Author Archive
Jessica Rinaudo
Issue 1: Pray, Educate, Act

At a recent archdiocesan Communications Workshop, the November ballot’s Issue 1 and its implications were brought forth as a topic of discussion. A priest made one point very clear: We need to talk about this amendment to the Ohio constitution in a very different way than Catholics normally talk about …
A Testimony of Experience

What inspires us? How can we take ownership of our faith and share it with others in an approachable, accessible way? Should we try if we’re not good with words? What is our role as lay people in the evangelizing mission? If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions, you’re …
Finding the Extraordinary

School follows its own comfortable rhythm. It begins with the new school year in August— packed full of excitement for buying new school supplies and backpacks, followed by the rush of meeting new teachers and learning which friends will be in a student’s class. But as the students, parents and …
We Are Not Alone on Our Journeys

Whenever I travel, I make a point to stop in a local Catholic church, especially if there is a basilica or cathedral nearby. In addition to praying or attending Mass, I snap a quick photo of the church sanctuary to text to my former pastor in Louisiana. He often does …
How Can I Help?

It’s the question we ask when those we care about are overwhelmed. Whether in celebration or in mourning those we love want to make things easier. And what’s the first form of help that usually comes to mind? If you’re like me, your brain probably locked onto food. Food is …
Susie Gibbons: Superintendent to Retire After More Than 40 Years in Catholic Education

For retiring superintendent Susie Gibbons, Catholic education has been with her nearly every step of her life. From attending Catholic grade school, high school and college, to teaching, administering, then leading the charge for the fourth largest Catholic school system in the U.S., Gibbons has done it all. Her vocational …
Do you Remember?

Do you remember what it was like to be a teenager? I ask myself this question at least once a week. My oldest is only one year from entering her teens, and already I find myself trying, and often failing, to remember my own experiences at that age—maybe, it’s because …
Where is the Redemption?

Suffering looks different for everyone. For some it’s going to a job every day that they hate, for others it’s battling mental illness and for many it’s a physical injury or illness. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of suffering, it’s a topic we can all, unfortunately, relate …
National Men’s Conference: March 25 Event to be packed with inspiration

The National Men’s Conference is a one-day event filled with virtue, inspirational speakers, fellowship, networking and spiritual growth. Hosted in Cincinnati at Xavier University on March 25, its goal is to bring men together in faith, regardless of where they may be on their faith journey. “[The conference’s] sole mission …
Do you Already Evangelize?

If you’re anything like me, when you hear the word “evangelization,” you tend to immediately curl up on yourself and consider hiding under a table. The term can conjure images of mega-churches, religious pamphlets and people approaching me to talk about religion and make me uncomfortable. That’s not a great …