Step two of the Walk with One journey is to intercede in communion with the Holy Spirit

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

This year, during the holy season of Lent, the Messenger has encouraged its readers to take part in the Walk with One evangelization effort. This initiative from the National Eucharistic Congress is a way for people to participate in the call to evangelize, to be fishers of men.

In the March 7 and 14 editions of the Messenger, readers were encouraged to participate in the first of four steps as they began their Walk with One journey. That step, identifying someone in a spirit of humility, involves prayer and close connection with the Holy Spirit. The second step, interceding in communion with the Holy Spirit, involves much of the same.

The person that was identified through prayer and discernment in step one will become the person that is interceded for in step two. There are a few ways to intercede for someone communion with the Holy Spirit: writing down the person’s name on a sticky note and keeping it in a wallet to remember during prayer, asking God to open the heart of the person identified in step one so that they are receptive to him and/or offering a Mass or Holy Hour for that person. “

The other piece for this intercede step … is that it’s a really important step to ensure that we don’t get into the mindset that this other persons conversion is based on our work, our own effort,” said Kris Frank, vice director of growth and marketing for the National Eucharistic Congress.

Mr. Frank continued saying, “God is the one who changes hearts and so as we go before the Blessed Sacrament and intercede for that person, not only is God filling that person with grace and hopefully beginning the work in the depths of their soul but … it reminds me that I am not the savior of this person, and this person needs Jesus.”

Multi-Tiered System School Counselor – Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Covington is seeking a Mental Health Counselor (LCSW, LPCC) to create and implement Social and Emotional Learning programs for children in our local Catholic Schools. You will be part of a dynamic team that supports each other at every step. Join us and make a difference in the lives of students in our schools.  This is a 12 month 100% position.

Job Functions: This counselor will implement evidence-based best practice models and adapt them to the needs of individual schools. This includes school-wide and group counseling for students alongside counselors who provide personal Counseling.

Educational and Experience Criteria:

  • Master’s degree in Social Work or Clinical Counseling.
  • State Licensed (preferred) or license eligible.
  • Practicing Roman Catholic preferred

Desired Skills:

  • Collaborate effectively with school staff and counseling team.
  • Identify or develop a curriculum to meet the needs of the students.
  • Ability to assess student social-emotional needs.
  • Experience in conducting groups.
  • Computerized case documentation and scheduling.
  • Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and deliver Tier 1 and 2 level services effectively.
  • Screen and assess students to identify the optimal level of intervention.
  • Refer students for personal Counseling as needed.
  • Collaborate with school staff and guardians to create and implement treatment plans.
  • Ensure all necessary paperwork is completed throughout the treatment process.
  • Work in partnership with school and agency mental health counseling teams.
  • Participate in activities that support the mission of Catholic Charities.
  • Attend regular supervision and staff meetings utilizing tools provided.

The candidate must have a car with a valid driver’s license and insurance.

We offer an excellent benefits package including paid vacation (adjusted upwards for longevity), holidays, sick days, personal days, a paid single health insurance plan, defined benefit pension plan, 403b savings plan, long-term disability, life insurance, business travel mileage, agency issued laptop, training dollars for CEU’s, tuition reimbursement for Diocesan Catholic Schools, weekly supervision for those working towards SW or LPCC licensure and reimbursement for approved expenses. This comprehensive package ensures that our employees are well-supported personally and professionally.

This job description should not imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards for the position. Staff perform additional related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Please email Shannon Braun at sbraun@covingtoncharities.org with your resume, at least three references, a cover letter, and salary history.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

Diocesan Hispanic Minister

The Diocese of Covington, Kentucky (www.covdio.org) invites individuals who are proficient in both English and Spanish and who are interested in advancing the mission of our local Church to discern a full-time vocation of ministry and service to the communities of primarily-Spanish-speaking families and individuals living within the boundaries of our diocese. We seek a passionate, committed individual to work to build productive, collaborative relationships, and then to be a proactive advocate for the continuing pastoral care and assimilation of these identified and unidentified persons into the life of our local Church and our communities. The Diocesan Hispanic Minister will work a very flexible full-time schedule, committing time and resources to draw these constituencies closer to the heart of the Church. The Diocesan Hispanic Minister will be a facilitator of care and accompaniment, identifying and implementing new methods of outreach, and acting as a communications bridge. S/he will utilize social media, public gatherings, and other means of group communications to demonstrate and promote opportunities for growth, advancement, and understanding. We are looking for a personable, actively practicing Roman Catholic who is well-versed in Church doctrine and practice, as well as the Hispanic language and culture. A degree in Theology or a related field is preferred, and experience working with or actively participating in a Hispanic Catholic community environment would be important. Interested individuals who may feel called to this kind of ministry should send a letter of interest and a detailed comprehensive resume, including references with contact email addresses, to Stephen Koplyay, SPHR by email at skoplyay@covdio.org.

Parish Secretary and Assistant (15-30 hours/week)

Immediate opening for a part-time parish secretary and assistant to the pastor due to an illness of the current full-time parish secretary. They must be detail-oriented, good with computers, and have strong organizational skills. They will act both as parish secretary and assistant to the pastor, to manage the day-to-day activities of two parishes. Secretarial or office experience is a plus. This person must be enthusiastically Catholic, living in full communion with their Catholic Faith, and have a desire to promote the mission of the Church through parish ministry. It would be a plus if they could participate actively in the life of these two parishes as an integral part of our community. Offering a competitive wage. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, a simple resume including references with email addresses, and compensation history to Stephen Koplyay at skoplyay@covdio.org or fax to 859/392-1589.

Middle School Language Arts Teacher – St. Lawrence Catholic School, Lawrenceburg, IN – 2025-2026

St. Lawrence Catholic School (PreK-8) – Greater Cincinnati Area St. Lawrence Catholic School, a cornerstone of the Lawrenceburg, Indiana community for over 150 years, is seeking a faith-driven, quality Middle School Language Arts Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. Conveniently located along Highway US 50, St. Lawrence continues its tradition of faith-based education, high-academic rigor, and service-centered curriculum and is the flagship Catholic school in Dearborn County, Indiana serving more than 250 students.

Qualifications: – Practicing Catholic in good standing – Valid Educator’s License – Passion for student achievement & curriculum development – Strong communication & relationship-building skills

Why Join Us? Location & Community & Mission: We are minutes from the I-275 loop, offering an easy commute from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Northern Kentucky. We serve all Dearborn County communities, including Aurora, Sunman, Dillsboro, Bright, Hidden Valley, and beyond. We focus on faith formation, academic excellence, and community service.  More information about St. Lawrence School can be found at https://link.edgepilot.com/s/b65845d0/csbq-Gk410a1G-PHmaq79Q?u=https://stlschool.com/

Interested in becoming a part of the St. Lawrence Community and making a lasting impact on future saints? We love to hear from prospective educators who are interested in working with us as we grow!

Email a cover letter, references, and your resume to employment@sls-apps.org  to start the conversation.

 

Prayer and discernment are key aspects of the first step of Walk with One

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

In the March 7 edition of the Messenger, the first step on the Walk with One initiative was introduced. An evangelization effort from the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress, the initiative invites all Catholics to find someone in their life and help bring them closer to God. Symbolically walking with them, to the Lord. The first step, identifying someone in a spirit of humility, invites the participant into prayer with the Holy Spirit so that they might discern with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Recommended ways of prayer and discernment by the National Eucharistic Congress are Eucharistic Adoration and the praying of a novena.

“Our big encouragement for everyone as they do Walk with One,” said Tanner Kalina, project manager of the National Eucharistic Congress, “is to surround it with prayer and that starts first and foremost at the very beginning as you discern who the Lord might be inviting you to walk with.”

Eucharistic Adoration is the practice of quiet contemplation and prayer before the exposed Eucharist, and silently meditating, adoring and listening for God’s word.

Mr. Kalina explained, “That’s just going to prayer, putting yourself in front of the Eucharist, asking Jesus to stir someone in your heart for who to walk with.”

In addition to, or in conjunction with, Eucharistic Adoration, it is also recommended to pray a novena — a nine-day period of prayer which can be dedicated to a specific saint for their intercession on personal intentions. Rooted in Scripture, it is commonly said that the first novena was prayed by Mary and the apostles in the upper room as they were waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

An important part of identifying someone in a spirit of humility is not to become frustrated. Kris Frank, vice president of Growth and Marketing for the National Eucharistic Congress said, “Evangelization, accompaniment is not for the faint of heart. There’s going to be ups and downs, it’s going to be one step forward, one step backward … We might think we know what needs to happen but God truly is the one that can change hearts and so we want to ensure that we are connected to God.”

TMU announces affiliation with Covington Latin School

Laura Keener 

Editor

Thomas More University announces an affiliation with Covington Latin School following a unanimous vote of its board of trustees on March 6, that gives final approval for Covington Latin School to become a part of the university.

“This is a transformative step forward for Catholic education in Northern Kentucky,” said Thomas More University President Joseph Chillo. “The affiliation unites the academic rigor and Catholic classical education Covington Latin School is known for with the resources of Thomas More University to enrich the mission and academic programs of Covington Latin and secure a thriving future for generations of students.”

The announcement follows a comprehensive, year-long assessment to define the benefits and processes of affiliation. The assessment was conducted by a team that includes members of the diocesan Curia and university leadership. Through townhall-style forums, surveys of alumni, parents, teachers and staff and one-on-one meetings with stakeholders, the team has utilized feedback from the Covington Latin School community to create a strategic vision for the school as part of the university.

“True to its mission as a classical Catholic school for gifted learners, for over 100 years Covington Latin School has formed students to engage with the world thoughtfully and critically, fostering a sense of responsibility to contribute positively to society and the Church,” says Bishop John Iffert of the Diocese of Covington. “I am truly grateful to the Thomas More University Board of Trustees for its support of the affiliation and to Dr. Chillo and his team for continuing the Covington Latin School legacy of teaching ‘Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge.’ I am confident that Covington Latin School’s affiliation with Thomas More University will enhance its rigorous academic standards by providing access to advanced resources, faculty expertise and a broader academic community, while maintaining a deep commitment to the values of the Catholic faith.”

While plans for curriculum are still being fully formed, under the affiliation Covington Latin School students will be able to access Thomas More University courses as part of defined pathway programs and dual credit. This integrated approach will allow Covington Latin students to begin their college journey early and explore their academic interests.

“Knowing the success of university-affiliated schools in the United States, it is exciting for Thomas More to be the first instance of a private, nonprofit university in the Commonwealth to undertake this model,” President Chillo says. “It is yet another demonstration of the innovative mindset that is shaping the future of Thomas More University as the regional leader in Catholic higher education.”

In an interview following the announcement, Dr. Kevin Reynolds, senior vice president, Mission and University Advancement, Thomas More University, who has been leading the affiliation process, said that the Board’s approval sets in motion several key steps, the first of which is hiring a permanent Head of School for Covington Latin. For the last year, Dr. Racheal Noll has been leading Covington Latin on an interim basis.

“From the very beginning of the process, we’ve said that our goal was to do a full search for that next leader,” Dr. Reynolds said.

To aid in that search, a committee has been formed made up of TMU representatives, and CLS faculty, alumni and current and prospective parents, he said.

Additionally, the TMU/CLS affiliation team will, next week, begin meeting with CLS faculty and staff to discuss things like compensation and employee benefits.

“For a lot of the current faculty, they’re excited about the opportunity for tuition remission at Thomas More University, which is something that we’re going to be offering to them,” Dr. Reynolds said.

While details of the curriculum have yet to be finalized, the school will still be dedicated to a classical, Catholic liberal arts curriculum. “It fits very well in alignment with Thomas More University’s mission as a Catholic liberal arts college, as a curriculum founded in the Catholic intellectual tradition. Certainly, those things are highly synonymous and work well together,” Dr. Reynolds said.

Some enhancements that will be new and unique to Covington Latin School that the affiliation will bring is access to college resources.

“We intend on operating Covington Latin out of its current building in Covington, that doesn’t change. Certainly, our (TMU) facilities, our labs, our faculty, our expertise, can be brought in to advance and supplement that educational experience,” said Dr. Reynolds.

As examples, Dr. Reynolds said that already this year the CLS Christian Awakening Retreat was held on TMU’s campus, the schools upcoming Spring musical, “Shrek,” will be performed at TMU’s theater. TMU is home to an LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified biology field station, a state-of-the-art observatory and anatomy lab. “These are resources that the faculty at Covington Latin will now have access to use for their students to assist in their educational experience,” said Dr. Reynolds.

With the affiliation, student enhancements will also continue outside of the classroom. “Our intent is to grow the co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities within the school,” said Dr. Reynolds. “Certainly, athletics is a big part of that. There’s something to be said about how young people grow in the athletic experience. Even if you’re not winning state championships, it’s the competition that takes place on the field, on the court, in the practice. The personal growth that happens learning how to work as a team, overcoming adversity, perseverance — these are all things that students today need. Athletics is a big way of providing that opportunity, and so we’re going to invest there.”

Dr. Reynolds said that TMU/CLS’s first investment will be in its faculty. “The best thing we can do for students is to make sure they have the best possible teachers. So, we’re going to be investing in the teachers. We’re going to be providing continuous education opportunities for teachers to get advanced degrees, and provide the opportunity to, if they’re not yet certified, to get certified, and then just continuing that pedagogy. Professional Development is going to be really important for us to make sure that our teachers are the most prepared to serve the region’s most gifted learners and leaders. That’s the biggest thing for us right now, investing in the teachers.”

In an interview about the affiliation, Bishop Iffert said that what he believes will be a benefit with CLS/TMU is a “collegial” approach to education. An approach that is foundational to CLS.

“When I look back on the strength of Covington Latin School, one thing that was very clear to me is that the strength of the school, for years, was the priests who were teaching there and some of the lay people, too,” said Bishiop Iffert. Noting that at one time in CLS’s history over 30 priests were involved with the school, as faculty members or administrators. “When priests work together like that, they function as a college. That’s one of the things that people often miss about priests, and that priests sometimes we forget, is that we are not lone rangers, we are not working independently, but we function properly as a college. That strength was so important for establishing the strong reputation that this school has.”

To capitalize on that foundational strength of CLS, Bishop Iffert said he began to search for a current resource that functioned similarly. “We have a college with its administrative team, with its faculty, who are experienced
in working with gifted young people, and people who are preparing for both college and graduate study, who can bring their expertise and their wisdom to bear on helping gifted young people who are developing those kinds of study and career tracks,” Bishop Iffert said. “It seemed to me like the application of that collegial approach was likely to bear the best fruit for Covington Latin School.”

“Covington Latin School continues to be a school with a program that is strong,” Bishop Iffert said. “We are committed to trying to strengthen that program. We hope to capture again that commitment to a classical, Catholic curriculum so that students can be distinguished as being students who are well educated, well-rounded students going into their college years. Many of the faculty who have brought so much excellence and joy to Covington Latin School in the past several years will continue there, under the leadership of Thomas More University.”

A list of responses to frequently asked questions for Covington Latin families is available online at https://more.thomasmore.edu/wp-content/uploads/CLS-and-TMU_-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf.

Rite of Election — a continuation of God’s love for his people

Bella Bailey 

Multimedia Correspondent

Thirty-four parishes gathered across two separate ceremonies to celebrate the annual Rite of Election, March 9, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington. Celebrated by Bishop John Iffert, the Rite of Election marks the moment catechumens and candidates are presented to the bishop. Candidates, baptized Christians seeking to enter into full communion with the faith, are presented to the bishop for approval.

“Candidates for full communion with the Catholic Church, those of you who have already received the grace of baptism and are already one with Catholics in faith in Jesus, we recall that you too, along with all of us are beloved and chosen by God. Now that baptismal gift and the graces you received in that holy sacrament led you to seek to continue your Christian journey in the Catholic Church,” said Bishop Iffert during his remarks.

Catechumens, unbaptized people seeking to enter the Church, are presented to the bishop for their election to participate in the sacraments of initiation at Easter Vigil. Through this process of election, catechumens are registered as “the elect.”

“For those of you who are preparing for baptism,” said Bishop Iffert, “you are gathered here today to receive a new designation, a new name, a new way to be called. You will be recognized, those of you who, until now, have been called catechumens, you will be called ‘the elect.’”

The change in name is rooted in ancient Scripture said Bishop Iffert. Saul became Paul, the great apostle to the Gentiles; Abram became Abraham, the father of nations; and Simon became Peter, the rock on which Jesus built his Church. The changing of names in Scripture indicates the acceptance of a new vocation.

Bishop Iffert said, “election, to be chosen, is an act of gratuitous, unmerited love on Gods part. However, to be chosen also implies a vocation a response to a calling. A responsibility to be chosen and received.”

One by one, the catechumens and their godparents shook Bishop Iffert’s hand and shared a brief conversation before Bishop Iffert turned to sign the parishes Book of Elect, which holds the names of those seeking to be elected. Once the book is signed, the catechumens are now the elect, having been granted permission to seek the sacraments of initiation. There were 29 parishes with catechumens for a total of 130 catechumens, marking a 21.5 percent increase from the year prior.

The candidates stood to be recognized by Bishop Iffert where he asked the candidates sponsors to confirm that their candidate has been diligent in their preparation of first Eucharist and confirmation. Bishop Iffert then greeted each candidate and sponsor, of which there were 111 from 27 different parishes, an increase of nearly 3 percent from the prior year.

As the newly elect and candidates enter this Lenten season, for them, a period of purification, they are showered in the love and support of their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Bishop Iffert said, “We have entered into this desert season of Lent. For you who are making a journey to the sacraments we call it the period of purification and enlightenment. Your call by God is an act of gratuitous love and your election, by me, in the name of the Church, is an act of our brotherly and sisterly love. It is a continuation of the way God has loved you all along.”

Elementary (K-5) Teacher – St. Lawrence Catholic School, Lawrenceburg, IN – 2025-2026

St. Lawrence Catholic School (PreK-8) – Greater Cincinnati Area St. Lawrence Catholic School, a cornerstone of the Lawrenceburg, Indiana community for over 150 years, is seeking a faith-driven, quality Elementary (K-5) Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. Conveniently located along Highway US 50, St. Lawrence continues its tradition of faith-based education, high-academic rigor, and service-centered curriculum and is the flagship Catholic school in Dearborn County, Indiana serving more than 250 students.

Qualifications: – Practicing Catholic in good standing – Valid Educator’s License – Passion for student achievement & curriculum development – Strong communication & relationship-building skills

Why Join Us? Location & Community & Mission: We are minutes from the I-275 loop, offering an easy commute from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Northern Kentucky. We serve all Dearborn County communities, including Aurora, Sunman, Dillsboro, Bright, Hidden Valley, and beyond. We focus on faith formation, academic excellence, and community service.  More information about St. Lawrence School can be found at https://link.edgepilot.com/s/7b6b512d/tMtnwk_bUkCz-u7UlROCcw?u=https://stlschool.com/

Interested in becoming a part of the St. Lawrence Community and making a lasting impact on future saints? We love to hear from prospective educators who are interested in working with us as we grow!

Email a cover letter, references, and your resume to employment@sls-apps.org  to start the conversation.

Director of Maintenance – St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption Parish

St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption Parish invites qualified individuals to apply for the full-time position of Director of Maintenance. We require a motivated, personable self-starter who possesses practical maintenance and mechanical skills and abilities. Knowledge and/or experience with plumbing, electrical, carpentry, mechanical maintenance, painting, and general safety procedures are essential elements of the job. This position will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Cathedral Basilica and its grounds, the Cathedral Rectory, and the Cathedral Parish offices. The Director will lead and supervise other maintenance and custodial staff in scheduled and unscheduled activities related to the ongoing functioning and usage of the Cathedral properties. In addition, this individual will serve a very necessary role as an additional ambassador to the many visitors the Cathedral Basilica welcomes on a regular basis. The workweek will ordinarily be Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. However, the nature of the position may require the Director to occasionally work outside of that schedule in order to repair, or to arrange repair for, something that breaks or malfunctions and needs immediate attention. Interested candidates may contact Stephen Koplyay, SPHR by email at skoplyay@covdio.org to apply.