CHRIST AT THE CENTER
THE SUMMIT PREPARATION MEETING:
THE NEW EVANGELIZATION FOR THE NEW MISSIONARY AGE
Since The Summit: Revitalizing the Domestic Church in 2012, we have been gathering on a
regular basis to continue to support the good work initiated at that time. The next Summit will be
in October 2014 with the theme “Proclaim: Equipping Disciples for a New Missionary Age.” In
order to help parish ministers prepare for the next Summit we will offer Summit Preparation
Meetings. While these meetings are in no way a requirement for those who plan to attend the
Summit on October 6 and 7, 2014, these preparation meetings will help set the stage for the
highly relevant, practical, and impactful event that the Summit is shaping up to be.
At these meetings participants will:
• Be informed of the most up-to-date information on the upcoming Summit.
• Reflect on the practical implications of Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) by
Pope Francis.
• Discover the resources that will best prepare you for the Summit.
• Begin to strategically “dream big” so as to set the groundwork for moving your parish
from maintenance to mission.
Please Note: Every parish that is represented at one of these meetings will receive one free
copy of Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, Making Church Matter by
Michael White and Tom Corcoran (Ave Maria Press, 2013) and The Four Signs of a
Dynamic Catholic: How Engaging 1% of Catholics Could Change the World by Matthew
Kelly, compliments of the Office of the New Evangelization
The Summit Preparation Meetings will be held at the following locations:
DAYTON
Tuesday, April 1; 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk Center (Moeddel Room)
CINCINNATI
Wednesday, April 2; 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
St. Saviour Church (undercroft)
NORTH
Thursday, April 3; 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, McCartyville (undercroft/basement)
To register, please contact Denise Austing
[email protected] or 513.421.3131x2710.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
by
Friday,
March
28
at
1
OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP
THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU
As we prepare for “The Light is On For You” (Sacrament of Reconciliation) Lenten
program in all our parishes or regions on the evening of March 18, a question has been
raised as to how to handle situations in which there are “reserved sins.” In response, the
Office of the Chancellor has prepared the following clarification:
In the 1983 Code of Canon Law, there are no longer any such reserved “sins” but a
number of reserved cases which carry certain canonical penalties (i.e. “censures”). In
most cases, the sacrament of reconciliation will involve only the absolution of a penitent
of sin. However in some cases, the sin being confessed also carries with it an automatic,
legal penalty (latae sententiae). Thus, the confessor should keep in mind that the
commission of some sins may also involve actions which carry certain penalties. Of these
penalties, some the confessor can remit definitively, some he can remit “temporarily,”
until the penitent has recourse to the proper authority, and some for which recourse to the
proper authority must be made prior to remission. However, even in these cases in which
recourse must be made for remission of the particular penalty, the confessor can absolve
the sin within the sacramental forum. In the case of danger of death the confessor can
remit validly and licitly virtually all penalties (cf. CIC 976, 977).
There are three kinds of censures: excommunication, interdict, and suspension. An
interdict is similar to an excommunication, only it is a bit less severe and it is inflicted for
less serious offenses. For example, if one were to attack the pope, she or he would get
excommunicated; however, if one attacks a bishop, the penalty incurred is an interdict. A
suspension can be applied only to clerics. If the priest hears any of the sins listed here
below confessed, he needs to be aware that these sins automatically carry with them legal
censures. Thus he needs to consider what must be done to remit the censure. The
following crimes carry with them automatic censures:
Latae Sententiae (i.e., automatic) excommunications:
1. Apostasy, heresy, schism (CIC 1364)
2. Violation of the sacred species (CIC 1367; reserved to Holy See)
3. Physical attack on the pope (CIC 1370; reserved to Holy See)
4. Absolution of an accomplice in a sin against the 6th commandment (CIC 1378;
reserved to Holy See, except in danger of death: cf. CIC 977)
5. Unauthorized ordination of a bishop; this penalty is incurred by both the ordaining
bishop and the bishop who is ordained (CIC 1382; reserved to Holy See)
6. Direct violation by a confessor of the seal of confession (CIC 1388; reserved to Holy
See)
7. Procuring an abortion (CIC 1398)
March 2014 Clergy Communications
2
8. Mechanically recording or divulging by a technical instrument in the communications
media what was said by either a confessor or a penitent in a sacramental confession,
whether performed by oneself or by another (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith,
Urbis et Orbis, 23 September AAS 80 (1988): 1367).
N.B. Remission of the penalty of excommunication in nn. 2-6 is reserved to the Holy See.
In order for an automatic censure to be applied, however, several conditions need to be
satisfied. For example, the penitent must have known prior to the action itself that the sin
carried with it the automatic penalty, the sin cannot have been performed as the result of
fear or force, the penitent must have been over age 16 years of age.
Latae Sententiae interdicts:
1. Physical attack on a bishop (CIC 1370)
2. Pretended celebration of the Eucharist by a non-priest (CIC 1378)
3. Attempt to impart sacramental absolution or hear confession by one who cannot do so
validly (CIC 1378)
4. False accusation (denunciation) of a priest of having committed the crime of
solicitation in the confessional (CIC 1390)
5. Attempted marriage, even civil, by a religious in perpetual vows (CIC 1394)
N.B. If the offender is a cleric, then:
the crimes in nn. 1 and 4 result in both automatic interdict and suspension.
the crimes in nn. 2 and 3 result in automatic suspension rather than interdict.
Remittance of the Penalty
Any confessor can remit in the internal sacramental forum an automatic (latae sententiae)
censure of excommunication or interdict which has not been declared if it would be hard
on the penitent to remain in a state of serious sin during the time necessary for the
competent superior to provide [remission]. This faculty applies only to “undeclared”
automatic excommunications and interdicts (i.e., not formally pronounced by the
competent ecclesiastical authority as having been incurred).
In the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the faculty is granted to all priests having the faculty of
hearing confessions to remit in the internal forum a latae sententiae penalty established
by the law but not yet declared provided the remission is not reserved to the Apostolic
See. Therefore, priests who have received these faculties have the faculty to absolve the
sin and to remit the not yet declared latae sententiae penalty of those confessing the
crime of abortion and the crime of heresy, apostasy and schism. This faculty must be
exercised on behalf of the members of the Archdiocese and those visiting within the
boundaries of the Archdiocese. The Chancery will need to be notified of a latae
sententiae penalty and its remission in the external forum.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
3
Only for censures reserved to the Holy See, the penitent must contact Rome; for nonreserved censures, the priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation may remit them. While
the single prayer of sacramental absolution also carries the effect of remission of
censure(s) in those cases in which the confessor can remit these, if desired for pastoral
reasons the following additional formula for remission, found as Appendix I in the Rite of
Penance, may be used: By the power granted to me, I absolve you from the bond of
excommunication (or suspension or interdict). In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
CHRISM MASS
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the
Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains. Please encourage your parishioners to take part in this
lovely Holy Week liturgy. A special letter of invitation to priests is included with this
mailing.
DISTRIBUTION OF OILS
Father Todd O. Grogan, Cathedral Deanery, at the Cathedral on Wednesday, April
16, 2014 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Father Timothy Bunch, Saint Andrew Deanery, at Saint Saviour Church on
Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served.
Father Paul Del Staigers, Saint Francis de Sales Deanery, Our Lord Christ the
King Church on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Father Jeffrey Kemper, Saint Lawrence Deanery, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
Offices on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Father George Jacquemin, Saint Margaret Mary Deanery, Saint Clare Church on
Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Father Lawrence Mierenfeld, Dayton Deanery, Holy Trinity Church, Dayton on
Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Father Larry Tharp, Hamilton Deanery, Sacred Heart Church, Fellowship Hall on
Thursday, April 17, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
Father William Wagner, Saint Martin Deanery, Saint Thomas More Rectory,
Withamsville on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Father Thomas Mannebach, Saint Marys Deanery, Holy Redeemer Church, New
Bremen on Thursday, April 17, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
4
Father Steve Shoup, Sidney Deanery, Saint Michael Parish Office Center, Fort
Loramie on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Father Edwin Gearhart, Springfield Deanery, Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus, 1827
North Limestone Street, Springfield on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the Deanery
Meeting at 5:30 p.m.
PRIESTLY CONVOCATION FOR 2014
February 11, 2014
Dear Father,
The unprecedented two-day event in 2012 called The Summit: Revitalizing the
Domestic Church received an overwhelmingly positive response from the approximately
800 clergy and lay ecclesial ministers of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati who participated.
They left energized and inspired. The good work of The Summit has continued since in
Follow-Through Sessions and Archdiocesan staff consultations with parishes.
Now it is time for a new summit with a new goal. I ask all the priests of the
Archdiocese, Archdiocesan staff, parish staff, and key lay leaders to join me on October
6 -7, 2014 at the Dayton Convention Center for prayer, formation, and visioning under
the title Proclaim: Equipping Disciples for a New Missionary Age. Over these two days,
we will explore what Pope Francis calls the “missionary option” for the Church and for
our ministries.
Those who minister in the Church are all too aware of the challenges facing us –
declining Mass attendance, fewer children receiving religious education, fewer than
needed vocations to the priesthood and religious life, a growing acceptance of secularism
and relativism, and more. In response to these challenges, this summit will be an
opportunity to consider our role as missionary disciples as well as gain skills and
resources for proclaiming Christ in this time and culture.
Once again parish and Archdiocesan staff will have the opportunity to examine
these issues collectively, through keynote presentations and workshops. A new feature
will be opportunities to participate in ministerial forums, designated times for members
of specific ministry groups to discuss issues with each other from their specific
perspective.
Proclaim will serve as our Priestly Convocation for 2014. All active priests of
the Archdiocese are expected to be present unless otherwise excused.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
5
At the same time, all those in parish leadership are invited as well. Please
prayerfully consider and plan for your staff and key leaders to support this important
endeavor with their participation and prayers.
With gratitude and prayerful best wishes, I am,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr
Archbishop of Cincinnati
DEPARTMENT OF EXECUTIVE SERVICES
CHANCERY OFFICE
LENTEN REMINDERS – FAST AND ABSTINENCE
Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2014, and Good Friday, April 18, 2014, are days of abstinence
from meat and also days of fast, that is, limited to a single full meal. The other Fridays of the
season of Lent are days of abstinence from meat. The law of abstinence binds all Catholics 14
years and older. The law of fasting binds all Catholics from their 18th birthday until their
59th birthday (canons 97 and 1252).
With regard to Good Friday, the teaching of the Second Vatican Council should be recalled.
Let the paschal fast be kept sacred. Let it be celebrated everywhere on Good
Friday and, where possible, prolonged throughout Holy Saturday, so that the joys
of the Sunday of the Resurrection may be attained with uplifted and clear mind
(Constitution on the Liturgy, No. 110).
With regard to the obligatory days listed above, however, there are frequent questions about the
degree of seriousness of the matter. The teaching of Pope John Paul II may be simply
paraphrased: the obligation to do penance is a serious one; the obligation to observe, as a whole
or “substantially,” the penitential days specified by the Church is also serious. No one should be
scrupulous in this regard; failure to observe an individual day of penance is not considered
serious. People should seek to do more rather than less. Fast and abstinence on the days
prescribed should be considered a minimum response to the Lord’s call to penance and
conversion.
CONFIRMATION AND THE FACULTY TO CONFIRM
The following might be helpful for you regarding Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. For priests
who have been granted the faculties of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, these are the instructions
for the Faculty to Confirm as found in the Pagella, Clerus Cincinnatensis, Volume XI, No. 1,
pages 257-258. The mandate is given to all priests in the Archdiocese:
1. to baptize and confirm in accordance with canon 883.2 persons who are no longer
infants whom the priest judges suitable for Catholic baptism;
March 2014 Clergy Communications
6
2. to admit into full communion with the Catholic Church and to confirm in accordance
with canon 883.2 previously baptized persons who are no longer infants whom the priest
judges suitable for admission to the Catholic Church;
3. to readmit into full communion with the Catholic Church and to confirm in accordance
with the response to the Pontifical Commission for the Interpretation of the Decrees of
the Second Vatican Council, April 25, 1975, persons beyond infancy who were baptized
Catholic but not confirmed and who later became an apostate or a heretic, whom the
priest judges suitable for readmission to the Catholic Church. (If you have any questions
about whether or not someone later became an apostate or a heretic, please call the
Chancery.)
4. Priests do not have the faculty to confirm a baptized but never confirmed Catholic
who simply has not been active in the practice of the faith without becoming a member of
another Church and now desires to be confirmed and be actively involved in the Church’s
life. In these cases, individual delegation of the archbishop is needed. Priests can seek
such delegation in writing from the Chancery, giving reasons why the delegation is
sought, the name of the person to be delegated, the name of the candidate, and the
intended date of the ceremony.
If you need to request a faculty to confirm, please do so in ample time to receive it before the
Easter Vigil. Also, if you have more than one parish, please include the name of the parish where
the Confirmation will take place. Thank you.
RECORD SEARCHES
We have been asked to search for the baptismal record of the following individuals:
Christopher Glenn Dudley, born July 14, 1988; Parents’ names: Glenn Robert Dudley &
Sharon Marie Wehrman.
Ronald Rackley, born August 14, 1956; no additional information provided.
Please search your baptismal register books and if either of these records is located, please
contact the Chancery Office at 513.421.3131x2842. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
MASS STIPENDS - SOME PRACTICAL DIRECTION
It has been brought to our attention that some of the inserts concerning Mass Stipends that were
included in last month’s mailing were incorrect. The insert is to be a two-sided document and
some received only a one-sided document. If you have a one-sided document, please discard it
and replace with the corrected one included with this mailing. Thank you and sorry for any
inconvenience this may have caused.
OFFICE OF SAFE ENVIRONMENT
FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH
MONTHLY CONTINUING EDUCATION BULLETINS
Since VIRTUS® is not always sending reminder emails to everyone regarding the monthly
continuing education Bulletins (which are issued on the first Sunday of each calendar month); we
recommend that all persons set a monthly reminder on or about the 15th day of each calendar
March 2014 Clergy Communications
7
month. The reminder should say “Log into VIRTUS® and check for most recent Bulletin(s)
under the ‘Training’ tab’ or words to that effect.”
VIRTUS® FACILITATOR TRAINING SESSIONS
At this time, there are no further VIRTUS® Facilitator Training Sessions scheduled. If anyone
still wants to be trained as a VIRTUS® Facilitator, please send an email to Tom Coz at
[email protected] listing the following: (i) Full legal name of person desiring to be
trained; (ii) Archdiocesan institution where person works; (iii) City where Institution is located;
(iv) Title of person desiring training; (v) Telephone number of person desiring training; (vi) Last
four digits of Social Security number for person; and (vii) Person’s email address for all
VIRTUS® Facilitator correspondence purposes. All names will be kept on file for the next time
we conduct another Facilitator Training Session.
BACKGROUND CHECK / SELECTiON.COM® UPDATE
Effective January 1, 2014, SELECTiON.COM® began doing all background checks, both
through fingerprints and electronic database searches (called FASTRAX™ checks), for the
Archdiocese of Cincinnati. To pay for a SELECTiON.COM® FASTRAX™ background check,
clerics, employees or volunteers can pay online with personal credit cards / debit cards / PayPal
or FASTRAX™ Tokens. Parishes and schools can pre-purchase $25.00 FASTRAX™ tokens
directly from SELECTiON.COM® by contacting Stephanie Whalen at:
513.522.8764x3020, or at: [email protected].
All background checks through
fingerprinting must be paid for by cash or check at the time of service.
MOBILE FINGERPRINT UNIT
If you would like a SELECTiON.COM® mobile fingerprinting unit to visit your parish,
school, or other Archdiocesan institution, please contact LeAnn Bick at:
[email protected] or by telephone at: 513.522.8764. In your message, please
state (i) your location, (ii) the date(s) that you would like a mobile unit to visit, and (iii)
approximately how many persons would be fingerprinted. We ask that you have at least 12
persons to fingerprint so we can schedule the mobile units efficiently. You can coordinate with
other local parishes or schools to meet the 12 person minimum requirement. PLEASE NOTE:
All mobile fingerprint unit background check costs must be paid in full by the parish,
school, or other Archdiocesan institution before the SELECTiON.COM® personnel leave
your location. Any background check through fingerprinting that is not paid for will not
be sent to the BCII and / or to the FBI for processing until after SELECTiON.COM®
receives payment in full. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
DIRECTORY UPDATES
Remember, our online parish directory needs help in keeping the listings current. Please go to
www.CatholicCincinnati.org and check out your parish in the directory by clicking on “Find a
Parish” at the top of the home page. If you see any mistakes, outdated information or even what
appear to be software errors, please send an email to [email protected]
with the subject line DIRECTORY. Thank you.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
8
VOCATIONS OFFICE
ORDINATION DATES FOR 2014 AND 2015
This year’s priestly ordination will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter
in Chains Cathedral. Ordination for transitional deacons will take place on Saturday, April 26,
2014, at 11:00 a.m., also at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral.
The 2015 ordination to the priesthood will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at St. Peter in
Chains Cathedral, 11:00 a.m. Transitional deacons will be ordained by Bishop Binzer on
Saturday, April 25, 2015, at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, also at 11:00 a.m.
MOUNT ST. MARY’S WELCOME WEEKEND
From Friday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. through Saturday, March 27, 6:00 p.m., Mount St. Mary’s
Seminary again opens her doors to men, college age and older, interested in learning more about
seminary formation at the post-graduate level. The weekend includes time for prayer, sample
class lecture, one-on-one time with a current seminarian and social activities. If you know a man
whom you see as having the characteristics of the priesthood, please consider inviting him to this
weekend. More information can be found here: http://www.cincinnativocations.org/moreupcoming-vocation-events/ or by calling Fr. Kyle Schnippel in the Vocation Office:
513.421.3131x2890
PONTIFICAL COLLEGE JOSEPHINUM LIVE-IN WEEKEND
The only Pontifical seminary outside of Europe, the Pontifical College Josephinum in
Columbus, is once again hosting a college live-in weekend, April 3-5, 2014 for all young men
high school age and older who are considering their call to the priesthood. During this weekend
you will have a chance to fully experience seminary life as you pray, eat and socialize with
current seminarians and hear great talks by priest faculty members and spiritual directors. Those
interested in this opportunity should contact Fr. Kyle Schnippel at 513.421.3131x2890 or
[email protected].
ANDREW DINNERS
The Spring Andrew Dinners will be held at the following locations:
March 4: Holy Rosary Parish, St. Mary’s
March 24: St. Veronica Parish, Cincinnati
April 3: St. Christopher Parish, Vandalia
As a reminder, these are an opportunity for pastors to invite young men whom they consider to
have the possibilities for the priesthood to join Archbishop Schnurr for dinner and a presentation
on life in the college seminary. Often, youth ministers can help solicit names of whom to invite.
The schedule runs as follows: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:00, Presentation on
College Seminary Life at 6:45 and Evening Prayer and Closing at 7:30 p.m. These dinners have
been a key component in increasing our numbers of college seminarians from four to twenty
over the last five years. Please take this opportunity to continue this success.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
9
RUN FOR THE CALL
Run for the Call is now a partner charity of the Flying Pig Marathon. All runners and walkers
who want to run in the weekend events of the Marathon on May 3-4 are invited to join our team
and help us to raise money for seminarians while promoting a culture of vocations throughout
the Archdiocese. To help prepare for the big weekend, Run for the Call is also establishing
running clubs throughout the Archdiocese. For more information and to sign up, please visit
http://runforthecall.wordpress.com.
MARTHA DINNER
On Thursday, March 13, 2014, several religious communities will host a Martha Dinner, at St.
Margaret of York Parish, 9499 Columbia Road in Loveland, OH. The event is free and open
to high school girls and young women who are interested in religious life. This is an
opportunity to visit with sisters from more than a half-dozen women religious communities, pray
together, and spend time exploring a call to religious life. To register, please call
513.761.9040x101, [email protected] or [email protected].
ONLINE DISCERNMENT RETREAT FOR WOMEN
The Vocation Ministers of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Diocese of Covington are
offering an Online Discernment Retreat for women between the ages of 20-40 during Lent
(March 5 – April 16) this year. This retreat would be for a woman who is wondering if God may
be calling her to religious life. The woman would be paired with a trained Spiritual Director and
they would meet either by Skype, phone or email five times during Lent at a time mutually
agreed upon (if by Skype or phone.)
DIACONATE OFFICE
DEACON INFORMATION MEETINGS
WHO IS A DEACON?
WHAT DOES A DEACON DO?
WHY DO WE NEED DEACONS?
You are cordially invited to a meeting of interested men (and wives) to learn more about the role
of deacon in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. If you have never attended an information meeting
about the diaconate, this meeting will be very helpful as you consider a vocation to the diaconate
or would just like to learn more about the ministry of deacons in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
Besides discussing the role of deacons (and wives), the meetings will include information about
the requirements for admission into the Deacon Formation Program. There will also be an
explanation of the ongoing process of discernment to the diaconate and possible discernment
methods.
Finally, there will be time for you to ask any questions which are on your mind in order to help
you to better understand the ministry of deacons.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
10
Tuesday, April 1, 2014; 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Spiritual Center of Maria Stein (Upper Lounge)
2365 St. Johns Road, Maria Stein, OH 45860
Wednesday, April 2, 2014; 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
St. Veronica Parish, Ministry Center – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Room
4462 Mount Carmel-Tobasco Road, Cincinnati, OH 45244
Thursday, April 10, 2014; 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Incarnation Parish, Parish Center, Room 104
55 Williamsburg Lane, Centerville, OH 45459
If you plan on attending, please call Barry Mersmann, Director of the Office of the Diaconate, or
Karen Brannon at the Office of the Diaconate (513.421.3131) or register by email at:
[email protected] to let us know so we will be sure to have enough handouts.
If you need directions, we will be glad to provide them.
DEACON FORMATION APPLICATION MEETINGS
Should you be interested in pursuing a discernment process concerning the possibility of a call
from God to the vocation of deacon, you are invited to a meeting concerning the application
process to the diaconate formation program. It is necessary that you will have completed at
least 1/2 of the LPMP Certificate in ministerial studies or its equivalent at another
approved institution to begin the application process. I encourage you to include your wife in
this invitation so she can be part of this discussion as well. The meetings are scheduled for the
following locations and times:
Tuesday, May 27, 2014; 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
St. Peter Parish, Reis Center
6161 Chambersburg Road, Huber Heights, OH 45424
Thursday, May 29, 2014; 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Good Shepherd Parish, Room 29
8815 E. Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249
If you will be attending one of the above meetings it is necessary for you to contact the
Office of the Diaconate to provide your meeting choice, name, parish and whether you will
be alone or with your wife. The Office of the Diaconate’s number is 513.421.3131x2830. You
can also register for a meeting through email at [email protected]. I would
like to assure sufficient seating, application materials, handouts, etc.
OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS
RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS
Thank you for your support of the 2013 collection. The monies collected in parishes have been
arriving steadily since December. The monies are not due to the National Office until March 31
and so I will not be able to share the final amount being sent for this year until next month. I
March 2014 Clergy Communications
11
encourage you to take an excerpt from my thank you letter to your parish and place it in your
bulletin so parishioners are aware of the gratitude of women and men religious.
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING OFFICE
PARISH ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
Parish Accounting Software Information sessions for March are scheduled for Wednesday,
March 19 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., at the Central Offices of the Archdiocese (Cincinnati) and
Wednesday, March 26 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., at the Pilarczyk Center in Dayton. Please notify
Anne Morrow ([email protected]) if you will attend. Also, if you have particular
topics that you would like presented, please include them in the email to Anne. As a reminder,
please close each month when you have completed the processing of transactions for that period.
This will provide more effective and efficient control and will also prevent you from accidentally
entering amounts in the “closed” periods. If you need individual assistance, please contact Dan
Umberg ([email protected]) or Anne Morrow ([email protected]).
FINANCIAL REPORTS-PARISH SOFT
The Finance Office would appreciate receiving a copy of the Statement of Activities – Columnar
by Entity report (include all Entities with activity) as well as a Statement of Financial Position
report from each location that utilized ParishSoft figures for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.
Please send these reports as well as the Parish Financial Report certification page (available on
the Archdiocesan website under Finance Office Documents) via email to
[email protected]. Please contact Steve Burger with any questions.
INTEREST PAYMENTS ON ARCHDIOCESAN NOTES
As a reminder, interest paid on Archdiocesan Investment Notes (paid March 15th & September
15th) will be paid via an ACH transaction rather than by check. Therefore, in order to ensure that
each location’s bank account is properly credited, please ensure that the Finance Office has the
proper bank account information on file for your location. Please contact Steve Burger at
513.421.3131x2850 or [email protected] with any questions.
HEALTHCARE OPEN ENROLLMENT
Open Enrollment for all benefit plans sponsored by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati is April 11,
2014 through May 16, 2014. This month-long period is a positive open enrollment, meaning that
all eligible employees must log into the Benefits Allocation System (BAS) through
MyEnroll.com to elect or to waive each benefit. If an employee does not make an election, the
employee’s coverage will be waived for that plan year. Please review the following timeline
of important events.
Mid-March, 2014 – Administrator packets mailed to location administrators.
March 18, 2014 through March 27, 2014 – Informational meetings for all Pastors, Business
Managers, and location Healthcare Administrators will include important open enrollment
March 2014 Clergy Communications
12
details, Affordable Healthcare Act mandates presented by AOC consultant Lisa Carlson, and
teacher contracts presented by AOC Office of Human Resources.
April 1, 2014 through April 10, 2014 – Reminder postcards mailed to all eligible employees
about open enrollment dates, along with reminder to log into MyEnroll.com to make benefit
elections or risk losing coverage.
Meeting Schedule
Tuesday March 18, 2014 - Athenaeum of Ohio (Barlett Center); 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday March 19, 2014 - Pilarczyk Center, Dayton, Ohio; 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday March 19, 2014 - Lehman High School, Sidney, Ohio; 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday March 25, 2014 - St. Ignatius Parish, Hilvert Center; 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 26, 2014 - Parish Business Managers Meeting 9:30 a.m. – Noon
Open to all AOC institutions to attend
Wingate Hotel & Conference Center
7500 Tylers Place Blvd, West Chester, OH 45069
Please email Stacey Longbottom at [email protected] to register for any of the
meetings listed above. If there are any questions regarding these benefit enrollments, please
contact Charlotte Carpenter at [email protected] or 513.421.3131x2852.
FOR EMPLOYEES CONSIDERING RETIREMENT IN THE NEW YEAR
Please let eligible staff at your location know that there will be a retirement seminar for employees of
the Archdiocese on Wednesday April 2, 2014, 3:30 p.m. at the Bartlett Center at the Athenaeum.
This seminar will include a speaker from the Social Security Administration, information on
Medicare, and retirement benefits through the Archdiocese. If you have any questions, please contact
Charlotte Carpenter at 513.421.3131x2852.
Please RSVP to Stacey Longbottom at:
[email protected].
OFFICE OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
We are currently improving our website to provide our parishes and schools with helpful project
resources. You can help in several ways:
1. Send us photos of any projects you may have had completed. Provide us with photos of
your project from construction to completion. We will post these on the Archdiocese
website so that your parish can showcase your project. Other parishes and schools
working on projects similar to yours may be able to get some additional inspiration. (If
possible, please send photos of the project only; if people are included in the photos we
may not be able to use them due to privacy issues.)
2. Agree to be a “Project Contact” for your parish or school. Would you like to share
information about your organization’s experience with any of your projects and provide
March 2014 Clergy Communications
13
other organizations with helpful tips and advice? Perhaps you would like to provide
information on a specific contractor or vendor. If someone from your organization is
willing, we will post their name, contact information (phone and/or email) and project
description on the Property Management website so that others can contact them with
questions. By forming a project contact list our hope is that it will be:
a. Easier for organizations to choose good contractors to bid out projects.
b. Easier for organizations to move through the contract process.
c. Easier for organizations to be aware of any potential challenges along the way.
3. Provide information to the Office of Property Management concerning the contractors
that you worked with and what your experience was with them. This information will be
kept internally in the Property Management office and used as a guide when other
parishes and schools contact us for advice.
With your help we can make the Property Management website a valuable reference tool for
parishes and schools in our Archdiocese. We look forward to hearing from you! Please contact
Karen Rolfe at [email protected] with questions or to participate.
STANDARD CONTRACTS
We have some news to share regarding our standard contracts. We have made revisions to the
standard contract for construction, and we have added a suite of additional standard contracts for
use in other types of projects you may be doing. We ask that you use these standard contracts for
your contractor services and projects in your parish. They provide terms and conditions to help
protect your parish contractually. Our office is here for you and is very willing to help you set
up any of these contracts. Please contact Jeff Bohrer at [email protected] or Karen
Rolfe at [email protected] for assistance. The standard contracts are available at the
Property Management website (http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/propertymanagement/). They include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Contract to Perform Work (revised): Used for most construction projects and is the
original form from our website.
Contract to Perform Work short form: Used for small construction projects (under
$10,000).
Change Order: Used when the contract scope changes from the original.
Service Agreement: Used for contractors who provide property-related service calls to
your institution or who provide ongoing property services to your institution.
Emergency Service Agreement: Used for situations where emergency property work
must completed. This involves insurance claims and is the form that our insurance
representative, Paul Kenkel, will use when he visits your site to assess emergency work.
Professional Services Agreement: Used when hiring out professional services (i.e.
architectural or engineering).
March 2014 Clergy Communications
14
DEPARTMENT OF PASTORAL SERVICES
FAMILY AND RESPECT LIFE OFFICE (FARLO)
FOCCUS CHANGES COMING IN 2014!
During the past two years, the FOCCUS team has conducted a systematic review of marriage
preparation resources with input from marriage educators across the country and internationally,
in both Catholic and non-Catholic settings. Attention was given to the Inventory and related
materials for couples, facilitators and trainers. The input received was instrumental in the
research and development of FOCCUS 4th Edition.
FOCCUS 4th Edition meets the real life needs of today's couples and those who are preparing
them for marriage by building on the strong research base and cost-effective, trusted userfriendly FOCCUS format. Updates include an all new Catholic edition supporting critical areas
of evangelization and formation for couples preparing to enter into a lifelong marriage in the
Church. Additionally a new section, Couples with Children, is offered for couples when one or
both are bringing children to the marriage.
Incorporating changes to 85% of the previous Inventory, FOCCUS 4th Edition includes new
statements addressing pornography, technology, prayer in marriage and pets along with Manuals
in English and Spanish and Inventories in Catholic, Christian, General, and Orthodox Christian.
An Alternate Inventory, developed at a third grade reading level, is available and recommended
for use with individuals who do not speak English as a first language or who have intellectual or
developmental disabilities. FOCCUS 4th Edition offers professional translation of our most
requested materials in Spanish and Traditional Chinese with additional translations planned for
the future according to need and available resources.
The new, updated binders will be available at a discounted price of $25.00 + shipping for a
period of 6 months, January 1, 2014 – June 30, 2014. Effective July 1, 2014 the binders will
cost $50.00 + shipping. Your parish must be registered with www.FOCCUSincusa.com in order
to receive the discounted price. We suggest that parishes check NOW to see if their facilitators
are
registered.
A
FOCCUS
Application
is
provided
here
(http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/family-life/for-clergy/foccus-facilitatortraining/) for Parish FOCCUS Facilitators to use for registration. We have also provided a PreOrder Form here (same link as before) for Parishes to order FOCCUS supplies directly through
FOCCUS, Omaha. Contact FOCCUS directly at 1.877.883.5422x2 (Paige Minturn) to order
new binders or to check on registered parish-trained facilitators. Please contact Louise Davis
(FOCCUS clerk, Ext. 2621) or Bonnie Mack (FOCCUS trainer, Ext. 2623) at 513.421.3131 for
further information.
FOCCUS TRAINING…
Will be offered Saturday, April 5, 2014, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish in
Coldwater. Please call the Family and Respect Life Office at 513.421.3131x2621 if you are
interested in attending. The cost is $55.00 per couple.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
15
FOCCUS - IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARISHES
Please know you can continue to send in the new FOCCUS (4th edition) to the Family and
Respect Life Office as you always have and Louise Davis, FOCCUS clerk, will score it for you.
You can use the paper/pencil inventory or you can call Louise and have her set up the engaged
couple on line to take the inventory. You also have the option of going directly to Omaha at
www.foccusincusa.com to set up a couple yourself and to do that you must be registered with
Omaha. Paige Minturn ([email protected]) is our contact at FOCCUS and will walk
you through the process. Please contact our office, 513.421.3131, if you have any further
questions - Bonnie Mack (Ext. 2623), trainer and/or Louise Davis (Ext. 2621).
FOCCUS TRAINING IS NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH
The FOCCUS Training Power Point and handouts for the FOCCUS 4th edition are now available
in your online account in Spanish. You may download these files from the FOCCUS Website by
logging into your online account and clicking on Downloadable Content.
NEW MARRIAGE RESOURCE IN SPANISH
There is a new marriage resource in Spanish (with English subtitles). You can access it online
from the link below, borrow it from the Family and Respect Life Office or purchase it from the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. http://www.marriageuniqueforareason.org/elmatrimonio-video/.
FREE FINANCE WORKSHOP OFFERED TO NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLES
Wednesday, March 19 or April 30, 2014 in Cincinnati, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. It is also offered on
Saturday, April 5 in Dayton, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. You must register one week before the
event through the Family and Respect Life Office email: [email protected]
or call Linda at 513.421.3131x2653.
FREE INTRODUCTION TO THE BASICS OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING…
And the benefits it can bring to you and your spouse – Enrich your faith, health and intimacy.
This free workshop is offered on Saturday, March 22 or April 19, 2014 in Dayton, 10:00 a.m. –
12:00 p.m. You must register one week before the event through the Family and Respect Life
Office email: [email protected] or call Linda at 513.421.3131x2653.
GOLDEN JUBILEE MASS
The annual mass will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014 for both Dayton and Cincinnati at 2:00
p.m. Archbishop Dennis Schnurr will preside at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains. Bishop
Joseph Binzer will preside at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Dayton. A letter
has been sent to all Pastors with more details along with the Parish Response card for number of
scrolls and invitations needed. Please advertise this in your parish bulletins. Please contact the
Family and Respect Life Office at 513.421.3131x2653 if you have questions.
PROJECT RACHEL DAY OF REFLECTION FOR OTHERS
A post-abortive healing ministry in the Catholic Church is offering a Day of Reflection for others
affected by the trauma of abortion, Saturday April 5, 2014, at the Jesuit Spiritual Center in
Milford, Ohio. If interested or for more information, please contact Caron Bergen at
513.784.0531, a confidential phone line.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
16
ARCHDIOCESAN RESPECT LIFE AWARD
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Family and Respect Life Office is pleased to announce the first
annual Archdiocesan Respect Life Award. This annual award is to recognize those who
exemplify protecting the dignity of human life in “every stage and in every situation” (Pastoral
Plan for Pro-Life Activities, page 2). An ad hoc committee of the Archdiocesan Respect Life
Commission will select the recipient(s) to receive the award. The criteria used will be based on
the Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities: A Campaign in Support of Life (A Statement of the
U.S. Catholic Bishops, 2001). The Archbishop will have the final say on the recipient. A
nomination form is available on our website at http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministriesoffices/family-life/respect-life/respect-life-award-candidate-submission/. The deadline for
nominations is April 1, 2014. Nominees must be Catholic, living out his or her faith in a visible
way, and “proclaim that human life is a precious gift from God; that each person who receives
this gift has responsibilities toward God, self, and others; and that society, through its laws and
social institutions, must protect and nurture human life at every stage of its existence” (Pastoral
Plan for Pro-Life Activities: A Campaign in Support of Life. The award will be presented in
October, 2014.
THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU!
Please refer to the article under the Worship Office and also to the additional information under
the Office of the New Evangelization concerning free resources to help inspire people to return
to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Thank you.
CONSISTENT ETHIC OF LIFE CONFERENCE – MARCH 15, 2014
Please refer to the article “Caring For All Life All Trough Life” under the Catholic Social Action
Office. Thank you.
MEN’S DISCIPLESHIP VISIONING DAY
Please refer to the article under the Office of the New Evangelization.
PRIESTS PERSONNEL OFFICE
Recently, the Archdiocese was contacted by people interested in saying THANKS to the priests
in the Archdiocese. As a result of their kindness and generosity, there will be a dinner for priests
in the undercroft of the Cathedral prior to the Chrism Mass on April 15, 2014. An invitation and
RSVP postcard will be mailed in early March. Thanks for all that you do, and if you have any
questions, please contact Bishop Joe Binzer, the director of the Priests’ Personnel Office, at
513.263.6601 or [email protected].
PRIESTLY FORMATION OFFICE
WEBPAGE FOR THE 2013 CONVOCATION
Last October, Archbishop Tobin of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and our own Sister Marilyn
Kerber, SNDdeN, Father Kyle Schnippel, and Deacon Russ Feldkamp spoke about “Creating a
Culture of Vocations.” The handouts given at the Convocation, the PowerPoint presentations,
and other information about “Creating a Culture of Vocations” are available at
http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/priestly-formation-2/convocation-2013/ . If
March 2014 Clergy Communications
17
you have any questions about “Creating a Culture of Vocations” in your parish or school, please
contact Sister Marilyn Kerber at [email protected], Father Kyle Schnippel at
[email protected],
and
Deacon
Russ
Feldkamp
at
[email protected]. Thanks for all that you do to create a culture of vocations!!
MSGR. FRANK LANE TO SPEAK ABOUT SECULARISM AT THE ATHENAEUM
The Priestly Formation Office is co-sponsoring three talks by Msgr. Frank Lane, Ph.D., at the
Athenaeum entitled: “The Nature of Secularism and its Effects on Faith and Culture.” The talks
will be from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, Sunday, April 6, and Sunday, May 4, 2014
in the Bartlett Center.
NEWER CLERGY OVERNIGHT
A reminder that this overnight gathering is from Sunday, March 23, 2014 through Monday,
March 24, 2014 at Maria Stein for classes 2010 to 2013. On Sunday, please arrive by 4:00 p.m.
We will use the breviary for Vespers. Depart after noon lunch on Monday. Please RSVP to
[email protected].
LENTEN DAY OF REFLECTION FOR PRIESTS
Join us on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 with Father Francois Rossier, S.M. at the Transfiguration
Center for Spiritual Renewal, 3505 Calumet Road, Ludlow Falls, OH 45339; 10:30 a.m. – 3:00
p.m. Please call Sarah Frohmiller if you wish to register, 513.421.3131x2651. Thank you!
RETREAT FOR PRIESTS
Communion and Liberation Human Adventure Corporation is sponsoring a Retreat for Priests,
The Gift of Communion, led by Father Jose Medina, April 21 - 25, 2014 at Holy Name
Passionist Retreat Center, 430 Bunker Hill Road, Houston, TX 77024. The retreat cost is
$360.00.
For more information or registration, please contact Jonathan Fromm@
[email protected] or 212.337.3580x3.
ARCHDIOCESAN PRIEST ANNIVERSARY DINNER
Save the date: Monday, May 12, 2014, at Bergamo as before, with Evening Prayer at 5:00 p.m.
LOOKING TOWARDS THE FALL
PRIESTS’ CONVOCATION:
PROCLAIM–EQUIPPING DISCIPLES FOR A NEW MISSIONARY AGE
Please refer to the letter from Archbishop Schnurr under the Office of the Archbishop. More
details to follow. Thank you.
FALL RETREAT FOR THE PRIESTS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE
Father Eugene Carmichael, S.J., will be giving our Fall Retreat at the Jesuit Spiritual Center in
Milford, October 13 - 17, 2014.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
18
WORSHIP OFFICE
LITURGICAL CALENDAR UPDATE
Ash Wednesday is March 5, 2014. A Lenten Communal Penance Service has been posted to
the Worship Office website.
Go to:
http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministriesoffices/worship/liturgical-prep/.
TIME FOR THE EASTER VIGIL
The General Norms for the Liturgical Year state that the Easter Vigil is to be held after nightfall.
Sunset for Saturday, April 19, 2014 is calculated to be at 8:19p.m. with nightfall occurring one
half hour after sunset. Therefore, the Easter Vigil may not begin before 9:00 p.m.
RITE OF ELECTION AND CALL TO CONTINUING CONVERSION
The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will take place on the First Sunday of
Lent, March 9, 2014. The seating charts for each celebration are posted on our website as well
as reminders for the Rite of Election. Please visit the Rite of Election webpage for this
information at http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/worship/rite-of-election2014/.
SCRUTINIES
The celebration of the three Scrutinies with the Elect (unbaptized only) takes place on the Third,
Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent. Only with the permission of the Archbishop may one Scrutiny
(“for serious reasons”), or two (in “extraordinary circumstances”), be omitted. Cycle A readings are
to be used when celebrating the Scrutinies. It is permissible for a parish to use Cycle A readings at all
liturgies (even if the Scrutiny is not being celebrated at that liturgy).
UPCOMING EVENTS
LEX ORANDI, LEX CREDENDI, LEX VIVENDI
Through prayer, music, and reflection Father Larry Tensi and Karen Kane will engage
participants in a deeper experience and understanding of the celebration of the Eucharist and
assist them in connecting their Sunday worship to their everyday lives. This four-evening retreatlike experience will be held on Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. on March 13, 20, 27,
April 3, 2014 at Corpus Christi Parish, Cincinnati. Parishes can take advantage of
registration discounts. For more information and registration, please go to
http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/worship/ and scroll down to upcoming
events.
THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU! March 18, 2014, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
In preparation for the Light is On for You, a number of clergy were asked to offer their ideas
about pastoral notes for priests and pastoral staffs, and in particular as it relates to the
confessional. Attached are pastoral notes that are a compilation of their ideas along with some
recommendations offered by the USCCB for the Light is On for You. You may also click on the
following link to download a copy of the pastoral notes http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/wpcontent/uploads/2014/02/pastoral-notes2.pdf. Also, a homily for the Second Sunday of Lent
introducing the Light is ON for You is included. A document listing follow-up resources
available through the Family and Respect Life Office is posted to our website
March 2014 Clergy Communications
19
http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/worship/light-is-on-for-you/. Please note
that as part of the resource material, it was recommended that we provide some guidance or
information on addiction to pornography, which is becoming a very serious problem. You may
want to read some of this material for your own understanding as you provide pastoral guidance.
You may want to order some of the follow-up brochures in advance of March 18th and make
them available on a table in the vestibule or have them available in the confessional. LAUDATE: FORMING YOUTH FOR MUSIC MINISTRY
June 9 – 12, 2014 at Bergamo Center, Dayton. A 4-day music ministry experience that
features sessions in voice, organ, piano, guitar, and other instruments used in Catholic liturgy.
Teens will hear inspiring keynote presentations, learn liturgy fundamentals and be mentored by
adult music ministers. The early-bird registration deadline is May 9, 2014. Registration forms
and scholarship applications are available on the LAUDATE web page at:
http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/youthministry/services/youthleader/laudate/.
ARE YOU RECEIVING THE WORSHIP OFFICE E-NEWS?
If you have not signed up for the Worship Office newsletter, you can do so by visiting:
http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/worship/join-our-email-newsletter/.
MISSION OFFICE
LENTEN PRAYER SERVICES,
STATIONS OF THE CROSS, AND CALENDAR FOR YOUTH AVAILABLE
Lent is a wonderful time to highlight and explore our missionary discipleship, the Missionary
Childhood Associate (MCA.) While it’s too late for the printed materials, the MCA has
developed additional resources for elementary and high school aged youth, in both English and
Spanish. Available online, these include prayer services and age-appropriate "Stations of the
Cross." Materials for Youth are posted here: http://www.onefamilyinmission.org/societypropfaith/youth-in-mission.html. MCA materials will be available very soon here:
http://www.onefamilyinmission.org/hca/lent.html.
Also for your students during LENT: Thanks to our good friends in the Mission Office in
Philadelphia and the Missionary Childhood Association, we have a Lenten Mission Calendar for
your classrooms. Download and print as a take-home for your day school and PSR students!
English and Spanish versions are available at www.catholiccincinnati.org/mission under the
What’s New tab. A copy is included with this version of Clergy Communications.
LENTEN REFLECTION GATHERINGS FOR PARISH TWINNING GROUPS
For parishioners involved in parish twinning efforts in the Cincinnati – Dayton area, the Mission
Office is offering a Lenten Reflection on Saturday morning, March 8, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 (noon),
at Glenmary Headquarters on Route 4 near I-275. For those on parish twinning teams north of
Dayton, our Lenten Reflection will be Monday evening, March 3, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Maria
Stein Shrine. We wish to deepen our twinning relationships in the Lord Jesus, using themes from
the letter of Pope Francis, Evangelli Gaudium. We will also share our successes and challenges
as well as what we have learned about faith from our twinning partners. To RSVP or for more
March 2014 Clergy Communications
20
information, please contact Teresa Phillips at [email protected] or 513.421.3131x
2632.
HAVE A NOMINATION FOR THE SR. DOROTHY STANG AWARD?
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the Archdiocesan Offices of Mission, Catholic Social
Action, Evangelization and Catechesis and Youth and Young Adult Ministry wish to again
present this award to a very limited number in our archdiocese at the end of the school year.
Nominees may be Catholic high school faculty members and parish religious educators, parish
lay ministers or graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated the values of Sr. Dorothy
Stang: solidarity with the poor, care for the Earth and a love for Jesus and his mission and/or
application of Catholic Social Teaching in cross-cultural service or teaching ministry. The
nomination form can be found on our website at: www.catholiccincinnati.org. Search for the
Mission Office through the Ministries & Offices page. Nominations are due by April 15, 2014.
Please send them to: Mission Office, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, 100 East Eighth Street,
Cincinnati, OH, 45202.
LIMITED SUBSIDIES
FOR PARISH YOUTH TRIPS AVAILABLE FROM THE MISSION OFFICE
Your parish youth minister or youth trip leader are invited to contact our office for an application
form to seek supplemental funds to help your parish youth group participate in an
immersion/mission trip. For the application form and details, please contact Dr. Mike Gable at
[email protected].
HAVE EXTRA MASS STIPENDS?
Some of the missionary priests from our archdiocese request Mass stipends. If you have extra
stipends at your parish, please send them to Anna Ramsey, Mission Office, 100 East Eighth
Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
OFFICE OF YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (OYYAM)
Important: There is far more information on youth and young adult opportunities on our website
than we are able to include here. Visit our websites:
•
•
Young Adult Ministry: http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/young-adult
Youth Ministry: http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/youth-ministry
FEBRUARY 2014 UPDATE: ARCHDIOCESAN YOUTH ATHLETICS INITIATIVE
(Important: Pastors, parish and school leaders are asked to keep their athletics leadership
posted and up-to-date with developments regarding the Youth Athletics Initiative.)
Charter on Catholic Youth Athletics: The Archdiocesan Youth Athletics Initiative is poised to
move forward with a vision and plan for youth athletics as a form of Catholic youth ministry.
After multiple reviews by the Presbyteral Council, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, canon
lawyers, and Archdiocesan attorneys, the Charter on Catholic Youth Athletics has been finalized
and passed along to the Archbishop for approval and promulgation. Although Mar. 1, 2014 is
the current target date for promulgation, implementation of the full Charter will unfold in a
March 2014 Clergy Communications
21
graduated fashion, allowing sufficient time for leagues and athletics organizations to work with
its provisions pursuant of compliance.
Following is the anticipated time frame for
implementation (still somewhat tentative):
•
•
•
•
•
Feb. 2014 – Aug. 1, 2014: Transition team helps people understand Charter mission,
goals, etc., and recruits and launches the Archdiocesan Youth Athletics Commission.
Aug. 1, 2014: Commission supplies compliance materials to leagues and athletics
organizations.
Dec. 31, 2014: Deadline for completed compliance materials from leagues to
Commission.
Mar. 15, 2015:
Deadline for completed compliance materials from athletics
organizations; Commission decisions on league compliance are communicated.
(on or before) July 1, 2015: Commission decisions on athletics organization compliance
are communicated.
For a detailed description of the Archdiocesan Youth Athletics Initiative and the Charter on
Catholic Youth Athletics, follow this link: (http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ayatf/)
Questions or concerns may be directed to Dr. Sean Reynolds, Director, Office of Youth &
Young Adult Ministry, [email protected].
METANOIA AT THE ATHENAEUM, SATURDAY MAY 31, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The young adults who every year bring Parrhesia to the Archdiocesan calendar of young adult
events are hosting a special gathering at the Bartlett Center of the Athenaeum of Ohio, entitled
“Metanoia” and featuring Dr. Tobias Nathe of the Athenaeum’s St. James Project. It’s a great
opportunity for those wanting to reconnect with the Faith, those who have been away from the
Sacraments, and those wanting to deepen their relationship with Jesus. For a reproducible flyer
to post, pass along, or include in a parish bulletin, follow this link:
http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Metanoia-flyer-1.pdf.
PLANNING FOR THE WINTER AND BEYOND
IGNITE for Junior High Youth, March 21-23: IGNITE is a high-energy, weekend
discipleship retreat for youth in grades 7-8 who demonstrate leadership potential. Help ignite
your JH kids to be disciples in their parishes and schools. More info is available here: IGNITE
2014
http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/youth-ministry/services/youthleader/ignite/
N.E.T. MINISTRIES
Please refer to the article under the Office of the New Evangelization.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
22
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE
OPEN POSITIONS
The Catholic Schools Office has posted two open positions: Director of Leadership Formation &
Professional Development and Director of the Eastern Region & Northwest Cluster. Both
positions will begin on July 1, 2014. We are seeking dynamic, motivated, experienced educators
to serve in these positions. For complete job postings and instructions of how to apply, please see
www.catholiccincinnati.org/jobs. We will be accepting applicants through March 10, 2014.
CONGRATULATIONS…
To McAuley President Ms. Cheryl Sucher on being named a recipient of the Educational
Excellence Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)! This award was
given based upon Ms. Sucher’s lengthy commitment to fostering excellence in Catholic school
education. Ms. Sucher began as McAuley’s principal in 1987 and has been President since 2009.
This is the third award from the NCEA that educators in the Archdiocese have received this
school year. Congratulations!
OFFICE OF THE NEW EVANGELIZATION
NATIONAL EVANGELIZATION TEAMS (N.E.T.)
Beginning this summer, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will become a N.E.T. “hub” for the
Midwest, with evangelizing retreats available here in the Archdiocese and in neighboring states.
A letter from the Archbishop introducing the N.E.T. regional office and staff, along with
scheduling information, is included in this edition of Clergy Communications.
THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU: FREE INFORMATION TO SHARE
We are excited to provide free resources to help inspire people to return to the Sacrament of
Reconciliation during our Light is On for You Campaign on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 or to your
regularly scheduled Parish Reconciliation Service this Lent.
Please direct people to www.LightisOn4you.com for the following resources:
• A free downloadable MP3 talk on Confession by Fr. Larry Richards
• Videos highlighting people’s personal experiences with the Sacrament of Reconciliation
• Blog posts discussing personal reflections on Confession
• A dedicated email and phone number to answer questions or concerns
Some ways to distribute the webpage are:
• Print it in your bulletin
• Share it on social media (and encourage others to share it on social media)
• Add it to your normal e-mail communications
• Put it on your marquee
March 2014 Clergy Communications
23
READY TO BE BOLD & CREATIVE?
Invite your parishioners to pull out their phones and text the word “Mercy” to 80123 to receive a
free talk on the Sacrament of Reconciliation [or be a little creative and put the invitation in your
verbal announcements]
MEN’S DISCIPLESHIP VISIONING DAY
A vibrant Catholic Church of the 21st century must include men who are intensely committed
disciples of Jesus Christ, servants, and witnesses to the good being done by God in their lives.
We invite all priests, deacons, and lay men of the Archdiocese to join us on Saturday March 22
from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the Dayton Pilarczyk Center for a Men’s Discipleship Visioning
Day. Spaces are limited! Together, we will:
•
•
•
•
Examine recent trends of men’s participation in the life and mission of the Church.
Explore principles for effectively discipling the men who are currently within and
currently outside our churches.
Discuss the best practices and current research for applying these principles to our
specific ministry situations.
Share our experiences, concerns, and hopes for the future of men as disciples of Jesus
Christ in the Catholic Church. You can register at http://goo.gl/oJfCIx or contact [email protected] for more
information.
WEEKLY MASS COUNT: IT IS POSSIBLE
After encouraging parishes to consider having a weekly Mass count, I received a wonderful
email from Cindy Reaster about what they do at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
in Dayton. She gave permission to share the following:
“As I told you on the phone, we have been doing Mass counts for every Mass as long as I can
remember. This is all we do. It's very easy.....very uncomplicated.
In the usher's room they have a stack of Mass Count Sheets. It's a quarter page form for weekend
Masses and a special one for Holy Week.
The lead usher at the first weekend Mass, our 4:30 p.m. Mass, writes the date on the top of the
form. Once everything has calmed down and Mass has started, one of the ushers walks around
the back of the church and takes the count. He/she then writes the count on the form in the
ushers’ room.
The same is done for the next Mass/Masses. At the last Mass of the weekend, once the count is
done, that usher places the count form in the basket where the collection is put. It is then in the
collection bag for that Mass.
On Monday morning, I know to look for it in the collection bag. It is then filed for future use. We
attach ours to the donation/deposit report for that weekend.”
March 2014 Clergy Communications
24
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact Cindy Reaster at 937.252.9919x224 or
[email protected].
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHWESTERN OHIO
SU CASA HISPANIC CENTER ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER – APRIL 9
The 15th Annual Su Casa Annual Awards Dinner will be held on Wednesday, April 9 at the
Cintas Center beginning at 6:00 p.m. Miguel Diaz, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, is
the keynote speaker. Awards will be given for Lifetime Achievement, Volunteer of the Year,
Organization of the Year, and the Cesar Chavez Award. Tickets are $90/each or a table of 10 for
$850. Please contact Lindsey Gant to register or for more information at 513.761.1588 or
[email protected].
JOB LOSS SUPPORT GROUP – MARCH 5 AND 19
Job seekers join others who are troubled by the stresses related to job loss. Participants can share
their concerns, gain support, and get ideas for employment strategies. Individuals of all faith
backgrounds are welcome to come to as many or as few support group meetings as they wish.
Wednesday, March 5th and 19th from 7:30-9pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in the
Lourdes Room (7820 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati 45255.) Please contact Sandy Keiser for
more information at [email protected] or 513.241.7745.
PARENTING EDUCATION CLASSES
Catholic Charities offers Parenting Education Classes in Hamilton and Middletown. Parents can
register at any time. Cost is free for Butler County residents and $60 single/$80 couple for nonresidents (for 8 sessions). There are three options for classes. In Hamilton, there is a Thursday
class for Parents of Little Ones (ages 0-5) and a Monday class for Parents of School-Age
Children (ages 6-12). In Middletown, there is a Tuesday class for Parents of School-Age
Children (ages 6-12). Hamilton classes are held at the Catholic Charities’ Hamilton office (1910
Fairgrove Avenue, Suite B, Hamilton Ohio) and the Middletown class is held at Holy Trinity
Church (201 Clark Street, Middletown). For more information, please contact Pam Mortensen at
513.863.6129x26.
REFUGEE SERVICES VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS NEEDED
Catholic Charities is looking for individuals to serve in our Refugee Resettlement Program. The
refugees are men, women and children fleeing war, poverty and persecution in Third-World
countries. They are brought by the U.S. Government to the United States to live in Cincinnati;
and are served by the Catholic Charities Refugee Program. They are trying to start a new life
and create a new home in Cincinnati. We need help with the following:
• Volunteers with a valid driver’s license who can assist in driving refugee clients to
appointments.
• Volunteers to help individuals fill out SI and WIC applications.
• NEW volunteers for the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes.
Volunteers do not need to know a language other than English. English is the main key
March 2014 Clergy Communications
25
•
to establishing a beachhead for life in America. One full-time ESOL Lead Teacher aided
by a corps of volunteers serve as many as 60 students a day. Volunteering can be a few
hours a month, or a week, or a day, to aid in the continuation of this vital program.
Gently used or like-new household furnishings and kitchen equipment/utensils.
For any of these opportunities to serve, please contact Alisa Berry for more information,
[email protected] or 513.241.7745.
WORKSHOPS “FORGIVENESS: THE GATEWAY TO PEACE”
Immaculate Heart of Mary – Heritage Hall (7820 Beechmont Avenue)
Monday, March 10 – 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
and
Centennial Barn (110 Compton Road)
Thursday, April 3. – 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Participants will explore the role of forgiveness in their life. They will learn about the need for
forgiveness, how to deal with their feelings, and how to take the first step. The fee is
$15/person. For more information or to register, please contact Sandy Keiser at Catholic
Charities of Southwestern Ohio 513.241.7745 or [email protected].
2014 CONSUMER PROTECTION FORUM
Maple Knoll Village Auditorium (11100 Springfield Pike)
Wednesday, March 19 – 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Experts from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, FBI, Ohio Department of Insurance, Office of
Inspector General and Social Security Administration will participate in a panel discussion on
how the elderly can protect themselves from fraud. The Caregiver Assistance Network of
Catholic Charities will co-present with ProSeniors, Ohio SMP, and WMKV 89.3 FM. CEU’s for
counselors and social workers are available (register by March 17th). No fee. Light supper will
be available. For more information, please contact Dave Kleinfelter with ProSeniors at 513.
458.5513, George Zahn with WMKV at 513.782.2753, or Margaret Ianacci with the Caregiver
Assistance Network at 513.929.4483.
LEGAL & FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR LONG TERM CARE
St. Bernadette (1479 Locust Lake Road, Amelia)
Tuesday, March 11 – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Participants will learn about the financial and legal impact of caregiving on caregivers and care
receivers, including Medicaid eligibility, living wills, powers of attorney and other issues; and
how to address these issues before they become reality. Presented by the Caregiver Assistance
Network of Catholic Charities. No fee. For more information, please contact Margaret Iannaci at
513.929.4483 or [email protected].
TIME IN: WHEN TIME-OUT ISN’T WORKING
St. Michael Hall (33 Elm Street, Fort Loramie)
Monday, March 24 – 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
26
Participants will learn the new tools available to positively and constructively discipline their
children. They will learn what to do, how to teach responsibility and problem solving, and how
to follow-through. Presenter is Sandy Keiser, LISW-S from Catholic Charities of Southwestern
Ohio. Fee: $15 per person. For more information or to register, please contact Rose Meyer at
937.295.2891 or email Sandy Keiser at [email protected].
CATHOLIC SOCIAL ACTION OFFICE
CARING FOR ALL LIFE ALL THROUGH LIFE: MARCH 15
Imagine sitting as an innocent man on Ohio’s Death Row waiting for your execution and a
Catholic priest meets you and uses his previous training in the medical and legal field to help
exonerate you. This is the story that Fr. Neil Kookoothe and Joe D’Ambrosio will share as
keynote speakers at the annual Catholic Relief Services Global Solidarity Conference on
Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Kennedy Union on the University of Dayton
campus. The conference will focus on the Catholic Teaching of the Consistent Ethic of Life.
Presenters will discuss a variety of life issues, including abortion, Project Rachel, euthanasia,
assisted suicide, domestic violence, bullying, gun control, ex-offender re-entry efforts, war and
strife in Syria and the Gospel’s call to each of us to respond through service and in love.
Presenters include Fr. Earl Fernandes of the Athenaeum of Ohio; Mary Hallinan, restorative
justice advocate; Nick Cardilino, Rhonda Mercs and Dr. Jana Bennett, all of the University of
Dayton; Pat Banaszak of the Family and Youth Initiatives; Susan Gottschalk of the Artemis
Center; Madeleine Philbin and Katy Ryan of the Midwest Office of Catholic Relief Services;
Mary Anne Boyd, retired from the Family and Respect Life Office; and Sue Keefe, a parishioner
at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Archdiocesan staff presenting at the conference are Deacon
Royce Winters, Joshua Danis, Noreen Wendeln, and Theresa Phillips. Catechists can also obtain
credit for the Justice and Peace course offered through the Office of Evangelization and
Catechesis. Please visit www.catholiccincinnati.org/socialaction for a brochure and online
registration or call 937.224.3026.
ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE
GREATER CINCINNATI PARISH COLLABORATIVE CONGRESS: MARCH 18
The Advocates for Justice Congress for 2014 will take place on Thursday, March 20
at 7:00 p.m. at the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Provincial House in the St. Julie Hall
(Mount Notre Dame: 701 E. Columbia Ave., Reading 45215)! This is the joyful opportunity for
parishioners throughout the region to come together around our commitment to promote Catholic
Social Teaching. At our Issue Discernment Congress last year, 30 parishes and religious
communities selected two priority issues: immigration reform and criminal justice and jobs (aka
the Dismas Journey). We also heard updates on past issues: Parishes for Life, Sudan,
Foreclosures, and the Death Penalty. A great deal has been accomplished by our two current
issue task forces over the past year. The enthusiastic engagement of parishes across the area has
illustrated a great joy for the work of the Gospel! Parishioners who are interested in joining us
are asked to RSVP by contacting us at the Catholic Social Action Office at 513.421.3131x2660
or [email protected].
March 2014 Clergy Communications
27
LOCAL CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED UNTIL MARCH 17!
Are you familiar with an organization that is empowering low-income families to tackle the root
causes of poverty? If so, the organization may be eligible to apply for a local Catholic Campaign
for Human Development grant, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. To access the application forms
and view lists of organizations currently receiving local CCHD funds, please go to
www.catholiccincinnati.org/socialaction and click on the CCHD links on the side menu or
contact us at 513.421.3131x2660. Applications should be postmarked by March 17.
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES RICE BOWL
Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl, a Lenten program, calls faith communities to pray, fast,
learn and give as one way to answer the Gospel call to assist those most in need in this year’s
program, For Lent, For Life. New this year for Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl is a spotlight
on religious education. For instance, there is a blessing of the rice bowls that parishes can use at
the beginning of Lent and an end of Lent prayer service to connect Catholic ritual with the global
solidarity that Rice Bowls encourage. To underline our Catholic identity, the CRS spiritual guide
offers students the chance to learn how Catholic saints have served the poorest and most
vulnerable. You can also sign up for the mobile app from CRS Rice Bowl. It is available for
iPhone and Android phones at iTunes and Google Play Store. CRS Rice Bowl includes a 2014
Lenten Spiritual Guide featuring Kenya Guatemala, Philippines, Malawi, and Haiti. Coordinators
and educators also are using a CD Rom of educational and interactive resources for Rice Bowl.
CRS receives 75% of all donations collected in the Archdiocese to support CRS’ programs
around the world
• Agriculture projects help farmers improve harvests;
• Mother and child health projects offer health and nutrition services;
• Water projects bring potable water to communities;
• Microfinance projects provide better incomes;
• Education projects provide opportunities for a better future.
The remaining 25% of all donations fight hunger and poverty in our Archdiocese.
DISTRIBUTING THE LOCAL SHARE OF THE CRS RICE BOWL FUNDS
The Catholic Social Action Office of the Archdiocese has initiated a pilot project to request input
through deanery meetings from parish representatives in selecting organizations to receive the
local portion of CRS Rice Bowl funds. Parish representatives are suggesting local agencies that
address poverty and hunger issues within their deanery. The meetings also give parish promoters
ideas and resources to use in promoting CRS Rice Bowl. Several deanery meetings have already
occurred in St. Lawrence, St. Andrew, St. Francis and Dayton Deaneries, and plans are underway
to reach out to parish representatives in other deaneries who promote the work and resources of
Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. For more
information about CRS Rice Bowl and the deanery meetings, please contact Pam Long at the
Catholic Social Action office 937.224.3026 or Dave Scharfenberger 513.421.3131x2611.
CRS RICE BOWL CHALLENGE GRANT
The Archdiocese’s CRS Committee again will offer two Challenge Grants of $750 each to a
parish which is participating in the CRS Rice Bowl Program for the first time and to a parish
March 2014 Clergy Communications
28
which is expanding its CRS Rice Bowl efforts. An application and information is available on
the Catholic Social Action website.
RURAL URBAN MASS PART OF THE
175TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF ST. HENRY’S PARISH
Plan to join the faith and farming community in the northern part of the Archdiocese for the 2014
Rural Urban Mass on Thursday, June 5, with Bishop Joseph Binzer presiding. St. Henry parish
will host this year’s liturgy as part of its 175th anniversary year celebration at Jim and Jan
Broering’s dairy and grain farming operation at 3920 SR 119, St. Henry, Ohio 45883. The
Broering Farm is the first farm west of town. For more information, please contact Pam Long,
Regional
Director,
Catholic
Social
Action
Office,
at
937.224.3026
or
[email protected].
CENTURY FARM REGISTRY APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31
Catholic Rural Life of St. Marys and Sidney Deaneries is now accepting applications for the
2014 Catholic Century Farm Registry. Deadline is March 31. Families who have farmed the
same land for 100 years or more are eligible for the registry. Century Family Farms will be
recognized as part of the Rural Urban Mass. Information and an application for the registry are
available
online
on
the
Catholic
Social
Action
pages:
Please
visit
www.catholiccincinnati.org/socialaction, and then click “Rural Life Ministry.”
FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAM: APRIL 30
The St. Martin Deanery Catholic Rural Life is encouraging cafeteria managers or other
appropriate staff from Archdiocesan schools in the Greater Cincinnati area to participate in an
upcoming Farm to School workshop, sponsored by The Ohio State University Extension.
Who May Attend: Farmers/produce growers and school food service supervisors and staff
Where: Mt. Orab Elementary School (474 West Main Street, Mt. Orab, OH)
When: April 30, 3:30 to 7:00 PM (includes dinner)
Fee: No Charge—but advance registration is necessary!
For more information, please contact Rural Life member Sue Basta at 937.378.4171 or
[email protected].
DEPARTMENT OF STEWARDSHIP
CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL (CMA) NEWS & NOTES
In your name…Local ministries with Christ at the center
CMA MATERIALS…
Have been mailed to over 163,000 households! These packets contain an invitation from
Archbishop Schnurr to support six vital regional ministries, bringing Christ's love to hundreds of
thousands of people each day. Resources and information can be found at
www.CatholicAppeal.info under the “Info for Parish Staff” link – the password to access
materials is: cma2007. Parishes can also track their progress throughout the Appeal on the
March 2014 Clergy Communications
29
CMA website. If you have questions about the CMA, or would like to discuss ways to strengthen
the Appeal in your parish, please contact David Kissell at [email protected].
CMA VIDEO
Please consider adding a link to the video or embedding the video on your parish website. If you
need assistance with embedding the video on your parish website, please contact David Kissell at
[email protected].
Thank you very much for your efforts towards this year’s CMA!
THE STEWARDSHIP OFFICE IS ON FACEBOOK!
Check out the Stewardship Office Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/StewardshipCincinnati
“Once one chooses to become a disciple of Jesus Christ,
stewardship is not an option.”
Bishop John J. McRaith
Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Stewardship
Please submit articles for the April Clergy Communications before March 21, 2014.
Thank You.
Clergy Communications is a monthly publication of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati at
100 East Eighth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 - Chancery Office. Tel: 513.421.3131x2842. Fax: 513.421.6225.
Website: www.CatholicCincinnati.org. Email: [email protected]
March 2014 Clergy Communications
30
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT SHEET
REPORTING ABUSE IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CINCINNATI - If you know someone
who has been abused at any time by an agent of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati (priest, deacon,
employee or volunteer), the Archdiocese urges you to contact Sandy Keiser, LISW, the
Coordinator of Ministry to Survivors of Abuse of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, at 513.263.6623
as well as the victim’s secular legal authorities.
REPORTING FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT - In a spirit of good stewardship, the
Archdiocese of Cincinnati has instituted a financial misconduct hotline to allow employees,
volunteers, vendors and other interested parties to report what they believe to be financial
misconduct at any level – parish, deanery or Archdiocese. As an additional safeguard, the hotline
is administered by an independent third-party company, EthicsPoint. You may report a concern
on this hotline either by calling one of EthicsPoint’s trained specialists at 1.888.389.0381 or by
visiting the website www.ethicspoint.com. There is also a link on the Archdiocesan website,
www.CatholicCincinnati.org, under Ministries and Offices > Finance Office > “To Report
Financial Misconduct.” (on menu on left-hand side of page) > “File a Report” (at top of page).
MINISTRY TO SURVIVORS OF ABUSE - The Archdiocese of Cincinnati regards child
abuse in all its forms, as a serious matter. If you are or have been abused by an employee or
volunteer of the Archdiocese, or are aware of abuse currently taking place, please contact Sandy
Keiser, Coordinator of Ministry to Survivors of Abuse, at 513.263.6623, or 1.800.686.2724x
6623. This is a confidential, dedicated line to accept calls related to child abuse.
REMINDER ABOUT UPCOMING ANDREW DINNERS - The Spring Andrew Dinners will
be held at the following churches: March 4: Holy Rosary, St. Mary’s; March 24: Guardian
Angels, Cincinnati; and April 3: St. Christopher, Vandalia. These are opportunities for young
men (high school age and older) to join their pastors for a dinner with Archbishop Schnurr and
a presentation on life in college seminary. The evening begins at 5:30 and is finished by 8:00
p.m. Any young man who is interested in attending one of these dinners is asked to contact his
pastor. Anybody who has a name of a young man the pastor could invite to one of these dinners
is also asked to contact the pastor.
WELCOME WEEKEND AT MOUNT ST. MARY’S SEMINARY OF THE WEST - On
Friday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m. through Saturday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m., Mount St. Mary’s
Seminary of the West is opening its doors to young men, college age and older, who are
considering their call to the priesthood. During this Welcome Weekend, men will have the
opportunity to eat and socialize with the seminarians, spend the night in the seminary, pray with
the seminarians and hear great talks on discernment and life in the seminary by talented priests
and seminarians. Those interested are asked to contact Fr. Kyle Schnippel at 513.421.3131
x2890 or [email protected].
LIVE-IN WEEKEND AT PONTIFICAL COLLEGE JOSEPHINUM - The only Pontifical
seminary outside of Europe, the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus is once again
hosting a college live-in weekend on April 3-5, 2014 for all young men high school age and
older who are considering their call to the priesthood. During this weekend you will have a
chance to fully experience seminary life as you pray, eat and socialize with current seminarians
March 2014 Clergy Communications
31
and hear great talks by priest faculty members and spiritual directors. Those interested in this
opportunity
should
contact
Fr.
Kyle
Schnippel
at
513.421.3131x2890
or
[email protected].
ARE YOU FEELING A NUDGE IN YOUR LIFE? IS IT TOWARD SERVING GOD IN
RELIGIOUS LIFE? - If you are a woman between the ages of 20-40 and are interested in
exploring this nudge, consider making the Online Discernment Retreat sponsored by
Communities of Women Religious in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Diocese of
Covington. You can meet with a Director via Skype, email or phone during Lent 2014. To
register or get more information, please contact Cathy Bauer, OSB ([email protected]; text
message at 859.468.6040 or phone at 859.331.6324.)
MARTHA DINNER - The tri-state vocation directors will host a Martha Dinner on March 13 at
St. Margaret of York Parish in Loveland from 6-8 p.m. The event is free and open to high school
girls and young women who are interested in religious life. This is an opportunity to visit with
sisters from both apostolic and monastic communities, share a meal and socialize with other
young women exploring their own call to religious life. Register by calling 513.761.9040x101 or
via email at [email protected] or [email protected].
SERVER/SACRISTAN RECOGNITION, REDS BASEBALL GAME MAY 15 - In
recognition for the service by our school children as altar servers and sacristans in the
Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Reds, and Cincinnati Serra are making available View
Level discounted tickets for $5.00 for the Reds-Padres baseball game at 12:35 p.m. on May 15 in
the Great American Ball Park. Tickets may be purchased by having the school or parish
representative call the Cincinnati Reds, Matt Ollerdisse at 513.765.7059 with a credit card.
Tickets must be purchased on or before May 2, 2014. Serra will make available “Recognition for
Service” certificates that can be personalized by each parish through its “Parish Bulletin Editor”
email distribution list.
OUR MOMS, OUR BABIES: THE STATE OF MATERNAL & INFANT HEALTH IN
CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY - Cincinnati, it’s time to face facts. Babies in our
community are dying at a rate higher than almost any other in the country. We released this
report today about the state of maternal and infant health in our community – we hope you’ll
take
a
look.
Download
the
report
here:
(2.6MB
PDF)
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/f9d7ee2ed1a953cb147518d81/files/Our_Moms_Our_Babies_
The_State_of_Maternal_and_Infant_Health_in_Cincinnati_and_Hamilton_County.pdf
If you have any questions, need more information on Cradle Cincinnati or any of the three focus
areas we will concentrate upon over the next year, please contact us at
[email protected].
Cradle Cincinnati is a collaboration between civic leaders, health departments, maternity
hospitals and other institutions working to reduce infant mortality. Together, we can create
vibrant and healthy lives for every child in Hamilton County.
OHIO BIRTHPARENT GROUP-CINCINNATI - Ohio Birthparent Group-Cincinnati (OBGC) provides a safe space for birth parents to share their adoption experiences with others who
March 2014 Clergy Communications
32
understand this life long journey. Whether your child's adoption is new or decades past, you will
be at home in our group. We meet on the 3rd Saturday of each month. The next meeting is
Saturday, March 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Blue Ash Public Library, 4911 Cooper
Road. For more information, contact [email protected].
40 Days for Life Global Prayer Campaign – March 5-April 13, 2014 - Please visit
www.40daysforlife.com/Cincinnati,
www.40daysforlife.com/Sharonville
or
www.40daysforlife.com/Dayton for vigil schedules and kick-off information.
RURAL URBAN MASS PART OF THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF ST.
HENRY’S PARISH - Plan to join the faith and farming community in the northern part of the
Archdiocese for the 2014 Rural Urban Mass on Thursday, June 5, with Bishop Joseph Binzer
presiding. St. Henry parish will host this year’s liturgy as part of its 175th anniversary year
celebration at Jim and Jan Broering’s dairy and grain farming operation at 3920 SR 119, St.
Henry, Ohio 45883. The Broering Farm is the first farm west of town. For more information,
please contact Pam Long, Regional Director, Catholic Social Action Office, 937.224.3026 or
[email protected]
CENTURY FARM REGISTRY APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31 - Catholic Rural Life of
St. Marys and Sidney Deaneries is now accepting applications for the 2014 Catholic Century
Farm Registry. Deadline is March 31. Families who have farmed the same land for 100 years or
more are eligible for the registry. Century Family Farms will be recognized as part of the Rural
Urban Mass. Information and an application for the registry are available online on the Catholic
Social Action pages: Go to www.catholiccincinnati.org/socialaction, and then click “Rural Life
Ministry.”
ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE GREATER CINCINNATI PARISH COLLABORATIVE
CONGRESS: MARCH 18 - The Advocates for Justice Congress for 2014 will take place on
Tuesday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Provincial House
in the St. Julie Hall (Mount Notre Dame: 701 E. Columbia Ave., Reading 45215)! This is the
joyful opportunity for parishioners throughout the region to come together around our
commitment to promote Catholic Social Teaching. At our Issue Discernment Congress last year,
30 parishes and religious communities selected two priority issues: immigration reform and
criminal justice and jobs (aka the Dismas Journey). We also heard updates on past issues:
Parishes for Life, Sudan, Foreclosures, and the Death Penalty. A great deal has been
accomplished by our two current issue task forces over the past year. The enthusiastic
engagement of parishes across the area has illustrated a great joy for the work of the Gospel!
Parishioners who are interested in joining us are asked to RSVP by contacting us at the Catholic
Social Action Office at 513.421.3131x2660 or [email protected].
CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION - The Archdiocese Climate Change Task Force is providing
sample bulletin announcements once a month that include a sample prayer/reflection, quote from
the Holy Father, and energy-saving/care for creation tip. Please feel free to use these as
appropriate. Reflection: Creator God, You make all things and weave them together in an
intricate tapestry of life. Teach us to respect the fragile balance of life and to care for all the gifts
of your creation. Quote from the Holy Father: "Cultivating and caring for creation is an
March 2014 Clergy Communications
33
instruction of God which he gave not only at the beginning of history, but has also given to each
one of us; it is part of his plan; it means making the world increase with responsibility,
transforming it so that it may be a garden, an inhabitable place for us all." -- Pope Francis
(General Audience on UN World Environment Day, June 2013) Care for Creation Tip:
Dishwasher users, should you use the heated drying cycle or air drying? The heated dry cycle
requires more electricity than air-drying or not drying at all. Some environmental groups
calculate that heated drying can demand 25 extra kilowatt-hours per year or more, which will
result in more than 50 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions from a coal-fired plant, along with
other pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which is why the EPA and the most
respected energy conservation organizations advise us not to use the heat-dry feature. Now, 50
pounds may not sound like a lot, but it is cumulative effect of small uses of power like this that
contribute a lot to the 22 tons of CO2 that the average U.S. resident generates every year. To
learn more, visit the Energy Start website at www.energystar.gov.
March 2014 Clergy Communications
34