The Church in Kentucky

Rachel Peach, a consecrated woman of Regnum Christi, describes her vocation as a threefold identity of being a spouse, sister, and mother. She lives in a community of seven other consecrated women in Anderson Township, Ohio.

Regnum Christi is an international spiritual family originating from the Legionaries of Christ. The movement includes priests, consecrated men and women, and laity. Peach stated that the movement shares a spirituality of living and sharing faith in a missionary way. She noted that her consecration is centered on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Serra Club for Vocations in Northern Kentucky supports the Diocese of Covington by encouraging vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The group provides financial assistance to the diocesan Priest Retirement Fund and the Seminary Education Fund.

Members also offer spiritual and social support through programs such as priest appreciation dinners, a picnic for women religious, and private prayer. Club president Dennis Reinersman stated that the organization seeks to make a positive impact on the number of seminarians and women religious in the diocese.

Diana Henke, a parishioner at St. Pius X Parish in Edgewood, said the group provides an outlet to recognize and pray for those in religious formation and those currently serving in ministry.

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati is seeking a director to lead the Center for Clerical Pastoral and Professional Support. The position is responsible for the ongoing pastoral, spiritual, human, and professional development of priests and other ordained ministers within the archdiocese.

The director will work with the archbishop, vicar general, and other personnel to support the well-being and effectiveness of ordained ministers. The role involves acting as a resource for ministers navigating parish leadership, personal well-being, professional responsibilities, and transitions in ministry.

Interested applicants can apply through the Archdiocese Pastoral Center website. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2026.

Joseph O’Bryan, a seminarian for the Diocese of Covington, shared his personal history of faith and struggle in a reflection published by the diocese.

O’Bryan described growing up in a Catholic home where his family prayed the rosary nearly every evening. He noted that this practice established an early devotion to Mary. He also recounted a childhood dream of the Blessed Mother that he believes marked her presence in his life.

The seminarian detailed how the suicide of his brother, Kyle, when O’Bryan was 11 years old, caused him significant paralysis and shock. He later experienced a period of spiritual darkness during high school characterized by constant anxiety and fear. During this time, he noted a lack of regular prayer, scripture reading, and time in Eucharistic Adoration. He eventually joined the Air Force Reserves as an electrician during his senior year of high school to find purpose.

Seminarian William Fuller shared his experiences of discernment and formation within the Diocese of Covington.

Fuller entered the seminary at age 19 following high school to determine if he was called to the priesthood. He noted that while he had considered the vocation since childhood, he lacked experience in the devotional life of the Church and the prayer of the Divine Office upon his arrival.

The diocese requires all first year seminarians to attend daily Mass, pray the Divine Office, pray the rosary, and participate in Holy Hour. Fuller stated that these daily requirements and the academic workload were difficult to maintain, but they helped instill necessary virtues during his formation.

Thomas More University unveiled a statue of its patron saint, St. Thomas More, on Oct. 21. The ceremony took place in front of the university's Academic Center in Crestview Hills.

The statue was donated by alumnus and philanthropist Wilbert Ziegler. Sculptor Matt Langford designed and constructed the work to represent the saint's intellect, faith, and stability. Langford stated that the folds of the saint's robes are rooted to the base like a tree to symbolize his refusal to be moved from his conscience.

The depiction departs from historical images by omitting traditional symbols such as the Tudor rose or an S-chain. Langford said this choice was intended to show the saint shorn of status to emphasize his unwavering act of faith. St. Thomas More is recognized for opposing King Henry VIII's efforts to separate England from the Catholic Church.

Bishop John Iffert concluded a five-part tour of the Diocese of Covington on October 22 to mark his five-year anniversary as bishop. The final two Masses of the tour took place on October 21 and 22 at St. Joseph Parish in Cold Spring and St. Pius Parish in Edgewood. These locations represented the Campbell County and Northern Kenton County deaneries, respectively.

During the Masses, Bishop Iffert spoke about his initial call to the diocese, which he received from Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United States. He compared the stability of the modern Church to the mission of the apostles, noting that his transition to Covington included the support of established institutions, coworkers, and fellow bishops.

Diocesan high schools in the Diocese of Covington use high school placement tests to determine appropriate class levels for incoming freshmen. The tests, which were administered on Dec. 12, serve as a reference for schools to assess student readiness rather than as an admission requirement.

Kendra McGuire, superintendent of Catholic schools, said the results help schools identify which classes will best support student success. Because high schools offer different class levels and academic plans, the scores allow teachers to differentiate instruction based on a student's ability to handle specific levels of rigor or pace.

The assessment measures skills in five areas: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics, and language arts. High schools use these scores to place students in the specific academic tracks that match their current abilities.

Tony Magliano of the Diocese of Lexington writes that the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew provide the way to holiness and joy. He notes that the Church proclaims this Gospel passage on the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1.

Magliano describes the Beatitudes as a guide for living, including being poor in spirit, merciful, and peacemakers. He states that those who are persecuted for living out these teachings can rejoice because of their heavenly reward.