Bridging Faith Across Borders: The Twinning of Ascension Parish and Nuestra Señora de la Luz

In 1999, Fr. Dave Brinkmoeller, then pastor of Ascension Parish in Kettering, traveled to Lima, Peru, where he visited his niece, a religious sister, and reconnected with Fr. Joe Deardorff, a C.PP.S. missionary from Dayton serving as pastor of Nuestra Señora de la Luz (NSL). Touched by the deep faith and vibrant spirit of the people there, Fr. Dave returned home inspired to begin a twinning relationship between Ascension and NSL. Over the years, this bond of faith has grown strong through the tireless ministry of Fr. Joe, whose visits to Dayton helped both parishes feel close despite the miles between them. Today, the Twinning Committee continues this mission, fostering friendship and solidarity across cultures. Our connection is nurtured through prayer, celebration, and mutual support. Parishioners from Ascension who have traveled to Lima have been welcomed with extraordinary warmth, experiencing the rich faith and family spirit of the NSL community. At home, we honor this relationship with our annual fiesta, a Queenship of Mary prayer service, cultural displays such as Peruvian crèches at Christmas, and by joining in fellowship with Dayton’s Hispanic Catholic community. Through these efforts, we live out our call to be one family in Christ—sharing, praying, and walking together in faith and love. May this bond remind us that, in Christ, no distance can diminish the joy of being united as brothers and sisters. To learn more about Twinning, contact: LOIS KEIL 937-299-0257 lakeil67@aol.com STEVE MUELLER 937-299-8035 smueller1@udayton.edu