CNE Newsletter - September 4, 2026

Greetings,

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 and helping others encounter the love of Jesus Christ in their families, parishes, schools, and communities.

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Radiate Christ Awards!

Do you know someone who is helping others discover Christ, grow as a disciple, or share the Gospel with those around them? Take a moment to nominate an evangelist whose faith and witness are helping to radiate the light of Christ throughout our Archdiocese.

Who is someone you know who deserves to be recognized?

Nominate an Evangelist

Sean Ater
sater@catholicaoc.org

The College & Young Adult Evangelization team would like to welcome Zoe Penn as the new Coordinator of Young Adult Evangelization. Zoe felt called to the CNE and is excited to work with Young Adult communities all over the archdiocese.

When not working, Zoe enjoys kayaking, playing pickleball, and camping. She loves spending time with our Lord in the Eucharist in the Blessed Sacrament, and it is her goal to visit every parish in the archdiocese. Her favorite prayer is the Anima Christi, and she has a special connection with St. Joseph the Worker, whose Feast Day is her birthday.

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

The CNE has a new OCIA page! Check it out here:
www.centerforthenewevangelization.org/ocia.

My intention with this webpage is to answer the most common questions that arise in initiation ministry and to be a relevant resource for you, whether you are interested in becoming Catholic, you are an initiation ministry coordinator, or you work specifically with initiating and receiving children of catechetical age. Each subpage also has a collection of resources and archdiocesan statements that pertain to this work.

I hope it is a help to you as you prepare for your next cohort of catechumens and candidates. Please let me know what you think, and of course, if you need anything, you know where to find me!

The Peace of Christ to you,

Nicholas Hardesty, Assoc. Dir. of Adult Evangelization & OCIA

nhardesty@catholicaoc.org.

Please join us for our upcoming book study! This fall, we will explore Pope Leo XIV’s first papal encyclical, Magnifica humanitas. In this era of radical technological development, we invite you to learn from our Holy Father and discuss how to apply his wisdom in your ministry context with members of the CNE and Parish Evangelists like yourself from across the Archdiocese.

2nd Tuesdays of the Month, from September to December, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, on Teams (link will be sent).

Only 2 Spots Remaining!

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

8:30 AM Saturday, October 10 | Montezuma Retreat Center, Celina

This workshop is designed for parents and their daughters ages 9–11 to attend together, helping them learn about the menstrual cycle and how to prepare for their first—and future—periods in a fun, age-appropriate, and confidence-building way.

Led by certified NFP instructor Heidi Schaap, the workshop will be on October 10, 2026 at Montezuma Retreat Center (Celina, OH) from 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM. Tickets are $30 per family. Please register online.

Inspired by the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, the Catechesis of the Good
Shepherd (CGS) is a method of faith formation for children ages 3 through 12 that promotes a relationship with God in a particularly prepared setting.

Training is required for adults at each level or age group. Level I is for children ages 3-6, Level II is for children ages 6-9, and Level III is for children ages 9-12.

There is an upcoming local opportunity for Level II training. Please note that Level 1 training is a prerequisite.

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.