How peanut butter and jelly sandwiches will help form good, Christian men and women at St. Augustine School

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Bella Young

Multimedia Correspondent

St. Augustine School, Covington, focuses on forming good, holy, Christian men and women through practical application of the faith. Father Dan Schomaker, pastor at St. Augustine Parish, Covington, asks the question, “How can we get the students used to understanding that the faith is practical? It’s not just this philosophy, or ideas, or feelings, it engages the whole person.” The answer this time lies in the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Recently inspired by a story told by Father Salvador Gonzalez, director of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Father Schomaker knew he wanted to instill in the students the virtue in Father Gonzalez’s story. “Father Gonzalez, when he was a young man, was a server at his home parish. Before serving on the weekend, he would have to show up an hour early, he would have to go give a sandwich to one of the homeless people on the property. The pastor required that he had to get to know them, he had to learn their name.” The virtue, feed someone else before you feed yourself.

“I heard that, and it stuck with me,” said Father Schomaker, “How can I participate in the corporal work of mercy, giving food to the hungry, feeding the hungry?” Turning to Parish Kitchen, Covington, Father Schomaker had an idea, what if there were to-go bags of prepackaged peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that patrons of Parish Kitchen could take with them? Inspired by Father Gonzalez and seeking to get his students involved in practical applications of faith, Father Schomaker decided that while the middle school students waited in line for breakfast, they would make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be taken to Parish Kitchen.

“We announced yesterday to the kids that after Mass, the kids go to Mass every day and they have breakfast every day, that before they are allowed to eat, they have to feed somebody else. They have to provide food for someone that is hungry,” said Father Schomaker. In his announcement to the students Father Schomaker explained why the sandwiches are to be made before the students eat.

“I get that you are hungry, but you have food right over there, ready for you. There are other people who don’t know if they’re going to have food and so we’re going to provide it for them,” speaking to the students Father Schomaker continued, “You are going to sacrifice three minutes of hunger, five minutes of hunger, to feed someone else.”

Only the middle schoolers will be participating in the making of the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. “They go last anyway to get their food because the little kids go first and so instead of waiting in line doing nothing, they’re going to be making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich,” said Father Schomaker. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are not the only thing students will be making however, because people can be hungry in more way than one.

“Building off of what Mother Theresa has really talked about,” Father Schomaker said, “there is a greater hinger than just for food. There’s more of a hunger for love.” It was with this idea in mind that the students will also be making notes for those that receive the sandwiches.

To promote collaboration the St. Augustine Parish St. Vincent De Paul Conference will be donating the bread, peanut butter and jelly. “I talked to our conference and explained what I want to do to help promote the corporal works of mercy with the school children. I asked if they would be able to help pay for the food, and they said yes. I am very grateful for that,” said Father Schomaker.

“It’s just the practical aspect of the faith, you have to get your hands dirty, ours is not a philosophy, ours is a belief in a person who is Jesus Christ, who is God, who is put on flesh, who is given food to the poor and the hungry. He has done all these things, and we are called to emulate him. Well, this is that practice. How do we emulate the Lord? Here is a simple way that we can do it,” Father Schomaker said.

St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky food pantry and parish conferences feed body and spirit

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Bella Young

Multimedia Correspondent

For more than 100 years the Northern Kentucky Council of St. Vincent de Paul has been spreading hope in the northern most counties of Kentucky; Kenton, Campbell, Boone, Carroll, Grant and Pendelton. The Northern Kentucky Council acts as the head of 29 parish conferences, among whom resources are spread to help as many people as possible. One such parish is St. Barbara Parish, Erlanger.

Tim Scherrer, president of the St. Barbara Conference, says about the aid they are able to provide, “We gave out almost $30,000 dollars in food last year. When we look at our total economic impact on our geographic area, it is almost $130,000 of impact.”

St. Vincent de Paul provides not only food to those in need, but also financial aid. “That is primarily rent and utilities, we bought water heaters, we buy bus tokens, we do all kind of things,” said Mr. Scherrer.

“When we get a call, we reach out to that individual, try to make contact with them, figure out what they need, and we try to set up a home visit. We prefer actually getting into the house and being able to sit there and talk to someone face to face. That is kind of the gold standard of our mission, to get face to face with people,” said Mr. Scherrer.

When the volunteers, who are often referred to as Vincentians, make home visits to assess the need for aid they never come empty handed, bringing with them groceries.

“Some people will call in and ask for help with a bill, but we ask them ‘Can we bring you food?’ That’s $100-$120 in groceries that now you can spend on your gas or childcare, or whatever you may need,” said Mr. Scherrer.

Even when people max out the amount of financial aid they can be given in a year, Mr. Scherrer says that they can always be given groceries.

People who find themselves in need of aid, whether financial or help with groceries, are often embarrassed to reach out. Mr. Scherrer says that taking food to them helps relieve some of the embarrassment that might come from walking into a traditional pantry.

The Northern Kentucky Council of St. Vincent de Paul does operate traditional pantries that are open and available to the public. They are known as a choice pantry.

As Becca Gerding, programs director with St. Vincent de Paul of Northern Kentucky, explained, “The guests that we serve can actually come through and shop with a volunteer to pick items their family needs and will eat. It caters to dietary restrictions, or even picky eaters. They get to pick the brands and flavors out of what is available to them.”

Ms. Gerding says that often, this choice can empower the family. Backing up the sentiment of Mr. Scherrer, Ms. Gerding recognizes that when a family is need of aid it can be embarrassing and lead to feeling like things are out of their control. The choice pantries, located in Falmouth, Cold Spring and Erlanger, seek to give some control back to the families.

“We couldn’t do it without the wonderful community support,” said Ms. Gerding, “We couldn’t meet the need we are seeing without community support and our community rallying behind us, and the wonderful group of people helping with St. Vincent.”

The emphasis of community drives home the goal of the Campaign of Mercy, which is to increase the number of people who participate in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Without the community upholding the St. Barbara Parish Food Pantry and the pantries of St. Vincent de Paul of Northern Kentucky, their mission would not be possible.

For information on St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky and other ministries that help serve the needs of local families, visit www.covdio.org/mercy.

As the Thanksgiving season fast approaches, Feeding the Hungry is particularly relevant

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Bella Young

Multimedia Correspondent

As part of the diocesan wide Campaign of Mercy, The Messenger has been highlighting a different work of mercy each month. The month of November is no different with the focus being on the corporal work, feeding the hungry.

Feeding the hungry is often referred to as the first corporal work of mercy because of Jesus’ mention of it in Matthew 25:35, where he names it first in the list of works of mercy. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,…”

Feeding the hungry is mentioned throughout the Bible, once again in Isaiah 58:7 where God says, “Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.”

Especially relevant during the upcoming Thanksgiving season, there are many ministries within the Diocese of Covington that feed the hungry, both at the diocesan and parish level.

One of the most well know ministries is Parish Kitchen, Covington. Having just celebrated its 50-year anniversary, Parish Kitchen is a fixture of the community, serving hot meals 365 days a year, serviced by approximately 300 volunteers, and serving more than 74,000 meals a year. This ministry, operated by Catholic Charities within the Diocese of Covington, is the embodiment of the work of mercy that is feeding the hungry.

The St. Francis Food Pantry, Covington, is a ministry of the Franciscan Daughters of Mary. St. Francis Food Pantry is open from Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Neighbors may receive donated food to bring home to their families each day the Rose Garden Mission is open, no questions asked, no need to prove there is a need. Bags of food that do not need to be cooked are also available upon request.

At the parish level, feeding the hungry is often done on a more personal level. From parishioners coming together and organizing a meal train for someone who is sick, monetary donations to a food pantry or even donating boxes of stuffing to the parish for those who may not be able to purchase any. Feeding the hungry is a work of mercy that does not need specialized training, it is one that Jesus calls us to.

Feeding the hungry does not have to be a big, performative act. And there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel. It can be as simple as making a double batch of a recipe and donating the extra, it could mean volunteering at Parish Kitchen or the St. Francis Food Pantry.

To find out how to volunteer at both Parish Kitchen and the St. Francis Food Pantry and for a list of other ministries that feed the hungry, go to covdio.org/mercy.

Praying for the dead in a communion of saints

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David Gibson

Catholic News Service

Some people cannot imagine praying for the dead. What is unimaginable to many others is not to pray for those who die.

To be sure, there is more than one way to pray for those who die, just as there is more than one way to pray for those in this world who share intimately in our daily lives. Our greatest hopes for others, whether in this world or the next, are what lend shape to our prayers for them, as does our appreciation of their finest gifts.

Whatever its form, prayer for others focuses on what is best for them, what God intends for them. With that in mind, we commend the dead “to God’s mercy,” as the Catechism of the Catholic Church points out. Indeed, we do.

But there is something beyond petitions for mercy that I find noteworthy about praying for the dead. It is the deep-down sense of continued connection with them that these prayers appear to express.

The loss suffered when someone we love dies is not absolute, which is not to suggest it is not painful. In praying for a parent, a spouse, a child or friend who died recently or long ago, we affirm that — though we may not fully understand how — they still matter for us in ways that add up to much more than the memories documented by old photo albums.

Our love of them remains meaningful, invaluable. Praying for the dead was hardly unimaginable for Pope Benedict XVI. In a 2007 encyclical titled “Spe Salvi,” he wrote:

“The belief that love can reach into the afterlife, that reciprocal giving and receiving is possible in which our affection for one another continues beyond the limits of death — this has been a fundamental conviction of Christianity throughout the ages, and it remains a source of comfort today.

“Who would not feel the need to convey to their departed loved ones a sign of kindness, a gesture of gratitude or even a request for pardon?”

Those comments by Pope Benedict suggest there are various ways of praying for the dead — that this kind of prayer might even assume the form of a kind, considerate and affectionate conversation.

Petitions to God undoubtedly rank as the principal form of prayer for those who have died. The Church prays, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, that those who die “may attain the beatific vision of God” (No. 1032) and “that no one should be lost” (No. 1058).

But does that imply that our prayers must be colored by a sense of desperate fear regarding the eternal life of someone who has died? It seems good to remember that our pleas for a loved one do not serve as God’s formal introduction to that person.

Maybe we think that after “Harvey” dies that he was hardly perfect, though he was dear to us and good in ways many did not recognize. But should we worry that God, too, did not recognize Harvey’s goodness or found no reason to care for him?

My spirituality prompts me to believe that the people I love are loved even more by God. In praying for them, I try not so much to petition God’s presence to them as to refresh my faith that somehow God always is present to them in ways that genuinely matter.

Dominican Father Brian Shanley, president of Providence College in Rhode Island, spoke in a 2012 address about praying for others.

St. Thomas Aquinas thought “that we can play a role in God’s providence for others through our freely chosen and grace-inspired prayers,” Father Shanley said.

He also said:

“When we utter a petitionary prayer for someone else, we are not informing God of what God does not know or asking God for a gift that God does not want to give. … It is part of the largesse of the grace of God that God allows us to cooperate with him in his providence for others.”

Beyond petitions to God, our prayer might assume the form of a meditation on the life of someone who dies. We might ponder how this person’s example constitutes a legacy able to inspire the next stages of our own life.

Our prayers might also be shaped by expressions of gratitude to God for someone who countless times was a gift to us.

Prayer for the dead is undergirded by the Church’s belief in the communion of saints. Pope Francis mentioned this in October 2013.

“There is a communion of life among all those who belong to Christ,” Pope Francis said. This “communion of saints,” he stressed, “goes beyond earthly life.”

Pope Francis pointed to “a deep and indissoluble bond between those who are still pilgrims in this world — us — and those who have crossed the threshold of death and entered eternity.”

For, he said, “all baptized persons here on earth, the souls in purgatory and all the blessed who are already in paradise make one great family

Catholic Charities twofold approach to jail and prison ministry gives families and inmates hope, said Dave Capella

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Bella Young

Multimedia Correspondent

The jail and prison ministry at Catholic Charities is twofold, with volunteers going into the jails and ministering to inmates and with others leading a support group for families and friends of the incarcerated. Dave Capella, former jail ministry coordinator and current jail ministry volunteer at Catholic Charities, thinks the twofold approach is beneficial to both the families of the incarcerated, and the incarcerated themselves.

“Really both are, I think, equally important. I do like connecting with inmates because … they really are very appreciative of us coming in. Really the same goes for the people whose family members are incarcerated … The support group is important for them to be able to connect with people that are in similar situations,” said Mr. Capella.

Part of what makes Catholic Charities jail and prison ministry unique is the inclusion of the Catholic faith when speaking with the inmates.

“We do emphasis our faith … we are there to share our faith. There is usually a Scripture involved, a Scripture reading, some reflection on that Scripture. We have some discussion around that, and then usually there is some general discussion about how things are going. Sometimes the conversation talks about practical things, but we always start with faith and make sure we have that woven into the discussion,” said Mr. Capella.

The inclusion of faith woven into the conversation, Mr. Capella said, helps to give the inmates some kind of hope. “I think it does give them hope. I think it is important to let them know that while other people may have given up on them, while other people might judge them, God, Christ, is there for them. God’s mercy is unlimited. There’s always a second, or third, or fourth, however many chances you need, God’s there for you. I think it is important for them to hear that message because a lot of people have given up on them.”

While ministering to the incarcerated is an important part of jail ministry, and often what people first think of when they hear the term, Catholic Charities twofold approach also ministers to those affected by incarceration who aren’t behind bars. It is common, Mr. Capella said, for the family of those incarcerated to be shunned by their peers.

“A lot of times families or people whose relatives are incarcerated will lose their circle of friends because of that incarceration. So, the support group is important for them to be able to connect with people that are in similar situations and know that they are not alone. It’s a place for them to talk about their experiences without being judged,” said Mr. Capella.

Mr. Capella recalled a time where a guest of the support group said, “that the only other people they have ever talked to in their life who had a relative that was incarcerated were people in that group. That gave them an opportunity to talk about it and no one was going to judge them for it.”

If you are interested in joining jail ministry at Catholic Charities, Mr. Capella said not to be concerned if you do not feel like an expert in Scripture or Catholicism. Rather, you must have an open heart and mind.

“You just have to be able to go in and be willing to talk with them and if we read a passage from Scripture just talk about what it means for you. Really, we want the inmates to do most of the talking. You don’t have to be an expert in Scripture, you don’t have to be an expert in Catholicism, you just have to be willing to listen and talk to somebody who has been kind of pushed aside from society,” he said.

For some however, you may not feel a calling to jail ministry, if that is the case Mr. Capella says there is still a way to be involved. “Pray for those incarcerated, pray for them and pray for their families,” he said.

For information on Catholic Charities jail and prison ministry call Catholic Charities, (859) 581-8974

A matter of dignity: Jail ministry isa pro-life issue, says Benedictine

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Maura Baker

Staff Writer

For the last few years, Benedictine Sister Dorothy Schuette corresponds regularly through letters with incarcerated inmates — nowadays, this is the primary way that Sister Dorothy serves the imprisoned, but her ministry began early on, in 1991.

Working at Mother of God Church, Covington, at the time, the Kenton County jail was on her route. She started visiting the jail, and there learned of the Exodus ministry.

“That was, at that time,” Sister Dorothy explained, “started through the Interfaith Commission of Northern Kentucky. That was a good training program for people who were interested in this ministry, and it was people from different denominations — another important feature I thought was good, because it meant that the churches cooperated with each other … it was a real ministry of Christ.”

At the time, Sister Dorothy said she had a “sense of reflection” on how we, as Christians, were called as ministers, “how God was working in us.”

This ministry in the early 90s was just the beginning of Sister Dorothy and the diocese’s involvement in jail ministry, when visitation was the “focus.”

It was when Bishop Emeritus Roger Foys became bishop of Covington that he asked Sister Dorothy to take part in developing a diocesan jail and prison ministry — as none existed through the diocese at the time.

“We were able to learn from other dioceses,” like the Archdiocese of Louisville, Sister Dorothy explained, “I believe the ministry expanded at that time, too, to come to understand that it was important to help people who are incarcerated to continue to come back and forth into jail — the revolving door kind of scenario — that was very obvious in many places, in our poorer areas, especially.”

So, that became part of diocese’s jail ministry, Sister Dorothy said, helping individuals who got out of jail reacclimate into society.

Nowadays, with her letters to a couple of inmates with whom she has a continued relationship, Sister Dorothy has found it important to support them “and the fact that they are valuable human beings. Although they may not ever have a change of residence besides the prison, they are loved and valued — and that counts for something,” Sister Dorothy said.

One woman whom Sister Dorothy corresponds with has become a lay minister, “because she does a lot of giving witness of her own life and encouraging other women there in their pursuit of a decent life … she was telling me in her last letter that there seems to be a decrease in the violence in that jail over the past several years,” said Sister Dorothy, proudly.

In 2009, the diocesan jail and prison ministry switched hands to Catholic Charities, whom Sister Dorothy encourages those interested in getting involved to contact, as they have “formalized” the ministry.

“They’ve brought people in who feel called to this ministry,” said Sister Dorothy, “and have discerned what they can do and what they see as needed or helpful. They’ve done many good things this way.”

However, Sister Dorothy also explains, that is only the “tip of the iceberg”— as with any ministry in the Catholic Church.

While some people are the “visible hands and feet of Christ,” all people need to have a heart that allows for recognizing the dignity of other people, she said — including the incarcerated and inmates on death row — a part of the institution Sister Dorothy believes firmly should be abolished.

“There is no pro-life unless we recognize the dignity of every life,” said Sister Dorothy, “and that is so essential as far as our underpinning.”

Visiting the imprisoned:a work of mercy

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Maura Baker

Staff Writer

The Diocese of Covington’s Campaign of Mercy encourages individuals to engage in acts of mercy within their community. One of the more challenging of the Corporal Works of Mercy is ‘visit the prisoners’, referring specifically to incarcerated individuals.

According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “people in prison are still people, made in the image and likeness of God. No matter what someone has done, they deserve the opportunity to hear the Word of God and find the Truth of the message of Christ.” The mission of this work of mercy is straightforward— we are called specifically to visit with and pray for those in the criminal justice system, and their families.

Deacon Bill Theis, from St. Therese Parish, Southgate, was involved in jail ministry for 15 years. “We used to go every Christmas. We would always give donations of candy or something to give to the inmates— we’d go around the whole jail,” he said, reflecting on his time participating in the ministry. Getting involved in ministering to the incarcerated can be as simple as giving a friend or family member in jail a phone call or writing them a letter— but, in the Diocese of Covington, jail outreach is a ministry of Catholic Charities, through which you can get involved.

“The Jail Ministry Program at Catholic Charities strives to meet the spiritual needs of all who are impacted by the criminal justice process,” according to Catholic Charities’ webpage on jail and prison ministry— which serves the incarcerated, recently released, family and friends and victims of crime. “We are concerned about the effects of crime and punishment in our society and advocate for justice in these areas, promoting responsibility, rehabilitation and restoration.”

Catholic Charities partners with agencies and facilities to create programs to assist impacted individuals “to develop and support appropriate programs for those who are impacted by the effects of crime and punishment.”

Individuals interested in getting involved in Jail and Prison ministry through Catholic Charities can learn more at https://www.covingtoncharities.org/services/community-outreach-services/jail-prison-ministry or contact Jill Walch, Volunteer Coordinator at 859-581-8974 ext. 119 or [email protected]

School volunteers say being a part of devoted community is its own reward

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Laura Keener

Editor

The month of August is Back to School month and the perfect opportunity for the Campaign of Mercy to focus on the corporal work of mercy “to instruct the ignorant.” No one likes to think of themselves or others as ignorant. But the truth is, everyone needs someone to show them the right way to accomplish tasks, to help them develop skills, to think critically, to develop their faith life and at times be corrected. It is an act of love to help others to learn the truths they need to know to save souls — their own and others.

Using a broad definition of “instructing the ignorant” to include any opportunity to support Catholic schools in its mission to teach and form students, Catholic schools offer a cornucopia of volunteer opportunities. Tutors, room assistants, cafeteria servers, fundraisers, school promoters, social media coordinators, coaches — the list accommodates just about any interest. And volunteers are always welcome.

Marci Schroder is a parent volunteer at St. Thomas School, Ft. Thomas, where two of her three children attend. She got involved at St. Thomas School two years ago when her daughter started school.

“I was just looking for an opportunity to meet other parents and get involved,” said Mrs. Schroder.

At the time St. Thomas School was planning for its first Green and Gold Gala, its largest fundraising event. Organizers asked Mrs. Schroder if she would co-chair the event. She agreed.

“And it’s kind of just took off from there,” Mrs. Schroder said, “and the next thing you know, I’m getting plugged into everything else.”

In addition to co-chairing the Gala, Mrs. Schroder coaches cheerleading and is a room parent.

“I just help out wherever they need me to,” she said. If you follow Northern Kentucky high school sports, it’s likely that you have met, heard or held a program in your hand produced by Dave Schabell. Mr. Schabell is the voice of Bishop Brossart High School’s boys’ basketball and football as anchor of the Meridix Broadcast team. The 1965 Brossart alumni also operates the BMustangs.com website, serves as business manager and traveling secretary for the BBHS basketball program, edits the basketball program’s Media Guide and organizes fundraisers for the athletic program.

His lifetime of coaching, and now volunteering, has earned him a spot in six Hall of Fames and for one year, in 2022, the road to the BBHS Mustang Athletic Complex bore his name. And while he appreciates being appreciated, he is more humored than boastful by all the accolades, saying that “it’s just what I do.”

“I may swing by, watch the soccer game that night, get a Subway sandwich, sit in the press box, eat dinner, write a little story, go home, put it on the website … one day leads to another, days to weeks, weeks to months, months to years,” Mr. Schabell said.

The 77-year-old bachelor with no children of his own finds his unique position with the BBHS athletic program, which is void of any disciplinary responsibilities, a unique opportunity to help students. His relationship with students spans the generation gap, with the students accepting him as a trusted mentor.

“I got a good rapport with the kids,” Mr. Schabell said. “I try to keep them out of trouble if I see problems occurring. They trust me. I can sit down and talk to a kid and say, ‘Hey, let’s chat. I need to know what’s happening here.’ That’s amazing how you can keep your finger on the pulse of the program, whereas if I were the head coach or the hammer or the disciplinarian, I wouldn’t have that same relationship that I have with the kids.”

For both Mrs. Schroder and Mr. Schabell being a part of a devoted and supportive community is a blessing.

“It’s been very fulfilling for me just to be involved in my children’s school, and really it’s helped me,” said Mrs. Schroder. “I was brand new to the St. Thomas community, so it really helped me to get to know other parents and other families, and just to get to know the community in general. There are so many people here that volunteer. It’s unbelievable the commitment from not only the parents, but the parishioners too, and that’s very inspiring.”

Last December, Mr. Schabell stepped off the curb in front of the Alexandria Post Office and suffered a severe knee injury. He said he is now in his 36th week of what he was told would be a 13-week rehab. After surgery, a oneweek hospital and a two-week stay at a rehab facility, Mr. Schabell returned home to find generations of folks eager to help him.

“Our people set up a meal train and for three weeks, every night at six o’clock I’d hear a knock on my door and in they come with dinner, which usually I ordered,” he said. “People will rally behind you if they believe in you, or they trust in you,” adding that he was never at a loss for a needed ride or groceries. “It’s nice to be appreciated. Volunteering is not a monetary reward, but just the fact that you are appreciated and realizing that you’re making some sort of an impact in a positive way is rewarding.”

For information on volunteer opportunities at your parish school or any of the nine Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Covington, contact the school’s office. They will be happy to get you started.

Diocese enlisting mentors to accompany learners engaged in FranciscanAt Home— could it be you?

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Laura Keener

Editor

The month of August is Back to School month and the perfect opportunity for the Campaign of Mercy to focus on the corporal work of mercy “to instruct the ignorant.” No one likes to think of themselves or others as ignorant. But the truth is, you can’t know what you don’t know and sometimes we don’t know what we think we know.

Everyone needs someone to show them the right way to accomplish tasks, to help them develop skills, to think critically, to develop their faith life and at times be corrected. It is an act of love to help others learn the truths they need to know to save souls — their own and others.

Bishop John Iffert, through the With One Heart diocesan pastoral plan, is removing barriers for the people of the Diocese of Covington to grow deeper in the faith and to accompany others on their faith journey. Through a partnership with Catechetical Institute, Franciscan University, everyone in the diocese has access — at no cost — to Franciscan At Home.

Franciscan At Home is an online library of over 200 workshops on the Catholic faith. Everyone can, right now, create an account at https://franciscanathome.com/diocesecovington, then choose a lesson to begin personal study. But what makes Franciscan At Home unique from other online learning platforms is the availability to choose a mentor to accompany the learner as they grow in learning and living their faith.

“This is like their secret sauce,” said Deacon James Fortner, chief operating officer, Diocese of Covington, about the effectiveness and importance of the mentoring aspect of Franciscan At Home. “It gives the ability as a mentor to ask questions, enabling the student to dig deep. You’re not telling them the answer. You’re trying to lead them to an introspection. How’s God moving? What did you feel; what did you see?”

Currently the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization is looking for people to be a part of Franciscan At Home as a mentor. Five in-person workshops, beginning August 17, are being offered to train mentors. (See schedule on page 13.) And like Franciscan At Home, these mentor training workshops are available at no cost to the lay faithful.

“Everything is going to depend on how much we accompany the learners,” said Isaak A. Isaak, co-director, Office of Catechesis and Evangelization. Mr. Isaak is leading the implementation of Franciscan At Home in the diocese. “The biggest thing, really, is how we develop good mentorship.”

Deacon Fortner and Mr. Isaak have a goal for every parish and school to have at least two mentors trained and available to accompany the parents, teachers and parishioners desiring a mentor as they take Franciscan At Home courses.

“Mentorship is just walking with people. Mentors don’t have to teach, they don’t have to offer courses, they don’t have to administer the program. All they need to do is be available as a mentor to walk with people and guide them,” said Mr. Isaak. “It’s like almost giving a person a gift of faith and salvation, introducing them to and leading them closer to Jesus Christ,” that’s the role of the mentor.

How do you know if you’re being called to be a mentor? First, if the thought of accompanying someone on their faith journey stirs your heart and mind, start praying about it. Ask the Lord if this is his plan for you. Then, talk with your pastor or school principal about becoming a mentor. And, of course, register for the mentor training workshops.

“The only qualification, as far as I know, is that you are a baptized Christian and Catholic, practicing your faith and that you are in union with Jesus Christ,” said Mr. Isaak. “The one thing that I would advise people is take advantage these free courses. Bishop Iffert has generously and kindly invested in his people’s lives by bringing this huge platform.”

Mr. Isaak’s encouragement to others comes from deep personal experience.

“When I talk about my faith, I always want to cry because I feel so awesome about it,” said Mr. Isaak. “I just love the Holy Spirit that’s working in it, in these words, in the things that we learn, in everything we do — it just so impactful. I want everyone to come and enjoy what I’m enjoying.”

Campaign of Mercy kickoff June 2

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