Upcoming Important events within the Diocese

 Pope’s August 2025 prayer intention: For mutual coexistence​ 
​Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious, or ideological reasons."

---

Ukraine Relief

As the world continues to pray for peace and for the victims of the war in Ukraine, the Diocese of Venice has made it possible for the faithful to support charitable relief and assist in providing humanitarian aid, as well as necessary recovery efforts. Donations may be sent to the Diocese of Venice, with “Ukraine” indicated in the memo or note line at the following address: Diocese of Venice in Florida, Ukraine Relief, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/ and click the donate button. Also, please keep the people of the Ukraine in your prayers. ​

​Together in Holiness Marriage Enrichment Conference –

 Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites all Catholic married couples to join him at the Diocese’s fifth annual Marriage Enrichment Conference on October 18 at St. John XXIII in Fort Myers. Engaged couples are also welcome!  The Marriage Conference, “Family, A School of Love,” presents a unique opportunity to share a day dedicated to prayer, conversation, and reflection on the sacred vocation of marriage together with your spouse.  Grow together in holiness and receive guidance and tips for how to strengthen your marriage and form your children in the Catholic faith! Registration is now open!  This event will sell out, so register early. To learn more, and to register, visit www.togetherinholiness.org/venice.  Questions?  Contact Jim Gontis, [email protected], 941-486-4754.

Day of Reflection for Sacramental Marriage -

Day of Reflection for Sacramental Marriage - Couples preparing for Sacramental Marriage in the Catholic Church are encouraged to attend a Day of Reflection either Saturday, September 20 at St. John the Evangelist's Pulte Hall, 625 111th Ave. North in Naples or Saturday, November 8 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Dr. in Venice. From 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. a specially prepared volunteer team of married couples, and a priest, share their experiences and information, enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. The $60 registration fee includes all retreat materials and lunch. Registration is required. Contact James Gontis for more information at [email protected] or 941-484-9543, ext. 4754.

Walking with Moms in Need

Many parishes are actively promoting the Walking with Moms in Need program to help parishioners know to send pregnant women in need to their local pregnancy help center. If you haven’t yet ordered prayer cards, business cards or posters (as shown at www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife), a small supply is still available. Contact Jeanne Berdeaux at [email protected] or 941-374-1068 to place an order. Bulletin ads are available online. For guidance for Parish staff or a volunteer coordinator, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux.

​​Save the date! Rosary Congress 2025 –

​Save the date! Rosary Congress 2025 – The Diocese of Venice will host its annual Rosary Congress October 4-10, 2025, with a growing number of Parishes throughout the Diocese participating.  The theme of this year’s Rosary Congress is My Soul Magnifies the Lord (Luke 1:46). The Rosary Congress begins with the celebration of daily Mass and ends with Mass at the same time the next day.  During these designated 24 hours, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for perpetual Adoration, and the five decades of the Rosary are prayed by the faithful every hour, on the hour.  Many Parishes will also have Confession available.  Stay tuned for a list of participating Parishes, and how you can be part of this beautiful opportunity to adore and grow closer to our Lord. For more information, contact Jim Gontis, [email protected], 941-486-4754.

​

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].

​

**HEALING**

If you or someone you know has been affected by pregnancy loss, particularly through abortion, please contact Project Rachel for compassionate and experienced help and guidance.
All contact is confidential:
941.412.5860 (call or text in English or Espanol)
[email protected]

Sign Up for Digital Florida Catholic

​The Florida Catholic e-Edition is FREE! Keep up to date on the latest news from across the Diocese of Venice by signing up now for the weekly digital paper at https://dioceseofvenice.org/news/. The Florida Catholic also includes Catholic news from Florida, the U.S., and the Vatican. (Website and bulletin editors, please use this link for the latest e-Edition website: http://Venice.thefloridacatholic.org.) 

​

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. For further information, please 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.

Natural Family Planning Introductory Session –

 Learn about Natural Family Planning with a free introductory session. The Diocese of Venice supports the Creighton Model Fertility Care System, and free online training sessions are being offered by the St. Gianna Center for Women’s Health & Fertility Care. Remaining 2025 sessions include Thursday, August 14, Saturday, September 20, and Tuesday, October 21. Choose one that fits your schedule! The sessions are free, but registration is required. Register at bit.ly/SGIntroSession. For more information, visit stgiannacenter.com, or with questions, contact Jim Gontis, [email protected], 941-486-4754.

Become a Natural Family Planning Practitioner! ​​

  St. Gianna Center for Women’s Health & Fertility Care offers a Nationally Accredited Education Program for those wanting to become a Creighton Model Fertility Care Practitioner (FCP). The 13-month course is an empowering approach to women’s reproductive healthcare that is safe from side effects, is life-affirming, cost-effective, and clinically proven. Next class is Nov. 15, 2025, at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Gulfport, FL. Scholarships are available.  Contact Becky at 813-421-4625 or visit https://stgiannacenter.com/become-a-practitioner/ Questions? Contact Jim Gontis, [email protected], 941-486-4754. ​

Do You Need Help? ​

​If you need assistance from Catholic Charities for food, financial assistance, or tele-mental health counseling, please call 941-355-4680 in Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto/Hardee/Highlands Counties; 239-390-2928 in Charlotte/Lee/Hendry/Glades Counties; and 239-793-0059 in
Collier County between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm., Monday to Friday. 

​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, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information on this no fee service, please call 239-455-2655. 

---