The Catholic Telegraph August 2020

MAGAZINE

189th year | issue 9

bringing faith into the home

august 2020 | back to school | 1

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edi t or’s not e

Your School, Your Family As we planned to move the 850 miles from Louisiana to Cincinnati, my husband and I had a huge priority in mind: We had to find the right Catholic school for our children. At the time, they were attending a wonderful, small Catholic school in North Louisiana.

So, not only would the right school in Cincinnati provide them with much-needed consistency during this upheaval in their lives, but all of my experiences with Catholic schools have shown me that your school often becomes your family.

Fortunately for us, the archdiocesan superintendent was able to help point us in the right direction, and we found a school that fits us perfectly: smallish, Catholic to the core and one big, supportive family.

Once we made the move, my children spent the entire summer dreaming of their new school and all the other children they would finally get to meet.

And our new school didn’t disappoint. Our children jumped right in, and their classmates and teachers welcomed the strangers, acting as the hands and feet of Christ to them. It has been one of the greatest blessings of our lives.

Even after in-person school dismantled in March, school continued to be a lifeline for our family – not only in the traditional, educational sense, but also as a support system. We spoke with teachers about joint hardships, participated in “Cupcake Wars” via Zoom with my daughter’s classmates, and teachers even helped us stay on track with faith education.

going back to school: from all the things our schools are doing to plan for teaching in person during a pandemic (pg. 22 ), to resources for talking to your children about preparing for uncertainty and the likelihood that, at some point during the school year, we may very well find ourselves distance learning again (pg. 18).

This issue also features everything from high school to seminary to campus ministry, and how faith can be the thread that weaves all stages of school together throughout our children’s lives.

I hope this issue helps you prepare for a great year of learning.

School is an important part of our lives, whether we’re alumni, students or caregivers for students (or future students). This month’s issue takes a look at

cteditorial@catholicaoc.org

THE CATHOLIC TELEGRAPH 189th Year No. 9 • August 2020 thecatholictelegraph.com

PUBLISHER Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr

EDITOR Jessica Rinaudo

MEDIA SALES Deacon Graham Galloway

GRAPHIC DESIGN Emma Cassani

NEW MEDIA EDITOR Greg Hartman

DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT Dominick Albano

PHOTOGRAPHY Margaret Swensen

BOOKKEEPING Karen Cromer

100 East Eighth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 ctadvertising@catholicaoc.org The Catholic Telegraph (xUSPS 094-520) ISSN. 10736689 is published monthly by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati 100 E 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati and at additional mailing office.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Catholic Telegraph, 100 E. 8th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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contents features

news

columns

8 MATER FILIUS

10 ONE MAN PEACEFUL PROTEST

5 SEEK THE LORD

PATTI MCGEEVER

The DNA of our Catholic schools

Standing for justice, peace, equality & respect for all people

7 QUESTION OF FAITH

EILEEN CONNELLY, OSU

New respect life ministry goes the extra mile to help new mothers 18 BACK TO SCHOOL JITTERS

ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR

FATHER DAVID ENDRES

REBECCA SONTAG

11 PRAY A MINUTE

Preparing for uncertainty in the fall

DOMINICK ALBANO

21 RETURNING TO SEMINARY

26 SCHOOL OF FAITH

CHRISTOPHER BUSCHUR

M.D. PITMAN

Catholic Telegraph intern reflects on unique year

27 DEPAUL CRISTO REY

What makes a university Catholic?

12 A CLOSER LOOK DR. KEN CRAYCRAFT

You’re still breathing; it’s not too late

M.D. PITMAN

14 SHINE ON

Coach Cornelius leads basketball with faith and heart

DOMINICK ALBANO

SHARON CIVITELLO

Whatever the future holds, there is a plan

30 SUPPORTING SEMINARIANS

15 DID YOU KNOW?

KARY ELLEN BERGER

GAIL FINKE & EMMA CASSANI

Endowment paints bright future for northern archdiocese

Emmanuel Parish

22 BACK TO SCHOOL

25 PROFILE: KATIE PUTHOFF JOHN STEGEMAN

28 FOCUS HITS COLLEGE CAMPUSES

32 SURPASSING EXPECTATIONS

BONNY VAN

Faithful push Catholic Ministries Appeal past $5 million goal

MAGAZINE

189th year | issue 9

16 KIDS’ CORNER St. Philomena

JESSICA RINAUDO

36 FOCAL POINT bringing faith into the home

How do you get started?

17 CATHOLIC AT HOME KATIE SCIBA

Action and your audience

SUSIE BERGMAN

20 SEIZE THE MOMENT

A look at the local interior artistry of the cross-tipped churches

NICHOLAS HARDESTY

38 OUT & ABOUT IN THE ARCHDIOCESE

34 MAKING CATHOLIC MEMORIES

4 Ways to share your faith at school

WAYNE & MARIANNE TOPP

august 2020 | back to school | 1

ON THE COVER PHOTO BY: MARGARET SWENSEN

Evelyn, Elvin and Yoana Perez at CISE school, Holy Family, in Price Hill in Cincinnati.

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40 AN ACT OF SELF-GIVING LOVE

Saint Lydia and tie dye

MARK DANIS

42 THE FINAL WORD

Annual Dayton Corpus Christi Procession

DR. ERIC F. SPINA

Working for the common good

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for August: We pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families.

SEEK THE LORD ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR

With August comes a new school year, and, with that, a sense of starting fresh and the expectation that something will be different. Never, perhaps, has that been more the case than in 2020.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken to mitigate its spread, the 2019-2020 school year ended in a way that no one could have imagined 12 months ago. Our Catholic school students, along with all other K-12 students in the state of Ohio, switched to online learning and never returned to their classrooms after mid-March. Students felt an understandable sense of loss as they missed their classmates and their teachers. And at the end of the school year, eighth graders and high school seniors lamented not being able to celebrate their achievements with a traditional graduation ceremony.

All of us, in fact, were stressed by the disruption to our lives resulting from the state’s stay-at-home order and other precautions necessary to keep ourselves and others safe. The full long-term economic and social consequences of COVID-19 cannot yet be known. However, there was already much talk of a coming “new normal” well before restaurants, recreation centers, gyms, libraries and day care centers were permitted to reopen. What might “new normal” mean for our Catholic schools?

While not every step ahead is clear at this point, there are some things we do know. Most importantly, there is no change in the archdiocesan Catholic schools’ mission as “Christ-centered communities dedicated to the faith formation, academic excellence and individual growth of our students, all rooted in the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.” It is in the DNA of our schools to Radiate Christ while educating students for this life and preparing them for the life to come.

Ever since Bishop Edward Fenwick opened the first Catholic school in the archdiocese in 1825 with 25 female students under the direction of a Sister of Mercy from France and a lay

woman, teacher-ministers have fostered the mental, physical and spiritual growth of the young people under their care.

They are not just teachers of the faith, but witnesses of the faith. For to radiate Christ means to witness Christ, not just talk about Christ. And this happens in every part of the Catholic school experience – including, for example, the cafeteria, the gym and the playing fields – not just in the religion classroom.

In this important role, teacher-ministers and principalministers partner with parents, who are their children’s first and primary teachers of the faith by word and by example.

Inevitably, the nature of that partnership changed this spring. Just as the domestic church – the family – became the primary center of worship while public Masses were no longer celebrated, so homes became virtual classrooms when schools closed. Our teacher-ministers and their principalministers adapted to meet this challenge, demonstrating the commitment for which they are well known and appreciated.

For this, I am most grateful.

As you will read in this issue of The Catholic Telegraph, the School of Faith program supported by the archdiocese is providing doctrinal and spiritual formation for Catholic school teachers, administrators and spiritual mentors so that they can even more effectively witness and teach the faith.

Just as teachers are also witnesses, so are students. We all have a role to play in the Church, and the role of young people is not just in the future. Students already have the opportunity to radiate Christ to their peers and to the rest of the community as they contribute their special God-given gifts and talents.

As a new school year begins, with its unique challenges and opportunities, please know that all students, parents, teachers, principals and school staff are in my prayers. May you have a fruitful year of growth in knowledge, wisdom, success and, especially, in relationship with Christ, who offers us peace, joy and the fullness of life.

S E E K T HE LO R D | 5

BUSCA AL SEÑOR ARZOBISPO DENNIS M. SCHNURR

Con agosto llega un nuevo año escolar, y con eso una sensación de empezar de nuevo y la expectativa de que algo será diferente. Nunca, tal vez, ha sido más el caso que en 2020.

Debido a la pandemia COVID-19 y a las medidas adoptadas para mitigar su propagación, el año escolar 2019-2020 terminó de una manera que nadie podría haber imaginado hace 12 meses. Nuestros estudiantes de escuelas Católicas, junto con todos los demás estudiantes de K-12 en el estado de Ohio, cambiaron al aprendizaje en línea y nunca regresaron a sus aulas después de mediados de marzo.

Los estudiantes sintieron una comprensible sensación de pérdida al perder a sus compañeros de clase y a sus maestros.

Y al final del año escolar, los estudiantes de octavo grado y los estudiantes de secundaria lamentaron no poder celebrar sus logros con una ceremonia de graduación tradicional.

Todos nosotros, de hecho, nos estresamos por la interrupción de nuestras vidas como resultado de la orden de quedarse en casa del estado y otras precauciones necesarias para mantenernos a nosotros mismos y a los demás a salvo.

Aún no se pueden conocer las consecuencias económicas y sociales completas a largo plazo de COVID-19. Sin embargo, ya se hablaba mucho de una “nueva normalidad” mucho antes de que se permitiera reabrir restaurantes, centros recreativos, gimnasios, bibliotecas y guarderías. ¿Qué podría significar “nueva normalidad” para nuestras escuelas Católicas?

Aunque no todos los pasos por delante están claros en este momento, hay algunas cosas que sí sabemos. Lo más importante es que no hay ningún cambio en la misión de las escuelas Católicas arquidiocesanas como “comunidades centradas en Cristo dedicadas a la formación de la fe, la excelencia académica y el crecimiento individual de nuestros estudiantes, todos arraigados en el mensaje evangélico de Jesucristo”. Está en el ADN de nuestras escuelas Irradiar a Cristo mientras educamos a los estudiantes para esta vida y los prepara para la vida venidera.

Desde que el Obispo Edward Fenwick abrió la primera escuela Católica en la arquidiócesis en 1825 con 25 alumnas bajo la dirección de una Hermana de la Misericordia de

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Francia y una mujer laica, los maestros ministros han fomentado el crecimiento mental, físico y espiritual de los jóvenes bajo su cuidado. No son sólo maestros de la fe, sino testigos de la fe. Porque irradiar a Cristo significa dar testimonio de Cristo, no sólo hablar de Cristo. Y esto sucede en todas las partes de la experiencia de la escuela Católica, incluyendo, por ejemplo, la cafetería, el gimnasio y los campos de juego – no sólo en el aula de religión.

En esta importante función, los maestros-ministros y los directores-ministros se asocian con los padres, que son los primeros y principales maestros de la fe de sus hijos con la palabra y con el ejemplo. Inevitablemente, la naturaleza de esa asociación cambió esta primavera. Así como la iglesia doméstica – la familia – se convirtió en el centro principal de culto mientras que las Misas públicas ya no se celebraban, los hogares se convirtieron en aulas virtuales cuando las escuelas cerraron. Nuestros maestros-ministros y sus directores-ministros se adaptaron a este desafío, demostrando el compromiso por el que son bien conocidos y apreciados. Por esto estoy muy agradecido.

Como leerán en este número de The Catholic Telegraph, el programa Escuela de Fe apoyado por la arquidiócesis está proporcionando formación doctrinal y espiritual a los maestros, administradores y mentores espirituales de las escuelas Católicas para que puedan dar testimonio y enseñar la fe de manera aún más efectiva.

Así como los maestros también son testigos, también lo son los estudiantes. Todos tenemos un papel que desempeñar en la Iglesia, y el papel de los jóvenes no es sólo en el futuro.

Los estudiantes ya tienen la oportunidad de irradiar a Cristo a sus compañeros y al resto de la comunidad a medida que contribuyen con sus dones y talentos especiales dados por Dios.

A medida que comienza un nuevo año escolar, con sus desafíos y oportunidades únicas, por favor sepa que todos los estudiantes, padres, maestros, directores y personal de la escuela están en mis oraciones. Que tengan un año fructífero de crecimiento en el conocimiento, la sabiduría, el éxito y, especialmente, en relación con Cristo, que nos ofrece paz, alegría y plenitud de vida.

Q UE S TION OF F AITH

WHAT MAKES A UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC? I sometimes hear of Catholic colleges and universities honoring individuals who challenge the teachings of the Church. What makes a university “Catholic”? Can such a designation be taken away?

The university system began during the Middle Ages when the Church and society were closely intertwined. As the Church founded universities, it placed great value on the advancement and imparting of all branches of human knowledge, not just theology. Since then, Catholic higher education has further developed, including in the U.S., where men and women religious founded many schools. Some of these institutions retain their religious heritage and profess to be Catholic today, while others no longer have a connection to the Church. The religious identity of Catholic colleges and universities continues to be discussed and debated.

THE IDEA OF A UNIVERSITY

In 1854, Pope Pius IX established the Catholic University of Ireland with the help of St. John Henry Newman. In the founding process, Newman wrote The Idea of a University, a defense of Catholic education, in which he explains that the purpose of a university is to cultivate “a comprehensive view of truth in all its branches.” According to this view, a university is not a place for fragmented specialization (as we often see in education today) but for totality and unity. Such a grand project for universal truth will inevitably fail if left to our own powers, but Jesus has given us the Church to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). The ideal of a university, then, cannot be fulfilled without the Church for as Newman wrote, “The Church is necessary for [the university’s] integrity.”

FROM THE CHURCH’S HEART

In 1990, St. Pope John Paul II (himself a former university professor) wrote what he called the “Magna Carta” of Catholic universities, Ex Corde Ecclesiae (From the Heart of the Church). In the document, St. Pope John Paul II responded to misconceptions about Catholic education and articulated a vision similar to St. John Henry Newman’s. The pope reiterated that a Catholic university must identify itself with the mission of Christ and the Church, and he noted a

Catholic university’s four features: the Christian inspiration of the whole community; a continual examination of research through the Catholic faith; fidelity to the Christian message as it comes to us through the Church; and an institutional commitment to service. St. Pope John Paul II explained that the Catholic university must be an institutional witness to Christ in the world, not blindly following other universities, but speaking the truth of faith to culture.

A CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY TODAY

In Ex Corde Ecclesiae, St. Pope John Paul II recognized that Catholic universities have a certain autonomy, but he stipulated that they must do so in cooperation with their local bishops in fidelity to the Church. Unfortunately, many Catholic universities do not share this vision. The inconsistency can be found in its policies and hiring, but also in bestowing honors at events (honorary degrees and commencement speakers, for example). While such honorees need not be Catholic, their life and work should be consistent with core Catholic values – since all actions of a Catholic university should embody its Catholic mission.

When a university chooses to act in disharmony with the Church and the issue cannot be resolved, Canon Law grants ecclesiastical authorities the right to remove a school’s Catholic designation (Canon 808). In 2003, for instance, Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, was determined to be a Catholic institution no longer. Such a decision is not easy and involves discussions among university leadership, the diocesan bishop and, potentially, the Holy See. Catholic colleges and universities are encouraged to embrace the beautiful visions of St. John Henry Newman and St. Pope John Paul II, acknowledging that the Church advances education and never seeks to hinder it. It is its only true guarantor, for only in Christ and His Church do we find the fullness of truth.

FATHER DAVID ENDRES

is associate professor of Church history and historical theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology.

QU E S T ION O F FA I T H | 7

B Y EIL EEN C ONNEL L Y, OS U

Mater Filius New respect life ministry goes the extra mile to help expectant moms in crisis pregnancies with housing, job training, education, workshops and emotional support.

A modest home on Cincinnati’s West Side will soon provide a safe haven for expectant mothers in need, along with a variety of services to help them recognize the blessings their children are and that they are not alone on their journeys.

Mater Filius (Latin for “Mother and Son”) was founded in 2003 in Mexico by Miriam and José Tejeda. When Miriam, a longtime counselor for teenagers and married couples, developed a lifethreatening neurological disorder, she received the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time in many years. In critical condition after surgery at a Houston hospital, Miriam experienced a vision of the Blessed Mother, who gave her a pro-life mission. The plans for Mater Filius were in place before Miriam left the hospital.

FROM MEXICO TO CINCINNATI

Maria Resendiz, a member of St. Gertrude Parish in Madeira, brought the apostolate to Cincinnati after learning about it on a trip to Mexico. She went on to recruit a prayer team, including Deacon Henry and Betsy Jacquez, who now serve as the directors of Mater Filius Queen City on a volunteer basis.

In addition, to the Cincinnati apostolate, there are currently Mater Filius residences in Omaha, Miami and Dallas, with others under development.

Both the Jaquezes say there was much prayer and discernment before taking on their roles, since they were essentially retired. But, they share a dedication to respect life ministry and a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. Henry was ordained to the diaconate in 2013 and serves at Holy Trinity Parish in Norwood. Betsy is retired from Cincinnati 8 | FEAT URE

Children’s Hospital and has been active in respect life ministry over the years, including coordinating local participation in the annual March for Life.

“This is Mary’s ministry, and we’re very close to her,” Betsy explained. “She has been a very big part of our lives since 1998, when we had a crisis and she came through for us.

She has said ‘yes’ to our needs for so long, how could we say ‘no’ to her request?”

Henry agrees. “This is a ministry that saves babies and helps women get back on their feet. It breaks the bad cycles of poverty, abuse and addiction and helps women move forward and realize they are [children] of God. You can’t say ‘no’ to that.”

schedule provides stability and helps young mothers learn independent living skills. Each woman is assigned a doula, a confidant and mentor, who accompanies the mothers during their stay, offering guidance, encouragement and support. Each home also has a live-in house mother called an “ima,” the Aramaic word that Jesus would have called Mother Mary. Mothers can live at the home for up to eight months after the birth of their baby and learn how to lovingly care for their little ones.

FINDING THE SPACE

As the ministry has taken shape, thanks to a grant from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Respect Life Fund and the generosity of private donors, the Jacquezes say they continue to experience the hand of Mary. This CREATING A HOME is especially true in the manner in which Bob Wurzelbacher, director the home for Mater of the Office for Respect Homes are operated “familyFilius Queen City was Life Ministries for the acquired – after many Archdiocese of Cincinnati, style,” with the women sharing prayers through the spoke of the need for intercession of the Mater Filius. “There are cooking, cleaning and other Blessed Mother, of many wonderful pregnancy household responsibilities. course. Betsy recalls centers in the Archdiocese making numerous of Cincinnati that reach phone calls to various out and help women in crisis local pregnancy centers, explaining Mater Filius’ purpose pregnancies with prenatal care, relationship and parenting and the need for a residence. Around the same time, Mike classes and material assistance. Providing housing and job Pastura contacted Pregnancy Center West seeking a way training, however, for women who have nowhere to live to use the family home to support respect life efforts and if they do not have an abortion, is very hard to find. And honor his mother, Mary Jean, a devout Catholic. yet, a 2005 study from the Guttmacher Institute says that 19 percent of women who have abortions say they did so “He worked it out with his siblings and we are leasing the because they would have had to find another place to live. home,” Betsy explained. Mike and his whole family have That is a high number of women who need more services been so faithful to this ministry and so generous. It’s as if than a typical pregnancy care center can provide. Mater the Blessed Mother just came in and said, ‘Here, Betsy.

Filius will provide a much-needed service in the area.”

Here’s the room you need.’”

That service, which includes training and education, At press time, a date for the home to open had not emotional support, employment assistance and workshops been announced, but the Jacquezes and Mater Filius on topics such as pre-natal care and parenting and life skills, need assistance, including a seamstress to help make is offered in a structured, but home-like and nurturing the turquoise aprons worn by volunteers and volunteers environment. While Mater Filius is rooted in Catholic interested in working with the mothers and in the early tradition, expectant mothers are welcome regardless of childhood center. Gently used maternity clothes are also their backgrounds or religious affiliations. Homes are needed, along with household items such as pots, pans operated “family-style,” with the women sharing cooking, and linens. For more information, visit mfqc.org. cleaning and other household responsibilities. A daily T H E C AT H OL IC T ELE G R A PH | 9

One Man Peaceful Protest

“Still feeling great,” he said as he faced his first long night.

“I’ve had a lot of positive response and a lot of great people have stopped by and given me the thumbs up, which I really appreciate. That means a lot. Physically, the knees are barking at me, but that’s okay.”

Standing for Justice, Peace, Equality & Respect for All People

As the sun came up, more people visited and some joined him at the curb. They brought him a cup of coffee, Gatorade, a mat on which to stand, a canopy and walking sticks, but it was their presence that really reinvigorated him and pushed him toward his goal.

B Y PA T T I MC G E E V E R

As millions of people voiced their outrage over the death of George Floyd by marching and protesting, one man spoke volumes by standing still. Kevin Bonecutter, husband, father of two, church usher and Hamilton County Probation Officer, stood up for justice, peace, equality and respect for all people by standing and fasting for 48 hours.

“I just had to come up and wish him well. He’s a very courageous person,” said Father George Jacquemin, pastor of St. Clare Parish in College Hill, where Bonecutter’s parents are members. “One person can do a great deal.”

A group from St. Clare’s Peace and Justice Commission spent a few hours with him to help reinforce his message.

“It seems like the [Holy] Spirit just moved me; He came to me and I said, ‘This is something I need to do,’ and I really couldn’t sit back,” said the St. Martin of Tours parishioner.

“We tried to raise him and his sister with a commitment to justice, to care for creation, for peace in any small ways and big ways we can do it,” said Bonecutter’s mother, Monica.

Bonecutter attended one of the rallies outside the Hamilton County Courthouse to listen to the concerns of the crowd. He found the movement powerful.

“I have a deep respect for Kevin. He’s certainly a man of faith,” said St. Martin pastor, Father Terry Hamilton.

“I think with both of us working in criminal justice we’ve experienced what it’s like working with a population that doesn’t get treated right,” said his wife, Jaime. “With him being down there with the demonstrators, with the protesters, I think he was moved to do something more and do something personal.”

Wearing a t-shirt that read “Teach Peace” and armed with signs about peace, justice, equality and respect for all people, Bonecutter set up his one-man peaceful demonstration in Westwood at 6 p.m. on June 5. He stood under the shade of three big trees and waved at people driving by on Montana Avenue.

“Honestly I didn’t know how the African-American community would view it, a white, bald man standing out here on the street corner, to be honest with you,” he said as people of all races honked in support.

A woman originally from Senegal stopped by with her two daughters. “Being next to Kevin and Jaime was the best thing I have done so far since coming to America,” said Bineta Diop.

She was so touched by his effort, she returned at the end of his fast with food and drinks.

Five hours in, his shoes were off and he stood alone in the dark.

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At 6 p.m. on June 7, the demonstration ended with food, drinks and a chair for Bonecutter. Father Hamilton said a prayer asking God to bless Kevin as he continues to touch people’s lives.

Pray a Minute B Y DOMINIC K AL B ANO

The pious will tell you there is nothing more powerful than prayer, while the agitator will scoff and say, “You pray and I’ll actually go do something.” The meaning behind the jab is clear: To some, there is no power in prayer.

For others, belief in the power of prayer struggles to translate from the head to the heart. “Oh, of course, there is power in prayer,” the devout thinks, but when he or she encounters someone who is sick, dying or in some other terrible situation, saying, “I’ll pray for you” feels almost like an apology. Often the devout Catholic really means, “I wish I could do more.”

Perhaps some of us struggle to really believe in the power of prayer because prayer, itself, is a mystery. How does God answer prayer? What rubric does He apply to prayer requests?

Even Jesus didn’t get everything He asked for in prayer: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me.” Of course, there is another truth about prayer that we likely hold in our heads, but struggle to hold in our hearts, and it continues from the very same verse as Jesus’ famous prayer in the garden: “Yet, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt. 26:39) And there’s the rub. What, exactly, is God’s will? How do we know it? Can we change it? Can our minuscule little requests really bear any weight on the will of God? It seems like hope beyond hope to believe they could, but it is those who believe in and hope in prayer who often change the world.

Earlier this summer, Father John Bullock, LC, a believer in the real power of prayer, approached Archbishop Schnurr with an idea. Our country has seemingly never been more divided and we are experiencing, as Father Bullock put it, “unprecedented political, social and moral upheaval.”

Inspired by the story of Soviet troops peacefully leaving Austria in the wake of World War II after a prayer campaign championed by a local priest, Father Bullock suggested an organized and intentional campaign of prayer for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. At the request of the archbishop, a small group prayerfully discerned with Father Bullock what this united prayer effort could look like.

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati is excited to introduce you to Pray A Minute: One Million Hours of Prayer for Peace, Justice and Goodwill.

The idea is simple – with nearly 500,000 Catholics in the archdiocese, what could happen if every Catholic would pray for just one minute more than they already pray, every day, for the specific intention of peace, justice and goodwill? After some quick calculations, the math was clear: One Million Hours. If the Catholics of our archdiocese start in August and continue through the end of the year, offering just one additional minute of prayer each day, it would total more than one million hours.

The initiative will feature a special daily prayer, prayer resources delivered weekly, and there will even be opportunities for those who participate to go above and beyond the daily prayer through acts of sacrifice and other devotional practices.

It’s amazing what can happen when a lot of people each do something that’s seemingly small and insignificant. The truth about prayer is it is powerful. It is significant. Even a minute of prayer can change a life.

Starting Aug. 1, visit prayaminute.com to get more information and do your part to affirm the power of prayer.

T H E C AT H OL IC T E LE G R A PH | 11

A C L OS E R L OOK

YOU’RE STILL BREATHING; IT’S NOT TOO LATE Because of well-publicized, persistent instances of racial discrimination, the summer of 2020 has seen a rise in raceconsciousness across the political, ideological and religious spectrum. And it is correct to note that racism in American society is, in some sense, systemic. Despite authentic legal, political and social progress, racism can be found in systems of American public life, at the very least as a residue of past institutional injustices.

But without denying systemic elements or the need to address them through legal and political measures, recourse to the language of systemic racism should not shield us from our individual moral responsibility to address racism in our hearts and communities. Rhetoric about systemic racism is often not helpful, either, in thinking about problems of racial prejudice, or about solutions. Speaking solely – or perhaps even primarily – in terms of systemic racism may actually deflect from real solutions. If racism is reduced to a “systemic” problem, from one point of view everyone is at fault; from another, no one is. Both these attitudes are resistant to actual reform.

A CHANGE IN VIEW

I suggest some alternative ways to think about race that might be more hopeful of authentic solutions.

First, the more urgent matter is for each of us to confront our own impulse to fear and suspect the “other,” regardless of the ethnic, racial or demographic characteristics that define that other. A significant part of the problem for Catholic Christians is that we are more likely to use language of American politics to frame moral issues, than we are to use the language of Catholic faith. Our default moral language is usually that of individual rights and liberties, which is neither native to Catholic moral thought, nor conducive to fruitful moral development. A language of individual rights 1 2 | A CLOSER LOOK

is corrosive of authentic community. It atomizes us, and it undermines the fundamental truth that being made in the image of God has no reference to race or ethnicity.

This is in contrast to a more hopeful and authentically Catholic moral language of dignity and solidarity. As Catholic Christians, we affirm the fundamental truth that all human beings share a common inviolable dignity, and that we are bonded together through the natural solidarity of a single human nature. This is a dignity and nature that does not recognize race, ethnicity, class or any other demographic, rooted in our common destiny of people created by, and ordered toward, love of God. For humans created in the image of God, there is no “other.”

THE HUMAN ISSUE

Second, we must resist the impulse of being formed by partisan identification or political commitments. Many of our moral conclusions are measured more by allegiance to political ideology or party than they are by Catholic moral theology. We must not allow these political commitments to overdetermine our attitudes about racial injustice and other prejudices. More broadly speaking, we must resist rigid commitment to political parties, especially in terms of moral issues that defy political identification. Racism is not a liberal or conservative issue. It is a human issue that must be addressed in moral terms that shun political ideology.

Third, we must resist the impulse to eschew concern about racial discrimination, preferences and privilege merely because those with hostile ideological commitments or agendas also take those positions. Nor should the coincidental agreement on some policy decisions cause one to abandon those positions, just because they are held by people with whom we have good faith disputes on other issues. And we should not be deterred in our own concern

about racism by those who advance agendas that are otherwise disagreeable, or even violent.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

the problem rather than alleviates it. We must listen, learn, adapt and redress. But we cannot understand, nor articulate the pain of race-based insults and indignities that are a part of the daily lives of people of color. We must human allow their voices to be their voices.

Fourth, we must acknowledge residual Racism is a advantages and disadvantages caused by issue that must racist political, legal and social legacies.

Finally, we must confront our own racist be addressed in The question should not be whether impulses and our own enabling of racist moral terms that these relative advantages exist, but how attitudes. In his jarring song, “White to address them. We are not morally shun political Man’s World,” Jason Isbell courageously culpable for privilege that is the effect ideology. writes, “I’m a white man looking in a of historical or social contingencies black man’s eyes / Wishing I’d never been that we did not choose, but that does one of the guys / Who pretended not to not excuse us from our responsibility to hear another white man’s joke / Oh, the times ain’t forgotten.” acknowledge, account for and address the advantages that But, in a note of hope, he also calls us to look forward: come from it. Christian moral agency, rooted in justice and “You’re still breathing, it’s not too late / We’re all carrying one charity, is about claiming those contingencies, regardless of big burden, sharing one fate.” Racism is not someone else’s “fault.” burden. There is no “someone else.”

Fifth, we must resist the presumption to speak for people of color or anyone else who is a victim of racism or other unjust prejudice. Yes, we must, to the extent possible, try to be empathetic. We must try to put ourselves in the position of those who are on the wrong side of the advantage/ disadvantage ledger. But to presume to be able to speak on their behalf is both arrogant and patronizing. It aggravates

DR. KENNETH CRAYCRAFT

is an attorney and the James J. Gardner Family Chair of Moral Theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology. He holds a Ph.D. in moral theology from Boston College, and a J.D. from Duke University School of Law.

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8:27 T H E C AT H OL IC T E L7/1/20 EGRA PHAM | 13

S H IN E ON

HOW DO YOU GET STARTED? About one year ago – on August 5, 2019, to be exact – my five-year-old son jumped off a cliff. Yes, literally.

But don’t worry, he’s fine. We were in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the cliff was about 25 feet, we were at a very popular spot where tourists jump into the river, he was wearing a life jacket and he was holding my hand when he did it.

What amazed me about my 5-year-old jumping off this cliff into the river was his complete lack of fear. He stepped up to the ledge when it was our turn, a huge smile on his face, and jumped. No fear. Ready to go.

How do you get started? Are you like my son, ready to jump in with no fear? Do you start cautiously, avoiding risk at all costs? Does it take you a while to get going because you have a tendency to start and stop frequently? Does indecision cripple you into inaction?

I ask how you get started for two reasons: First, it’s good for you to be aware of how you start. Everyone starts a little differently, and how you get started matters. No matter if you are starting a new job, starting a new school year, starting a new project around the house or starting a new relationship, how you start changes your entire experience, so you should know how you start.

Second, now is a time for starting things. This is the time of year when the weather starts to change. The new school year begins. Parish programs resume. Fall sports begin practice.

And even in the pandemic world in which we now live, it still feels like every day we are getting some new information or trying to live with some new normal.

Starting is almost always the hardest part. Ever tried to start a habit of running? I usually run four times a week, but the effort it takes to motivate myself to get up and go is always the hardest part. I’ve written thousands of pages as an 1 4 | SHINE ON

author, including publishing a couple books, but guess what: Getting the first words out on that blank page are always the hardest. Starting is almost always the hardest part, and it is also the most important.

Woody Allen said, “Eighty percent of life is just showing up.” And so, every time you start is a victory. Every time you start is an occasion to celebrate.

Celebration is a good place to start anything. Isaiah 43: 1819a says, “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; See, I am doing something new!”

The first half of 2020 has been… well… eventful. That’s a polite word for it. Perhaps God invites us, now, this very moment, to focus on the new things He is doing in our lives.

Want to start well? Here are some quick tips to do just that: First, to set yourself up for a great start, identify what helps you get started. Do you jump right in? Do you need to do research to feel ready? Are you hesitant? Do you feel braver when you’re with a friend?

Next, plan your celebrations. Getting started is easier when you celebrate getting started. And having something to look forward to will help you get started in the first place. What will you do to celebrate getting started, and how can you use that celebration to motivate forward momentum?

Last, pray for your new beginning. Everything is better when God is with you. Ask God to send you the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit so that you can start and start well.

DOMINICK ALBANO

is the director of digital engagement for The Catholic Telegraph, as well as an author and national speaker. He and his wife have been married for 13 years and have four sons.

Written by Gail Finke Illustrated by Emma Cassani

Joseph Fischer, Emmanuel organist in the 1860s, started the J. Fischer and Bro. music publishing company with his brother, Ignaz, in 1864.

They later moved the company to New York and became one of the country’s largest music publishers.

"It is the largest church in the archdiocese, with a seating capacity of 1,400. It is the only church in Ohio with double balconies. Except for the exterior sandstone, the entire structure is made of wood and brick with no steel whatsoever... the architect achieved what others have tried in vain to copy - a church with nary a pillar holding up its ceiling, which is 85 feet from the floor." Father Jamers McKay, SM, Sesquicentennial History

established as a German parish & original church dedicated cornerstone for current church laid Archbishop Elder permitted Emmanuel to erect Stations of the Cross flood destroyed pews & pulpit

current marble altars and stained glass windows installed

rear spire blown down in a windstorm Father Joseph Sieber ran through falling embers to rescue the Blessed Sacrament from a fire after a lightning strike

front spires removed

Emmanuel has hosted a Tuesday evening Miraculous Medal novena for more than 50 years. The annual Divine Mercy Sunday celebration dates to 1989 and the Corpus Christi procession along Franklin Street decorated by parishioners with designs in colored wood chips - will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2021.

organ restored to a smaller size and different style digital ranks restore organ to original sound

Emmanuel means “God with us.”

For an extensive video on this church’s history, please visit emmanuelcatholic.com

“The Downtown Dayton Parishes preserve traditions with an eye to the future. We all desire to evangelize in the city and share the Gospel message with the world. All three are beautiful, and one of the ways you draw people into the Church is through beauty: beautiful music, beautiful art, beautiful architecture.”

– Father Angelo Anthony, C.PP.S. | 15

St. Philomena was 13 when she died. Not much was known about her life until 1802, when her bones were discovered in Christian catacombs. There was a palm branch carved on her grave symbolizing that she was a martyr, meaning she died for Christ. Around the same time, she appeared in dreams to three different people from different parts of the world. She told these people the story of her life. The faithful quickly developed a devotion to her after miracles and healings began to occur through her intercession.

S t . Philomena

Philomena was a Greek princess who had such a deep love for Christ that she made a promise to God to stay unmarried, saving her heart and life for God. When she and her father, the Greek emperor, traveled to Rome to plead with the Roman emperor to not go to war with them, the Roman emperor took an interest to Philomena and asked her to marry him. She refused because of her promise to God and this made him very angry. The Roman emperor threw Philomena in jail and tortured her for weeks.

Philomena had a vision of Mary holding baby Jesus saying that things would end in three days. In three days, the Roman emperor asked to marry Philomena again. When she refused, he tied an anchor to her in an attempt to drown her, but the rope broke. Then, he tried firing flaming arrows at her, but the arrows instead caught the bows on fire. The Roman emperor finally beheaded her.

In 1837, she was officially canonized as a saint. Her feast day is August 11, and she is the patron saint of children, infants and youth.

Pray through the intercession of St. Philomena that you, too, can live a Christ-centered life and strive for sainthood. No matter your age, you can also become a saint!

“My k i ng d om i s he a ven.”

ANCHOR

CHILDREN

PALM BRANCH

1 6 | K IDS’ CORNE R

DREAMS

PHILOMENA

EMPEROR PROMISE

TRUST

MARTYR YOUTH

CATH OL IC AT H OM E

ACTION AND AUDIENCE “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is older he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 My husband Andrew and I have five kids this side of heaven.

Five kids from age 10 down to 3, and every single one does an on-point job of imitating us. Our gestures, mannerisms and general approaches to life are all under the vigilant speculation of absorbing eyes. It’s fun, isn’t it, to see how much like you your kids turn out to be?

IT’S ALSO A BIG WAKE UP CALL.

For years now, I’ve known that the role of educator goes hand-in-hand with parenthood; but those of us with any number of kids know we’re not just any educators – we’re the first above all others. It’s through us that our kids learn what’s important in life; they catch on to our attitudes and quirks, our phrases and beliefs. I’ve witnessed that even from within the womb, a child learns his mother’s vocal inflection.

Further in life, kids take on their parents’ passions and personality traits. It’s easy for me to take a good look at my own characteristics and trace them back to one or both of my parents. I have my mom’s penchant for house plants and spontaneity, and my dad’s sense of practicality and love for dogs. While I learned life lessons in the formality of conversations at the kitchen table, most of the principles I learned were in our day-to-day encounters. There was no planning involved, just action and audience. My parents had my full attention whether they knew it or not.

The short version is that, as a parent, you’re the first place your kids will look to for how to work and play and, more importantly, how to connect with God. Though we might supplement our kids’ catechetical instruction with Catholic schools or CCD, the foundation is their encounter with faith at home, the domestic church. The Catechism states, “Family catechesis precedes, accompanies and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the

mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God” (CCC 2226). This isn’t just a responsibility, but a privilege exclusive to us.

Our kids are going to imitate us; there’s no getting around it. Regardless if we present ourselves as the very epitome of Catholic living or allow our shortcomings to show, children’s eyes and ears are ever keen to their parents’ examples.

One of my favorite saintly quotations comes form St. Therese: “The world is thy ship and not thy home.” In this simple concept lies the fact that, though we are blessed and tried by earthly lives, we were made for full union with God, which, in no uncertain terms, means that heaven is our real home. It’s where we’re meant to be.

We see evidence of this all the time, don’t we? The troubles, sin, injustices and pains of this world, if we pay attention, effect in our hearts a yearning for relief and peace well beyond what the world could possibly offer. Above anything and everything else, we should teach our children that it’s the life beyond that we’re living for now.

WHICH IS A TALL ORDER.

In order to convey such big, important truths to the young souls in our care, we have to begin simply and start with ourselves. If we hope our children will love Jesus, we have to open ourselves to the love He has for us. If we talk to Jesus like the friend and Savior He is, we’ll educate our children in the most important way. They’ll learn that, though we’re immersed in this world, it’s the one beyond that’s worth living for. It’s a challenge, but one we face in the company of God, Whose grace abounds. We can achieve all that He asks, including the blessing of educating our children.

KATIE SCIBA

is a national speaker and Catholic Press Award-winning columnist. Katie and her husband Andrew have been married for 11 years and are blessed with six children.

C AT H OL IC AT HO ME

| 17

Back to School Jitters: Pandemic Style B Y REBECCA S ON ATAG

“Mom? How long were the school buildings shut down for a pandemic when you were a kid?”

Like countless parents, I have spent unending hours seeking expert and sage parenting advice from books, respected websites, doctors, teachers, family, clergy and friends. But not one single time in all of my preparation or imagined parenting conundrums did I ever consider having to answer this. Pandemics never came up, not once.

Take their concerns seriously and listen to what’s really behind their fears. Is your first grader distraught because the back-to-school party was canceled? Maybe you can help her send cards to her classmates and arrange some time for video chat. Is your college junior afraid of missing an important internship opportunity? Perhaps a college advisor can help direct him to a remote opportunity to keep on track for his professional goals.

THERE’S A SAINT FOR THAT

It’s not just parents. No infectious disease specialist, economist, politician or teacher has ever seen anything like this. Every day seems to bring with it a new discovery of this stealthy and insidious foe.

Guidelines change, as do safety recommendations, with everyone learning as they go.

When in doubt, check with the experts. Examining the lives and meditating on how the saints managed anxiety, fear and worry can be an excellent source of comfort and insight. Here are several examples to get you started, but most important is prayer. Pray through their intercession for help.

What if there is a second wave or even a third? Will in-person classes resume at full-capacity? Will dorms open up? Will cafeterias serve lunch? Will buses operate as normal? When will things go back to the way they were? Or will they? How can we answer these questions for our children when we don’t know the answers ourselves?

“God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry.” – St. John Vianney

So much is up in the air and certainty is hard to come by. At least that’s one thing that hasn’t changed: Nothing in life is ever certain except for God. God’s love and care for each and every one of us remains steadfast and strong forever and always. God will get us through.

FEAR NOT Perhaps the reason Jesus tells us over and over to fear not, cast aside our worries and trust in Him is that He knows the lesson is hard. And it is certainly not a fair exchange – we give God our worries and He gives us peace. As parents, we want to do the same for our children. Here are some ideas to help you along.

Make yourself available to listen to your children and ask open ended questions. The uncertainty the coming school year holds is bound to cause some feelings of anxiety and angst, which are likely to ebb and flow. Listen to the concerns. Don’t dismiss them.

Jesus never said, “You’re overreacting,” “Get over it” and certainly not, “Well, at least…”

1 8 | B ACK TO SCHOOL

“Let nothing disturb you, nothing cause you fear. All things pass; God is unchanging. Patience obtains all.”

– St. Teresa of Avila “Do not have any anxiety about the future. Leave everything in God’s hands for He will take care of you.” – St. John Baptist de La Salle “I plead with you – never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged.” – St. Pope John Paul II THOU SHALT NOT LIE Only God knows everything. When will the pandemic end? What will school be like this year? Will there be choir concerts, football games, field trips? God knows.

We don’t. And that’s OK. Lying is a sin. Lying kills trust.

And telling children soothing lies helps no one.

Sometimes the answer is as simple as, “I don’t know, but let’s pray for God’s help.”

We have to be honest with ourselves, as well. Sometimes, we need expert help. Doctors, mental health professionals and social workers are all part of God’s plan, too, and might be the answer to your prayers.

In times of uncertainty, it is easy to get stressed and anxious. Know that you do not have control. God does.

Instead of letting worry take control of your life, try giving up your stress and anxiety, surrendering your control to God, and taking the steps to trust in Him more deeply. Below is a Divine Mercy prayer card. You canDivine either cut it outprayer and paste backs or download print aorcopy at thecatholictelegraph.com.

This Mercy cardthe is for youtogether, to use when you feeland worried stressed.

You can either cut Inout times of uncertainty, it is easy to get stressed and anxious.

Know that you do not have control. God does. and paste the backs together, or download and print a copy at thecatholictelegraph.com.

Instead of letting worry take control of your life, try giving up your stress and anxiety, surrendering your control to God, and taking the steps to trust in Him more deeply. Below is a Divine Mercy prayer card. You can either cut it out and paste the backs together, or download and print a copy at thecatholictelegraph.com.

I come to you burdened with worries, fears, doubts and troubles.

Calm and quiet me with peace of mind. Empty me of the anxiety that disturbs me, of the concerns thatI come wearyto myyou spirit, and weigh burdened with heavy onfears, my heart. my worries, doubtsLoosen and troubles. grip on the disappointments andof Calm and quiet me with peace grievances I holdme on of to the so tightly. mind. Empty anxiety Release me from theofpain of past that disturbs me, the concerns hurts, of present anger and that weary my spirit, and weigh tension, future fears. Loosen Sometimes heavyofon my heart. my it's too much for me Lord, tooand grip on the disappointments many demands and on problems, too grievances I hold to so tightly. much sadness, suffering and of stress.

Release me from the pain past Renew spiritually and hurts, me of present anger and emotionally.

Give me new tension, of future fears. Sometimes strength, hope and confidence. it's too much for me Lord, too Prepare me to meet constanttoo many demands andthe problems, struggles of daily life with a deeper much sadness, suffering and stress. faithRenew and trust You. Let and your meinspiritually love set me free,Give for me peace, emotionally. new for joy, for grace, for life, strength, hope and confidence. for others, forever. Amen.

Prepare me to meet the constant struggles of daily life with a deeper faith and trust in You. Let your love set me free, for peace, for joy, for grace, for life, for others, forever. Amen.

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T H E C AT H OL IC T E L E G R A PH | 19

S EIZE TH E M OM E N T

4 WAYS TO SHARE YOUR FAITH AT SCHOOL It’s hard to share your faith at school. No one wants to stand out or have unpopular opinions. When I first decided to share my faith, it was in college. Through intense study, I became a passionate Catholic – but everyone around me either didn’t care or they strongly disagreed with me. And I was terrible at explaining myself.

I realize now that there were some simple techniques I could have used to share my faith more effectively. Keep these in mind and you can be a positive witness at your school, no matter how old you are, or what kind of school it is.

LIVE YOUR FAITH SIMPLY

You don’t have to make loud displays of your faith. You don’t have to shrink into the background, either. Instead, try to have a subtle influence on people.

PRAY AND RESPOND

When I first tried sharing my faith in public, it was at a crowded farmer’s market. There were so many people walking by that I didn’t know where to begin. Instinctively, I started judging people: “He is too scary.” “She will probably reject me.” “They are too preoccupied.” My partner noticed this and reminded me: I don’t have to judge people. I don’t have to wait for the perfect opportunity. If I stay in conversation with Jesus, He will show me the way.

Even at school, we can get so anxious about new social situations that we forget about Jesus. Try not to wait for perfection or expect people to respond a certain way.

Instead, ask Jesus to bring you the person He wants you to meet today. When he or she walks by, you’ll know it. Then the only thing left to do is to respond.

If people are gossiping, don’t contribute to it. If someone shares a personal problem, quietly pray with them. Tell the truth. Be kind. Help people. Wear Catholic t-shirts. If someone asks about your weekend, don’t be afraid to say you went to Confession. Eventually you’ll start to make an impact simply by living a faithful, Catholic life, and people will want to know more.

HAVE A HEART

GET TO KNOW PEOPLE

If your desire to share your faith is weak, then doubledown on your relationship with God. Start taking prayer and the sacraments more seriously. Start taking your sin more seriously. Ask Jesus to give you His own heart for His people. When He gives you that heart, ask Him to constantly inflame it.

I went through 12 years of elementary and high school with the same people, and on graduation day there were still classmates I didn’t know. It’s always easier to stick with your friends than to risk rejection from a new person. But, if you are intentional about getting to know other people, then not only will you make new friends, but you’ll also discover how your faith can speak to their lived experience.

This means investing in others. Be present to the person in front of you. Show an interest in their story. Spend more time listening and asking questions than talking about yourself.

You might even challenge yourself to meet one new person a week. If you take this person-centered approach to life, then you’ll find open doors to share your faith with others, and your own life will be enriched.

2 0 | SEI ZE THE MOME NT

Maybe the problem is that the eagerness isn’t there. I get that. My intense introversion compels me never to talk to strangers unless absolutely necessary. But I also know that I have been called by my Baptism to share my faith with others. The Christian is constantly asked to choose between his comfort and the salvation of souls.

Zeal for the Lord always leads to zeal for souls. Seize the moment! I’m certain that God is waiting to fill you with His love so that you can share that love with everyone around you.

NICHOLAS HARDESTY

creates content and leads workshops for Contagiously Catholic, an archdiocesan initiative that seeks to empower parishes and schools to equip the laity for evangelization.

Returning to Seminary Catholic Telegraph Intern Reflects on Unique Year B Y CHRIS T OPHER B US C HUR

Last semester began normally for seminarians with the usual routine of communal prayer, classes and social obligations.

Even after spring break in March, life seemed normal. However, as the reality of pandemic began to set in, life evolved on a seemingly daily basis. I don’t think the reality of the situation truly hit us until our rector announced at our evening Holy Hour that we would be going home for the rest of the semester.

Stunned, we tried to enjoy our last few days together as a community. It was a surreal atmosphere, to say the least.

Dispersing to our various homes and parishes, we had to finish out the spring semester of seminary… without seminary.

This was certainly not an easy transition. We went through the struggle of conducting classes via video chat, but the greatest hardship was the loss of communal prayer life and, especially, the daily celebration of Mass. I felt disappointed for my brother seminarians who were preparing to be ordained to the diaconate and the priesthood. What is usually a joyful time of year, filled with hope and expectation, turned instead to a time of uncertainty and trepidation. Please remember our new priests in your prayers as they begin their ministry in these tumultuous times.

on our faith in Christ and His love for us. Hope orders us to the Kingdom of Heaven, while also giving us perseverance for the trials of this life. Therefore, during the trials and uncertainty of COVID-19, we should put our hope in Christ, for as the world is turning, Christ is the only constant.

This time of pandemic should remind people of the importance of the Mass and the sacraments. It was easy for me to take Mass for granted when it was just a short walk to the seminary chapel, but my perspective shifted dramatically after the lockdown.

We had to endure an involuntary fast from the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. Let us use this time to reflect on God’s great gift of the Mass and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and to never take these gifts for granted.

Finally, as we continue to weather the storm, may we turn to our Blessed Mother, that we always have hope in her Son, and ever more strive to conform our life to Him, even in the most difficult and unsettling of times.

Before the pandemic set in, I had the opportunity to accept a summer internship at The Catholic Telegraph. I was thrilled to have this new experience and the opportunity to put my undergraduate degree in Communications to good use.

Thankfully, despite the capriciousness of the present crisis, I was able to begin my internship as planned. My time with The Catholic Telegraph has given me a behind-the-scenes look at the complex process of publishing a magazine, and it has been a fascinating experience to be involved in the steps from conception to final publication. While the atmosphere at The Telegraph has been far from normal during this time of pandemic, it has been a productive and fulfilling summer. I feel thankful for this opportunity, even under the circumstances.

How will the fall look? I don’t think anyone knows at this point. I expect to be physically back at the seminary this August for classes, but nothing is for certain. In this time, I think it is important to reflect on the virtue of hope. While hope is often the most underrated of the theological virtues, it should permeate every aspect of our lives as Christians. Hope is not a fleeting emotion or feeling, but a firm disposition which rests | 21

2 2 | RADIA TE CHRIST PA S TO R A L L ETTER

Back to School Whatever the Future Holds, There is a Plan

B Y S HARON C IVIT EL L O

Community Support What will going back to school look like? Will young students keep a mask on all day if required? Will they stay six feet apart? Holy Family School Principal Katie Puthoff and school nurse Jessica Grover agree it can work if expectations are clear and behavior is modeled by adults.

“Kids are resilient,” said Puthoff. “They never fail to rise to our expectations.”

One thing is certain: leadership has been busy planning for a safe, effective and welcoming learning environment for 2,300 students enrolled in the 10 parish schools supported

by CISE (Catholic Inner-city Schools Education Fund).

Whatever the future holds, there is a plan.

“For 40 years the Cincinnati community has been supportive of CISE,” said Mabe Rodriguez, executive director. “Once again, the community has stepped up to help us navigate the ‘new normal’ during the COVID pandemic. We have been meeting with CPS (Cincinnati Public School) Superintendent Laura Mitchell, Steve Muething, Chief Quality Officer at Cincinnati Children’s [Hospital], Cincinnati Bell, and LaSoupe. We are excited and grateful to be working with so many willing partners.”

“Our first priority,” Rodriguez said, “is the health and safety of our scholars.” Jessica Grover, who leads coordination

between the CISE schools and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, said, “I’ve been very impressed with CISE and the forethought and planning that has gone into fall preparation. With clear guidelines from the governor and the CDC, we can create our plan and provide resources.”

Remote vs. Face-to-Face Learning Parents, children, educators and doctors are all in agreement that at least some in-person learning is needed for children’s development and social skills Distance learning is especially challenging for children in low-income families. Many are single-parent families.

Most are in service industries where working from home is not an option. Technology in the home is limited or nonexistent. Older children often care for younger siblings.

CISE school principals have been meeting regularly to share best practices and problem solve.

Teachers, students and families learned much from the spring closures. Chromebooks were sent home and teachers received Google Classroom and distance learning training.

“With CISE support, I was able to reach 100 percent of my students in a focused one-hour meeting every day,” said Michelle Frey, second grade teacher at Holy Family. “It was nothing short of miraculous!”

BAC K T O SCHO O L | 23

We look forward to being back with the kids. Every scenario is being considered.

Students were given time to chat live with their friends facilitating both socialization and writing practice. Virtual field trips to the San Diego Zoo and art museum added adventure.

“It gave me a sense of security to be able to check in on them,” said Frey. “I think I needed this connection as much as they did.”

Frey is hopeful. “We look forward to being back with the kids. Every scenario is being considered” she said. “I’ll do what it takes. We have the virtual thing down. This summer, I’ve taken online classes to be even better prepared. Nothing is being ruled out…even if I have to give lessons on their front porch!”

The New Normal Going forward, schools need to imagine a new normal. In a recent meeting with Muething and four team members from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, CISE educators learned what that would look like. The top priorities for a safer environment are distancing, masking, hand hygiene and cleaning. They discussed practical and fun ways to implement these critical safety measures. “You have given us a lot to consider,” said Jennifer O’Brien, St. William principal. “The presentation made it easier to think about our reopening plan.”

We will come out better on the other side,” said Puthoff.

“Google Classroom has opened up big opportunities.

Children will be in different places academically depending on their distance learning experience. We will meet each child where they are.”

Lauren Clements, principal at Corryville Catholic, said, “Kids want to be in school and are willing to follow the rules to make it happen.” Some schools are researching live-stream technology to bring class into the home if a child is not able to attend for health reasons. Clements will offer computer classes for parents to help monitor school work.

Principals are prepared. CISE is partnering with Cincinnati Bell to provide internet access for those in need and working to procure personal protective equipment. Compliance will require additional classroom staff and transportation accommodations.

In a year when donations are expected to decrease, expenses will most certainly increase. If you can help, contact Debbie Weitz at dweitz@catholicAOC.org or (513)661-8156 or visit CISEKids.org.

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Katie Puthoff Principal Embraces Sharing the Faith at Culturally Diverse Price Hill School

BY JOHN STEGEMAN

For Katie Puthoff, principal at Holy Family School in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Price Hill, being an educator isn’t just a job. It is as much a ministry as it is the fulfillment of a childhood dream.

“Even from when I was little, my parents would tell you I wanted to play school and teacher,” Puthoff said. “Even in high school and college, my heart would always go back to education, even if I considered other things… I wanted to be able to care in the same way as the teachers I had. I always just had a passion for kids. No matter where I went or what I did, I wanted to help them become better people.”

Puthoff credits this inspiration to the teachers who taught her as she grew up. In fact, nearly her entire education took place in Catholic schools and universities in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. She attended St. Michael in Sharonville for grade school, Mount Notre Dame for high school, and University of Dayton for both her undergrad and masters work in college. At each step of the way her vocation for teaching became clearer.

A principal now for three years, Puthoff began teaching at Our Lady of Visitation on Cincinnati’s West Side before returning to teach at her alma mater, St. Michael. She became a principal so her impact could reach more students, helping them grow academically and spiritually.

“Catholic education is truly the future of the Church,” she said. “I enjoy helping to raise kids in the Catholic faith and teaching them how great God can be and how to live a life that is not only fulfilling, but can do good in the world.”

At Holy Family School, Puthoff presides over a unique mix of students, most of whom live nearby. The school’s latest fact sheet reports that the 227 students in pre-K through eighth grade are 64 percent Latino, 15 percent African American, 14 percent Caucasian and 7 percent multiracial. Seventyfour percent of the students are Catholic.

“Our schools is very diverse,” Puthoff said. “The population in Price Hill has shifted a lot in the last 10 years. Many of our students come from families that need a little extra support.”

Holy Family is one of nine schools served by the Catholic Inner-City Education Fund (CISE), which provides a broad scope of support, including funding, to the schools.

“I loved teaching at Visitation and St. Michael,” Puthoff said.

“But I’ve never seen God work more than in these years I’ve been at Holy Family. God works through people and it’s something I see every day whether it’s a teacher giving their all to help a student or their family, or someone who sends their child here and trusts us to do what’s best for them.”

Coming back to the career aspect, Puthoff emphasized the reasons one should consider following a path to work in Catholic education.

“It is important for people to realize the difference a Catholic education can make in a kid’s life,” Puthoff said. “The biggest thing you should ask yourself is ‘Why do you want to be a Catholic educator and what kind of differences do you want to make?’ If you want to be in a kid’s life and give them opportunities by helping shape their faith and giving them opportunities to learn, then you should consider it.”

IN PR O FI LE | 25

S C H O O L O F FAITH Making an Impact in Catholic Schools

BY M.D. PITMAN

Holy Family School of Faith (commonly called School of Faith) expanded into Cincinnati just six years ago, but it is already impacting hundreds of Catholic school administrators, faculty and staff across the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Theologians Mike Scherschligt and Troy Hinkel founded School of Faith in 2005, intending to strengthen people’s Catholic faith by sharing the love of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Mother through the New Evangelization. Today, they reach more than 10,000 people every year virtually through podcasts and YouTube, as well as through live events and pilgrimages. John Leyendecker is the Director of Mission with School of Faith Cincinnati, a branch of Holy Family School of Faith in Kansas City, KS. He describes School of Faith as “a movement of family and friends that are trying to draw people closer to Jesus.”

An important prong of their mission is to minister in schools. Leyendecker and Dave Staples, a School of Faith instructor, partner with 23 grade schools and high schools in the archdiocese from as far north as Lehman High School in Shelby County, to schools peppered around Cincinnati’s East and West Sides. Catholic schools and School of Faith partner to form administrators, faculty and staff more deeply in the faith so they can radiate Christ to their students.

An aspect of this work is an annual pilgrimage to the Holy Land designed to facilitate an encounter with the tangible reality of Christ. To-date, more than 180 school personnel have accompanied Leyendecker on pilgrimage.

Vickie Geckle, who teaches at St. Ignatius of Loyola School in Monfort Heights, was on the first pilgrimage in 2015. “In the Holy Land, I encountered Jesus and His Blessed Mother in a much more personal and overwhelming way than I ever had before,” said Geckle. “Ever since, I feel a responsibility and desire to share the experience of Jesus, the sacraments and our whole faith with everyone in my life, especially my students.”

Over the past school year, School of Faith has worked with more than 750 teachers, staff and administrators.

Leyendecker said he hopes to add another five to 10 schools over the next few years.

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr formally endorsed School of 2 6 | B ACK TO SCHOOL

John Leyendecker instructs 2019 School of Faith pilgrims just behind the Church of the Visitation in Ein Karem, Israel.

Faith in February 2015 to minister within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

“We are living in a culture that is very challenging in many ways; it’s not very accepting of the Catholic faith,” Archbishop Schnurr said in a video about School of Faith receiving the Lumen Vitae Medal from the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Kansas. “The School of Faith is bringing a light into that darkness, and so School of Faith is helping people – starting in our schools – not only know the faith but to witness to the faith.”

The Cincinnati branch of School of Faith has started offering classes and missions in parishes around the archdiocese. A big part of that is praying the Rosary, which is complemented by the School of Faith website, DailyRosary.net. Leyendecker said it provides meditation on the Rosary, offering some aspect, virtue or doctrine of the faith “that’s really broken down in a human way for people to reflect on.”

They also offer “Rosary on the Road,” where people can organize a discussion group in their home, and Leyendecker or Staples will lead the discussion and reflection through fellowship and conversation.

“It’s really been powerful,” Leyendecker said. “We have several thousand people all over the world praying this [online] daily Rosary with us, and starting these kinds of groups where they’re tying people together to have good conversation and friendship.”

“That’s at the root of the Gospel,” he said. “People have to get back to sharing their lives together and focus on Jesus, and consider what the Church has to say. You can trust this 2,000year old treasure trove.”

DePaul Cristo Rey Coach Cornelius Leads Basketball with Faith and Heart B Y M. D . P I T M A N

DePaul Cristo Rey has stood out over the past four years as one of the Tri-State’s best-kept basketball secrets. A perennial Final Four participant in the Ohio Christian Schools Athletic Association (OCSAA) post-season tournament, the school of around 300 students from 38 tri-state zip codes, won the OCSAA title after twice being a third-place finisher and once being the tournament’s runner up.

“It was the best thing for the kids,” said head coach Randy Cornelius, who finished his seventh year with the Bruins – the last four leading the program – with a state title.

The final two minutes of the title game against Circleville’s New Hope Christian was arguably the best in his coaching career.

After a close game, the DePaul Cristo Rey’s senior, Montez Johnson, hit a three-pointer with 30 seconds left, giving the team a one-point lead. After a couple back and forth stops, junior Martin Igaba sunk the two biggest free throws of the game to put the Bruins up 50-47 with seconds left.

“After that, the celebration began,” Cornelius said. Cornelius said they were lucky to get the title game in as the following

The Bruins’ success in the years leading up to the 2020 title is, in part, because of the basketball strategy and game planning

by Coach Cornelius and his assistant coaches, Jeff Birkofer and Casey Troutman. Only two of his 14 players are over sixfeet-tall, but all played significant time on the court. During the season, most games saw 12 to 13 players get into the game before half-time, when most teams only played six or seven.

“We’re not the tallest, but we’re the toughest,” Coach Cornelius said.

While skill and strategy have been staples for the Bruins, so is their faith. The Catholic high school in Clifton was founded in 2011 by the Sisters of Charity. Prayer is a consistent presence in the program, before games and before or after practices.

week the Ohio High School Athletic Conference postponed its winter post-season tournament, which was eventually canceled due to COVID-19. And for 2020, DePaul Cristo Rey is the only state high school basketball champion, as the OCSAA is only one division.

The team follows a “next man up” mantra, a sports philosophy that anyone on the team can and will be called upon to help the team succeed.

Next year, Coach Cornelious said the team will lose five seniors to graduation. However, with the depth DePaul Cristo Rey has developed leading into the 2020-21 season, the coach said the team’s mantra is “next season up.”

T H E C AT H OL IC T ELE G R A PH | 27

FOCUS HITS COLLEGE CAMPUSES B Y B ONNY VAN

When fall semester classes begin, Catholic students on several college campuses will find there is a new friend ready to help them navigate their way on a path of faith and prayer thanks to FOCUS missionaries. “We meet students where they’re at” is a phrase the missionaries often say, who, like disciples of Jesus, go where the Lord calls them to go – as long as it involves a college campus, where young people often struggle with two important tools needed to take on the adult world: their identity and their faith.

“We totally meet students where they’re at, so if they’re at a place where their spiritual life is not even on the radar, well, we’re just going to make friends with them, get to know them, share our life with them and ideally, by the witness of our own life, we can awaken an interest in them,” said Joseph Zuccaro, team director for FOCUS at Miami University in Oxford.

FOCUS, or Fellowship of Catholic University Students, was founded by Curtis Martin and began with two missionaries at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, in 1998, according to the organization’s website.

Today, FOCUS is on many college campuses throughout the U.S., as well England, Ireland, Germany and Austria.

2 8 | B ACK TO SCHOOL

And instead of two missionaries, a FOCUS team includes four missionaries, two men and two women, who minister to young men and women respectively; serving as an extension of Catholic campus ministry, like spiritual “boots on the ground.”

“FOCUS is such a powerhouse of relational ministry with four people who are well formed, super passionate about Jesus, on fire with the Holy Spirit,” said Father Ethan Moore, pastor of St. Monica-St. George Parish Newman Center at the University of Cincinnati and director of Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. “They live a life that is utterly attractive by way of who they are and have a daily prayer life and have a team dynamic that is inviting.”

“They just are an incredible ground swell of glory on a campus that shines that light on a hill, that draws others to them because it is the light of Christ, so just their presence on campus makes a huge impact,” he added.

Father Moore noted it is not only their strong relationship with Jesus the helps engage students, but the individual lifestyles of the missionaries themselves that draws others in. He mentioned one missionary who was a vegetarian and loved to rock climb and how he was able to incorporate

that into “how he follows Jesus.”

off in college. It grew exponentially.”

“So it’s like people [missionaries] being who they are, the clothes they wear, their accents, their own little quirks, but all that seen in the light of Christ lets other people be who they are, and that freedom begets freedom and, I would say, love begets love,” said Father Moore.

Rodeheffer said as she became more involved in campus ministry, she found an even stronger relationship with Jesus and a desire to continue to work for the Catholic Church. Living in Denver, the headquarters for FOCUS, Rodeheffer knew of the organization and realized her calling during her senior year when a group of young women asked her to teach them how to pray.

Zuccaro had a similar experience of bringing Christ to young men via an unconventional route. The former “I just realized that my desire really lined investment banker and commercial real up with this need that I saw and this estate broker from Chicago was in his opportunity that I wanted to introduce first year as a FOCUS missionary at the young women to the one University of Virginia who knows and loves when the conversation them perfectly, to the lead to Zuccaro’s high one who created them school days as a boxer. and who can love them Next came a trip to the They just are an far beyond anything gym and the rest, as incredible ground I can do myself,” they say, was God. said Rodeheffer, who swell of glory on graduated with a degree “All of a sudden students a campus that in hospitality. “I wanted are coming up to us and them to experience the asking, ‘Hey, is this a shines that light kind of life and joy that boxing club? I didn’t on a hill...

I had in getting to know know we had one.’ And Jesus and the way that I’m like, ‘No, but feel He had transformed my heart.” free to join us.’ And so we had guys join our fellowship just through boxing and FOCUS missionaries are college actually one of the guys who joined now graduates who go through a rigorous supports me financially as a missionary five-week course on human formation, and also with his prayers. So it’s really spiritual formation, intellectual amazing to see the Lord work through formation and apostolic formation. these interactions,” said Zuccaro.

Summers are spent training and fundraising for financial support for FOCUS missionary Becca Rodeheffer is the next school year. The commitment going into her third year with campus to FOCUS is two years, but many ministry at Wright State University in missionaries go beyond that time frame Dayton. Rodeheffer, who grew up in the and, since its inception, more than San Francisco Bay area, felt isolated and 500 alumni have discerned religious alone when she left home to attend the vocations as priests, deacons, brothers University of Denver. She said she missed and sisters. her youth group and other activities that were centered around her Catholic faith.

FOCUS missionaries and students will once again converge on college “I really hit a low my freshman year, campuses this fall. Missionaries will lead being lonely and realizing that I needed Bible studies, meet students and start help, I needed a savior,” Rodeheffer said. conversations, regardless of whether it’s “I couldn’t make myself happy. I couldn’t physically or virtually, they will meet the make myself thrive. I needed God, really, students “where they’re at.” and it was because of that my faith took

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T H E C AT H OL IC T E L E G R A PH | 29

SUPPORTING SEMINARIANS Endowment Paints Bright Future for Northern Archdiocese B Y KARY EL L EN B ERGER

Supporting seminarians for years to come: A gift established into an endowment will make that possible for several seminarians.

A family from the northern part of the archdiocese, who wished to remain anonymous, established the fund. Their parents, prior to their passing, asked their children to give their late sibling’s part of their estate to a charitable cause, with a particular focus on the Church.

“Our parents were helped a lot by several different priests after our sibling died, and both wanted to help young men in becoming priests,” the family said. “Our Catholic faith was very important to us as we were growing up, and our parents insisted that we do all we could for our parish, including helping financially. This donation to the seminarians is one way that they could help financially. And we, as their children, were thrilled to help seminarians.”

Working with both the local Knights of Columbus and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and School of Theology, the funds were used to establish an endowment for Darke and Mercer county seminarians.

“Deacon Dan Kahlig called me in early February to say he had been approached by a family who wanted to support 3 0 | B ACK TO SCHOOL

seminarians,” said Lori Rassati, Vice President of Development and Relations at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and School of Theology. “He suggested they support the seminary. Through months of work with the family and the Knights of Columbus, we were able to finalize the gift in mid-May.” “We are pleased that the original family and the Knights of Columbus have created a legacy [that] will support seminarians from Darke and Mercer Counties for generations to come,” she added.

“We’ve always been supportive of our local parishes and seminarians,” said Ben Tobe, the Faithful Purser with the St. Gaspar Del Bufalo Fourth Degree Assembly in Minster.

Several members from area Knights of Columbus councils in Western Ohio compose the Fourth Degree Assembly.

Along with participating in local parades, members have continuously supported other groups including Elizabeth’s New Life Center in Sidney.

“Part of our mission is to support charitable organizations,” Tobe added.

Tobe explained that the family had a long history with the Fourth Degree Assembly and its auxiliary organization. “We

would all meet together to say the Rosary, and then go off into our separate meetings,” he said.

The Knights of Columbus connected with Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and School of Theology to identify seminarians who would benefit from this endowment. Currently, there are two seminarians from Darke and Mercer counties attending the seminary: Deacon Aaron Hess and Brice Berger. Deacon Hess will be in IV Theology, and Berger will be in II Theology this upcoming school year.

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“Creating an endowment provides a means to support our mission for generations, leaving a unique legacy,” reflected Rassati.

“We hope that this endowment will promote more young men to think about becoming a priest, especially in the northern area of the diocese since we do not have as many local Catholic schools in the area,” said the family.

The endowment will officially be available to seminarians in 2021, with the intent to assist seminarians for decades to come.

“Since an endowment is in perpetuity, it means that as long as Mount St. Mary’s Seminary exists – and we’re approaching 200 years of existence – this endowment will continue to support seminarians from Darke and Mercer Counties,” said Rassati.

“People support the seminary because they want to make an impact; they want to be certain that our parishes have priests and deacons for themselves, their children, their grandchildren, etc. Creating an endowment ensures our mission continues,” she added.

Ben Tobe (L) and David Schmidt (R) from the St. Gaspar Del Bufalo Fourth Degree Assembly stand beside Lori Rassati during a meeting discussing the planned endowment for seminarians.

T H E C AT H OL IC T E LE G R A PH | 31

The CMA helps fund Catholic Charities, who has provided critical outreach during the pandemic.

Surpassing Expectations Despite Pandemic Setbacks, Faithful Push Catholic Ministries Appeal Past $5 Million Goal B Y JES S IC A RINAUD O

The odds seem stacked against Catholics and Catholic organizations lately. With the ongoing pandemic, the temporary closing of churches and the obligation to attend Mass suspended for the foreseeable future, it’s tempted to give into the doom and gloom of our present situation.

However, Catholics in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati have not only continued to support the local Church during this unprecedented time, but have surpassed their donations to the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) compared to this time last year, exceeding the campaign’s $5 million goal.

The Catholic Ministries Appeal is the annual campaign supporting six local ministries that teach, feed and heal. All 200+ parishes of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati join together to invite participation in this vital appeal. Donated funds support: Catholic Charities and Catholic Social Services; St. Rita School for the Deaf; new evangelization; seminary and vocations; retired archdiocesan priests and senior clergy; and campus, hospital and prison ministries.

“We didn’t know what to expect after the shelter in place order was issued,” said David Kissell, Chief Development Officer for the archdiocese. “But we knew the CMA ministries were going to be on the front lines of helping people through this crisis, so we focused on sharing these inspiring stories as much as possible.”

And the continued outreach of CMA-funded ministries is 3 2 | N EWS

truly inspiring. With support from community Catholics, Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio and Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley were able to provide food pantry services, including a drive-thru options, to meet the increased needs of families, as well as make care package deliveries to clients of Su Casa Hispanic Center and Refugee Resettlement Services. Additionally, both organizations were able to connect directly with vulnerable populations through check-in calls and videos.

“The support Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio and Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley receive through the Catholic Ministries Appeal is invaluable to our work,” said Tony Stieritz, CEO of Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio. “Through [the] careful stewardship of these generous donations, we feed hungry families, provide mental health services to the poor, strengthen parenting skills, welcome migrants and refugees and accompany seniors, in addition to many other services. We see these contributions as more than just transactional gifts from parishioners to our agencies. They are expressions of discipleship that the faithful want to join us in this mission to serve local families and change local lives.”

Likewise, hospital chaplains have become vital, physical presences for patients as family members are not permitted to visit the sick right now.

This time of pandemic has left many populations isolated.

Retired archdiocesan priests continue to help and serve where

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they can. Their public ministry is limited, as many are high-risk individuals, but they continue to offer private Mass and pray for the needs of the faithful.

as a permanent deacon. Two men were ordained as transitional deacons for the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Cincinnati. On May 16, three men were ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Inmates remain in isolation, but prison ministry leaders are Connection to lay ministries also continued through new preparing for when in-person ministry can begin again. There evangelization efforts. The Pastoral Center’s are currently eight inmates in formation New Evangelization team personally connects to enter the Catholic Church. The Prison with all couples currently in marriage Ministry program is also focused on recruiting preparation, and hosted an on-line Encounter new volunteers to pilot a restorative justice [Donations] are Youth Event with adoration, teaching and program in Ohio called Bridges to Life. expressions of praise and worship. These are just a few discipleship that the among many of their digital outreach efforts.

Alternative means of connection remain faithful want to join us a primary concern for CMA supported in this mission to serve “Love and charity are service, helping others, ministries. St. Rita School for the Deaf local families and serving others. … When you forget yourself moved their classes to online learning during change local lives. and think of others, this is love! And with the the pandemic and continue to educate and washing of the feet the Lord teaches us to be meet the needs of their students in this servants, and above all, servants as He was a new learning environment. Mt. St. Mary’s servant to us, for every one of us,” said Pope Seminary and School of Theology sent all Francis in his March 12, 2016 Jubilee audience. seminarians home in the spring, but courses and formation continued for the rest of the school year through electronic The Catholic faithful have certainly shown their love and charity means. this year, despite all odds. Thank you for your courageous support in these uncertain times. Donate at aocstewardship.

And the pandemic did not halt ordinations! In April, seven org/cma. men were ordained transitional deacons and one was ordained

DAYS OF PRAYER & MERCY Fr. Nathan Cromly is speaking Aug 31 & Sept 1.

Aug 31 Mass at 5 pm Dinner at 6 pm Talk at 7 pm

Sept 1 Breakfast at 10 am Talk at 11 am

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ST. PETER IN CHAINS

CATHEDRAL As of May 25, public Masses have been permitted in Catholic churches. We are following social-distancing guidelines and sanitation rules. Please see our website for the most up-to-date Mass schedule.

IF YOU CA N ’ T JOIN U S IN PER S ON :

Live-Stream Mass

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Thank You “I extend my sincerest gratitude to the thousands of donors who supported this year’s Catholic Ministries Appeal here in the Archdiocese.

In the midst of great struggles these past months, many stood Together for the Faith of the Gospel and helped make a meaningful impact on our local communities. On behalf of all the CMA ministries and those they serve, I say Thank you!

May God’s blessing be with you always!”

PLA N N ED LITU R GIES: Mon–Fri | 7 am & 5:15 pm Starting Sept 8 | 11:30 am (M-F) Saturday | 11:30 am

Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr

Weekend| 4:30 pm (Sat) & 11 am (Sun) Starting Sept 13 | 6 pm (Sun) Confessions | Saturday | noon to 2 pm

T H E C AT H OL IC T ELE G R A PH | 33

ST. LYD I A & TI E DYE

B Y WAY N E & M AR I AN N E TO P P We can’t be the only ones who are flabbergasted that summer is already coming to an end, right?! It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the end of “virtual learning” and suddenly, the sight of newlysharpened pencils, bright highlighters and notebooks are pasted all over the store advertisements. A new school year is about to start, and our schedules are about to get a little more hectic. Now is the best time to make a few more summer Catholic memories.

Luckily for us, August is jam-packed with saints! One of our favorites is the feast of St. Lydia, our daughter’s patron, which falls on August 3.

3 4 | MAK ING CATHOLIC M EM O R I ES

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Not much is known about the life of St. Lydia except what we read in the book of Acts. The story goes that when St. Paul was traveling into the region of modern-day Greece, instead of preaching in a temple or synagogue, he preached to anyone who would listen. Lydia was one of the first to hear his words while working on the bank of a river, and “she and her house-hold were baptized” (Acts 16: 15).

She didn’t wait. She heard what she knew in her heart was the truth and she accepted it immediately and responded generously. From the moment of her own baptism, Lydia invited St. Paul and his companions into her home to celebrate Mass, allowing it to become the first Catholic church in the Roman Empire! For these reasons, we named our first daughter Lydia, and we love to celebrate her feast day.

Before being converted, Lydia was known as a seller of purple cloth. Her job was to create purple fabric through a long and tedious process in which dye was extracted from thousands of boiled murex shells. This made purple cloth affordable only to the wealthiest people in society. Today, the process of dying clothes is not nearly so difficult, and it can be done in one afternoon using as much purple (or any other color) as you want! What better way to commemorate St. Lydia (and squeeze in a little more summer fun) than by doing your very own tie-dye day?

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These shirts are always a hit with younger children and there is ample opportunity to talk about the life of St. Lydia while the shirts are soaking in the dye. You can read her story from Acts 16, find her story in a saint book or just Google it!

If your kids are older, or you're just not into tie-dying, perhaps you can pull them into the kitchen to create a new favorite pasta shell dish to remember the shells she used in her trade. No matter what your family chooses to do to celebrate St. Lydia this month, let it be our prayer that all our daughters (and sons) can follow her great example to immediately open their hearts to the truth of the Gospel and live it out with great faith, love and generosity.

T H E C AT H OL IC T E L E G R A PH | 35

Mary Help of Christians on the ceiling of Maria Stein Shrine Adoration Chapel.

Focal Point

BY SUSI E B ER G MA N

A Look at the Local Interior Artistry of the Cross-Tipped Churches

Most of us know the saying, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” We can apply this saying to buildings, structures and churches. In fact, one could even say that a beautiful church may be an architectural diamond, but if the pews are not filled each week with praying faithful, it’s nothing more than a lovely shell.

Fortunately for the Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches, these structural gems are still filled each week with the faithful descendants of the area’s early German and French Catholic settlers, and many contain their original interior artistry.

Underneath the tall spires of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in Cassella, St. Mary in Philothea, St. Anthony, St. Wendelin and the Maria Stein Shrine, you will find remarkable, hand-painted ceilings that depict and honor Mary. In St. Joseph Church, east of Ft. Recovery, the ceiling is adorned with a magnificent portrait of the Church’s namesake. Other cross-tipped churches also have expressive paintings of saints framed on their walls, all crafted by Father Paulinus Trost, C.PP.S. “Father Trost was a major contributor of religious art in the cross-tipped churches. Visitors can still contemplate the lives of Jesus, Mary and other saints when they gaze up at the masterpieces on the ceilings of their churches, just as the generations before them did,” said local historian Matt Hess.

3 6 | A LO OK BACK

Father Trost was born into a family of talented German artists in 1856. Growing up, he learned painting fundamentals from his father and displayed his talent in America when he joined the Society of Precious Blood.

He was ordained in 1885, and in 1889 he continued his studies at the Academy of Arts in Munich. When Father Trost was the rector at St. Charles Seminary, between 1904 and 1919, he designed and painted all of the art inside the Chapel of the Assumption. Prior to his ordination, he was not permitted to sign his work, but many of his pieces still hang throughout the building today and include his decorative Latin signature.

Another student of the Munich Art Academy with an artistic stamp on the cross-tipped churches was Heinrich (Henry) Schroeder. He was born in Germany in 1837, and moved to America at age 15. Settling in Cincinnati, he began his studies as a master wood sculptor, while devoutly keeping to his faith. He established a studio, the F & H Schroeder Bros., for sculpting and altar building.

While his work is visible throughout the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, it can be seen along the scenic byway inside the Maria Stein Shrine and St. Michael Church. The artistry of other German-American altar sculptors, contracted from outside of this archdiocese, can also still be appreciated there today.

“Along with Father Trost and Henry Schroeder, parishes

artistry, although not sophisticated in application, was done with meticulous precision and style. It was a profitable venture for the sisters, who produced large crucifixes for area churches and shrines.

There are many still on display today at the Maria Stein Shrine and cross-tipped churches along the byway.

contacted with other local artisans to fill their churches with furnishings worthy of the celebration of Mass. Although each church is an eclectic mix of artisans, not all went with local companies. Most parishes patronized American firms with German artisans at the helm, or religious art companies located in Germany” added Hess.

In a world full of industrialized, massproduced products that can be delivered within days, it’s important for us to stop and reflect on the talent of these local artisans of the past. Their dedication to their craft, skill and prideful craftsmanship are something to be treasured.

Similarly, the majestic stained glass that adorns these churches had artisanship both within and outside of the archdiocese. While it is difficult to find much information on the Artistic Glass Company of Cincinnati, we do know that their radiant windows are still visible in the nave of St. John Church in Maria Stein, all of St. Sebastian and St. Henry, as well as the original parts of St. Augustine in Minster.

Some final focal points worth noting are the religious statues that were created by the sisters who lived in convents throughout the area. The papier-mâché

Stained glass windows at St. Sebastian.

Hess noted, “The community, in times past, took pride in procuring what was needed to build and decorate spaces uniquely beautiful and long-lasting. These treasures are still lovingly cared for today by their congregations, who are connected by the generations before them who filled the same pews under the striking crosstipped spires.”

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T H E C AT H OL IC T E LE G R A PH | 37

OUT AND ABOUT I N T HE AR CH DI O CE SE

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1) NEW BELL TOWER IN HAMILTON

Queen of Peace Parish in Hamilton received a bell tower from Bob Young and his family. The bell was erected during the suspension of Masses, and was rung for the first time on Pentecost as the faithful joined together to celebrate Mass publicly for the first time.

2) SACRAMENTS AT IHM

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Anderson Township congratulates all their First Communicants and Confirmandi.

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Nathan Schuster was awarded the Stephen T. Badin medal, the highest honor given to a member of the senior class at Badin High School, at the conclusion of the Baccalaureate Mass on June 10, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Liberty Township.

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June 12, cars began lining up 90 minutes early to receive fresh produce boxes and milk, which are rare commodities in food pantries. In all, 1,408 boxes of produce and 2,700 gallons of milk were distributed. The National Guard provided extra power supply to keep the milk refrigerated during the event. More than 30 St. Xavier students, alumni and staff helped place the items into trunks as recipients drove-thru lines for nocontact pick-up.

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T H E C AT H OL IC T E LE G R A PH | 39

AN ACT OF SELF-GIVING LOVE Annual Dayton Corpus Christi Procession

BY MARK DANIS

“Our annual Corpus Christi Procession is always surrounded by trials and spiritual battles, and the Lord always brings us through them. This year was no different,” said Stephanie Schutte when asked about her greatest challenge in organizing the annual Corpus Christi Procession at Emmanuel Church in Dayton. The question was actually about the current COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings and requirements for social distancing, but Stephanie’s answer revealed a great deal more.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is a Catholic liturgical celebration of the Real Presence of the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, in the elements of the Eucharist. It was originally proposed by St. Thomas Aquinas to Pope Urban IV in 1264, and in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati it is celebrated on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday. Following Holy Mass, the priest leads a procession on a defined route while exposing the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance. The procession is often followed by benediction.

Stephanie and her husband, Greg, have been the organizers of Emmanuel’s annual procession for nearly 20 years. Their inspiration came from their own pilgrimage to Rome in 2001. The couple fondly recalls witnessing Pope St. John Paul II perched on a prie dieu (prayer kneeler), with his head bowed in reverence before the Eucharist. While appearing to be unaware of the hundreds of faithful surrounding his motorcade, the future saint remained transfixed by the presence and beauty of his beloved.

The Schuttes also shared their profound experiences witnessing processions in various other Italian cities. They fondly recalled the event in Cascia, home of St. Rita. It was in Cascia where they discovered what would become the hallmark of Emmanuel’s own Corpus Christi processions.

Along the route in Cascia, the faithful outlined a number of drawings honoring the Body of Christ. These same drawings were then filled in with thousands of multi-colored rose petals that brought the images to life. Both Stephanie and Greg were so taken by their experience that year, that they brought the idea back to their own parish.

4 0 | N EWS

Corpus Christi Procession at Emmanuel Church in Dayton.

(Photo / Jeff Unroe)

Stephanie said, “This year’s procession at Emmanuel presented unique challenges beyond the pandemic,” but she added, “There was never any hesitation about going forward with the event. Our pastor was completely supportive.” The most significant challenge was the scattered rain showers that threatened to wash away the drawings, but Stephanie says that she learned “to remain quiet about all of it, to abandon everything to Him, and to simply seek to please Him. If the Lord allowed our preparations to be washed away, so be it.”

That sentiment was made clearer after I initially misunderstood Greg’s use of the phrase “‘A total act of selfgiving love.” Those words were offered as Greg’s explanation for why he is so committed to continuing this tradition. It was only later in our conversation that I understood what he meant. Greg explained the act of self-giving love is not his and his wife’s; it is what Christ has already given, a gift we could never hope to repay. Summing up his motivation, Greg shared his personal Corpus Christi prayer, “I am giving you this, Lord, because you have given me everything.”

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T H E C AT H OL IC T E L E G R A PH | 41

THE FINAL WORD with Dr. Eric Spina

WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE COMMON GOOD

I looked out over thousands of faces in the University of Dayton (UD) arena more than four years ago during my presidential installation and urged us to put a stake in the ground. Let us be “The University for the Common Good,” I said, humbly aware that UD doesn’t have a corner on this concept. It’s a cornerstone of Catholic social teaching and has long been an essential element of UD that particularly resonates with me as an educator, parent and lifelong Catholic, and I wanted to elevate it as a way to center our teaching, research and community engagement.

The idea of creating conditions, in the words of Saint Pope John XXIII, where people can “reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily” is the kind of world we should aspire to build. It’s an environment that I would like to believe describes our Marianist university, where we are striving to make a UD education accessible to curious and talented students from all zip codes.

By mission, a Catholic university cultivates within students a sense of caring and respect for all people as children of God. It’s a place focused on self-discovery, self-awareness – and, ultimately, self-fulfillment. It’s a place where students can become the best versions of themselves, growing in knowledge, faith, moral courage and character. Graduates of Catholic universities such as ours will enter a world that desperately needs more leaders adept at building community, finding common ground and valuing the common good. But these are uncommon times, and the common good is being put to the test on our campuses and in our world. With a pandemic and protests dominating our lives, we are called to stand together and care for one another as brothers and sisters.

Our students will return to campus in waves this fall, wearing face masks, practicing social distancing and making a mutual commitment to one another to promote safety and protect each member of our community, particularly the most vulnerable.

4 2 | TH E F INAL WORD

They will return to campus against the backdrop of the greatest racial unrest since the 1960s, and perhaps the most promising in terms of possible change. We’ve all seen the heartbreaking image and heard the pleas from George Floyd, a black man who was killed on a Minneapolis street under the knee of a white police officer as other officers stood by. Sadly and shamefully, this unjust, unjustifiable death of an African American is not an isolated incident, and the patterns over the past few months have unfortunately become the norm in our country. These are teachable moments.

As we await a vaccine, our campus community will accept trade-offs and inconveniences as we put others above self.

A large lecture will be delivered in a Zoom room. A film festival will move to a drive-in. A sick roommate may require special care. The typical residential campus experience won’t look the same for a while, but that doesn’t mean this time of sacrifice can’t be a shared adventure, bonding students, faculty and staff together in a spirit of working for the common good.

In every corner of campus, we must also engage in courageous, honest conversations about systemic racism, the great injustice of our times. Drawing on our Catholic, Marianist heritage, we share in the responsibility for finding a new path forward that upholds and protects the worth and dignity of every person.

As a new academic year dawns, I pray that we can help create a world where all flourish.

ERIC F. SPINA has served as president of the University of Dayton, a top-tier national Catholic research university, since July 1, 2016. During his tenure, UD’s student body has grown in size, become more racially and economically diverse, and increased in academic quality. Under his leadership, the university is charting a path toward becoming known as “The University for the Common Good.”

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