Beacons of Light 

We hope that Phase 1 of Beacons of Light has gone as smoothly as possible for your family of parishes. Please know that we (and the whole Life, Human Dignity, and Charity department) have been praying for you all and stand ready to support you, walking in solidarity on this journey and working as your family discerns how you will commit to Love in Action. 

If you're wondering how your family might go about engaging in this principle, we encourage you to check out the Love in Action page on the Pathway platform - https://pathway.catholicaoc.org/love-in-action. There you'll find a great introductory video (thanks Esperanza and Sr. Christine!), as well as further explanation of the breadth of the principle. Over time, you'll find more resources and support, and of course you know you can always reach out to our office for support. If you're looking for the first tool we created - the parish inventory - you can find it here (along with the inventories from the other principles) - https://pathway.catholicaoc.org/pathway-tools. 

For those of you who are serving in leadership roles in your family of parishes, we'd love to hear from you through the discussion boards on the Pathway website. This month families should be creating logins for lay leaders, and the discussion boards will give us a great tool to communicate, ask questions, and share resources. See you on the Pathway! 

Braver Angels Fall Series

Civility & Peace During the Election Season

   We all know how divided our society (and – even more tragically – our Church) has become. We’ve become so entrenched in our political identities that we’ve lost sight of who we are, especially who we are as sisters and brothers in Christ. In an attempt to heal ourselves and our community from these dehumanizing and demonizing behaviors, the Respect Life and Catholic Social Action offices are partnering with Braver Angels to offer a series of on-line workshops during the election season.

On Thursday October 20, we’ll over ‘Skills for Bridging the Divide’, a workshop to help you through difficult political conversations with people in your life, considering how to talk across the divide in a constructive, empathetic way.

On Thursday Nov. 10 (two days after Election Day and just two weeks before Thanksgiving), we’ll offer ‘Families and Politics’, a workshop that shows how we can talk about politics with our loved ones in a way that brings us closer together – not pulls us farther apart.

Please register ASAP at the links listed above, and know you can attend one or both of the sessions. All workshops will start at 6:30pm, are offered free of charge, and will be offered virtually.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Andrew Musgrave. We look forward to meeting, praying, and working with you for a more compassionate world. 

Embracing God’s Creation: Our Relationship to Food

October is a time of harvest so this month’s Embracing God’s Creation efforts are focused on the spirituality of growing food!

On Monday, October 3, 7 p.m. in Bellarmine Chapel we will host a panel on the Spirituality of Agriculture.  The panel will feature Shannon Carr, Founder and CEO of Isaiah 55; Mary Laymon, Executive Director of Tikkun Farm; Mike Eck, Co-Founder of the local gleaning movement; and Marykate Glenn, Founder of Mustard Seed Farm. Bellarmine Chapel’s Director of Sustainability and Social Mission, Tim Severyn, will moderate.

Then on Saturday, October 8, 9 a.m to 12 p.m. we will host a family-friendly immersion to Tikkun Farm. This will include a tour, volunteering on the farm, and a snack too!  

Please RSVP for these and our other fall events on this form. You can find a flyer to share here. Embracing God’s Creation is a series co-sponsored by the Cincinnati Jesuit Family. Reach out to Bellarmine Chapel's Director of Sustainability and Social Mission, Tim Severyn, with questions. 

Taking Action for the Climate

Presentation on November 9

The impacts of climate change can be overwhelming, but individuals and communities can make a difference. The public is invited to a presentation about climate change impacts, how faith communities are responding, and actions anyone can take to have positive impacts.Climate change ecologist and Marianist Sister Leanne Jablonski FMI, PhD will present at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at Saint John's Church in West Chester. 

Sister Leanne brings a unique perspective on Climate Change as a scientist, educator and pastoral minister. She has led climate science, faith, and justice initiatives at regional, state, national and international levels. She directs the Marianist Environmental Education Center in Dayton https://meec.center and also serves as a faculty scholar for faith and environment at University of Dayton’s Hanley Sustainability Institute and coordinates the Sustainability Energy Environment Learning-Living Community. Dr. Jablonski’s degrees include an MA in Pastoral Ministry from UD focusing on faith, science and spirituality concerns and a PhD in plant physiological ecology/global climate change from McGill.  

The evening will include an overview of climate change and justice; bridging the faith and scientific communities; the recent Vatican Laudato si Action Platform initiative; and steps we can all take to better care for the earth, the disadvantaged, and future generations. There will be time for reflection, questions, comments, and discussion.

The presentation will be held in the pavilion on the campus of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 9080 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in West Chester Township, OH 45069. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. It is sponsored by the St. John Peace & Justice Commission. For more information contact: Tony Klimek at tonyklimek3@gmail.com . 

Laudato Si’ Action Platform

In May last year the Vatican launched the 7-year Laudato Si’ Action Platform (laudatosiactionplatform.org). Archbishop Schnurr has announced that the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will be joining the platform as an official partner.

As a reminder, the Laudato Si’ Action Platform focuses on seven sectors: families, parishes, schools, hospitals, businesses, organizations, and religious orders. It has seven goals: the response to the cry of the earth, the response to the cry of the poor, ecological economics, adoption of simple lifestyles, ecological education, ecological spirituality, and community involvement.

We're very happy to welcome Liliana Sierra, our Care for Creation intern for '22-'23. She'll be reaching out to folks in the coming weeks and months to build partnerships and engage a broad collection of folks in our work on the LSAP.

Our Care for Creation Task Force is looking for people to join the ad hoc committees we're forming (one for each of the seven constituencies: families, parishes, schools, hospitals, businesses, organizations, and religious orders) to promulgate these ideas. If you're interested in joining this effort (or know someone who might be), please contact Andrew.



Death Penalty

Virtual Training Series 

Consider signing up for some of these virtual trainings and/or sharing them with your networks   #NoDeathPenaltyOH Virtual Training Series. It will provide people on the ground with the skills they need to push for momentum on these bills. 

Ohio Innocence Tour

In less than a month, the Ohio Innocence Tour is coming to a town near you! This tour will be your chance to hear the stories of men and women who spent years — sometimes decades — on death row for crimes they didn’t commit. These stories are powerful testimonies as to why Ohio needs to end the death penalty. 

October 10th Cincinnati  |  October 11th Lima

Check out this great video from the Catholic Mobilizing Network

What if you were sentenced to death for a crime you didn't commit?

Ohio Innocence Tour 2022

October 10, 2022

7:00 p.m.

UC College of Law

2925 Campus Green Drive

Cincinnati, OH 45221

You are invited to come and hear the voices of death row exonerees:

Kwame Ajamu, Derrick Jamison, and Ray Kone

Click here for flyer.

Moving Beyond Intolerance and Polarization

Monday, October 10, 2022

7:00-9:00 pm

Arrupe Overlook in the Gallagher Student Center

Xavier University

Hate. Fear. Anger. Racism. Political polarization. Fake news. These are modern trends rooted in age-old anxiety—the fear of the “unknowable other.” America today is divided and confused, full of tremendous uncertainty. However, Wajahat Ali argues this is also a tired remake. From the rise of white nationalism to anti-immigrant conspiracy theories, America can often feel like an intolerant space, where diverse communities are the frequent targets of bigotry and far-right ideology.

But Ali imagines an America remade: united over our shared values, not torn apart by racism or hate. Our country can achieve its pluralistic potential, he says. First, we’ll need to emerge from our partisan cocoons, reach across the aisle, and build lasting partnerships. We need to see religious and cultural difference as the ideas that can bring us together, not rip us apart. And we have to create what he calls a “Multicultural Coalition of the Willing”: a sort of Justice League of diverse Americans who can unite over commonalities. We can resist the forces of bigotry, Ali insists; and in this keynote, he imagines a way to achieve the American Dream for everyone.

A book signing and reception will follow the lecture.



Click here for directions to the Gallagher Student Center at Xavier University.

Parking is available in either the Gallagher or Brockman Lots. Parking is not permitted in designated spots (e.g. President's Office, Physical Plant, etc). You are permitted to drop off passengers in the cul-de-sac, but parking is not permitted. A handicap ramp is available near the entry way. Upon entering the building on the Ground Level, proceed to Level 1 using the stairs or elevator to the Arrupe Overlook. 



  Midterms got you down?

5 ways people of faith can take action

In the spirit of Faithful Citizenship, here is one practical way folks in our community can help: providing free rides to voters without access to transportation or spreading the word to disenfranchised voters that they can receive a ride by following the directions below.

1.     Voters who Need a Ride: To request a ride to the polls, a voter simply needs to do one of the following:

• Complete this form: Cincinnati Rides to the Polls
• Call (513) 204-9743 to request a ride
• Text RIDECINCY to 513-281-9955 to receive the form above via text 

2.     Volunteer Drivers: We are looking for community members to volunteer

for shifts to take voters to the polls 

Sign up to learn more here - Greater Cincinnati Voter Collaborative: Cincinnati Rides to the Polls - 2022 General Election Driver Sign Up

Confirming Our Commitment to Love and Service

In Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), Pope Benedict XVI named the three essential elements of Church – proclaiming the Word of God, celebrating the sacraments, and exercising the ministry of charity – and declared that they “inseparable.” (#25) In other words, there is an essential connection between our faith and the way we put our love into action in the world. Drawing from the USCCB’s “Sacraments and Social Mission,” over the upcoming months we’re going to highlight how each of the sacraments faithfully draws us into acts of mercy and charity.

For the second article in this series, we’ll look at the sacrament of Confirmation. According to the Catechism, Confirmation enriches the baptized with the strength of the Holy Spirit so that they can better witness to Christ in word and deed. (#1285) After our baptism, we grow and learn how to be members of the body of Christ, and Confirmation is our outward commitment to that ongoing work. That development we undertake connects us more intimately and profoundly to the larger community, both locally and globally. As we prepare for Confirmation, we perform hours of service to help those in need, emulating the love and service of the saints whose names we take at Confirmation. When we are confirmed, we are reminded that the same spirit that descended on Jesus at His baptism and on the disciples at Pentecost is present with us today. We receive diverse spiritual gifts that work together for the “common good,” “the well-being of humanity and…the needs of the world.” (St. John Paul II, Christifideles Liaci #24) We pray for an increase of the gifts of the Spirit to serve the cause of justice and peace in the Church and world, and the Holy Spirit draws us close to Christ and “creates community and sows peace.” (Pope Francis, general audience, 1/29/14)

At Confirmation, we are sent out as workers in the vineyard and instruments of the Holy Spirit to renew the Earth and promote God’s Kingdom of justice and peace. We are inspired to evangelize, working not only for people’s spiritual well-being but also evangelizing systems and cultures, committing to “peace, development and liberation of people, ”protecting the rights of “minorities, advance[ing] women and children, (and) safeguarding the created world.” (St. John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio #37) The Holy Spirit guides us to “bear witness to Christ by taking courageous and prophetic stands” for life and justice and work to overcome “barriers and divisions of race, caste, or ideology.” (RS #43, 89)

Ultimately, anointed by the Holy Spirit, we are incorporated into Christ and thereby share His mission to “bring glad tidings to the poor,” “proclaim liberty to the captives,” “recovery of sight to the blind,” “let the oppressed go free,” and “proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord,” (Lk 4:18-19).

How have you used the gifts from the Holy Spirit you received at Confirmation to work for life, peace, and justice? workshops during the election season.

Breaking Open the Sin of Racism

Engage your community in dialogue

The 8-part video series and discussion guide were prepared for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for use by organizations in a 4-part workshop. The videos feature presentations by scholars and professionals at the University of Dayton. The series begins with a macro global and historical examination of race and racism, and progresses to a micro examination of the interpersonal impact of race and racism. Check out the Breaking Open the Sin of Racism site to see how your parish, school, or organization can host workshops.

Questions? Contact Sara Seligmann |  513-546-3143

Cincinnati's Interfaith Community Educating, Collaborating, and Advocating for Racial Justice!

An Invitation to hear the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II speak 

October 24th, 7 pm, XU Cintas Center

Christ Church Cathedral's Taft Lecture Series will feature remarks by the Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign, Rev. Dr. William Barber, per the particulars above. The event is free but requires registration. AMS and the Brueggeman Center for Dialogue are among the co-sponsors.

Dr. Barber, known for his promotion throughout the country of a "moral fusion movement," will inspire us to step up our local efforts to be sacred activists for racial justice.

Please register per the attached event flyer. Bring some of your members. There is limited seating, so don't delay.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection 

November 19 and 20, 2022

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is the Catholic Church’s effort to end the cycle of poverty in the United States. By donating, you are helping local organizations help others help themselves.

“Through the grants we make to well-vetted organizations, CCHD uniquely empowers those in poverty to identify their own needs and to become their own agents of positive change.” -Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, 2021 Appeal Letter

The collection this year will be November 19 and 20 with appeal weekend November 12 and 13. If you would like to have someone from one of our local funded organizations come speak to your parish on appeal weekend, please contact Tammie at 513-263-6690.

Harvest Prayer 2022

The 2022 global growing season has presented challenges and losses to many farmers, farmworkers and others who derive a living from the land. Floods, droughts, fires, and wars have left the land and its people in dire situations for years to come. Close to home we have experienced excessive rain. We know that the costs of production have increased affecting the prices and the outcomes farmers depend on for their families and those who work with them. All who work on the land to provide food for all are in need of our prayers, support and participation in assuring that they and the land may be cared for and continue that all may eat.

Prayer for the Harvest

 God of all creation with unending love you brought forth the earth and shared your breath with all creatures. You sustain us and nurture us with your own hand. Bless the men and women (farmers, shepherds, ranchers, fishers, vintners) who work with you to feed and nourish your people. May all of us, growers and consumers, be faithful stewards of your creation. Keep harvesters safe and healthy as they perform their tasks. May they receive a just recompense for their work and know the respect of the human community. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Suggested Intercessions

For all who work the land, that they may be safe in their harvesting and may derive a just livelihood for themselves and their families, we pray…

God has made humans stewards of creation. That all may work to protect what God has made-land, water, forests, -for generations to come. We pray…



From the Respect Life Office

The Importance of Judges in This Year’s Election

Back in 2019, the Ohio legislature passed what is commonly referred to as the Heartbeat Bill. A federal judge blocked that law from going into effect on the basis that it is unconstitutional, as decided and re-worked in the infamous cases of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which restricted the ability of states to pass laws against abortion, at least prior to viability. On June 24^th, 2022, the Dobbs case overturned Roe and Casey, and Attorney General David Yost successfully petitioned the court to remove the injunction on the Heartbeat Bill. Three years after being passed by the legislature, Ohio’s Heartbeat Bill went into effect. The ability to restrict abortion was returned to the states, and our state now had the power to protect the unborn. At least, that’s what we thought.

At first, things appeared to be looking up in the pro-life movement here in Ohio. The most infamous abortion center in this Archdiocese, owned by late-term abortionist Martin Haskell, had to start referring patients to his other center in Indianapolis. When the Indiana legislature passed their own abortion ban, Haskell announced his center would close on September 14. As it turned out, abortion advocates sued, and Hamilton County Judge Christian Jenkins issued a temporary stay on Ohio’s Heartbeat law. Abortion is now legal again in Ohio up to about 20 weeks, and Haskell’s center is back open for business (as is the Planned Parenthood in Cincinnati) while the case works its way through the Ohio courts. (Additionally, the abortion-restricting law passed by the Indiana legislature was also blocked by a county judge there.)

In the end, the Ohio Supreme Court is going to be the one deciding whether the legislation passed by duly elected representatives will stand. The Ohio Supreme court currently holds a 4-3 life majority, but that majority is up for grabs in the November election. Fewer people choose to bother to vote in mid-term elections than presidential election years, but it is more important than ever that you vote. The results of this election will determine the makeup of the Ohio Supreme Court, and they will decide, not the governor or the legislators, if the Heartbeat law will stand, as well as any future abortion restricting laws. If the abortion issue is important to you, or if it is important to you that judges not block laws passed by the legislature because of personal disagreement, you need to make your vote count. Take time to look at the views of the justices running for election in this year’s midterms, and make a difference on November 8.



From the Office for Persons with Disabilities

Mental Health Ministry and the Office for Persons with Disabilities

Whoever suffers from mental illness ‘always’ bears God’s image and likeness in himself, as does every human being. ~Saint John Paul II

Mental Illness Awareness week is October 2-8.

Did you know…

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year

1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year

1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year

50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 

Our office can help provide resources and training to build the Mental Health Ministry in your parish. We are all called to shepherd the flock through the Corporal Works of Mercy.

Please contact Lisa Averion for more information about starting a ministry in your parish. 

Follow us on social media!

Twitter: @AoCincinnatiCsa

Instagram: @aocincinnati_csa

YouTube: @CatholicSocialActionAOC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csacinci



Andrew Musgrave - Cincinnati, Director

Sara Seligmann - Dayton

Sr. Christine Pratt - Eastern Area

Regional Coordinator - (open)

Tammie Mers - Administrative Assistant

Catholic Social Action Office

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

csa@catholicaoc.org