Weekly eNews for

Feb 12, 2026

NEW THIS WEEK


MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM RECTOR


Ash Wednesday is February 18th. St. Monica's will have an Ash Wednesday service at noon that day. I commend it to you as a lovely way to start your Lent season.


On Ash Wednesday the liturgy includes an opportunity for those who wish to have their foreheads marked with the sign of the cross in ashes by the priest. As the ashes are imposed, the presider says to each person, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." It's a sobering moment. We acknowledge our mortality with the ashes, then we read Psalm 51, the great penitential psalm, in unison. We then move into the Litany of Penitence, where we confess at some length our sins and offenses. (We acknowledge our sins in the Confession every Sunday, but the occasion of Ash Wednesday asks us to go deeper.) We then celebrate Holy Eucharist. It's a quiet service, and an intense service. I think it's a unique day when we confess our sinfulness, we acknowledge our mortality with the ashes, and we celebrate Holy Communion together.


You will notice that the Ash Wednesday service begins very quietly with:


                        Presider:      Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

                        People:      His mercy endures for ever.


For the entire season of Lent, you will notice that the tenor of the liturgy changes. We enter a season of fasting and penitence, where more stress is placed on our sinfulness and our need for God's mercy. The music we have during Lent will be more somber than it was during Christmas and Epiphany. We observe silence at the beginning of the service, and we are asked to exit the church quietly at the end of the service. More silence is built into the Lent liturgies. Please join us as our worship together moves into the season of Lent, as we prepare for the coming of Easter and the Easter season. We will bring the "alleluias" back for Easter!



2025 PLEDGE STATEMENTS ARE SENT

All 2025 pledge statements were emailed on Friday, January 30. Parishioners without an email address on file had their statements mailed by U.S. mail the same day.


Due to an earlier error, the initial statements did not include gifts made to the Organ Fund. Corrected statements were sent later that afternoon, at approximately 5:30 PM EST on Friday, January 30. I have personally replied to everyone who has contacted me regarding this issue, and all corrected statements have been sent.


If you do not see the corrected statement, please check your junk or spam folder. These emails do not come from a stmonicasnaples.org address. They are generated directly from our ACS church management system, which can sometimes cause them to be filtered.


Please also note that several mailed statements were returned to us by the post office. If we do not have your email address or your mailing address is incorrect, you will need to contact the church office so we can update your information and reissue your 2025 pledge statement.


I will be out of the office from February 11 through February 17. During that time, if you are still experiencing issues or need immediate assistance, please email Joe Master, our Finance Director. He will be able to assist you while I am out. Otherwise, you are welcome to email me, and I will take care of it upon my return.


Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued generosity in support of St. Monica’s and its ministries.


OFFICE & eNEWS NOTICE 

Please note that I will be out of the office beginning


Wednesday, February 11, and plan to return on Tuesday, February 17.


also, the office will be closed on:


Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents Day.


During this time, any pledge related questions may be directed to Joe Master, our Finance Director. Any pastoral needs may be directed to Rev. Sylvia Czarnetzky or Rev. Ken McCaslin.


Thank you for your understanding.


JOIN THE CHOIR AS WE WELCOME OUR NEW ORGANIST

As you may know, our new Organist/Choirmaster, Allen Stock, will begin playing the organ and conducting the choir on March 1st. The choir is very excited to work with Allen and would love to recruit new members!


We currently rehearse on Thursday nights from 7pm to 8pm and on Sunday mornings at 9am. We would like you to consider joining us, since your contribution will be both meaningful to you and a valuable part of St. Monica’s liturgy, especially as we approach Lent and Easter.

If you would like to learn more about this wonderful opportunity, please approach any choir members or our Interim Music Director, Helen Tintes on Sunday (we generally finish rehearsal around 9:30). We will be happy to talk with you before or after the service!


ACOLYTE TRAINING

We are recruiting new acolytes for both the Saturday evening service and the Sunday morning service. We currently just have a few. It would be great if we could expand the roster, so to speak. I noticed that there are quite a few acolyte robes in the vesting closet – robes of various sizes. So if you’ve always wanted to be an acolyte, or if you have just decided you want to participate in the liturgy of St. Monica’s, let Rev. Sylvia or Rev. Ken know and we will schedule training for new acolytes.




THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

Thank you for your generosity and support of this month’s plate collection for The Healthy Earth Organization.


We are grateful to share that a total of $635.00 was collected across both services. Your gifts directly support programs that empower young people and their families to take meaningful action through sustainable practices, hands on learning, and community engagement here in Southwest Florida.


As a partner organization, The Healthy Earth Organization works with St. Monica’s through the Veggie Village Community Garden on our campus. Donations like yours help maintain the garden, support educational programs, and strengthen local food and environmental initiatives that benefit our wider community.


Thank you for making a tangible difference through your generosity.

For more information, visit thehealthyearth.org.


Questions may be directed to Heather Williamson.



NEWCOMER'S CLASS  – February 15th, 2026

Please join us for a NEWCOMER'S CLASS, starting Sunday, February 15 at 9 a.m. in the conference room in the Parish Hall.  The class will be led by the Interim Rector. There will be teaching as well as discussion each session, and each class will conclude by 9:45 so you can get to church. If you are interested, reach out to Sylvia or let the church office know. Please secure a copy of Welcome to the Episcopal Church by Christopher L. Weber from your preferred bookseller and join us! The class concludes on March 22. To be prepared, please read the first chapter of the book before the first meeting.


Here is a quick link to purchase on Amazon if you'd like


SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE DINNER

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 5:00 to 7:00 pm


Join us for a fun and festive Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church. This annual fundraiser is a wonderful way to gather as a parish on the eve of Lent and enjoy a delicious meal together.

Gluten free options will

be available upon request.


Location:

  St. Monica’s Episcopal Church

  7070 Immokalee Road

  Parish Hall


Cost:

  Adults: $10

  Children 10 &under: $5


Registration:

CLICK HERE to register and pay online,

  or you are welcome to pay by cash or

  check after the Saturday & Sunday services.


Payment Options:

  All forms of payment is accepted.   

   In person:  Cash or Check Only

  Online or in office: Cash / Check  /  Credit / Debt



All are Welcome.

We hope you will join us for a great evening

of food, fellowship, and celebration.

THINGS TO COME


THE ORDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING

February 21st & 22nd

After a summer of discernment of God’s Will, Rita Allan and Anita Lackey entered and completed the required three months of further discernment and study about The Order and are ready to take their lifetime vows for Membership in The Order of the Daughters of the King®️…the vows of Prayer, Service, and Evangelism. Each will receive the Cross of The Order which they promise to wear daily as a reminder of their vows. Please keep Rita and Anita in your prayers as they are now writing their personal Rule of Life, that consists of a Rule of Prayer and a Rule of Service.


The Service of Admission to The Order will be held on

Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the 5 p.m. liturgy

and will be repeated on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 10 a.m.


Please join us to pray and celebrate with them. Thank you and God bless you! 


NOTE:

More Information about The Order will appear in the weekly Announcements and eNews.


For His Sake, 

Toni Strong, Chapter President


LADIES & GENTS LUNCHEON  – March 9th, 2026

Join us for a fun afternoon out at Bonita Beach Balloon on Monday, March 9, at 12:30 PM.


We will be gathering at Bonita Beach Balloon, located at 9070 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs. Come enjoy great food, relaxed conversation, and good company in a casual setting.


Whether you are coming for lunch, fellowship, or both, we would love to have you join us for a cheerful and welcoming time together.


For more information contact Linda Duffy (link is connected to the church directory, be sure to be logged in).


POTLUCK SOCIAL - February 21

Join Us for a Parish Social on February 21


You are warmly invited to a parish social on Friday, February 21, immediately following the 5:00 PM service. Please note that this social will be held on a different weekend than usual.


This is a great opportunity to linger a little longer, enjoy good conversation, and spend time together as a parish community.


Whether you can stay for a few minutes or the whole evening, we hope you will join us for fellowship and connection after worship.


We look forward to seeing you there.You are warmly invited to a parish social on Friday, February 21, immediately following the 5:00 PM service. This is a great opportunity to linger a little longer, enjoy good conversation, and spend time together as a parish community.


Whether you can stay for a few minutes or the whole evening, we hope you will join us for fellowship and connection after worship.


We look forward to seeing you there.


STATIONS OF THE CROSS

STARTING FEB 20th, 2026

Stations of the Cross will begin on February 20 as we enter the season of Lent.


The Stations of the Cross are a traditional devotional practice that invites us to walk prayerfully with Jesus through the final moments of his life, from his condemnation to his burial. This practice has been part of the Church’s life for centuries, offering a meaningful way to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and to deepen our own prayer during Lent.


Beginning February 20, and each Friday during Lent a different station will be shared as part of our Lenten observance.


All are warmly invited to take part in this time of reflection, prayer, and shared worship as we journey together through the Lenten season.

CANCELLED EVENT

Dear Friends,


Due to unforeseen circumstances, the benefit concert on February 22 at St. Monica's Episcopal Church is postponed until a later date.


Best wishes,

Helen Tintes

DO YOU FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK?

If not, you’re missing out on all the fun things happening around St. Monica’s. Be sure to follow our page so you can stay connected with photos, events, and moments from our parish family.

COME PRAY WITH US

Your faith and scripture will come alive as we pray together. We invite you to spend a special hour with us each week.


All are welcome to gather in the church sanctuary every Tuesday at 10 am. We will praise God with song, read and pray with Scripture, share faith experiences, share intercessory prayer for our needs and the needs of others and also healing prayer.


For more information  contact Theresa Miller


NAME BADGES HELP KEEP ATTENDANCE

Please take a moment to find and wear your name tags because it makes it easier for visitors and other parishioners to recognize you by name and allows the office to note your attendance (a requirement for the Diocese). As you leave the church, please leave them in the baskets near the doors and they will be placed back on the board for pick up the following weekend.

REGULAR CHURCH GATHERINGS


Zoom Only

  • Contemplative Prayer: Wednesdays, 11am – Zoom


In-Person and Zoom 

  • Bible Study: Fridays, 9am – Library
  • Men's Book Group: Mondays, 9:30am – Conference Room


In-Person Only   

  • Prayer and Faith Sharing: Tuesdays, 10am – Church   
  • Ladies & Gents Luncheon: 2nd Monday, 12:30pm – Different locations   

Please call the church office at 239.591.4550 or email for the link and password to the Zoom meetings.

OFFERING ENVELOPES - Just as a Reminder

We are so grateful for your ongoing generosity and faithful giving. Every offering you give helps us continue the mission and ministry of St. Monica’s, and we truly appreciate it.


That said, we have a small but important request: please do not tape the flaps of your offering envelopes


As shown in the image, the envelope flaps are designed to stay closed once you seal them with the glue inside the flap. When tape is added, it makes it much harder for our office staff to open them quickly and carefully. It slows down the processing, increases the risk of tearing checks or cash inside, and adds extra steps to what is already a detailed task


We know the intention behind taping is likely to keep the contents secure, but we assure you the envelopes are kept safe and handled with care from plate to processing


Thank you for helping us by leaving the flap untaped, it’s a small act that makes a big difference.

A ST. MONICA'S PRAYER

Dear Friends,

 

In our Tuesday staff meeting we ended with St. Monica's prayer. It was for her son to return to the church. When he finally returned he became the future Saint and Bishop Augustine of Hippo who became a prominent Christian theologian and philosopher.

 

We thought we might share it with you:


St. Monica, I need your prayers. You know exactly how I'm feeling because you once felt it yourself. I'm hurting, hopeless, and in despair. I desperately want my child to return to Christ in his Church but I can't do it alone. I need God's help. Please join me in begging the Lord's powerful grace to flow into my child's life. Ask the Lord Jesus to soften his heart, prepare a path for his conversion, and activate the Holy Spirit in his life. Amen.

FEB. ANNIVERSARIES

2/1

Marc & Tanya Buck


2/2

Doug & Deb Blatz

Ralph & Julie Pike

Jim & Laura Stamper


2/5

James & Sue Lemons


2/8

Bill & Susan Docimo


2/20

Rob & Kathy Crevier

FEB. BIRTHDAYS

2/4

Jeff Gault


2/6

Susan Bench


2/7

Nancy Hennel


2/8

Lynn Swendeman


2/9

Jim Sarconi


2/11

Charlie Kalwinsky

Ralph Turley


2/12

Butch Yarusevich


2/13

Sue Adams

2/14

Ed Romatzick


2/15

Marciadee Newman


2/16

Marilynn Dessauer

Liam Freigang

Tom Gibson


2/21

Melanie Rose

Toni Strong


2/23

Gee-Gee Schilling


2/24

James York


2/25

Mark Giersch


PRAYERS & VISITS

PASTORAL CARE
If you go to or are going into the hospital, or your spouse, partner, or family member is experiencing a pastoral or health care issue, please contact the church office during office hours after hours please reach out to:  Deacon Ken McCaslin at 610.608.0704.

PASTORAL CARE MESSAGE

Your clergy are here to walk with you. Pastoral care is an important part of the ministry of the clergy, so please don't be shy! At any time reach out to one of us and we would be happy to talk to you, anoint you, pray with you, or walk with you. If something is going on medically or otherwise in your life, let us know. If you are going into the hospital, let us know ahead of time so we can visit, and, more importantly, be praying with and for you.

ACCESSING THE PRAYER LIST:
For the safety and privacy of our members, the Prayer List will no longer be viewable in the on the website nor added back to the eNews due to the public accessibility of both.

 

We understand how important this list is to our Church family, and we want to ensure you can still access it in the following ways:

 

1.   Online Access: Log in to our  Members Directory. Once logged in, click on "Additional Pages" and select "Prayer List".


2.   Printed Copies: Printed versions are available at any of our services or can be picked up from the front office.

 

Thank you for your understanding and support as we prioritize the privacy and safety of our members.

SHARE THE eNEWS WITH OTHERS

If someone approaches you expressing interest in receiving our eNews, you can let them know that they don't need to wait for the office to handle it. The quickest and easiest way for them to sign up is by visiting our website at www.stmonicasnaples.org/ and registering themselves. By taking this simple step, they'll start receiving our updates promptly. If they've previously contacted the office to be added and haven't received the eNews the next week, advise them to reach out to confirm that their email address was correctly noted. We want to ensure everyone stays connected and informed about all the exciting happenings at St. Monica's. Thank you for helping others get connected to our eNews community!