Parish Neighbors / Brock Grubert

OUR PARISH NEIGHBORS

All Saints

8939 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236

513-792-4600 • allsaints.cc

Masses: Mon.-Fri. 6:45am; Sat. 4:30pm (Vigil); Sun. 9am, 11am

Rosary: Mon.-Fri. 6:15am

Adoration: Tue. 7:15am-5pm

Confession: Sat. 3-4pm

Good Shepherd

8815 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249

513-489-8815 • good-shepherd.org

Masses: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am; Wed. 6:15pm; Sat. 4pm (Vigil); Sun. 8am, 10am, 11:30am

Adoration: Thur. 9am-7pm in the chapel

Confession: Tue. 5:30-6:15pm

St. Gertrude

6543 Miami Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45243

513-561-5954 • stgertrude.org

Masses: Mon.-Fri. 7am, 8am, 11:30am; Sat. 8am, 11:30am, 4:30pm (Vigil); Sun. 8am, 10am, 12pm, 6pm

Adoration: Wed. 7:30pm

Confession: Mon.-Fri. 4pm; Wed. 7:30pm; Sat. 3:30pm

St. Vincent Ferrer

7754 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236

513-791-9030 • svfchurch.org

Masses: Tue.-Fri. 8:20am; Sat. 5pm (Vigil); Sun. 8:30am, 10:30am

Adoration: Thur. 9am-12pm

Confession: Sat. 3:30-4:30pm

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PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY

Dog Training

Dog Training Elite

513-822-3230 dogtrainingelite.com/cincinnati

Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Arlinghaus Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning 513-216-4149 arlinghausair.com

Interior Design

Decorating Den Interiors 513-502-9865 abby.decoratingden.com

Painting

Fresh Coat Painters

513-450-7210 freshcoatpainters.com/locations/ cincinnati-east

Education Pre K–12

The Summit Country Day School 513-871-4700 ext. 261 summitcds.org

Home Care

Comfort Keepers 513-450-2432 comfortkeepers.com

Law

Keating Muething & Klekamp, PLL 513-579-6400 kmklaw.com

Residential Electrician

Mr. Electric of Cincinnati East 513-212-6300 mrelectric.com/cincinnatieast

To learn more about becoming part of our Professional Spotlight Directory, contact Tony Wright at twright@decidedexcellence.com or 513-252-1133.

PUBLICATION TEAM

Publisher: Tony Wright

Content Facilitator: Matt Meyer

Graphic Designer: Cindy Laubenheimer

Contributing Photographer: Krista Silz, Cincy Photo Pro

Main Cover Photo By: Krista Silz, Cincy Photo Pro

Cover Feature Photo by: Jung family

Contributing Images Provided By: Adobe Stock & Cathopic

ADVERTISING

Contact: Tony Wright twright@decidedexcellence.com 513-252-1133

Any content, submissions, guest columns or advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Decided Excellence Catholic Media (DE) or any parishes, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. DE is an independent publisher and this publication is not produced by any parish or diocese. DE is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2025 Decided Excellence Catholic Media. All rights reserved.

Excerpts from the English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for use in the United States of America Copyright © 1994, United States Catholic Conference, Inc.—Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with Permission. English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Modifications from the Editio Typica copyright © 1997, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops—Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible—Second Catholic Edition (Ignatius Edition), copyright © 2006 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Dear Neighbors,

The World Health Organization has designated October 10th as World Mental Health Day to raise awareness and support those in need. For many years, discussing mental health was looked down upon as weakness and labeled as being“crazy”or“abnormal”.Thetruthisquitetheopposite. I asked my doctor how often he sees people whose ailments are mental health related, not physical. With no hesitation, he said, "At least half the time." As someone who has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety, I know how difficult it can be. With all of the violence, nasty political rhetoric and economic stresses we are experiencing, we’ve seen an elevated level of fear and anxiety that is now manifesting itself in a number of ways we cannot ignore. It starts with removing the stigma attached to mental health and talking openly about it. With love and proper treatment, we can address a growing mental health epidemic. I also find my faith is a critical source of peace of mind. As Scripture states, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” (Isaiah 43:1-2).

Finally, I want to thank our sponsors and readers for your support. This magazine continues to bring Good News and hope to the community. Please continue to support, patronize, and refer our sponsors who make this publication possible.Have a Great October and God Bless you all!

Tony Wright Publisher

Are You Looking for the Right Care for your Aging Parent or Loved One?

If you are trying to determine the next level of care, call today for a free, honest assessment.

KIDNEY 4 CYDNEY

By Darci Gibson | Photo provided by Get Off The List

Cydney Cory is a loving wife and mother who cares deeply for her family and friends. She needs a living kidney donor to save her life.

Cydney might not look sick, but she is, and living with kidney failure is difficult. She manages dialysis treatments and extreme fatigue daily. Although she’s still working full time, she’s had to stop volunteering at her church. She must follow a low sodium, low potassium and low phosphorous diet to prevent further damage to her kidneys. She can’t eat many foods like potatoes, bananas or drink her daily Coca-Cola. One of the hardest things Cydney’s faced is being a human pin cushion. She has a phobia of needles, so the constant blood draws, IVs and injections have been incredibly difficult to endure.

Processing and facing the reality of her kidney failure has been overwhelming, but nothing prepared her for her husband’s recent diagnosis of myxoid liposarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. This journey has tested them, but it’s also shown them the power of love, resilience and unwavering support for each other. Despite the challenges, they’re holding onto hope—for her transplant, his recovery and the honeymoon they can finally take.

A new kidney will save Cydney’s life and restore her health. She won’t be tied to a dialysis machine seven days a week and will have the energy to spend more time with family and friends. Most importantly, she’ll be present at all the major events in her children’s lives like graduations and weddings.

The wait times to get a kidney from a deceased donor average 3-5 years or longer. Finding a living donor will help Cydney get “off the list” sooner. A kidney that comes from a living donor often has better outcomes, averaging 15 to 20 years or more versus 8-12 years for a kidney from a deceased donor. Most living donor surgeries are done laparoscopically and discharge from the hospital is usually 24-48 hours after surgery. The life expectancy of a living donor is typically longer than the average person.

To learn more about living kidney donation or start the testing process on Cydney’s behalf, please contact Breanna Bronson at The Christ Hospital at 513.585.1427 or Breanna.

bronson@thechristhospital.com. The living donor process is confidential and all costs for testing and surgery are covered by her insurance. Please like, follow, and share Cydney’s story on Facebook at A KIDNEY 4 CYDNEY

FLYNN & COMPANY IS NOW UHY!

By Kim Allen, UHY Marketing Manager

While the name has changed, the exceptional service and dedication that Rick Flynn and his team have always provided remain unchanged.

UHY is thrilled to welcome Flynn & Company to our firm, marking our very first office in Ohio. This exciting addition comes during a period of rapid growth and expansion for UHY, reflecting our ongoing commitment to investing in some of the most vibrant business markets across the United States. With deep expertise in tax, assurance and advisory services, Rick and his team perfectly complement UHY’s mission to deliver tailored, industryspecific solutions—bringing new expertise and fresh access to the Cincinnati market.

Rick Flynn commented, “From the moment we connected with UHY, it was evident that our values, culture and client-first approach were perfectly aligned.” He added, “As I considered the future of our firm, I knew that joining UHY would provide our clients with greater access to national expertise while creating new opportunities for our team. This partnership will enable us to expand services, enhance resources, and continue delivering the personalized guidance our clients expect.”

As one of the nation’s largest professional services firms, UHY offers comprehensive audit, tax, consulting and advisory services primarily focused on the dynamic middle market. Our team’s broad industry experience enables us to provide clients with a 360-degree perspective on their businesses. Together with our clients, UHY works collaboratively to develop innovative, flexible solutions that address today’s complex business challenges and drive future growth.

FORWARD TO GREATER THINGS: ROGER BACON’S NEW FRANCISCAN PARTNERSHIP EXPANDS COMMITMENT OF AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

By Rob Rickenbough | Photos provided by Roger Bacon High School

For nearly a century, Roger Bacon has offered its students a transformativeexperiencethat,in the Franciscan tradition, nurtures the whole person—mind, body and soul. From the first day of freshman year to the moment graduates walk across the stage, Spartans are encouraged to dream big and lead with compassion.

Central to Roger Bacon’s mission has been accessibility, ensuring the Franciscan educational model is within reach to all families, regardless of circumstance. Roger Bacon’s tuition has long been the lowest of any Catholic high school in Cincinnati, and was not increased for the 2025-26 school year. When combined with generous scholarships and financial aid, Roger Bacon has lightened the burden for parents while preserving the richness of the student experience, which includes not only top academics, but unique programs and enrichment opportunities. This commitment reflects the belief that excellence and affordability should go hand in hand,

and that every student who feels called to be a Spartan should have the opportunity.

Keeping with this mission, Roger Bacon is proud to announce a new, exclusive collaboration with Siena University in Loudonville, NY. This exclusive partnership ensures Roger Bacon graduates:

• Automatic admissions for students with a GPA of 3.0 or better

• A guaranteed $80,000, four-year scholarship to be awarded on top of any additional merit or need based awards earned by the student (the average award from Siena is $30,000-$39,000 per student, with a guarantee of at least $57,000 awarded over four years)

Bacon graduates don’t just leave with a diploma – they leave well prepared for the future, with Franciscan values

• Any student that does not earn their degree within four years, Siena will cover 100% of the remaining tuition costs until the degree is earned.

“Our Franciscan tradition has always emphasized community,” says Principal Tim McCoy. “Roger

partnership with Siena University, they can continue that journey with automatic admissions, significant scholarship opportunities and the assurance that they can continue an education deeply rooted in the same Franciscan ideals we cherish.”

Roger Bacon already has an existing partnership with anotherFranciscansisterschool,St.BonaventureUniversity, in St. Bonaventure, NY. This agreement awards Roger Bacon graduates a $20,000, four-year scholarship, and potentially reduces the average annual cost of attendance to as little as $11,000 per year.

As college costs soar, these programs create powerful pathways for Roger Bacon graduates to extend affordability and the Franciscan model into college, making higher education more accessible and less stressful for families.

“We take our fiscal responsibility very seriously,” says President Steve Schad. “We have always believed families should not have to choose between financial stability and their child’s future. By keeping our tuition down, and now helping our graduates access college at a reduced cost through these wonderful universities, we hopefully are furtherrelievingsomeofthatstressforparents.AFranciscan education is now accessible and affordable from high school through college.”

Of course, affordability is only one part of the Roger Bacon story.

At the academic core, the Assisi Scholar Honors Program pushes Roger Bacon’s brightest students to go beyond the ordinary. With an emphasis on leadership, service and advanced study, Assisi Scholars are prepared not only to succeed in college but to stand out in the most competitive environments. “We like to say we create oranges in a world full of apples,” shares Principal Tim McCoy. “Our students don’t just blend into the pack—they shine, bringing the depth of a Franciscan education that shapes both intellect and heart.”

Roger Bacon also offers life-changing enrichment through the St. Clare Society and San Juan Bautista Pilgrimage, with class trips to destinations such as Scotland, Switzerland

and Japan. Students like sophomore Harper Muccillo, who spent a week at Stanford University for a law symposium,demonstratehow these opportunities expand horizons. “The intensive program was exactly what I hoped for, with lectures from Stanford professors. I can’t wait to take what I learned to Mock Trial this year,” Harper reflects. Alongside travel, Spartans explore their passions through the arts, service and 21 varsity sports. And soon, the heart of campus will grow even stronger. Construction is underway on the Anne Heidt Nurre Atrium. At the heart of the new addition is Roger Bacon’s

first dedicated chapel – a breathtaking spiritual center that will anchor the school’s Franciscan identity for its second century.

As Roger Bacon moves confidently into its second century, being a Spartan and all that entails have never been better for families.

The Adventures of Classical Morality

By Bishop Robert Barron

One of the most significant fault lines in Western culture opened up in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when what we now know as the “modern” worldseparateditselffromtheclassicalandmedievalworlds.

The thinking of Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Kant, Newton, Jefferson, and many others represented a sea change in the way Western people looked at practically everything. In almost every telling of the story, this development is presented as an unmitigated good. I rather emphatically do not subscribe to this interpretation. It would be foolish indeed not to see that tremendous advances, especially in the arenas of science and politics, took place because of the modern turn, but it would be even more foolish to hold that modernity did not represent, in many other ways, a severe declension from what came before. This decline is particularly apparent in the areas of the arts and ethics, and I believe that there is an important similarity in the manner in which those two disciplines went bad in the modern period.

Classical philosophy and science sought to understand things in terms of Aristotle’s four causes: material (what something is made of), formal (a thing’s essential structure), efficient (how it got the way it is), and final (its purpose or destiny). The founders of modernity became suspicious of our capacity to know form (for things seem to be in constant flux) and finality (for it just wasn’t clear where the universe was going). Accordingly, they put a great stress on the remaining two Aristotelian causes, the material and the efficient. And this is precisely why the distinctively modern sciences—with their exclusive focus on what things are made of and how they got in their present state of being— developed the way they did.

But this elimination of formal and final causality and the hyper-stress on material and efficient causality had profound effects outside of the physical sciences. A classical sculptor, painter, or architect was trying to imitate the forms that he found in nature, and thereby to create something objectively beautiful. It is by no means accidental, for instance, that architects from the classical period through the High Renaissance designed buildings that mimicked the dimensions and features of the human body. One reason that Michelangelo’sarchitectureissodeeplysatisfyingtousisthat it was grounded in that artist’s particularly profound grasp of the body’s rhythms and proportions. Thomas Aquinas defined art as recta ratio factibilium (right reason in regard to the making of things), and the rectitude he had in mind was none other than an understanding of the forms that God had already placed in nature. But a modern artist, unconvinced that objective form ought to provide a norm for her work, tends to see art as the objectification of subjectivity. The selfexpression of the artist—the efficient cause of the work, if you will—is more important than any conformity of that work to a formal norm. This approach was beautifully and succinctly summed up by the Dadaist painter Marcel Duchamp: “Whatever an artist spits out is art.” With that statement, we have reached the polar opposite of recta ratio factibilium. The marginalizing of final causality had a deep and deleterious effect on the way moderns tend to think about morality. Classical moral thinkers—from Plato and Aristotle to Augustine and Thomas Aquinas—considered the ethical act in terms of its purpose or finality. What made an act good was its orientation toward its proper end. Thus, since the end of the speech act is the enunciation of the truth, speaking a lie is morally problematic, and since the end of a political act

is the enactment of justice, unjust legislating is unethical, etc. If art is recta ratio factibilium, then ethics, for Aquinas, is recta ratioagibilium (rightreasoninregardtoaction),therectitudeof the reason in this context coming from conformity to finality. But with final causality relegated to the margins, morality became a matter of self-expression and self-creation. The extreme instance of this attitude can be found in the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche and Jean-Paul Sartre. The nineteenthcenturyGermanNietzscheopinedthatthesuprememorality— beyond good and evil—was the ecstatic self-assertion of the superman, and the twentieth-century Frenchman Sartre held that the “authentic” person is the one who acts in accord with his or her own deepest instincts. Sartre famously argued that existence (unfettered freedom) precedes essence (who or what a person becomes). And that is the polar opposite of a recta ratio agibilium ordered to objective finality.

If you think that all of this seems hopelessly obscure and irrelevant to the contemporary situation, then think again. Even the most radical ideas of the moderns in regard to moralityhavetrickleddown,throughanetworkofprofessors, teachers, script writers, television personalities, singers, bloggers, etc. to reach the ordinary person today. And this, I would submit, is what makes the Catholic position on ethics so hard to understand. The modern person instinctually says, “Who are you to tell me what to do?” or “Who are you to set limits to my freedom?” And the Catholic instinctually says, “Order your freedom to an objective truth that makes you the person you are meant to be.”

It would be the stuff of another chapter to explore, even with relative adequacy, the manner in which this dilemma might be resolved, but might I suggest that the fundamental problem with modern ethics (as with modern art, generally speaking) is that it is boring. The self-asserting and selfexpressing ego never really gets anywhere, never breaks out of its own clean, well-lighted space. But the human subject, enraptured by the objective good, sets out on a journey away from the narrow confines of the self and becomes an Adventurer.

513-321-2766 | musartscenter.com

Private lessons available in traditional/contemporary study of voice, piano, strings (including Suzuki violin/viola), guitar, and percussion instruments.

1987 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208

“In plain fact he was ready to live on refuse; and it was probablysomethingmuch uglier as an experience than the refined simplicity which vegetarians and water drinkers would call the simple life.”

—G.K. Chesterton, Saint Francis of Assisi: The Life and Times of St. Francis

GSt. Francis of Assisi’s Unrefined Simplicity

By Michael Lee

K. Chesterton’s biography of St. Francis of Assisi is considered to be one of the very best books written about the “little poor man.” Chesterton seemed to truly grasp the soul and significance of the saint.

While neither St. Francis nor Mr. Chesterton would shy away from true romanticism, both would eschew the superficial type of romanticism that cleans things up to show them off. Sadly, much has been done to clean up the image of St. Francis. He’s been washed, dusted, freshly painted, ensconced in many a birdbath, but only rarely seen as the truly radical romantic he really was; a man radically in love with Jesus Christ.

As Chesterton points out, Francis didn’t usually get high quality gourmet fare as the result of his begging. He and his brothers were often given scraps that were otherwise destined for the garbage heap (or may have been retrieved from that heap). They may have had to, on many occasions, hold their noses with one hand while using the other hand to sign the Cross over their food. Yes, this was Francis’ unrefined simplicity and unromantic romanticism. Francis loved the Lord so much, that he would eat with sincere thanksgiving whatever fare came to him from begging in His Holy Name.

email me directly at kendy@mortgagefreelife.com

A FOUNDATION OF LOVE CULTIVATING HUMAN FRATERNITY

By Kelly Czajka, The Evangelical Catholic

Pots of fresh red tomato sauce simmered on the old gas stove in a cozy kitchen of a small Lutheran church. Eight students and I from the Catholic college campus ministry gathered around chopping vegetables, sautéing ground beef, boiling noodles, and making fruit salad. We were cooking dinner to share with twelve people experiencing homelessness.

As the shelter guests spent their afternoon working on ways to transition off the street, we prepared to welcome them back to their temporary shelter with a warm cooked meal. An elderly gentleman from the Lutheran church, lovingly called “Colonel Sanders,” rolled up his sleeves and joined our campus ministry team in the preparations, teaching us the secrets of the best part of a pineapple.

In the kitchen, we shared in the same mission—to show the loveofJesustothoseonthemarginsandtoprovideamoment of dignity as we all break bread together. We didn’t discuss the nuances of our theological differences, but instead prayed together for the guests that would arrive soon.

Twotimeseveryyear,ourCatholiccampusministrywould partner with a local Lutheran congregation to host guests experiencing situational homelessness through a program called Interfaith Shelter Network. This organization works with one hundred different faith communities to provide

a rotational shelter program where each host houses and feeds shelter participants two weeks at a time.

The churches, temples, and mosques in the area do not have the capacity to create their own emergency shelters or provide transitionalservices.Instead,theyeachworktogethertocarry theresponsibilityforacoupleofweeks.Thiscollaborationwith Interfaith Shelter Network allows different faith traditions to join together to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable men, women, and children in San Diego.

Pope Francis, in Evangelii gaudium, says “God’s word is unpredictable in its power” (22). Understanding God’s love and purpose for humanity creates opportunities for us to see oneanothermoreclearlythroughtheeyesofcompassionand hope, and paves the way to work side-by-side with others. After sharing dinner with the shelter guests, our group of college students gathered to reflect on our experience and pray with the gospel. We discussed Scripture passages about feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, hospitality, loving those on the margins, and breaking bread together.

In Nostra aetate, The Declaration of the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, Pope St. Paul VI shared that “Men expect from the various religions answers to the unsolved riddles of the human condition, which today, even as in former times, deeply stir the hearts of men…” This

includes questions like: what is the meaning of our life, what are moral goods, what is happiness, and what comes beyond this life. As Catholics, we believe that all people are created in the image of God and are meant to be in relationship. The human heart yearns to experience love. As we encounter people of other faith traditions, love serves as the common thread that binds us together and provides a foundation for many other shared values.

Although our campus ministry effort was only a small part of the rotational shelter, it connected us back to some of the basic concepts shared across so many faith traditions— it remains essential to recognize people’s inherent human dignity and to care for the most vulnerable. Our faithful commitment to charity and justice, along with our shared purpose and compassion for a broken world, united us with many other faith communities. These values, flowing from love, are cornerstones for effective interfaith dialogue, and serve as a bridge for people of faith to cultivate human fraternity with others.

The more we understand our own Faith, and recognize God’s work in our relationship to the world around us, the more lovingly we enter into dialogue with others. We don’t need to wait for an opportunity to serve at a shelter for those experiencing homelessness to meet others with openness and compassion, but our fraternity can flow into our daily encounters. At the Evangelical Catholic, we are continually hearing the witness of God’s work in the world through individuals, many who we have met through our

Reach More™ Mission Training, who are engaging with their communities daily in creative ways. They are vibrantly living their personal apostolates, and finding ways to connect with others compelled by their love of Jesus. Fostering compassion and collaboration is something that anyone can do, we just needtheopenheartandtheconfidencetoengagewithothers.

The pope’s prayer intention for the month of October is for collaboration between different religious traditions. By understanding our own Faith and living the Gospel, we grow inthevaluesandperspectivesnecessaryfortruecollaboration with others. As the Body of Christ, our hearts deeply long for unity. Although our brothers and sisters from different religions do not share in the fullness of this understanding, we do share a desire to live in loving relationships with one another. From our experience of faith, we find inspiration to act justly, advocate for the marginalized, and promote peace. Our mutual call to love and serve others becomes a lived reality, contributing to a more just and loving society alongside those across faith traditions.

PROOF

The Cincy Hat Foundation, founded by Bengals Center Ted Karras, creates lasting opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Proceeds fund programs like two full-ride scholarships to the University of Cincinnati’s

&

Pathways (TAP) program. The Foundation is also investing in long-term infrastructure in Cincinnati to support adults with IDD for years to come. To le n m e p chase a hat to supp t, visit thecincyhat.com

The Gospel might be what draws us to the margins, but it is there where we find a shared humanity with people from different faith perspectives who hold in common a desire to create peace and to lift up the dignity of our brothers and sisters in need of justice. So, along with Pope Leo XIV, “Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice, and human fraternity.”

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By Matt Meyer | Photos provided by the Jung family

“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” - Galatians 2:20

Charlie and Vicki Jung are born and raised Westside Catholics. Both took different roads towards working at ITT Commercial Finance: Charlie attended LaSalle and then Miami University, Vicki went through McAuley and the Athenaeum. Whether through fate or luck, their paths joined at work and life hasn’t been the same. Parents to three and grandparents to two, Charlie and Vicki now live their lives beyond themselves, a life of service, evangelization and family.

“Our foremost and favorite things to do are spend time with our family and babysit our grandchildren,” exclaim Charlie and Vicki. They babysit their grandchildren, Roman and Jack, at least once a week. "We love our family dinners, traveling, camping, time with great friends, time in each of our ministries and just running around the house having fun with the grandkids."

Find Christ In Others and Be Christ For Each Other THE JUNG FAMILY: PROOF

Charlie and Vicki are not only called to be loving grandparents, but also evangelizing Catholic Christians. They see their calling summed up in paragraph 900 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Since, like all the faithful, lay Christians are entrusted by God with the apostolate by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, they have the right and duty, individually or grouped in associations, to work so that the divine message of salvation may be known and accepted by all men throughout the earth.” This Christian call to arms drives Charlie and Vicki to spread the Faith to all. “We try to make our lives about learning about our Faith, loving Jesus and sharing Him within our spheres of influence,” they explain. “We love to evangelize. We find Christ in others, being Christ for each other. Just like how the Church began and grew in small communities (think Acts of the Apostles), we thrive in our mini communities and in service to others.”

Charlie and Vicki’s evangelization work reads like a service category of an old-school Yellow Pages. They are members of the Regnum Christi (RC) community, a spiritual family and an apostolic body in the Catholic Church with the mission of making the Kingdom of Christ present today. Charlie has an apostolate with RC to be a core team member for Camp River Ridge, a summer camp and retreat center in Indiana. They are involved in the regional board of directors for NET Ministries, who form and equip Catholics as missionary disciples, sent across the country to minister directly to the next generation. Charlie is a Vincentian with the St. John Conference of St. Vincent dePaul. Vicki is a client advocate at Pregnancy Center Plus and facilitates a grief support program for three neighboring parish families. Together, they facilitate a Baptism preparation class and help facilitate an RC marriage preparation weekend retreat. They are members of Legatus, a group striving to study, live and spread the Catholic Faith in our business, personal and

professional lives. Charlie and Vicki have also been part of a couples Bible study for the last 30 years. “We are very blessed to have many opportunities to continue to learn and share the Good News!”

The Jungs have always had a Faith home on the Westside of Cincinnati. Charlie and Vicki were parishioners at St. James the Greater in White Oak for three decades, where they raised their children and Charlie was a part of the Father’s Ministry for over 20 years. They now belong to St. John the Baptist in Dry Ridge. This is home for their RC family and Charlie's men's group called "That Man is You". It’s hard for the Jungs to keep track of all the groups they attend, but it is well worth it. “All our ministries are Faith communities. Small groups are where it all happens. If you want to grow in your faith, join one!".

Whether babysitting the grandkids or evangelizing the Faith, Charlie and Vicki Jung have a drive to share their love of Christ to all they encounter. “Our Faith tells us to view the world through a biblical lens. We find peace and purpose in learning about our Faith, living for the Gospel and focusing on bringing Christ’s kingdom to earth.” It could be at a small group in your parish or a family barbecue in the backyard. No matter the place, Charlie and Vicki Jung look to find Christ in others and to be Christ for each other. “Evangelize, evangelize, evangelize!”

Do you know a fellow parish member who has a story to share? Nominate someone you’d like to see featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at mmeyer@decidedexcellence.com.

SOME SAYINGS OF JESUS

Luke 17:5-10

5The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, ‘Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. “Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down at table’? 8Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and put on your apron and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ”

5 Mt 17:20, 21:21; Mk 11:22–23; Lk 17:5: Lk 7:13. 8 Lk 12:37; Jn 13:3–5.

JESUS CLEANSES TEN LEPERS

Luke 17:11-19

11On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Sama'ria and Galilee. 12And as he entered a village, he was metbytenlepers,whostoodatadistance 13andlifteduptheir voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks.

Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

11 Lk 9:51; 13:22; 19:11

12 Lev 13:45–46.

13 Lk 5:5; 8:24, 45; 9:33, 49.

14 Lk 5:14; Mt 8:4; Mk 1:44;

THE PARABLE OF THE WIDOW AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS JUDGE

Luke 18:1-8

18And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; and there was a widow in that city who kept coming

to him and saying, ‘Vindicate me against my adversary.’ For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.’” 6And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?” 18 Lk 11:5–8. 6 Lk 7:13. 7 Rev 6:10; Mt 24:22; Rom 8:33; Col 3:12; 2 Tim 2:10.

THE PARABLE OF THE PHARISEES AND THE TAX COLLECTOR

Luke 18:9-14

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift

up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

11 Mt 6:5; Mk 11:25. 12 Lk 5:33; 11:42. 14Mt 18:4; 23:12; Lk 14:11; 1 Pet 5:6.

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PROOF

From Wall Street to El Salvador: MOELLER STUDENT’S CAPSTONE PROJECT SPARKS GLOBAL CHANGE

By Tara Grewe | Photos by Holly Burkholder Photography and provided by Moeller High School

When Brock Grubert, a senior at Archbishop Moeller High School, stepped into Investment Research Honors, he never imagined the lessons on balance sheets, stock valuations and market forces would lead him to launch a fund changing lives thousands of miles away in El Salvador. But through his capstone project for Moeller’s prestigious Chaminade Global Scholars Program, Brock transformed theory into action—proving that even high school students can move markets for good.

A SCHOLAR’S CHALLENGE

TheChaminadeGlobalScholarsPrograminvitesMoeller’s top students to explore global issues with depth and rigor. From day one, participants are challenged to pair academic excellence with cultural awareness, service and leadership. Over the course of four years, Global Scholars commit to advanced coursework, service beyond requirements, reflective writing and cultural study, all while maintaining a GPA of at least 3.7.

The culminating moment arrives with the junior-year capstone project, where students identify a global challenge, apply their skills and propose solutions. For Brock, the challenge was clear: how to use financial expertise not just to evaluate companies, but to uplift people.

CLASSROOM INSPIRATION

In his finance class, students immerse themselves in a “Wall Street Equity Analyst” experience, studying financial

statements, market sectors, and valuation strategies. They research companies using Morningstar Direct software, build investment theses, and make recommendations for the Mercalde Family Student-Run Investment Fund—the largest of its kind in the country.

Guest speakers from the industry emphasized behavioral economics, the power of diversification and the discipline of evaluating risk. Amid the charts and case studies, Brock saw something bigger: the potential of finance to serve those with the least.

“It wasn’t enough to just study ratios or analyze a balance sheet,” Brock reflected. “I wanted to see what happened when those concepts were applied to real people, with real challenges.”

THE BIRTH OF THE ARETE GROWTH FUND

For his capstone, Brock created The Arete Growth Fund, a sustainable, impact investment vehicle designed to support Programa Velasco, an organization that aims to educate and empower women entrepreneurs in El Salvador. The fund provides microloans and mentorship to women who often lack access to traditional banking but have the determination to start and sustain small businesses.

“I had a goal of raising $10,000 and that money will be invested into low-risk mutual funds and exchange traded funds and accrue tax free over time,” said Brock. “I am targeting at least a $1,000 annual return that can be given back.” To date, Brock has raised over $12,000 with the hopes of increasing his annual return.

The model is simple yet powerful: a loan helps launch a bakery, a tailoring shop, or a small farm. As each business succeeds and repays its loan, the money is reinvested into new ventures. This creates a cycle of empowerment that extends far beyond the original investment.

“Brock set the gold standard by applying the financial

conceptsandstrategieslearnedintheclassroomtobeofservice to others who face extreme poverty and lack of opportunity,” noted Karen Tlucek, Brock’s finance teacher. “Through impact investing, he launched and managed The Arete Growth Fund dedicated to making a meaningful and long-lasting difference in the lives of women striving to create small businesses and support their families in the El Salvador community.”

REAL LIVES, REAL CHANGE

The results are more than numbers on a spreadsheet. One loan allowed a mother to buy equipment to expand her bakery, doubling her output and providing jobs to others. Another helped a young entrepreneur start a poultry business that now feeds her family and her neighbors. Each success story strengthens not only household income, but also community resilience.

Brock monitors the fund with the same rigor he learned in class—tracking repayment rates, evaluating sustainability, and measuring long-term impact. But the reward isn’t just financial; it’s personal. “When I see a business owner in El Salvador growing her shop, I realize finance is more than numbers—it’s dignity, opportunity, and hope,” he said.

A LASTING LEGACY

The Arete Growth Fund has laid the groundwork for future Global Scholars to explore how academic skills can address global challenges.

Inaninterconnectedworldwhereeconomicsandhumanity often collide, Brock’s journey shows what happens when education pushes beyond textbooks. His capstone project is a reminder that when students combine knowledge with purpose, the impact can reach far beyond the classroom.

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Let’s begin by understanding what Día de los Muertos is not: It is not “Mexican Halloween,” nor is it “Latino Halloween,” nor anybody’s Halloween. (There, now that we cleared that up I think I can hear mis ahijados y compadres cheering.)

Día de los Muertos is celebrated in Mexico and in many other LatinAmerican Countries. The dates most often included in the observance are November 1st which we know as All Saints Day—and November 2nd All Souls Day. Some localities extend the celebration by several days before, overlapping with All Saint’s Eve (Halloween) on October 31st

Unlike Halloween, Día de los Muertos isn’t about devils, witches, evil, or dirty tricks. At its heart is the

What is Día de los Muertos?

By Michael Lee

Catholic belief in the Resurrection of the Dead and the concept that only a thin veil separates the Church Militant (us) from the Church Expectant (the souls in Purgatory) and the Church Triumphant (the souls in Heaven).

The funny masks worn by children and others in the celebrations of Día de los Muertos are meant to poke fun at death—to laugh at it, rather than to be scared of it—knowing that death cannot and will not have the last word. This goes as well for the cheerful colors that are used for the various Día de los Muertos holiday decorations.

One of the most important elements of the celebration of Día de los Muertos is the ofrenda, a specially adorned altar erected in prayerful memory of the beloved dead. You will often see

the ofrenda in bilingual/bicultural Catholic parishes. It includes pictures of deceased loved ones, flowers, candles, and perhaps some fruit, candy, and other items. It is decorated in a very cheerful and colorful style— again, to intentionally contradict the imagined finality of death.

So, are you ready for this? Yes—the common greeting shared by people on Día de los Muertos is, “¡Feliz Día de los Muertos!” Happy Day of the Dead!

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN LESSONS FOR THE LITTLEST HEARTS IN THE HOUSE

By Maripily Kerscher

“Mom, can I go to heaven by plane?” That innocent question from my fouryear-old son made me laugh, but also made me reflect on how to explain complex spiritual concepts to the little ones in the house. Since he is fascinated by airplanes, he imagines thateverydistantplacecanbereached fast by flying. Patiently, I replied, “No, honey. To get to heaven, you have to climb a very long ladder. Every prayer, good deed, or commandment fulfilled is a step, and when we do something wrong, we go down a step.”

This idea, not at all original, was inspiredby The Ladder of Divine Ascent by Saint John Climacus, a book that describes a ladder with thirty steps representing the thirty degrees or stages of virtue that lead to Christian perfection. I adapted this metaphor to help my son understand heaven, hell, and purgatory in a simple way.

The Church teaches us that, at death, each soul passes through a particular judgment. God evaluates

our lives based on how we have lived in relationship with Him. According to that judgment, the soul goes to heaven, purgatory, or hell.

PROOF

HEAVEN: LIVING FOREVER WITH GOD

Heaven is the destiny of those who die in friendship with God, completely purified. It is eternal happiness alongside Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints, where we see God “face-to-face.”

For a small child, heaven can be explained as “the house of God,” a place filled with light and love where everyone is happy at all times. Using the analogy of the ladder, I would say, “Every time you pray, obey, and treat your brothers and sisters well, you climb a step and get closer to heaven.”

HELL: ETERNAL SEPARATION

Hell is not a punishment imposed by God, but the consequence of freely rejectingHimduringlife.TheChurch describes it as a definitive separation from His love, where there is no hope or consolation.

To explain it without frightening him too much, I used an everyday example: “It's like being eternally punished but in a dark prison where you can't see God, there's no joy, and you can never play or leave.” When my son does something wrong, I remind him: “If we continue to disobey, we fall and distance ourselves from God.”

PURGATORY: TEMPORARY PURIFICATION

Purgatory is a purification process for those who die in grace but still have small “stains” that prevent them from entering heaven directly.

Iexplaineditwithasimpleexample: “Imagine one day you want to play outside and I ask you not to get dirty. You go out to play and get dirty, and then I ask you to clean yourself up before entering the house. The souls

in purgatory are like you when you're covered in dirt; they can't enter heaven without cleaning themselves up first. And your prayers can help them enter God's house faster.” Thus, my son understood that he could pray for the deceased so they “enter God's house faster.”

The ladder also became a visual tool to teach him about temptations and virtues. Your guardian angel “pushes you up” when you do good, while the evilangelswhisperinyoureartomake bad decisions and fall off the ladder.

Addressing these topics with children who are still under the age of reason can be challenging. I'm using the ladder analogy, but you can choose any other. These explanations, based on everyday images, help the youngest children in our homes understand spiritual realities without confusion or fear. The essential thing is to convey that God's love guides us, and that every choice brings us closer to Him or furtherawayfromHim.Thestairway to heaven is built, step-by-step, with love, prayer, and good deeds.

Home Care by Seniors for Seniors

POPE LEO XIV’S INTENTION FOR OCTOBER 2025 FOR COLLABORATION BETWEEN DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS: Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice and human fraternity.

Our new community campus is a first-of-its-kind initiative built on the foundation of inclusiveness Individuals of all abilities find many opportunities for developmental and social growth within our fully accessible campus. Featuring more than a dozen themed classrooms, on-site job training, on-campus business locations, a community food garden, and recreational areas, Metzcor is a hub for learning. Join our team and be part of something truly special!

Our Lady of La Leche Our of La Leche

By Michael Lee

Devotion to Our Lady of La Leche (Nuestra Señora de La Leche y Buen Parto; "Our Lady of the Milk and Good Delivery") is very likely the oldest devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It dates back to ancient Rome where paintings of the Blessed Mother nursing the Infant Jesus were found on the walls of the catacombs. The devotion existed primarily as a means of praying for healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries of children, as well as prayers for those women having difficulty conceiving.

ThedevotionwasadoptedwithgreatfervorbytheSpanish who then were instrumental in bringing it with them when they explored and conquered the New World.

In 1565, the Spanish admiral, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, led a group of explorers who came ashore in northern Florida. With them was the Franciscan priest, Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales. Once ashore, Fr. Francisco planted a large crucifix in the ground and venerated it. The admiral, his officers, and the other men came ashore in solemn procession, each one kneeling at the foot of the crucifix and paying homage to God for the success of their journey.

As only Divine Providence would have it, there were many native people who witnessed this ceremonial arrival, and they approached the crucifix in the same manner as had the Spaniards, and venerated it, kneeling and prostrating themselves.

Following this solemn veneration of the Holy Cross, Fr. Francisco then celebrated the first Holy Mass in what would eventually become the United States of America. Devotion in that location to Our Lady of La Leche began and continued, with the first American shrine to Our Lady being established in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1609.

To this very day, the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, in the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida welcomes pilgrims from around the world. Many come to ask the Blessed Mother to intercede for them that they will be able to have children. Others pray for the children in their wombs, or for their children who

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have already been born. Some come simply to give thanks to the Blessed Mother for her prayerful protection over their families.

As a sign of the Church’s recognition of the widespread devotion to Our Lady of La Leche, in 2021 Pope Francis— of happy memory—issued a canonical coronation, directing that an ornamental crown be imposed upon the statue at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche. This oncein-a-lifetime event took place on Sunday, October 10th, 2021, for which the statue from the National Shrine was brought solemnly to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. This act, which can only be done at the direction of the Supreme Pontiff, recognizes that an image—in this case a statue of Our Lady nursing the Christ Child—has not only local and regional significance, but has significance for the entire world.

The Feast of Our Lady of La Leche has been observed in the Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida every year on October 11th, ever since it was officially approved by the Vatican in 2012.

TolearnmoreaboutOurLadyofLaLecheandtheNational Shrine, please visit missionandshrine.org.

Our Lady of La Leche, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Discover even more about Our Lady of La Leche on . Download the app today!

ST. GERTRUDE SACRED MUSIC SERIES

Fri, October 10, 7pm Haydn's Nelson Mass

Fri, October 31, 7pm All Saints' Vigil

URSULINE ACADEMY EVENTS

Bobbi Nelson 513-213-3649 123thecleaningteam@gmail.com

Helping purpose driven entrepreneurs

For details, visit ursulineacademy.org.

Mon, October 6, 7pm SOCCER GRADE SCHOOL NIGHT

Come cheer on the Lions at Ursuline Academy’s Varsity Soccer game! Grade school students will receive free admission to the game.

Tue, October 14, 6:30pm

PROSPECTIVE PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT

and develop impact in their field.

DIANA L. HOOKER

Diana@LivingYourGreatness.net LivingYourGreatness.net 513-374-8135

Join us to learn about Ursuline Academy and what makes us the premier Catholic, all-girls high school in the tri-state.

*Please note that dates/times are subject to change.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

Sam Smyth Imported Car Services 513-793-0434 smythimports.com

BUSINESS COACH

Living Your Greatness

Diana L. Hooker

513.374.8135 diana@livingyourgreatness.net livingyourgreatness.net

CHARITABLE

CISE

513-263-3475 cisekids.org/sgo

Giving Voice Foundation 513-513-0483 givingvoicefdn.org

Hope’s Closet 513-860-4673 hopesclosetohio.org

Metzcor

513-223-5333 metzcor.com

Presentation Ministries 513-662-5378 presentationministries.com

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur 513-761-7636 sndohio.org

Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati 513-562-8841 svdpcincinnati.org

The Cincy Hat Project thecincyhat.com

To The Ends Of The Earth

513-508-4760 totheendsofthe.earth

YMCA – Blue Ash 513-791-5000 myy.org

DOG TRAINING

Dog Training Elite 513-822-3230 dogtrainingelite.com/cincinnati

EDUCATION

The Summit Country Day School

513-871-4700 ext. 261 summitcds.org

Musical Arts Center 513-321-2766 musartscenter.com

Thomas More University 859-344-3332 thomasmore.edu

FASHION BOUTIQUE

Designer Items And More Boutique 513-349-2080 9412 Montgomery Road Montgomery, OH 45242

FINANCE

Emery Federal Credit Union 513-530-9351 emeryfcu.org

Flynn & Company CPAs & Business Consultants

Matt Eiben - Financial Advisor 513-880-4400

Mortgage Financing Specialist

Kendy Wheeler 812-584-5051

FITNESS

Personal Trainer

Mike Rummler 513-544-4966

mr.mikerummler@gmail.com

FUNERAL HOME

Gilligan Funeral Homes 513-891-8373 gilliganfuneralhomes.com

Mihovk-Rosenacker

Funeral Homes 513-385-0511 mrfh.com

HEALTH & MEDICAL

Arden Courts 513-745-9600

arden-courts.org

Oral & Facial Surgery Associates 513-791-0550 omscincinnati.com

Senior Care Partners 513-745-9537

scpcincinnati.com

Seniors Helping Seniors 513-939-3939 seniorcarefairfieldoh.com

Traditions at Camargo 513-422-5499 traditionsatcamargo.com

HOME CARE

Comfort Keepers 513-450-2432

comfortkeepers.com

Affordable Assisting Angels 513-461-7371

HOME SERVICES

Arlinghaus Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning 513-216-4149 arlinghausair.com

Fresh Coat Painters 513-450-7210 freshcoatpainters.com/locations/ cincinnati-east

Mr. Electric of Cincinnati East 513-212-6300 mrelectric.com/cincinnatieast

Caring Transitions of Cincinnati East 513-321-2828 caringtransitionscincinnatieast.com

Good Samaritan Pressure Wash 513-280-4082 goodsamaritanpw.com

Green Clean Air 513-771-7800 airductcleanercincinnati.com

I Got The Power Washer 513-570-0355 igotthepowerwasher.com

LEGAL

Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL 513-579-6400 kmklaw.com

RESIDENTIAL CLEANING

123clean Bobbi Nelson 513-213-3649 123clean.co

TUTORING & TEST PREP

Huntington Learning Center 513-677-1400 (Harper’s Point) 513-909-3400 (Hyde Park) huntingtonhelps.com

WEALTH ADVISOR

Morgan Stanley 513-852-4457

elizabeth.dreyer@morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com

Logan AC & Heat Services 513-245-4133 logan-inc.com

Polished Automotive Detailing 513-800-7333 polishedcincinnati.com

INSURANCE

United Heartland Insurance 513-896-5555 uhins.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

Decorating Den Interiors 513-502-9865 abby.decoratingden.com

contact Tony Wright at twright@decidedexcellence.com or 513-252-1133.

DIRECTORS:

Bob & Karen Mihovk

Sarah Mihovk

Nathanael “Nate” Lewis

Chris “Rudy” Rudolph

Kurt Rosenacker

PRE-NEED ADVISOR:

Ted Klosterman