. For more information, contact Bobbi Hunt, president, at www.nccw.org. Reservation forms download will be posted in May and be available in May Catholic Woman.

Florida Statewide Respect Life Conference, Oct. 13-16. For questions, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux, Diocese of Venice Respect Life Director at BERDEAUX@DioceseofVenice.org

Florida Conference of Catholic Women conference, Oct. 23-26, Sarasota, Hyatt Regency Hotel. Call Marianne Torgler 863-675-4629.

Adventures in Matthew: The King of Kings, Saturdays, ongoing multimedia Bible study focusing on the Gospel of Matthew and featuring DVD lectures by Catholic teacher and speaker Jeff Cavins, Sacred Heart Parish, 1505 12th Ave. W., Bradenton. Contact: Frank Kramer, 941-776-3787.

Cruise for Christ 2008: Nov. 29-Dec. 9, Cursillo fundraiser, 10-day Southern Caribbean and Panama Canal cruise, departing from Port of Fort Lauderdale. Features Mass each day. For further information, contact Linda Gregory, YTB Travel, 618-301-4690 or linda@ytb.com, or Alice Hofer, Cursillo Movement, 239-282-2012, or goaskalice113046@comcast.net.

Catholic Charities immigration clinics, in partnership with Lee County Public Libraries. Immigration attorneys will offer presentations on basic immigration law and answer questions. For more information, call 239-348-9727.

• Fort Myers Public Library, 2050 Central Ave., Fort Myers, May 12, 6 p.m. Contact Bryan Mulcahy, 239-479-4651.

• East County Library, 881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres, June 11, 6 p.m. Contact Jenny Seftas, 239-461-7312.

• Cape Coral Library, 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. Contact Kathleen Chumley, 239-540-6308.

Vacation Bible school, July 7-11, 9 a.m.-noon, St. Joseph Parish, 2990 26th St. W., Bradenton. Join the fun of the “Tree Tops With Rainforest Adventure.” Call 941-755-2611.

Marriage preparation program, June 21, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Venice. Provides engaged couples the opportunity to speak honestly about their future within the sacrament of marriage. Registration: $65 per couple, includes breakfast, lunch and printed materials. For information, call Betty K at 941-484-9543.

PRAYER/MINISTRY GROUPS

Spirit of Love prayer group, Epiphany Cathedral Parish, 350 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. Information: Marge, 941-484-1135.

Blessed Edmund Rice School alumni association for all former students. Information: 239-437-6454 or appresette@aol.com.

Cursillo group, Wednesdays, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 5265 Placida Road, Grove City. 941-607-2738.

Cursillo, course about Jesus, the church and you. Contact: Vicki Globe, 239-980-3484, or Vglobe@comcast.net.

Cenacle prayer group, Fridays, 12:15 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Parish center, 1301 Center Road, Venice. 941-497-2931.

People of God prayer group, Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish center, 1220 15th St. W., Bradenton. 941-723-2419 or mbc702@msn.com.

Suncoast People on the Go (SpotGO) for persons with physical disabilities, ages 21-40, has been formed in collaboration with the Diocese of Venice. It combines social, spiritual, sharing and support in a way that meets the needs of the members. Laurel or Barb, 941-727-4327.

Catholic Young Adults (20s and 30s) of Sarasota area meets for various spiritual and social activities. To view upcoming events, visit http://groups.google.com/group/young-diocese-of-venice/. Contact: Devin Jones, djones@dioceseofvenice.org.

Southwest Florida Catholic Singles of Fort Myers area, age 30-50ish, including divorced, widowed or separated, invited for spiritual, social and service activities in a safe, Christian environment, encouraging a deeper relationship with God and support. Contact Pam, Pamelakaym@yahoo.com or 239-989-7077.

Catholic Singles (31-50) of Naples, based in St. John the Evangelist Parish, offers social events and shared worship opportunities for singles in the Naples/Marco Island area. Events hotline, 239-354-7215.

Prayer Shawl Ministry at Epiphany Cathedral seeks participants who knit or crochet, fourth Mondays, 1 p.m., Epiphany Cathedral Parish library, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. 941-484-3505.

RESOURCES

English classes for adults, Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Jesus the Worker Mission, 881 Nuna Ave., Fort Myers. Contact Teresita Taylor, 239-693-5333.

"Help on Wheels" provides transportation to and from all weekend Masses at St. Raphael Parish, Englewood, by the Knights of Columbus Father Stanley S. Kromer, OCarm, Council 11553. 941-474-9595.

Free rosary repair service: Send broken rosaries, November-April, in a padded envelope to: Betty and Dick Holden, 7930 Estero Blvd., Apt. 502, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Rosaries repaired and returned within a week of receipt. Donations of old/broken rosaries accepted to be repaired and sent to missions. Include a note indicating repair, whether to return rosary or whether it is a donation. 239-463-3993 or e-mail HoldenBnD@comcast.net.

To understand the church’s teaching on contraception or for qualified instruction in natural family planning, 941-484-9543.

School of Hispanic Ministry offers diocesan certification for adults interested in faith formation or who feel called to engage in Hispanic ministry. Classes for 2007, in Spanish, are being offered at the Blessed Edmund Rice School for Pastoral Ministry. The theme for this year is "Christian Spirituality" to meet diocesan requirements. Luz Corcuera, 941-730-3452.

RETREATS/REFLECTIONS

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, 941-486-0233, olphsav@aol.com, www.olph-retreat.org.

SPECIAL PRAYER SERVICES/MASSES

Lay Cistercians of South Florida, West Coast, after 9 a.m. Mass on second Tuesdays, St. Vincent de Paul social hall, Fort Myers. Lead a deeper spiritual life following Cistercian (Trappist) spirituality. Led by Father Ronnie Sison and Cistercian Sister Lillian Shank. Contact: Sister Shank, 863-983-6067.

Eucharistic adoration, Wednesdays, 5 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish, 211 Cross St., Punta Gorda, followed by Our Lady of Perpetual Help novena.

Eucharistic adoration, followed by Mass, first Thursdays from October through May 2008, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, 941-486-0233.

Gabriel Project hour of prayer for life, first Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m., St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Siesta Key/Sarasota. Information: Sarasota Gabriel helpline, 941-735-5758.

Weekly prayer vigil to end abortion, 10 a.m.-noon, Fridays (except secular holidays) and some Saturdays, in front of Sarasota Planned Parenthood, Prospect Street, a block south of Bahia Vista, west of U.S. 41. 941-377-1929 or jimstyer@comcast.net.

Mass for the hearing impaired, third Sundays, 7:30 a.m., St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th St., Sarasota. A signer will be present. 941-955-3934.

Novena of life to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, first Fridays after 11 a.m. Mass, St. Joseph Parish, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton. Ada Feldman, 941-755-3951.

Tridentine Latin Mass, first and third Sundays, 5:30 p.m., Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. Information: 239-481-7171.

Tridentine Latin Mass, Sacred Heart Parish, 1505 12th Ave. W., Bradenton, first Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Information: 941-748-2221.

Tridentine Latin Mass, St. Martha Parish, 200 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, Sundays, 1:30 p.m.; weekdays, noon, beginning Sept. 17; holy days on civil holidays, 1:30 p.m.; holy days on regular workdays, 12:45 p.m.; on first Fridays, 12:45 p.m.; on first Saturdays, 9:15 a.m. Information: 941-366-4210.

SUPPORT

To report an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by someone working or volunteering in the church, call Barbara DiCocco, victim assistance minister, 941-416-6114. She returns calls within 24 hours and coordinates assistance for the immediate pastoral care of victims while respecting the privacy of those who seek assistance.

To talk to someone about domestic violence, call Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence hotline, 1-800-500-1119.

Struggling after abortion? Project Rachel, a confidential healing ministry for women and men who have been touched by abortion, can help. Call Project Rachel in Florida, toll-free, 1-877-908-1212, or e-mail project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org.

Caregivers support group, Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m., St. Cecilia Parish, 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers. 239-936-3635.

Courage group for men and women in the Diocese of Venice with same-sex attractions who desire to lead a chaste life meets biweekly. The diocese-sanctioned, sacrament-oriented meetings seek to mutually strengthen Christian spirituality. Confidentiality and anonymity are assured. 239-910-0189 or 239-479-7698. All inquiries are welcome.

Catholic Charities offers professional, affordable counseling services in Lee, Sarasota and Collier counties. For more information, call 239-274-0757 in Lee County; 941-379-9111 in Sarasota County; and 239-455-2655 in Collier County.

Suicide survivors’ support group, first Fridays, 3-4:30 p.m., Epiphany Cathedral Parish library, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. All welcome. Facilitated by Beverly Zeiss, R.N. 941-484-3505.

Bereavement support groups:

• Sacred Heart Parish center, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda, Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m. 941-639-3957.

• Epiphany Cathedral Parish library, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, second and fourth Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m.

• San Marco Parish office, 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island, Fridays, 1 p.m., 239-394-5181.

• St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, fourth Wednesdays, 2 p.m., 239-774-4025.

• St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., 239-566-7604.

• St. Ann Parish chapel, 985 Third St. S., Naples, first and third Tuesdays, 4 p.m., 239-732-7283.

• St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, first Mondays, 7 p.m., 239-566-8740.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 1 p.m., Thursdays, St. Columbkille Parish, 12171 Iona Road, Fort Myers. 239-489-3973. Alanon and Alateen, for families and friends of alcoholics, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, or Alanon 1 p.m., Thursdays.

Divorced and separated groups:

• Zacchaeus House, St. Joseph Parish, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton, second and fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m. 941-795-6644 or 941-748-9962.

• St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, 239-261-1876.

• St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, Sundays, 2 p.m. Xiomara Portal, 239-200-8881.

Are you in a marriage the Catholic Church does not recognize as valid? Have you or the person you hope to marry been previously married and divorced? The Tribunal for the Venice Diocese can help. Contact your parish or the Tribunal, 941-484-9543.

LAY/SECULAR COMMUNITIES

Lay Cistercian group forming, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 13031 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: Sister Lillian Shank, 863-983-6067.

Third Order Our Lady of Mount Carmel Lay Carmelites, first Saturdays, 8-11 a.m., Our Lady of Grace Parish, 595 E. Main St., Avon Park. All are welcome. Frances, 863-382-0275, or Dolores, 863-382-9492.

St. Joseph Chapter of the Dominican Laity, second Thursdays, newcomers, 2 p.m.; professed 3 p.m., St. Thomas More Parish Chelsea Center, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. All are welcome. Peggy Hanifin, 941-923-8188; Georgina Caso, 941-778-3858; or Gene Willis, 941-426-3427.

St. Clare Fraternity of the Secular Franciscans, fourth Sundays, noon-3 p.m., St. William Parish, 750 Seagate Drive, Naples. All are welcome. Bill Roche, 239-642-3735, or dbroche@comcast.net.

Father Solanus Casey Fraternity of Secular Franciscans, third Sundays, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. All are welcome. Julie Bridge, 941-726-7926.

St. Andrew Secular Franciscan Order, third Sundays, 1 p.m., St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral. All are welcome. Lori, 239-768-2919, or Susan, 239-656-1995.

Portiuncula Fraternity of Secular Franciscans, third Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, 6600 Pennsylvania Ave., Sarasota. All are welcome. Marie, 941-355-8684, or http://portiuncula.home.comcast.net.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteer signer needed for the hearing impaired who attend ongoing multimedia Bible study focusing on the Gospel of Matthew, Sacred Heart Parish, 1505 12th Ave. W., Bradenton. Contact: Frank Kramer, 941-776-3787.

St. Vincent de Paul, Naples, needs volunteers. Meals-on-Wheels delivers meals to the homebound infirm and elderly. Carol, 239-775-0443. The thrift stores in Naples and Bonita offer fun while working as cashier, sorter or pricer. Paul, 239-775-2907.

Our Mother's House, a home to support pregnant women and teens in Venice, needs male and female volunteers of all ages for child care, office/clerical assistance, maintenance/cleaning and organizing fundraising events. 941-485-6264.

Do you wish to do your part of the church’s peace and social justice ministry? No meetings to attend. No cost. Just register as an advocate. Send your name, e-mail and mailing address to: Peace and Justice Office, Diocese of Venice, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285 or e-mail: peace&justice@dioceseofvenice.org. Call 941-484-9543.

Volunteers needed with counseling, social work or case management experience for the Gabriel Project to do one-on-one counseling with pregnant women. 941-484-9543, ext. 3045.

Faith and action: Become a registered social justice advocate with the Peace and Justice Office of the Diocese of Venice. No cost. Help bring Gospel values and Catholic social teaching to public policy matters. Send name, address, telephone number, e-mail and parish or Catholic organization to Peace and Justice Office, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, e-mail:raynor@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-484-9543.

Ecological justice: Do you have a special interest in the care of God's earth according to the principles of Catholic social teaching? Join the diocesan commission on environmental justice issues, sponsored by the Peace and Justice Office of the Diocese of Venice. Contact Neil Michaud or Mary Raynor, Peace and Justice Office, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, e-mail: raynor@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-484-9543.

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