• 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

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent The Diocese of Covington’s…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Eighth 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 Keener Editor With the government shutdown entering…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer In early October, women religious…

Jubilee of the Poor is about love, human dignity

Laura Keener Editor The 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 Baker Staff Writer National conversation sparks among…

All Hallowtide triduum honors the Faithful Departed

Maura Baker Staff Writer When talking about the turning…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Greidy Deleon’s…

Community Baby Shower provides more than resources, it provides dignity

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent In a collaborative…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent When Charles and…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Father Conor Kunath…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent “I think it’s…

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

Laura Keener Editor Bishop John Iffert led prayer services,…

Tiny Saints brings the saints to life with pitched animated series

Maura Baker Staff Writer It’s Carlo Acutis’s first…

Deacon Tom Nolan celebrates 40 years of diaconal ministry

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Deacon Tom Nolan…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent At the beginning…

Notre Dame Academy celebrates the installation of President Lauren Hitron

Staff Report Notre Dame Academy (NDA), Park Hills, celebrated…

IGNITE celebrates inclusivity

Maura Baker Staff Writer Supporters of the FIRE Foundation…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Deacon Joseph McGraw,…

How Vincentians walk with moms in need

Laura Keener Editor A call for assistance for utility bills…

Annual cemetery visitations offer a way to honor and grow in relationship with the deceased

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent The annual cemetery…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer Lights are on St. Pier Giorgio…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Newport Central Catholic…

Bishop Iffert commissions and blesses five youth ministry teams

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent The Diocese of Covington…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer Civil servants came together for…

Thomas More announces direct admissions agreement with Covington Latin School

Staff Report Thomas More University (TMU) President Joseph…

Women religious embark on Selma pilgrimage for upcoming Jubilee Day

Maura Baker Staff Writer Jubilee days provide opportunity…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer A “one-day celebration of faith…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer Nearly 100 married couples celebrated…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer In celebration of the World Day…

TMU welcomes St. Catherine of Siena students

Staff Report Father Stef Bankemper, pastor, St. Catherine…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent The Diocese of Covington…

Notre Dame Sister Erin Nagy makes first profession of vows

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Notre Dame Sister…

Family Nurturing Center Executive Director thanks Bishop Iffert

Staff Report Jane Hermes, executive director of the Family…

Grandparents’ Day

Maura Baker Staff Writer Breakfasts, shared Masses and…

Our Savior Parish celebrate Sister Janet Bucher

Staff Report The Our Savior Parish, Covington, community gathered,…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent St. Mary of the Assumption…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer In 2008, Bishop Roger Foys hired…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Thomas More University’s…

ACUE Solicitors Kickoff

The Schools Office and Alliance for Catholic Urban Education…

Brother Abraham Reeder makes first vows

Staff Report After a year of discernment as a novice at St.…

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

Staff Report Sister Maria Fidelis Gray, O.P., celebrated her…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Bishop John Iffert…

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

Macie Becker Media Intern As part of the Diocesan pastoral…

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

Laura Keener Editor On a hot and humid evening, over 200…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer An incoming junior student of…

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

Laura Keener Editor The 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 Bailey Multimedia Correspondent The Jubilee of Young…

Covington celebrates Father Daniel Schomaker Day

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Mayor Ron Washington…

Students from across the Diocese worship together at annual retreat

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent The Diocese of Covington…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent The Sisters of Notre…

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

Staff report Father Ray Enzweiler, Ph.D., has been appointed…

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

Laura Keener Editor Notre 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 Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Beloved teacher,…

Seventeen parishes underway to receive DPAA rebates, more to go

Maura Baker Staff Writer The 2025 Diocesan Parish Annual…

Forty years has brought parish priest both foresight and wisdom

Maura Baker Staff Writer “I remember one day during Advent…

Deacon requests prayers as he prepares for ordination to the priesthood

Maura Baker Staff Writer “It feels like a big change…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent The death of Pope…

Child Abuse Prevention Month kicks off with Blue Ribbon Ceremony

Maura Baker Staff Writer April is Child Abuse Prevention…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent The second Diocesan…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent As part of a long-standing…

TMU announces affiliation with Covington Latin School

Laura Keener  Editor Thomas More University announces…

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

Bella Bailey  Multimedia Correspondent Thirty-four parishes…

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

Laura Keener Editor With the announcement of the Campaign…

St. Thomas Parish growing and connecting With One Heart

Laura Keener Editor One of the truly unique aspects of…

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

Bella Young Multimedia Correspondent The Youth Ministry…

Annual solicitors luncheon kicks off phase one of the DPAA

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent The Diocesan Parish…

Catholic Education sows the seeds of God’s word

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Catholic Schools Week…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer Feb. 12 marks the second year for…

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

Bella Bailey Multimedia Correspondent Our Savior Parish,…

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

Staff Report With every Jubilee year, the Pope grants…

Bishop Iffert blesses new building for Catholic Charities supportive housing

Maura Baker Staff Writer On a chilly morning, December…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer In preparation for the 2024 Bambinelli…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer As a young girl, the prospect…

200 nativities help bring the community together during Advent

Bella Young Multimedia Correspondent A 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 Young Multimedia Correspondent The Diocese of Covington…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer A joyous morning of prayer, dancing…

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

Sarah Torres Contributor Overlooking the Ohio River and…

Atrium students learn through encounters with the Divine Teacher— Jesus

Laura Keener Editor A bowl of holy water sits on a table…

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

Bella Young Multimedia Correspondent Bishop John Iffert…

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

Bella Young Multimedia Correspondent Father Sam Owusu,…

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

Bella Young Multimedia Correspondent Holy Cross District…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer For the last few years, Benedictine…

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

Bella Young Multimedia Correspondent This coming November,…

How can you do that?

Most Rev. John Iffert Bishop of Covington Catholics Embracing…

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

Maura Baker Staff Writer In 1909, Cincinnati painter and…

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

Bella Young Multimedia Correspondent Forty-two community…

Yes on Amendment2 is great for Kentucky education and Catholic schools

David Cooley Contributor There’s nothing quite like…

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

Laura Keener Editor The month of August is Back to School…

Vocations monstrance blessed by Pope John Paul II visits local churches

Messenger staff report The 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, Editor In a recent Sunday Gospel, Peter and…
TeacherMassTeachers

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

Maura Baker, Staff Writer Early August means the beginning…

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

Maura Baker, Staff Writer With the month of May underway,…

Register now for lottery to purchase discounted 2024 Eucharistic Congress tickets

OSV News — With contributions from Laura Keener, Editor The…
ShowerTruck2

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

Maura Baker, Staff Writer Curia staff loaded a Catholic Charities…

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

Laura Keener, Editor The 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, Contributor Did 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, Editor The With One Heart initiative is preparing…

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

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

Serving at the altar grows youths’ relationship to the Eucharist

Maura Baker, Staff Writer St. Tarcisius, a Roman martyr celebrated…

Meet Blessed Carlo Acutis — a witness of Christ for all

Mike Krokos, Catholic News Service Italian 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, Editor On 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, Editor In 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, Editor The month of August opened and…

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

Laura Keener, Editor St. Patrick Parish, Maysville,…

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

Messenger staff report The 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 Contributor Wednesday,…

Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington Statement on Abuse File Review

Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington Statement on Abuse File…

Go and Glorify

Thirty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Father Steven Bankemper Guest The readings of this 33rd…

Thirty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Father Michael Elmlinger Guest The past couple of months…

Thirty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time

Father Dan Schomaker Guest St. Benedict instructs, “keep…

Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Father Phillip W. DeVous Guest One rarely hears much anymore…

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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