About Us
OUR MISSION,
VISION AND VALUES
Our Mission: In devotion and adherence to the teachings of Jesus and the Catholic Church, we seek to serve and empower ALL in need regardless of race, nationality, or religion.
Our Vision: Inspired by the presence of God in our midst, we will become the provider of solace, support, and sustenance to ALL who seek our help.
Our Values: Compassion, integrity, and empathy in the service and treatment of clients and employees. Effectiveness and efficiency in the fight against social injustices and oppression in all its forms. Recognition of the dignity and worth of each individual.
OUR HISTORY
Our Bishop
Most Reverend Bishop Frank J. Dewane serves as the spiritual leader of approximately 250,000 Catholics in the 10-county Diocese of Venice in Florida. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006 as the second Bishop of the Diocese.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane was named Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida by Pope Benedict XVI on April 25, 2006, and on January 19, 2007, he was installed in his current role as Bishop of the Diocese.
In addition to holding a degree from the University of Wisconsin, Bishop Dewane also completed studies at The American University in Washington, D.C., as well as from Pontifical Gregorian University and Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, both in Rome.
Prior to entering the seminary, Bishop Dewane worked for the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in Moscow, Russia, and then for a subsidiary of PepsiCo in New York City.
Ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Green Bay in 1988, Bishop Dewane was appointed in 1991 to serve as a member of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York City, during which time he represented the Holy See at several international conferences. In 1995, he was transferred to the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum” and was later appointed Under Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
Bishop Dewane serves on the Ad Hoc Committee against Racism, and Subcommittee for the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Bishop Dewane previously served on several committees at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops including the Committee for Domestic Justice and Integral Human Development (past Chair), Committee for International Justice and Peace.
Bishop Dewane is a member of the Board of Directors of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land, and is the Episcopal Liaison for Catholic Charities, USA.
To learn more about the Diocese of Venice in Florida Click Here
current milestones
In recent years, the Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice has experienced a remarkable expansion, marked by its robust disaster response efforts after Ian and the tremendous growth of its mission and impact. With a renewed focus on our mission and impact, as well as disaster preparedness and response, the organization has been able to assist a greater number of individuals and communities over the past several years. The diocese has witnessed a substantial increase in the number of people served, as well as the overall impact of their programs and initiatives. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the community, Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice has emerged as a leading force in providing essential support and assistance to those in need.
2000 era
When the Diocese of Venice was established, there was already a significant social ministry initiative underway in Naples. Catholic Social Services of Collier County had a longstanding, dedicated team and a well-governed structure with an active board of directors. The board consisted of local citizens who embraced an ecumenical approach and were deeply connected to the community. The dynamic social ministry program in Collier County served as a catalyst for the expansion of Catholic Charities throughout the diocese in the early 2000's. Arthur Granzier, an administrator from Miami's Catholic Charities, was entrusted with overseeing the Naples agency. Recognizing his expertise, Bishop Nevins appointed Granzier as the inaugural executive director of the newly formed Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.
1984
After Most Reverend John J. Nevins was appointed the first Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida in 1984, attention turned to forming a Catholic Charities organization. The boundaries of an agency generally follow those of a diocese. Therefore, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. was established to cover the ten counties of Manatee, Hardee, Highland, DeSoto, Lee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Glades. Documents were filed with the Secretary of State on December 18, 1984, less than two months after the diocese was established.
CODE OF ETHICS
Catholic Charities USA is the national office for over 1,700 Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide. As a member of the national organization, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. has adopted the national Code of Ethics. View the Code of Ethics. To learn more about Catholic Charities USA visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.