Author Archive
Walt Schaefer
World premiere of St. Maximilian Kolbe Composition at St. Max Parish

As Paul Stanbery was composing “I Maximilian…”a piece in honor of the 75th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Maximilian Kolbe, he felt an eerie sensation that he was being led to the various elements he used in the tribute. The composition made its debut Oct. 29 on the anniversary
Everyday Evangelist: Beach leads faith formation programs for Latino community

In October, 37 members of the Latino community were recognized at St. Julie Billiart Parish in Hamilton for completing a program called Echoes of Faith. The program is a new initiative launched in large part by Dina Beach, of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Office of Evangelization and Discipleship, who is
Exam week offers opportunities for prayer, community

Students fret as the end of a term means exam week. “I would never encourage a student don’t worry about studying and you’ll be fine. That’s kind of a ‘God will have mercy on you (attitude). But, use of the powers and gifts God has given you is important. I
New composition honors martyrdom of St. Maximilian Kolbe

As Paul Stanbery was composing a piece to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Maximilian Kolbe, he felt an eerie sensation that he was being led to the various elements he used in the tribute. The composition will make its debut Oct. 29 on the anniversary of
Local Catholic artist brings images of saints to life

Not far from the shore of Lake Huron, more than 62 saints are gathering at All Saints Parish in Alpena, Mich., thanks to John McCoy, an artist from Greater Cincinnati. Following his graduation from the Art Academy of Cincinnati with a four-year degree in illustration, McCoy, 24, launched a free-lance
Missionary sister brings Christ’s love to Brazilian interior

Since 1970, Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Rebeca Spires has made the interior her mission. For more than four and a half decades, Sister Rebeca has brought Christ’s love to poor farm workers and the indigenous people of the Brazilian interior. “Jesus touches every person He cures,” Sister Rebeca
Plans underway to mark 100th anniversary of Fatima

It was 100 years ago, in the village of Fatima, Portugal, when three children —Lucia Santos and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marta, were visited six times by an angel — preparing them for an even more significant messenger — the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Fatima, who appeared to
Bridgetown parish celebrates 150th anniversary

Shortly after the end of the Civil War, the predominantly German farmers who populated what is today Hamilton County’s Green Township, tired of the weekly trek to Mass at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Delhi Township or St. James in White Oak. “Back in that time, it was still
St. Columbkille Parish celebrates 150th anniversary

Father John O’Donoghue saddled his horse outside his home church in Morrow and began to make frequent visits to Wilmington — the Quaker-founded seat of Clinton County. A group of Irish farmers had requested a priest come to say Mass and eventually Father O’Donoghue fulfilled their wish on a more
School of Faith helps local man answer call to evangelize

Through an organization called School of Faith, John Leyendecker discovered his mission is teaching teachers. “School of Faith started working in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati,” said Leyendecker, a northern Kentucky native who now resides in Milford. “Last year, we took 15 Catholic school teachers to the Holy Land for a