Sacred Heart Will Welcome Father Russell Wright

Dear Parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish, Punta Gorda,

During this month of June, as the Church draws attention to devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, may we be renewed by the boundless love, mercy, and compassion that flow from Christ’s heart. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus bless you abundantly and fill your hearts with peace and hope.

At this time, I wish to announce that effective July 1, 2026, Reverend Russell Wright, has been appointed Administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda. Father Wright, an ordained priest of the Diocese of Leeds, United Kingdom, has served in the Diocese of Venice since December 2002. Father served as Parochial Vicar of Ascension Parish in Fort Myers Beach, St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, and most recently at the Church of St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota for the last thirteen years. In his assignments, Father has shown that he is a man of prayer and deep pastoral solicitude for the faithful. I pray that he will bring many blessings and much spiritual and pastoral care to your Parish community. Kindly welcome Father Russell Wright to the community of Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda and pray for Father as he assumes responsibility as your Administrator.

Further, allow me to publicly express my sincere gratitude to Reverend Mario Kono, Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish. Father assumed the responsibilities of the Parish until an Administrator was formally appointed and he will remain at Sacred Heart Parish.

At the same time, I wish to thank the Faithful of Sacred Heart Parish for your patience and understanding. This has not been easy for many of you, as you continue to mourn the passing of Father Jerry Kaywell, your Pastor of twenty-two years.

I take this opportunity to extend to each of you at Sacred Heart Parish my greetings and prayers.

Please continue to pray for vocations to the Priesthood here in the Diocese of Venice.

Frank J. Dewane

Apostolic ministrator of the Diocese of Venice in Florida