Bishop Dewane to ordain priest
VENICE — Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Venice, will ordain Transitional Deacon Alan J. Baldarelli Jr. to the Priesthood on Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W.
“This is one of the most beautiful and often unseen Sacraments in the Church,” Dewane said. “The Diocese of Venice is blessed that, year after year, men are hearing the call of the Lord, and responding . ... It is a life-changing, lifelong, commitment, and priests, especially new priests, need the support and encouragement of the faithful.”
A reception will follow in the Parish Center. The Ordination will also be livestreamed via the Cathedral Facebook page at facebook.com/epiphanycathedral and at the Cathedral website (epiphanycathedral.org).
Baldarelli discerned his vocation for more than seven years in seminary and as a Transitional Deacon at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte. Baldarelli also served as a seminarian at Holy Cross in Palmetto, St. Paul in Arcadia, St. William in Naples, Our Lady Queen of Heaven in Labelle, and Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.
“I grow to enjoy each day and count the blessings God continues to pour out upon me and all his faithful,” Baldarelli said. “A common prayer among my classmates has been that we become good and holy priests. This sounds simple enough, but it will prove a lifetime to fulfill, and I look forward to it with great joy.”
Parishioners are encouraged to help support Diocesan seminarians in their studies and choice of vocation. To contribute to the education of seminarians, visit dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give or send a check to the Diocese of Venice, Office of Vocations, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285.
For more information about the seminarians or vocations, contact the Diocese’s Director of Vocations, Father Sean Roser, at roser@dioceseofvenice.org. The Diocese of Venice includes 61 parishes, 15 schools and serves an estimated 250,000 Catholics in 10 counties. Visit dioceseofvenice.org.
Submitted by Karen Schwarz