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Fall is busy! |
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If there is any consistent theme in my conversations with parish leaders these days, it's that fall is busy. Perhaps even more so this year. Even the most seasoned among us are reporting that they're stretched thin and feel the pull of the many communications, initiatives, and demands on their time and attention. With all the good and important things vying for time, how are staff and parishioner leaders supposed to do it all?
First of all, trust that we at the Pastoral Center know and understand the load that many of you carry, and we are especially aware of the unique combination of demands this fall and grateful for your efforts.
Some of what you are being asked or strongly encouraged to do are regular things that happen each year (October Mass counts, Annual Planning and Family Pathway Reports). Other things, however are one-time initiatives that are necessarily taking place this fall (Synod 2027 Conversations in the Spirit, Disciple Maker Index, and Family Unity Discernment). One pastor recently said, "Please tell me it's going to get better," and where the convergence of so many tasks from the Pastoral Center is concerned, I can assure you we have reached a high point in the number of things we are calling on you to manage. By the start of 2027, synod listening, Annual Planning Reports, and October counts will be complete. You may have progressed through Family Unity Discernment, or will be preparing in a more focused way on that in the early part of the coming year.
Perhaps we can find ways to use this as a moment to entrust and delegate ministry to others who may be able to lighten your load, even a little as you build or expand partnerships among your team or other leaders. If you need ideas, contact me or others in the Department of Pastoral Vitality and Mission. We truly want to help you as you lead your Families of Parishes toward greater vitality, and we certainly want to partner with you in this time of great possibility and promise for the future of our archdiocese. Thanks for all that you do!
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Jeremy Helmes
Director, Department of Pastoral Vitality and Mission |
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The Ministry of Deacons: Updated Survey Report |
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What is the ministry of the deacon in the Church? At its core, the deacon is a servant of the Church. The word “deacon” comes from the Greek diakonia, which means service. Today, our deacons continue to fulfill the vocation of service to which they have been called through the three-fold ministry of the diaconate: ministry of the Word, ministry of the Liturgy, and ministry of Charity.
This report provides insights into the contributions that deacons, who serve only in a voluntary role, make to the life of the Church. The Archdiocese is honored to have these men serve as deacons. May we all offer our prayers to those who give of themselves so freely to share their faith and the Gospel with all of us. |
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Together is more than a single Sunday, it is an opportunity to intentionally welcome those who are searching for connection and an encounter with Christ during the times of year when they are most likely to walk through your parish doors, whether it is Back to School, Christmas, or Easter.Together helps Parishes create a culture of hospitality where every person feels seen, valued, and invited into a deeper relationship with Christ and the Church, because we are better together.
Find what you need to create a campaign to welcome people back - a timeline, postcards, hospitality tips, and much more - at the site linked below. Because we are better together.
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Disciples Radiate Christ
in the Parish |
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St. Maximilian Kolbe Family of Parishes is offering Disciples Radiate Christ as a small group process in their parish. The process was advertised online, in the bulletin, newsletter, via social media, and during a weekend homily. Literature and stickers were distributed after Mass to promote the first parish-wide engagement during Lent. Existing small groups were encouraged to set aside 4-5 weeks for the process and additional groups were formed to meet at the parish. |
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“During those sessions you feel touched by the Holy Spirit who reminds you and asks you to witness, to His true presence in your life, through sharing, in truth and the joy of faith, inspiring stories of His work in your life which you can’t keep silence when He brings it lovingly to your mind and heart.
Prior to participating in this series, I would have said I was not a good disciple. By spending time evaluating where I AM radiating Christ well and where I have opportunities to grow, I became more motivated do work on the areas in need. This series is a great opportunity to get to the truth of where we are as disciples. I highly recommend it." |
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- Testimonials from DRC participants |
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As you prepare your Family of Parishes Annual Planning Report to Archbishop Casey due later this fall, now is the perfect opportunity to also update parishioners through a Year 4 report to the Family. A digital PDF generator, PDF template, and sample reports from previous years are available to equip you to share your Family's progress with parishioners. Family Pathway Report Resources > |
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The Archdiocesan Choir serves the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati by leading them in sung prayer for our archdiocesan liturgies, inspiring beauty through sacred music, and lifting their voices in joyful praise to God with the patrimony of sacred music, both old and new, in service to His Church. Learn More and Express Interest > |
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Each year, the Center for the New Evangelization honors the inspiring work of evangelists across the Archdiocese through the Radiate Christ Awards. These awards celebrate the dedication, creativity, and impact of individuals who are boldly sharing the Gospel in their communities.
The nomination process for the 2027 Radiate Christ Awards is now open. The 2027 winners will be announced at the CNE Banquet in February of 2027. Please make your nominations below. Learn More and Nominate > |
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Conversations in the Spirit |
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Ongoing |
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Conversations in the Spirit are under way and interest is building in Synod 2027! Encourage your people to participate and to invite family and friends to join them in a Conversations session in the coming months. Learn more, register, and share. |
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10/15 | St. John the Baptist, Tipp City |
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10/27 | St. John the Evangelist, West Chester |
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The Parish Communicators’ Workshop will include the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with communicators across the archdiocese, as well as professional development. Communication best practices and strategies will be explored along with current relevant communication initiatives. We hope everyone can join us for this opportunity to gather as parish communicators.
October 15 Info
October 27 Info |
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Exalt North |
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October 14
Minster Elementary School |
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Join youth and their families for a night of inspiration, worship, and Eucharistic Exposition. Keynote Speaker: Bradley Barnes. Parish staff should complete the registration form below and include the approximate number of parishioners attending. There is no ticket required for individuals to attend, but we do ask for a $250 deposit from each parish family in attendance. Learn More |
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100 East Eighth Street | Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 | CatholicAOC.org |
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