Scroll down to see our events & more details!
Join us in a Hallow prayer challenge
JOIN US IN A PRAYER CHALLENGE!
Upcoming challenges for the MGFP on Hallow:
Mary, Undoer of Knots - Aug 7-15
MARY, UNDOER OF KNOTS
Mary, Undoer of Knots can assist us when there are knots,
tangles, and problems in our lives that we can’t undo, untangle,
or fix on our own. It could be a knot in your spiritual life, in your
relationship, or perhaps a knot in the life of someone close to you.
As a family of parishes, we’ll pray this Novena together. There’s nothing
to prepare and no pressure to do it perfectly – just join our community on
Hallow as we pray, reflect, and grow. This Novena begins Friday, August 7.
How to Pray - Sept 14-28
Biblical Walk Through the Mass - Oct 12-20
Already using Hallow?
As a parish partnered with Hallow, our parish page is a place to join prayer challenges, share prayer intentions, and connect more deeply with our parish family. Join us as we walk together, alongside our Pastor and the whole community.
Simply open the app, tap the Church tab at the bottom of your screen, visit mgparish.org, and join the Rescue Project Challenge.
New to Hallow? Visit hallow.com/parish, search for Mother of God Family of Parishes (Zip Code works best), and follow the prompts. You’ll receive a special trial with full access to Hallow’s premium content.
If you’d prefer to stay on the free version, just tap “Skip” — you’ll still have access to our parish page and all the MGFP prayer challenges throughout the year.
JOIN THE PARISH PAGE:
Tap “Community” on the menu at the bottom of your screen
Select “Join a Church”
Search for Mother of God Family of Parishes by name or Zip Code
(Join the parish page), and start praying with your community.
Hallow is the world’s #1 prayer app, designed to help you find peace and grow closer to God. You can pray alongside Fr. Mike, Sr. Miriam, Jonathan Roumie, Bishop Barron, Mark Wahlberg, and many others. The app also includes mental health content, sleep stories, audiobooks, and sacred music. Need help getting started? Reach out to parishsupport@hallow.app, or Joe Ollier with questions.
We look forward to praying with you!
Feed the Hungry
Provide a meal for our neighbors at the St. Vincent shelters. The next deadline for pans is August 9th at St. Charles.
Outdoor Rosary Walk on Tuesdays
OUTDOOR ROSARY WALK ON TUESDAYS
In keeping with tradition, all are invited to experience the power of a community praying together by walking the beads of the rosary in the parking lot at Ascension Church. Meet in the Ascension upper parking lot near the large cross.
The Rosary is prayed aloud, so just come follow along or feel free to step forward to lead a decade.
Please join us Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM through the summer and early fall months.
Monsignor Breslin K of C Council Men's Fellowship Group (Cor: Heart of Jesus)
Are you hungering for a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you seeking Christ in your daily life through your Catholic faith? Do you want to bond with Catholic men on the same spiritual life journey? Then, please join us! Monsignor Breslin K of C Council is starting a men’s fellowship group called Cor, meaning the Heart of Jesus. This program brings men together to refocus on Jesus Christ through shared time of prayer, formation, and fellowship. Our group meets monthly on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Campus in the Charles Room. Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, August 11. Please email, text, or call Bill Duffy at bduffy3309@earthlink.net or 937-815-5754 if you wish to join our group or have questions!
Neighbor-to-Neighbor Food Pantry Collection
MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY COLLECTION
The dates for the Ascension Neighbor-to-Neighbor Food Pantry collections for 2026 are below:
Aug 15/16
Sept 19/20
Oct 17/18
Nov 15/16
Dec 12/13
The pantry receives food from the Montgomery County Foodbank, from funds received through the Meijer Simply Give project, donations from several community organizations and individuals, and of course from the generous parishioners of Ascension and Greenmont-Oak Park Community Church. The pantry is always in need of nonperishable food items (cereal, canned meat, canned fruits and vegetables, soup, pasta, shelf-stable milk, etc). We do not receive personal care or household cleaning items from the Foodbank or through the Meijer Simply Give program. Thus, donations of bar soap, shampoo, deodorant, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, etc. are also appreciated. Your donations can be placed in the large blue containers found at each entrance door.
THANK YOU for your continued support of our Kettering neighbors in need.
“The needy will never be lacking in the land - that is why I command you to open your hand to your poor and needy kinsman in your country.” (Deuteronomy 15:11)
“HUB” Sunday Collection
Hub Sunday Collection — August 29 & 30
Thanks to the success of our May HUB Sunday, the MGFP Care of God’s Creation team is holding our next Hub Sunday collection on the weekend of August 29 and 30 after all Masses. Please bring clean #1 clamshell containers and clean foil-lined bags to the parking lot at St. Charles for recycling at the Cincinnati Reuse and Recycling Center.
Start saving your items now and thank you for helping care for God’s creation and supporting this ministry!
This collection is open to all parishioners of St. Albert, St Charles and Ascension. If you have any questions, please contact:
Linda Scharf 937-231-3322
Diane Borchers 937-231-3373
Pizza and Prayer
High School Youth Ministry Presents: Pizza and Prayer!
The youth of today are longing for truth. They are finding that worldly pursuits do not fully satisfy the deepest desires of their hearts. Here at the Mother of God Family of Parishes, we understand the tremendous value of giving teens the opportunity to encounter the riches of God’s love along with providing the freedom for them to feel seen, heard, and understood.
There is also tremendous value in having faith-filled adults encourage and accompany youth in their personal faith journeys. We aim to facilitate encounter and deep relationship with Jesus. It is only through knowing our identity as beloved children of God, through relationship with Him and with others, that we can become who God created us to be.
This year we will be hosting “Pizza and Prayer” on Thursday evenings from 6:30- 8 p.m. at our St. Charles Campus. We will be breaking open Scripture, learning how to listen to God’s voice, and responding with joy. Our evenings consist of a meal, fun games, and good conversation. We value and encourage radical hospitality and inclusion to make a space where all feel welcome!
Location: Enter through the Walsh Hall entrance. We will meet in Walsh Hall, our new Youth Space for the ‘26/’27 school year.
We also offer Damascus Winter and Summer Camp, our Summer Mission Trip, Bible Camp, the National Catholic Youth Conference, and other service opportunities. Reach out to Kelly Summers for more information.
For more information about high school youth programming & service opportunities, contact:
Kelly Summers
937-434-4460
Mental Wellness Ministry
Please come to our next monthly meeting to participate in planning this new ministry in our family of parishes that is supported by the Archdiocese.
Mother of God Mental Wellness Ministry Meeting
Thursday, August 27 at 7:00 PM in the St. Charles Church Borromeo Room
All are welcome to learn about this ministry, help with finding out about the needs of our family of parishes, and plan future activities that raise mental wellness awareness and offer emotional and spiritual support. Questions? Please email Carolyn at MGFPmentalwellness@gmail.com.
Our meetings are usually held on the 4th Thursday of every month, unless we plan differently due to holidays or events.
We focus on awareness, education, and support.
For more information, contact Lisa Averion at laverion@catholicaoc.org.
August Mental Wellness Moment
By the Mother of God Mental Wellness Ministry
The Mother of God Mental Wellness Ministry is pleased to announce the continuation of our Monthly Mental Wellness Moment with resources picked based upon the results of the survey topics that you, the parishioners, have completed.
St. Dymphna’s Bookshelf (monthly book series): Each month, a book is highlighted for one of the topics requested on the ministry’s 2026 parish survey. This month’s topic is Aging. The book is The Fourth Quarter of Your Life: Embracing What Matters Most by Allen R. Hunt & Matthew Kelly. It is published by Dynamic Catholic. The purpose of this practical guide is to help you live the fourth quarter based on proven life principles, clearly establish meaning and direction for your life, develop the clarity necessary to make good decisions, and more. An eBook is available at the Dayton Metro Library website. New and used copies are available on Amazon, eBay, and many bookstores.
Prayerful Place: Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation & Basilica in Carey, OH is about 2 hours away near Findlay. They welcome all pilgrims to their annual novena with events during August 6-14. See www.olcshrine.com for information.
Prayer Opportunity: Spiritual booklet that explores the down-to-earth, human side of the Virgin Mary, offering a series of short reflections and prayers designed to provide hope and encouragement during life’s difficult moments: Walking With Mary Through Light and Darkness: Reflections and Prayers to Uplift Your Spirit. It is available from Bayard Faith Resources for $2.95 + shipping and from Amazon for about $4.50.
Local or Online Resources: Please call any of our three church offices for a local list of mental health professionals who have stated to the Archdiocese that they are willing to uphold Catholic teaching in their professional lives.
Retreat: Good Grief is offered by the Jesuit Spiritual Center on Aug. 14 and/or 15 for those who have lost or will lose a loved one soon. See information and registration at jesuitspiritualcenter.com/iwr.
SEARCH Program
What do you seek about life and faith?
SEARCH is an informal and welcoming opportunity for those thinking about becoming Catholic.
Join us for SEARCH this summer on Wednesday evenings from 7-8 p.m. at Ascension Campus in the Witzman Center. SEARCH explores questions about life, meaning, and faith in God from the Catholic perspective.
For more information, please contact Chris Kreger at ckreger@mgparish.org.
Chair One Fitness
Join us on Tuesday evenings, August 26 and September 2, from 4:30-5:00 pm in the Witzman Center, Room 118, at the Ascension Campus.
Sunshine and Mom Time
What IS Mom-to-Mom?
A group of moms with young kids who are all on the journey of motherhood together. These young moms are accompanied by mentor moms who support and encourage them through the challenges of family life. In short, mom to mom exists to help build community and friendship!
Who is invited to attend?
Any mother in our community with minor children: babies, toddlers, preschoolers, or grade schoolers... She does not have to be a member of St. Charles Parish, nor do her children need to attend St. Charles School.
Questions?
Call Sarah Archuleta at 937-401-0021 with any questions.
Our mom-to-mom official session has ended, but we wanted to extend the invitation to other moms to get to know our group through our summer connections and park playdates. Below are the dates scheduled for "sunshine and mom time":
Dayton Catholic Women's Club Meeting
Learn more about DCWC!
Monday, August 10, 6:00 PM, Ascension Parish Office Building 1 Conference Room
The Dayton Catholic Women’s Club was established in 1923 for the purpose of uniting all Catholic women into one club, in order to promote a spirit of unity and cooperation among Catholic women of Dayton and the surrounding area. Over the past 103 years, thousands of faith-filled women have served the Dayton community by following the mission of the club. Today our purpose remains much the same as we gather in activities that support charitable giving, spiritual and educational development and community service. If you are interested in finding out more about the Dayton Catholic Women’s Club join us for our meeting Monday, August 10 at 6pm at the Church of the Ascension, 2025 Woodman Drive, Kettering, OH 45420. We’ll be in the POB 1 conference room. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Scherbauer at dcwc1923@gmail.com.
MGFP Prayer Shawl Meeting
There will be a prayer shawl meeting on Monday, August 10th at 9:30 AM at St Charles in the Borromeo room. We are offering free knitting and crocheting lessons, all materials provided, for anyone who is interested.
This is a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as prayers of God's love and healing are woven into each shawl.
Garden Guild Farmers Market
Stop by the Garden Guild Farmers Market one last time on Sunday, August 24, 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM, on the front lawn of St. Albert the Great Campus.
College Summer Bible Study
All college-age young adults - join this bible study at St. Albert this summer!
Youth Summer of Service, grades 6-8
SUMMER OF SERVICE
6th-8th grade youth ministry
Please complete the following form if your child would like to participate in any Summer of Service events:
To help keep each service experience meaningful, safe, and enjoyable for everyone involved, we are limiting each service event to 10 students. This allows our hosts to provide the best experience possible and ensures our students can fully participate in each activity.
Below you’ll find our full list of service dates along with important details about what to expect at each location.
Important Reminders:
· Mount Saint John (MEEC) days are fully outdoors. Please have your child dress appropriately for the weather.
· All students should bring a reusable water bottle to every service day.
· The events held at Mount Saint John have a fun activity built into each day (mini golf, bowling, game day).
· SafeParish-trained adult drivers/chaperones are needed for all service days. Without enough adult chaperones these events cannot happen. Please prayerfully consider volunteering one or two days so our students can enjoy a safe, meaningful, and fun summer of service.
Summer of Service 2026 Schedule
Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 9:00am–12:00pm - Ascension Church Cleanup – Clean the church and possibly some flower beds
Summer Lunch Week: July 20–24* - More information will be shared soon.
*Lunch will be provided on starred service days.
Holy Land Carvings sale
After each mass the weekend of the 26th at St. Albert the Great!
Ascension Blood Drive
Give the gift of life!
Every two seconds, someone entering the hospital needs blood. One pint of donated whole blood can save up to three lives! Please consider becoming a regular blood donor.
Thank you in advance for being a hero by donating blood!
Summer Lunch Program: Junior High Youth Ministry
Summer of Service Activity for Rising 8th Graders - please note - the drop off and pick up is at St. Albert’s Spirit Center.
St. Monica Ministry Meeting
MGFP St. Monica Ministry - St Monica is the patron Saint of parents who are praying for their children to return to the Church. If you’re one of the many Catholic parents faced with the reality of children who have left the faith, or you know someone who is, and would like to join with other parents in prayer for their children, MGFP’s new St. Monica Ministry might be just the thing for you! Join us for a short informational meeting on Tuesday, July 14 at 7:30PM (immediately after the parking lot Rosary) in the Ascension Parish Office. For more information, contact Joe Ollier at jollier@mgparish.org.
Funeral Pre-Planning Meeting
PRE-PLANNING YOUR FUNERAL MASS MEETING
When: Monday, July 13th, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: Witzman Center at Ascension Church
Who: Open to all parishioners
Planning a Funeral Mass ahead of time is a beautiful act of love that eases the burden on families during a difficult season. This informational session walks parishioners through the Catholic Order of Christian Funerals in a gentle, pastoral setting. All are welcome to learn, reflect, and prepare thoughtfully for the future. Questions? Contact Margaret Wager, Kristi Gaston, or Deacon Chris Jasek.
Pietra Fitness Schedule
Beginning August 30, 2025, 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM in the Borromeo Room at St. Charles - Pietra Fitness is a Christian exercise program that combines physical exercises with prayer and meditation, drawing inspiration from Catholic traditions.
4th of July Party in Ascension Parking Lot
4th of July Party in the Ascension Parking Lot: Saturday, July 4, 2026
We’re excited to welcome our firework watchers once again for a fun and relaxed Fourth of July celebration. This year our nation marks 250 years, a moment that invites both gratitude and hope for the future. Join us in the Ascension church for a time of prayer from 7:30 - 8:30 PM, then enjoy free refreshments as we gather in the side parking lot at Ascension to watch the fireworks together.
This event is also a great service opportunity for upcoming Confirmation students who would like to help welcome and serve our community.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Amie Herbert, Junior High Youth Minister, at aherbert@mgparish.org.
Freedom Tree
As we prepare to celebrate America’s Independence Day, it’s time to set up a…Christmas tree? No, it’s actually our Annual Freedom Tree to benefit Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Resettlement Program.
June 20 - July 5: placed at all MGFP entrances
Each tree will be decorated with red, white and blue stars, each star listing a household item needed by a refugee family.
Please return all items to the tree by July 6th.
Catholic Youth Summer Camp
Catholic Youth Summer Camp:
June 28th - July 3rd, 2026
Youth in rising 6th through 12th grades are invited to join Fr. Tony and Youth Minister Kelly Summers at camp this summer. Our Mother of God Family of Parishes will be offering a limited number of $200 sponsorships to attend Catholic Youth Summer Camp in Centerburg, Ohio. You can complete the interest form today to secure a spot and to receive more information. We will register at the end of October. Contact Kelly Summers as soon as possible for more details. Spots are filling up quickly.
Legion of Mary weekly Monday meetings
Legion of Mary
Do you love Our Blessed Mother Mary?
Do you cherish praying the Rosary and sharing your faith with others?
The Legion of Mary warmly invites all practicing Catholics age 18 and older to visit one of our weekly meetings at the St. Albert the Great Spirit Center.
Meetings are held from 7:00–8:30 PM, usually on Mondays, and include prayer, fellowship, spiritual growth, and service inspired by devotion to Our Lady and the Rosary.
Come discover the joy of serving Christ through Mary while growing closer to Him through the Rosary and the spiritual works of mercy. For more information, call or text Mr. Ennis Dodd at 937-999-1263.
Ignite Youth Ministry
6th-8th grade youth ministry (Ignite)
Please complete the following form if your child would like to participate in any events:
Ignite is our Friday night programming and events where we partake in a fun activity, eat a meal together, and share in faith. Junior High look forward to these nights more than any other!
Everyone is welcome always & please bring friends from other churches and schools! Events are always open, and there is no commitment to making every event, just come when you want to! For info about all junior high events, go here.
For any questions please contact the Junior High Youth Minister, Amie (aherbert@mgparish.org) or 937-253-5171 x108.
Double Match Day at Meijer
Attention Meijer shoppers!
Now you can shop for your groceries and donate to the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Food Pantry all at one time! The Meijer store at Stroop Road and Wilmington Pike has once again designated the Food Pantry that Ascension operates with Greenmont Oak-Park Community Church as the recipient of their community fundraising program from now until June 27, 2026. During this time, purchase a “Simply Give Card” for $10 (available at all registers or at Ascension Church in the Narthex) for a $10 donation to the Pantry.
Meijer is providing 1 DOUBLE MATCH DAY on Saturday, June 20. On this day, your purchase of a $10 card generates a Meijer donation of $10, making your donation $20. If you want to donate $100, Meijer will add $100, for a total donation of $200 on this DOUBLE MATCH DAY. Your generous donations go directly to the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Food Pantry. Meijer “pays” the pantry with Meijer gift cards which are used to purchase needed items to keep the shelves stocked. The last campaign with Meijer this winter generated a $18,000 donation!
On behalf of the volunteers and clients of the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Food Pantry, thank you!
Women’s Evening of Reflection
WOMEN'S EVENING OF REFLECTION
Ladies of the Mother of God Family of Parishes are invited to an Evening of Reflection on Wednesday, June 17, in the Borromeo Room at St. Charles, from 7:00-8:30 PM. The theme is: "Learning from Martha: Hospitality is more than Potluck and Sunday Donuts." Light Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Barbette Whelan at 937-293-1438. Sponsored by Regnum Christi.
Usually, we have our Evenings of Reflection on the third Wednesday of the month.
Adult Enrichment
BIBLE CAMP WEEK'S NOT JUST FOR KIDS!
All adults are welcome to join us for Adult Enrichment at St. Charles, June 15-18. Enjoy an engaging talk from one of our talented speakers and learn how God is a friend for everyone!
Women's Book Club
WOMEN'S BOOK CLUB will meet to discuss "18 Powerful Women of the Bible" by Sarah Thomas Tracy on Monday, June 15, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the St. Albert Spirit Center, Room D. To register contact Kathy Zamonski, wonderlywoman@gmail.com or 937-304-1511. Books are available.
Young Adults Community Dinner: 2nd Sunday of each month
Young Adult Ministry
The Young Adult Ministry at Mother of God Family of Parishes is a vibrant and welcoming community for individuals in their 20s and 30s seeking deeper faith, meaningful friendships, and opportunities for service. Rooted in the Catholic tradition and the life of the Church, this group gathers regularly for social events, small group studies, retreats, and service projects. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a young professional, or discerning your next steps in life, the Young Adult Ministry invites you to grow closer to Christ while walking alongside others on the same journey. All are welcome, and there’s a place for you here.
MGFP Communal Anointing Service
MGFP COMMUNAL ANOINTING SERVICE
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
FOLLOWING 11:00 A.M. MASS
ST. ALBERT THE GREAT CAMPUS
Our Family of Parishes will offer a Communal Anointing of the Sick on Sunday, June 14, immediately following the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Albert the Great Campus. Anyone facing surgery or serious illness is invited to receive this sacrament.
Senior Day Luncheon
Senior Day Luncheon, open to all members of the Mother of God Family of Parishes age 65 and older, will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 in the St. Albert Parish Center following the noon Mass. This will be the last luncheon until we resume luncheons in the fall. Join us for a free meal followed by fun entertainment. Reservations for the luncheon are REQUIRED and can be made by calling Linda at 937-299-5200. DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS IS SUNDAY, JUNE 7.
Corpus Christi Procession
Corpus Christi procession takes place after 11:00 mass at St. Albert the Great