A message from Bishop Iffert
A few years ago I ran across a mission statement from a Catholic High School that stuck with me: “forming scholars, citizens and saints.” It became a kind of guidepost for me and the work of our Catholic school.
What a pleasure then to find the theme for Catholic Schools Week 2022 – Catholic Schools: Faith, Service, Excellence. This theme sets the same tone as that internalized mission statement from years back. It also does one better. The Catholic Schools Week theme puts faith first.
Faith formation is what is clearly
distinctive about Catholic education
and our schools here in the Diocese of
Covington. We are about sharing the
faith! We have established schools so
that we can hand on the faith we have
received from the Apostles, cultivate the virtues and gifts that are revealed in the Scriptures, and more fully enter into the mystery of Christ.
The Church is the Communion of Saints; a community of holy people and holy things. Our fundamental work of education is to help one another become holy — to become saints. Our Catholic School system is the largest youth ministry effort in the world!
The theme of Catholic Schools Week next speaks of Service. Service is a devotion to the common good. It is an exercise in living for others; of laying down one’s life for one’s friends. In the public arena, service amounts to being a good citizen. For those with the eyes of faith to see, a life of service is a way of being more than that. It is the stewardship of time and talent for the building up of others. It is choosing to be neighbor, friend and brother or sister, in the deep way Jesus uses these words and models the lived reality of them. It is a recognition that we are to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom even now.
Finally,Excellence speaks to our desire to provide a top-quality education that will allow our students to thrive in whatever way God calls them to serve. We know that when young people master skills, learn the art of critical and analytical thinking, and develop keen interests in fields that fuel their curiosity and passion, the world is well served. Careers flourish. Families are supported. The body of research and knowledge grows. The development of peoples is fostered.
When we are able to help our students understand that faith and reason are not opposed, but point together toward truth, the same virtues that support excellence can lead students and faculty to give glory to God. Grace builds on nature.
Lately, I have noticed another vision statement often posted near the entryways of our Catholic Schools. Usually in calligraphy, the sign reads, “Let it be known to all who enter here that Jesus Christ is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever-present teacher in all its class- es, the model of its faculty, and the inspiration for its students.” Amen. May it be true of our Catholic Schools this week, and every week of every year.
+ Most Rev. John C. Iffert
Bishop of Covington
2022 Diocesan Parish Annual Appeal
The Consecration and Installation of Bishop John C. Iffert
How do I …
Register a speaker/minister for my event?
In the Diocese of Covington, before contracting the services of an extern (from outside the diocese) priest or deacon, man or woman religious, or lay person a request for verification in good standing must be submitted to the Chancery. Click here and you will be directed to the Chancery’s webpage where you can download and submit the proper form.
Register for marriage-prep classes?
You’re engaged — congratulations! Visit the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization page and click on the quick link “Programs for Engaged Couples” for answers to your questions.
Register for an adult faith formation or catechist certification class?
The Office of Catechesis and Evangelization offers a variety of adult faith formation classes throughout the school year and during the summer. These classes are also required as part of the catechist certification process and formation for aspirants to the permanent diaconate. For information and the schedule of classes Click Here.
Begin the annulment process?
The Tribunal Office is available to help with the annulment process.
Find out about employment opportunities?
Employment opportunities for diocesan administrative positions, principals, teachers, and other parish and school positions can be found by clicking here.
Get sacramental records?
The Archives of the Diocese of Covington offers assistance in obtaining sacramental records and other genealogical information.
Find support after divorce or separation?
New Beginnings is the diocese’s Separated and Divorced ministry. Click here for more information.
Parish Volunteer Training
This November, Kentucky voters have a unique opportunity to protect human life. At the end of the ballot will be a proposed amendment that will make clear there is no right to abortion in the Kentucky Constitution.
The Catholic Conference of Kentucky is asking parishioners for help to make sure pro-life voters turn out to support Amendment #2. The CCK wants at least one person in each parish to be fully informed about the Amendment and to make a brief announcement at the end of Mass and be available to answer questions.
Jason Hall, executive director, CCK, will host one-hour trainings via Zoom to anyone who would like to volunteer for this life-saving work.
“This is not a large time commitment but is critically important to making sure Kentucky Catholics are aware of this critical pro-life vote,” said Mr. Hall.
To sign up for a training, click here fill out the online form. A follow-up e-mail will provide the dates and times the trainings will be offered.
Funeral Notice
Bishop John Iffert, the priests, deacons and lay faithful of the Diocese of Covington mourn the death, August 26, of
Msgr. Ronald Ketteler
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord; may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Visitation:
Thursday, Sept. 1, 3–6 p.m.,
St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington
Funeral Mass:
Thursday, Sept. 1, 6 p.m.,
St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington
Interment:
Friday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m.,
St. John Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell
Walking with Moms in Need
For information on pregnancy care centers and other parish resources click here.
Cathedral Façade Dedication
Featured News
https://covdio.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/blueribbon-scaled.jpg
1706
2560
Katie Schroeder
/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/CovDioLogo_dark-300x122.png
Katie Schroeder2022-09-22 08:34:362022-09-22 08:34:36St. Therese honored as 2022 Blue Ribbon School
https://covdio.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/tommurrin.jpg
379
229
Katie Schroeder
/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/CovDioLogo_dark-300x122.png
Katie Schroeder2022-09-22 08:30:332022-09-22 08:30:33Deacon candidate Tom Murrin views ordination as a ‘starting point’
CatholicTV — Stations of the Cross
/in CatholicTV, UncategorizedFrom the CatholicTV Network — Join Bishop Robert Reed in praying the Stations of the Cross at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, KY.