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August 2014 Clergy Communications 1

OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP Due to Priest Personnel changes which have occurred over the past few months, please notify the Archbishop’s Office of your current email address. You may do so by emailing Linda Chouteau at [email protected]. Thank you. PETETION FOR PEACE Please consider using the following petition in your weekly intercessions: That Christians and other faith communities around the world who are being persecuted for their faith, especially in the Middle East, may be sustained by the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob until their religious liberty is secured, we pray to the Lord.

CHRIST AT THE CENTER

PROCLAIM: Equipping Disciples for a New Missionary Age October 6 and 7, 2014, Dayton Convention Center

Register today for PROCLAIM: Equipping Disciples for a New Missionary Age. Visit www.CatholicCincinnati.org/PROCLAIM2014 for registration, schedule, workshop descriptions, speaker bios and more! You won’t want to miss this opportunity for all ministry leaders to gather together and gain the knowledge and skills needed to better minister together in the rapidly changing cultural context. Workshop topics include identifying conversion thresholds in order to better accompany each other on the faith journey, working together in the mission of evangelization, understanding administrative tasks as part of building the Kingdom of God, and more! Don’t delay! Registrations due September 5. Late registrations will be accepted as space allows, for an increased fee. DEPARTMENT OF EXECUTIVE SERVICES CHANCERY OFFICE PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION RESOURCE MATERIALS This will be the last chance to change the amount of resource materials you did or did not receive for the Peter’s Pence collection, which was held the last weekend of June. Please contact


Linda Heidi at [email protected] with your updated request. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact Linda at 513.421.3131x2842. Thank you. FRAUDULENT LETTER ALERT We have received correspondence from the Office of the General Secretary of the USCCB alerting us of a letter that might be circulating which bears the signature of the Most Reverend Rudolf Deng Majak, Bishop of Wau. The letter contains a request for emergency relief funding for humanitarian services to refugees in South Sudan. It has been confirmed that Bishop Majak has not authorized the letter and the request is fraudulent. If additional information is needed, please contact Fr. Steve Angi, Chancellor, at 513.421.3131x2846. RECORD SEARCH We have received a Notification of Marriage from the Archdiocese of Durango, Mexico for a David Joseph Brueggemann. Please search you baptismal sacramental register book and if you find the baptismal record of David Joseph Brueggemann, please notify the Chancery Office at 513.421.3131x2842 and we will forward the notification on to you. Thanks in advance for your assistance. OFFICE OF SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH Effective August 1, 2014, all questions concerning VIRTUS® and background checks are to be directed to Jackie Heinitz at 513.421.3131x2843. All other questions and concerns should be directed to Father Steve Angi at 513.421.3131x2846. Thank you. PLEASE RETURN USCCB AUDIT CERTIFICATION LETTERS ASAP IMPORTANT: By now, all pastors, parish administrators, principals and other leaders of Archdiocese of Cincinnati institutions should have received and returned a May 15, 2014 letter asking them to certify that their institutions have implemented the Archdiocesan Decree on Child Protection during the USCCB audit period, fiscal year July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. If you have not already done so, please sign and return those letters to the Chancery Office or fax (513.421.6225) as soon as possible. Thanks to those of you who have already sent back your letters. The USCCB Auditors will review these signed letters during their live audit visit to the Archdiocese in September. FURTHER USCCB LIVE AUDIT DETAILS Every three years, the USCCB conducts a live audit for each (arch) diocese in the United States. Our last live audit was during 2011. Therefore, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will have another live audit this year on September 29, 30, and October 1, 2014. During that live audit, two USCCB Auditors will visit us and check to verify, among other things, that we were in compliance with the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and our own VIRTUS® policies and procedures during the audit period July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. The auditors will check, among other things, to see if everyone is VIRTUS® trained, is current with reading all monthly continuing VIRTUS® Bulletins and whether everyone who needs to do so has a current SELECTiON.COM® background check and / or current fingerprint background


check on file. The USCCB auditors will also visit three or four parishes to do live parish audits as part of their audit of our Archdiocesan compliance status. VOCATIONS OFFICE FINDING THE VOCATION The Lord has loved us into being for a purpose. The Society of St. Paul and the Serra Club of Cincinnati, in conjunction with the Franciscan University of Steubenville, are offering an opportunity for your young adult men and women to attune themselves to hear His call to the single, married or priesthood/religious life vocations at Annunciation Parish, Cincinnati, on October 25 - 26. Pastors are asked to have interested young adults contact Marty Arlinghaus at 440.364.4813 or [email protected]. MARTHA DINNER A Martha Dinner for young women (juniors in high school through the age of 40) who may be wondering if God is calling them to religious life is scheduled to be held at St. Dominic Parish in Delhi on Thursday, October 2. Bishop Joseph Binzer will be in attendance. The schedule is as follows: Participants arrive 5:30; Program begins at 6:00. Prayer, dinner, short presentations and an opportunity to meet with Sisters of various orders are part of the program. More information will be forthcoming: a flyer and how to register. Please be thinking about whom you might invite. DIACONATE OFFICE FEAST OF ST. LAWRENCE The deacons of the Archdiocese will renew their commitment to their diaconal ministry on the Feast of St. Lawrence. The event will be held at St. Joseph Parish in Wapakoneta on Sunday August 10. Archbishop Schnurr will be presiding. NEW ASSIGNMENT Deacon Jeff Hall has agreed to become a deacon in residence at St. Mary of the Woods in Russells Point. The assignment is effective immediately. SENIOR STATUS After more than 38 years of outstanding service to the Archdiocese, Deacon Skip Royer will be moving to Senior Status effective immediately. Deacon Royer has served the parishes of Queen of Martyrs, Corpus Christi and Our Lady of Mercy. Thank you for your service and commitment to the people of God. Deacon Ray George will also be moving to Senior Status. Deacon Ray has served the people of St. Mathias and the Archdiocese for over 30 years. His dedication to the Church is greatly appreciated. His Senior Status is effective immediately. Thank you for your service and commitment to the people of God. PREACHING WORKSHOP FOR DEACONS There will be a Preaching Workshop for Deacons on Saturday, August 23, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will be held at the Reis Center at St. Peter Parish, Huber Heights. This workshop


will be an opportunity to closely examine the new bishops’ document on the Sunday homily, Preaching the Mystery of Faith. Deacon David Shea will lead the participants as we review and assess the key points of the document and explore the challenges that these points represent for deacons as preachers and for the Church as a whole. We will also review what Pope Francis has to say about preaching and the homily in Evangelii Gaudium. The results are surprising, affirming and challenging. DEACON RETREATS There are two deacon retreats scheduled for this fall:

September 23 - 25 – St. Meinrad Archabbey The Way, the Truth, the Life with Fr. Vincent Tobin, OSB October 10 - 12 – The Spiritual Canter of Maria Stein

Deacon Saints with Bishop Joe Binzer OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS THE YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE The Year of Consecrated Life begins on November 30, 2014 and ends on February 2, 2016. There will be a Liturgy here in the Archdiocese to both open and close this year called for by Pope Francis. The Opening Liturgy for the Year of Consecrated Life will be held at Emmanuel Church in Dayton on November 30 at their 10:30 a.m. Mass with Bishop Joseph Binzer as celebrant. All the People of God are invited to join in this celebration DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING OFFICE PARISH ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE Parish Accounting Software Information sessions for August are scheduled for:

Tuesday, August 12, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Archdiocesan Central Offices Tuesday, August 19, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Pilarczyk Center in Dayton

We will review some of the latest modifications to the system and other items of interest that you can choose. Please notify Anne Morrow ([email protected]) if you plan on attending. Also, if you have particular topics that you want presented, please include them in the email to Anne.

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.

Also, you must close the fiscal year June 30, 2014 before you submit reports to your pastor, finance council, parish and Archdiocese. The assessments will only be calculated using the “closed” fiscal year.


If you need individual assistance, please contact Dan Umberg ([email protected]) or Anne Morrow ([email protected]). ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT - PARISHSOFT All parishes and consolidated schools are required to submit an Annual Financial Report each year to the Finance Office. Please provide a copy of the following reports from the ParishSoft program for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014:

1) Statement of Activities – Columnar by Entity Select Only Entities with Activity Under Section 1 Choose “Category” Under Section 2 Choose “Account”

2) Statement of Financial Position Under Column 1 Choose “YTD Balance: Under Column 2 Choose “YTD Last Year” Under Column 3 Choose “YTD Change” Under Group Section 1 Choose “Level 1” Under Report Form Choose “Detail” Under Report Options Choose “Suppress Zero Accounts” Under Report Options Choose “Print Shortcuts”

3) ParishSoft cover page (available on website under Finance Office Documents)

Again, you must close the fiscal year June 30, 2014 before you submit reports to your pastor, finance council, parish and Archdiocese. The assessments will only be calculated using the “closed” fiscal year.

The Finance Office will utilize the Statement of Activities – Columnar by Entity report to calculate the General Assessment bill. This year’s due date is August 29, 2014.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the parishes and consolidated schools to submit complete and balanced reports. The Finance Office may return any report that is out-of-balance or incomplete.

The Financial Report must be examined by either the Finance Committee of the Parish Council or by a Certified Public Accounting Firm.

In addition to submitting a Financial Report to the Finance Office, the pastor must publish a Financial Report to the members of the parish, including a separate report of the elementary school operations, by September 30th of each year. The report to the parishioners should contain the budget for the year reported, the actual experience, and the budget for the coming year.

Thanks for your cooperation in completing the Financial Report on a timely basis. Please contact Steve Burger in the Finance Office at 513.421.3131x2850 with any questions. DESIGNATED COLLECTIONS As a reminder, if your Parish has not yet remitted the funds collected for the various Archdiocesan Designated Collections, please do so as soon as possible. These funds are not the property of the parish and should not be used for operating expenses. Parishes should send the monies collected for Archdiocesan Designated Collections shortly after the collection date to the


Finance Office, with the exception of the Mission Sunday collection which should go to the Mission Office. Thanks for your cooperation. Please contact Steve Burger in the Finance Office at 513.421.3131x2850 with any questions. PARISHSOFT GENERAL LEDGER BILLING The Finance Office will be mailing the billings for the Parish Soft general ledger program to each location by the end of August, 2014. The billings will be for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015. The amount of the annual billing for this year will range from a minimum of $100.00 to a maximum of $500.00 based on number of households or students for consolidated schools. Please direct questions relating to the billings to either Steve Burger (ext. 2850) or Dan Umberg (ext. 2804), 513.421.3131. NEW RATE ON INVESTMENT NOTES The interest rate paid on Archdiocesan investment notes for the period July 1, 2014 to September 15, 2014 will be 2.50%. The rate will change again on September 16, 2014 and will remain in effect from September 16, 2014 thru March 15, 2015. This rate is posted on the Finance Office section of the Archdiocesan website. Please contact Steve Burger @ 513-421-3131 ext. 2850 with any questions. OFFICE OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Mark your calendars! Property Management will be running a workshop (lunch included) on how to successfully put together construction contracts. This will be a hands-on time to learn and practice putting contracts together and will be geared for business managers and employees who work with setting up construction contracts. This workshop will be given from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m., both in Dayton at the Pilarczyk Center on October 21, and at the Cincinnati Archdiocesan Central Offices at 100 East 8th Street on October 22. More details to come! DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES Greetings from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati (AOC) Human Resources Department! We invite you to visit our webpage on the AOC website where you will find a host of HR related information. We recommend you visit our site periodically as this is where we post HR updates, notices, changes, etc. To reach our page, click on “Ministries & Offices” at the top of the main AOC webpage. You will land on a page with two alphabetic columns listing the various offices in the Archdiocese. You will find the link to the Human Resources page at the bottom of the first column. A recent communication on the HR webpage announced the updated Leaves of Absence, Fit for Duty, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) forms. We appreciate that “one size does not always fit all” when it comes to Leaves of Absence in general and FMLA in particular. To that end, we have updated/added forms to help ensure you are able to navigate any leave and/or fit for duty situation you may encounter. As always, we welcome your phone calls or emails to help clarify or answer questions about this sometimes tricky subject.


Finally, Rob Reid and Meg Paul will be presenting a module at the upcoming Proclaim Summit in October at the Dayton Convention Center. The module, titled “Developing and Equipping Ministers,” will focus on the recruitment and hiring of parish staff ministers as well as the importance of establishing and communicating performance expectations to your newly hired minister so that, as Paul told us in his letter to the Romans, “. . . we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” DEPARTMENT OF PASTORAL SERVICES FAMILY AND RESPECT LIFE OFFICE (FARLO) HELP OHIO RIGHT TO LIFE FIND A LOGO FOR NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE MONTH! National Right to Life Month is October, and we are looking for a creative logo that demonstrates and represents what the pro-life movement is all about. This contest is for all pro-life high school and junior high-aged teens. The winner and their logo will be featured on the Ohio Right to Life website and any and all Right to Life Month literature and products! Deadline for all entries if September 12. For more details and rules, please call or email Laura Beth Kirsop, Director of Communications at ORTL, at 614.547.0099x309 or [email protected]. PROJECT RACHEL DAY OF REFLECTION FOR OTHERS Project Rachel is offering a Day of Reflection for others affected by the trauma of abortion, Saturday, October 11, 2014, in the northern part of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The day will include prayer, witnesses, and a healing service that includes the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A continental breakfast and light lunch will be provided. There is no cost. “I’m thankful for the powerful, healing reminder that as long as we turn to God, He will love us no matter what.” -N, past participant. For specific times and location or to register, please call the confidential hotline at 513.784.0531. PROJECT RACHEL WEEKEND RETREAT Project Rachel is offering a three-day retreat for post-abortive women in Cincinnati on November 7, 8, and 9. The cost is $125, but scholarships are available and cost should not be a barrier. It’s time for a second chance. Choose to accept God’s love and forgive yourself. “The women of Project Rachel supported me lovingly, and started me on the path to healing. God forgave me, but I still had to forgive myself. God does not want you to be broken-He wants you to be the Holy Person He created you to be.” -G., past retreat participant. For specific times and location or more information, please call the confidential hotline at 513.784.0531. RETROUVAILLE A Catholic-sponsored, confidential program open to all faiths. It offers a chance to rediscover yourself, and your spouse. It is for couples who have experienced a breakdown in communication, become unloving and uncaring, thinking of separation or divorce or who are separated. The next program in Cincinnati will begin the weekend of September 5 - 7, 2014.


For further information and registration, please call 513.793.6777 or 800.470.2230 or visit the website at www.retrouvaille.org. Scholarships may be available. SAVE THE DATE! LifeTech Conference - September 6, 2014, at the Mandalay Conference Center in Dayton, Ohio. For more information, please visit www.LifeTechConference.org SUSAN VOGT’S MARRIAGE AND PARENTING POINTERS – FREE PARISH RESOURCE Want to introduce your people to Pope Francis' Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel) in small bite-size pieces? Susan Vogt did the work, so you won't have to. She pulled out her 97 favorite quotes and calls them 97 Prime Pope Francis Quotes. Please visit http://susanvogt.net/PDF/Evangelii%20Gaudium%20quotes.pdf to view for more details. If a parish put one a week in its parish bulletin it would cover almost two years of inspiration. They are yours to use, free. FOCCUS TRAINING There will be a one-day FOCCUS training offered on Saturday, August 30, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at St. Gertrude Church in Madeira. The cost is $80.00 per couple. To register, please contact Louise Davis at 513.421.3131x2621 or [email protected]. MISSION OFFICE WHERE TO SEND MISSIONARIES’ CHECKS? Various missionaries and representatives from mission dioceses who have come through our MCP (Missionary Co-op Plan) have told the Mission Office of the warm welcome and kindness from our pastors and parishioners. The Mission Office thanks you for promoting the universality and solidarity of our church! Please remember that once the donations are collected they need to be sent promptly and addressed to the Mission Office, 100 E. Eighth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202. Please do NOT send these collections to the Chancery Office or the missionary organization, for they need to be properly recorded at our Archdiocesan Mission Office for Vatican records. If you have not heard from your assigned MCP person, please let the Mission Office know by contacting Melonise Knight at 513.421.3131x2631. NOTE! If you have any extra Mass stipends please send them with the Mission Office at the address above to support our missionaries. WORLD MISSION SUNDAY PACKETS COMING To help you celebrate World Mission Sunday, October 19, packets will be coming to your church to share with your staff. On that day Catholics around the world will pray for and make contributions to the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith that aids 1,150 mission dioceses mostly in Asia and Africa. Encourage your Catholics to be in solidarity with fellow Catholics becoming priests, sisters, catechists, and teachers in struggling parts of the world in need of God’s Good News. World Mission Sunday materials may already be found online at: iamamissionary.org. In Pope Francis’ World Mission Day 2014 statement, he states: “World Mission Day is a privileged moment when the faithful of various continents engage in prayer and


concrete gestures of solidarity in support of the young Churches in mission lands. It is a celebration of grace and joy. A celebration of grace, because the Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, offers wisdom and strength to those who are obedient to his action. A celebration of joy, because Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, sent to evangelize the world, supports and accompanies our missionary efforts. This joy of Jesus and missionary disciples leads me to propose a biblical icon, which we find in the Gospel of Luke (cf. 10:21-23).” “HOLY BUCKETS” - FOR ADVENT PRS/PREP PROGRAMS (Re) Introduce your parish children to the Missionary Childhood Association (formerly the Holy Childhood Association) and to INVITE their teachers to the “Holy Buckets” Advent program. This MCA program enables students to understand that we belong to a world-wide church and that they are called to solidarity with students around the world. “Holy Buckets” includes fund- raising activities, but also the students are asked for “Prayers of Goodness” and “Advent Actions,” all of which are put into the bucket. There is an educational packet for every participating classroom that includes: a letter of explanation, the leaders guide, a bucket and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of donations, prayers and good deeds. Please contact Teresa Phillips at [email protected] or 513.421.3131x2632 if you are interested in participating. TRIP FOR POTENTIAL LAY MISSIONERS On February 12 - 28, 2015, Dr. Mike Gable of the Mission Office will be co-leading a trip to Cambodia to visit one of our lay missioners serving there. Dr. Gable is looking for potential lay missioners to join him to get a taste of that type of church work. For details, please contact him at: [email protected]. For more information about other lay missionary or volunteer opportunities, short-term or long-term, in the U.S. or abroad, contact Dr. Gable and www.catholicvolunteernetwork.org. HOLY FATHER’S MISSION INTENTIONS August: Refugees. That refugees, forced by violence to abandon their homes, may find a generous welcome and the protection of their rights. Oceania. That Christians in Oceania may joyfully announce the faith to all the people of that region. September: Mentally disabled. That the mentally disabled may receive the love and help they need for a dignified life. Service to the poor. That Christians, inspired by the Word of God, may serve the poor and suffering. PRIESTS’ PERSONNEL OFFICE THE OHIO NATIONAL GUARD The Ohio National Guard is in need of a Catholic priest for the Chaplain Corps. The position is part-time, one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer, and includes a benefit package and other incentives. The applicant must be between the ages of 21-47, have 2 years full-time professional experience, and be able to pass a physical examination. The duty will not necessarily occur within the boundaries of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. If you have any interest or questions, please feel free to contact Bishop Joe Binzer ([email protected] or 513.263.6601) or Staff Sergeant Christopher Topel of the Ohio National Guard at [email protected]. Thank you.


PRIESTLY FORMATION OFFICE NEWER CLERGY OVERNIGHT Sunday, September 7 through Monday, September 8 at Bergamo, for classes 2011 to 2014. On Sunday, please arrive by 4:00 p.m., we will use breviary for Vespers; dinner out; on Monday, Mass together or on your own; depart at noon. Please RSVP to Sarah at: [email protected]. PARISH ADMINISTRATION WORKSHOP Tuesday, September 30, 2014 (9:00 a.m. sign-in; program begins at 9:30 a.m.); Bainbridge K of C Hall, Dayton. FREE to priests w/Archdiocesan assignment. Workshop is for pastors, (especially first-time pastors; parochial vicars also welcome), administrators, business managers, office managers, and others with responsibility for management of temporal affairs in parishes. Presenters are members of the Parish Business Managers Association, with years of experience in parish work. Please watch for a flyer in the mail in early August. CONVOCATION This year the fall convocation is replaced by the Summit: PROCLAIM–EQUIPPING DISCIPLES FOR A NEW MISSIONARY AGE, October 6 - 7, 2014 in Dayton, Ohio. More details to follow. 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. GOSPEL WORKSHOP Gospel of Mark presented by Michael Byrnes, an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Tuesday, October 28 at Bainbridge K of C Hall, Dayton, and Wednesday, October 29 at the Athenaeum of Ohio. Free to priests with Archdiocesan assignment. LOOKING TOWARD NEXT SPRING The spring retreat for priests will be at Maria Stein, February 23 - 27, 2015 (the first full week of Lent). Retreat director to be announced. N.B.: Due to a fall already filled with activities, the parish personnel workshop will not be offered this fall; we are looking to schedule this workshop in the summer of 2015.


WORSHIP OFFICE LECTOR WORKBOOKS AND SOURCEBOOKS The Worship Office is taking orders for the LTP 2015 Lector Workbooks and Sourcebooks for Sundays and Seasons.

A Workbook of Lectors and Gospel Readers 2015 (Lector Workbooks)

1-49 copies $ 10.50 per copy* 50 + copies $ 10.00 per copy*

Sourcebook for Sundays and Seasons 2015 (Sourcebooks) Single copy $ 11.50 per copy* 2 + copies $ 10.50 per copy* * plus shipping and handling

To see other annual publications please visit our web site: 2015 Annual Publications for order

To order publications, please contact Lisa Weber in the Worship Office of the Archdiocese at 513.421.3131x6609 or by email at [email protected]. ANNUAL LITURGICAL CALENDAR NOTES For the annual liturgical calendar notes for 2015, please go to: http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Liturgical-Calendar-notes-2015.pdf. THE “LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU” 2015 Mark your calendars! Tuesday, March 3, 2015, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. We will once again open our doors to those seeking to return to the Sacrament of Penance through the “Light is ON for You” initiative. ANNUAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS For the Worship Office annual calendar of events 2014 – 2015, please go to http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Workshop-Calendar-14-15.pdf. LITURGICAL CALENDAR UPDATE This year, the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross falls on Sunday, September 14. This feast day takes precedence over the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. All Saints Day falls on a Saturday, and therefore, is not a Holy Day of Obligation. The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed falls on Sunday, November 2. This memorial of the faithful departed takes precedence over the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica falls on Sunday, November 9. This feast takes precedence over the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. UPCOMING PROGRAMS


WLP – SING THE SEASONS CHORAL READING SESSION 2014 Two music reading sessions sponsored by World Library Publications (WLP) will be held on Tuesday, August 19 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at St. John, West Chester (http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/STS14_flyer_Cincinnati.pdf) and Tuesday, August 19 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Incarnation, Centerville (http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/STS14_flyer_Dayton.pdf). Please click on the desired date for more information and registration. ENVIRONMENT & ART: DECORATING FOR THE SEASONS

Tuesday, August 26, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish, Anna, OH Wednesday, August 27, 2014 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.,

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Cincinnati Wednesday, August 27, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Centerville

A workshop for environment and art committee members, worship commission members, and those interested in learning about creating appropriate environment for worship, especially when decorating for the liturgical season. For more information and registration, please go to: http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/E-A-brochure-08-14B.pdf. THE ROLE OF PARISH WORSHIP COMMISSIONS WORKSHOP

Wednesday, September 3, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at St. Susanna Parish, Mason Tuesday, September 9, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at St. Helen Parish, Dayton

This workshop is designed for members of parish worship commissions who would like to gain a better understanding of their role on a worship commission, as well as develop an understanding for the function and purpose of parish worship commissions. For more information and registration, please go to: http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/RPWC-flyer-9-2014.pdf. ADULT CANTOR WORKSHOP Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon at St. Christopher Church, Vandalia This program will focus on introductory materials and skills for people who are cantors in the parish. This workshop will be of value to those who are beginning to serve in the role of cantor as well as those who have had some experience. For more information and registration, please go to: http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Cantor-Workshop-Flyer-14.pdf. YOUTH CANTOR WORKSHP, GRADES 5 – 8 Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church, Cincinnati. This workshop is designed to train young people in the art of leading an assembly as cantor, psalmist, and leader of song. For more information and registration, please go to: http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Cantor-Workshop-Youth-Brochure-2014.pdf.


CELEBRATING FIFTY YEARS OF SANCROSANCTUM CONCILIUM October – November 2014. As we close out the anniversary year of Sacrosanctum concilium, the Worship Office will be offering a five-week series to remember, celebrate, and even critique the remarkable impact of the reforms of the liturgy brought about by Sancrosanctum concilium. More information to come! RCIA TEAM FORMATION DAY - SAVE THE DATE! Forming Disciples: Catechesis in the RCIA with Mary Birmingham Mary Birmingham, a nationally known theologian, author and speaker on liturgical catechesis and the RCIA, will be presenting two workshops on catechesis in the catechumenate on Friday, November 14, 2014 at the Athenaeum of Ohio and Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Ascension Parish, Kettering from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day. More information to come! 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/ 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 FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP FOR COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH MINISTRY “Must-Have” Education and Training for Staff-Level Youth Ministry Leaders Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., from August 28 – December 18. Foundations of Leadership is designed for those who bear responsibility for directing/coordinating a faith community’s comprehensive youth ministry as part-time or full-time staff-level youth ministers. For additional information and registration, please visit: http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/youth-ministry/adult-training/foundations/. CATHOLIC YOUTH ATHLETICS INITIATIVE AND CHARTER IMPLEMENTATION Athletics leaders have been contacted to solicit recommendations for potential Archdiocesan Athletics Commission members, and church and school leaders are welcome as well to recommend Commission members. A job description for Commissioner members may be accessed here: http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Commission_Membership_7-17.pdf. Recommendations may be submitted here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CYAC_Nominations Important: To recommend someone, you will need to know the person’s name, home parish, affiliated athletic organization (if any), and email or phone number. Only one person per athletics organization or league should submit recommendations for that organization or league. Additional recommendations (up to three) are welcome from Church leaders such as pastors,


deacons, youth ministers, catechetical leaders, elementary school principal via the link above. Deadline for recommendations is Friday, August 8. DAYTON AREA ORIENTATION TO ATHLETICS CHARTER AND INITIATIVE Tuesday, August 5, St. Luke Parish Center, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. An orientation session to the Charter on Catholic Youth Athletics is scheduled on August 5th, explicitly for leadership, including pastors, principals, boosters leaders, and any others who may have a leadership role in relation to parish and elementary-age athletics (e.g., youth minister or business manager). This session is not mandatory, but offered to help people better understand what the Charter requires and recommends. No more than six people from a given parish/school/athletics program may attend, including up to three church/school leaders and up to three athletics organization (boosters) leaders. You can only register yourself, and only for one session. To register, email [email protected] and include your name, role, parish/school athletics organization, and contact information. To prepare for the session, review the Charter here: http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ayatf/. PLANNING FOR THE FALL EVENING JUNIOR HIGH RALLY “CHOSEN: CALLED TO BE MORE” November 8, 2014, Good Shepherd Church (Montgomery area, Cincinnati region). Details TBA. NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY (NCCYM) December 4 - 6, 2014, San Antonio, Texas. Youth Ministry leaders will gather from across the U.S.A. and internationally in San Antonio TX on December 4 - 6, 2014 to enjoy this showcase of the best of what Catholic youth ministry has to offer. Scores of youth ministers from the Archdiocese typically attend this biennial conference. For details and registration, please visit http://nccym.nfcym.org/ MINISTRY ENRICHMENT DAY FOR YOUTH MINISTRY LEADERS WITH BOB RICE ON JUNIOR HIGH MINISTRY December 9, 2014, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Youth ministers, catechetical leaders and catechists who provide ministry and faith formation with junior high and middle school kids should mark their calendars and plan on attending. Location TBA. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES OFFICE OF EVANGELIZATION AND CATECHESIS CHRIST AT THE CENTER… The infusion bulletin for Ordinary Time, August 24 – October 5, 2014 is included with this mailing. The Spanish edition is also included.


NCEA IFG: ACRE IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CINCINNATI Just a Reminder: The NCEA:IFG ACRE Assessment must be administered in every parish and school annually (Religious Education Policy #2108.02). Now is the time to order materials and schedule the assessment. Catholic High School students (typically Grade 12) sit for NCEA:IFG ACRE in the fall with answer sheets due to CAL by November 21, 2014. Grades 5 and 8 in Catholic Schools and chosen grades in Parish Schools of Religion take the assessment in January or early February with answer sheets due to CAL by February 13. 2015. To order materials, please link to http://ncea.caltesting.org FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information, including an “Administration Checklist,” on NCEA:IFG ACRE in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, please go to http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/evangelization-and-catechesis/, and click on the “NCEA ACRE” icon or contact Mary Montour at 513.421.3131x2732, or [email protected]. DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHWESTERN OHIO WORKSHOPS FALL PREVENTION Morrow United Methodist Church, 510 Welch Road, Morrow, Monday, August 11, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Falls among seniors are becoming an epidemic. Do you know of a person who is at risk for a fall? Prevention is possible. Workshop participants will learn how to take steps to prevent falls. They will be given a house safety checklist and a questionnaire to assess whether a family member is at risk. Presented by Kim Nartker, PTA, owner of Stretch Physical Therapy and Total Wellness. Program is free. Please call Margaret Iannaci at 513.929.4483 for more information or to register. A SAFE DRIVE THROUGH THE AGING PROCESS St. Bernard Parish, 735 Derby Avenue, Spring Grove Village, Thursday, August 14, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Nancy Schuester, Executive Director for ITN Greater Cincinnati, will present a direct, yet compassionate, approach to the very sensitive subject of recognizing the time when seniors must relinquish some of their driving independence. Ms. Schuester discusses ways to recognize and compensate for diminishing skills so seniors can remain on the roadways as safe drivers. Program is free. Please call Margaret Iannaci at 513.929.4483 for more information or to register. TEAMING UP WITH THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: ENHANCING THE CARE OF A LOVED ONE St. Susanna Parish (Undercroft), Mason, Wednesday, August 27, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. This presentation offers caregivers the insight and tools to effectively communicate with family members, physicians, nurses, social workers, and others who are involved in the care of a loved


one. Program is free. Please call Margaret Iannaci at 513.929.4483 for more information or to register. 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 non-residents (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 & IN-KIND 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 our 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 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. CATHOLIC SOCIAL ACTION OFFICE ARCHBISHOP SCHNURR ISSUES MESSAGE ON UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN Joins Pope Francis and U.S. Catholic Bishops in Urging Us to Help Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Children and Mothers - A humanitarian crisis has emerged on our nation's border, with an expected 90,000 unaccompanied migrant children to arrive by the end of September. Soon after Pope Francis appealed to the U.S. to help protect and welcome these children, Archbishop Dennis Schnurr released a statement to "prepare our hearts" and urge "compassion for these children, prayers for their well-being, and a willingness to respond if needed." He states:

Despite all of the messy, political aspects of this situation, our response as Christians is fairly straight-forward. While the children are here, even if temporarily, we must care for and protect


them. Our Holy Father Francis and the U.S. bishops have strongly reinforced this, and the Gospel's mandate to love the most poor and vulnerable tells us that this is a faithful response, not a political one. The long-term solution to this crisis will require a repaired immigration system, more robust development efforts in the nations South of our border, and a bolder commitment to our relationship with them. Yet, for now, the more urgent matter is opening our hearts to homeless children. Access the full statement by going to www.catholiccincinnati.org/socialaction or The Catholic Telegraph at www.thecatholictelegraph.com. HOW TO SUPPORT THE CHILDREN While some migrant children in this crisis have relocated with local families, there is no word yet as to whether any larger numbers of them would be temporarily placed in communities in our Archdiocese while their legal claims are processed, they are reunited with their families, or they are returned home. Please stay tuned for volunteer requests should this be the case. For now, we encourage you to:

• Contact Congress today to urge them to respond to these children with compassion, giving them the due process afforded to those who have legitimate persecution claims. Send your U.S. Senators and Representative an email by going to www.confrontglobalpoverty.org.

• Share the in-depth information provided by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on this crisis in your parishes, school, or faith community. Access the bishops' "Unaccompanied Migrant Children Resource Kit" by going to www.justiceforimmigrants.org.

• Donate to Catholic Charities agencies working on the border to address the immediate needs of these children by going to www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

JACK JEZREEL TO ENCOURAGE A GOOD NEWS PEOPLE AND YOUTH Come spend an evening and hear inspirational speaker Jack Jezreel on Wednesday, August 27, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at St. Michael Hall, 33 Elm St., Fort Loramie, Ohio 45845-0007. Jack will not only inspire you but identify some tools, including Good News People and Justice Walking, that can help inspire your parish and its youth. Good News People is a dynamic capacity-and momentum-building program to engage entire parish communities. It is an encounter with God in everyday life, designed to deepen and share faith and connect faith with action. Justice Walking is a program for youth that is a journey of being rooted and grounded in love. For over fourteen years, JustFaith Ministries has been crafting parish resources that inspire a deeper faith, a wider love and the courage to make a difference in the lives of our sisters and brothers in harm’s way. Jack Jezreel, M.Div., is the Founder and President of JustFaith Ministries, an organization dedicated to creating and supporting formation processes that inspire commitment to social ministry. He is a popular and well-traveled speaker and teacher, sometimes introduced as the “Johnny Appleseed” of the U.S. Church’s social mission. The Catholic Social Action Office is partnering with St. Michael’s on Jack’s presentation. Please call Ann Bollheimer at St. Michael Parish in Ft. Loramie, 937.295.2891, or email [email protected] to make reservations.


FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS 2014 From St. Francis, to Pope Francis, to YOU! Creating a Climate for Solidarity The national Catholic Coalition on Climate Change, a ministry endorsed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be releasing a new formational program, called From St. Francis to Pope Francis to You! Creating a Climate for Solidarity. It will be a 90-minute, multimedia presentation combining short video testimonials with group reflection processes that highlight the impacts of climate change on the world's poorest and most vulnerable people and communities. Each program will be offered in Parish, College, and Youth versions and in both English and Spanish. All materials will be FREE of charge! Free, downloadable resources will be available by September 1. There will be a detailed discussion guide as well as promotional materials to help announce your event and to encourage faithful engagement on caring for Creation and poor people. Begin planning now for your parish, school, campus ministry or other group to participate in this nationwide effort. For more information, please contact: [email protected], or Tony Stieritz at the Catholic Social Action Office at 513. 421.3131x2660. JOIN US FOR A FARM MASS CELEBRATED BY ARCHBISHOP SCHNURR On Friday, September 5, at 7:00 p.m., the St. Martin Deanery Catholic Rural Life Conference is organizing a Farm Mass at the farm of Randy Louiso, located at 276 Unity Road, West Union, Ohio 45693. The host parish will be Holy Trinity in West Union. Archbishop Dennis Schnurr will celebrate this Mass during which we will pray for God’s continued blessing on our local farm families and the vitality of our rural communities. All are welcome! Bring a chair, if you can. For more information, please contact the office or Pat Hornschemeier at 937.378.4769 (day) or 937.378.4560 (evening). FORGIVENESS AFTER LOSING HIS DAUGHTER IN THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING Bud Welch, whose 23-year-old daughter Julie, was killed along with 167 others in the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, will speak about his journey through anger, pain, hatred and revenge to ultimately reach forgiveness and a strong desire to end the death penalty when he speaks at the annual Distinguished Speaker program in Dayton. St. Charles Borromeo Parish will host the event Wednesday, October 15, beginning with a light supper at 5:30 p.m., followed by music at 6:30 p.m. and Mr. Welch’s presentation at 7:00 p.m. Bud has been interviewed by Larry King and Bill Moyers and appeared on “Good Morning America,” the “Today Show,” CBS’s “60 Minutes” and “Dateline NBC.” He has written pieces for both Time and Newsweek. He received the “Abolitionist of the Year” award from the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. He has participated in the “Journey of Hope” and many other anti-death penalty activities and organizations. Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley and the Archdiocesan Catholic Social Action Office in partnership with Weavers of Justice, a collaborative of Catholic parishes and organizations in the Dayton area, coordinate the program. For reservations and information, please call 800.300.2937x1141 or visit www.cssmv.org/events. Students are welcome to attend the event at no charge. Parishes that sponsor the event will get a supply of tickets to distribute. For more information, please contact Pam Long at the Catholic Social Action Office, 937.224.3026, or by email, [email protected].


DEPARTMENT OF STEWARDSHIP CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL (CMA) EXCEEDS $5 MILLION GOAL! In your name…Local ministries with Christ at the center. Congratulations and thank you! Parishioner contributions to the Catholic Ministries Appeal have now exceeded $5,000,000 from over 32,000 households. This marks the second consecutive year the CMA has reached its $5 million goal. The Stewardship Department extends a sincere “thank you” to parish staff members and volunteers who helped promote this year’s appeal. Archbishop Schnurr will celebrate three Masses of Thanksgiving for the CMA during the month of August. Dates, times, and locations of the Masses are listed below:

Sunday, August 3, 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral (Cincinnati)

Sunday, August 10, 11:00 a.m. at St. Denis Parish, Versailles

Sunday, August 24, 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lebanon

All are welcome to attend these Masses as we celebrate and give thanks for another great year. THANK YOU again for your efforts in support of the six regional ministries funded by the CMA! CMA STATISTICS & PARISH PROGRESS Totals for this year’s CMA, including parish progress, continue to be available at www.CatholicAppeal.info under the “Info for Parish Staff” link – the password to access this section is: cma2007. NEED HELP WITH STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN YOUR PARISH? The Stewardship Department is available to help with efforts such as planning sessions, days of reflection, presentations to parish leadership, annual renewals, etc. Contact David Kissell ([email protected] or 513.421.3131x2881) to learn more and/or to discuss specific needs at your parish and ways we may be able to help. MISCELLANEOUS CALLING ALL PRIESTS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CINCINNATI You are invited to enjoy an evening of Beer, Brats, and Brotherhood hosted by the seminarians of Mount St. Mary’s on Friday, August 29, 2014. The evening will kick off at 4:00 p.m. with drinks and appetizers followed by a 5:00 p.m. cookout in the Marian Courtyard at The Athenaeum. Join us for a relaxing evening with great food and fellowship! We are looking forward to welcoming you. Please R.S.V.P. by contacting Jan Hagedorn at 513.231.2333 or [email protected]. PREPARE TO REMINISCE WITH CLASSMATES AND FRIENDS Alumni Reunion September 26: Features Dinner, Music, Social and Door Prizes The 2014 Athenaeum Alumni Reunion Friday, September 26, will be centered in the Marian Courtyard and feature tours, a social hour and a dinner with outdoor fare – barbecued ribs and


boneless chicken. Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr will celebrate Mass and the Stormy Weather Jazz Quintet will provide soft classic jazz for listening pleasure during the social and dinner. Alumni are invited to tour the Athenaeum at their own pace and seminarians will greet them at specific places of interest, including the Eugene H. Maly Memorial Library and its rare book collection; the recently renovated Immaculate Conception Chapel; the St. Gregory Chapel and its stained glass windows and mosaics, and a seminarian suite. The reunion has been organized by the Athenaeum of Ohio Alumni Executive Committee with Deacon Bill Staun serving as event chairperson. Committee member Kim Lukens is coordinating door prizes. Watch for details of the event coming to you by mailings and e-mail. Cost of the event is $30 for singles and $50 for couples. Organize eight of your classmates or other alums, and reserve a table of eight for $200. It includes dinner, two drink tickets and surprises. You may pay for additional drinks. To make a reservation, please email [email protected] or call 513-233-6113. LOOKING FOR A CRUCIFIX La Salle High School is searching for a 4 to 5-foot tall crucifix to display in its gymnasium. If you have one in storage that is not being used, and you are open to giving it to La Salle, please contact Principal Tom Luebbe at [email protected] or 513.741.2685. Thank you! AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE YOUR PARISH WCPO.com has expanded community coverage on its updated website. One feature is entitled “Where We Pray,” reported by Laura A. Hobson. The feature covers houses of worship in Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont counties, with particular emphasis on what makes the specific church unique and why people attend that church. There is a questionnaire to fill out and return to Ms. Hobson, along with a picture of the pastor, church and the name/contact information of a parishioner for a brief interview. So far, the series has featured Old St. Mary's and Holy Cross-Immaculata, as well Episcopal, Presbyterian, Friends (Quaker), Baptist, Jewish and Unitarian houses of worship. If your church is in the target counties and you are interested, you can contact Ms. Hobson at [email protected]. The entire feature will appear on the Insider Edition, which requires a subscription. However, all viewers can see the top part of the article. Ms. Hobson will send the participating parish a Word document of the complete story.

Please submit articles for the September Clergy Communications before August 20, 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]


BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT SHEET MINISTRY TO SURVIVORS OF ABUSE (REPORTING) - 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 Ms. Cherie Groman, Coordinator of Ministry to Survivors of Abuse, at 513.263.6623, or 1.800.686.2724x6623. This is a confidential, dedicated line to accept calls related to child abuse by employees or volunteers. In addition, be sure to notify the survivor’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).

RETROUVAILLE – a Catholic sponsored, confidential program open to all faiths. It offers a chance to rediscover yourself, and your spouse. It is for couples who have experienced a breakdown in communication, become unloving and uncaring, thinking of separation or divorce or who are separated. The next program in Cincinnati will begin the weekend of September 5-7, 2014. For further information and registration call 513.793.6777 or 800.470.2230 or visit the website at www.retrouvaille.org. Scholarships may be available.

PROJECT RACHEL DAY OF REFLECTION FOR OTHERS - Project Rachel is offering a Day of Reflection for others affected by the trauma of abortion, Saturday, October 11, 2014, in the northern part of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The day will include prayer, witnesses, and a healing service that includes the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A continental breakfast and light lunch will be provided. There is no cost. “I’m thankful for the powerful, healing reminder that as long as we turn to God, He will love us no matter what.” -N, past participant. For specific times and location or to register, please call the confidential hotline at 513.784.0531.

PROJECT RACHEL WEEKEND RETREAT - Project Rachel is offering a three-day retreat for post-abortive women in Cincinnati on November 7, 8, and 9. The cost is $125 but scholarships are available and cost should not be a barrier. It’s time for a second chance. Choose to accept God’s love and forgive yourself. “The women of Project Rachel supported me lovingly, and started me on the path to healing. God forgave me, but I still had to forgive myself. God does not want you to be broken-He wants you to be the Holy Person He created you to be.” -G., past retreat participant. For specific times and location or more information, please call the confidential hotline at 513.784.-0531.

JOIN US FOR A FARM MASS CELEBRATED BY ARCHBISHOP SCHNURR – On Friday, September 5, at 7:00 p.m., the St. Martin Deanery Catholic Rural Life Conference is organizing a Farm Mass at the farm of Randy Louiso, located at 276 Unity Rd, West Union, Ohio 45693. The host parish will be Holy Trinity in West Union. Archbishop Dennis Schnurr will celebrate this Mass during which we will pray for God’s continued blessing on our local


farm families and the vitality of our rural communities. All are welcome! Bring a chair, if you can. For more information, please contact the office or Pat Hornschemeier at 937.378.-4769 (day) or 937.378.4560 (evening).

POPE FRANCIS AND U.S. CATHOLIC BISHOPS URGE US TO HELP PROTECT VULNERABLE IMMIGRANT CHILDREN AND MOTHERS: Say Policy-Makers Must Warn of Dangers of Emigration, Promote Development in Countries of Origin. Instead of going to school, playing with friends, and enjoying time with family, tens of thousands of children from Central America flee their homes, embarking on a dangerous trek north to the United States. Extreme violence and the lack of opportunity at home, and the desire to reunite with parents and other family members, drive these kids to make the perilous journey without a parent or guardian. The number of unaccompanied children crossing the U.S. border has alarmingly increased, doubling every year since 2011. This year alone, as many as 90,000 children could arrive, creating a humanitarian crisis in need of our attention. At the same time, nearly 40,000 young mothers with children have also entered the U.S. and are being placed in detention centers. At a colloquium in Mexico City, comments were read from Pope Francis.

This humanitarian emergency requires, as a first urgent measure, these children be welcomed and protected. These measures, however, will not be sufficient, unless they are accompanied by policies that inform people about the dangers of such a journey, and, above all, that promote development in their countries of origin.

As people of faith, we know this is a complicated issue, but we are still called to respond to the plight of homeless and vulnerable children running from hardship as we would our own. Find out more and how you can help:

- Learn about what the U.S. Catholic Church is doing to respond on the border at www.usccb.org/mrs

- Learn how Catholic Relief Services is addressing the “push factors” of such migration to help children find life and dignity at home at www.crs.org

- Join the U.S. Catholic bishops in advocating for a national response that best ensures the health, safety, and protection of these children at www.confrontglobalpoverty.org.

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: Good and Gracious Lord, the world You have made is filled with blessings for all of Your children. Help us to share our abundance with those who have little and to learn to love as You do, so that none may hunger. Amen. Quote from the Holy Father:"Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or, even less, is it the property of only a few. Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us, so that we care for it and use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude." -- Pope Francis, Papal Audience, May 21, 2014 Care for Creation Tip: Decreasing the amount of energy used from fossil fuels improves the environment and addresses the world's climate change problem. The following are simple suggestions but they can't be repeated too often: * Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or LEDs. * Hang laundry to dry instead of using an electric dryer. * Look for the Energy Star on new appliances.