Son Rise Morning Show

Guests for Friday, 1/27/2012

2012-01-27T03:25:00.000-08:00

Rita Heikenfeld is online at abouteating.com.

Dan Egan is online at bibletidbits.blogspot.com.

Theresa Thomas writes at integratedcatholiclife.org.

Danielle Bean is online at faithandfamilylive.com.

Steven Greydanus is online at decentfilms.com.

Tony Beshara is online at thejobsearchsolution.com.

Fr Kyle Schnippel is online at fatherschnippel.blogspot.com.

Msgr Eugene Morris is online at pcj.edu.

Brent Stubbs is online at almostnotcatholic.com.

Mary-Cabrini Durkin is online at companyofstursula.org.

Marybeth Hicks is online at marybethhicks.com.

Michael Barruzzini is online at deepsoftime.com.

Fr Ryan Erlenbush is online at newtheologicalmovement.blogspot.com.

Rita Heikenfeld's Quick and Hearty French Onion Soup

2012-01-26T04:18:00.000-08:00

Serves 4

Olive oil
2 very large onions, sliced thin – sweet, Spanish or regular yellow skinned onions
1 large clove garlic, peeled and smashed a bit
1/2 to 1 cup dry red wine (I usually use the whole cup)
2 cans, 14.5 oz each, beef broth, low sodium
4 thick slices Swiss cheese
French baguettes: Thinly slice French bread, brush with olive oil and toast under broiler until golden brown

Film bottom of soup pot with olive oil. Turn heat to medium. Add onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions have softened and are translucent, about 15 minutes. Add wine and bring to a boil. Stir in broth, lower heat to a simmer and cook 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove garlic clove. Pour soup into broiler proof bowls. Top each with a baguette and a slice of cheese. Put on baking sheet and broil until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Guests for Thursday, 1/26/2011

2012-01-26T03:17:00.000-08:00

Msgr Eugene Morris is online at pcj.edu.

Mike Aquilina is online at fathersofthechurch.com.

Joe Heschmeyer is online at catholicdefense.blogspot.com.

Send your questions for Catholic counselor Kevin Prendergast to sonrise@sacredheartradio.com.

Msgr Charles Pope is online at blog.adw.org.

Anthony Buono is online at avemariasingles.com.

Rita Heikenfeld is online at abouteating.com.

Dan Egan is online at bibletidbits.blogspot.com.

Dave Durand, author of "Say This, Not That"

Dan Teller is online at gscmontessori.org.

Patrick O'Meara is online at omearaferguson.com.

Dan Lord is online at thatstrangestofwars.com.

Fr Thomas Richter discusses how to pray like Jesus at pattimaguirearmstrong.com.

Guests for Wednesday, 1/25/2012

2012-01-25T04:10:00.000-08:00

Paula Westwood blogs at createdorder.blogspot.com.

Anthony Buono is online at www.avemariasingles.com.

Marybeth Hicks is online at marybethhicks.com.

Brent Stubbs is online at almostnotcatholic.com.

Patrick O'Meara's study on Catholic school finances is online at omearaferguson.com.

Mike Aquilina is online at fathersofthechurch.com.

Kevin Schmiesing is online at catholichistory.net.

Dr Marcellino D'Ambrosio is online at dritaly.com.

Gary Zimak is online at followingthetruth.com.

Sr Helena Burns is online at hellburns.blogspot.com.

Wayne Topp is online at cincinnativocations.org.

Dr Jim Rigg is online at catholiccincinnati.org.

Msgr Charles Pope blogs at blog.adw.org.

Guests for Friday 1/20/2012

2012-01-20T03:52:00.001-08:00

Rita Heikenfeld is online at abouteating.com.

Fr Phillip DeVous is online at acton.org.

Scott Kihnke and the Cincinnati Catholic Men's Fellowship is online at thecall.org.

Danielle Bean is online at faithandfamilylive.com.

Steven Greydanus is online at decentfilms.com.

Tony Beshara is online at thejobsearchsolution.com.

Fr Kyle Schnippel blogs at fatherschnippel.blogspot.com.

Lisa Hendey is online at catholicmom.com.

Stephanie Mann is online at supremacyandsurvival.com.

Dr Michael Norman, author of "Unbridled Grace"

Dr John Gresham, author of "Holy Spirit 101"

Dan Egan is online at bibletidbits.blogspot.com.

Robert Pierre is online at hearthesilentcry.org.

Rita Heikenfeld's Muffeleta with Olive Dressing

2012-01-19T04:29:00.001-08:00

A bit messy to eat, but oh so good!

One loaf Italian bread, sliced into two horizontally
1/2 pound each: sliced baked ham and provolone cheese
1/4 pound hard salami
Tomato slices, sweet onion rings

Leaf lettuce(optional but good)

Dressing

Go to taste on this. If you don’t like black olives, use green olives. You may wind up with some left over.

1/2 cup finely chopped black olives
2/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons minced red onion
1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Pepper to taste

Whisk together dressing ingredients. (Can be made a dayahead). Set aside.

Hollow out bottom loaf, leaving ½” thick sides. Hollow out top loaf, but leave sides a bitthicker.

Spread dressing on inside of top and bottom loaves. Set top aside.

Start layering meats, cheese, vegetables and lettuce,brushing each layer with dressing, until you run out of filling. Press eachlayer down as you go. Press top onto sandwich and wrap and chill for at least 1hour or up to 8 hours. Cut into bigwedges to serve. Serves 4-6.

Guests for Thursday, 1/19/2012

2012-01-19T04:02:00.000-08:00

Leon Suprenant blogs at archkck.org.

Fr Dwight Longenecker is online at dwightlongenecker.com.

Dr Marcellino D'Ambrosio is online at dritaly.com.

Send your questions for Catholic counselor Kevin Prendergast to sonrise@sacredheartradio.com.

Joe Heschmeyer blogs at catholicdefense.blogspot.com.

Patti Armstrong writes at catholiclane.com.

Rita Heikenfeld is online at abouteating.com.

Dan Egan is online at bibletidbits.blogspot.com.

Fr Phillip DeVous is online at acton.org.

Scott Kihnke and the Cincinnati Fellowship of Catholic Men are online at thecall.org.

Anthony Buono is online at avemariasingles.com.

Tom Craughwell's DVD series on the saints is online at catholiccourses.com.

Lisa Hendey is online at catholicmom.com.

Guests for Wednesday, 1/18/2012

2012-01-18T03:23:00.000-08:00

Fr George Montague, author of "Mary's Life in the Spirit"

Dr Regis Martin's DVD course on the four last things can be found at catholiccourses.com.

Christopher West, author of "At the Heart of the Gospel"

Gerard Anthony, author of "Who Am I? The Theology of the Body in Prayer"

Brent Stubbs is online at almostnotcatholic.com.

Anthony Buono is online at avemariasingles.com.

Fr Dwight Longenecker is online at dwightlongenecker.com.

Dr Marcellino D'Ambrosio is online at dritaly.com.

Randy Hain is online at integratedcatholiclife.org.

Msgr Peter Vaghi, author of "The Commandments We Keep"

Paula Westwood blogs at createdorder.blogspot.com.

Gary Zimak is online at followingthetruth.com.

Joe Heschmeyer is online at catholicdefense.blogspot.com.

Guests for Friday, 1/13/2012

2012-01-13T03:48:00.000-08:00

Rita Heikenfeld is online at abouteating.com.

Fr Kyle Schnippel is online at fatherschnippel.blogspot.com.

John Coverdale, Opus Dei historian

Ron Rack's panoramic photography is online at 360around.com.

Steven Greydanus is online at decentfilms.com.

Tony Beshara is online at thejobsearchsolution.com.

Fr Greg Friedman is online at franciscanmedia.org.

Dave Durand, author of "Say This, Not That"

Lisa Hendey is online at catholicmom.com.

Carolyn Bosch is online at covingtoncursillo.org.

Marybeth Hicks is online at marybethhicks.com.

Dan Egan is online at bibletidbits.blogspot.com.

Michael Flannery's new DVD is called "Darwin's Heretic"

Guests for Wednesday, 1/12/2012

2012-01-12T04:28:00.000-08:00

Gina Loehr is online at realwomenrealsaints.com.

Mike Aquilina is online at fathersoffthechurch.com.

Dr Marcellino D'Ambrosio is online at dritaly.com.

Send your questions for Catholic counselor Kevin Prendergast to sonrise@sacredheartradio.com.

Maureen Wittman is online at homeschoolconnectionsonline.com.

Rita Heikenfeld is online at abouteating.com.

Dan Egan is online at bibletidbits.blogspot.com.

Fr Kyle Schnippel blogs at fatherschnippel.blogspot.com.

Anthony Buono is online at avemariasingles.com.

Dave Durand, author of "Say This, Not That"

Matt Warner is online at flocknote.com.

Lisa Hendey is online at catholicmom.com.

Rita Heikenfeld's World's Easiest Wheat Bread

2012-01-12T04:25:00.000-08:00

Makes 1 loaf – feel free to double the recipe. This can be made by hand or in a stand mixer, but to replicate how they made bread in ancient times, I make mine by hand. Rapid rise yeast is a more aggressive yeast which dissolves and rises quickly and can be added to dry ingredients.

Whisk together:

1-1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 package rapid rise yeast (I use Kroger’s – this is the fast acting yeast)
1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Heat to about 120-130 degrees (very warm):
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter

Have ready:

1-1/2 to 2 cups all purpose flour

Make a well in the center of the whole wheat flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Pour water mixture in. Stir vigorously with a spoon until nice and smooth. Slowly start adding all purpose flour until a very soft dough forms, stirring as you go. I usually use 1-1/2 cups.

Remove from bowl and place on lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-10 minutes. BLESS THE DOUGH!
Let rest 15 minutes.

Roll into a12” long x 7” wide rectangle. Roll up tightly, starting on short end. Pinch seams and bottom together and place, seam side down, in buttered or sprayed loaf pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, anywhere from 45 - 60 minutes or so.

Bake in preheated 400 degree oven 30 minutes or so. I like to brush with melted butter when it comes out.

Tips from Rita’s kitchen: Variations after resting 10 minutes

Make a braid (divide dough into 3 sections, 16” long each) and brush, after it has doubled, with an egg wash (one egg w/1 tablespoon water) and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds or leave plan. Bake this for 25 minutes.

Make dinner rolls (divide dough into 12 balls, brush with egg wash after rising, and bake, 2” apart at 375 for 20 minutes.

Make focaccia: Brush a cookie sheet (about 15x10) with olive oil. Roll dough and press evenly into pan. After rising, make indentations in dough at 1” intervals and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, along with a couple teaspoons grated Parmesan. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.

Guests for Wednesday, 1/11/2012

2012-01-11T02:37:00.000-08:00

Paula Westwood is online at createdorder.blogspot.com.

Daria Sockey is online at faithandfamilylive.com and refers us to divineoffice.org.

Marybeth Hicks is online at marybethhicks.com.

Erin Von Uffel is online at sistermarie.com.

Mike Aquilina is online at fathersofthechurch.com.

Anthony Buono is online at avemariasingles.com.

Rebecca Taylor is online at marymeetsdolly.com.

Dr Marcellino D'Ambrosio is online at dritaly.com.

Ann Frailey, author of "The Road Goes Ever On: A Christian Journey Through the Lord of the Rings"

Francis Beckwith is online at francisbeckwith.com.

Maureen Wittman and her virtual homeschool conference are online at homeschoolconnectionsonline.com.

Gary Zimak is online at followingthetruth.com.

John Coverdale, author of "Uncommon Faith: The Early Years of Opus Dei"

Guests for Tuesday, 1/10/2011

2012-01-10T04:18:00.000-08:00

The Company of St. Ursula is online at companyofstursula.org.

Kevin Lowry is online at gratefulconvert.com.

Brian O'Neel, author of "39 New Saints You Should Know"

Patricia Treece, author of "God Will Provide"

Dr Ben Wiker's DVD series on the Church and Science is online at catholiccourses.com.

Kevin Schmiesing is online at catholichistory.net.

Paula Westwood blogs at createdorder.blogspot.com.

Send your questions for Catholic counselor Kevin Prendergast to sonrise@sacredheartradio.com.

Danielle Bean is online at faithandfamilylive.com.

Erin Von Uffel is online at sistermarie.com.

Elizabeth Ficocelli, author of "Where do Priests/Deacons/Sisters Come From?"

Emily Bissonnette is online at ruahwoods.org.

Rebecca Taylor is online at marymeetsdolly.com.

Rita Heikenfeld's Bible Breakfast in a Glass to Go

2012-01-05T04:14:00.000-08:00

This can be assembled in minutes andis a great way to start the day. Put in disposable cups with lids as a to-gobreakfast in the car or at work.

No stove required!

Layer as follows:

1/4 cup granola
1/4 cup favorite yogurt
1/2 cup chopped fresh fruitor frozen fruit
1/4 cup yogurt
More fresh fruit
Chopped walnuts or almonds
Raisins
Drizzle of honey

Rita Heikenfeld's Immune Boosting Granola

2012-01-05T04:12:00.000-08:00

Made with wheat germand sunflower seeds for vitamin E, dried apricots for beta carotene and soynuts which may help prevent cancer. Oats help lower cholesterol and nuts are animportant part of a healthy immune system. Honey is a natural sweetener,already predigested, for energy.

Mix together:

5 cups old fashionedrolled oats
2 cups nuts, onebeing 1 cup slivered almonds, the other your choice
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup sunflowerseeds, unsalted and hulled
3/4 cup wheat germ

OR EVEN EASIER:

1 bag Bob’s Red Mill5 Grain Rolled Whole Grain Hot Cereal With Flax

Mix this with 2 cupsnuts, one being 1 cup slivered almonds, the other your choice (this dry cerealalready contains wheat and flax seeds plus rye, barley and tritcale, all greathealthy grains).

Blend together:

If you like a sweetergranola, add more syrup or honey

1/2 cup Olive oil
1/2 cup Pure maplesyrup, agave syrup or honey
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon vanilla

Add after baking:
1 cup ea: goldenraisins and dried chopped apricots or dates
(You can buy datesalready chopped)
2 cups dried cherriesor cranberries
1/2 cup soy nuts(opt)

Pour liquidingredients over oat mixture. Stir until coated. Spread on sprayed cookiesheets. Bake at 275 for 45-60 minutes or so, or until mixture is golden brownand crunchy, stirring occasionally. Cool completely. Add fruit and mix well.Store in covered containers at room temperature up to a month. Makes a generous 10 cups.

Guests for Thursday, 1/5/2012

2012-01-05T03:51:00.000-08:00

Fr Richard Boever, author of "St John Neumann: His Writings and Spirituality"

Anthony Buono is online at avemariasingles.com.

Fr Dwight Longenecker is online at dwightlongenecker.com.

Send your questions for Catholic counselor Kevin Prendergast to sonrise@sacredheartradio.com.

Msgr Stephen Rossetti is online at cua.edu.

Rita Heikenfeld is online at abouteating.com.

Dan Egan is online at bibletidbits.blogspot.com.

Kevin Lowry is online at chnetwork.org and gratefulconvert.com.

Mike Aquilina is online at fathersofthechurch.com.

Dr Ben Wiker's DVD course on the Catholic Church and science is online at catholiccourses.com.

Lisa Mladinich is online at beanamazingcatechist.com.

Lisa Hendey is online at catholicmom.com.

Guests for Wednesday, 1/4/2012

2012-01-04T03:46:00.000-08:00

Paula Westwood blogs at createdorder.blogspot.com.

Marge Fenelon writes at margefenelon.com.

Fr Ryan Erlenbush writes at newtheologicalmovement.blogspot.com.

Sr Helena Burns is online at hellburns.blogspot.com.

Mike Aquilina is online at fathersofthechurch.com.

Anthony Buono is online at avemariasingles.com.

Bert Ghezzi, author of "Discover Christ"

Fr Dwight Longenecker is online at dwightlongenecker.com.

Dr Regis Martin's DVD series on the four last things is available at catholiccourses.com.

Patti Armstrong writes at integratedcatholiclife.org.

Dr Jim Papandrea, author of "Novation of Rome and the Culmination of Pre-Nicene Orthodoxy"

Tom Craughwell's DVD series on the saints can be found at catholiccourses.com.

Msgr Stephen Rossetti, author of "Why Priests are Happy"

Guests for Tuesday, 1/3/2011

2012-01-03T03:29:00.001-08:00

Fr James Kubicki is online at apostleshipofprayer.org.

Shane Kapler, co-author of "Tending the Temple"

Patti Armstrong writes at pattimaguirearmstrong.com.

Brent Stubbs writes at almostnotcatholic.com.

Bill Donaghy is online at twistedmystics.blogspot.com.

Kevin Schmiesing is online at catholichistory.net.

Paula Westwood blogs at createdorder.blogspot.com.

Send your questions for Catholic counselor Kevin Prendergast to sonrise@sacredheartradio.com.

Randy Hain and Deacon Mike Bickerstaff write at integratedcatholiclife.org.

Sr Helena Burns is online at hellburns.blogspot.com.

Br Bonaventure Chapman writes at dominicanablog.com.

Dr Regis Martin's course on the Four Last Things is available at catholiccourses.com.

Guests for Monday, 1/2/2012

2012-01-02T02:12:00.000-08:00

Kevin Schmiesing is online at catholichistory.net.

Patrice Macarthur writes at catholicmom.com.

Melinda Selmys, author of "Sexual Authenticity"

Randy Hain and Deacon Mike Bickerstaff are online at integratedcatholiclife.org.

Teresa Tomeo is online at teresatomeo.com.

James Brieg, author of "Finding Sergeant Bailey"

Fr James Kubicki s online at apostleshipofprayer.org.

Shane Kapler, co-author of "Tending the Temple"

Brent Stubbs is online at almostnotcatholic.com.

Daniel Flynn, author of "Blue Collar Intellectuals"

Greg Alexander, author of "Marriage 911"

Dave Durand, author of "Say This, Not That"

Another Roundup....

2011-12-30T10:42:00.000-08:00

... this time of things we don't want to start 2012 without showing you:

Sts. Peter and Paul Academy Veterans Day Program

Veterans Day at the Cincinnati private Catholic school included mass with Bishop Binzer and a program for area veterans “received by a full house of parents, grandparents, friends and many veterans from various branches of the armed forces,” according to Sheila Cox. Children sang patriotic songs and the school dance performed.

“What a warm feeling you get from watching the young perform with such spirit and pride,” Cox said. “A big thank you to our veterans, and a big thank you to Bishop Binzer from a proud parent!”

Lessons and Carol Service

The Athenaeum of Ohio’s annual Lessons and Carols service had people standing in the aisles to see Fr. Benedict O’Cinnsealaigh (yes that IS spelled correctly) wearing a very cool cape. See a slide show of pictures by E.L. Hubbard, who took this one, at the school’s web site.

Rosary Procession

St. Clement parish in St. Bernard (Ohio) revived its traditional Corpus Christi parade two years ago, but this parade is something new: A rosary procession for the Feast of All Saints honoring Mary, Queen of All Saints.

“This will be our fifth year,” says Fr. Fred Link, St. Clement’s pastor. “We process through the neighborhood, pray the rosary, and invite children to dress up as their favorite saints.” After the procession, children who don’t yet have a St. Francis medal receive one, the participants sing the litany of the saints, and then all enjoy refreshments.

Prayer for Life at Fountain Square

For the past five years, members of St. Antoninus Pro-Life/Pro-Family Commission and Presentation Ministries have gathered at Fountain Square on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (pop quiz: when is it??) to pray the rosary. David Willig explains that he was inspired to start the event after making a pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica in Mexico City. “It is our prayer that as we honor Our Lady of Guadalupe's image in the center of Cincinnati, that our Lady of Guadalupe will bring her love and protection to our city and stop all violence against human life in our city, and bring about many conversions to the Catholic Church.”

This year, he reports, several Hispanic people walking by stopped to join in, making the responses to the English leaders in Spanish. Three of them posed for the photo here. “What a holy night on Fountain Square!” say the organizers. Next year’s rosary is set for noon on 12/12/12 -- an easy date to remember, but write it on your calendar now anyway.

Look for The Catholic Beat to debut next week in 2012. Happy New Year!

Christmas at St. Francis Seraph School

2011-12-23T05:46:00.000-08:00

At St. Francis Seraph School's Christmas concert, angels were heard on high and shepherds watched their flocks by night. The school in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood serves low-income families. To donate or volunteer, click on the link above. To see a slideshow of photos from the concert, go to the school's Facebook page.

Photos by Fr. Greg Friedman.

Merry Christmas from the Sacred Heart Radio family! Scroll down for more news and feature stories, and look for The Catholic Beat local news and features site to debut in January.

In Case You Missed Them...

2011-12-23T05:36:00.000-08:00

Here are a few notable recent stories from the Cincinnati Enquirer -- read them quick before they vanish to the paid archive:

Yesterday’s front page story about the Cordier family of Clermont County. Sophia Cordier, the youngest of the six Cordier children, has Trisomy 18 and was not expected to live long past her in August. This is one loving family and one unique child you’ll want to meet. They are members of St. Gertrude parish.

Earlier this month the Enquirer ran a front page story about Ali Nunery, who lost her battle with lung cancer, and her sister Melanie, whose blog shared that battle with friends, family and neighbors. Her photo-filled blog post about Ali’s funeral, the Enquirer story noted, “went viral” and attracted more than 30,000 readers. Here it is.

At Ali Nunery’s funeral at St. Francis de Sales parish everyone wore pink -- her favorite color. Ali’s sister Melanie chronicled her fight with cancer at her blog, RockPink4Ali.

Also earlier this month, the Enquirer profiled Fr. Jorge Ochoa, a Comboni priest who was assigned to Cincinnati’s St. Charles/San Carlos parish while he recovered from malaria and ended up staying for more than three years. He became a familiar face to all working on immigration issues in the region, fighting for the dignity of his parishioners and area Hispanic people. “They want badly to contribute something to this culture,” he told reporter Mark Curnutte. “No one is so rich they can not receive something. No one is so poor that they can not give something.”

Finally, a November story profiled Rob “Peewee” Hertzel, whose blog Peeweecancer (not available to the public) inspired many people facing colin and liver cancer. Like the Cordiers, the Hertzel family are members of St. Gertrude parish. The piece is longer available without a paid subscription, but if you have one, read it here.

Scroll down for more news and feature stories. And look for The Catholic Beat to debut in January!

O Come O Come Emmanuel

2011-12-22T04:20:00.000-08:00

The younger students at St. James the Greater School in the White Oak neighborhood of Cincinnati wish everyone a very merry Christmas.

Photo courtesy St. James the Greater.

Scroll down for more news and feature stories. And look for The Catholic Beat to debut in January!

Angel Night Attracts 700+

2011-12-22T04:17:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month we told you about the first-ever evening advent event at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton (Ohio). Organizers planned crafts, choir concerts, and horse-drawn carriage rides through the specially illuminated grounds on a route that featured more than a dozen statues of angels.

“From the cars parked, the cookies decorated, the hot dogs consumed and the horse drawn carriage rides taken, we had more than 700 people visit us the evening of December 8 for our first ever Evening of Song and Celebration,” says Calvary Cemetery Superintendent Rick Meade -- double attendance projectsions. “We are very grateful for the community’s response to our invitation.”

Calvary is one of the famed Victorian garden-style cemeteries founded in the late 1800s. Set on the terraced Moraine ridge in Kettering overlooking Carillon Park and the University of Dayton, Calvary’s 200 landscaped acres include classic art and historic statuary -- usually viewed only by daylight.

The twinkling lights of Carillion Park, the skyline of Dayton visible from Calvary’s hilltops through the bare trees, and the nearly full moon made for beautiful carriage rides.

“Based on our success this year we will definitely do this again.”

Tours, special masses, and other events are scheduled throughout the year at Calvary Cemetery. For more information, click on the web address above

Photo by Julie Walling Photography for Calvary Cemetery.

Scroll down for more news and feature stories. And look for The Catholic Beat to debut in January!

Congratulations Matt!!!

2011-12-22T04:05:00.000-08:00

The Sacred Heart Radio family just got a little bigger. We congratulate Producer Matt Swaim and his wife Colleen on the birth of their first child. Zeke Swaim was born yesterday evening and is enjoying his first morning of Advent. Welcome to the world, Baby Zeke!

OLV Principal Chosen as One of Nation’s Best

2011-12-21T05:14:00.000-08:00

The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) will present a Dr. Robert J. Kealy Distinguished Principal Award to Terry Chapman, principal of Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic School in Green Township (Ohio), at its annual conference this spring.

The Distinguished Principal Award is presented 12 elementary school principals every year. Superintendents may each nominate one principal, and the recipients are chosen by a panel of judges. Dr. Jim Rigg, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, says he nominated Mr. Chapman because of his work training principals at the Initiative for Catholic Schools at Xavier University as well as his work at OLV.

“Mr. Chapman is an exceptional principal who is well deserving of this award,” says Dr. Rigg. “He has gained great renown for fostering a strong academic and spiritual atmosphere in his schools. Visitation is a highly successful school due to Mr. Chapman’s tremendous leadership.

“For years, Visitation has been a training ground for future principals. Mr. Chapman has a gift for training new administrators under his care and then sending them into other Catholic schools.”

Mr. Chapman will receive his award at the annual NCEA Convention in Boston on April 11, 2012.

Photo courtesy Our Lady of the Visitation School.

Scroll down for more news and feature stories. And look for The Catholic Beat to debut in January!

Christian Brothers Honor La Salle Campus Minister

2011-12-21T04:57:00.000-08:00

One of two regional Distinguished Lasallian Educator Awards for 2011 -- and the only one given to a high school faculty member -- went to La Salle High School’s director of campus ministry. The Christian Brothers of the Midwest gave the award to Chris Winiarski at a national conference for their order, which was founded by St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle, the school’s namesake.

A 1996 graduate of the Cincinnati high school, Winiarski earned a degree in Religious Education from the College of Mount St. Joseph while working as a youth minister and Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) at St. Catharine of Siena parish in Westwood. He studied Pastoral Counseling at the Athenaeum of Ohio and is currently studying Lasallian Leadership at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. He has been a member of La Salle’s staff since 2001.

“Chris is a real blessing to La Salle,” said Principal Tom Luebbe. “He is a highly instrumental leader challenging all within our community to live the message of our Lasallian mission. Passionately, he demonstrates a genuine interest in every student and adult and possesses a sincere concern for their spiritual growth.”

His accomplishments at La Salle include co-authoring and developing the school’s De La Salle Signum Fidei Institute (DLSFI), a comprehensive faith and student leadership program; preparing faculty members within the Lasallian Youth Service Immersion Trip program, which he began and directs, and other retreat and service programs; and organizing weeklong service learning “urban plunges.”

Winiarski and his family (he and wife Angela Nardelli Winiarski have three children) belong to both St. Catherine of Siena and St. James the Greater parishes. Attending La Salle, he says, was a formative influence on his life. “La Salle High School transformed me into a more healthy, loving, informed and faith-filled person,” he explains. “I am a better person because of my Lasallian education.”

Colleagues say he has a similar influence on his own students. ““I am amazed at how many of our graduates come back to see him and how he welcomes them with open arms,” says theology teacher and Lasallian animator Philip Reichle. “Chris is a mentor, teacher, friend and brother to many. I’m not sure if he realizes just how much of an impact he has had on so many in such a short period of time.”

La Salle High School for boys is run by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (known as Christian Brothers), who operate more than 100 elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Founded in the early 1700s, the Christian Brothers and their founder developed or perfected many of the teaching methods commonly used today, such as teaching children with different learning levels in the same classroom rather than tutoring each child independently. They operate in 82 countries and educate more than a million students.

Photo courtesy LaSalle High School.

Scroll down for more news and feature stories. And look for The Catholic Beat to debut in January!

Meet: The Newest Future Priests

2011-12-20T04:57:00.000-08:00

Ten area seminarians have been approved for candidacy for Holy Orders, seven of them from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

The three remaining seminarians are from the Diocese of Toledo and the Diocese of Youngstown, which do not have seminaries. All attend Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary of the West/the Athenaeum of Ohio in eastern Cincinnati.

On December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Binzer presided over the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders in the Athenaeum’s Chapel of St. Gregory the Great.

Left to right: Monsignor Charles Singler, vocation director, Toledo; Fr. Benedict O’Cinnsealaigh, president/rector of The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West; Jeffery J. Smith, (Toledo); Timothy G. Fahey, (Cincinnati,); Sean M. Wilson, (Cincinnati,); Matthew S. Feist, (Cincinnati); Bishop Joseph Binzer; Brian D. Archdeacon (Cincinnati); Jason A. Williams (Youngstown); Michael J. Nidek (back, Toledo); Christopher M. Geiger (front, Cincinnati); Alexander M. McCullough (back, Cincinnati); Eric P. Roush (front, Cincinnati); Fr. Anthony R. Brausch, vice rector, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West; Fr. Kyle E. Schnippel, vocation director, Cincinnati.

Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders is not ordination. Instead, it's a public declaration that men are committing themselves to formation as priests, and a public acceptance of that commitment by the Archbishop, who represents the Church.

”It is a first official recognition on the part of the Church that there are preliminary signs of a vocation to Holy Orders that remain to be confirmed in subsequent years of formation,” explains Athenaeum spokesman Walt Schaefer.

Area men discerning the diocesan priesthood come to Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary, what’s called a “major seminary,” after they have finished bachelor’s degrees -- and, in some cases, after working anywhere from a few years to a few decades in a profession. Sometimes, men are sent to Rome to study for a particular subject. Younger men study in what is a called “minor seminary,” where they complete undergraduate degrees. Men from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati study at either the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, or Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary in Indianapolis. Cincinnati does not have a minor seminary.

Currently 39 men are studying at Mt. St. Mary’s and one in Rome. Of those 40 men, 26 are from the Archdiocese, five are from Youngstown, eight are from Toledo, and one is from Kalamazoo, MI. In addition, 15 men are at the Josephinum and nine are at Bishop Brute. While it’s not uncommon for men to decide they were mistaken about having a vocation and leave the seminary, most who study at the major seminary do go on to ordination.

This spring five men will be ordained transitional deacons (to be ordained priests the following spring): two from Cincinnati, two from Toledo, and one from Kalamazoo. Five men will be ordained priests: four from Cincinnati and one from Youngstown.

What about across the river? The Diocese of Covington has 27 seminarians studying at the Josephinum, at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA, and at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. One is spending a pastoral year in residence at a parish. This year one Covington seminarian will be ordained. Six will be ordained in 2013. We'll tell you more about them -- and about the men studying for the priesthood from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis -- in 2012.

Do you think you may have a vocation to the priesthood, to the permanent diaconate, or to religious life? If so, contact the Vocations Office in your diocese -- Cincinnati, Covington, or Indianapolis. You can make your first contact online or by phone.

Photo by E. L. Hubbard, courtesy the Athenaeum of Ohio.

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Two Special Christmas Midnight Masses

2011-12-19T05:08:00.000-08:00

Midnight Mass "Old School"

Would you like to try a Christmas midnight Mass in Latin? For several years, Holy Family Catholic Church in Dayton has been the only parish in the region to offer a Traditional Latin Mass at midnight.

This year, Sacred Heart Church in Camp Washington (Cincinnati) will also host a midnight mass. It will be a High Mass, which means incense and bells and a choir singing much of the liturgy, and will be celebrated ad orientam (with the priest and assembly facing the altar during the consecration). Fr. Valentine Young, O.F.M., will celebrate.

In 2007 Pope Benedict permitted the “extraordinary form” of the Mass (using the 1962 missal, as opposed to the current or “ordinary form” of the Mass, which can be offered in either English or Latin) to be celebrated without receiving special permission. This may be the first Cincinnati-area midnight Mass offered in the extraordinary form since the 1970s.

The Mass is sponsored by Una Voce Cincinnati, a chapter of the Una Voce America/Una Voce International Foundation, which hopes to establish a Latin Mass parish (like Holy Family) in Cincinnati. Una Voce’s President, Andrew Spoor, says all are welcome. “If people have never been to the ‘TLM’ before, they will recognize parts of the Mass for sure, but picking up one of the red, Latin-English Missalettes at the church will be very helpful to follow along,” he says. “They’ll also contain a printout of the prayers specific to the Midnight Mass, as well as English text for the Gospel and Epistle.”

The Mass will last about an hour and a half, Spoor says. It starts at midnight, but the choir will begin singing Christmas carols at 11:30. Parking is available in a lot at the church. The photo, taken at a High Mass offered at St. Mark’s earlier this year, gives a taste of what the Mass will look like. While it has a very different look and feel from the Masses most Catholics are used to, it is equally valid.

For those in or north of Dayton, Holy Family’s Midnight Mass also begins with carols at 11:30. Holy Family is staffed by the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, a priestly order dedicated to the extraordinary form of the Mass. It is an official parish of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Traditional Latin Masses are currently offered every week at Holy Family, Sacred Heart, and Old St. Mary’s (Downtown Cincinnati). Old St. Mary's also offers ordinary form Masses in Latin.

Musical Midnight Mass

If your parish doesn’t offer a Midnight Mass, or if you’d like to venture out elsewhere but are not quite up for a Traditional Latin Mass, an area favorite is at St. William Parish in Price Hill (Cincinnati). Known for its choir, St. William presents its annual, hour-long Festival of Carols at 11 pm (doors open at 10:30). The 30-member St. William Choir, directed by Dave Allen, will sing with an ensemble from the Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra. Selections include traditional carols and orchestral and choir performances.

Midnight Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Andrew J. Umberg in the “ordinary form” -- in English. For information or directions, see the link above.

If you’d like to hear more from the St. William Choir, mark your calendar for Wednesday, Jan. 4, when the choir will once again be accompanied by an ensemble from Cincinnati Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, this time for a free performance of Sections I and III from Handel’s Messiah.

Photos courtesy Una Voce Cincinnati, St. William Parish.

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New Sacred Christmas Music Album from Andrianne Price

2011-12-16T04:40:00.000-08:00

Middletown native and CCM graduate Adrianne Powell Price thought she could never have a professional singing career. Diagnosed with permanently scarred vocal chords, she couldn’t sing long enough or consistently enough for the strenuous demands of a concert career. So she moved to Los Angeles with her husband Thom and began working television and industrial films, doing voiceovers, acting, and behind-the-camera work.

But God had other ideas for the non-practicing Catholics. After a profound conversion experience, the couple and their small son moved to Alabama so that Thom could work at the EWTN Radio Network. Adrianne had continued her voice studies, learning Gregorian chant with Dr. Paul Salamunovich in LA, but her damaged vocal chords made it impossible to sing solos. In 1998 on the Feast of St. Blaise, in EWTN’s famous Chapel of Our Lady of the Angles, everything changed.

“Just before having my throat blessed,” she says, “I prayed a profoundly sincere prayer: “Lord, if the healing of my voice aids in the salvation of my soul and anyone else who hears me (through the intercession of St. Blaise), please heal me!’” And after that, she was no longer hoarse. An ENT exam a few months later revealed no nodules or scarring on her vocal cords.

“Since then, out of gratitude," she says, "I only sing sacred songs for the Lord God Almighty Who made me and healed me!”

Adrianne has since sung many times on EWTN and in concerts. Last year, the mezzo soprano released her first album, Sacred Classics, designed to re-introduce Catholics to Classical and traditional settings of hymns and other sacred pieces that were once familiar in churches and concert halls. Her new album, Sacred Christmas, includes 14 classic carols in several languages, including Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant, A La Nanita Nana, Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle, and numerous English carols.

To order or download either album, see her web site.

Photos courtesy Adrianne Price.

Scroll down for more news and feature stories. And look for The Catholic Beat to debut in January!

Guests for Friday, 12/16/2011

2011-12-16T03:30:00.000-08:00

Rita Heikenfeld is online at abouteating.com.

Ann Lewis, author of "Murder in the Vatican"

Joe Witulski and the Fort Wayne Catholic men's fellowship are online at rekindlethefire.net.

Danielle Bean is online at faithandfamilylive.com.

Steven Greydanus is online at decentfilms.com.

Tony Beshara is online at thejobsearchsolution.com.

Fr Greg Friedman is online at franciscanmedia.org.

Lisa Hendey is online at catholicmom.com.

Msgr Eugene Morris is online at pcj.edu.

Sr Judith Sutera, author of "Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Benedict"

Geraldine Guadagno, author of "St Joseph's Story"

Daniel Flynn, author of "Blue Collar Intellectuals"

Greg Alexander is online at thealexanderhouse.org.

Visits from St. Nicholas

2011-12-15T05:22:00.000-08:00

St. Nicholas came early to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West -- perhaps because he's so busy these days visiting greater Cincinnati.

New rector Fr. Benedict O’Cinnsealaigh said that because the seminarians generally go home for Christmas and Easter, and because the instructors generally split up to help at area parishes, most of their time together before both joyful holidays is spent celebrating the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent. So this year, they decided that a Central and Eastern European-style visit from the saint was the perfect way to give seminarians a little early Christmas cheer.

“The St. Nicholas Day celebration allows us to celebrate the joy of Christmas as a community. This is good for morale," Father O’Cinnsealaigh said. “Following monastic and seminary custom, one seminarian is chosen to play the role of the Bishop St. Nicholas who visits the community with gifts or coal. These are distributed to the community, in person, beginning with the rector and including the faculty and seminarians down to the most junior seminarian.”

The first Cincinnati seminarian to step into the sainted bishop’s role was Ethan Moore, with Eric Wood as his archdeacon. Father Benedict received gold, frankincense, and myrrh while Vice Rector Fr. Anthony Brausch and faculty member and church historian, Fr. Theodore C. Ross, SJ, received coal.

St. Nick came to the Athenaeum on Sunday, Dec. 4, but visited many area homes, schools and institutions on his feast day, Dec. 6. Because of the Cincinnati area’s German background, he has long visited homes at night to leave candy and fruit for good children. But lately he has paid many visits during school and business hours. One school he visited this year was St. Clement, where Fr. Dan Anderson, OFM, (a community theater actor and director) portrayed the saint and two eighth-graders portrayed a devil who sees the worst in children and an angel who sees the best. The three put on a Ukranian miracle play for students.

This just in: Another St. Nicholas visit, this one to the St. Clement Friary. Fr. David Kohut, OFM, donned some suspiciously familiar red and white garb. Meanwhile, south of the river, St. Nick made an appearance at the area's newest Catholic bookstore, Catholic Station in Ft. Mitchell, KY.

Photos courtesy the Athenaeum of Ohio, the Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist Province, and Catholic Station.

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Pomegranate recipe ideas from Rita Heikenfeld

2011-12-15T04:30:00.001-08:00

POMEGRANATE SALAD DRESSING FOR CHRISTMAS

Whirl together in blender:

1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup Canola or other veggie oil
1 small clove garlic
2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
Salt & pepper to taste

Strain to remove bits of seeds.

Even Easier: Make dressing but just stir in the pomegranate seeds. They will flavorthe dressing as they marinate in it.

To serve: Place mixed greens on plate. Sprinkle with Feta cheese and pine nuts(nuts are optional). Drizzle dressing over. Sprinkle more pomegranate seeds ontop.

MORE IDEAS FOR POMEGRANATE SEEDS:

Sprinkle seeds over a wedge of blue cheese that's beendrizzled with honey for an easy appetizer

Top a sauteed chicken breast with seeds and chopped walnutsthat have been added to pan juices at the end of cooking.

Add seeds to your morning yogurt or oatmeal.

Guests for Thursday, 12/15/2011

2011-12-15T03:42:00.000-08:00

Msgr Eugene Morris is online at pcj.edu.

Mike Aquilina is online at fathersofthechurch.com.

Dr Marcellino D'Ambrosio is online at dritaly.com.

Send your questions for Catholic counselor Kevin Prendergast to sonrise@sacredheartradio.com.

Patrice MacArthur writes at catholicmom.com.

Fr Joe Corpora and the Alliance for Catholic Education are online at nd.edu.

Rita Heikenfeld is online at abouteating.com.

Dan Egan is online at bibletidbits.blogspot.com.

Marybeth Hicks is online at marybethhicks.com.

Joe Witulski and the Fort Wayne Catholic Men's Fellowship are online at rekindlethefire.net.

Anthony Buono is online at avemariasingles.com.

Ann Lewis, author of "Murder in the Vatican"

Lisa Hendey is online at catholicmom.com.

Emery Memorial Gives $25K to DePaul Cristo Rey School

2011-12-14T04:36:00.000-08:00

The Cincinnati area’s newest Catholic high school, and the newest school in the national Cristo Rey network, received a $25,000 Christmas gift from The Thomas J. Emery Memorial fund in early December. It was the school’s second major grant within a month (the first, for $20,000, came in November from the Andrew Jergens Foundation).

Founded in 1925 by Mary M. Emery (namesake of Mariemont, Ohio) in honor of her late husband, the Memorial is private foundation that provides grants to cultural and educational institutions.

DePaul Cristo Rey opened this fall with 90 students, and is accepting applications through January 20 for the 2012-2013 freshman class. (See photos of the ribbon cutting here -- click on "dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.")

Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, DPRC offers underserved students in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky a strong college preparatory education in a Catholic setting. It is the nation’s 24^th Cristo Rey school. Family income for eligible Greater Cincinnati students must fall within 75 percent of the median family income for Hamilton County.

All DPCR students participate in the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) in which they work five days a month in entry-level positions in Greater Cincinnati companies, learning what is expected from worker. Their tuition comes from their CWSP revenue, scholarship support, and what their families can pay. The Thomas J. Emery Memorial grant will go toward scholarships to those students with the greatest economic need.

For more information about enrolling a student, becoming a Corporate Partner, or other ways to support DPCR, please contact the school at 513-861-0600 click on the link above.

Top: (Left to right) freshmen Erika Hernandez, Austin Smith and Ronay Matthews with English teacher Paul Ebert. Bottom: Ribbon Cutting.

Photos courtesy DePaul Cristo Rey.

Scroll down for more news and features. And watch for the launch of The Catholic Beat local news and features web site, January 2012!

Guests for Wednesday, 12/14/2011

2011-12-14T03:52:00.000-08:00

Paula Westwood blogs at createdorder.blogspot.com.

Fr John Fortin, author of "The Joy of Advent with St. Benedict"

Marybeth Hicks is online at marybethhicks.com.

Br Bonaventure Chapman writes at dominicanablog.com.

Mike Aquilina is online at fathersofthechurch.com.

Anthony Buono is online at avemariasingles.com.

Mark Hart is online at lifeteen.com.

Dr Marcellino D'Ambrosio is online at dritaly.com.

Dr Matthew Bunson is online at osv.com.

Patrice MacArthur writes at catholicmom.com.

Melinda Selmys blogs at sexualauthenticity.blogspot.com.

Jeanne Hunt, author of "Celebrating Saints and Seasons"

Fr Joe Corpora and Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education are online at ace.nd.edu.

St. X Food Drive Shatters Records

2011-12-13T04:54:00.000-08:00

St. Xavier High School collected a record amount of food and will feed more families in need with its 2011 Canned Food Drive than it ever has previously.

“It’s been a great year,” said Matt Kemper (St. X class of ’91), community service director. “The kids were awesome, simply awesome, in the job they did. We adopted more families than ever before – almost 500 – and had to go back to agencies twice to get more to add to our original list.

“We’re definitely over 155,000 pounds of food and pushing 160,000. It crushed the old record of 148,900 we set in 2010. It’s been a banner year.”

In addition to the nearly 500 families “adopted” through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. X’s food will stock the shelves of about 20 Greater Cincinnati food pantries and social service agencies and in three Appalachian communities, feeding well over 2,000 people in need.

The CFD has been part of the St. Xavier tradition since the 1920s. In the last 10 years alone, the school has collected and distributed more than a million pounds of food.

Nearly every student has been involved in CFD, from hours of service as coordinators to going out with classmates to collect food door to door. Alumni also get involved, as do friends of the school like Shawn Stierwalt, Store Director of Meijer Store #224, whose donation and design expertise led to the CANstruction X made of soup cans (pictured) on the landing of the school’s main stairwell.

“I think the consistent message of the school is we have a heckuva lot of gifts here and we have a responsibility to share that with others,” Kemper said. “That doesn’t just come from community service; it’s who we are as a school. Academics are important, yes. Extracurriculars and sports are important, too. But so is this kind of thing. We have to be involved in our communities in a positive way if we’re truly going to call ourselves men for others.”

Photo courtesy St. Xavier High School.

Scroll down for more news and feature stories! And look for the new local news and features web site, The Catholic Beat, to debut January first!

More St. Vincent de Paul Projects

2011-12-13T04:30:00.001-08:00

St. X was one of many area high schools, churches, and organizations donating time, money, food, and toys to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Here are a few more:

Earlier this fall SVDP distributed coats to many area families through the annual 5 Cares Coat Drive, in partnership with many donors and donation stations at area SVDP chapters, WLWT-TV, Gold Star Chili, City Dash, Kemba Credit Union, local fire departments and Starr Printing.

This month DHL Express donated $5000 and hundreds of pounds of food for the holiday food effort, which SVDP hopes will feed 800 families at its December 20th food distribution. Employees collected food for the food pantry and household items for St. Vincent de Paul stores, while the donation comes from the corporation’s Living Responsibility Fund.

“We’re grateful to DHL and for the giving spirit of their employees,” said Liz Carter, executive director of SVDP-Cincinnati. “This fall we’re seeing an increasing number of people needing help to provide food for their families, and we rely on the generosity of the community and organizations such as DHL.”

Pictured: Hope Franklin, clearance supervisor, DHL Express; Liz Carter, executive director, St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati and Paul Van Risseghem, customs broker agent, DHL Express.

On December 6, NFL players shopped for toys with 50 local children from the Adopt-a-Family program in the annual Shop with a Bengal day. Members of the Bengals (pictured here: Bobbie Williams) helped children pick out toys they liked at the Eastgate Toys “R” Us in eastern Cincinnati.

On December 10, the Society and volunteers distributed toys to the parents of 200 needy children through part of the Angel Toy Program. Parents from the Adopt-a-Family program could each pick out and wrap two toys from hundreds donated or purchased through contributions, while children enjoyed Christmas crafts and a visit with Santa.

There is still time to help a family in need through two Christmas programs. To donate food to the Kroger and Fox 19 Food from the Heart program in either Ohio or Northern Kentucky, purchase food at area Kroger stores and leave it in the specially marked bins by the doors. All donations are welcome, great or small.

Families, churches, and organizations can still adopt a family. They receive a list of toys, clothing, and toiletries they commit to buying. To adopt a family in Ohio (SVDP-Cincinnati hopes to give toys and other gifts to 400 area families, and still has several dozen awaiting adoption), call LaMonica Sherman at 513-562-8841, ext. 237. To adopt a family in Kentucky, contact SVDP-NKY Executive Director Ralph Bradburn at (859) 341-3219.

Photos courtesy the Society of St. Vincent De Paul-Cincinnati.

Guests for Tuesday, 12/13/2011

2011-12-13T03:34:00.000-08:00

Teresa Tomeo is online at teresatomeo.com.

Tony Beshara is online at thejobsearchsolution.com.

James Brieg, author of "Searching for Sgt Bailey"

Rebecca Taylor is online at marymeetsdolly.com.

Dan Teller and Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori are online at gscmontessori.org.

Kevin Schmiesing is online at catholichistory.net.

Paula Westwood is online at createdorder.blogspot.com.

Send your questions for Catholic counselor Kevin Prendergast to sonrise@sacredheartradio.com.

Dave Durand, author of "Say This Not That"

Eric Sammons is online at ericsammons.com.

Br Bonaventure Chapman is online at dominicanablog.com.

Mark Hart is online at lifeteen.com.

Patti Armstrong writes at catholicexchange.com.

"Am I not she who is your mother?"

2011-12-12T04:40:00.000-08:00

Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe! Here is the beautiful outdoor shrine to her at the St. Anthony Shrine in Cincinnati. (Like them on Facebook -- they have a great page.) For the occasion, here is Andrea Bocelli singing Schubert's Ave Maria.

Teens, Toes and T-Shirts: 300 Turn Out for Northern Cast Your Nets

2011-12-12T04:23:00.000-08:00

Bishop Joe Binzer’s called on teens to be “a model for all believers” this fall at the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Cast Your Nets youth conference at St. Luke Parish in Beavercreek.

About 300 teens gathered for the Sunday evening event, which featured Mass, reconciliation, music, talks, and an appearance by internationally known inspirational speaker and musician Tony Melendez.

Melendez, who was born without arms, taught himself to play guitar with his feet. At a performance for Pope John Paul II in 1987, the pontiff was so moved that he walked to the stage, kissed Melendez on the cheek, and told him to continue sharing his hope with people everywhere. Since then the musician/speaker has dedicated himself to live as a witness to doing the will of Christ -- with humor and verve. This is a guy who calls his band “Toe Jam,” after all.

Cast Your Nets is co-sponsored by the Vocation Office and the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Events are held in both the northern and southern end of the archdiocese. Next on the list: January 29 (south) and March 25 (north). For more information, sign up for the Cast Your Nets newsletter here.

And it’s not too late to get the surprise hit of the evening, the new bright yellow, two-sided Cast Your Nets t-shirt, featuring Blessed John Paul II exhorting you to “Be bold.” At only $10, they make great Christmas presents! To purchase one, email Wayne Topp at the Vocations Office.

See photos of this and other events at the CYN Facebook page.

Photo: Courtesy the Vocations Office of the Archdicoese of Cincinnati

Scroll down for more news and feature stories! And look for the new local news and features web site, The Catholic Beat, to debut January first!

Guests for Monday, 12/12/2011

2011-12-12T04:02:00.000-08:00

Kevin Schmiesing is online at catholichistory.net.

Patti Armstrong's article on giving prayers as Christmas gifts is online at catholicexchange.com.

Barry Dean and the Association of Catholic Coaches are online at aofcc.com.

Dr Helen Alvare writes at thepublicdiscourse.com

Teresa Tomeo is online at teresatomeo.com.

Steve Abdalla is online at weebelievers.com.

Matt Warner is online at ncregister.com.

"The Greatest Miracle" is online at tgmmovie.com.

Jennifer Fulwiler is online at conversiondiary.com.

Steven Greydanus is online at decentfilms.com.

Bill Donaghy is online at twistedmystics.blogspot.com.

Rebecca Taylor is online at marymeetsdolly.com.

Thanks to Fr. Kyle Schnippel...

2011-12-11T17:53:00.001-08:00

... for celebrating Mass at the Sorrowful Mother Chapel at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception for the radio staff and pledge drive volunteers. (My that was lot of capital letters in once sentence!) Thanks to all who gave hours to the pledge drive, and thanks to the many generous donors who keep Sacred Heart Radio on the air!

For the curious: That's Station Manager Bill Leavitt on the left, serving Mass. On the right you see Brian Patrick, Emily Bissonette, and Paula Westwood (after the broadcast, of course!).

Fiesta de Nuestra Seniora de Guadalupe

2011-12-09T05:11:00.001-08:00

Monday is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. At St. Charles Borromeo/San Carlos Borromeo parish in Cincinnati, the Feast lasts seven days. Six days of special masses for people who work in different industries and at different jobs began Tuesday. On Monday, celebrations begin with las mananitas of the Virgin of Guadalupe, followed by Benediction at noon and Mass (followed by blessing of roses) at 6:30. Don't forget that Our Lady of Guadalupe is Our Lady of the Americas -- North America, as well as South and Central America. Fast becoming the most popular Catholic feast in the United States, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a great day for everyone to honor the Blessed Mother.

Artwork courtesy the Marian Library.

CJ Girls' Golf Wins Title, Honored at State House

2011-12-09T04:34:00.001-08:00

All seven members of the Chaminade Julienne Division II State champion women’s golf team, with their head coach George Menker, were recognized on the floor of both sessions of the Ohio General Assembly Tuesday.

During the team's visit, the Eagles were presented with a special resolution from Rep. Clayton Luckie ('81 CJ graduate) and from Senators Bill Beagle and Peggy Lehner. In October, the Eagles won the 2011 State golf championship in just the program’s fifth full season of competition. The State golf team title is the school’s first since 1933, and the first-ever for the women’s program.

In that time the team secured two GGCL titles and played at two previous state tournaments, while welcoming any potential player (co-captain Adrianne Marx, a senior, started on the team as a freshman who had never picked up a golf club).

Coach Menker (Chaminade class of ’55) says the girls work hard, not only on their golf game, but also at being positive players in a stressful sport. Other players and coaches notice their good sportsmanship, and numerous colleges and universities -- including he University of Toledo, Wittenberg, Ohio Dominican, Saint Mary’s, and Cleveland State -- are recruiting the team’s three seniors. Since the team was revived in 2006, eight players have received all conference honors, two have gone on to play NCAA Division I golf, and Menker has twice won GGCL Grey coach of the year.

“There are 330 high schools in Ohio with a women’s golf program. We were only one of 12 teams to qualify for State," Menker said with pride. “Winning the championship was a great end to the season and it is something that these girls will carry with them for the rest of their lives."

Pictured at the State House (left to right): Coach Menker, senior Erin Warfield, sophomore Caitlin Cartone, junior Emily Poock, junior Mikaela Hadaway, senior Diann Bonner, senior Adrianne Marx, freshman Sarah Downing, and Senators Peggy Lehner and Bill Beagle.

Chaminade Julienne is a co-eductional high school serving the Miami Valley (Dayton, Ohio). It is jointly owned and sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the Society of Mary.

See video of the presentation here.

Photos by Michelle Cartone, courtesy Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School.

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Pray the Steps Tonight, See Animated Nativity Sunday

2011-12-08T03:55:00.001-08:00

If Santa rappelling down a building or reading to fish in a giant aquarium leave you longing for a quieter way to celebrate Advent, visit Mt. Adams tonight as Holy Cross - Immaculata Church lights up the night for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Then, starting Sunday, you can do what people on the east side of Cincinnati have done for more than 60 years: visit the animated nativity display at the Comboni Mission Center in Anderson Township.

Tonight’s festivities include praying the steps beginning at 6:15, Mass at 7 pm, and four searchlights beaming 1600 million candle power lights celebrating the parish’s feast day until 9 pm. It’s the second year for The Lights of Mary. For information or directions, click the link above or call the parish office at (513) 721-6544.

On Sunday, the Comboni Missionaries will begin their 64th annual Animated Nativity display with a 4 pm open house featuring music by the Hills of Kentucky Dulcimer Society and the choir from Guardian Angels parish.

The room-sized recreation of Bethlehem is open every evening from December 11 to January 2 from 6 to 9 pm (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; open by appointment January 3-6). Each 15-minute nativity presentation includes music, lights, animated figures, and the story of the birth of Christ. Visitors can also shop at the Mission Market or the super-bargain-priced Christmas Boutique, visit the Mission Museum to see where the Comboni Missionaries work around the world, and see a display of nativity sets from many different countries.

First set up in 1947, this “this unique presentation of the First Christmas continues to draw people from the Greater Cincinnati area,” say the Missionaries. “Families who came in those first years are now bringing grandchildren and great-grandchildren.” There is no charge for the display, which is “a Christmas gift to the Greater Cincinnati community from the Comboni Missionaries, who invite one and all to find respite from the chaos of the holiday season in a visit to Bethlehem.” Visitors are asked to bring canned food for area poor.

Group visits are welcome during the day (between 8 am and 4 pm). Call 513-474-4997 for more information or to schedule a group trip.

If you are closer to Dayton than to Cincinnati, don’t forget today’s Christmas on Campus and Immaculate Conception Masses at the University of Dayton, and the horse-drawn tours of the illuminated grounds of Calvary Cemetery tonight. And wherever you are, remember that today Sacred Heart Radio is holding a special pledge drive to raise money for numerous projects, including The Catholic Beat -- the daily Catholic news and feature web site that debuts January first. Tune in for special guests all day long!

Photos courtesy Holy Cross-Immaculata, the Comboni Missionaries.

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Praying for Their Absent Children

2011-12-07T04:39:00.001-08:00

Like most schools that offer Kairos retreats to their students, Roger Bacon High School in St. Bernard, Ohio, has developed its own traditions around the program’s basic framework of peer-led talks, liturgies, and music. But one tradition unique to the school doesn’t happen on the retreat at all.

At RB, parents gather at the school’s tiny Our Lady of Angels Chapel for an evening Mass to pray for their children. The students are told when the Mass begins, so they know the moment parents have begun praying for them.

“We started parent liturgies a a way of simply getting parents together to pray for their children,” says religion teacher Bob Von Luehrte, who helped start the Kairos program in 1995. “No ‘information’ or ‘meet the team’ or talk about grades. Nothing ‘practical’ as we usually expect from parents. Simply a way to support each other and support their children by prayer.

“Since we started the liturgies, we have always had more than half of the parents participate. Some of the strongest response has been from our non-Catholic parents. A small gesture of love, perhaps, but that is the point of Kairos – it is in the ordinary that we find, as Fr. Pat says, the ‘grace of God.’”

Fr. Pat is Fr. Pat McClosky, OFM (pictured), who has celebrated most of the parent Masses since they began in 2000. Formerly the school’s chaplain, he helped establish Kairos and has seen it affect many students’ lives by deepening their awareness of God’s presence, particularly as they experience it through the love of other people throughout their lives.

Kairos is a Greek word referring to time -- chronos is the word meaning ordinary time as measured by the sun or a clock, while kairos means a special experience where ordinary time seems suspended. At a Kairos retreat it’s referred to as “God’s time.” Clocks are covered and watches are forbidden so that “God’s time” can break through chronos. The Kairos program is based in part on Ignatian spirituality, and is used in schools throughout the country.

Roger Bacon offers three Kairos retreats a year to its seniors at Marydale Retreat Center in Erlanger, KY, and averages 50 students at each retreat. More than 2000 RB students have attended a Kairos retreat. The Mass pictured here is from November’s “K52,” or 52nd Kairos. More than 2000 RB students have made the retreat.

Students also attend Masses at the retreat -- the final Mass (pictured here with School President Fr. Bill Farris, OFM) takes place in the school’s library. But the parent Mass is its own special sort of “God’s time,” in which parents and their absent children are united by grace through prayer.

“When the students making a Kairos retreat learn that their parents are praying for them, it reinforces that we’re all in this together,” says Fr. Pat. “God wants all of us to ‘have life to the full’ (John 10:10); praying privately or at Mass reminds us of that.”

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St. X Grad Wins Butkus Award

2011-12-06T04:41:00.001-08:00

Area high school football fans were thrilled Sunday when Boston College junior Luke Kuechly -- a standout for the St. X Bombers during their legendary 2007 season -- won the Butkus Award, an annual award honoring the nation’s top linebacker. Dick Butkus himself handed Kuechly the trophy at the team’s awards banquet.

“I didn’t know what was going on,” he told reporters, after coach Frank Spaziani told the assembled team that the linebacker was the closest thing he’d ever seen to Dick Butkus -- and Butkus walked into the room. “These two big guys were standing right behind me and I was like wow, what is going on right now? “

Hall of Famer Dick Butkus is considered one of the greatest football players in history. His legendary career with the Chicago Bears (see highlights here) followed college ball at the University of Illinois and high school ball at Chicago Vocational School. Each year The Butkus Foundation gives the award to a top high school, college, and professional linebacker who also excels at community service.

“I used to watch football growing up and I used to watch NFL Films,” Kuechly said. “They would always be talking about Dick Butkus. I just remember watching those games and he is one of the all-time linebackers and they always mentioned his name. ... That’s the best award if you are a linebacker.”

Kuechly was selected by a panel of 51 coaches, recruiters, scouts and journalists coordinated by Pro Football Weekly. His three years playing for the Eagles began with a surprise start after three key players were injured or became ill. Since then, he has racked up records and honors.

He currently leads the country in tackles for the second straight year, with 191 this season alone. He is a two-time winner of the Lott Player of the Week, was the runner-up for the Butkus Award last year (when he was also a finalist for the Lombardi and Nagurski awards), was named on four All-American teams, and is the leading tackler in ACC history... among other honors. He was named Defensive Player of the Year by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media last month and is one of four finalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, given for performance and character, that will be awarded December 11.

“Luke Kuechly is a highly instinctive tackling machine with rare three-year production,” said Hub Arkush, publisher of Pro Football Weekly and coordinator of the Butkus Award selection committee, in a statement. “He embodies the spirit of the Butkus Award, bringing tremendous intensity, competitiveness and leadership to the field, while continuing a legacy of outstanding linebacker play at Boston College.”

Keuchly’s father Tom, pictured with him in the lower shot, was present for the surprise announcement, which came days before it was expected. To read ESPN’s account of the evening, click here.

Photos courtesy Boston College.

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Guests for Tuesday, 12/6/2011

2011-12-06T03:34:00.000-08:00

Tony Beshara is online at thejobsearchsolution.com.

Kathleen Carroll, author of "A Catholic Christmas"

Thomas Kidd, author of "Patrick Henry: First Among Patriots"

Jennifer Fulwiler is online at conversiondiary.com.

Bill Donaghy is online at twistedmystics.blogspot.com.

Kevin Schmiesing is online at catholichistory.net.

Paula Westwood blogs at createdorder.blogspot.com.

Send your questions for Catholic counselor Kevin Prendergast to mailto:sonrise@sacredheartradio.com.

Patrick Reilly is online at cardinalnewmansociety.org.

The interactive online e-book on the life of St Nicholas is available for free at catholicheroesofthefaith.com.

Fr Dwight Longenecker is online at dwightlongenecker.com.

Steve Abdalla is online at weebelievers.com.

Fr Andrew Carl Wisdom, author of "Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St Thomas Aquinas"

Exploring a UD Tradition: Christmas on Campus

2011-12-05T05:55:00.001-08:00

When University of Dayton students go home for Christmas, it’ll be after celebrating the holiday early with their friends, teachers, and very special guests: hundreds of children from around the area.

Nearly three-fourths of UD students participate in Christmas on Campus, a celebration the university believes may be the largest single-day, on-campus community service event in the nation. Begun in 1964 by the late Ellie Kurtz, longtime director of the student union, CoC had a simple premise: "I imagined what a wonderful Christmas we could have if we could celebrate Christmas before the students went home for the holidays.”

The 47th annual Christmas on Campus will be held this Thursday, Dec. 8th. It will feature a festive opening ceremony, a live Nativity scene, a tree lighting, games, crafts, activities, dance and music performances, an appearance by Santa Claus, and four masses celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. There are no classes. Before last year, the school celebrated one large Mass at the end of the day in a multi-purpose building. Smaller Masses spaced out throughout the day -- two of them before the events began -- allowed more people to participate, and allowed use of the school’s Immaculate Conception chapel.

"We received a lot of positive feedback about having four Masses instead of one giant Mass," says Emily Strand, director of liturgy. "Many students who attended the 9 pm Mass cited the familiar, intimate nature of the chapel as heightening their celebration of both an important feast day and an important occasion."

Schools send children to UD by bus, but families and visitors are welcome to come on their own. All events are free and open to the public. The opening ceremony (including the tree lighting and arrival of Santa) begins at 5:30 pm at the Humanities Plaza; festivities end at 8 pm. Masses are at 9 am, 12:05 pm, 4 pm, and 9 pm. See the link above for information and directions.

Statue Installation in Two Minutes

2011-12-02T06:00:00.001-08:00

Xavier University posted a two-minute, time lapse video of its new statue of St. Francis Xavier being installed earlier this week. See it here. The statue will be blessed today at 12:30 -- details here.

Scroll down for today's feature story and details on the Advent concert by Collin Raye.

Guests for Friday, 12/2/2011

2011-12-02T04:43:00.002-08:00

Fr James Kubicki is online at apostleshipofprayer.org.

Anthony Buono is online at avemariasingles.com.

Rita Heikenfeld is online at abouteating.com.

Danielle Bean is online at faithandfamilylive.com.

Steven Greydanus is online at decentfilms.com.

Tony Beshara is online at thejobsearchsolution.com.

Fr Greg Friedman is online at franciscanmedia.org.

Brian O'Neel, author of "39 New Saints You Should Know"

Fr Ted Ross is online at athenaeum.edu.

Thomas Kidd, author of "Patrick Henry: First Among Patriots"

Dan Teller is online at gscmontessori.org.

Lupita Vital, author of the bilingual "Our Lady of Guadalupe"

Cheryl Dickow is online at bezalelbooks.com.

Angels to Sing at Calvary Cemetery

2011-12-02T04:43:00.001-08:00

What events does Advent bring to mind? If the staff at Dayton’s Calvary Cemetery has a say, December 8 will be the beginning of a new area Advent tradition: an evening of music and carriage rides through the cemetery’s beautiful grounds.

An Evening of Song and Celebration will include horse-drawn carriage rides through the Victorian sections of the cemetery to see fifteen illuminated angel statues. Holiday music by local musicians, including Holy Angels Choir, the Oakwood High School Choir, and Ritter Werner musical ensemble will be performed in historic St. Henry’s Chapel.

The 6-9 pm event will also feature cookie decorating, family photographs, and other activities. It’s free, but the public is asked to bring donations of canned food for a local food bank.

Karla Hollencamp, the cemetery’s director of community relations, says Calvary Cemetery hopes the evening will become an annual event. Since beginning at her position in May, she has worked to expand the 139-year-old cemetery’s public offerings from Memorial Day and All Souls Day services to a variety of events allowing people to enjoy the historic grounds, monuments, and architecture year-round.

“We want the Catholic community to experience the unique qualities of the cemetery,” she says. New events include tours led by local historians, who talk about the lives of famous people buried in the cemetery and point out notable statues and structures. “We want people to see the history, art, and beauty here," Hollencamp says. "We celebrate people’s lives.”

Calvary Cemetery was founded in 1872 and was designed in the Victorian Garden style. Its 200 acres of terraced hillsides along the Moraine ridge in Kettering overlook Carillon Park and the University of Dayton. St. Henry’s Chapel, designed by Frank Andrews (designer of the Dayton Arcade) was dedicated in 1902 to the thousands of souls whose remains were re-interred at the cemetery when St. Henry’s cemetery (a Catholic graveyard founded in 1844) closed in 1875. One of the largest cultivated green spaces in the area, Calvary Cemetery includes 90 acres of woods, winding paths, striking monuments and grave markers from many different eras, and grounds landscaped with perennials, bulbs, shrubs and ornamental trees.

For a photo gallery of some of its notable monuments and sculptures, click here.

Photos courtesy Calvary Cemetery.

New Advent Event: Country Superstar Collin Raye in Concert

Collin Raye will perform a special concert on December 7 at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley (Cincinnati) with songs from his new album featuring songs from his new album His Loves Remains. Though aimed at all Christians, the album features Catholic favorites including Ave Maria, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent, and Here I Am, Lord. Marie Bellet and Andrea Thomas will also perform.

Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network is sponsoring A Christmas Evening Music Celebration with Country Music Superstar Collin Raye, and will present awards to Life Issues Institute, Inc., and its staff for their work protecting life at every stage.

For information or to purchase tickets, click here. For an UPDATED list of Advent concerts, click here.

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Xavier University to Bless New Statue of Patron Saint

2011-12-01T04:43:00.001-08:00

Xavier University will bless a new statue of St. Francis Xavier at 12:30 tomorrow, Dec. 2, and will rename a local street Francis Xavier Way as part of a celebration of the Jesuit saint’s feast day December 3.

Alumni will be familiar with the artist, Tom Tsuchiya, who in 1999 won a contest to design the statue of D’Artagnon (in honor of the Xavier Musketeers sports teams) that stands in front of the school’s Cintas Center. He also designed a second statue at the university, the likeness former president and chancellor James E. Hoff, S.J. that stands in front of XU’s new dining hall, but is most widely known for his statues of the four Cincinnati Reds perpetually playing ball in front of Great American Ball Park.

Installed Tuesday, the 11-ft. bronze statue stands on an 11-ft. base on the traffic turnabout just north of the intersection of Ledgewood and Dana Avenues. It depicts the saint, a founding member of the Jesuit Order and friend of St. Ignatius Loyola, known for his missionary work in India, Southeast Asia, and Japan. To symbolize his missionary travels, he wears an iconic Jesuit cassock and Japanese sandals. He carries a breviary in his left hand and reaches his right hand out in welcome.

Tsuchiya calls his work “sculptures that seem alive,” and the new sculpture is no exception. St. Francis Xavier’s huge bronze cape seems to billow in the breeze. (Watch a video of Tsuchiya working on the clay base for the bronze casting here.)

During the ceremony, the part of Ledgewood Avenue that runs through the campus will be renamed for the university's patron.

Jesuit parishes, schools, and institutions around the world will celebrate the saint’s feast day this weekend. XU says that Xavier and Edgecliff College alumni will hold special Masses on Sunday, and that alumni in Connecticut, Dayton, Louisville, Kansas City, and Northwest Florida will gather for brunches afterwards.

Photos courtesy Xavier University and Tom Tsuchiya.

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Rita Hiekenfeld's Bible Soup in a Jar

2011-12-01T04:15:00.000-08:00

A gift from the hands is a gift from the heart!

Can you guess which items in the jar are mentioned in the Bible?
(Hint: Lentils, onions, garlic, thyme, cumin, chicken, and barley).

If you want to make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable bouillon granules and vegetable broth. Soy sausage can be subbed for the smoked sausage.

Layer these in the jar as indicated below.
2 cups lentils (brown or a combo of brown, red or green)
Dried vegetable flakes from Knorr-Swiss vegetable soup & dip mix***
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes or minced dried onions
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1-1/2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 cup quick cooking barley flakes
1/4 cup plain sun dried tomatoes, diced (measure after dicing – I like to put these in a baggie since they’re somewhat moist)

** Place vegetable soup mix in a sieve, shaking to allow the powdered bouillon/flavoring to be removed.

Layer lentils, vegetable flakes, onion flakes, bouillon granules, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, cumin in a food storage jar with lid. (Or you can mix the oregano, garlic, thyme and cumin together and make one layer).

For gift tag:

In large pot, place contents of jar, 12 cups chicken broth, 1 pound favorite smoked sausage, sliced, and 1 can, 14.5 oz, stewed tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender. If necessary, add more broth or water, 1/2 cup at a time to reach desired consistency. Garnish with Parmesan or favorite cheese. Serves 8-10.

Gilding the Lily: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach after soup has cooked.

Guests for Thursday, 12/1/2011

2011-12-01T03:47:00.000-08:00

Msgr Eugene Morris is online at pcj.edu.

Mike Aquilina is online at fathersofthechurch.com.

Dr Marcellino D'Ambrosio is online at dritaly.com.

Send your questions for Catholic counselor Kevin Prendergast to sacredheartradio.com.

Sarah Reinhard, author of "Welcome, Baby Jesus"

Fr James Kubicki is online at apostleshipofprayer.org.

Rita Heikenfeld is online at abouteating.com.

Dan Egan is online at bibletidbits.blogspot.com.

Stephanie Mann is online at supremacyandsurvival.com.

Steve Abdalla is online at weebelievers.com.

To adopt a family through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, visit svdpcincinnati.org.

Kathleen Carroll, author of "A Catholic Christmas"

Lisa Hendey is online at catholicmom.com.

Conference Highlights Abortion’s Toll on Black Communities

2011-11-30T04:39:00.001-08:00

Ninety-five people from around the region gathered earlier this month for “Choose Life: The Heart of it All,” a half-day conference at Purcell Marian High School sponsored by three Offices of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Although only 13% of American women have African ancestry, more than a third of all abortions are performed on black women. And while most of those abortions are for unmarried women, the abortion rate for married black women is three times as high as it is for married white women. More black children are aborted every year than black Americans die of all other causes combined. This conference, the first of its kind for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, was planned to examine the causes for these numbers and the unique challenges of fighting abortion in African-American communities.

The conference was the result of talks between three Offices of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and other area groups, says Deacon Royce Winters, Director of the Office of African American Ministries. “Even though we have a voice about the right to life, about the dignity of the human person, we had not been using our voice to address abortion in the Black community,” he says. “There are other groups who are working on this issue, but they do not have a Catholic voice. The question is how do we do ministry together?”

As a preliminary answer to that question, the Offices of African American Ministries, Social Action, and Family & Respect Life brought together a wide range of local and national speakers, including Rev. Arnold Culbreath from Protecting Black Life at Life Issues Institute, Inc., (headquartered in Cincinnati), and keynote speaker Martin D. Holley, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, D.C., to explore the issues influencing high abortion rates among African-American women.

These include specific cultural issues, as well as general societal issues, presenters said. For instance, one panel of local women who work with expectant mothers explained that cultural pressure not to give children up for adoption can push black women to abort. “Each panelist did a superb job in describing the realities facing pregnant black women,” an attendee of the session wrote on the evaluation form. “Those in attendance heard how trapped these women are because of poverty, emotional stress, lack of family support, cultural pressures, and their distorted perception of ‘loving’ relationships. I sensed most of us left thinking we must work together to help end the scourge of abortion as well as help women confronted with the prospect of making a life-taking choice.”

In his closing remarks, Bishop Holly reminded the attendees that abortion has spiritual roots as well as sociological ones. Deacon Winters offered the following prayer adapted from the USCCB’s “A Prayer for Life”:

O Loving God, we raise you up for those who serve women whose unplanned pregnancy challenges them, and the choices they make involving the gift of your creation. Be present to us always; help us to imitate you in all we do especially as we are present to these women who are so vulnerable. Awaken in every heart, reverence for the work of your hands, and renew in us a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of life. We seek your blessings that we may be better prepared to serve you. To share in and strengthen the network in which the beauty and splendor of your creation lives. Amen.

Winters says that the conference is the first step in addressing abortion and other social issues as they affect the black community, particularly among the poor. Anyone interested in helping, he says, should begin by praying for desperate expectant mothers, and then learn all he or she can about the issues. He suggests looking at the websites for the three Offices contacting the one that seems the best fit for their talents and interests.

“This is the beginning of a concerted effort,” he says. “We’re finding our Catholic voice.”

Contact information for the three Archdiocesan offices:

Office of African American Catholic Ministries 421-3131, ext. 2640

Catholic Social Action Office 421-3131, ext. 2660

Family & Respect Life Office (Cincinnati: 421-3131, ext 2624) (Dayton 222-0227) (Sidney 492-4449)

Photo courtesy the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

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Guests for Wednesday, 11/30/2011

2011-11-30T03:25:00.000-08:00

Paula Westwood blogs at createdorder.blogspot.com.

Geraldine Guadagno, author of "St Joseph's Story"

Br Victor-Antoine D'Avila Latourette, author of "A Monastery Journey to Christmas"

Michael D. O'Brien's new book is called "A Father's Tale"

Mike Aquilina is online at fathersofthechurch.com.

Anthony Buono is online at avemariasingles.com.

Fr Rob Jack is online at revrobjack.com.

Dr Marcellino D'Ambrosio is online at dritaly.com.

Patricia Mathson, author of "Live Advent at Home"

Joseph Pearce, author of "Unmasking Oscar Wilde"

Gary Zimak is online at followingthetruth.com.

Sr Judith Sutera, author of "Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Benedict"

Fr Timothy Schehr is online at athenaem.edu.

Annual Donauschwaben Society Mass

2011-11-29T04:32:00.001-08:00

Earlier this fall the Donauschwaben Society of Cincinnati celebrated its annual Kirchweih Messe at Old St. Mary’s (Cincinnati), originally built as a German parish in 1842. The Over-the-Rhine neighborhood parish now celebrates Mass in English and Latin, but still offers a Mass in German every Sunday.

At the Mass, Msgr. Frank Lane blessed a rosemary bush that would be a prize at the Society’s Verein’s Kirchweih Dance the next week. The Mass recalls a Kirchweihfest (“church dedication festival”), one of the most festive church holidays in the Donauschwaben area of Romania, Hungary, and the former Yugoslavia. About 150 people attended the mass, some (pictured here) in German folk dress.

The Donauschwaben Society of Cincinnati is a non-profit organization founded by German Americans to preserve their language and heritage. Though it is not a Catholic organization, most of its members are Catholic, as are most ethnic Donauschwaben. The Society has celebrated its Kirchewieh Messe since its founding in 1954.

Old St. Mary’s celebrates its German Mass every Sunday at 11 am. For a list of Masses and devotions at Old St. Mary’s, click here.

Photo courtesy Rogar Schneider.

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Guests for Tuesday, 11/29/2011

2011-11-29T03:24:00.000-08:00

Fr John Fortin, author of "The Joy of Advent with St. Benedict"

Fr Maurice Nutt, author of "Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St Alphonsus Liguori"

Fr Andrew Carl Wisdom, author of "Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St Thomas Aquinas"

Gary Zimak is online at followingthetruth.com.

Joe Heschmeyer is online at catholicdefense.blogspot.com.

Kevin Schmiesing is online at catholichistory.net.

Paula Westwood blogs at createdorder.blogspot.com.

Send your questions for Catholic counselor Kevin Prendergast to sonrise@sacredheartradio.com.

Fr Timothy Schehr and Fr Rob Jack are online at athenaeum.edu.

Sr Helena Burns is online at hellburns.blogspot.com.

Sarah Reinhard, author of "Welcome, Baby Jesus"

Br Victor-Antoine D'Avila-Latourette, author of "A Monastery Journey to Christmas"

Cincinnatians Prepared Guide to New Mass Translation

2011-11-28T04:54:00.001-08:00

If your parish bought materials to prepare for yesterday's debut of the new translation of the Mass, there's a good chance they were prepared in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati-based St. Anthony Messenger Press (now called Franciscan Media -- more about that next week) prepared the popular video and guide to the new translation commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and adopted by parishes and dioceses around the country. The Catholic Update Guide to Changes in the Mass includes a video about the mass, a series of paper handouts parishes can copy and distribute, and a leader’s guide. Easy to use and adaptable, the program costs only $40, putting it in reach of even the smallest parishes.

Fr. Greg Friedman, OFM, a popular speaker and author and a frequent guest on the Son Rise Morning Show, prepared the materials. He delivers 18 short video reflections on the DVD, which can be watched all at once, divided into segments, or used as a resource for a pastor or DRE to adapt to for a particular group or program. Making the package adaptable was an important goal, says Franciscan Media Communications Director Barbara Baker. So was keeping the package affordable.

“For some parishes, adult education is a real financial burden,” she said, explaining that many parishes have little money left over after buying new liturgical books and hymnals. “Our program is very reasonable, and includes a lot of levels for a lot of different uses.” Many of the programs produced by other publishers cost much more, she said, and are designed to be used only one way. The Catholic Update program has been popular both as a standalone program, and as a supplement for other programs. Several dioceses adopted it as their official preparation program for the new translation.

The emphasis on video, Baker said, is one thing that sets this program apart. Franciscan Media has found that educational videos are effective for more than just children’s classrooms. “You can hand people all the papers you want, but video is the way people are learning,” she said. The video segments are less than five minutes long, and feature lively film footage as well as shots of Fr. Friedman. The positive and animated approach of a friendly Franciscan friar, Baker said, is another a big draw to buyers.

Fr. Greg says he based his “down-to-earth” approach to the new translation on the Franciscan tradition, and on his mentors at Franciscan Media. “I owe a great debt to Father Leonard Foley, well-known to Catholics in the the Cincinnati area years ago and to readers of St. Anthony Messenger, for his simple, easy-to-understand explanations of the changes from Vatican II,” he says. “If he could explain it to his ‘Aunt Maisie,’ Fr. Leonard sometimes said, then everyone would understand it. I hope I've captured that in the video on the new translation.”

Response to the package has been “unbelievable,” Baker said. “We’ve sold a lot more than we thought we would. It’s made a huge impact.”

Now that the new translation has launched, Franciscan Media doesn’t know how big the market is for additional copies. Baker said the company knows that despite directives from the USCCB, some parishes haven’t done any preparation for the new translation, and some have had to delay preparation for unforeseen circumstances. They are the obvious buyers, but Baker says that the program is broad enough that it can be used for general education for some time to come. “It’s really a celebration of the Mass,” she said.

To watch samples of the video reflections, or to order a copy of the program, matching pew cards, or DVDs without the handouts or leaders guide, see the Catholic Update Guide to Changes in the Mass web page. For free, online information about the new translation from the USCCB, including articles, official documents, and frequently asked questions, see the Roman Missal page. For free podcasts about the new translation prepared by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, see the “Beyond the Words” web page.

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Guests for Monday, 11/28/2011

2011-11-28T02:44:00.000-08:00

Kevin Schmiesing is online at catholichistory.net.

Mike Aquilina is online at fathersofthechurch.com.

Marybeth Hicks is online at marybethhicks.com.

Deacon James Keating is online at creighton.edu/ipf.

Teresa Tomeo is online at teresatomeo.com.

Kate Basi, author of "Joy to the World: Advent Activities for your Family"

Fr John Fortin, author of "The Joy of Advent with St. Benedict"

Fr Maurice Nutt, author of "Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Alphonsus Liguori"

Fr Warren Savage, author of "Joyful Meditations for every day of Advent and the 12 Days of Christmas"

For more info about the Dec 7 Collin Raye concert, click here.

Randy Hain, author of "The Catholic Briefcase"

Anthony Buono is online at avemariasingles.com.

Joe Heschmeyer is online at catholicdefense.blogspot.com.

UD’s Annual Nativity Scene Display Starts Saturday

2011-11-25T05:21:00.001-08:00

The University of Dayton library’s display of Nativity scenes from around the world kicks off Saturday, Nov. 26, with what has become a tradition for many area families: a festive open house. This year features children's activities, light refreshments, shopping at The Stable Store, live entertainment, and even a football viewing area for parents.

"At the Manger: No Place like Home" will feature more than 200 Nativity scenes (crèches) from the library’s collection that include depictions of Christ’s first home. They include stables, adobe houses, palaces, straw sheds, caves, huts, tents — even a house made from bread. The Open House lasts from 1 - 5 pm and the exhibit extends through January 27.

The Stable Store will be open during exhibit hours sell an expanded selection of crèches and crèche-related items. Proceeds benefit the work and collections of the Marian Library. Collectible crèches, ornaments and handmade pieces from fair-trade artisans will also be available to purchase online.

The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute is an internationally recognized center for the study of Mary. It holds the world's largest collection of Marian artifacts and printed material on Mary and one of the largest collections of Nativity scenes in the U.S. Learn more about it at The Mary Page.

Exhibit hours vary because of the holidays and vacation. For driving and parking directions, hours, and dates see the At the Manger web site above. To arrange guided group tours, call 937-229-4214.

Photo courtesy the University of Dayton.

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What They Said

2011-11-24T06:04:00.001-08:00

Like the children of St. James the Greater School ("St. James White Oak") in Cincinnati, we wish you and yours a happy, healthy Thanksgiving! May the Lord bless you and keep you today and always.

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Hall of Fame Honors Staubach, Purcell Marian

2011-11-24T05:47:00.001-08:00

Before he was a pro football legend, Roger Staubach won accolades playing for Navy. And before Navy fame, he played high school football in Cincinnati. Purcell Marian High School (then Purcell High School) now shares some of the glory of that legendary career, thanks to a plaque honoring his career and his hometown.

“Hometown Hall of Famers™” is a nationwide project from the Football Hall of Fame and Allstate Insurance. Its aim is to salute the hometowns of Hall of Fame players by ceremonies and plaque dedications in the “towns that knew them when.”

“This program is about celebrating the hometowns that helped pave the way for future Hall of Famers to become the legendary football players we all know and love,” said George Veras, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enterprises President and CEO. Begun this fall, the program is hosting 10 events this year, and as many as 50 in 2012. Roger Staubach is the sixth player to be honored.

Baseball Hall of Famer Marty Brenneman hosted the Nov. 4 ceremony. Staubach’s former high school teammates Jerry Momper and Roger Thesing presented the plaque to the high school, and many alumni joined current Purcell Marian students, staff, and parents -- as well as distinguished guests including Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown; former Bengals Anthony Munoz, Dave Lapham, and Chris Collinsworth; and many other area athletes and coaches.

According to Enquirer contributor Mark Schmetzer, the afternoon included reminiscences about Staubach’s career in high school football, his childhood dream of playing baseball, and his standout years at junior college, where he was All-American in basketball and baseball, as well as football.

“Over the years, Roger’s also been an All-American friend,” Schmetzer quotes Thesing recalling. “He’s never forgotten his friends or his teammates.”

Staubach threw three commemorative footballs to the crowd but didn’t throw much at Purcell High School, where coach Jim McCarthy was not fond of the forward pass. But somewhere along the way he developed expertise at the “Hail Mary” pass that was part of his fame -- and that he named, after joking that he said a Hail Mary while throwing a winning 50-yard pass in the last seconds of a 1975 playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Staubach won the Heisman Trophy in 1963 while playing for Navy, and did four years of active duty with the Navy before returning to the States to be starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in 1971. In nine seasons with Staubach leading the Cowboys attack, Dallas played in six NFC championship games, winning four of them, and won Super Bowls VI and XII.

Staubach was named MVP of Super Bowl VI, was selected for the Pro Bowl six times, was a five-time All-NFC honoree, and led the NFL in passing four times. In 11 seasons, he passed for 22,700 yards and 153 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. To see a slideshow of the ceremony and Mr. Staubach with current Purcell Marian students, click here.

Photos courtesy Purcell Marian High School.

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Bishop Foys Issues Decree: Read Missal Exactly as Written

2011-11-23T04:17:00.001-08:00

Covington Bishop Roger Foys issued a decree this week aimed at helping priests implement the new translation of the Mass.

In a letter to the diocese (read it on the Diocese of Covington web site), Bishop Foys says that a major catechetical effort over the past year has targeted every Catholic in his diocese in order to “introduce the Revised Roman Missal to the people of the Diocese of Covington and to emphasize that which the Church has always taught concerning Her Sacred Liturgy.” Visits to many parishes and institutions over the year did not reveal any large liturgical abuses, the bishop says, but did reveal the need for a reminder to follow the rubrics. “The rituals of the Roman Church, of which we are a part, call for specific words to be used as well as particular actions and gestures, both on the part of the priest and the faithful who join their hearts with his in their worship of God,” Bishop Foys writes. These words, actions, and gestures, he reminds the diocese, are not to be changed by anyone for any reason.

Bishop Foys’s decree includes the following six directives:

Priests should read text of the Roman Missal exactly as written.
Music is to be “theologically sound and properly composed in accord with the teaching of the Church on Sacred Music.”
Songs and hymns may not be used in place of the Responsorial Psalm.
Gestures for priests, deacons, religious and lay people follow the rubrics of the Roman Missal.
Choirs and musicians should use choir lofts in churches that have them.
Sacred Silence should be observed before Mass.

Explanations of each point include various specific instructions and recommendations. For instance, Bishop Foys recommends, but does not mandate, the use of choir lofts, but does mandate that parishes may not place choirs or musicians in the Sanctuary. He also reiterates the norms for kneeling in the United States: the faithful are to kneel from the end of the Sanctus to the Great Amen, and again after the Agnus Dei.

The decree addresses liturgical music in detail. It repeats the bishop’s earlier directive that only three musical settings for the new translation may be used in the Diocese of Covington until July: the Chant Mass setting from 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal, which is mandatory for all parishes to learn, and two contemporary settings, use of which are optional. Other mass settings will be approved once these have been learned.

The decree also states that only the priest should extend his hands during the Our Father. “No gesture is prescribed for the lay faithful in the Roman Missal; nor the General Instruction of the Roman Missal,” Bishop Foys wrote, “therefore the extending or holding of hands by the faithful should not be performed.”

These instructions, Bishop Foys points out, are not new. They are from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Vatican II document Sacrosanctum Concilium, and the 2004 document Redemptionis Sacramentum, all of which provide detailed instructions about the Mass. Embracing the new translation as an opportunity to celebrate and participate in the Mass more mindfully, Bishop Foys says, is also an opportunity for the people of Covington to renew their faith in Christ.

“My dear friends,” his letter concludes, “now that we find ourselves at the beginning of the 21st Century, let us be united in the faith and with God’s help and the grace of His Holy Spirit, come to a greater love for the Lord, His Church and Her Sacred Liturgy. Let us, together, strive to enliven our faith and to renew our portion of the world here in the Diocese of Covington.”

Read the entire decree here.

Speaking of Bishops...

Here is what blogging bishop Christopher Coyne, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, has to say about last week’s National Catholic Youth Conference. It brought 23,000 young Catholics to Indianapolis for three days of talks, music, liturgies, prayer, and service, culminating in a Mass at Lucas Oil Stadium attended by 30,000 people. Though most attendees are in high school, this year NCYC held is first-ever, concurrent Collegiate Catholic Youth Conference.

“If I have any regrets about the conference it’s that more people didn’t get a chance to experience the joy and enthusiasm these young people have for their Christian Catholic faith and life in general,” says Bishop Coyne. The next NCYC will be held in 2013 -- again, in Indianapolis. So if you missed it this time, start saving your pennies now.

Photo from the NCYC Facebook page -- click here for more.

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Ohio Jubilarians Honored at Jubilee Mass

2011-11-22T04:47:00.001-08:00

Members of religious communities throughout the Archdiocese of Cincinnati celebrated a mass in honor of their jubilees at Mount Notre Dame High School last month. The Oct. 15 mass honored priests, brothers, and sisters who have been in religious life for 25, 50, 60 and 75 years. Of the 100 jubilarians honored, 56 were able to attend from 11 congregations.

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr celebrated the mass, at which the jubilarians renewed their baptismal vows. According the Director of the Office of Religious, Marilyn Kerber, SNDdeN, three of the congregations were men’s (Dominicans and two different Franciscan congregations) and eight were women’s (Benedictines, Ursulines, Franciscans, and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Precious Blood, Mercy, and Charity.)

Fifty different religious congregations are represented in the Archdiocese, 39 congregations of women and eleven of men.

See more photos at the Catholic Telegraph’s Flicker page.

Photo by Colleen Kelley for the Catholic Telegraph.

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Guests for Tuesday, 11/22/11

2011-11-22T03:03:00.000-08:00

Barry Dean and the Association of Catholic Coaches are online at aofcc.com.

Tom Peterson is online at catholicscomehome.org.

Info on Marian consecration can be found at myconsecration.org.

Marge Fenelon, author of "Strengthening Your Family"

Dale Ahlquist, co-editor of "In Defense of Sanity" by G.K. Chesterton.

Kevin Schmiesing is online at catholichistory.net.

Paula Westwood blogs at createdorder.blogspot.com.

Send your questions for Catholic counselor Kevin Prendergast to sonrise@sacredheartradio.com.

Fr Thomas Williams, author of "The World as it Could Be"

Danielle Bean is online at faithandfamilylive.com.

Fr Dwight Longenecker is online at dwightlongenecker.com.

Kathleen McInerney, author of "Timothy's Glove"

Leon Suprenant is online at archkckblog.wordpress.com.

Recap: Run for the Nuns 2011

2011-11-21T04:34:00.001-08:00

Franciscan friars and more than 100 schoolchildren were among the 250 runners and walkers who took part in the eighth annual Run for the Nuns 5K race this fall. The annual race, held the first Saturday of October at Winton Woods, benefits the Poor Clares of Cincinnati.

“Since we are a contemplative community we do not work outside the monastery, so our ability to earn income is limited,” explains Sister Vickie Griner. The race is fully certified for runners who want to qualify for Marathons, but there’s a lot more to the sisters’ only fundraiser: The morning (always near the Feast of St. Francis) includes a pet blessing; a shorter, leisurely paced Walk in the Park for those not up to a 5K; a Children’s Run for children six and under; face painting by students from McAuley and entertainment by JoJo the Clown; door prizes; and refreshments.

“We want to promote good will among people of the city, family values, and wholesome enjoyment of sports and nature,” Sister Vickie says. “We also want to make ourselves better known so that people become aware of our prayerful presence and call upon us for prayerful support.”

Local school children have already become aware of the sisters -- running clubs at Winton Woods Intermediate School (fifth and sixth grades) and Winton Woods Elementary (third and fourth grades) bring dozens of participants, who run the race at a discount and are allowed to wear their “Run for the Nuns” shirts to school on Monday. This year friars were also well represented: Fr. Frank Jasper, OFM, placed 46th among the runners, postulant Joshua Froning placed 16th, and CFO David O'Brien placed 11th. Postulant Clay Zapalac placed second overall among the walkers, according to Prescott Race Coordination, which runs the event.

The Poor Clares, like Franciscan sisters everywhere, will celebrate the 800th anniversary of their order’s founding in 2012. To hear them sing the blessing of St. Clare and see a slide show of their monastery, click here. To enroll in their perpetual enrollment book, click here. To request a prayer, click here. To join the sisters for the Liturgy of the Hours or for Mass at their beautiful monastery on Miles Road north of Mt. Healthy (Cincinnati), see their schedule here.

Run for the Nuns 2012 will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 9 am at Harbor Point in Winton Woods. The pet blessing is scheduled for 8:30. Sister Vickie says many people take their pets on the Walk in the Park or leave them with friends and relatives to cheer them at the finish line. “We are very blessed to be able to used the Pavilion at Harbor Point,” Sister Vickie says. “With its path around the lake, many participants say this is one of their favorite events of the year.”

Race start photo by Fr. Carl Langenderfer, OFM.

Pet blessing photo by Marty Nuhn.

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Guests for Monday, 11/21/2011

2011-11-21T02:49:00.000-08:00

Kevin Schmiesing is online at catholichistory.net.

Tony Beshara is online at thejobsearchsolution.com.

Dr Peter Kleponis is online at integrityrestored.com.

Brennan Pursell, author of "History in His Hands"

Teresa Tomeo is online at teresatomeo.com.

Fr Philip Neri Powell blogs at hancaquam.blogspot.com.

Kathleen McInerney, author of "Timothy's Glove"

Barry Dean and the Association of Catholic Coaches are online at aofcc.com.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl is online at adw.org.

For more information on the Second Chance prison rehab program in the diocese of Covington, visit covingtoncharities.org.

Steven Greydanus is online at decentfilms.com.

Dale Ahlquist, co-editor of G.K. Chesterton's "In Defense of Sanity"

Fr Thomas Williams, author of "The World as it Could Be"

Treasures of Architecture: A Tour of Tours

2011-11-18T06:09:00.001-08:00

St. Martin of Tours parish (Cheviot, Cincinnati) finished celebrating its centennial last Friday -- the Feast of St. Martin of Tours -- with a Mass offered by Archbishop Dennis Schnurr. Sunday afternoon, dedicated volunteers gave up their chance to watch the Bengals play the Steelers to guide visitors and former parishioners through the church, school, and parish center in a “Tour of Tours.”

The Romanesque style church was built in the 1920s to replace two previous buildings: a temporary wooden church erected in 1911, and a church set up in a small, brick building that served as church (lower level), school (ground level) and convent for the Sisters of Notre Dame (second floor) while the parish and school expanded. Now dwarfed by other buildings in the church/school/parish center complex, the little red brick building that was once the center of everything now provides extra space for classes and programs.

The church building features many fine architectural features, including statues, broad columns, and extensive marble carvings. It has been renovated four times since its1923 dedication. The last renovation, in 1999, removed the communion rail, moved the tabernacle to a side altar, and removed pews to add a pool for immersion baptisms, but retained the magnificent stained glass windows, the carved marble altar and baldacchino, and the exuberant painted ceiling that includes trompe l’oiel (optical illusion) paintings of the twelve apostles. Designed to look like the statues of Saints Peter and Paul who flank the church’s entrance, the twelve “statues” painted on the dome are ranged around the Apostles’ Creed and a quote from the Douay-Rheims edition of the Bible, once the standard Catholic translation into English. (Click on the link above for a detailed history of the building and its architecture.)

In coming months we’ll bring you detailed looks at architectural treasures from St. Martin of Tours, as well as treasures from churches, convents, shrines, hospitals, and many other places in the Sacred Heart Radio listening area.

Guests for Friday 11/18/2011

2011-11-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

Rita Heikenfeld is online at abouteating.com.

Dan Egan blogs at bibletidbits.blogspot.com.

The National Fellowship of Catholic Men is online at nfcmusa.org.

Danielle Bean is online at faithandfamilylive.com.

Steven Greydanus is online at decentfilms.com.

Tony Beshara is online at thejobsearchsolution.com.

Fr Greg Friedman is online at franciscanmedia.org.

Lisa Hendey is online at lisahendey.com.

Msgr Eugene Morris is online at pcj.edu.

Hosffman Ospino, author of "Peter's Catechism"

Fr Philip Neri Powell blogs at hancaquam.blogspot.com.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl is online at adw.org.

Fr Thomas Williams, author of "The World as it Could Be"

Texas Guitar Women Show CANCELLED

2011-11-17T06:32:00.001-08:00

The Greater Cincinnati Performing Arts Society has just announced that the Texas Guitar Women show scheduled for Saturday night has been cancelled due to the illness of one of the featured performers, Carolyn Wonderland.

The GCPAS hopes to reschedule for April. We'll let you know when we know!