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Bishop Iffert returns to United States from Africa, having met with local Church, faithful

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Maura Baker

Staff Writer

From July 12 to August 3, Bishop John Iffert travelled halfway across the globe to Africa. His trip took him to the countries of Kenya and Madagascar on the East side of the continent, where he met with African bishops and religious sisters, visited the humanitarian compound Akamasoa (“good friends” in Malagasy) in Madagascar and even encountered briefly wildlife such as a white rhino in Kenya and lemurs in Madagascar.

As a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Subcommittee for Solidarity with the Church in Africa, Bishop Iffert’s trip first had him attending a meeting of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

With one session every three years, Catholic bishops from Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and associate members Somalia and Djibouti all come together. This year, Bishop Iffert alongside USCCB consultant Fritz Zuger, attended the session for dialogue on how the USCCB Subcommittee for Solidarity with the Church in Africa’s yearly national collection — which genereates three and a half million dollars annually given as grants to the Church in Africa — can best support the needs of the people in these nations. While the Diocese of Covington has previously never taken the subcommittee’s collection for Africa, the diocese plans to begin taking it in 2027 as part of the international missions collection, according to Bishop Iffert.

“This year, the plenary session focused on accompanying young people,” Bishop Iffert said. “Young people from all of these countries came to Nairobi to give their input to the bishops on how they thought the Church could better accompany them as young Catholics.”

While in Nairobi, Bishop Iffert also visited the Sisters of Notre Dame there.

“The Sisters of Notre Dame were founded in East Africa by two sisters from Covington and two from California,” he said, “and started their presence there.”

The Sisters of Notre Dame now have their own province in East Africa, with Bishop Iffert visiting one of their houses of studies and one of their schools.

After Nairobi, Bishop Iffert and Mr. Zuger flew to the island nation of Madagascar, where they visited the National Episcopal Conference there — meeting with Malagasy bishops and staff of the conference and Catholic Relief Services and continuing dialogue of how the USCCB can best assist the nation’s needs.

“The whole mission was to get to know people,” Bishop Iffert said, “to get to know the Church and again to help them understand what our program can do and how we can help them.”

Bishop Iffert’s final visit on the trip was to Akamasoa. Founded in 1989 by Vincentian missionary Father Pedro Opeka, the compound of houses built to aid Madagascar’s poor has turned into a proper community and humanitarian effort — providing food, shelter and education.

The late Pope Francis, who visited Akamasoa himself in 2021, said “This is what one priest can accomplish. This is what one life can accomplish when they follow the will of God,” Bishop Iffert quoted.

“It was just extraordinary,” Bishop Iffert said, reflecting on a Mass of around 5,000 people held at the parish in Akamasoa. “Madagascar is the ninth poorest country in the world … extraordinary poverty, and they’re really struggling to develop. There’s a lot of political corruption there.”

Bishop Iffert commented further on the volunteers and missionaries at Akamasoa. “Just so many good people,” he said, “So many holy people who want to contribute to the life of this church. It was a wonderful visit.”

Diocesan strategic planning process prepares for fall session on governance

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Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

The public portion of the Diocese of Covington’s spring strategic planning process has all but concluded, with Bishop John Iffert preparing to hear the priorities identified from the three commission.

“The committees have brought their data forward, and probably in the next two weeks we should have a good idea on the priorities that have bubbled up across the three commissions,” said Deacon Jim Fortner, chief operation officer for the Diocese of Covington. “Then, we will draft the priorities based on what we heard. We are going to review that with the commission leaders,” he said, “Then they look at it and then they make adjustments based on what they heard.”

Once the commission leaders, Deacon Fortner and the strategic planning consultants are aligned on the identified positions, they will be presented to Bishop Iffert. His feedback will then be taken back to the commission leaders for an update. At the end of this process, “we got the priorities ready to go, publish, and then we work on the actual plan underneath it. So, we’ll have the goals, priorities, and then we’ll have an actual planning team…their job is to then take it into a specific action plan,” said Deacon Fortner.

A key element of the strategic planning process so far has been the input of the faithful throughout the diocese, with lay leaders, clergy and religious all coming together. “It’s been beautiful,” said Deacon Fortner, “you’re putting responsibility on the people to help us make these decisions.” He continued saying, “It’s been phenomenal. The amount o support that we got, the passion from people has been invigorating because folks recognize that this is a big opportunity to provide input into a strategic plan,” he said.

Part of the spring’s strategic planning process was gathering data, both quantitative and qualitative, in the form of anecdotal evidence from committee members. Deacon Fortner referred to the data gathered as, “rich insights,” which was gathered by, “listening to people, looking at other diocese, which we’ve done across the board,” he said. This data, and the priorities identified from it, will be key when beginning the fall portion of the strategic planning for diocesan governance.

“We started with the spring commissions, they give input on what they need from the Curia,” said Deacon Fortner. “That’s why it was really important to start with those spring commissions and let that feed the Curia.”

“This is a synodal process,” said Deacon Fortner, “at the end of the day, this is all about salvation of souls, this is all about leading people to a sacramental lifestyle. Everything we do in this strategy work needs to ultimately lead to that.”

Diocesan Pastoral Council and Deanery Council receive name changes, other changes

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Maura Baker

Staff Writer

Changes were announced at a Deanery Council meeting, Aug. 8, affecting both the Deanery Council and the Diocesan Pastoral Council — with their name changes, Deanery Pastoral Council becoming Deanery Council and Diocesan Council becoming the Diocesan Pastoral Council, being the first distinction made.

“Both councils go along with the notion of synodality,” according to Jamie Schroeder, chancellor, “as well as consultation and walking together in terms of decision making and discernment about issues that impact the diocese and the local Church.”

The Deanery Council — which consists of “deans” from each deanery in the diocese, two lay representatives from each parish and a representative of clergy and religious from each deanery as well — as well as the Diocesan Pastoral Council, consisting of two of the lay representatives as well as the Vicar for Religious and Vicar General, both communicate and collaborate with the bishop and the chancery regarding the needs of the parishes and the diocese at large.

Lay members of both councils are chosen typically from their parish councils, so that they may serve as direct liaisons.

The name change was done in an effort to “distinguish” between the two councils, according to Mrs. Schroeder, as the Diocesan Pastoral Council was established later by Bishop John Iffert to allow for more open dialogue with lay people — and the names had previously caused confusion.

In addition to the change of names, it was announced at the meeting that deans, while remaining in leadership positions, can now delegate leadership responsibilities, such as “the logistical and practical duties of leading the deanery council” to Diocesan Pastoral Council members as they deem fit or necessary at their discretion.

“So many things happen in the Church behind the scenes,” Mrs. Schroeder said, “and your average person in the pew doesn’t realize that that’s happening. I think it’s good when the lay people of the diocese can stay informed of these changes at work.”

Bishop Iffert reflects on the virtue of hope at deacon rededication vespers

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Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

On Aug. 10, deacons from across the diocese gathered with Bishop John Iffert, their wives, fellow clergy, family and friends for solemn vespers at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington. The vespers, celebrated on the Feast of St. Lawrence, Roman martyr and deacon, celebrated the rededication of the deacons to their diaconal promises of obedience, respect and commitment to sharing the word of God.

Bishop Iffert, who led the vespers, addressed the deacons in his homily. He told the story of a man he’d met the day before. George, who was concerned for his son, set up to accompany him in prayer — committing to praying all four sets of mysteries of the Rosary daily.

Bishop Iffert said that George told him that, “Until this point in my life, I never really thought that I ought to be trying to be a saint. … It never really occurred to me that it was something I should be trying to do with my life, or that it was even possible. And now, it’s all I think about.”

“That conversation with that man reminded me of the virtue of hope,” said Bishop Iffert.

“We have to believe that it is possible for us to be saints. We have to believe — and even longing for the desired possibility of being a martyr like Lawrence — that we might be capable of laying our lives down for the poor,” he said.

Speaking more directly to the deacons present, he continued, “We have to believe that it’s capable for all of us here who share in Holy Orders that have been ordained deacons. We have to believe that it’s possible for us to serve the Word of God with our whole heart.”

“Our hope is Christ Jesus the Lord,” Bishop Iffert said. “His charity, his grace, is what makes it possible for us both to know that we might live worthily according to these orders we have receives and that without him, we are almost certain going to fail.”

Hispanic ministry grows in the Diocese of Covington, new programs make a difference

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Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

It has been almost one year since the Diocese of Covington hired Silvia Schmidt, the diocesan Hispanic minister. Since the beginning of her tenure, Mrs. Schmidt has made great strides, acting as a bridge between the Spanish speaking community and the larger diocesan community. As a result of her work, there has been higher attendance of Spanish-speaking individuals at youth ministry events, more Spanish faith formation opportunities and an ever-growing love of Christ’s Church throughout the Diocese.

The role of the hispanic minister in the Diocese is to, “support families in their spiritual journey and facilitate their integration into local parishes,” according to Mrs. Schmidt’s pastoral plan. In working towards this goal, Mrs. Schmidt has brought programs to the Diocese with the goal of helping children and adults grow in a personal relationship with Christ. One such program is Emmaus Retreats, for both men and women. These healing retreats offer a respite from everyday life and help participants “really feel God’s love,” so that they become “on fire for God,” said Mrs. Schmidt.

The men’s Emmaus Retreat concluded at the end of July and was hosted by a group from Miami, with the idea that “once you receive it, you give it,” said Ms. Schmidt. “It’s the beginning of something that will stay in the Diocese,” she explained.

The retreats become self-sustaining, with previous retreatants hosting the next retreat for the next group of people. Through this model, the men who recently completed their retreat will host the women’s retreat.

“It’s a true witness of that they really care, and it’s a true camaraderie between them, but on fire for God. It was just, for me, that was in itself a true witness,” said Mrs. Schmidt who participated in an Emmaus Retreat in Miami.

Cristo Rey Parish, Florence, hosted the men’s and will host the women’s retreat, however parishioners from any parish are welcome to attend. More details will be announced regarding the women’s Emmaus Retreat.

In addition to these retreats, Mrs. Schmidt has also introduced programs offered by the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI). SEPI is U.S. Catholic Bishops regional office for Hispanic Ministry. Their programs will train “the adults, the catechists, the parents, all the adults who deal with children … people train the adults in these parishes who might interact with kids, for those adults to go back and kind of put what they learned into practice,” said Mrs. Schmidt.

The programs will be held for identified staff members at five Diocesan parishes with hispanic populations. Mrs. Schmidt hopes that the program will help “establish that children … have that personal relationship with God. It’s not just a checklist for sacraments, but ‘this God is a real person for me that I can go talk to,’” she said. “To strengthen the child’s sense of belonging in the Church, participating actively in the Mass,” she said.

As hispanic ministry continues to grow in the Diocese of Covington, so too does the body of Christ continue to grow on earth in Covington. Emboldened in the pursuit of relationship with Christ, communion with Christ and community with one another.

Catholic Charities volunteer to be recognized at Great American Ballpark

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Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Catholic Family Night at Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati, will bring together the faithful of the Diocese of Covington and Archdiocese of Cincinnati, along with Bishop John Iffert and Archbishop Robert Casey, to celebrate the theme ‘Love in Action.’ This evening will highlight the mission and ministries of Catholic Charities on both sides of the river, and the people who make them possible, embodying Love in Action. One of the volunteers who will be recognized is Notre Dame Sister Nance Hehman, who lives in residence at the St. Augustine Convent, Augusta, and is an integral member of the Mobile Food Pantry team in Bracken, Mason and Pendelton County.

Sister Nance began her involvement with the Mobile Food Pantry in 2020 at its inception, when John Hehman, director of the Mobile Food Pantry and Sister Nance’s nephew, called her for assistance. “She was a big part of getting it started,” said Mr. Hehman, “she was one of the first people that said she would be there to help.”

Since the beginning, Sister Nance has been responsible for helping members of the community register and sign in to the mobile food pantry, understanding first-hand the food insecurity in Bracken County. “I was on the parish phone line, they would call and ask for help…so I knew the need for food down here was pretty drastic,” she said. “Being able to help to serve and help fill that need, that’s why you keep coming back. The people who come are very, very grateful,” she said.

Sister Nance’s time at the registration table has allowed her to form relationships with the community members who take advantage of the ministry. “It’s very moving. I would get to know them, and they would get to know me,” she said.

“She makes a really positive impact on the guests coming in for food,” said Mr. Hehman, “You watch her do the registration. People come in and, if for whatever reason she isn’t able to make it, they ask for her.”

During her six years of work with the Mobile Food Pantry, Sister Nance has found that the most rewarding is “seeing how happy the little kids were when you brought food, or they shop,” she said. Moments like watching children and families realize they will have food in the coming week, “makes you very appreciative of what you’ve been given and what you are able to share,” she said.

For Sister Nance, her experience over the last six years is more than volunteer work, it is a reflection of the community’s willingness to serve each other. “It’s wonderful what these people do,” she said, “all the ones that I’ve ever gone to, the parish community goes all out to make this work, for the whole community, for the whole county.”

Volunteering her own time and resources to the Mobile Food Pantry ministry is the true embodiment of Love in Action, “Everybody needs help sometimes, and if you’ve got the time, and you got the resources. I think it’s an obligation to share.”

Catholic Charities Commission Subcommittee focuses on the role of Catholic Charities in the community

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Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Over the summer months, the Diocese of Covington has participated in a new strategic planning process, focusing on key areas of growth for the Diocese in Catholic Charities, a foundation and Diocesan schools, with commissions being formed to focus on each. Each of these commissions consists of subcommittees which help inform the commissions overall recommendations to Bishop Iffert at the conclusion of the information gathering process. For many involved, these subcommittees served as a space for conversation, education and involvement in the overall direction of the Diocese. Mary Paula Schuh, Catholic Charities board member and co-chair of the Catholic Charities Commission’s Parish and Community Partnerships subcommittee, said that her experience on the subcommittee has been an exciting opportunity.

“We had lots of good discussion, we had lots of great ideas as a result of the meeting,” said Mrs. Schuh. Primarily, she said, the discussion revolved around volunteer engagement, brand identity and serving those in rural as well as urban areas. Mrs. Schuh said her co-chair role was an “opportunity to envision more broadly a role for Catholic Charities in our community through partnership with other organizations.”

“We’ve also talked about expanding services in the rural counties. The Diocese consists of 14 counties, and we want to have a Catholic Charities presence in all those counties,” she said. Her hope is that the work of the Catholic Charities Commission and Parish and Community Partnerships Subcommittee builds a “better understanding across the Diocese of what Catholic Charities does, and I hope that as a result of that, that people are more willing to support, both volunteer their time and financially support Catholic Charitie’s efforts to lift up our community.”

Throughout the process, she said, the members of her sub-committee have been engaged and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. “My biggest takeaway, personally, has just been the passion that people bring to the discussion and the commitment that people have to helping others. It’s heartwarming to see,” she said.

The work has been “gratifying,” she said. “I didn’t expect for as many people to be involved as we’ve had. I mean we had a room full of people, many people, come out and be willing to spend their time on multiple occasions to engage and listen and speak up and share ideas, so that’s been gratifying to me.”

As the work of the first three commissions concludes, the work of the fourth is just beginning. To register for the Diocese of Covington’s Governance Commission and for the opportunity to inform the future of the Diocese, go to covdioplanning.org.

‘We all want to make a difference in the world,’ Bishop Iffert tells educators at Mass celebrating the school year’s beginning

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Maura Baker

Staff Writer

As the summer season draws to a close and the school year is on the horizon, faculty, staff and administrators of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Covington gathered for a Mass, Aug. 5, celebrating the opening of the 2026–2027 school year.

Team members from every school filled the pews of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, joined by the staff of the Office of Catholic Schools, priests and deacons of the diocese and Bishop John Iffert, who celebrated the Mass.

As the Mass began, Kendra McGuire, Superintendent of Schools, addressed those gathered. “You know that your task is to teach,” she said, “but to do so means you will need to get to know each and every child that enters through your door. You will have to trust that God has placed each of those children in your classroom for a reason … you should strive to be a model of faith.”

Bishop Iffert, in his homily, began with a story regarding a bookmark he received in seminary, one with the message “Remember, all any of them wants to do is make a difference,” printed upon it.

He said that this was the way Sister Judy Connolly, a sister of Notre Dame who had visited his class In seminary, was “encouraging us not to get distracted by the little conflicts … but to remember that all of us are devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ and want to make a difference in the world we live in.”

Having returned just a day prior from Africa, Bishop Iffert continued by speaking of an experience there, where he had met with bishops from the churches of East Africa, as well as the young people there. He said that the young people shared the issues they sensed in their world — such as a lack of access of economic opportunity and education, mental health challenges, violence, especially against women and a perceived lack of support from the older generation or care from them of these struggles.

Bishop Iffert then referenced the day’s gospel reading, from the book of Matthew, about a Canaanite woman calling out for Jesus to heal her daughter, who was being tormented by a demon. Although Jesus first ignores, then discourages the woman, her faith in his mercy kept her persistent, saying that “even the pets eat the scraps that fall off the table.”

“Let’s notice the stance of the Canaanite woman,” Bishop Iffert said, “We who want so desperately to make a difference in the life of our community, in the life of our diocese, in the life of the young people we serve.”

The Canaanite woman “comes to Jesus with faith,” he continued, “She never questions if Jesus can free her daughter, but she trusts in his divine authority … This is the first and fundamental criteria for any of us who would teach in the name of the Church. That we approach with faith in the divine providence and mercy of God.”

The woman also showed “faith and humility,” Bishop Iffert said. “She acknowledges that she has no right or claim on the God of Israel or the concern of the Messiah, but she submits herself nonetheless.”

“This is exactly who we are,” he said, “We have no right or claim to the graces God has shown us. We have no right or privilege just because we’re members of the Church.”

The Canaanite woman “wants community with the Lord and with those who serve him. For her life to have meaning, she needs to belong to the people of God.”

Tying into his anecdote regarding the bookmark, Bishop Iffert echoed, “We all want to make a difference in the world, in our schools, in the lives of young people … None of us will be able to make a difference if we go it alone. If we take that attitude that we ourselves — our superior education, our superior position, our degrees, our particular abilities — none of us will make a difference if we come to believe that that’s all our future depends on.”

“What our young people need,” Bishop Iffert said, “is for us to respect the magnificent humanity that is their gift from God and that we share with them as brothers and sisters in the world … All any of us want to do is make a difference. I believe that’s true,” he said. “Let’s make that difference together with the Lord Jesus Christ as king, as shepherd and as head of household … As we begin this school year, let us dedicate ourselves to this holy task together under the leadership of Christ. This is the only way we really make a lasting difference — submitting ourselves to the Lord and for love of him to one another.”

‘Restoration celebration’ to conclude Cathedral restoration project three years in the making

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Maura Baker

Staff Writer

Since its launch in March of 2023, the Restored in Christ project brought together the efforts of more than 2,000 donors with the mission of preserving Covington’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. Now, more than three years later, the project has reached its conclusion — with repairs made to the Cathedral’s stonework and windows and new chimera and gargoyles proudly perched on the perimeter, ensuring the longevity of the historic Covington landmark and beloved church.

To tie together the project’s closing and celebrate its successes, a “restoration celebration” is planned to follow the Cathedral’s 4:30 Mass, August 15. Invited to the celebration were all 2,000 donors to the project, along with parishioners of the Cathedral.

Coming together, guests to the celebration will enjoy a catered dinner at the adjacent Covington Latin School, tours of the newly planted Marian Garden and restored Cathedral grounds and a showing of a 20-minute short film highlighting the Cathedral titled “The Salvation of Souls.”

“It’s going to be a beautiful video,” commented Jim Hess, director of Stewardship and Mission for the Diocese of Covington, who took on this project as one of his first after becoming director. “It’s a video that the Cathedral can use forever,” he said, as the video divulges the Cathedral’s history and mission. Following the celebration, the film will be available on the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption’s website (https://covcathedral.com) as well for public viewing.

In addition to this, donors and parishioners alike are being welcomed to contribute to another celebratory aspect of the project’s conclusion. Inside the new statue of the Cathedral’s Marian courtyard, a time capsule will be placed, with notes from contributors to be stored inside for future generations.

“I love the symbolism of that as well,” said Mr. Hess. “Mary is protecting the watching over and taking care of these people that contributed to this work.”

While Mr. Hess has experience with many capital campaigns, he commented that campaigns that are not directly ‘building something new’ can be hard to raise funds for.

“This project was unique,” he said, with more than $8 million of purely restoration work to be raised.

“This was truly a brick and mortar campaign,” Mr. Hess said, “which sometimes is difficult to raise money for because people like supporting new initiatives, new ideas. But this was more focused on taking care of the Cathedral for future generations, and I was amazed by how generous people were.” Even people who did not belong to the Cathedral parish or had ties to it contributed, seeing as they “realized the importance of this work for generations to come.”

Annual St. Ann Novena ends, a lesson in trusting the faith prevails

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Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

St. Ann Mission, Covington, celebrated the end of their 139th annual St. Ann Novena with Mass, celebrated by Father Gerald Rienersman, a retired priest of the Diocese of Covington, and veneration of the relics of St. Ann. Many participated with a kiss or touch of the relic, an emotional moment venerating the saint to which they have prayed for the past nine days.

On each of the nine days, a Mass was celebrated following the novena prayer at St. Ann Mission. This year, each Mass was dedicated to an apparition of the Blessed Mother. Some known, such as the Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Guadalupe apparitions, while others were lesser known, including Our Lady of Siluva which was the apparition for the final night of the Novena.

The story of our Lady of Siluva begins many years before Our Lady’s apparition in 1608, rather the seeds were sown for her appearance amidst the rise of the protestant reformation. When the town officials of Siluva, Lithuania, turned to Calvinism they sought to destroy the small Catholic Church of Lithuania and reappropriate the land to protestant worship. The priest of the Siluvan Catholic Church heard of this and took the deeds to the land, liturgical vestments and a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary and placed them in a box which he buried on the Church property. Soon after, the land and the Church were seized, and Catholic worship in Lithuania was replaced with Protestantism.

“The Church was destroyed, and the land was used for farmland, and the faith was buried,” said Father Reinersman in his homily on the apparition. Then, nearly 80 years later, a group of children were playing in a field when the Blessed Virgin appeared to them weeping, holding a small child. Though she did not say anything to the children, word spread throughout the village and the next day a large crowd had formed near the site of the apparition. She appeared again and said to them, “once my beloved son was worshiped here, but now it was given over to the plowman and to the sower,” Father Reinersman said, paraphrasing.

As word of the apparition spread, a blind man in the outskirts of the town remembered the buried box. “He led people to this spot, and when he reached this spot, he regained his sight,” said Father Reinersman, “He was able to see what was precious, and he found this place where the church once stood, and to a spot where an iron box was buried in this field.”

“For eighty years it stayed buried, silent and unused. The treasures in that box were the chalices that had been used at Mass, the missal books, the vestments, an image of the Blessed Mother and the documents that showed the Church owned the land,” said Father Reinersman.

“So, even when faith is buried, it is never gone. When the world forgets, Heaven remembers. And, when the sacred is erased, the Blessed Mother comes to restore it,” he said, “the Blessed Mother leads up back to find what is sacred, to find what is holy, to find what is precious. The gift of faith and an active spiritual life develops an instinct, and an appreciation and a wisdom that helps us to see the hand of God in our world.”