----New Mass Schedule ----

Effective November 1, 2021-May 31 2022

Saturday:        Vigil Mass 4:00PM

Sunday:      7:30AM; 9:00AM & 11:00AM

Daily Masses will remain unchanged

Monday- Saturday AM at 8:30AM

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Please see below for updated information on Mass and Covid-19

May 14, 2021

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the Risen Lord! As Holy Mother Church approaches the Solemnity of Pentecost, it is my prayer that you, the Faithful of the Diocese of Venice, may be filled with the graces of the Holy Spirit.

With this letter, I wish to address the face covering and distancing policy at Mass and Parish gatherings in the Diocese of Venice. As you are aware, on May 13, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided updated guidance for vaccinated individuals with regards to face masks and distancing. Under the new guidance, those who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks or physically distance except where required by law.

In accordance with the new CDC guidance and effective immediately, masks and distancing will no longer be required at Mass in the Diocese of Venice. Masks remain encouraged and certainly permitted, particularly for those who are not yet vaccinated. Masks will no longer be required for Parish group activities or other Parish gatherings.

For those who have children in a Catholic School or Parish religious education program, and due to only recent age eligibility for vaccines for some of these age groups, the CDC has said that masking is a key strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools. Thus, for the remainder of this academic year, masks will continue to be required. This will be reviewed with the close of the school year.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all try to live in the context of the Pandemic and to be evermore mindful of our brothers and sisters around us who may be vulnerable, for whatever reason.

This opportunity is taken to extend to you the assurances of my continued consideration, as well as my prayers for you and your family.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+ Frank J. Dewane

Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida

April 9, 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

    They devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers (Acts 2: 42).
        This Scripture passage reminds us that the Easter Season is an apt time to renew our fidelity to those essential actions that define us as the Body of Christ. Preeminent among these activities is gathering with the Church to celebrate the Most Holy Eucharist on Sundays and Holy Days.
        In March of last year, because of the many unknowns that came with the Covid-19 Pandemic, and to protect the most vulnerable among us. after consultation I decided to take the unprecedented step of suspending public Masses and granting a general dispensation to the Catholic Faithful of the Diocese of Venice from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Together with our fellow citizens, I urged Catholics to exercise caution to protect the health of all. I thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.
        As the Faithful returned to in-person worship when restrictions were loosened, the Diocese’s Clergy and
Faithful performed exceptional service in maintaining safety protocols. In recent weeks as vaccines have become available, the news in Florida is encouraging. even more members of the Faithful have returned to our Parishes for Sunday Mass. Our Holy Week and Easter Liturgies were particularly edifying examples of commitment to Christ and the Eucharist. Furthermore, life in Southwest Florida has returned to some level of normalcy; restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues are open, and people of all ages seem willing to return to ordinary activities.
        It is apparent that circumstances now allow almost all Catholics to attend Mass safely. Therefore, beginning May 1,2021 the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation will be lifted in the Diocese of Venice.
        At the same time, the Faithful should note this obligation does not apply to those who are ill, or others as
outlined in the revised guidelines accompanying this letter. The revised guidelines adjust safety protocols to
acknowledge that most Catholics can return to in-person worship at their Parish churches.
        During this year dedicated to St. Joseph, the Faithful are encouraged to turn to his intercession for protection and courage. Let us he mindful in prayer of those who are no longer with us and those who continue in their recovery. May God bless you and your family.

                                            Sincerely yours in Christ,
                                            + Frank J. Dewane
                                            Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida


Please note the updated guidelines:
The following persons are not obligated to attend Mass:
• Those who are ill, confined to their home, hospital, or nursing facility as well as those who care for them,
• Those who have reason to believe they were recently exposed to Covid-19,
• Those who have underlying health conditions or are in a high-risk category,
• and those who have a reasonable fear or anxiety of becoming ill if they attend Mass.