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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.”

Brother Abraham Reeder makes first vows

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Staff Report

After a year of discernment as a novice at St. Vincent Archabbey, Abraham Reeder, now Brother Abraham, of Park Hills made first or simple profession of monastic vows on July 10 before Archabbot Martin de Porres Bartel, O.S.B., in the Archabbey Basilica, Latrobe, Penn. To become solemnly professed, Brother Abraham will spend three years discerning as a junior monk before being considered for vows for life. Brother Abraham attended Thomas More College and Franciscan University, from which he graduated in 2024 with a degree in theology. His parents (PLACEMENT) are Michael and Kelly Reeder.

Diocesan daughter among 10 celebrating 25 years as Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia

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Staff Report

Sister Maria Fidelis Gray, O.P., celebrated her Silver Jubilee, July 13. She was one of 10 Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia celebrating 25 years of religious profession.

A native of Ft. Wright, Ky., Sister Maria Fidelis is the daughter of Tevis and Theresa Gray, also of Ft. Wright. Sister Maria Fidelis made her first profession of vows on August 10, 2000. She has served in both teaching and administrative roles at schools in Nashville, Tenn.; North Beach, Md.; Denver, Col.; Carmel, Ind.; and Providence, R.I. Additionally, Sister served as Coordinator of Villagio Betania Retreat House in Bracciano, Italy. Sister Maria Fidelis is currently teaching second grade at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School in Kennesaw, Ga.

In 1860, the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia was established in Nashville, where its Motherhouse is located. The Sisters of St. Cecilia are dedicated to the apostolate of Catholic education. The community of over 300 sisters serves in 55 schools throughout the United States and abroad, with mission houses in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Rome and Bracciano, Italy; Elgin, Scotland; Sittard, The Netherlands, and Limerick, Ireland. For more information on the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation, visit www.nashvilledominican.org.

New National Blue Ribbon School sign is ‘symbol of the traditions … beacon to the future’ at Holy Cross District High School

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Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Holy Cross District High School, Covington, was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2024, making them one of only 356 schools selected in the 2023-2024 school year.

This tremendous accomplishment is now permanently affixed to the face of two buildings on the campus of Holy Cross District High School, serving as a beacon of academic excellence for all who drive down Church Street. Bishop John Iffert joined the students, faculty and staff of Holy Cross for Mass and a blessing of the new signage.

In his blessing of the sign, Bishop Iffert said, “It will be an open invitation to all who pass by it to come inside and hear the good news of Christ, to see through our actions, our witness to Christ and be welcome as members of the Body of Christ.”

“For over 100 years,” said Rob Knox, principal of Holy Cross, “Holy Cross has stood for the opportunity of urban Catholic education in the Diocese of Covington. Holy Cross, I am beyond proud to say, received its blue-ribbon award as an exemplary achievement gap closing school.”

The recognition of being an exemplary achievement gap closing school sets apart Holy Cross as not only a model of secondary education, but one that meets students where they are and helps them rise above.

This achievement, says Mr. Knox, means that “we live up to our philosophy of being a place for all. We pride ourselves on the achievement and success of our students that some in society believe should succeed less. But we believe, with faith-filled hearts, that every student who walks through our doors deserves the best Catholic education we can give them.”

In his remarks, Bishop Iffert recalled a paper he wrote regarding the true value of a university education; however, the remarks remain true for the work of Holy Cross High School.

“To really know the value of a university education, you have to look at where the students coming in are and what they’ve managed to gain in those four or five years that they spend in university,” said Bishop Iffert.

He continued saying, “Holy Cross is carrying a vision that is so important to me, to know that schools help people achieve, help people overcome educational obstacles, and help them move from grade-level parity to a grade level ahead, that’s the goal.”

Mr. Knox highlighted that not only is this achievement the work of those students in the 2023-2024 school year, but it is the work also of all those who came before, “the Blue Ribbon is a testament to our past, our present, but most importantly, our future, a future thriving, a Holy Cross community where students and families from all walks of life receive a world-class education, a call to be faithful servants and messengers of God, and a place they can call home.”

“These beautiful signs,” Mr. Knox continued saying, “are a symbol of the traditions of excellence at Holy Cross, but also a beacon to the future of our school and community.”