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Providing Help. Creating Hope.

To promote healing, restore hope and affirm human potential through services that empower, voices that speak for justice; and, partnerships that strengthen communities.mission

Here I Am Lord: The Year of Faith Annual Campaign

“Ladies and gentlemen, for those in our nation who have not been blessed with the spiritual, emotional and economic benefits we share, the news is bad.” With this stark analy-sis Bill Jones, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Covington, began his remarks at the agency’s’ annual gathering on November 15 at the Madison in Covington. The evening kicked off the agency’s annual appeal; the goal of which is $165,000. 100 of the

agency’s major donors attended along with clients who are benefiting from several of Catholic Charities’ programs.

The news about poor people and families is bleak, exacerbated by a fractured, even nonexistent, sense of community. According to the 2010 Census, household income is down, poverty has risen, low-paying jobs are replacing those offering a living wage, and food stamps and public health care utilization are up.

“But, as in Sunday homilies, the bad news is countered by the Gospel; the Good News. Through the efforts of Catholic Charities and the generosity of donors, including allocations from the Diocese of Covington’s Annual Appeal, the agency is not only erecting a dam against the rising tide, but succeeding in efforts to reverse the trends,” said Jones.

Clients spoke about their experiences of help and hope that have enhanced their dignity and improved their lives. Services included supported housing, adoption, mortgage restructuring and mental health counseling. Concluding his remarks, Jones thanked the participants in the event. “As our partners, you know that we work hard every day on behalf of people of good will, like you, in responding to the life events that create poverty and despair. Thanks you for your moral support, your prayers, your volunteer activities and your financial contributions.”

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winter 20�2–�3 newsletter, edition #70

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Bishop Roger Foys, Bill Jones, and the Noll Family. Bob and Phyllis Noll, Marlene Meyers and family were the recipients of this year’s Margaret Strategier Award.

Continued on Page 6.

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Dear FriendsReflections on the Year of Faith.

Catholic Charities’ presence in the community as a ministry of the Diocese of Covington is an encounter between our faith and the people we serve. The hospi-tality shown, from the first moment a person or family walks through our doors through the completion of the service we provide, witness to the love of God and love of neighbor rooted in our faith. Though we don’t necessarily use theological language, the presence of Jesus and His message permeate all our endeavors.

The early disciples witnessed each day to the encounter with Jesus that changed their lives. This daily contact empowered them to go share the Gospel, the Good News of God’s abundant life and salvation. Their faith challenged and comforted them in their encounters with others. They “called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith.” (Acts 14:27) We at Catholic Charities today know our mission to be Gospel and especially Good News to the poor.

This passage from Acts opens Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei, which calls the Church to a Year of Faith that commenced October 11, 2012 and which concludes on November 24, 2013. The Holy Father reminds us that as Jesus opened the doors of faith to the newly formed Church, so too today, God has “opened the door of faith for each one of us and invites us to step through the threshold into a deeper relationship with…” Jesus. We, like the disciples, are called upon to be witnesses to our faith. That witness, that faith, infuses our work at Catholic Charities.

Why should we at Catholic Charities be interested in this Year of Faith? The Church’s deepest nature is expressed in her three-fold responsibility: proclaiming the word of God, celebrating the sacraments, and exercising the ministry of charity. These du-ties are inseparable. “For the Church, charity is not a kind of welfare activity which could equally be left to others, but is a part of its nature, an indispensable expression of its being.” (Deus Caritas Est, 25a) When Catholics and other Christians experience Christ in word and sacrament, they are empowered to go forth to love and serve the Lord. The experience of Christ infuses a divine spark which burns for charity. As organized practitioners of the Church’s “deepest nature,” we in Catholic Charities are fully engaged in the Church and community providing many opportunities for fellow Christians to live out their faith commit-ments in the world.

In Pope Benedict’s Apostolic Letter announcing this Year of Faith he writes: “The Year of Faith will also be a good opportunity to intensify the witness of charity.” As St. Paul reminds us: “So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor 13:13) With even stronger words, which have always placed Christians under obligation, St. James said: “…faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” (Jas 2:14-18)

“As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Mt 25:40) It is faith that enables us to recognize Christ and it is his love that impels us to assist him whenever he becomes our neighbor along the journey of life. “Supported by faith, let us look with hope at our commitment in the world, as we await ‘new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.’” (2 Pet 3:13; cf. Rev 21:1)

As faith-filled Christians, we are commissioned to witness to the rich traditions of our faith. Take the opportunity during this Year of Faith and this holy season to proclaim your encounter with the Lord each day and God will continue to richly bless you, your family and your neighbors.

Your partner in faith and service,

William (Bill) R. Jones, ACSW, MDiv. Executive Director

2012 SPONSORS

Healing SponsorsThe Bank of KentuckyKW Mechanical, Inc.DBL Law

Hope SponsorSt. Elizabeth Health Care

Current Needs• Piano or keyboard• 6’ or 8’ portable folding table• Two outdoor enclosed bulletin boards• See also, Page 7

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Pope Benedict XVI has proclaimed a Year of Faith beginning October 11, 2012. The observance is meant “to arouse in every believer the aspiration to profess the faith in fullness and with renewed conviction, with confidence and hope.”

We invite you to participate in the Year of Faith by learning more about your faith and sharing what you learn with others. In an effort to help Catholics educate themselves and celebrate their faith, Partners has come up with a Top 10 list of ways to observe the Year of Faith:

Ten Ways to Enhance Your Year of Faith

1. Enroll in Read the Catechism in a Year emails during the Year of Faith. In addition to marking the 50th anniver-sary of Vatican II, the Year of Faith marks the 20th anni-versary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Flocknote has created a daily email with excerpts from the catechism. Simply go to www.flocknote.com/ catechism to subscribe.

2. Volunteer; live your faith. Check out our website, www.covingtoncharities.org, for volunteer opportunities at over 20 organizations that share our values.

3. Attend an Advent and Lenten series at your parish. If it does not offer one, ask your Pastor.

4. Pick up a Catholicism DVD, Fr. Robert Barron’s award-winning series on DVD. Fr. Barron, a priest of the Arch- diocese of Chicago and founder of the Word on Fire Min-istry, has produced 10 hour-long DVDs about Catholicism. This makes a great prayer group activity or Sunday night family viewing. Catholicism can be purchased for $99 at www.wordonfire.org.

5. Choose a Family Mission. Gather the family to select a cause or group that you want to learn more about and sup-port. Study the organization or group; learn what “makes them tick.” Remember the group at family meal and prayer time. Support them with your time, talent and treasure.

6. Pray the World Mission Rosary. Pope Benedict XVI wants the Year of Faith to be a worldwide time of prayer. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops says the World

Mission Rosary is one way to make this happen. What makes this rosary different? The color of beads in each de-cade: “Each decade calls to mind an area where the church continues her evangelizing mission: green for the forests and grasslands of Africa; blue for the ocean surrounding the islands of the Pacific; white symbolizing Europe, the seat of the Holy Father, shepherd of the world; red calling to mind the fire of faith that brought missionaries to the Americas; and yellow, the morning light of the East, for Asia.”

7. Order your free copy of Matthew Kelly’s new book, The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic. This is the first major follow-up to Kelly’s popular Rediscover Catholi-cism. In this book, Kelly explores the differences between highly engaged Catholics and disengaged Catholics. The publisher, Dynamic Catholic Institute, is offering paperback copies free to everyone at www.DynamicCatholic.com.

8. Visit the “mother church” of the Covington Diocese, the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption (www.covcathe-dral.com) and other Year of Faith pilgrimage sites. Learn more about the history and sacrifices our residents have made to express the glory of God in stone and glass at your home parish, too!

9. Join a prayer group or marriage support group. It is our job to help our spouse get to heaven and in so doing strengthen our entire family.

10. Recommit to regular attendance at Mass. Seven days without prayer makes one weak.

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Bishop of CovingtonMost Reverend Roger J. Foys, DD

Board of DirectorsMark Guilfoyle, ChairpersonSuzette Glaab, Vice ChairGary Massie, TreasurerTim BurksCatherine Jung ByrneKathy DannemanJohn DorningCindy HassanMichael LenihanScott McIntyreKes MurphyFr. Gerry ReinersmanJack Rudnick, Jr.Shannon SchumacherAmul ThaparSr. Dennise Wagenlander, SNDMarna ZallaDeacon Joe McGraw

Executive StaffWilliam R. Jones

Chief Executive OfficerShannon Braun

Chief Operating OfficerMary Massie

Chief Financial Officer

Administrative StaffVicky Bauerle, Institutional

Advancement ManagerJoy Boothby, Volunteer CoordinatorCindy Dixon, Pre-Service

CoordinatorJoseph Kiesewetter, IT CoordinatorAmy Littleton, Quality Assurance

CoordinatorJohn Plymesser, Building

MaintenanceSusan Heppler, Business Office

Program ManagersMary Fleischman,

Program Director–Capacity Building; New Leaf Center Supervisor

Monica Kuhlman, Program Director–Treatment & Adoption and Pregnancy Services Supervisor

Members of Northern Kentucky Knights of Columbus recently presented a check for $7,500 to Monica Kuhlman and Vicky Bauerle of Catholic Charities for the Catholic Charities Lifeline Fund which helps pregnant mothers in need. The money was raised from a recent golf outing held at Twin Oaks Golf and Plantation Club in Covington.

Pictured above (L to R): Wayne Brown, Monica Kuhlman, Vicky Bauerle, Carl Biery, Dennis Elix (Golf Chairman), Carol Elix, and Deacon Bill Theis.

Knights of Columbus Raise Money for Catholic Charities

This newsletter is published three times a year in spring, summer and winter for friends of Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities provides adoption services, housing support, thera-peutic counseling, neighborhood and community organizing, parenting services, pregnancy counseling, substance abuse treatment, jail ministry and prisoner reentry services, youth de-velopment services, intake and referral, and volunteer support.

Diocese of Covington

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Program Staff

Staci Alder, Women’s Reentry, Senior Case Manager

Patti Anderson, Housing SupervisorSara Barter, School CounselorJoe Behler, CounselorSheila Dumford, School CounselorNikki Hizer, Women’s Reentry,

Intensive Case ManagerDarryl Humphrey, Parish Kitchen

AssociateLaura Jackson, CounselorGayle Jimenez, CounselorBrian Kinne, Substance Abuse

Treatment Counselor, Insights Program

Dr. Jody Kline, PsychiatristBrandy Medaugh, Intake Specialist,

Case ManagementDonna Moreland, School CounselorDiane Mushaben, CounselorMolly Navin, Parish Kitchen

Outreach CoordinatorAlana Morgan, Parish Kitchen

AssociateElmer Meyers, Parish Kitchen StaffJeff Mynatt, Parish Kitchen StaffDan Nolan, Parish Kitchen DirectorAnna Phillips, Intake Coordinator,

Parenting EducatorDavid Phillips, Second Chance

Mentor CoordinatorSharon Raaker, School CounselorKara Riegler, Adoption and

Pregnancy CounselorKaren Rowe, Community BuildingSr. Dorothy Schuette, OSB, Jail

Ministry CoordinatorMichelle Schuck, School CounselorPaula Weber, Counseling SupervisorJennifer Wilson, School CounselorNancy Woeste, Housing CounselorLauren Young, Circles of Support

Coordinator

Twelve years ago Dianne Ruschman was recruited to volunteer at Catholic Charities by her daugh-ter, Bridget. Bridget herself was volunteering as a receptionist at the agency while attending Thomas More College.

If you call the agency any Thursday afternoon, you will be greeted in a warm, welcoming and professional manner by Dianne. She has a gracious way of talking with people on the phone and is a favorite with clients and staff. Dianne makes everyone who walks through the door feel welcome. There is a lot going on at the agency on Thursday afternoons, and the waiting room is usually packed. Diane handles every situation that arises with courtesy and assurance. She never gets flustered, and her calm manner assures our visitors and clients that everything is under control. Diane has an excellent memory and knows exactly where everyone needs to be. As a visitor remarked, “You couldn’t pay someone to be as loyal and professional as Dianne.” She and her family are generous supporters of Catholic Charities. Dianne is an asset to our organization and it is a privilege to have her as a volunteer.

Volunteer of the Year Dianne Ruschman

Kathy began volunteering at Catholic Charities six years ago. She began volunteering with us as a substitute receptionist where she is efficient and warm, greeting clients, answering the telephone and dealing with whatever problems arise while always remaining calm and welcoming. She is very

capable in other areas, for instance in working on administrative tasks, and com-pletes any assignment with promptness and skill. Kathy is a registered nurse and recently worked as a Nurse Navigator at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. She has volunteered with many schools, parishes and organizations in the community. Kathy joined the Board of Directors in 2010 and last August was the co-chair of the CaSSba, the agency’s annual fundraiser. She brings a large group of guests to the event and talks up the CaSSba to friends and strangers alike. She and her family are enthusiastic supporters of the agency. Her daughter, Amy Johnson, is also a volunteer with the agency. Kathy’s gifts of time and talent are a true benefit to us all.

Volunteer of the Season: Autumn Kathy Danneman

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This year Catholic Charities implemented a new program, Vol-unTEENs. This program is geared toward high school students who want to serve in their community. Catholic Charities is fortunate to have the support of several local high schools who share our mission. We are currently working on a number of projects to involve VolunTEENs in the community, includ-ing VolunSitters Babysitters’ Club, Reach & Teach, and Book Buddies. We have several VolunTEENs going through the Red Cross Safe Sitter program, so that we can provide child care for clients while they are receiving services at Catholic Charities.

We are excited to be offering Reach & Teach, where students in grades five through eight are matched with a VolunTEEN

high school mentor. This program was the inspiration of a Catholic Charities’ school counselor, who noticed that many children in her ACUE school could benefit from support and mentoring. The agency ran a pilot program last year, and it was so successful that there is now an official program in five ACUE schools. The goal of the program is to create healthy relationships and positive role models. Last year we had 12 mentors matched with mentees, and this year the numbers have more than doubled. It is an inspiration to see the VolunTEEN mentors with the mentees and to watch meaningful relationships develop. Mentor and mentee learn from each other. Mentors know that they are making a difference in the life of a child, and the mentees benefit from the relationship with a supportive high school student who remembers the challenges of middle school. Several VolunTEENs asked to work with the same student they worked with last year, and several of the mentees also have made the same request, proof that positive relationships have been created.

Book Buddies is being developed by a volunteer who knows the importance of reading to a child. We are inviting students from the three Latonia grade schools to come to Catholic Charities on Thursdays after school to read with a VolunTEEN, work on homework and have fun. We are planning to launch this project in January 2013.

If you would like to become a VolunTEEN, or know of a teen who would like to volunteer with us, please email Lauren Young at lyoung@covingtoncharities.org.

Catholic Charities Introduces VolunTEENs Program

After a short video highlighting the agency’s work in as-sisting victims of the 2012 tornadoes in Northern Kentucky, the evening culminated with the presentation of the Marga-ret Strategier Award, named in honor of a longtime volun-teer and donor to Catholic Charities. The board recognized Bob and Phyllis Noll, Marlene Meyers and family for their dedicated unselfish devotion to Catholic Charities. Their lives are a circle and everyone is welcome and no one is a stranger.

As Vicky Bauerle, Catholic Charities Institutional Advance-ment Manager, presented the award she said, “When they became involved with Catholic Charities, sharing their time, talent and treasure, it was never about them, it has

always been about Catholic Charities and the clients we serve.” They are truly the light that shines for those in need to find their way.

Closing the evening, Bishop Roger Foys thanked those assembled for their participation and congratulated Catho-lic Charities for its work in service to the Gospel and the people of the Diocese of Covington.

If you have already made a donation to the Annual Appeal, Thank You. If you would like to make a donation, please see the enclosed envelope. For more information about the Catholic Charities’ annual appeal visit www.covingtoncharities.org or contact Vicky Bauerle at 859-581-8974.

Here I Am Lord: The Year of Faith Annual Campaign (continued from Cover)

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Program News and EventsRight: The St. Joseph Apartments were blessed in a ceremony by Bishop Roger Foys on July 21.

Below: The 1st Annual Board of Directors Golf Outing, provid-ing support for Catholic Charities, was held at Triple Crown Golf Course. Pictured (L to R) is event committee member Matt Swendi-man; Bill Jones, Executive Director of Catholic Charities; Alison Montoya of WLWT News and emcee for the event; and event com-mittee members John Dorning and Ben Dusing.

Bottom left: Over 3,000 people attended the Latonia Business Association Halloween Event on October 13, a free event including a Halloween costume contest, lunch, trick-or-treating and other activities. Catholic Charities’ Karen Rowe and Vicky Bauerle were on the planning committee for the event. Pictured are some of the wonderful costumes from the contest.

• Boxes of CapriSun• Packs of individually wrapped

portions of Goldfish/pretzels, etc.• Play-Doh• Water color paint sets• Coloring books• Packs of washable markers• Construction paper• Small metal cars• “Melissa and Doug” play kitchen items• “Melissa and Doug” wooden puzzles• Baby wipes• Lysol wipes• Tabletop diaper changing pad

Children’s Playgroup Items Needed

The items on the list to the right can be dropped of at the

Catholic Charities office, 3629 Church Street, Latonia, Kentucky.

NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. Postage

PAIDCovington, KYPermit No 21.

Address Service RequestedProviding Help. Creating Hope.

3629 Church StreetLatonia, KY 41015(859) 581-8974 · (866) 440-9612www.covingtoncharities.orgwww.facebook.com/covingtoncharities

“Come, remember, respond” was again the theme of an event meant to raise awareness that a growing number of Northern Kentuckians need shelter and food. Over 400 attended on October 22, many of who have experienced hunger or home-lessness. The gathering, hosted at Madison Avenue Christian Church, near 15th and Madison in Covington, was supported entirely by donations and volunteers. It was once again organized by the ad-hoc Hungry and Homeless Committee representing about 15 agencies, charities and organizations throughout Northern Kentucky, such as Catholic Charities Diocese of Covington, the Northern Kentucky Emergency Shelter, Interfaith Hospitality Network, and St. Walburg Mon-astery. The evening began with an ecumenical prayer service in the church, including a reading of the names–about 180–of those homeless who are known to have died over the years.

The memorial service was followed by an outdoor cookout dinner with live music. “Hunger and homelessness (are) here in our community and growing, especially among young children. We had a record number of children at the event this year,” said Vicky Bauerle, event organizer and Institutional Advancement Manager for Catholic Charities Diocese of Covington. Bauerle estimated that 50 children and young people attending the event were among the hungry and home-

less. Several volunteers helped serve the meal, including families from parishes in the diocese and students from Catholic schools, including Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Burlington; St. Joseph Parish, Crescent Springs; Northern Kentucky University, and Thomas More College.

“Even though the event is over, the need is still great,” said Bauerle. To demonstrate the ongoing need, Bauerle used Catholic Charities’ Parish Kitchen as an example. From January to August of this year the Parish Kitchen has served 3,000 more meals than during the same time in 2011. Two days were record-breaking, with 303 and then 341 guests being served a hot lunch. “There are many local non-profit organizations that can use your help, especially our Parish Kitchen (which) is experiencing record numbers of persons being served a hot lunch. Many of our new guests are working people who just can’t make it through the month.” To prepare for the coming cold months the Parish Kitchen is currently conducting its annual Blanket Drive. New twin-size blankets and sleeping bags are needed.

To donate a blanket or sleeping bag to the Parish Kitchen, please call 859-0291-4555 or email parishkitchen@fuse.net.

Hungry and Homeless “Come, Remember, Respond” EventProvided by: Messenger Staff Report