Live Vertical, a campus ministry focusing on guided adoration, has made its way into three schools within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati: Archbishop Elder High School (Cincinnati), Bishop Fenwick High School (Franklin), and Archbishop Carroll High School (Dayton).

“The mission of Live Vertical is very relational,” said Father Jacob DuMont, archdiocesan deputy superintendent of Catholic Identity and Faith Development. “They’re looking to help the students have a personal relationship with Christ through the Eucharist. Throughout the day, there is almost always a class in adoration., So, by the end of the day, pretty much the whole school has gone to adoration.”

Live Vertical helps campus ministers provide students a monthly opportunity to spend 45 minutes with the Lord in adoration. Students are encouraged to slow down and place themselves in the presence of the Eucharist. During that time, ministry leaders may give a witness, read from Scripture, or share a quote from a Catholic author or saint.

“There are prompts to pray about,” said Hayden Hoefler, a student at Archbishop Carroll. “It helps us to realize that prayer is not always just words, but a contemplative conversation with God. It’s a relationship.”

Praise and worship music is sometimes played, and the sacrament of Reconciliation is often made available. After the reflection, students are given quiet time before ending with closing thoughts.

“The feedback is very positive,” said Albert Kovacic, director of campus ministry at Elder High School. “Just getting time away from the busy school day and the stress of what’s happening to take some time to be with Our Lord and have some quiet time… It elevates the Catholic identity of our school.”

“I started seeing a lot of things changing in the culture: students going to confession on a regular basis,” said Martha Saurine, campus ministry director at Archbishop Carroll. “What we’re trying to do [is show that] Jesus is here for you. We really want students to learn to bring every joy, every sorrow, every struggle to the feet of Jesus and [the students] won’t be disappointed. You just have to learn to ask for help.”

Saurine said that the goal is for every student to know, love and serve God.

Originally launched in Philadelphia and a neighboring town, Live Vertical expanded to Cincinnati when founders Luke LeTourneau and Rob Longo were connected  with  Father  DuMont  after discerning the next steps for the ministry.

Father DuMont said the campus ministers wanted to organize Eucharistic adoration at schools or neighboring parishes. “It’s just a lot of work, and having Live Vertical as a support … really came to be a great fit for the schools,” he said.

LeTourneau and Longo visit the schools each month to help lead the ministry. They have also hosted workshops for campus ministers and teachers so they have the tools to eventually lead the students on their own.

“To see the growth and openness that has occurred has been truly amazing,” said LeTourneau and Longo in a statement. “To expand into Cincinnati and other dioceses has been completely the work of God. Today’s youth need authentic truth and peace. Our Lord is the answer to all the questions of hope and healing that people need.”

Father DuMont said the archdiocese plans to implement Live Vertical in two more high schools and possibly two elementary schools. They are also looking to hire a local director to oversee the operations of the ministry in the schools as it continues to grow.

“I feel it (Live Vertical) did help our school learn how to pray and have that relationship [with God],” said Hoefler. “We can forget that Jesus is right there. They help us to [grow our] relationship with Jesus and see that He is there for each and every one of us.”

“I just think the importance of adoration is glossed over,” continued Hoefler. “I think the key to our relationship with Jesus is just to sit there. It’s a big help having Jesus in your school and chapel. That’s how I like to start my day … right in front of Him.”

Catholic author and founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute, Matthew Kelly, will also be partnering with Live Vertical and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

“[Matthew Kelly is] helping to support with some of his time and resources,” said Father DuMont. “He and I are going to help lead a retreat for our 24 principals [or] presidents of our high schools. It’s exciting to have him supporting this Eucharistic initiative.”

This article appeared in the August 2025 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.