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Florida Catholic July 3-9, 2020
YOUR VENICE COMMUNITY
BOB REDDY
of the Florida Catholic staff
NAPLES A Prayer Chain Against Racism seeking to affirm the equality and dignity of every human person was held in Naples June 28, 2020. The prayer chain was sponsored by the Catholic Parishes of Naples and brought out many on a steamy afternoon. There were no talks or speech- es, as people of all ages gathered to pray while seeking an end to rac- ism in America as well as calling for peace and unity for all, as more than 100 people, including several area priests, participated. The gathering was held on the west side of Tamiami Trail North (US 41) from Pine Ridge Road (near St. William Parish) as par- ticipants spread out to maintain social distancing southward more than a quarter of a mile as they held up signs or prayed the rosary. Signs provided by St. Elizabeth Seton Parish included: "RACISM is a SIN against HUMANITY," "If You Want PEACE work for JUS- TICE" and "ALL Colors in the Image of GOD," which featured an image of four hands of differ- ent colors held together to form a strong bond. Vehicles passing by honked their horns in support. Some who were stopped at the nearby traf- fic light asked why everyone was there. "We want to end racism," one woman shouted back. "We are praying for God's love to heal the world," another said. Still an- other added, "We are all God's children." Representatives, including sev- eral priests from the Parishes in Naples - St. William, St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Agnes, St. Peter the Apos- tle, St. Ann. St. Finbarr and St. John the Evangelist - were present. A statement of purpose was cre- ated for the prayer chain, which begins: "We Catholics of Collier County are standing by the road- side on June 28 in silent witness to the reality of racism in our coun- try and, as people of Faith, to wit- ness to the equality and dignity of every human person. We pray that God will transform the hearts of all people in our nation, including our own hearts, to see every hu- man person as a brother and sister of inestimable worth." Pope Francis spoke follow- ing the Memorial Day murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the resulting social unrest in the United States and worldwide. He condemned the death and called for an end to racism. In a June 9, 2020, letter to the Faithful from Bishop Frank J. Dewane about racism and social unrest, he stated: "The Church, Her leaders and the Faithful have an important role in confronting the sin of racism- Responding to the call to defend human dignity, the Church must raise Her voice against every instance of the evil of racism. I add my voice and con- demn racism in all its forms."
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PRAYERS
Prayer to Overcome Racism
Mary, friend and mother to all, through your Son, God has found a way to unite himself to every human being, called to be one people, sisters and brothers to each other. We ask for your help in calling on your Son, seeking forgiveness for the times when we have failed to love and respect one another. We ask for your help in obtaining from your Son the grace we need to overcome the evil of racism and to build a just society. We ask for your help in following your Son, so that prejudice and animosity will no longer infect our minds or hearts but will be replaced with a love that respects the dignity of each person. Mother of the Church, the Spirit of your Son Jesus warms our hearts: pray for us. Amen.
Oracin para superar el racismo
Mara, amiga y madre de todos, a travs de tu Hijo Dios ha encontrado un camino para unirse a todos los seres humanos, llamados a ser un solo pueblo, hermanas y hermanos entre s. Pedimos tu ayuda al recurrir a tu Hijo, buscando el perdn por las veces en que hemos fallado en amarnos y respetarnos. Pedimos tu ayuda para obtener de tu Hijo la gracia que necesitamos para vencer el mal del racismo y construir una sociedad justa. Pedimos tu ayuda para seguir a tu Hijo, para que el prejuicio y la animosidad no infecten ya nuestras mentes o corazones sino que sean reemplazados por el amor que res- peta la dignidad de cada persona. Madre de la Iglesia, el Espritu de tu Hijo Jess alienta nuestros cora- zones: Ruega por nosotros. Amn.
Copyright 2018, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. www.usccb.org/racism
Prayer Chain Against Racism held in Naples
STAFF REPORT
VENICE The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass has been extended through at least Sept. 1, 2020, due to the ongoing impacts of the CO- VID-19 pandemic. At the same time Bishop Frank J. Dewane continues to thank the Faithful of the Dio- cese for following health and safety guidelines by the wearing of face coverings and maintaining social distancing. This announcement was made by Bishop Dewane in a June 26, 2020, letter to the Faithful. "Catho- lics are encouraged to stay at home if ill or are not comfortable return- ing to public gatherings for the cel- ebration of Mass." The decision, Bishop Dewane wrote, comes after consultation with priests of the Diocese and the decisions addressed will allow ev- eryone to remain focused on the health and well-being of the Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese, as well as those in the larger community, as we move forward. (Visit www. dioceseofvenice.org to read the Bishop's letter.) The decisions were also based on the reality that while restrictions due to the pandemic have been somewhat lessened and, at the same time, confirmed cases are on the rise in Florida. The Faithful of the Diocese of Venice are to be commended for their cooperation and compassion during these difficult times. We are all in this together, and your support and assistance are needed and deeply appreciated," the letter states. The letter also addresses the use of face coverings during Mass, which remains an essential part of the protocols for remaining open. While the wearing or not wear- ing of masks has become a politi- cal statement for some, the letter states, "face coverings are essen- tial because of the guidance that wearing a mask lessens the likeli- hood of transmission of the virus. Therefore, I ask for your coopera- tion in wearing masks, particularly at Mass and any public gathering at your Parish. Please consider the use of face coverings a mandatory step taken in genuine concern for the wellbeing of our brothers and sisters in Christ." Lastly, the letter notes that Pas- tors/Administrators have been asked to use their discretion as to whether small groups who are gath- ering for prayer or to coordinate ministries may meet safely while at the same time ensuring that guid- ance for face coverings and social distancing be observed. However, the letter continues to
Bishop Dewane extends dispensation for Sunday Mass
note that it is not yet time for large groups to assemble for social or fra- ternal purposes to meet safely. Let us remember the impor- tance of prayer for those who are affected by the coronavirus and for a quick end to the threat associated with the virus. Be assured that Our Merciful Father hears and answers our prayers." Bishop Dewane concluded the letter expressing his empathy with the difficulties being experienced by everyone during these uncertain times, but to always remember to stand united to safeguard the well- being of all, including the larger community.
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SUNDAY TELEVISED MASS
The Televised Mass for the Homebound is available through- out the Diocese Sundays. In Mana- tee, Highlands, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto and Charlotte counties the Mass airs on television at 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Collier, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Charlotte coun- ties) the Mass airs at 10:30 a.m., on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). This same Mass can be found at www.dioceseofven- ice.org/tvmass.
PARISH DONATIONS
Parishes face increased risk of financial shortfalls due to the CO- VID-19 pandemic, and depend on weekly financial gifts to continue their ministries, especially in this critical time of crisis. The Diocese of Venice encourag- es the Faithful to support their Par- ish online at www.dioceseofvenice. org/ways-to-give/parish-dona- tions-online or through their usu- al channels (e.g., envelopes, and through the Parish online giving option).
More than 100 participated in the June 28, 2020 Prayer Chain Against Racism along U.S. 41 in Naples and organized by Catholic Parishes in Collier County. (BOB REDDY FC)
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