Round two of the DMI marks progress in parishes, continues to guide parish planning

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Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Round two of the Disciple Maker Index Survey (DMI) opened diocesan wide on Feb. 18. This survey, distributed throughout the parishes both online and via paper surveys, provides real, tangible data for parish pastors and leaders helping them to understand their congregation, and how to best serve their people in areas of faith formation and parish life.

The first DMI was held during the 2023 Lenten season and helped parishes form parish pastoral plans as part of the diocesan wide With One Heart pastoral plan and leadership development initiative. Now, it is time to take the survey again as a measure of progress in the chosen improvement areas at each parish.

Jeanette Landenwitch, member of the Faith Formation Committee at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Burlington, and the Parish Point of Contact for round two of the DMI, has been a part of Immaculate Heart of Mary’s pastoral plan implementation team.

“It’s been really fun, and it’s been interesting, talking to people and helping them on their faith journey,” she said.

The top three priorities for Immaculate Heart of Mary’s pastoral plan were: strengthening the youth ministry program, have greater hospitality and to increase adult faith formation and education. “Those came directly from the survey … what our parishioners would like to see.” said Mrs. Landenwitch.

As a result of its pastoral plan, born of the DMI, “We’ve seen more and more people coming back to Masses, more and more people coming back to the different activities and things,” said Mrs. Landenwitch. During round two of the DMI, she said, “We’ll see the results and get the feedback, but I’ve seen great improvements in the activities and participation in the parish.”

The parish began publicizing round two of the DMI in late January, in preparation of the Feb. 18 release. “People are not hesitant at all,” she said. “I think as time keeps going on, more and more people will understand.”

When asked what she would like parishioners to know, she said, “The biggest thing that I would say is to fill out the survey, give us your input. We don’t know what to do specifically unless you tell us what you need. That’s the best way, I think, to help strengthen the parish, to help strengthen people’s faith.”

She continued saying, “We always do this with the help of God, the Holy Spirit guiding us. And that’s the most important thing is that the Holy Spirit is going to lead the hearts and the minds and the souls of the people in our parish. And we hope to assist the Holy Spirit in that guidance.”

The DMI survey portal is open and available for all parishes and parishioners. To find your parish Disciple Maker Index Survey go to: covdio.org/withoneheart/dmi/.

Students connect with peers, leaders and Bishop Iffert at biannual retreat

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Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

The 2026 Winter CONNECT Retreat brought together 110 middle school students from across the Diocese, Feb. 21, for a day of reflection focused on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The theme “Take Heart,” was drawn from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops upcoming consecration of the nation to the Sacred Heart, June 12, in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“The theme was … in concern with where we’re going as an American collection of Catholic churches, we just thought that the message of the Sacred Heart would be great to present to students,” said Bradley Barnes, youth ministry volunteer and CONNECT leader.

“You never know what middle schoolers are going to be excited about,” said Mr. Barnes, “but they seemed to really take the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the heart of Jesus, cared for by the heart of Jesus.”

Students began the day with a surprise visit from Bishop John Iffert, who joined in fun activities before leading the Liturgy of the Hours. Primarily prayed by priests and other religious, Liturgy of the Hours is not well known among lay people, especially middle schoolers. This, however, was the point of the exercise, said Mr. Barnes.

“What a great opportunity for the kids to get to see a way that our bishops and priests pray, a way that religious men and women throughout the world are praying. In the theme of the Sacred Heart, just the idea of that being the prayer of Jesus as our high priest. That’s a prayer where, in a really special way, I feel like we hear the heart of Jesus leading us and guiding us in worship,” Mr. Barnes said.

Mr. Barnes called the visit from Bishop and the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, “such a cool Holy Spirit moment,” underscoring the emphasis of prayer and connection brought to middle schoolers through this biannual retreat.

“For the first time in a long time I feel like every middle schooler took the times of prayer, the times of song, the times of activity, they took it really well. There was a great openness from their hearts,” said Mr. Barnes.

The goal of each CONNECT retreat is to connect middle schoolers to, “something beyond just their local particular church, to the diocesan and maybe even the universal Church. So, if a kid came and felt seen and known and loved and appreciated, that’s always my goal. That was the same goal for this retreat,” said Mr. Barnes.

Second Sunday of Lent

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Father Daniel Schomaker

Guest

On this, the Second Sunday of Lent, we hear the account of the Transfiguration of our Lord on Mt. Tabor. As Jesus converses with Moses and Elijah, Peter, in awe and shock of what is happening, says to the Lord: “It is good that we are here.” In this encounter had by the Lord, we see the fullness of the Church — the Old Testament and the New Testament — brought together through the teachers of the faith of old (Moses and Elijah) and the “new” teachers of the faith (Peter, James and John), with the Lord in their midst.

This made me start to reflect on when the Lord Jesus is most in our midst — at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is there that we encounter the Lord in four ways:

  1. In the community gathered at prayer.
  2. In the minister who is in persona Christi capitis (in the person of Christ the head).
  3. In the proclamation of the Sacred Scriptures.
  4. And most importantly, in his Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity really and truly present in the Eucharist.

We believe that when we participate in the celebration of Holy Mass, we are partaking in a Divine Mystery — where the whole Church, across space and time, gathers in worship. So, not only do we get to have an encounter with Jesus, but with the Church. Therefore, we should echo the words of St. Peter: “It is good that we are here!”

Our beloved Catholic faith is very personal, but it is not individualist — it is communal. I need you, and you need me, and we need each other in order to get to heaven. In a real way, we NEED to be here at Mass!

That personal relationship with the Lord is developed primarily at Holy Mass through its twofold end — the glorification of God and the sanctification of his people. And it’s not a one-off. Every time we go to Mass, we glorify God in our worship of him, and hence we are made holy. The more we are made holy (sanctification), the greater the desire one has to enter into worship (glorification). This then leads to holiness and then back to worship, and on and on and on and on until we stand before the throne of the Almighty. It’s kind of the Church’s version of the chicken and the egg.

So, let us be sure this Lent we are showing up so that we can express like St. Peter: “It is good that we are here!”

Father Daniel Schomaker is pastor, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Ft. Mitchell and director, Office of Worship and Liturgy for the Diocese of Covington, Ky.

Parish Administrative Assistant – St. Therese Church, Southgate, KY

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Our parish is seeking a welcoming, organized, and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to support the Pastor and parish staff in daily office operations and parish communications. This position plays an important role in supporting the pastoral mission of our parish.

Responsibilities include:

  • Greeting parishioners and managing phone/email correspondence
  • Preparing the weekly bulletin and parish communications
  • Maintaining sacramental records and parish database
  • Scheduling meetings, Mass intentions, and facility use
  • Assisting with basic bookkeeping and office organization

Qualifications:

  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Practicing Catholic with knowledge of parish life preferred

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to gradym@sainttherese.ws  or deliver to the parish office as soon as possible.

Volunteer Services Manager – Catholic Charities

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The Diocese of Covington’s Catholic Charities is seeking a dynamic, highly organized Volunteer Services Manager to lead our volunteer program and support more than 700 dedicated volunteers who advance our mission across a wide range of programs and services. This role is ideal for a relationship‑driven professional who excels at community engagement, communication, and building strong partnerships. You will oversee the full volunteer lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding, to training, scheduling, recognition, and retention—while cultivating a positive, mission‑centered volunteer culture. Key responsibilities include lead recruitment, screening, onboarding, and retention efforts for 700 volunteers. Other responsibilities include training, supervising, scheduling, evaluating, and other general managerial duties.  We are looking for an individual with a degree in in human services, business, or a related field, and some previous experience. Strong relationship‑building skills are a must. To apply, submit your resume, cover letter, salary history, and at least three references to Shannon Braun at sbraun@covingtoncharities.org

Principal – Sts. Peter and Paul

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Sts. Peter and Paul Parish School in California, KY (http://www.stspp.com/) is seeking a new principal with the possibility of part-time teacher duties beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. Sts. Peter and Paul School enjoys tremendous support from the parish community.  Located in the scenic hills of rural southern Campbell County, our school is easily accessible, 3.5 miles off the AA highway, and serves 130 students from Pre-K to 8th grade. Our parish school campus includes a gym/social center, library, and state-of-the-art technology. In addition to the regular curriculum, our school offers music, art, P.E., library, an academic team, sports programs, and other extracurricular opportunities. Candidates must be Roman Catholic, who love and actively practice their Catholic faith and can share this faith with the school community. They must be eligible for the appropriate Kentucky certification and have a commitment to building on our school’s strengths in leading us forward. Our goal is to fill this position by May 1st. Interested individuals should send a letter of interest along with a comprehensive resume including at least five references with contact email addresses to Stephen Koplyay, SPHR at skoplyay@covdio.org

Primary Catholic School Teacher – St. Therese School – 2026-2027

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Position Overview

St. Therese School is seeking a passionate, dedicated, and faith-filled Catholic Primary Teacher to join our teaching team. The successful candidate will foster a supportive classroom environment that integrates Catholic values with high-quality instruction across the primary curriculum.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education
  • Valid teaching certification/license
  • Practicing Catholic with a strong commitment to supporting Catholic values
  • Knowledge of primary curriculum standards
  • Strong classroom management and communication skills
  • Experience in a primary school setting (preferred)

How to Apply

Interested candidates should contact Katie Boruske at boruskek@sainttherese.ws.

Please share your cover letter and resumé.

Substitute Math Teacher – St. Ursula Academy

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Saint Ursula Academy is a vibrant educational community founded on the strength of our Catholic faith and Ursuline values. Saint Ursula Academy promotes academic excellence and fosters a welcoming, respectful, and diverse community. Saint Ursula Academy graduates women filled with faith, integrity, and courage, ready to make a positive impact in the world.

Substitute Math Teacher

The Long-Term Substitute Math Teacher position instruct students in mathematics courses, plans and delivers standards-aligned lessons, assesses learning, supports student success in the classroom environment with the curriculum designed and approved by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the school administration.

This Long-Term Substitute Math Teacher position is needed during the second semester of the 2025-2006 school year from April 20, 2025 to May 22, 2026 and possibly into the Fall 2026–2027school year.  All religious denominations are invited to apply.

To apply, please visit https://hcm.paycor.com/l/r/217F3AC3

 

Junior Varsity Assistant Field Hockey Coach – St. Ursula Academy

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Saint Ursula Academy is a vibrant educational community founded on the strength of our Catholic faith and Ursuline values. Saint Ursula Academy promotes academic excellence and fosters a welcoming, respectful, and diverse community. Saint Ursula Academy graduates women filled with faith, integrity, and courage, ready to make a positive impact in the world.

Junior Varsity Assistant Field Hockey Coach

The JV Assistant Field Hockey Coach is responsible for building foundational skills, confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship in student-athletes. The assistant coach serves as a positive role model who fosters the growth of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—both on and off the field.  The individual will coach the JV level of the women’s field hockey program, including summer youth camps This is a seasonal, stipend position with pay rate commensurate with experience.

To apply, please visit https://hcm.paycor.com/l/r/217F3AC3

 

Office Manager – St. Xavier Church

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St. Xavier Church is seeking a dedicated and professional Office Manager to serve as the welcoming face of our parish. This vital role handles a wide range of administrative duties, from managing the parish calendar and coordinating events like baptisms and funerals to supervising office operations and supporting our staff. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, and 3-5 years of experience in office procedures. As an integral part of our faith community, the Office Manager must be able to maintain confidentiality and uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church while ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of the Parish Center.

Email cover letter and resume to Lisa Durr at ldurr@stxchurch.org.