Key Takeaways
• Bishop Dewane leads Diocese of Venice in southwest Florida supporting migrants with free legal and social services.
• Diocese runs programs aiding food, housing, education, and provides emergency support regardless of immigration status.
• Catholic Church opposes restrictive laws; advocates humane immigration reform and protects migrant dignity nationwide.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Diocese of Venice Calls for Compassion for Migrants in Southwest Florida
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, the leader of the Diocese of Venice, is urging southwest Florida’s Catholic community and the wider public to show compassion and practical support for migrants. As the spiritual head of about 250,000 Catholics across ten counties, Bishop Dewane’s message comes at a time when migrants in Florida face growing challenges due to new state laws, economic hardship, and a national debate over immigration policy. The Diocese of Venice, under his leadership, continues to provide free legal help, social services, and direct aid to migrants, regardless of their immigration status.
This call for compassion is not just a statement—it is backed by real action. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., offers free immigration assistance and emergency support. The Diocese also runs programs to help with food, housing, and education for migrants and their families. Bishop Dewane’s leadership and the Diocese’s ongoing efforts highlight the Catholic Church’s commitment to defending the dignity of every person, no matter where they come from or what their legal status may be.
Catholic Leadership in Southwest Florida
Bishop Frank J. Dewane has served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Venice since 2007. He is recognized nationally for his work on migration issues and serves on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee for the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers. The Diocese of Venice covers a large area in southwest Florida, including both urban and rural communities where many migrants live and work.
Bishop Dewane and the Diocese have made it clear that the Catholic Church stands for the sanctity and dignity of every human life. This belief guides their response to the needs of migrants, who often face difficult conditions and uncertainty. The Diocese’s public statements and outreach programs reflect this commitment, offering both spiritual and practical support to those in need.
Recent Initiatives to Support Migrants
The Diocese of Venice has launched several initiatives to help migrants in southwest Florida. These efforts are designed to meet immediate needs and address long-term challenges faced by migrant families.
Free Immigration Assistance:
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., provides free legal help for migrants. Anyone with questions about immigration can contact Marco Sanchez at [email protected] or call 941-208-2384. There is no charge for these services, and help is available regardless of immigration status.
Fund for the Care of the Migrant Poor:
In 2025, the Diocese focused its grant program on projects that serve migrant and new immigrant communities. The grants supported Catholic-led efforts such as literacy training, affordable housing, and food distribution. These programs are especially important now, as many migrants face job loss and economic hardship.
Community Drives and Support:
Catholic schools and parishes have organized drives to collect items for migrant farm workers. For example, in June 2025, they collected over 1,000 long-sleeve shirts to help protect workers from pesticide exposure. These efforts show the community’s ongoing commitment to caring for migrants’ health and well-being.
Advocacy and Public Statements:
Bishop Dewane and the Diocese regularly speak out about the need for compassion and practical support for migrants. They hold public Masses and provide sacramental outreach to groups who are often overlooked, such as incarcerated migrants. These actions send a clear message that the Church stands with the most vulnerable.
Policy Changes and the Catholic Response
The past two years have brought significant changes to immigration policy in Florida and across the United States 🇺🇸. These changes have made life more difficult for many migrants and have raised concerns among Catholic leaders.
USCCB’s National Position:
In January 2025, the USCCB called for comprehensive immigration reform, saying the current system is “overly complex and unjust.” The bishops want enforcement to be “targeted, proportional, and humane.” They stress the importance of keeping families together, respecting due process, and protecting the dignity of all people.
Florida’s Restrictive Laws:
Florida has passed new laws that make it harder for migrants to live and work in the state. Some of these laws have threatened to punish people—including church workers—who help undocumented migrants. Despite these threats, the Diocese of Venice has continued its ministries, arguing that religious freedom and humanitarian duty must come first.
National Debate and Church Advocacy:
The Catholic Church in Florida and across the country has spoken out against mass deportation plans and policies that treat migrants as a “problem.” Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, a neighboring Catholic leader, has joined Bishop Dewane in calling for compassion and systemic reform. They urge lawmakers to see migrants as people with dignity, not just as numbers or legal cases.
Practical Help for Migrants in Southwest Florida
Migrants in southwest Florida can access a range of free services through the Diocese of Venice and its partners. These services are designed to meet both urgent needs and support long-term stability.
Free Legal and Social Services:
Catholic Charities offers free legal help with immigration matters. Migrants and their families can also get help with food, housing, and other basic needs. There are no fees, and services are open to everyone, regardless of immigration status.
Scholarships and Grants:
The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida provides scholarships for college and vocational training. These opportunities help migrants and their children build better futures. For more information, visit the Catholic Community Foundation website or contact Anna Kollmeyer at 941-486-4722 or [email protected].
Community Support and Volunteer Efforts:
The Diocese continues to organize volunteers and resources for food distribution, housing support, and education programs. These efforts are especially important as economic pressures and new laws make life harder for many migrant families.
How the Church’s Work Impacts Migrants
The Diocese of Venice’s programs and advocacy have a real impact on the lives of migrants in southwest Florida. By offering free legal help, food, housing, and education, the Church helps migrants meet their basic needs and build more stable lives. The Diocese’s public stance also gives migrants a sense of dignity and belonging, even when laws and public opinion may seem against them.
For example, a migrant farm worker who loses his job due to new state laws can turn to Catholic Charities for emergency food and help finding new work. A migrant student who wants to go to college but cannot afford tuition can apply for a scholarship through the Catholic Community Foundation. These practical steps make a difference every day.
The Church’s advocacy also helps shape public debate. By speaking out for compassion and justice, Bishop Dewane and other Catholic leaders remind lawmakers and the public that migrants are people with hopes, dreams, and families—not just statistics or legal cases.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the Diocese of Venice:
Bishop Dewane has said, “The Catholic Church is committed to defending the sanctity of every human life and the God-given dignity, regardless of nationality or immigration status.” This belief guides all of the Diocese’s ministries and outreach programs.
USCCB and National Catholic Leadership:
The USCCB and other Catholic leaders continue to push for comprehensive immigration reform. They want laws that are fair, humane, and keep families together. They also oppose any policy that would punish people for helping migrants.
Community and School Involvement:
Catholic schools and lay organizations play a big role in supporting migrants. They organize drives, volunteer at food pantries, and help with educational programs. This community involvement shows that caring for migrants is a shared responsibility.
Challenges Facing Migrants in Florida
Migrants in Florida face many challenges, including:
- Restrictive State Laws: New laws make it harder for migrants to work, get services, or even receive help from others.
- Economic Hardship: Many migrants work in low-wage jobs that are unstable or seasonal. Job loss can quickly lead to hunger or homelessness.
- Fear and Uncertainty: Changes in the law and public debate can make migrants feel unsafe or unwelcome.
- Barriers to Education and Health Care: Without legal status, many migrants struggle to access basic services for themselves and their children.
The Diocese of Venice’s programs help address these challenges, but the need remains great.
How to Get Help
Migrants and their families in southwest Florida can reach out to Catholic Charities for free help with immigration questions, legal issues, and basic needs. The main contact for immigration services is Marco Sanchez, who can be reached at [email protected] or 941-208-2384.
For scholarships and grants, contact the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida at [email protected] or 941-486-4722.
For more information about the Diocese’s programs and services, visit the Diocese of Venice website.
Official Government Resources
For those seeking official information about immigration laws and policies in the United States 🇺🇸, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides up-to-date details on forms, eligibility, and the latest changes in immigration policy. This site is a trusted source for anyone needing to understand their rights or start an immigration process.
Future Outlook for Migrants in Southwest Florida
Looking ahead, Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the Diocese of Venice are expected to continue their strong support for migrants. The USCCB is actively lobbying for federal immigration reform, focusing on keeping families together, ensuring fair treatment, and protecting the dignity of all people.
Catholic Charities and the Diocese plan to expand their services as economic pressures and new laws continue to affect migrants. This may include more food distribution, housing support, and legal assistance. The Church’s commitment to compassion and justice remains strong, even as the policy environment becomes more challenging.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the Diocese of Venice’s approach is seen as a model for how faith-based organizations can support migrants during times of uncertainty. Their combination of direct service, advocacy, and community engagement helps fill gaps left by government programs and changing laws.
Key Takeaways for Migrants and Supporters
- Bishop Frank J. Dewane leads the Diocese of Venice in calling for compassion and practical help for migrants.
- The Diocese offers free legal, social, and emergency services to migrants, regardless of immigration status.
- Catholic schools and parishes are deeply involved in supporting migrant communities through drives, education, and advocacy.
- The Catholic Church in Florida opposes laws and policies that criminalize humanitarian outreach and continues to push for fair, humane immigration reform.
- Migrants in southwest Florida can access help by contacting Catholic Charities or the Catholic Community Foundation.
Practical Steps for Migrants and Their Families
- Contact Catholic Charities for free legal help and social services.
- Apply for scholarships through the Catholic Community Foundation to support education and job training.
- Stay informed about changes in immigration law by visiting the USCIS website.
- Participate in community programs organized by local parishes and schools for additional support.
Conclusion
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the Diocese of Venice are leading voices for compassion and justice for migrants in southwest Florida. Through free services, advocacy, and community engagement, they help migrants meet their basic needs and build better lives. As laws and policies continue to change, the Church’s commitment to defending the dignity of every person remains a source of hope and support for migrants and their families. For those seeking help or wanting to get involved, the Diocese of Venice and its partners offer a welcoming hand and practical assistance.
Learn Today
Diocese → An ecclesiastical district under a bishop’s authority, overseeing local Catholic communities and programs.
Immigration policy → Government laws and guidelines regulating migration, visas, and residency of foreign nationals.
USCCB → United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, a national body addressing Catholic issues, including migration.
Sanctity of life → The belief that all human life is sacred and deserves respect and protection.
Catholic Charities → A Church-affiliated organization providing humanitarian aid, legal assistance, and social services to those in need.
This Article in a Nutshell
Bishop Dewane calls for compassion amid tough new laws in Florida. The Diocese of Venice provides migrants with free legal aid, food, housing, and scholarships. Their work supports dignity and justice for migrants facing hardship and uncertainty in southwest Florida’s changing immigration landscape.
— By VisaVerge.com
