Fr. Henry Hoffmann Intro Bio for Our Lady of Divine Providence Family of Parishes
Please click here to read Fr. Henry Hoffmann's bio.
Fr. Hoffmann will celebrate Mass with us here at St. Clare on Sunday, October 27, 2024 with hospitality after each liturgy.
Posted to the St. Clare website: October 8, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: October 13, 2024
Goodbye from Fr. Umberg
It is with some sadness and ambivalence that I will be moving into my new assignment at the end of this week. This assignment to your family of parishes was a very impactful one for my life as a priest. I hope and pray that my liturgical ministry, my administration, and my leadership here have had some positive impact on you. The job of a shepherd is to lead the flock, and I hope I have helped to guide you in some way toward faith’s goal: your eternal salvation in Heaven.
Thanks to everyone who gave me a kind or encouraging word (or abstained from an impatient word) during my time here. Thanks, also, to all who gave farewell cards (to those who gave farewell gifts, I plan to give individual acknowledgements). Please pray for me, at least on occasion. I will pray for you. God bless you all!
--Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: October 2, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: October 6, 2024
Report for OLODP 2024 Parish Giving by Age
Please click here to read the 2024 Parish Giving by Age report for our Family of Parishes.
Posted to the St. Clare website: September 27, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: October 6, 2024
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK:
Our Lady of Divine Providence Family of Parishes and Beacons of Light:
Your Pastor Is Moving To A New Assignment: Where Do We Stand?
Please click here to read Fr. Umberg's letter from September 23, 2024.
Posted to the St. Clare website: September 24, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: September 29, 2024
Reflections on My Move
I am still getting used to last week’s news about my reassignment to St. Ignatius. I imagine that many of you are doing the same. We all (including the Archbishop and me) intended for me to stay for a full five years (or more) until the decisions were made and implemented, uniting our parishes into one entity and selecting the main worship campus (and possible satellite worship campuses). Circumstances beyond our control sometimes change things. Two large parishes lost their pastors this summer and needed new pastors, and it would have been unwise to put an inexperienced pastor at either of them. Now the decision has been made, and it affects my life and yours.
I would like to address some emotions some of you may have about this sudden change (and some of my own thoughts and emotions):
- Surprise: This announcement came as a complete surprise, maybe even a shock for many of you. It was not a shock for me, but it was a surprise. I knew that they probably were going to have to move two experienced pastors, and do so quickly, by this Fall. I knew that I was being considered for both. A priest friend of mine who serves on the Priests’ Personnel Board asked me if I would be willing to move to one of these two huge parishes. I also knew that I had spoken about the possibility of me becoming pastor of one of these two parishes a few times over the last ten years. Two years ago, when I was assigned to our family of parishes, the thought of moving never occurred to me. I never was “planning my escape,” because I had no intention of leaving. On the day of the Priests’ Personnel Board meeting (last Wednesday), I would not have bet $5 that I would be chosen for either. Then the phone call came at lunch time...
- Disappointment: For those who thought I was doing a good job, or appreciated whatever gifts I might have, this move is probably a disappointment. I am also disappointed; I poured myself into this assignment and have made many efforts to get us on course. I hope that these efforts prove helpful. I sincerely thank those of you who have reached out to me to encourage and support me by kind words to me (or about me), and those who have sent greeting cards or gifts along the way. They meant a lot to me, and you helped me in my work here by your kindness.
- Anger: Some of you might be angry that I am leaving after all your efforts of getting used to me and the changes I have made here. (I realize that some of you may also be relieved that I am going). All I can say is that I did make a sincere commitment. I did not know that these parishes would be needing pastors, and that some experienced pastors would have to be moved to fill these positions.
- Fear: The unknown is scary. Even for people who did not care much for the way I did things, the unknown can still be troubling. Now what? I am glad that you will have Fr. Haft, a man who knows you and loves you, a man that is familiar with the Beacons of Light Planning as it has unfolded so far, as the temporary administrator of this family of parishes. He will be assisted by a fine young priest who has been ordained several years as a vicar (I had mentioned to the Director of Priest’s personnel that, if they decided to move me, it was essential that they give our family a vicar, and this was honored.) So, you are in good hands.
I will be with you here until about October 11. Meanwhile, I will try to sew up loose ends here while I continue to familiarize myself with the people and institutions of St. Ignatius Parish. We will have some small “Good-bye” receptions after my last weekend Masses at various churches. Please pray for all involved in this time of transition.
-Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: September 3, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: September 8, 2024
Big News About Fr. Umberg and our Family of Parishes
Fr. Andrew Umberg, the pastor of Our Lady of Divine Providence Family of Parishes, has received a new appointment, beginning this Fall. Fr. Umberg received the appointment during a phone call early afternoon on Wednesday, August 28.
Fr. Umberg has been appointed the new pastor of St. Ignatius Parish (on North Bend Road in Monfort Heights). He will be leaving our Family of Parishes around October 10th. His last weekend as pastor here will be October 5th and 6th. The following weekend, he will be celebrating Masses at St. Ignatius. Soon following, there will be a “From the Pastor’s Desk” article by Fr. Umberg explaining more about this change. The heart of the matter is that two very large parishes lost their pastors this summer, and they needed two experienced pastors to move from their recent Beacons of Light assignments to fill them.
Fr. Ronald Haft has agreed to serve as temporary administrator of our Family of Parishes until July 1, 2025. He will, therefore, act with the authority of a pastor in all matters of our Family of Parishes.
Fr. Henry Hoffman, who is presently serving as vicar at the SW-7 Family of Parishes (Westwood), has been appointed as a new vicar for our Family of Parishes. Presumably he will be here until July 1, 2025 (perhaps longer; this has not yet been determined).
A link to Fr. Hoffmann's bio from Our Lady of Lourdes.
Posted to the St. Clare website: August 29, 2024
The Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick (also known as the Sacrament of the Sick, and formerly known as Extreme Unction) is a sacrament instituted by our Lord through His Church for the healing of body and soul. Jesus healed many people during his time on Earth. In the ministry of Jesus, there is a connection between His healing of the sick and the Good News of God’s mercy, and the gift of eternal life. The sickness of the body, which can lead to death, is a sign of the sinful condition of the human soul, in need of Christ’s redemption.
Jesus’ ministry of healing body and soul is given to His apostles and ultimately to His Church. In the Gospel of Mark we read, “And [the apostles] cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them” (Mark 6:13). In the Letter of St. James we have an explicit instruction on this sacrament: “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5:14-15). In this text, note that the “elders” (presbyters=priests) are called to “pray over” (impose hands on) the sick person, and they are to be anointed. There were times in the Early Church when the faithful would have flasks of olive oil blessed on the altar during the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass. They would take this oil home and anoint themselves or their children for Christian healing (it was not really the full sacrament, but it was better than the pagan superstitious practices they were tempted to use).
As for the forgiveness of sins, this Sacrament of Healing has always been associated with the other sacrament in this category: the Sacrament of Penance. In the Church’s practice, the one who receives the Sacrament of the Sick is expected to have received the Sacrament of Penance, either immediately before, or at least recently enough that there is no serious sin on their soul. In the case of a dying person who has lost the capacity to speak (or the mental capacity to make a confession), the Anointing of the Sick provides for the forgiveness of sins, even serious ones. This last fact is part of the reason that people would wait to the extreme end of their lives to be anointed (hence the name “Extreme Unction”—the “anointing at the very end”).
When is the right time for someone to be anointed? With the sacramental and liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council, we are instructed: “Hence, as soon as any one of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for that person to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived” (Pastoral Care of the Sick). We read here that one is not supposed to wait until they are sliding toward death to receive this sacrament. Instead, it is when one is “in danger of death from sickness or old age” that they should be anointed. So, when someone is diagnosed with a disease that could potentially lead toward death, or when someone is getting close to the age of death, like one’s parents, it is a good idea to be anointed. If their condition becomes worse and there is a new diagnosis or prognosis, that is a time to be anointed again. Any time an adult is scheduled to have a surgery with general anesthesia, and/or on some vital organ of the body, it is appropriate to be anointed. Some mental illnesses are also considered to be appropriate for anointing. At the end of life, sometimes this sacrament is given again simply to show the love and concern of Christ and the Church for the sick person.
The priests of Our Lady of Divine Providence Family of Parishes are always happy to anoint people who request it. If there is not time immediately after Mass, we will happily make an appointment to anoint you or your loved one in church or at home. Also, we hope more frequently to offer the Anointing to several people during Mass. Therefore, if you do not think it is best for you to be anointed at next weekend’s Masses (September 7-8), you haven’t missed your chance! We are anointing people all the time!
Should you be anointed at Mass? Some considerations:
- Have you reached “old age” (such that you may be in danger of death)?
- Are you sick with some serious disease (or injury or some other health condition) that you are struggling with?
- Do you have a surgery scheduled soon, that is serious in itself or requires general anesthesia?
- Should you go to confession first?
- Would it be better to wait for another time when certain members of your family are present?
These and other considerations should inform your decision to request anointing at Masses the weekend of September 7-8. Whether you receive the sacrament or just pray along for those who do, I hope that these anointing Masses are a good and edifying experience for you.
--Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: August 28, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: September 1, 2024
The Anointing of the Sick: Is it Time for You to Receive This Sacrament?
On the weekend of September 7-8, at all Masses in our Family of Parishes, we will offer the Anointing of the Sick (also known as the Sacrament of the Sick, and formerly known as Extreme Unction) during Mass. The sacrament will be given to those who appropriately request it after the homily. Those to be anointed should sit in the front pew or at the end of the pew by the middle aisle, insofar as this is possible. Although the sacrament has a few elements to it (prayers, the laying on of hands, and anointing), the celebration of this sacrament should not add much more than 10 minutes to Mass. In next week’s bulletin, there will be another article speaking more about the benefits of the sacrament and who should receive it.
--Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: August 20, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: August 25, 2024
Columbus Bus Pilgrimage a Success!
At least it was a success as far as I’m concerned. Counting priests and the few staff members who went along, we were a group of 76 pilgrims. The buses were nice and well air-conditioned, and despite waiting for a few strays, we left in time to accomplish everything I hoped to do.
The Byzantine Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (at a church also named after this saint) was beautiful! Fr. Haft and I concelebrated with Fr. Robert Jager, the pastor, and the congregation of pilgrims tried their best to pray along. I was moved to tears by the beauty of that church and that liturgy. I may have enjoyed it more than everyone else, but I think everyone was edified by the beautiful church and celebrating the Eucharist in this very different way.
Our visit to the Pontifical College Josephinum was brief, but it gave the participants a crash course on modern seminary formation, and we saw some of the beautiful campus, including the main chapel. The Rector of the Seminary, Fr. Steven Beseau, came by and spoke a little bit about the seminary’s mission.
St. Paul’s Church, Westerville, is a beautiful, exciting, breath of fresh air. We saw there what a large (and somewhat wealthy) Catholic community can build to give glory to God and edify the worshipers.
Our time in charming German Village was briefer than we planned, but it was so hot outside that most of us didn’t want to walk around anyway. The meal was nice at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and the bus ride home was peaceful and quick.
Hopefully this little description of our pilgrimage will help you to enjoy the pictures in this week’s bulletin. Thanks again to all who went on the pilgrimage.
Click this link to view a Google Drive of pictures from the pilgrimage.
--Fr Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: August 13, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: August 18, 2024
Letter from Archbishop Schnurr
Archbishop Schnurr has written a pastoral letter reminding us of the value of uniting resources to fulfill our Christ-given mission as the Church in this time and place. The letter is available for viewing on the websites of our Family of Parishes.
Bus Pilgrimage to Columbus, August 6, 2024
I intend to lead a bus pilgrimage to Columbus, OH on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. Tickets will be available for $100 per person (this pays for the chartered bus and for lunch and dinner). We plan to leave the back parking lot of St. Vivian church by 8:30 am, and to return by 8:30 pm. During this pilgrimage, we plan to visit:
- The Byzantine Rite Church of St. John Chrysostom and celebrate the Eucharistic “Divine Liturgy” according to the Byzantine Rite (we are in full communion with them, and we can receive Communion). Experiencing this liturgy in this beautiful church is really the heart of this pilgrimage. I will be speaking about the Byzantine Rite (and other topics) on the bus.
- The Pontifical College Josephinum, where we will see the beautiful campus and a chapel or two, and learn about the education and training of priests.
- Paul’s Church, Westerville, to see a beautiful 21st Century church building. This beautiful, inspiring church is definitely worth a stop.
- German Village, where you will have some time to explore some shops before a buffet dinner at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus.
I think that these sights and the information I will share will inspire those who come along and build up their faith. I also think that we’ll have some fun. I led a pilgrimage with this same itinerary at my former parish, and I received very positive feedback about it. If this sounds like something you would like to do, please call or visit St. Bartholomew Parish Office (513-522-3680) to make your reservation (we are limited to 50 people, unless we are able to book a second bus). There will be an ad in future bulletins.
Posted to the St. Clare website: June 18, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: June 23, 2024
A Father’s Day Message:
This Sunday is Father’s Day. I would like to encourage all fathers in their important vocation. To be an active, involved and loving father is great gift to your families and to society as a whole. Thank you, and keep up the good work!
-Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: June 11, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: June 16, 2024
The Eucharistic Revival
For the last year and a half, there have been activities, here in the Archdiocese and throughout our country, to promote the spirituality and appreciation of the Holy Eucharist in the Church. This was an initiative of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, partly in response to lower Mass attendance since the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to recent surveys, a large percentage of Catholics are ignorant of or disbelieving of the Church’s teaching that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist: His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity! What a gift!!
Due to the fact that this Revival coincided with the beginning of the Beacons of Light initiative, when we first became a Family of Parishes, I have not scheduled any Family-wide activities, other than the exhortation to watch the Archbishop’s reflections on the Eucharist in the winter of 2023. However, I know that some individual parishes and small prayer groups have engaged in activities to focus on the importance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church.
Whether we have participated in the various activities of the National Eucharistic Revival (which will culminate in the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis from July 17-21), I hope that we all will reflect on this precious gift of the Lord Jesus in our own lives.
Praised be Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar!
― Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: June 4, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: June 9, 2024
A Salute to Mothers
For what our mothers have done for us and what they do for us, we owe them thanks and devotion.
Let’s be sure on this Mother’s Day to show them both!
Thank you, Moms
-Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: May 7, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: May 12, 2024
Lent Is Almost Here!
Lent comes early this year; it begins this Wednesday, February 14, Valentine’s Day! We hope to have many special opportunities for faith formation, community life and spiritual growth in our six parishes. While this is by no means an exhaustive list of everything going on, I would like to suggest that you make special note of the following dates/events:
Wednesday, February 14th: Ash Wednesday
A day of fast and abstinence. Not a holy day of obligation, but Mass is a good kick-off for Lent! There are many Mass times scheduled throughout the six parishes.
4 Wednesday Evenings: February 21, 28, March 6, 13:
Evening Mass at St. Bart, followed by soup supper and faith formation. The first three of these Wednesdays, I will teach a Bible class on St. Paul and his writings. On March 13, we will do Stations of the Cross. (There will not be a 5th Wednesday Mass/Soup Supper this year because Wednesday, March 20 is the night of the Confession-a-thon, which will be held at St. Clare.)
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays all through Lent and Easter Season
12 Noon Mass at St. Vivian Church. This is a great opportunity for late risers and people with flexible lunch breaks to try attending weekday Mass. It is a great help to your faith relationship with the Lord Jesus and the Church!
Tuesday, March 12
Evening Taizé Lenten Prayer Service at St. Clare Church, 7:00pm. The music from this ecumenical monastic community in France has touched many hearts throughout the world over the last forty years. Darin Art and the St. Clare Choir and musicians will be leading us in the beautiful songs that touch on the Suffering and Death of our Lord. There will be a reception afterwards.
Wednesday, March 20
Confession-a-thon at St. Clare Church, 4:30-7:30pm. For those who have not attended one of these, I must recommend it as a convenient and beautiful way to go to confession and to pray for our own repentance and that of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
-Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: February 8, 2024
Printed in the Bulletin: February 11, 2024
CHRISTMAS THANK YOU!
I hope that you had an enjoyable and holy Christmas this year. We were blessed with better weather this year, and I found the celebrations very comforting and inspiring.
I thank all who were involved in the decoration and cleaning of all the churches of our family of parishes. I also thank all of our musicians and liturgical ministers. I realize that all of you work very hard to make Christmas special for your brothers and sisters in the faith. I also want to offer a special word of thanks to all who helped me with the Christmas display!
On behalf of myself, Fr. Haft, and Fr. George, I thank all who sent Christmas greetings, cards, and gifts.
May God bless us all with a safe, happy, and holy new year!
--Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: January 16, 2024
Big Christmas Crib Display at St. Bartholomew
As of this writing (on December 8th), there is a group of people working quickly to finish an expansive Christmas Crib display in the back corner of St. Bartholomew Church. I am one of those people. We hope our efforts will be an inspiration to all of us in our family of parishes, especially to any children or grandchildren who may come to see it. It is a creative endeavor that attempts to bring the viewer to that night in Bethlehem when our Lord Jesus Christ was born. It is based on the nativity stories in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew (and a touch of the prologue of John’s Gospel). I had put together a similar display with a few parishioners when I was at St. Joseph in North Bend, because I thought it would help people to meditate on the mystery of Jesus, the Eternal Word of God, being born as a man.
FACTS:
What? A crib display featuring the figurines and wooden creche normally displayed at St. Bart’s, but placed in the context of a large (30 feet long) landscape.
Where? In the back corner of St. Bartholomew Church. The crib was normally up in the sanctuary (which is not considered liturgically correct). We have moved it into the back, because it is not a liturgical display, but a devotional display. I chose to do this at St. Bart’s church for two main reasons: 1) There is plenty of room and a high ceiling in that church. 2) There is a school with over 400 children right across the parking lot. I have hopes of bringing St. Vivian school students up on buses to see it. In future years, if we decide to change the venue, the display could be modified and installed in any of the parish centers.
Why? I believe that the secularization of our society (and of Christmas) calls for a special display that tells the Christmas story.
When? We hope to have it completely installed and functioning (with the Baby Jesus in the manger!) Saturday, December 17. Since this is an evangelical effort and not a liturgical display, we will always put it up during Advent (for some of the people I am trying to reach, Christmas is over and done with by midnight Christmas Eve!) People are welcome to come and see it before and after regular scheduled Sunday and weekday Masses up through the Feast of the Epiphany (January 7th). We will have the church unlocked at least 30 minutes before any Mass, and leave it unlocked at least 30 minutes after Mass. I also plan to have some special evening viewing hours the week before Christmas. Watch the parish and family websites for times.
Who paid for this? Those of us who are working on it have donated all materials.
FEATURES:
- A 30-foot by 12-foot night sky over Bethlehem, made of royal blue felt and star sequins (even some constellations!).
- A “window into heaven”, where the sky is opened up to see the angels, singing and worshipping God most High.
- A scene with the Three Magi stopping by a fire in the mountains of Iraq, as they are on the way to Bethlehem.
- A 19-minute “Story of Christmas” recording, which gives my own brief version of salvation history with background music, followed by excerpts from the Gospel narratives, with some Christmas carols.
-Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: December 8, 2023
Printed in the Bulletin: December 17, 2023
Pastoral Leadership Team for our Family of Parishes
One of the directives in the Beacons of Light planning process is that pastors should name an official “Leadership Team” from among their parish staff members, to help them in the tasks of pastoral leadership. While all of the pastoral staff members help the pastors and have areas of leadership, the members of this smaller leadership team are to meet more regularly with the pastor and have some special responsibilities in directing and administrating our family of parishes.
I have recently made some decisions regarding this leadership team, and I am now pleased to announce them. As announced back in the spring, Kathy Rothschild will serve as our Director of Administration. I have now appointed our family’s Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Mrs. Randi Hom, to be Director of Evangelization. I am appointing Fr. Ron Haft as Director of Worship. Fr. George and Sr. Margie Niemer will be on the team as consultants.
There are two other leadership director roles to be filled: that of Love-in-Action (Sr. Margie has been acting in this capacity) and that of Stewardship. Please pray for me and for this team, as we work together to become one as a family, and eventually, one new parish community.
-Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: October 24, 2023
Printed in the Bulletin: October 29, 2023
October, the Month of the Holy Rosary
Poetry has been written about the month of October, about the beauty of its blue skies and orange leaves. In the devotional life of the Church, the month of October has traditionally been the “Month of the Rosary”, probably because of the feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (formerly known as Our Lady of Victory) on October 7th.
The praying of the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been promoted for centuries by the Church. There are various stories and alternative histories proposed for its origins. The most important things about the Rosary (in my opinion) are: 1) It provides a regular time for prayer and meditation in our daily lives; 2) By the use, look and feel of the beads and crucifix, we are reminded of the love that Jesus Christ our Savior and the Blessed Virgin Mary (his mother and our mother) have for us; 3) Praying the Apostles’ Creed re-catechizes us in the basics of our Catholic Faith; 4) Praying the Our Father and Glory Be a half-dozen times helps to build and reinforce our faith and devotion to our Lord; 5) Praying the Hail Mary fifty-three times reminds us of Mary’s great faith, courage, humility and submission to God’s will; and 6) the four sets of Mysteries give us a program for meditation.
I am quite aware that this prayer might be better for some people at certain times in their lives than for others (the Sacred Liturgy is the universal, binding prayer program in the Church). I am also aware (from my own experience!) that not every Hail Mary is always filled with meditation. Sometimes I am happy if I can actually focus on two or three Hail Mary’s per decade! However, that is more than I would meditate on that mystery if I did not pray the Rosary!
As your pastor, I highly recommend trying (or re-trying) this prayer, perhaps building your meditations with Scriptural readings on each mystery. Our Faith and devotion always need nourishment, and this world always needs prayers!
-Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: October 11, 2023
Printed in the Bulletin: October 8, 2023
Fr. Umberg's recorded message about Beacons of Light the weekend of September 9/10, 2023:
Posted to the St. Clare website: September 21, 2023
THE FIRST ANNUAL GRILL OUT & CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT FOR OUR FAMILY OF PARISHES WAS A ROUSING SUCCESS. THANKS TO ALL WHO ORGANIZED THE EVENT, PROVIDED SIDE DISHES AND DESSERTS, AND PARTICIPATED IN THE CORNHOLE CHALLENGE. LET THIS BE THE FIRST OF MANY FAMILY SOCIAL EVENTS!
-Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: September 12, 2023
Printed in the Bulletin: September 17, 2023
Our Lady of Divine Providence Family of Parishes’
Grill Out & Cornhole Tournament
This is a personal plea from our pastor: Fr. Umberg is asking you to please consider coming to our first social event as a family of parishes next Sunday, September 10th at St. Bartholomew. Please see the flyer here. Hope to see you there!
-Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: September 1, 2023
Printed in the Bulletin: September 10, 2023
WELCOME FR. LOUIS ANIN!
We have a special guest now living in Our Lady of Divine Providence family of parishes, Fr. Louis Anin. He is an African, a native of Ghana, one of the countries of the south-facing Atlantic coast of West Africa. Ghana, which is about 15% Catholic and many other Christians, is considered one of the most successful democracies in Africa. Fr. Louis (pronounced lwees, like the Spanish name “Luis”), has been sent by his bishop to study and obtain a master’s degree in Applied Spirituality and Pastoral Care at Xavier University. This will enable him to counsel and help heal people who have been spiritually wounded. While there is a Ghanaian Catholic community in Cincinnati (whom Fr. Louis has already met), his VISA allows him only to study, not to be employed in ministerial work. However, you may see him concelebrating Mass or occasionally filling in as a substitute at Mass or helping with Confessions.
Fr. Louis is fifty years old, is a priest of the Archdiocese of Kumasi, Ghana, and has been ordained for twenty years. He is now living in St. Vivian Parish’s rectory.
Fr. Louis’ tuition will be paid by his bishop (Xavier University has provided some scholarship). However, during his two years here, our family of parishes will be providing room and board and some other expenses for Fr. Louis. Transportation is an issue. For now, I am driving Fr. Louis to and from Xavier University a few times a week. We are looking for: 1) Some volunteers to be part of a rotation to provide this transportation (this semester, his on-campus classes are Monday and Tuesday evenings, 6:30-9:00pm), and 2) Someone to donate (or at least to give us a very good deal on) a good used car (Is there one in your family?). This is an important part of the mission of the Church, to share our resources and to help the Church grow strong in places where it is still relatively new and resources are scarce.
Please greet and welcome Fr. Louis, and please pray for him that his studies and his time here will be good for him and for the Church.
-Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: August 31, 2023
Printed in the Bulletin: September 10, 2023
Our New D.R.E.: Donna Booker
This spring and summer have been times of significant changes in the staffs of our parishes and in the newly forming common staff of the Our Lady of Divine Providence family of parishes.
Most recently, there has been a major change in our Religious Education staffing. With the departure of Julie Zinser and Claire Tenhundfeld, who served at St. Bart, St. Vivian and Assumption in the area of religious formation of children and adults, I have asked Donna Booker, who up until now has served only at St. Clare Parish in the areas of faith formation and stewardship formation of adults and directed their Parish School of Religion, to be the DRE (Director of Religious Education/Formation) of our entire family of parishes. She will direct the Parish School of Religion for all six parishes (the class sessions will be held in the Undercroft of St. Clare Church). She will also direct the sacramental preparation programs for First Communion and First Penance for children in all six parishes. She will also continue to provide adult faith formation programs which are open to the entire parish family (Sandy Hornbach, Deacon Gerry Flamm and Sr. Caritas will continue their adult education programs as they see fit). Donna will also run the RCIA for St. Clare and Assumption parishes (for now, Sr. Margie will run the RCIA for St. Bernard and Mother of Christ and Sandy Hornbach will continue to run the RCIA for St. Bart & St. Vivian). Please pray for Donna in this new and exciting role for our family of parishes. I thank you for your continued cooperation and patience as we continue to navigate this unification. May God bless you all.
-Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: August 8, 2023
Printed in the Bulletin: August 13, 2023
A Father’s Day Message:
This Sunday we celebrate Father's Day. In doing so, we honor the men who have a very important role in human society. Fathers are usually burdened with the responsibility of providing for most of the material needs of their children as they grow up. This burden often distances them in some ways from their children. They also often play the role of chief disciplinarian of their children, and they often are the ones who must bring the harshness and the dangers of the outside world to the attention of their children. These necessary roles of providing, discipline, warning and protecting are often rewarded with ridicule and disrespect by our modern society. So, I think we should take care to show our fathers respect, gratitude and love, on Father’s Day and every day.
-Fr. Umberg
Posted to the St. Clare website: June 13, 2023
Printed in the Bulletin: June 18, 2023