Weekly eNews for
October 16, 2025
BRAND NEW LOOK
Last week, we rolled out this brand-new layout for our eNews to make it easier to read and navigate. Now we’d love to hear from you!
Do you like the new format, or do you prefer the old version? Your feedback will help us decide how to move forward.
Please take a quick moment to share your thoughts, what worked well for you, and what could be improved?
:: NOTICE ::
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The mobile version is still being worked on.
NAVIGATION
INTERIM RECTOR'S CORNER
Dear Members and Friends of St. Monica’s,
Friday and Saturday, Diocesan Convention for the Diocese of Southwest Florida will gather in Punta Gorda, at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. We have three delegates: Heather Williamson, Richard Rumpf, and Susan Docimo. Ed Strong is our Alternate. I will be there also, and this will be my first Diocesan Convention in the Diocese of Southwest Florida!
Bishop Scharf gave us a preview of what to expect at Convention. There will be workshops, business sessions, time for fellowship, and a presentation by Bishop Scharf about the future of this diocese. There will be worship (we have Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. Saturday) that includes delegates and clergy from all over the diocese. Worshipping as a Diocese -- all of us together -- will be a new experience for me, and I expect it to be a truly splendid liturgy! I am looking forward to being with our colleagues and friends from all over Southwest Florida!
Please keep Heather, Richard, Susan, and myself in your prayers this weekend as we travel to Punta Gorda. Say a prayer for the Convention as well, that it may be a time of learning, fellowship and grace for all participants. We will return Saturday afternoon, in time for the 5 p.m. Service.
Sylvia+
NEW THIS WEEK
STRATEGIC PLANNING UPDATE
The Daughters of the King graciously agreed to be the first test group to review and react to the draft goals and objectives developed by the Strategic Planning Committee. It was a lively session with insightful feedback on our process and the product. We expect to do a few more of these group sessions before refining the goals and objectives and sharing them with the congregation. We are working on a new members session as the next one. Address questions to Ed Strong or Melanie Rose.
LADIES & GENTS LUNCHEON
The group formerly known as the Ladies Luncheon has a new name and a new invitation. Now called the Ladies & Gents Luncheon, it is open to both men and women of St. Monica’s.
We extend a warm welcome to those who attend both the 5:00pm and 10:00am services.
Next week, on Monday, October 13 at 12:30 pm, we will be gathering for lunch at Bonita Brunch, 26381 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 140, Bonita Springs (near Bonefish Grill). Come enjoy good food and great company & hope to see many new faces.
SALVATION ARMY FOOD DRIVE
Our annual partnership with The Salvation Army’s Stock the Shelves campaign is underway! Throughout October, we’re collecting nonperishable food items to help support families in Naples and Immokalee who are struggling with food insecurity.
HOW TO DONATE
Starting this Sunday, October 5, please bring your donations to the church and place them in the marked collection box located by the main entry doors.
ITEMS MOST NEEDED
Canned goods
Pasta
Rice
Dry cereal
Every contribution makes a difference. Even one can or box helps restock local food pantries and bring relief to those in need. Thank you for giving generously this season.
SATURDAY SOCIAL POTLUCK
The Potluck Social continues! Join us in the Parish Hall right after the 5PM service on Saturday, October 11, for an evening of good food, fellowship, and fun.
Bring along your favorite appetizer, dessert, or munchies to share and a little wine if you’d like. Anything you bring can be dropped off at the Parish Hall starting at 4:30PM
This is a wonderful chance to relax, connect, and enjoy time together as a parish family.
Everyone is welcome, whether you bring something or not! We’d love to see you there!
SPECIAL VESTRY MEETING
The Vestry met in a special session to address several important matters:
We are blessed to have a wonderful preschool, Heavenly Day!, operating at St. Monica’s. There are many valuable opportunities for us to partner with them. You may have already seen the announcement for their Trunk or Treat event on October 30. The Vestry voted to collaborate with Heavenly Day! on hosting a Vacation Bible School at our church this coming June, with Rev. Sylvia volunteering to serve as coordinator. To help support this program, the Vestry approved $1,000 from the Endowment Fund.
The Vestry also approved up to $3,000 to address safety concerns in the play area behind the Parish Hall.
Finally, the Vestry authorized St. Monica’s participation in a Christmas Giving Tree in partnership with Fostering Success, a nonprofit serving foster children in the Naples area. This organization was the recipient of our open plate offerings during the first weekends of August and September.
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
We’re pleased to share that the Stewardship Committee now has seven members who are preparing to launch our 2026 campaign. They’re planning several fun and informative events that will encourage us to share not only our financial gifts but also our time and talents in service to God and one another.
Please take a moment to thank the dedicated team shaping this year’s campaign: Don Fuggi, Betty Devlin, Jim Sarconi, Doug Ball, Frank Dowd, Ed Strong, and Tracy Connelly, who is serving in an ex-officio capacity.
THINGS TO COME
TRUNK-OR-TREAT - October 30th @9AM
If you love Halloween but live in a neighborhood without many trick-or-treaters, this event is for you! Heavenly Day Pre-K is hosting a Trunk or Treat for their children and has invited St. Monica’s to join in.
Here’s how you can participate:
Set up: Arrive with your car (feel free to bring a friend), open your trunk, and decorate it. Please keep decorations fun and cheerful, Heavenly Day has requested no scary themes.
Snacks and Trinkets: Bring at least 40 items to hand out. Ideas include pretzel packs, Pirate’s Booty, toddler-safe snacks, bubbles, coloring books, or small stuffed toys. Please note that they have asked for no candy.
Timing: The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The children will dress up, parade around to collect treats, then head into the Parish Hall for crafts.
Craft Helpers: If you’d prefer to stay indoors, volunteers are also needed to assist with craft tables in the Parish Hall.
Early Birds: Help is also needed with Parish Hall setup starting at 8:00 a.m.
If you would like to participate or have questions, please contact Heather Williamson. We’d love to know who plans to be there.
SAINTS WORKSHOP - November 1st @ 9AM
My Dear Friends,
Catherin Gotshall’s book is getting incredible reviews. Last week I shared what Retired Presiding Bishop Michal Curry had to say. This week I learned that I’m quoted on the preorder site of Amazon regarding Song of Saints as saying "It's amazing how connecting with the lives of the Saints can open up new dimensions of prayer and devotion. Each Saint has such a unique story and spiritual journey, and this book offers a beautiful way for anyone, regardless of where they are in their faith, to explore those stories and find inspiration." — The Reverend Ken McCaslin, MAR, FHL7, Deacon St. Monica's Episcopal Church, Naples, FL, Chaplain Retired Clergy Naples, FL, Chaplain Daughters of the King, St. Monica's Chapter, Naples, FL. Please join us at the workshop on the Saints, Saturday 11/1 from 9-11am at St. Monica’s Naples.
Don’t you want to see what everyone is talking about? Sign-up now while availability is wide open by clicking <
HERE
>
Have You Filled Out the Directory Survey Yet?
We’re reaching out again to all members and friends of St. Monica’s with an important request. Our new Directory Survey was shared recently, but so far only a small number of people have responded. We’re very grateful to those who have already updated their information, but we truly need everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey.
This isn’t just about keeping the Directory up to date. The survey also helps us confirm that everyone can access it correctly and that all contact details are accurate. Even if you believe your information is already correct, please fill out the survey so we can verify everything.
If you’ve had trouble accessing the Directory, there’s a place in the survey to let us know. Someone from the church office will follow up to help.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey today. Accurate and accessible contact information helps us stay connected and ensures you don’t miss important eNews or church updates.
Thank you for your help as we continue to strengthen our St. Monica’s family connections.
For any questions, contact the parish administrator.
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RECAP OF LAST WEEK
BULLETIN BOARD
As you may have noticed, as you looked around at the services last weekend, our church seems less full than it has in the past. We are still waiting for most snowbirds but still our attendance is down a lot compared to this time last year. The stewardship committee is going to take up this issue but there is one thing we all can do now. It is simply - Call A Friend. If there is someone you know who has not been attending lately, give them a call to find out if there is a problem they are facing or if they are troubled by anything at church. Share this with any Vestry or Stewardship Committee member. We hope to make this a bit more organized soon but let's reach out to see if we can help each other now.
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!
The Men's Book Group continues its exploration of Richard Rohr's book Falling Upward. Thus far the group has found this book both challenging and inspirational. We have shared insights and experiences as we have moved through the chapters. Our schedule of reading is Oct 6 - Chapters 6 and 7; Oct 13 - Chapters 8 and 9; Oct 20 - Chapters 10 and 11; and Oct 27 Chapters 12 and 13 plus a final overview.
As always, we invite any men of St. Monica's to join us at any point. We meet Mondays at 9:30AM in the church conference room. Please address any questions to Ed Strong.
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.
After Sylvia’s opening prayer, we covered several updates:
Sylvia closed the meeting with prayer.
Reminder: Vestry minutes and reports in detail are posted on the bulletin board outside the Church office. Input is always welcome, just contact any vestry member. To see who is on the Vestry, they are listed in the directory & on the website under "Staff".
Zoom Only
In-Person and Zoom
In-Person Only
Please call the church office at 239.591.4550 or email for the link and password to the Zoom meetings.
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.
ANNIVERSARIES
BIRTHDAYS
10/3
Scott & Stacey McCurdy
10/6
Chuck & Charla McHenry
10/10
Charlie & Ruth Kalwinsky
10/13
Ned & Sara Meekins
Dan & Kathi Rabideau
10/20
Bruce & Rita Allan
10/22
John & Marilynn Dessauer
10/23
Greg & Ryan Smith-Landwehr
10/2
Sue Baker
10/3
James Mullen
Frank Shrewsbury
Shirley Woolaway
10/6
Jim Gatter
George Lackey
Michael McCampbell
10/12
Ruth Leigh
Nancy Moritz
10/14
Muriel Burkett
10/16
Ryan Smith-Landwehr
10/21
Lorraine Maurer
10/22
Mary Gentzle
Kathy Romatzick
Barbara Wilcox
10/24
Stacey McCurdy
10/27
Wil Ward
10/28
Betty Cable
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 call the church office during office hours at 239.591.4550 and after hours please reach out to: Deacon Ken McCaslin at 610.608.0704.
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!