Memorial Mass for the Loss of a Child returns in April, all invited to pray for the relief of the ‘burden of grief ’

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The loss may be recent or long ago, but the loss of a child forever lingers in the heart. Jesus awaits all those suffering in grief, saying, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matt 5:4)

Once again, the Diocese of Covington’s Pro-Life Office will host a Memorial Mass for the Loss of a Child. This year’s Mass will be held April 11, 7 p.m., at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Burlington. Father Ryan Maher, rector, Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, will be the celebrant.

Read more on page 2.

Kissells to share Divine Mercy devotion and witness of faith in suffering

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For as long as he can remember Carson Kissell has been bathed in Divine Mercy. Carson was born with a rare skin disease, Epidermolysis Bullosa. At the least amount of friction, the disease causes painful blisters and sores. There is no cure. Treatment consists of keeping the skin clean and bandaged — from neck to toe.

There is no charge to attend the Kissells’ presentation at St. Catherine Church, March 24. Admittance is first come first seated. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Kissell’s will begin their presentation at 7 p.m. Bring a rosary, Carson will lead the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Read more on page 5.

YCET welcomes new members, encourages Catholic youth leadership

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Members of the Youth Commission Evangelization Team (YCET) met on Thomas More University’s campus, March 8, for an orientation welcoming and introducing the new members to the team.

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Catholic Schools Week Mass celebrated united in ‘faith and love of Jesus’

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The pews filled with diocesan students, teachers, administrators and supporters, Jan. 31, to celebrate a Mass commemorating Catholic Schools Week. The Mass was held in the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, and celebrated by Bishop John Iffert. Students representing every diocesan grade school and high school were present among their educators, processing in with banners decorated in school colors.

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‘Head up, feet moving,’ Bishop Iffert encourages consecrated religious

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Women and men religious gathered with laity for Mass, Feb. 3, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington. This special Mass celebrated World Day of Consecrated Life. Bishop John Iffert celebrated the Mass, joined by Father Ryan Maher, the Cathedral’s rector, with Deacons Barry Henry and Gerald Franzen assisting.

The World Day of Consecrated Life was established as a day of prayer for religious men and women in 1997 by Pope St. John Paul II. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Feb. 2.

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‘Love Them Both’ – 2024 March for Life Ky.

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The clouds were gray, and the rain was pouring as hundreds gathered in Frankfort for the first Kentucky march for life. The day started with Mass celebrated by Father John Lijana, pastor, Good Shepard Church, Frankfort.

“Life is good because it comes from God … do with it what he wills.” This was the message that rang throughout Father Lijana’s homily on Jan. 23.

The words hung over the congregation of about 500 as they took in the message that what they will be marching for is the sanctity of life and the dignity of mother and child. The latter of which being the theme of this year’s march, “Love Them Both.”

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Upcoming Cursillo weekends offer tools to enrich the Catholic faith for a lifetime

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A new year means a new year of Cursillo retreats, with the next scheduled as soon as this month.

Cursillo is named for a Spanish word meaning short course. A Cursillo (pronounced “kur-see-yo”),therefore, is a short course in Christianity. Originating in Spain in the 1940s, today Cursillos are given in more than 50 nations on 5 Continents. It is estimated that more than 2 million men and women of various races and languages have participated. Locally, all Cursillo weekends are held at the Jesuit Spiritual Retreat Center in Milford, Ohio.

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Join Bishop Iffert on an 11-day pilgrimage to Greece ‘In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle’

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Have you ever wanted to visit Greece to walk in the footsteps of St. Paul? If so, Bishop John Iffert is inviting 44 travelers to join him on a pilgrimage to Greece. The 11-day trip includes a 3-night cruise through the Greek Islands and Turkey. Travelers will depart from the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati Airport, Oct. 22 and return home Nov. 1.

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Bambinelli blessing returns to St. Mary’s Park for its second year

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Last Advent, the Diocese of Covington held its first ever Bambinelli blessing at St. Mary’s Park, Cathedral Square, Covington. This year, the blessing returns after positive reception by the community for its second event.

Sunday, Dec. 17, 6:30–8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Park, Cathedral Square, Covington.

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New Seminary Ball video gives insight to seminarians’ daily lives

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A new video promoting vocations will be premiered at this year’s Seminary Ball, Oct. 27. Moving away from the past format of seminarian interviews, the new video, which was created by Patrick McNamara of Drawn to the Image Studios, follows the Diocese of Covington’s seminarians through a day in their lives at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Penn.

Read more on page 2: https://covdio.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/9334MESSENGEROCTOBER62023.pdf