ON OCTOBER 9
Let Your Service Shine! BY REBECCA SONTAG & SISTER RITA STURWOLD, SNDDEN
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
More than two years ago, Sisters Georgia Kitt, SC, and Madonna Ratterman, CPPS, invited representatives of women’s and men’s religious congregations to meet and determine a joint project to celebrate the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s bicentennial. The group quickly agreed on a day of service. THERE FOR YOU THEN, HERE FOR YOU NOW!
When the first religious congregations arrived locally, beginning with the Sisters of Charity in 1829, they came to serve and care for the burgeoning communities of immigrants. They brought with them a rich tradition of prayer, love and community, which formed the foundation of their vast and varied ministries. The respective legacies that these 21 communities have cultivated over the past 200 years continue to bear much fruit in the archdiocese. Each of us has benefited from their gifts, both then and now.
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HOW DOES SERVICE HONOR 200 YEARS OF FAITH IN THE ARCHDIOCESE?
Since the 1800s, the laity and religious have always been vital partners in the ministries of education, healthcare and social services. Today the religious communities of this archdiocese invite you to minister alongside them, or on their behalf, by participating in an Archdiocesan Service Day. OCTOBER 9: LET YOUR SERVICE SHINE
In the 1800s, the religious women and men served their neighbors, the immigrants. Today, while we certainly have neighbors from other countries, we are inviting everyone to consider the story of the Good Samaritan and ask, “Who are my neighbors?” and “How can I welcome or reach out them?” On Oct. 9, 2021, we encourage as many individuals, families, parish groups, schools, young adults, groups of