• The Messenger

    Official newspaper of the Diocese of Covington, serving over 29,000 Catholic families.

    Published 44 times a year.

  • Bishop John Iffert

    Publisher of the Messenger

    BishopIffertPublisher4
  • The Messenger strives to meet these goals:

    To share the Gospel message of salvation as an instrument of evangelization;

    To present and explain Church teaching in a positive and empathetic way;

    To promote mutual understanding and unity in the diocese;

  • The Messenger strives to meet these goals:

    To foster and support all forms of Christian family life;

    To share the personal faith experiences of the Catholic community;

  • The Messenger strives to meet these goals:

    To report on the development and growth of Catholic faith formation and;

    To be a source of Catholic information and inspiration.

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This week’s issue

Featured News

The St. Patrick School community rallied to pack 5,000 bags of food for children overseas

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentStudents, families,…

Franciscan Daughters’ turkey giveaway fed 558 families ahead of Thanksgiving

Maura BakerStaff WriterAn annual tradition, 558 families…

Future Deacons take a big step

Bishop John Iffert, Diocese of Covington, accepted the petitions…

Thomas More University professor takes part in Vatican-sponsored AI Builders Forum

Laura KeenerEditorA Catholic cruise with Catholic Answers…

Together with community, sisters pray for national immigration reform

Maura BakerStaff WriterAs the United States Conference…

New Marriage Catechumenal Pathways journeys with individuals from kindergarten through marriage to strengthen the home church

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentThe Diocese of Covington’s…

Eighth graders looking for a leg up to make shoe drive a success

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentEighth graders at…

Through his life Father Thomas Barnes sought to honor God

Father Thomas Barnes, a priest for the Diocese of Covington,…

Mobile food pantry feeds the hungry amidst government shutdown

Laura KeenerEditorWith the government shutdown entering…

Women religious return from Alabama pilgrimage — reflect on hope, civil rights

Maura BakerStaff WriterIn early October, women religious…

Jubilee of the Poor is about love, human dignity

Laura KeenerEditorThe Jubilee of the Poor will be celebrated…

Welcome back chimera

Twenty-four of the 32 chimeras have been delivered to the Cathedral…

Archive for women religious to preserve Benedictine archives, promote the witness of vocation

Maura BakerStaff WriterNational conversation sparks among…

All Hallowtide triduum honors the Faithful Departed

Maura BakerStaff WriterWhen talking about the turning…

Notre Dame Academy student emphasizes works of mercy in Thanksgiving card artwork

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentGreidy Deleon’s…

Community Baby Shower provides more than resources, it provides dignity

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentIn a collaborative…

Son of local family blessed by Pope Leo XIV on a trip to Rome

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentWhen Charles and…

Father Kunath installed as pastor of Sts. Boniface and James Parish in centuries old

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentFather Conor Kunath…

Seminary Education Fund allows seminarians to focus on discernment, not finances

Bella BaileyMultimedia Correspondent“I think it’s…

Cemeteries connect all members of the Church, living and the dead

Laura KeenerEditorBishop John Iffert led prayer services,…

Tiny Saints brings the saints to life with pitched animated series

Maura BakerStaff WriterIt’s Carlo Acutis’s first…

Deacon Tom Nolan celebrates 40 years of diaconal ministry

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentDeacon Tom Nolan…

Catholic Charities new counseling service ensures all students are set up for success

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentAt the beginning…

Notre Dame Academy celebrates the installation of President Lauren Hitron

Staff ReportNotre Dame Academy (NDA), Park Hills, celebrated…

IGNITE celebrates inclusivity

Maura BakerStaff WriterSupporters of the FIRE Foundation…

A ministry marked by loving like Christ, Deacon McGraw celebrates twenty-five years

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentDeacon Joseph McGraw,…

How Vincentians walk with moms in need

Laura KeenerEditorA call for assistance for utility bills…

Frassati play brings life to young Italian saint — tickets available now

Maura BakerStaff WriterLights are on St. Pier Giorgio…

Naturalization event held at Newport Central Catholic High School confirms 57 legal immigrants as U.S. citizens

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentNewport Central Catholic…

Bishop Iffert commissions and blesses five youth ministry teams

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentThe Diocese of Covington…

Bishop Iffert invites civil servants to ‘dare to be merciful’ at annual Red Mass

Maura BakerStaff WriterCivil servants came together for…

Thomas More announces direct admissions agreement with Covington Latin School

Staff ReportThomas More University (TMU) President Joseph…

Women religious embark on Selma pilgrimage for upcoming Jubilee Day

Maura BakerStaff WriterJubilee days provide opportunity…

Give Catholic NKY announced — join the Diocese in an online day of giving

Maura BakerStaff WriterA “one-day celebration of faith…

God strengthens love and witness among families, Bishop Iffert says at Wedding

Maura BakerStaff WriterNearly 100 married couples celebrated…

Prayer service for migrants is a place to ‘show compassion’, says Notre Dame sister

Maura BakerStaff WriterIn celebration of the World Day…

TMU welcomes St. Catherine of Siena students

Staff ReportFather Stef Bankemper, pastor, St. Catherine…

With 113 years of marriage between them, these couples share what makes a marriage strong.

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentThe Diocese of Covington…

Notre Dame Sister Erin Nagy makes first profession of vows

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentNotre Dame Sister…

Family Nurturing Center Executive Director thanks Bishop Iffert

Staff ReportJane Hermes, executive director of the Family…

Grandparents’ Day

Maura BakerStaff WriterBreakfasts, shared Masses and…

Our Savior Parish celebrate Sister Janet Bucher

Staff ReportThe Our Savior Parish, Covington, community gathered,…

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

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentSt. Mary of the Assumption…

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

Maura BakerStaff WriterIn 2008, Bishop Roger Foys hired…

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

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentThomas More University’s…

ACUE Solicitors Kickoff

The Schools Office and Alliance for Catholic Urban Education…

Brother Abraham Reeder makes first vows

Staff ReportAfter a year of discernment as a novice at St.…

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

Staff ReportSister Maria Fidelis Gray, O.P., celebrated her…

As a tabernacle of Christ, Mary was assumed into heaven, said Bishop John Iffert.

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentBishop John Iffert…

Divine Mercy/St. Bernard Parish Young Adult Group sets an example

Macie BeckerMedia InternAs part of the Diocesan pastoral…

Concert at St. Mary’s Park honors Bishop Foys 80th birthday

Laura KeenerEditorOn a hot and humid evening, over 200…

St. Henry student achieves rank of Eagle Scout, busts river bank refuse

Maura BakerStaff WriterAn incoming junior student of…

138th annual St. Ann novena highlights the major Councils of the Church

Laura KeenerEditorThe major councils of the Church were…

Mother of God parishioners celebrate Jubilee pilgrimage to Ky. Holy Land

In the spirit of the Jubilee Year Father Michael Comer, pastor,…

Young people are beacons of hope, said Pope Leo XIV ahead of Jubilee of Young People

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentThe Jubilee of Young…

Covington celebrates Father Daniel Schomaker Day

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentMayor Ron Washington…

Students from across the Diocese worship together at annual retreat

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentThe Diocese of Covington…

St. Augustine Parish, Augusta, celebrates 150 years of the Sisters of Notre Dame

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentThe Sisters of Notre…

Thomas More announces Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Staff reportFather Ray Enzweiler, Ph.D., has been appointed…

As Sisters of Notre Dame celebrate final 4th of July festival, legacy continues in the people

Laura KeenerEditorNotre Dame Sister Cormarie Rebhan patiently…

God’s mercy is the reason for priestly vocation, Bishop Iffert says at ordination Mass

Maura Baker Staff Writer Celebrated among a congregation of…

Mary Grable to retire from St. Edward School for the second time

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentBeloved teacher,…

Seventeen parishes underway to receive DPAA rebates, more to go

Maura BakerStaff WriterThe 2025 Diocesan Parish Annual…

Forty years has brought parish priest both foresight and wisdom

Maura BakerStaff Writer“I remember one day during Advent…

Deacon requests prayers as he prepares for ordination to the priesthood

Maura BakerStaff Writer“It feels like a big change…

Father Ryan Stenger recalls the legacy of Pope Francis during evening vespers

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentThe death of Pope…

Child Abuse Prevention Month kicks off with Blue Ribbon Ceremony

Maura BakerStaff WriterApril is Child Abuse Prevention…

Phase two of the DPAA concludes with the second kick off dinner

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentThe second Diocesan…

The scouts of the Diocese gather to be recognized with badges and awards

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentAs part of a long-standing…

TMU announces affiliation with Covington Latin School

Laura Keener EditorThomas More University announces…

Rite of Election — a continuation of God’s love for his people

Bella Bailey Multimedia CorrespondentThirty-four parishes…

This Lent take the first steps to ‘Walk With One’ in the Campaign of Mercy

Laura KeenerEditorWith the announcement of the Campaign…

St. Thomas Parish growing and connecting With One Heart

Laura KeenerEditorOne of the truly unique aspects of…

Annual Connect retreats seek to strengthen students’ bond with each other and God

Bella YoungMultimedia CorrespondentThe Youth Ministry…

Annual solicitors luncheon kicks off phase one of the DPAA

Bella BaileyMultimedia CorrespondentThe Diocesan Parish…

Catholic Education sows the seeds of God’s word

Bella BaileyMultimedia Correspondent Catholic Schools Week…

March for Life returns to Frankfort for a second year — here’s how to participate

Maura BakerStaff Writer Feb. 12 marks the second year for…

Father John Judie speaks on racism past and recent at annual MLK Breakfast

Bella BaileyMultimedia Correspondent Our Savior Parish,…

Bishop Iffert names three local churches as sacred sites for Jubilee 2025

Staff ReportWith every Jubilee year, the Pope grants…

Bishop Iffert blesses new building for Catholic Charities supportive housing

Maura BakerStaff WriterOn a chilly morning, December…

St. Mary’s Park Christmas tree to feature custom ornaments

Maura BakerStaff WriterIn preparation for the 2024 Bambinelli…

Divine Providence sister, like many religious, recalls a life of love and service

Maura BakerStaff WriterAs a young girl, the prospect…

200 nativities help bring the community together during Advent

Bella YoungMultimedia CorrespondentA church of German…

Deacon Kaiser remembered for a lifetime of generosity and service

Deacon Bernie J. Kaiser, 83, died Nov. 13. He was ordained a…

Gone but Not Forgotten: MLB Unmarked Graves Project returns to the Diocese of Covington

Bella YoungMultimedia CorrespondentThe Diocese of Covington…

SUMMIT 24 retreat brings ‘joy and love of the Eucharist’ to high school students

Maura BakerStaff WriterA joyous morning of prayer, dancing…

Carmel Manor: 75 years of senior care where ‘the difference is love’

Sarah TorresContributorOverlooking the Ohio River and…

Atrium students learn through encounters with the Divine Teacher— Jesus

Laura KeenerEditorA bowl of holy water sits on a table…

St. Paul School celebrates the100-year anniversary of its reopening

Bella YoungMultimedia CorrespondentBishop John Iffert…

Despite challenging path to priesthood, Father Owusu celebrates his Silver Jubilee

Bella YoungMultimedia CorrespondentFather Sam Owusu,…

Holy Cross District High School is recognized as a National Blue-Ribbon School

Bella YoungMultimedia CorrespondentHoly Cross District…

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

Maura BakerStaff WriterFor the last few years, Benedictine…

Amendment 2 is a ‘need’ not a ‘want,’ said diocesan superintendent

Bella YoungMultimedia CorrespondentThis coming November,…

How can you do that?

Most Rev. John IffertBishop of CovingtonCatholics Embracing…

Oil painting of St. Augustine continues a legacy of sacred art, beauty

Maura BakerStaff WriterIn 1909, Cincinnati painter and…

DPAA awards 42 community ministry’s a combined $240,000 at annual event

Bella YoungMultimedia CorrespondentForty-two community…

Yes on Amendment2 is great for Kentucky education and Catholic schools

David CooleyContributorThere’s nothing quite like…

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

Laura KeenerEditorThe month of August is Back to School…

Vocations monstrance blessed by Pope John Paul II visits local churches

Messenger staff reportThe Serra Club for Vocations, Northern…

Women religious invite volunteers to a day of service, ‘live the Resurrection’

Sisters from the Diocese of Covington are inviting people…

Catholic scouts integrate faith in all they do, says Bishop Iffert at Scouting awards

Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington,…

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

For as long as he can remember Carson Kissell has been…

YCET welcomes new members, encourages Catholic youth leadership

Members of the Youth Commission Evangelization Team (YCET)…

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

The pews filled with diocesan students, teachers, administrators…

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

Women and men religious gathered with laity for Mass,…

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

The clouds were gray, and the rain was pouring as hundreds…

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

A new year means a new year of Cursillo retreats, with…

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

Last Advent, the Diocese of Covington held its first ever Bambinelli…

New Seminary Ball video gives insight to seminarians’ daily lives

A new video promoting vocations will be premiered at this year’s…

Upcoming Events

Diocesan Pro-life Mass Oct. 17, 7 p.m. Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Cathedral…

Couples celebrating milestone anniversaries ‘show the way God loves’

This year, 102 couples celebrating milestone anniversaries were…

Historic first — Bishop Iffert meets with newly created Diocesan Pastoral Council

Bishop John Iffert welcomed 10 members of the newly formed Diocesan…

Seminary Ball returns for 2023 event with new program and updates

The Seminary Ball, hosted annually in the autumn by the diocesan…

Family Faith Formation series kicks off at St. Joseph Parish, Crescent Springs

Helping parents discuss sensitive topics with their children…

DPAA celebrates 2023 campaign with reception; distributes service grants

Supporters of the Diocesan Parish Annual Appeal (DPAA) gathered…

Seminarians grow in love of Spanish language and culture

Hank Bischoff, Joshua Heskamp, and Michael Schulte share photos…
EucharisticRevivalLogo

Parishes create unique Eucharistic encounters through 40 hour devotions

Laura Keener, EditorIn a recent Sunday Gospel, Peter and…
TeacherMassTeachers

Teaching in Catholic schools is a vocation, preaches Father Kidaagen at diocesan teacher Mass

Maura Baker, Staff WriterEarly August means the beginning…

Cross the Bridge for Life returns for first run post Roe v. Wade

Maura Baker, Staff WriterWith the month of May underway,…

Register now for lottery to purchase discounted 2024 Eucharistic Congress tickets

OSV News — With contributions from Laura Keener, EditorThe…
ShowerTruck2

‘Community Baby Shower’ offers assistance to moms, families in need

Maura Baker, Staff WriterCuria staff loaded a Catholic Charities…

Sawdust carpets, 40 Hours, Eucharistic procession — you’re invited

Laura Keener, EditorThe three-year Eucharistic Revival makes…

Getting to know the chimeras that have been atop the Cathedral for many years

Maura Baker, Staff Writer It has been over a month since the…

First Friday Veneration of the True Cross to begin May 5 at the Cathedral Basilica

Staff report The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption will begin…

The war on child sexual abuse: The most powerful weapon is education

Julie Feinauer, ContributorDid you know that nearly 10 percent…
Social Media

‘A Wired Family’ presentation helps adults navigate social media for teens

Maura Baker, Staff Writer In an age where technology is…

Parish Points of Contact have one plea: take the Disciple Maker Index survey this Lent!

Laura Keener, EditorThe With One Heart initiative is preparing…

TMU celebrates the 10 year anniversary of Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel

Laura Keener, EditorOn the feast of St. Juan Diego, Dec.…

Serving at the altar grows youths’ relationship to the Eucharist

Maura Baker, Staff WriterSt. Tarcisius, a Roman martyr celebrated…

Meet Blessed Carlo Acutis — a witness of Christ for all

Mike Krokos, Catholic News ServiceItalian teenager Carlo…

Thomas Murrin ordained to the Order of Deacon

Maura Baker, Staff Writer A congregation of family and friends…

Let the ‘Soul of Christ’ lead you on the Eucharistic Revival

Laura Keener, EditorOn the Feast of Corpus Christi in June…

Like pieces on a chess board, the cause for life is ‘a symphony’

Laura Keener, Editor Respect Life month kicked off in prayer,…

Like family, ‘With One Heart’ launches

Laura Keener, Editor Blue skies, cooler temperatures and…

Deacon candidate Tom Murrin views ordination as a ‘starting point’

Maura Baker, Staff Writer In preparation for his ordination…

Diocese of Covington raises funds for Eastern Kentucky flooding victims

Maura Baker, Staff Writer After devastating floods ravaged…

Check, one-two — St. John Parish awarded an OCP Parish Grant for microphones

Laura Keener, EditorIn a letter to Bishop John Iffert, the…

Grants awarded at DPAA celebration reception, wrapping up 2022 campaign

Maura Baker, Staff Writer Supporters of the Diocesan Parish…

Father Mark Keene and Deacon Jim Fortner begin new leadership roles in diocese

Laura Keener, EditorThe month of August opened and…

St. Patrick Parish celebrates 175 years among “a great cloud of witnesses”

Laura Keener, EditorSt. Patrick Parish, Maysville,…

Father Comer to begin a series of talks on foundations of the Eucharist

Messenger staff reportThe Church in the United States…

Synthesis of the Synod on Synodality – Diocesan Phase

Click here to view the full Synthesis of the Synod…

‘Maes:107 Years’—an exhibit honoring the Diocese of Covington’s third bishop

Father Jordan Hainsey, Messenger ContributorWednesday,…

Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington Statement on Abuse File Review

Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington Statement on Abuse File…

Go and Glorify

Second Sunday of Advent

Father Suraj AbrahamGuestA farmer once walked through…

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Father Phillip DeVousGuest“Almighty ever-living God,…

Thirty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Father Steven BankemperGuestThe readings of this 33rd…

Thirty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Father Michael ElmlingerGuestThe past couple of months…

Father Twaddell Series

Interests of workers to be protected by the State — part 4 of a 4-part series

Rev. Msgr. Gerald E. Twaddell, D.Phil., KCHS Contributor Once…

Duties and Responsibilities of a State— Part 3 of a 4-part series

Rev. Msgr. Gerald E. Twaddell, D.Phil., KCHS Contributor After…

Duties and responsibilities of employees and employers— part 2 of a 4-part series

Rev. Msgr. Gerald E. Twaddell, D.Phil., KCHS Contributor Turning…

What Pope Leo XIII had to say —Part1 of a 4-part series

Rev. Msgr. Gerald E. Twaddell, D.Phil., KCHS Contributor Since…

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