Florida Catholic | Diocese of Venice News Briefs

Leaven Conference to address health care

Published: 02.22.08

Since Pope John XXIII’s “Christianity and Social Progress,” written in 1961, the church fathers have identified health care as a basic human right. The Catholic Health Association of America has advocated for plans that are consistent with the church’s social and moral teachings. Faithful are invited to attend workshops on health care led by Jeff Tieman and Ron Hamel of Catholic Health Association of America during the 14th annual Leaven Conference. The event features seminars on various peace and social justice topics, and will be held at San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte Saturday, March 15. The keynote speaker will be Sister Helen Prejean, Sisters of St. Joseph, author of “Dead Man Walking.”

Registration forms for the conference are available online at Leaven Conference. Faithful can also register at their parish offices and at the diocesan Peace and Justice Office at 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice. For more information, call 941-484-9543 or e-mail peace&justice@dioceseofvenice.org.

St. Francis Xavier students win college scholarships

Published: 02.22.08

St. Francis Xavier School eighth-grader Anastasia Kuchta and sixth-grader Jerrick Ignacio each won four-year scholarships to Florida Gulf Coast University. Anastasia and Jerrick both placed first in the recent Thomas Alva Edison Regional Science Fair. The two also won other prizes, including CD players and a trip to a state science competition.

The following students from St. Francis Xavier School were also recognized during the regional science fair: Gabriel Thorn-Hauswirth, Nicolo Martina, Julie Deslauriers, Madeline Traverse, Ryan Grimm, Claire Munizza, Deanna Pavese and Brianna Reynolds.

Early learning center holds fundraiser

Published: 02.22.08

St. Martha’s Early Learning Center, a Catholic Charities program providing affordable, quality child care for the working class community, is selling coupon books for $20. The coupons are good for local restaurants, entertainment and retail centers. Proceeds will benefit the center at 1658 Fourth St., Sarasota. For more information, contact Elizabeth Williams, Vanessa Walters or Georgia de la Rosa at 941-366-1395, or e-mail stmarthas@verizon.net.

Dreams Are Free School to host open house

Published: 02.22.08

Dreams Are Free at Bishop Nevins Academy, a school for children with learning disabilities, will hold an open house Feb. 24 from noon to 2 p.m.

The school is at 4380 Fruitville Road, on the corner of McIntosh. Interested families are invited to tour the school, and information about curriculum, the John McKay Scholarship program and admissions will be available. Registrations are now being accepted for the 2008-2009 school year. Please call 941-366-4010, ext. 310, for information or visit www.dreamsarefree.org.

Fundraisers to support Catholic Charities

Published: 02.22.08

The seventh annual wine tasting and dinner to benefit Our Mother’s House, a Catholic Charities post-birth home for single women, will be held Feb. 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice. The event will feature Chinese, silent and live auctions. Tickets are $45 per person.

Our Mother’s House is committed to helping homeless mothers and their preschool children attain self-sufficiency. All funds raised at the event will be used to ensure that the mothers and children receive the support and services they need. For tickets or sponsorship information, please call 941-485-6264 or e-mail ourmothershouse@comast.net.

Also save the date for the sixth annual “Boots and Bandannas” dinner and dance fundraiser for Catholic Charities of DeSoto County. The event will be held March 8 at Mission Valley Country Club, 1851 Mission Valley Blvd., Laurel. The evening features guest of honor Bishop Frank J. Dewane, as well as a silent auction, dinner and dancing. For more information, call Catholic Charities of Desoto County at 863-494-1068.

Naples mayor supports Catholic schools

Published: 02.22.08

At St. Ann School in Naples Feb. 7, City Councilman John F. Sorey delivered a message from Mayor Bill Barnett regarding Catholic schools. The message complimented the contributions of Catholic schools because they produce students who are dedicated to their faith, values, families and communities. Catholic schools provide a stimulating intellectual environment, rich in spiritual character and moral development, the message read.

Sorey read the mayor’s message during a family picnic held during Catholic Schools Week at St. Ann. Superintendent of Catholic Schools Rosemary Bratton was also present and thanked parents for their support and continual encouragement for their children as they grow in the love of Jesus Christ.

Return to Diocese of Venice Front Page

Leaven Conference to address health care

St. Francis Xavier students win college scholarships

Early learning center holds fundraiser

Dreams Are Free School to host open house

Fundraisers to support Catholic Charities

Naples mayor supports Catholic schools

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