This weekend, March 6 & 7, we will welcome Rami Qumsieh, a representative from the Christians of the Holy Land, who will speak at all the Masses on the topic of the Christian identity of the Holy Land.

The Christian situation in the Holy Land is dire. Less than 70 years ago they were a strong and vibrant 30% of the population. That percentage has now dropped down below 1.5%. There are several factors involved, not the least of which is economics. Traditionally, the Christian community relied on the services offered for pilgrims as a main source of income, who in turn conducted commerce with each other. Now, olive wood items/carvings represent the only tangible product they produce and can export.

Christians of the Holy Land graciously asks your support through prayers and the purchase of these special religious art pieces. Proceeds of the sales generate much needed employment and cash flow for the Christian community in Bethlehem. Mr. Qumsieh will have many of these beautiful pieces for sale after the Vigil Masses on Saturday and after all Masses on Sunday. Checks, cash and credit cards will be accepted.  Please make checks payable to  Christians of the Holy Land.

This weekend, March 6 & 7, Epiphany Cathedral is taking a bold step to help families by celebrating Safe Haven Sunday. This awareness day will provide access to practical resources that any caring adult can use to protect themselves and our young people from online risks. Please join us with your prayers and presence as we prepare for this unique event. To learn more, please visit https://cleanheart.online/diocese-venice-0 or contact Carrie Harkey, Coordinator of Family Life at 941-484-9543, ext. 3019 or email: harkey@dioceseofvenice.org.

Mass Intentions for 2022 are available to purchase online. A credit card and an email are required for online purchase. Please see instructions listed below for online requests. You can also come to the Parish Office to request Mass Intentions. Please note, cash or check is preferred for in-person ordering.

The stipend requested is $10 per intention. There is a reservation maximum of 5 intentions per person. Per Canon Law, only one mass intention is permitted per mass. Please contact the Parish Office at 941-484-3505 with any questions.

Click HERE for On-Line Mass Intentions and follow the instructions below:
1. At the top right hand corner of the screen, click the drop down menu to pick the month in 2022 for the mass intention
2. Click on one of the BLUE “Intention Available” box on the date and time for the mass intention (if the time box is gray, that time is no longer available)
3. Fill in required fields and click “Add to Cart”
4. Once all intentions are in Cart (reservation max of 5 intentions), go to your Cart at top right of the screen to check out
5. Proceed to Payment and complete requested information; Click “Save and Continue”
6. You will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours

If you have questions, please contact the Parish Office at 941-484-3505.

Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021, and Good Friday, April 2, 2021, are days of fast and
abstinence. All Fridays of Lent are also days of abstinence from meat.
Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics between the ages
of 18 years and 59 years (inclusive). On a fast day one full meal is allowed. Two smaller meals,
sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they
should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.
If possible, the fast on Good Friday is to continue until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as
the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to
share more fully and to celebrate more readily His Resurrection.
Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics who are 14 years of age and older on
Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent, including Good Friday.
Note: If a person is unable to observe the above regulations due to ill health or other serious
reasons, they are urged to practice other forms of self-denial that are suitable to their condition.
Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent. The faithful and
catechumens should undertake these practices seriously in a spirit of penance and of preparation
for baptism or of renewal of baptism at Easter.