CNE Newsletter - September 17, 2026

Dear Friends,

Pope Leo XIV is calling for a renewal and deepening of the Church's commitment to the pastoral care of families. He reminds us that "the Lord entrusts [families with] the task of participating in the Church's mission of proclaiming and witnessing to the Gospel" (Message by Pope Leo XIV, March 19, 2026). Next month, the presidents of bishops' conferences will gather in Rome for a synodal discernment on the steps to be taken in order to proclaim the Gospel to families today.

The Marriage & Family Evangelization team will be hosting several events to participate in the Holy Father's call to proclaim the Gospel to families. All clergy, parish evangelists, marriage apostolate leaders, and volunteers involved in marriage preparation are invited to the Marriage & Family In-Service on September 29th from 12:00 pm to 3:15 pm at St. Mary of the Assumption, Springboro. This year's theme is "Reconciliation with Christ and His Church: Convalidations" and our keynote speaker will be Fr. Jacob DuMont, L.C. The cost is $10 per person to cover lunch and materials.

All are invited to the annual St. Gerard Mass of Hope for the Blessing of Children, which will be on October 16th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Holy Rosary Church, St. Marys. This free event is held on the feast of St. Gerard Majella, the patron saint of expectant mothers, and is geared to spiritually support married couples experiencing a season of infertility or pregnancy loss.

Please visit our website for more information and to register online, and reach out to the Marriage & Family Evangelization team with any questions. We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely in Christ,

Adriana Vasquez

Managing Director of Marriage & Family Evangelization

All parish evangelists, marriage and family evangelists, marriage apostolate leaders, mentor couples, priests, deacons, and NFP instructors are invited to our annual Marriage & Family In-Service on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at St. Mary of the Assumption, Springboro, beginning with lunch at noon followed by the program from 12:45 – 3:15 PM. This year’s topic is "Reconciliation with Christ and His Church: Convalidations." Our guest speaker will be Fr. Jacob DuMont, L.C. Resources and lunch will be provided, and the cost is $10 per person. Please register online

All married couples, family, and friends are invited to the annual St. Gerard Mass of Hope for the Blessing of Children. Hosted by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, this free event provides an opportunity for prayerful support for married couples experiencing infertility or pregnancy loss. It includes Holy Mass on the feast day of St. Gerard Majella, the patron saint of expectant mothers, followed by a reception with fellowship, delicious hors d’oeuvres and resources. For more information contact Dcn. David Ulmer at dulmer@catholicaoc.org

Whether or not your Family of Parishes is a Conversations in the Spirit site, we would appreciate your help in discerning people who might fill three roles in order to make the Conversations in the Spirit as fruitful as possible. We have included a detailed role description for facilitators, table hosts, and house managers.

Please use the form linked below to recommend people by listing their name and email address. We will email them directly to invite their participation. As you submit each recommendation, you will receive a thank you note which includes a link to return to the form to submit an additional name.

You yourself might consider serving as a facilitator. You may complete the form for yourself to offer to serve in any of the Conversations in the Spirit.