HOW IT ALL BEGAN

More than two years ago, Sisters Georgia Kitt, SC, and Madonna Ratterman, CPPS, invited representatives of women’s and men’s religious congregations to meet and determine a joint project to celebrate the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s bicentennial. The group quickly agreed on a day of service.

THERE FOR YOU THEN, HERE FOR YOU NOW!

When the first religious congregations arrived locally, beginning with the Sisters of Charity in 1829, they came to serve and care for the burgeoning communities of immigrants. They brought with them a rich tradition of prayer, love and community, which formed the foundation of their vast and varied ministries. The respective legacies that these 21 communities have cultivated over the past 200 years continue to bear much fruit in the archdiocese. Each of us has benefited from their gifts, both then and now.

HOW DOES SERVICE HONOR 200 YEARS OF FAITH IN THE ARCHDIOCESE?

Since the 1800s, the laity and religious have always been vital partners in the ministries of education, healthcare and social services. Today the religious communities of this archdiocese invite you to minister alongside them, or on their behalf, by participating in an Archdiocesan Service Day.

OCTOBER 9: LET YOUR SERVICE SHINE

In the 1800s, the religious women and men served their neighbors, the immigrants. Today, while we certainly have neighbors from other countries, we are inviting everyone to consider the story of the Good Samaritan and ask, “Who are my neighbors?” and “How can I welcome or reach out them?”

On Oct. 9, 2021, we encourage as many individuals, families, parish groups, schools, young adults, groups of neighbors or friends, to live the bicentennial theme, “Radiate Christ,” through service. We encourage any act of service, big or small. Prepare a meal or bake cookies for someone recovering from an illness. Rake leaves for an elderly neighbor. Learn about a new culture. Start a canned food drive for the local homeless shelter. Write a letter advocating for a cause about which you care deeply.

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?

The religious congregations created a web site: www.cincy200.org, which will be updated as plans progress. There you will find a fact sheet, ideas for service, agencies with whom you can partner, such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Cincinnati and Dayton, and publicity materials to promote the event.

Information is also being sent to various individuals and groups in the Archdiocese such as pastors, parishes, principals and youth ministers. The religious communities encourage you to send your ideas of service to www.cincy200.com so they can be shared with others. Snap some pictures of your service project, and make sure to use the hashtag #Cincy200 when you post them on social media. Be sure to search for the hashtag, too, so you can see what others are doing. This is a story we not only create together but one that we collectively tell!

JUST IMAGINE…

• The sense of community, the strength in knowing that you are connected with thousands of people at the same time, celebrating the bicentennial through service.
• The impact on the people whose lives will be enhanced through your service!
• The story we are creating and collectively telling together.
• Radiating Christ to others across the Archdiocese of Cincinnati all on one day!