Spring is always a time of renewal, which we see in nature as the days get warmer and the grass turns greener. Catholics enter a period of spiritual renewal, often through prayerful meditation, as Lent begins, then culminates in the celebration of new life at Easter. Meditation on our Lord’s …

The new permanent deacon class will be ordained on April 23 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati. As a one of the 14 men in this class (and four others from the Diocese of Covington), I know the reasons that called each of us …

This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB). Last month, I introduced Pope St. John Paul II’s concept of original nakedness. In that reflection, we saw that our first parents “were both naked, and were not ashamed” (Gen. 2:25). …

There is a difference between viewing God’s beauty and encountering it. Tara Poling, the Program Coordinator of the Marianist Environmental Education Center (MEEC), noted that comparison when discussing the property at Mount Saint John, named for their patron, St. John the Apostle. For more than 100 years, its 150 acres …

by Kary Ellen Berger Imagine an elementary school student sharing their day with, “We played on the playground, swinging, sliding, playing with chickens….” Wait, chickens? St. Gertrude School in Madeira is home to an outdoor classroom – complete with chickens – which is used by all grade levels. “Around 2014, …

Perhaps the most subtle advertisement that a neighborhood has a faith community is the church bells ringing. It’s not in your face like a commercial or billboard, but the message is clear: We’re here and you’re welcome to join us. If you’ve heard a church bell ring in greater Cincinnati …

by Patricia McGeever Although Steve Hatke’s career as an electrical engineer did not prepare him to work with people experiencing homelessness, he has dedicated his retirement to helping those looking for a chance to change their lives. “For me, it was a huge step out of my comfort zone because …

Some of my greatest experiences of peace came when wandering the woods as a child. My backyard was a lovely forest that boasted of nothing extraordinary. The foliage towered above my small frame when I hiked steep hills, grabbing rocks and branches so I could pull myself along. The environment …

Area Girl Scouts of all ages have been learning about our relationship to God’s creation and how to care for it through the fun and educational programs at EarthConnection (EC). Directed by Sister Caroljean Willie, SC, EarthConnection is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and a center …

It has been nearly 20 years since my priestly ordination. My last year of seminary was marked by the horrific acts of violence and terror on 9/11 – the vivid image of the Cross at Ground Zero is unforgettable. I remember reading a newspaper article about lay Catholics walking and …