Florida Catholic | Bishop Dewane's Column

Quasi-Parish of Ave Maria Oratory established

Published: 04.04.08

ED FOSTER JR. | FC
Bishop Frank J. Dewane greets the clergy and faithful after dedicating Quasi-Parish of Ave Maria Oratory.

The Diocese of Venice welcomes Quasi-Parish of the Ave Maria Oratory. The oratory celebrated its dedication and inaugural Mass March 31.

The dedication of the 104-foot oratory culminates the process to welcome the quasi-parish, equivalent to a parish, which will provide pastoral care for the students, faculty and staff of Ave Maria University and the residents of Ave Maria town.

The local bishop has the authority to establish the quasi-parish or parish, and church law requires that before such establishment the bishop consult the presbyteral council, deanery priests and the pastors of neighboring parishes.

Since the university was established, the pastoral care for students and faculty was provided and the priests serving the university campus received faculties to administer the sacraments to students and provide spiritual guidance to enrich their lives in the Catholic faith.

As the faithful of this new quasi-parish, the students, faculty and residents of the town will have a place of worship, not only to participate in the holy Eucharist, but to receive all other sacraments and enrich their spiritual life, including the moral values of faith and devotions. The Eucharist is the center of our faith, the real presence of the Lord.

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Quasi-Parish of Ave Maria Oratory established

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