Official diocesan youth ministry charter hopes to inspire youth ministry on a smaller scale, according to diocesan minister Angie Poat

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Maura Baker

Staff Writer

Youth ministry in the Diocese of Covington is launching into its “next phase,” according to Angie Poat, the diocesan youth minister who has been building up the structure of youth ministry since joining the Curia in 2023.

Building up from the With One Heart pastoral plan, and skill sets obtained from the “Tending the Talents” programs via Catholic Leadership Institute, the Youth Ministry office has chartered four official “teams” led by existing youth ministry leaders, which will tackle different youth ministry needs in the diocese.

The first team, called the Youth Commission Evangelization Team (YCET), is the most familiar team in the diocese already and was active in ministry previously. Under the official charter, YCET will be led by Hannah Ubelhor, a parishioner of St. Timothy Parish, Union. An active youth minister — Ms. Ubelhor has previous experience as a retreat director and worship leader. YCET will also be led in conjunction with Mark Johnson, from St. Thomas, Ft. Thomas, where he is the current youth minister and catechetical leader.

Bradley Barnes, campus minister of Newport Central Catholic, will be spearheading two of the other youth ministry teams — middle school ministry, and the intern team which assists youth ministry faculties in the youth ministry summer internship.

As for the fourth team, Service and Mission, Carrie O’Connor — a member of the Regnum Christi movement — will be leading.

Each team leader, along with their teams, average 20 hours a month in service to the diocese — leading meetings and events throughout.

The primary goal of devising these teams for youth ministry lies in the importance of sustainability, Mrs. Poat said, to earn the ability to maintain youth ministry function long term — but also to “empower volunteers and lay people in the diocese to use their leadership skills.”

This year, the youth ministry leaders are being “put into action,” but Mrs. Poat hopes that their example will be “models for youth ministry teams,” which she hopes will form throughout diocesan parishes and communities.

“Whether you have a full-time youth minister or a part-time youth minister or no youth minister,” Mrs. Poat said, “you can have a successful youth ministry in every parish.” This is accomplished through teamwork and collaborative ministry, she explained, saying that “not one isolated person can run a ministry on their own.”

Mrs. Poat encourages all lay people to involve themselves in youth ministry, starting with “getting the word out to the young people in their parish” and getting them to attend diocesan events. “They can sponsor their way to attend these events, or they could simply show up and be present,” she said. Additionally, Mrs. Poat says they can “let diocesan events and teams be a springboard to chartering their own youth ministry involvement in their own parish, whether it’s big or small.”

Grandparents’ Day

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Maura Baker

Staff Writer

Breakfasts, shared Masses and games together — these are just some of the ways that schools in the Diocese of Covington celebrate their grandparents. These celebrations coincide with National Grandparents’ Day — celebrated this year on Sept. 7.

While celebrated internationally on various days, such as the July World Day for Grandparents and Elderly established by Pope Francis in 2021, this national holiday celebrated during the school year is a tradition where schools invite students’ grandparents to join them.

The importance of grandparents and elders in a community is not to be understated — and it is Pope Leo XIV who calls the elderly “signs of hope” in his 2025 message for World Day for Grandparents and Elderly. “In the Bible, God repeatedly demonstrates his providential care by turning to people in their later years. This was the case not only with Abraham, Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth, but also with Moses, who was called to set his people free when he was already 80 years old,” Pope Leo said. “God thus teaches us that, in his eyes, old age is a time of blessing and grace, and that the elderly are, for him, the first witnesses of hope.

“The life of the Church and the world can only be understood in light of the passage of generations. Embracing the elderly helps us to understand that life is more than just the present moment and should not be wasted in superficial encounters and fleeting relationships. Instead, life is constantly pointing us toward the future.”

In his last message for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis also referred to elders as “‘the firm foundation’ on which ‘new’ stones can rest, in order to join in erecting a spiritual edifice.” In fact, throughout his time as pope, Pope Francis often spoke on the importance of the elderly, specifically in the context of their relationship to young people — as stewards and teachers to one another.

Second annual Mass of Belonging hosted by Fire Foundation of Northern Kentucky to take place Sept. 9

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Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

The Fire Foundation of Northern Kentucky will host its second annual Mass of Belonging at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, Sept. 9, 6 p.m. All are welcome.

The work of the Fire Foundation of Northern Kentucky is firmly rooted in the belief that all children are deserving of a high-quality, Catholic education, focusing specifically on students with learning difficulties or special needs. Through fiscal support of teacher training, funding for salaries or partial salaries of special education teachers and paraprofessionals, and the acquisition of adaptive technology, the Fire Foundation of Northern Kentucky seeks to make Catholic schools truly inclusive for all.

“The Fire Foundation of Northern Kentucky makes it possible for Catholic schools to create an environment where students of all abilities learn, grow and thrive … it will allow students with special needs to share in unique opportunities that only our Catholic schools can offer children,” said MaryKaye McDaniel, board member.

As a partner of the Diocese of Covington, the Fire Foundation of Northern Kentucky was started by a group of moms, all of whom wanted more for their children with special needs. Spurred by a desire to have all their children attend school together, as a family, the Fire Foundation of Northern Kentucky was born.

Mrs. McDaniel said, “This foundation was really driven by that, wanting to keep families together in our Catholic schools, learning and growing educationally, spiritually and together.”

As a way to help the students they serve, the Fire Foundation of Northern Kentucky hosts an annual Mass of Belonging, where those with special needs and their families are invited to celebrate Mass as a community.

“It’s about bringing our community together as a whole and saying, ‘You belong,’” said Mrs. McDaniel. “We all belong to this beautiful Catholic faith, in this beautiful Catholic community.”

The Mass this year will be a sensory-friendly event, so more people are able to enjoy the celebration of the Eucharist. “It really is a night to celebrate, to celebrate Jesus, to celebrate the Eucharist, to celebrate our community, and to come together,” said Mrs. McDaniel.

Following Mass, there will be an ice cream celebration in St. Mary’s Park, Covington, across the street from the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, where the community can gather and engage in fellowship. “Once we celebrate the Eucharist, celebrate our faith in Mass, and then afterwards be able to make those connections with other families,” said Mrs. McDaniel on the merit of the ice cream social.

The Fire Foundation of Northern Kentucky emphasizes inclusion among Catholic schools, said Mrs. McDaniel, “so that students, teachers and all staff can more fully live out our Catholic faith on a daily basis.”

Major donors to Restored in Christ capital campaign spend evening with ‘Gargoyles and Gratitude’

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Laura Keener

Editor

The “Restored in Christ” Cathedral restoration project began in 2018 when Father Ryan Maher, rector, was taking his dog on her morning walk. There, on the sidewalk, lay a piece of masonry — maybe from a gargoyle, maybe from a chimera, maybe a piece of tracery — that had fallen from the Cathedral.

“He (Father Maher) raised the question, ‘What’s going on with our Cathedral building?’” Bishop John Iffert told the nearly 100 donors, May 22, at the “Gargoyles and Gratitude” event.

Jim Hess, director, Office of Stewardship and Mission Services, has been leading the “Restored in Christ” $7 million capital campaign. To thank major donors of the project, Mr. Hess hosted Gargoyles and Gratitude, an evening of small plates and socialization, which included eight special guests — eight of the newly crafted 26 chimeras.

Restoration of the Cathedral began just as the capital campaign began. Due to safety concerns, the deteriorating chimeras, popularly referred to as gargoyles, were removed from the Cathedral roof in March 2023, the same month of the launch of the capital campaign. True to the biblical saying, “The first shall be last,” returning the chimeras to their rooftop home, anticipated for late October or early November, will mark the completion of the restoration project.

The name, details and photo of the Covington Cathedral and its Notre Dame, France, cousin accompanied each of the chimera. Mr. Hess introduced the benefactors to “The Goat,” one of the chimeras on display at the event with an explosive past. In 1985, lightning struck The Goat, and he lost his head. A local craftsman created a replacement head, but in 2015, lightning struck again, rendering The Goat headless until its removal in 2023. To recreate The Goat for the restoration project, artisans at Boston Valley Terra Cotta, New York, modeled it from its French cousin. The other 25 chimera were digitally scanned and recrafted.

“It’s been such a privilege getting to know these chimeras,” said Mr. Hess. “I wanted to, at least, have an evening like this where we could spend some time with these before they’re on top of the Cathedral forever.”

In his comments to the benefactors, Bishop Iffert expressed his gratitude, calling the restoration a very practical project. “It was about safety for people in and around the building, and it was about preserving what had been handed on to us, preserving that built tradition,” he said.

Bishop Iffert pointed out that the Cathedral restoration project also has a very spiritual significance, in preserving “that witness to the faith.”

Visiting Covington’s Cathedral, he said, is usually listed second on many lists of “Things to Do in Greater Cincinnati,” just behind attending a Bengals or Reds game, depending on the season. And in a very real and awesome way, the Cathedral is “proclaiming the message of Jesus and His love for you. That’s why it’s so important that we preserve this building. It’s so important that this witness be preserved,” he said.

“When you walk into our Cathedral Church, two things happen. First, you are inspired and enthused … your very posture begins to turn you toward the eschaton, the last things, the aim and goal of life. And all around you, in stone and in stained glass, are the stories of the Scriptures, the stories of the saints, the stories of the Councils, the stories of our Jewish forebears, the stories of those who’ve gone before us, trusting in God. It is a catechism in light … It’s necessary to preserve this and to hand it on for generations so that they know of the love of Christ, that the faith of the apostles is planted firmly in the Bluegrass state, and what generations have handed on to us, we now have a responsibility to hand on to others.”

Our Savior Parish celebrate Sister Janet Bucher

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Staff Report

The Our Savior Parish, Covington, community gathered, Aug. 24, to celebrate Divine Providence Sister Janet Bucher. Sister Janet has served the parish as its pastoral administrator for the past 34 years, retiring from that position July 14 of this year. The celebration began with Mass with a reception following. Near the end of Mass, parishioners expressed their gratitude to Sister Janet, especially for her commitment to African American celebrations — such as the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. discussion breakfast and the recognition of Kawanza. They presented her with a plaque. Most recently, Sister Janet championed the dedication of a Kentucky State historical marker recognizing Our Savior School and Parish for being a center of spiritual, educational and civic life during segregation. The Brotherhood Singers, a local a cappella soul and Gospel group with roots at Our Savior Parish and a favorite of Sister Janet’s, were in attendance to sing a song. Scan the QR code to watch a short video of the celebration.

Alexandria community comes together as Bishop Iffert blesses the final phase of the Cultivating Legacy Capital Campaign

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Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

St. Mary of the Assumption Parish and School, Alexandria, welcomed Bishop John Iffert for the blessing of a new library, STEM and art classrooms, upon the completion of the third and final phase of its Cultivating Legacy Capital Campaign.

With three phases, the capital campaign was able to add a new church elevator, larger church parking lot, four new classrooms and parish center, the expansion of the school cafeteria and the renovation of the old gymnasium into three new classrooms. It was this final piece of the campaign which Bishop Iffert blessed on August 22, surrounded by students, faculty, staff and campaign donors.

“Through these things,” said Father Joseph Gallestein, pastor of St. Mary Parish, “the Gospel would be proclaimed, the faith would be taught, the sacraments would be celebrated and the people of God would grow more like Christ himself in humility and in service.”

The campaign, launched in 2019, raised a total of $6,380,000 from 971 unique donors. Throughout the Cultivating Legacy Capital Campaign, the parish incurred no debt, said Brett Ruschman, campaign co-chair and has no money left to raise. Something that, he says, is a true testament to the dedication of the parishioners and friends of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish and School.

“Whether your contribution was large or small, financial or spiritual, we couldn’t have done it without you. This was a team effort in the truest sense, and we are very humbled by the outpouring of that support,” said Jennifer Geiman, principal, to those gathered in the newly renovated space.

She continued saying, “Our students now have access to a brand-new junior high science lab, inspiring art room and a spacious STEM and media center. These beautiful new spaces are more than just classrooms, but launch pads for imagination, discovery and growth. They are a true legacy built by our parish community that will serve generations to come.”

It is not about the physical spaces built as a result of the Cultivating Legacy Capital Campaign, said Mr. Ruschman, but rather, “it’s about vision, perseverance and faith. It’s about creating something that will serve not just us but generations to come. That’s what cultivating legacy truly means.”

A sentiment echoed by Bishop Iffert, “The fact that you were able to accomplish all this is because so many people looked at the children in this school and saw them as Christ, saw them as one deserving of love, as those who needed to be loved and cared for and honored and respected — images of Christ.”

“Today is so much more than about dedicating this space,” said Father Gallestein, “…it is about community, family, and above all, faith. All of our working together, guided by the Holy Spirit, willing to say yes to the Spirit’s prompting, has made great things happen; in the far distant past, in the more recent past, today and in the days to come.”

After 17 years, diocesan CFO retires — former controller to take over as his successor

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Maura Baker

Staff Writer

In 2008, Bishop Roger Foys hired Dale Henson as the Diocese of Covington’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Now, 17 years later, Mr. Henson will be retiring from the role.

A mandatory position according to the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the financial officer is responsible for the administration of diocesan monetary assets. An important role that Mr. Henson took to well, according to Bishop Foys, allowing Mr. Henson to become a good friend to the retired bishop. “We’ve carried us through our difficulties, and we’ve bonded closer,” Bishop Foys said at a Curia luncheon celebrating Mr. Henson’s retirement.

“Thank you, we’re grateful to you,” Bishop John Iffert also said, congratulating Mr. Henson on his retirement, “We welcome you back anytime — you are not gone from our lives. We will continue to be connected, and we are very grateful for your service.”

Mr. Henson also took the time to thank the bishops and the other Curia staff in turn — saying that when he joined the Curia, he “felt at home immediately. This is where I was supposed to be.”

“My mother told me one time that, as she got older and looked back on her life, she saw the hand of God in so many places that pushed her in the direction that she went,” Mr. Henson tearfully said. “As I look back over my career, I see the same thing … so, it’s been a pleasure, and, as I said to Bishop in my resignation letter, being the CFO has been the honor of my career. I feel very blessed that I could use my talents in this capacity for the Church.”

The successor to Mr. Henson’s role will be Bob Hagedorn — who previously served in the diocese as the controller under Mr. Henson’s leadership.

“I’m very grateful for Dale, of course, because he mentored me basically for eight years,” Mr. Hagedorn told the <<Messenger>>. “I’m looking forward to working more directly with the pastors and the principals and everything. It (CFO) is a more front-facing position than the back-office position of controller I held previously — and that’s scary, but also exciting. I’m looking forward to that and getting to have relationships with all of these people and build trust with them.”

2025 DPAA a resounding success — $270,000 in grants allocated to diocesan and community ministries at August reception

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Maura Baker

Staff Writer

The 2025 Diocesan Parish Annual Appeal (DPAA) celebrated its conclusion, Aug. 21, in Bishop Howard Memorial Auditorium, Covington, with a reception where more than $270,000 dollars were allocated to diocesan and community ministries in grants.

Jeff Jehn, who served as the general chair for the 2025 DPAA, noted the success of this year’s campaign — with total numbers at $3.98 million as of Aug. 20, which is around three percent over the amount raised at this time last year, according to Mr. Jehn.

Overall, this impressive total comes from 6,617 donors throughout the diocese — and 39 out of 53 parishes have met or exceeded their goal. Funds collected over the goal go back directly to the parishes to serve parish needs. And, Mr. Jehn said, “I know in the coming days, more and more parishes will meet and exceed their goals. So, we’ve done very well — and it is wonderful not to only be part of this program, but also to watch the fruits of this program be disseminated.”

Lisa Knochelmann, who was the campaign’s leadership gifts chair, also comments on the DPAA’s “tremendous” success this year. “Truly, what a blessing,” said Mrs. Knochelmann, “My personal involvement with the DPAA this year has been eye opening and inspiring. At each ministry fair, I had the privilege of meeting representatives from missionary ministries and agencies supported through the appeal — their passion and commitment made me realize just how impactful this work truly is. This evening, approximately 60 agencies will be receiving grants. What a remarkable testament to the generosity of his community.”

“People pitching in to help others when they have a need,” Bishop John Iffert spoke to attendees towards the end of the reception, “this, for me, is what it’s all about. Especially when we do that in the name Christ — well, then, my heart just sings! It’s great to distribute these checks and know that there are folks, both in some of our Catholic associations and parishes and schools and agencies, and in our community organizations, who are going to do good things for neighbors. We want to express a vote of confidence in you. This is where grace is manifest in our community.”

For a full list of grants go to: https://covdio.org/dpaa-grants-list/.

Thomas More University to host Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder and CEO of Mary’s Meals

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Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Thomas More University’s Center for Faith, Mission and Catholic Education, Crestview Hills, will be hosting founder and CEO of Mary’s Meals, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. in the Ziegler Auditorium. This event, which is free and open to the public, aims to further the culture of service that Thomas More University instills in its students, said Andrew Cole, director of Campus Ministry.
“It’s an event that characterizes the emphasis of service for the University,” said Mr. Cole, “We’re trying to promote service and demonstrate that to our students.”

Mary’s Meals, named in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, provides school meals to starving and malnourished children in 16 different countries. “It’s all about providing daily meals in places of education for the world’s poorest children. So often, children who are missing their education, they’re missing school, because they are begging, or working or doing what they need to get food,” said Mr. MacFarlane-Barrow in a telephone interview with the Messenger.

The company got its start in the early 90s when Mr. MacFarlane-Barrow and his brother were touched by the war waging around Medjugorje, and the refugees effected. Together, they collected local aid and drove four days across Europe to deliver the collected aid. “We felt in a very particular way that Our Lady wanted us to do this,” said Mr. MacFarlane-Barrow.

The mission of Mary’s Meals coincides with that of Thomas More University’s where they ask students of all faith backgrounds to examine the ultimate meaning of life, their place in the world and their responsibilities to others.

“The number one goal is to give exposure to our mission as a university, as exemplified in Mary’s Meals and let the Holy Spirit operate for those who would care to support Mary’s Meals … It’s so that we can reach our objectives to integrate a culture of service at Thomas More,” said Mr. Cole.

Mr. MacFarlane-Barrow said about the connection between the mission of Mary’s Meals and Thomas More, “I think when we start to share, when we step out of our own comfort zone, we start to discover more fully who we are, who God made us to be, and we understand more deeply the meaning and purpose of our life.”

ACUE Solicitors Kickoff

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The Schools Office and Alliance for Catholic Urban Education welcomed solicitors to its annual appeal kickoff breakfast meeting, Aug. 21. Led by appeal chair, Karen Riegler, this year 60 solicitors will reach out asking for support of the 2025-2026 ACUE Annual Appeal. ACUE helps fund the Diocese’s five urban elementary schools — Holy Cross Elementary, Latonia; Holy Trinity School, Bellevue; Prince of Peace School, Covington; St. Anthony School, Taylor Mill and St. Augustine School, Covington.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to our ACUE solicitors for their unwavering dedication not only to the mission of our urban Catholic schools but also to the children who attend them,” said Kendra McGuire, superintendent of Schools. “Every family should have the opportunity to choose a Catholic education for their children and finances should not be a barrier to that choice.  The diligent efforts of our solicitors and the substantial contributions received from our generous donors during the ACUE annual appeal are the largest source of support for our urban schools and open the doors for countless children to benefit from an excellent Catholic education.”