Bella Bailey
Multimedia Correspondent
The Sisters of Notre Dame celebrated 150 years of ministry to St. Augustine Parish and School, Augusta, June 28, with Mass and a reception following. Celebrating Mass was Father Joey Shelton, pastor, St. Augustine Parish.
In 1875, 150 years ago, the Sisters of Notre Dame made their way to Augusta, Kentucky, one year after landing in the United States from Germany. Upon their arrival the sisters got to work establishing a parish school for St. Augustine Parish. Since then, Father Shelton said, the sisters have dedicated their entire selves to handing on the Catholic faith, equipping young people to grow into good parents, neighbors and friends.
“We owe these women an immense debt of gratitude,” said Father Shelton. “For all that they have done — teaching during the day, visits they made after school to help a student who had fallen behind, helping families in crisis, ministering to the poor, evangelizing the community, and even caring for us when we are struggling.”
Father Shelton shared a personal instance when Sister Nance Hehman came to his assistance mere days after moving into the St. Augustine rectory in 2020, assisted by his parents. The night his parents left, Father Shelton set out to cook himself dinner in the rectory, an “image of independence,” said Father Shelton. Things quickly changed when he cut his finger deeply and realized a first aid kit was not among the things unpacked in the recent days.
“What is my very first thought,” Father Shelton asked the congregation, “Call Sister,” he answered. “In just a moment she was over with a first aid kit and had helped me to pull myself back together,” he said.
“In every aspect of the life of the parish, from mending the pastor’s nearly amputated finger, to sacramental preparation, to service to the poor, and everything in between, Sister Nance is the glue that holds our community together,” said Father Shelton.
While Sister Nance has been serving as the parish glue for 18 years, 122 Sisters of Notre Dame have served the parish and school before her.
In the spring of 1875, three Notre Dame Sisters — Mary Paula, Mary Marzellina, and Mary Clara — made their way to the river town of Augusta to serve the educational and spiritual needs of its people. “Though those original sisters only stayed three years, plenty more would come to replace those sisters and then more to replace those sisters and then more to replace those sisters,” said Father Shelton. “But whichever sister was here,” he continued, “they brought with them the charism of their order, the charism of discipline, direction and quality education.”
It is not just what the sisters have done and continue to do for the St. Augustine community that lends them a debt of gratitude, said Father Shelton, “it is who they are.”
“Today we celebrate not just what the Sisters of Notre Dame have done, but who they are: prophetic women, who by their very lives remind us that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. These women have, for 150 years, been ambassadors of heaven among us,” said Father Shelton.
Concluding his homily Father Shelton said, “We owe these women a gift of gratitude for who they are, mighty prophets of the Most High, who through their vocation to religious life have reminded us and continue to remind us that the Kingdom of God is at hand. So, for all that they have done and for all they are we say, ‘thank you’ to the Sisters of Notre Dame.”
Students from across the Diocese worship together at annual retreat
/in Featured StoriesBella Bailey
Multimedia Correspondent
The Diocese of Covington Office of Youth Ministry hosted the annual High School Summer Retreat, July 12-13, at Thomas More University, Crestview Hills. These retreats are designed to help teens grow in their relationship with God and each other.
This year the theme for the retreat was aligned with the Gospel reading for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Luke 10:25-37, in which Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
Based off the Gospel reading the 2025 retreat came to be called the Heart and Soul retreat, inviting students to open their heart and soul to Christ.
“It’s seasonal, it’s liturgical, and they get immersed into the rhythm of the Church. It is a specialized, unique retreat. It’s not one that they have received before. So, it’s very current in the moment and in tune with the prayer of the Church.” said Angie Poat, diocesan youth minister.
Fifty students from parishes across the diocese attended the two-day retreat, where they were able to take a break from everyday life, and bask in the glow of faith-filled peers, sacred celebrations and the Gospel.
“They yearn for this,” said Mrs. Poat. A sentiment that was evident amongst the students in attendance the morning of July 12 as they sang loudly and danced proudly to worship music.
“As long as I’m breathing, I’ve got a reason to praise the Lord,” sang the students as they danced together. Mrs. Poat sees a difference in the way the students praise from the first retreat to now, one she attributes to the efforts of the Eucharistic Revival and the Holy Spirit.
“I think it’s also a fruit of the Eucharistic Revival,” she said, “and these pods of young people around the Diocese who have wanted something like this, and now they have it. Each time they come their energy is growing, it’s the way that they sang and danced, you could see the growth.”
Aside from the singing and dancing, the retreat offered students a chance for reflection and renewal of their heart and soul.
“They’re hungry for authentic relationships, authentic worship and for the Word of God. When you have those three things together in the same place at the same time, it is life changing,” said Mrs. Poat.
While the goal of the retreat is to help students grow in their faith, Mrs. Poat hopes that these retreats allow the students to open their hearts to whatever Christ has in store for them and to see His love for them.
“I hope that they receive whatever the Lord has for them, but I also hope that they have a glimpse of the love that God has for them, that our Bishop has for them, and that we as a Church have for them,” she said.
Giving Drink to the Thirsty!
/in Missionaries of MercySt. Augustine Parish, Augusta, celebrates 150 years of the Sisters of Notre Dame
/in Featured Stories, NewsBella Bailey
Multimedia Correspondent
The Sisters of Notre Dame celebrated 150 years of ministry to St. Augustine Parish and School, Augusta, June 28, with Mass and a reception following. Celebrating Mass was Father Joey Shelton, pastor, St. Augustine Parish.
In 1875, 150 years ago, the Sisters of Notre Dame made their way to Augusta, Kentucky, one year after landing in the United States from Germany. Upon their arrival the sisters got to work establishing a parish school for St. Augustine Parish. Since then, Father Shelton said, the sisters have dedicated their entire selves to handing on the Catholic faith, equipping young people to grow into good parents, neighbors and friends.
“We owe these women an immense debt of gratitude,” said Father Shelton. “For all that they have done — teaching during the day, visits they made after school to help a student who had fallen behind, helping families in crisis, ministering to the poor, evangelizing the community, and even caring for us when we are struggling.”
Father Shelton shared a personal instance when Sister Nance Hehman came to his assistance mere days after moving into the St. Augustine rectory in 2020, assisted by his parents. The night his parents left, Father Shelton set out to cook himself dinner in the rectory, an “image of independence,” said Father Shelton. Things quickly changed when he cut his finger deeply and realized a first aid kit was not among the things unpacked in the recent days.
“What is my very first thought,” Father Shelton asked the congregation, “Call Sister,” he answered. “In just a moment she was over with a first aid kit and had helped me to pull myself back together,” he said.
“In every aspect of the life of the parish, from mending the pastor’s nearly amputated finger, to sacramental preparation, to service to the poor, and everything in between, Sister Nance is the glue that holds our community together,” said Father Shelton.
While Sister Nance has been serving as the parish glue for 18 years, 122 Sisters of Notre Dame have served the parish and school before her.
In the spring of 1875, three Notre Dame Sisters — Mary Paula, Mary Marzellina, and Mary Clara — made their way to the river town of Augusta to serve the educational and spiritual needs of its people. “Though those original sisters only stayed three years, plenty more would come to replace those sisters and then more to replace those sisters and then more to replace those sisters,” said Father Shelton. “But whichever sister was here,” he continued, “they brought with them the charism of their order, the charism of discipline, direction and quality education.”
It is not just what the sisters have done and continue to do for the St. Augustine community that lends them a debt of gratitude, said Father Shelton, “it is who they are.”
“Today we celebrate not just what the Sisters of Notre Dame have done, but who they are: prophetic women, who by their very lives remind us that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. These women have, for 150 years, been ambassadors of heaven among us,” said Father Shelton.
Concluding his homily Father Shelton said, “We owe these women a gift of gratitude for who they are, mighty prophets of the Most High, who through their vocation to religious life have reminded us and continue to remind us that the Kingdom of God is at hand. So, for all that they have done and for all they are we say, ‘thank you’ to the Sisters of Notre Dame.”
On Feast of Corpus Christi, St. Anthony Parish makes strides With One Heart
/in With One HeartLaura Keener
Editor
St. Anthony Parish, Taylor Mill, made strides, June 22, in implementing two of its With One Heart parish pastoral plan priorities — creating a welcoming community by hosting cultural exchange events and increasing confidence in Church teaching — with a Eucharistic procession on the feast of Corpus Christi.
Thirty-three days earlier, the parish collectively began learning more about the Eucharist by reading the book “33 Days to Eucharistic Glory,” by Matthew Kelly and watching its companion videos. Then, on the feast of Corpus Christi, the parish, which has a large Guatemalan community as well as an Anglo community, held an intercultural Eucharistic procession with members of its men’s prayer group, women’s prayer group and Guatemalan community each designing and constructing sawdust carpets for the procession.
Visiting celebrant, Msgr. Gerald Reinersman, led the procession, which concluded with a consecration to the Eucharist. “The Eucharist is more than something we believe in or something we celebrate. The Eucharist is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ — body and blood, soul and divinity — that we have received. The sacrifice of Christ’s own love. It is the real presence of Christ that we are. It is what we become for one another,” said Msgr. Reinersman in his homily
Cohort 2 completes Parish Missionary Disciples training adding more witnesses to ignite parish life
/in With One HeartLaura Keener
Editor
Cohort 2 completed four weekends of Parish Missionary Disciples training, May 17, at St. Joseph Parish, Cold Spring. Carla Molina, leadership consultant, Catholic Leadership Institute, led the training, with Deacon James Fortner, diocesan chief operating officer and Jamie Schroeder, chancellor, leading the sending at the final meeting.
In his comments, Deacon Fortner emphasized the importance of PMD as a model of how diocesan offices and parishes should work together, as envisioned by Bishop John Iffert.
“To him, this is the model of a lot of our ministries, where we provide some training, some accompaniment, some skill building and then we turn the lay faithful loose, to go work back at their parish,” said Deacon Fortner. “Parish life is ground zero, that’s where relationships are struck, that’s where we lead people to the sacraments.”
PMD is a training program designed to equip parishioners with the skills needed for effective evangelization. This includes knowing and be able to articulate a personal faith witness and to engage with others through prayer. PMD is part of the With One Heart initiative and a Leadership Development strategy of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan. PMD training is led by consultants from the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI) and has been offered to members in the Diocese of Covington at no charge, thanks to generous donations from benefactors committed to promoting evangelization efforts in the diocese.
“We’re blessed to have CLI that brings this capability,” Deacon Fortner said.
Cohort 1, a group of 60 witnesses, completed PMD training in April 2024. Cohort 2 adds another 31 witnesses to Bishop Iffert’s goal of 500 witnesses, impacting 90 percent of parishes in the Diocese. Two initiatives begun by two couples from Cohort 1 will help the diocese to meet its goal.
The first is the establishment of the GYMM, an acronym for Growing Your Missionary Disciples Muscles. Bill and Kim Dehlinger, parishioners, Blessed Sacrament Parish and Jerry and Bridget Otto, Mother of God Parish, host a monthly meeting for PMD witnesses. At the GYMM, witnesses practice what they learned — praying together and sharing their faith story.
“The idea for the GYMM is that this is a place where you can go back and review and be refreshed and be renewed and get support and network with everybody else that’s been through Parish Missionary Disciples,” said Mrs. Schroeder. “I really encourage you to do that, just to keep this going and to keep that fire burning.”
The second is to continue honing a shorter, more easily presentable discipleship program to implement at parishes. Mr. and Mrs. Otto have already taken leadership of this program. With the blessing of the CLI, the Otto’s took the information from PMD training and distilled it into three two-hour sessions. Last month, the Otto’s held the first presentation at Mother of God Church. “It was a big success,” said Deacon Fortner noting that about 25 people from parishes across the diocese attended. “Honestly, that’s kind of what we’re thinking is the path forward, to reformulate this and to do an intermediate kind of a program.”
Having quantitative measures is certainly a worthy goal, but Deacon Fortner said, more important “is transformation.”
“You guys need to take this competency and run with it,” Deacon Fortner said, “We’re never going to have all the training, trust me. You’re never going to feel like you got it all, because we don’t. It’s all about the Holy Spirit. You know how to love. Invite others to dinner, invite them into a relationship and let the Holy Spirit come lead.”
With One Heart, St. Edward Parish experiences unprecedented growth in OCIA candidates and CCD students
/in With One HeartLinda Fryman
Guest
St. Edward Parish, Cynthiana, has seen a record-breaking increase in the number of OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) candidates and CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) students this year. This remarkable growth reflects the success of the parish’s commitment to hospitality and outreach through the With One Heart pastoral plan initiative.
The With One Heart initiative was launched at St. Edward Parish to create a more welcoming, inclusive and spiritually nourishing environment for all parishioners and visitors. By focusing on renewing hearts and deepening community connections, the initiative has inspired parishioners to extend invitations to those seeking a closer relationship with Christ or exploring the Catholic faith.
A standout feature of this initiative is the “Meal with Your Shepherd” program. This approach invites nonCatholics, those with limited exposure to Catholicism, and new visitors to share a meal Father Niby Kannai, the pastor.
These informal gatherings provide a space for open dialogue, where participants can ask questions, share experiences and explore a deeper faith journey. These encounters have been meaningful, leading many participants to attend Mass regularly and explore the Catholic faith further.
Additionally, as part of the parish’s Missionary Discipleship program, St. Edward Parish has assembled a dedicated team to continue the spiritual formation of new Catholics beyond their formal initiation. This ongoing support nurtures a sense of belonging, helping new members stay engaged, deepen their understanding of the faith, and remain connected to the parish community.
The impact of the With One Heart initiative is evident in the personal stories emerging from the parish. A second-grade student, known for their enthusiastic participation in the children’s homilies during Mass, recently received the sacrament of Baptism. Another student, known for their dedication to prayer, also embraced the faith through Baptism. These young individuals exemplify the power of religious education in shaping the hearts of the next generation.
The influence of these young believers has even reached their families. Inspired by their child’s growing faith, one parent decided to join the OCIA program, showing how a child’s witness can inspire and transform an entire family, drawing them closer to Christ.
The increasing number of OCIA candidates and CCD students highlights the effectiveness of the With One Heart initiative in fostering a more inclusive and vibrant parish community. Parishioners, clergy and volunteers have collaborated to create a space where everyone feels valued, welcomed and encouraged in their faith journey.
As St. Edward Parish looks ahead, the commitment to hospitality, outreach and deeper spiritual formation will remain at the heart of its mission. The parish leadership hopes that the With One Heart initiative will continue to inspire more individuals to explore and deepen their relationship with Christ.
Jakob Furnish, a parishioner, noted, “Father Niby has made it welcoming for new members. I see many new faces every week — something I haven’t seen in my lifetime. I think the new engagement committee in the works is a great idea, and I would love to be involved. Thanks so much, and God bless!”
For more information about St. Edward Parish’s OCIA and CCD programs or to learn more about the “Meal with Your Shepherd” initiative, contact the St. Edward Parish office.
Linda Fryman is office manager for St. Edward Parish, Cynthiana, Ky. See related photo on page 17.
Thomas More announces Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
/in Featured StoriesStaff report
Father Ray Enzweiler, Ph.D., has been appointed Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Thomas More University, effective immediately. Father Enzweiler has served as interim dean since April 2024.
“I am grateful to Father Ray for his leadership as interim dean and congratulate him on his appointment to the permanent role,” says vice president and chief academic officer Jay Langguth, Ph.D. “I look forward to the continued success of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences under his guidance.”
As dean, Father Enzweiler oversees 10 academic departments offering 19 baccalaureate degree programs and two graduate programs, including a Master of Arts in Teaching and a new Master of Education in Education Leadership in the School of Education.
Father Enzweiler serves on the academic leadership team, ensuring alignment of the College’s programs with the University’s mission and strategic plan, and plays a crucial role in advancing student and faculty success initiatives.
The dignity of the immigrant is the responsibility of the nation — diocesan presentation on immigration addresses social teaching and demonization of the migrant
/in Featured StoriesMaura Baker
Staff Writer
The Diocese of Covington, in collaboration with the Intercommunity Sisters Peace and Justice Committee, held a presentation, June 25, titled “Immigration: The Catholic Perspective.”
The first of its kind in the diocese, the presentation addressed the issue of immigration as it pertains to the current climate and the Catholic faith. Speakers, which included Mother of God pastor Father Michael Comer, Thomas More University professors James Camp and Hannah Keegan, Divine Providence Sister Kay Kramer and Notre Dame Sister Maria Francine Stacy, addressed topics such as the Catholic social teaching on immigration and the reality at the US/Mexico border — as well as the religious sisters sharing stories of personal witness of 25-plus years working directly with immigrant populations.
Extremely well-attended, what was expected to be a crowd of 20-30, turned out to be near 200 participants filling Bishop Howard Memorial Auditorium.
Hannah Keegan, who works at Thomas More University as the director of the Center of Faith, Mission and Catholic Education, highlighted the Catholic Church’s teaching on immigration. The Church teaches and encourages the right of the migrant to seek safety and asylum as much as the right of the nation to secure its borders — however, it is the responsibility of a country to treat all immigrants with respect and dignity.
“Pope Francis has also said this, whether you embrace them, welcoming them into your country or have to send them back to their country, it’s done affirming their dignity, and not demonizing them,” said Ms. Keegan, who pointed out the USCCB’s poignant stance on nativism. “Like it says on page three USCCB, the native does not have superior rights over the immigrant and that’s a different narrative than the one we’re hearing.”
Following Ms. Keegan’s presentation, Sister Maria Francine’s presentation put a face to immigration by sharing her personal witness with migrants she has met and served in her ministry — having ministered in the Boone County detention center, which holds detained immigrants. She presented names and faces — such as a father separated from his family, and a mother of a young child who lost her husband crossing the Darien Gap — stressing the importance of seeing the immigrant as a person and an individual, not just a number or statistic.
The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption chimeras to land within months as project completion draws near
/in Featured StoriesBella Bailey
Multimedia Correspondent
The Diocese of Covington Restored in Christ Campaign is nearing completion as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, enters the final stages of construction. Still to be completed in the coming months is the finishing of: Dutchmen repairs to the tracery, stone replacement, terracotta reglazing; instillation of the gargoyles, chimeras, lower columns, bases and cross; the stabilization of seven spires; and final touches such as the façade cleaning and the sealing of the 12 unsealed windows.
Don Knochelmann, diocesan director of the Buildings and Property Office, said the chimera will be the first to arrive but the last to be installed, hoping to minimize the possibility of damage during their instillation.
Trisco Construction Company continues its work of the upper tracery, which is the limestone columns and the decorative pieces at the top of the Cathedral, this will continue through August, said Mr. Knochelmann.
The gargoyles, which are nearing completion at Boston Valley Terra Cotta, New York, are on track to be installed in October.
“Everything they’re doing now is a continuation of what they’ve been doing all along. There’s stone replacement, there’s terracotta glazing around the tracery, around the windows, column replacement. It’s a big project. We’re doing some sealing around the windows to repair leaks,” said Mr. Knochelmann
The Restored in Christ Campaign, which was announced in early 2023, has been raising funds to support the repair and restoration of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. Currently, 96 percent of the $7,560,000 goal has been raised, with $250,000 left to raise.
Bishop John Iffert says about the fundraising goal nearing completion, “I am deeply grateful for your sacrificial gifts that have raised an incredible $7.31 million toward our Cathedral Renovation Capital Campaign … Because of your unwavering support, the Cathedral Basilica will continue to shine as a timeless symbol of faith, beauty and community in our Diocese of Covington.”
Religious sisters give witness to God through their lives, says Bishop Iffert at annual Serran luncheon
/in Featured StoriesMaura Baker
Staff Writer
Annually, the Serra Club for Vocations — an organization that promotes and sponsors vocations to the priesthood and religious life — hosts a luncheon for the women religious of the Diocese of Covington. This year’s luncheon, held at the Devou Park Golf and Event center, July 8, celebrated the women in attendance with an afternoon of lunch, games and fellowship.
Bishop John Iffert, who attended the luncheon, addressed the sisters and thanked them for their work across the diocese — in service, in prayer and in teaching. But, Bishop Iffert said, “even more than the work is the witness of your life that you give.”
“We dedicated ourselves to God … your whole life is that witness. And so, I’m very grateful.”
Continuing from his point, Bishop Iffert commented on the fact that vocations to the religious life are “fewer and fewer” in the United States, and thus asked for prayers from the sisters and the Serra Club members presents, to “bombard heaven” with prayer — “to keep that witness alive in the Church, in the Diocese of Covington and around the world.”