November 2, 2007

Crafters wanted for holiday bazaar, Nov. 3, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples. Contact Dolly Morash, 239-775-9873.

Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center fundraising dinner, Nov. 6, Michael’s on East, 1212 East Ave. S. (Midtown Plaza), Sarasota. Information: pregnancy center, 941-330-2273.

Pregnancy Solutions fundraising banquet, Nov. 8, Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice. Table hosts needed to invite guests to dinner. One-time or monthly donations cover dinner and event. Information: Mary Jane, 941-408-7100.

St. Jude Parish fifth annual Hispanic festival, Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., 3930 17th St., Sarasota. Enjoy family time, music, food, games and other entertainment while supporting the parish. Information: 941-955-3934.

Ultimate flea market, Nov. 10, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 425 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Early birds can start shopping at 7:30 a.m. for 50 cents. Breakfast and lunch available for purchase. All proceeds benefit parish building fund. Information: Joyce, 941-966-9797.

Dreams Are Free School bluegrass barbecue fundraiser, Nov. 16, 6-9 p.m., 4380 Fruitville Road (corner of McIntosh and Fruitville roads), Sarasota. Proceeds support scholarship program of Dreams Are Free School, which serves children with learning disabilities. Tickets: $10. Information: 941-366-4010.

Our Lady of the Angels golf tournament, Nov. 16, River Club, 6600 River Club Blvd., Bradenton. Four-person scramble and dinner benefits Our Lady of the Angels Parish building debt. 11:30 a.m. check-in, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start, 6 p.m. dinner banquet and awards. Cost: $100 per person; different sponsorship levels available. Contact: Karen McClellan, 941-753-0193, Jim Shupe, 941-355-7441.

International fall festival, Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m., San Antonio Parish, 24445 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte. Food, crafts, live music and more. Tickets: $10. Information: 941-624-3799. BINGO

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. CONCERTS

"Songs and Stories: Our Friends on the Journey," spiritual concert with singer, composer and poet Sister Kathy Sherman, Nov. 30, 7 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 13031 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers. Donation: $15. Tickets: 239-728-3614. CONFERENCES/MEETINGS/LECTURES

The Great Adventure: 24-week Catholic Bible study with DVD lectures by Catholic teacher and speaker Jeff Cavins, San Antonio Parish, 24445 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte. Morning or evening classes. $70 (payment plan available). All are welcome. Contact: Madeline Miller, 941-743-1038, or Ron Miles, 941-764-1727.

The Great Adventure: Matthew, 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.

Southwest Florida Catholic Chamber of Commerce meeting Nov. 12, 7:30-9:00 a.m., St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1922 S.W. 20th Ave., Cape Coral. Bring business cards for networking. Businesses and ministries welcome from all parishes. Information: Angela, 239-652-1002, or angela@matteographics.com.

Council of Catholic Women lecture, Nov. 12, 12:30 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Parish hall, 2133 Heitman St., Fort Myers. Features Christian motivational speaker Lisa Sadler. Cost: $5 for lunch. Contact: Anna Rybicki, 239-303-2512, or rmr33936@embarqmail.com.

Advent adventure, to open hearts more deeply to the mystery of Advent and the Christmas season, Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi Parish center, 5265 Placida Road, Grove City. Features Sister Christa Cunningham, director of adult education at Epiphany Cathedral Parish in Venice. Free. Open to the public.

Retrouvaille/discovery weekend for troubled marriages, Nov. 16-18, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Information: 1-800-470-2230 or 239-395-0810. All inquiries kept confidential.

JustFaith workshop for justice education and spiritual formation, Dec. 1, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Epiphany Cathedral Parish, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. Presented by JustFaith founder Jack Jezreel. $15 by Nov. 16; $20 after Nov. 16; includes breakfast and lunch. Contact: Kathy Kirley, 941-484-9543, or Kirley@dioceseofvenice.org.

JustFaith graduate gathering with founder Jack Jezreel, Dec. 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. Columbkille Parish, 12171 Iona Road, Fort Myers. Contact: Kathy Kirley, 941-484-9543, or Kirley@dioceseofvenice.org. 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. MARRIAGE PREPARATION

One-day Pre-Cana conference, Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Myers. $65 per couple, includes breakfast and lunch. Family Life Office, 941-484-9543.

One-day Spanish marriage preparation, Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., St. Jude Parish, Sarasota. Frances, 941-955-3934.

One-day marriage preparation, Dec. 8, 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m., St. William Parish, Naples. $65 per couple; includes breakfast, lunch and materials. Michael Mahr, 941-261-4883. PRAYER/MINISTRY GROUPS

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.

Spiritual companioning is available at various locations throughout the diocese. Call Mother of God House of Prayer, 239-728-3614.

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 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.

St. John the Evangelist Parish/Naples Catholic Singles provides spiritual and social events for single adults between the ages of 30-50. To receive monthly calendar of events, contact Alexis, 239-793-7673, or Alexismichelangelo@yahoo.com; Karen, 239-352-1175; Catholic Singles voicemail, 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.

• “Come to the Water” series based on Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical, “God is Love,” Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., followed by Mass. $22 by Oct. 31; includes breakfast and lunch.

• Eleventh-step weekend, Nov. 16-18, to improve conscious contact with God, pray for his will and for the power to carry it out.

Mother of God House of Prayer Spiritual Renewal Center, 17880 Cypress Creek Road, Alva, 239-728-3614, www.moghop.com.

• “Longing for Spirituality: 12-Step Day of Reflection for Men,” 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sept. 29, presented by Marian O’Grady. Suggested donation: $25, includes coffee, pastry, beverages. Bring bag lunch.

• Introduction to centering prayer, Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., covers centering prayer basics. Donation: $25, includes coffee, pastry, beverages. Bring bag lunch.

• Coffee and contemplation, Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., prayer, reflection and time to just be. Donation: $15.

• Centering prayer retreat weekend, Nov. 9-11, group and individual prayer, with Thomas Keating video presentations. Donation: $150.

• "Longing To See Our Souls Anew," Nov. 17, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., presented by Sister Sallie Latkovitch. Donation: $25, includes coffee, pastry, beverages. Bring bag lunch.

Cenacle Spiritual Life Center, 1400 S. Dixie Highway, Lantana, 561-582-2534:

• “Come to the Quiet,” third of a three-part scriptural series on “In His Footsteps: Messengers of Peace,” Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., led by Franciscan Sister Brenda Rose Szegedy. $30, includes lunch.

• “Watchful Waiting,” Advent weekend retreat, Nov. 30-Dec. 2, led by Franciscan Father Jude Winkler. Full retreat: $175; commuters: $135.

• New Year’s Eve overnight celebration, Dec. 31, 7 p.m., led by Msgr. Ron Beshara, S.T.L., J.C.L. Overnight: $75; commuters: $55, includes dinner and brunch.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends, Nov. 16-18, Venice. Contact Ernie and Mary Bartels, 1-888-560-1854 or earnieandmaryme@aol.com. SPECIAL PRAYER SERVICES/MASSES

Mass with anointing of the sick, Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Parish chapel, 1301 Center Road, Venice. Rosary at 6:45 p.m., praise and worship music at 7 p.m., followed by Mass. All are welcome. No mass scheduled in December. Contact: Julie Bridge, 941-496-7997.

Holy Hour for an end to abortion, Dec. 7, 7-8 p.m., St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th St., Sarasota. Sponsored by parish respect life ministry. Information: 941-955-3934.

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.

“40 Days for Life” prayer vigil, through Nov. 4, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., outside Sarasota Planned Parenthood, Prospect Street, a block south of Bahia Vista, west of U.S. 41. Visit www.40daysforlife.com or call the diocesan respect life department at 941-441-1112.

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, St. Agnes Parish chapel, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, 8 a.m., Sundays, Aug.26-Oct. 28; 7 a.m., Sundays, Nov. 4-March 23, 2008 (tentative). The Tridentine Mass is tentatively scheduled to be celebrated at 8 a.m. beginning March 30, 2008.

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. 941-922-8690 or 941-228-8700. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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.

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.