Beacons of Light is a multiyear process of pastoral planning for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati that began in the fall of 2020. Many factors have led to recognizing the urgent need to rethink and reorganize parish life for the future.

Rooted in prayer, groupings of parishes will come together as one faith community that live and work together in mission and ministry — not simply associate neighboring parishes that share a pastor. These Families of Parishes will be stronger together, focusing more on mission than maintenance. In this new model of parish life and ministry, we will build on what we already have, and we will grow closer to God and our fellow human beings as we follow Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit and radiate Christ in our lives.

Through Beacons of Light, 65 to 75 parish groupings will form Families of Parishes in the 19 counties of Southwest Ohio. Parishioners will be invited to share their hopes and dreams as parish leaders come together to discern the future with the ultimate goal – in time – of each family becoming one parish led by a single pastor.

Six guiding principles have been outlined that define the common core that binds all of our communities together. These principles are Eucharist, Church, Leadership, Stewardship, Evangelization, and Love in Action. Over the next six weeks we will be exploring the deeper meaning of these principles to prepare ourselves for our new journey and to truly become beacons of light in our homes and our neighborhoods.

I hope you join us in this exciting endeavor as we more fully become God’s holy people.

Fr. John

The cornerstone is the first stone that is laid and the stone that not only determines how the other stones are placed but the position of the entire structure. As human beings, we need a cornerstone or reference point so that our lives can be properly placed and positioned. Our cornerstone determines not only how we see ourselves but who we will become. Without a cornerstone or reference point, we will be disconnected, disoriented, and poorly positioned for effective action in our world. In order to be the children of God we are, Jesus Christ needs to be our cornerstone and the reference point for all that we do. He alone is the Good Shepherd who can guide through life’s questions and challenges, bringing us to proper pasture. Without this proper base, we can easily fall into the trap of self-aggrandizement and quickly lose our way. If that happens, then moral principles, proper conduct, justice, wisdom, and virtue will be difficult to find. We need to listen to the right voices and allow God to show us how to build our house well. Salvation only comes from God and only God will protect us, no matter the cost.