Scroll down to see our events & more details!
Feed the Hungry
Provide a meal for our neighbors at the St. Vincent shelters. The next deadline for pans is July 12th at St. Charles.
Join us in a Hallow prayer challenge
JOIN US IN A PRAYER CHALLENGE!
Upcoming challenges for the MGFP on Hallow:
Saints in Seven Days - St. Monica & Augustine - July 13-20
Mary, Undoer of Knots - Aug 7-15
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!
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":
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.
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.
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.
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.
College Summer Bible Study
All college-age young adults - join this bible study at St. Albert this summer!
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:
July 18/19
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)
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.
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.
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, July 23 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.
July 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): We are pleased to offer Litanies of the Heart : Relieving Post Traumatic Stress and Calming Anxiety Through Healing Our Parts by Gerry Ken Crete. If you have experienced severe trauma: sexual abuse, military trauma, torture, the loss of a loved one, spiritual abuse, verbal humiliation, neglect, or emotional abandonment, then this book may provide a way to begin the healing process and grow in resilience. Copies are available at Amazon, Walmart, St. Marks Bookshop in Centerville, and many other places for about $16.
Prayerful Place: Local parks are beautiful places to pray during the warmer months and nature has been shown to reduce stress. Some nearby parks are Cox Arboretum, Hills and Dales, Kettring Central Park, Delco Park, and Grant Park.
Prayer Opportunity: Rosary Walk at Ascension Church parking lot Tuesdays at 7:00 PM through Sept. 22
Local or Online Resources: If you are looking for local mental health providers that align with Catholic teachings, please see catholictherapists.com to search for a Dayton/Cincinnati/Columbus metropolitan area list. Some offer telehealth appointments. Catholiccounselors.com also has lists of mental health providers that are searchable by area.
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.
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!
“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
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.
MGFP Prayer Shawl Meeting
There will be a prayer shawl meeting on Monday, July 13th at 9:30 AM at St Charles in the Borromeo room. All supplies are provided. Everyone is welcome!
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.
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
Knights of Columbus Steak Dinner
Join the Knights of Columbus for their pre-meeting social hour at the St Albert’s Spirit Center, on Thursday June 4th. We will be serving a free steak dinner to the first 50 people who sign up, which includes; steak, baked potato, green beans, bread, and drinks, courtesy of Dot’s Market. The social starts at 6:00 PM and runs until 7:15 PM. The Knights will show a short video during dinner. Please RSVP by using the link below. If you have questions, you can text or call Gary Lammers at 937-751-7811.
Building a Eucharistic Marriage
This workshop is being offered for couples: "Building a Eucharistic Marriage" beginning Thursday April 23rd and continuing for 7 consecutive weeks. This session will be at St. Charles Borromeo Room from 5:30-7:30 PM and nursery care will be provided.
This is an in-person course led by Greg Shutte MSW, LISW-S. A description can be found here: https://www.eucharisticmarriage.org/course-description
Ephesians - Identity, Unity and Life in Christ
Ephesians — Identity, Unity, and Life in Christ
A Six-Week Adult Faith Formation Course
Thursdays at Ascension beginning May 21st: 5:30-7:00 PM
Saturdays at St. Charles beginning May 23rd: 10:00-11:30 AM
Course Overview
This six-week Adult Faith Formation course offers a structured and accessible exploration of St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, one of the New Testament’s most theologically rich and pastorally formative texts.
Unlike many of Paul’s letters, Ephesians is not written to address a particular crisis or dispute. Instead, it presents a unified vision of what God has accomplished in Christ and how the Church participates in that work. Its focus is expansive rather than corrective, emphasizing Christian identity, unity, holiness, and perseverance within God’s plan for the whole created order.
This course invites adult learners to encounter Ephesians as a coherent theological vision—not as a collection of isolated passages, but as a letter that reshapes how Christians understand themselves, the Church, and daily life in Christ.
Purpose and Rationale
Adult Catholics often approach Scripture seeking practical guidance for living the Christian life. Ephesians fully supports that goal—but it does so by first establishing perspective.
Paul’s approach in Ephesians follows a deliberate order: identity drives behavior; belonging provides instruction; unity embodies mission.
By beginning with God’s action in Christ and the Church’s place within that action, participants are better prepared to understand later themes such as moral transformation, marriage, spiritual struggle, and perseverance. The course follows the letter’s own logic rather than imposing modern expectations on the text.
Please Help Persecuted Christians
All are invited to join together and pray a rosary for persecuted Christians after the 11:00 AM Mass in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at Ascension. Specific petitions for each decade of the rosary can be found here.
ACTS XXIX SERIES—Rediscovering the Church’s Charismatic Dimension
Join us Fridays at 9:15 a.m. in the Borromeo Room at the St. Charles Campus for a 6-part series, “Rediscovering the Church’s Charismatic Dimension,” presented through Franciscan at Home. Explore the renewal’s history, its rediscovery, and its impact on today’s Church – and come experience the joy of the Spirit!
Held on Fridays at St. Charles from 9:15 AM-11:15 AM.
Move, Stretch & Breathe Classes
MOVE, STRETCH, BREATHE
5/28 - 9:30 AM - ST. CHARLES BORROMEO ROOM
An accessible form of exercise for those with limited range of motion.
Taught by certified instructor Julie Fasick-Johnson.
For any questions, call Julie at 937-207-8408.
Faith and Light: Ministering to adults with developmental disabilities
Faith and Light is an International community movement bringing together people with a learning disability, their families, those who care for them, and friends. This year, we will be focusing on Unity in Christ Jesus.
Our gatherings happen the third Monday of each month from 6:30-8:00 PM in the Borromeo Room at St. Charles Parish beginning Jan 19.
Participants and family members from other parishes are most welcome to join us. If you know any developmentally disabled adults and their families that would benefit from belonging to Faith and Light, or you would like to explore volunteering, please call Sarah Archuleta at (937) 434-9272.
St. Albert Donut Sunday
JOIN THE LEGION OF MARY & PARISH COUNCIL
DONUT SUNDAY
SUNDAY ON MAY 17
ST. ALBERT’S CAFETERIA
AFTER THE 8:30 & 11 A.M. MASSES
Join us for a warm and welcoming time of fellowship. Coffee and donuts will be served, along with healthy snacks, juice, and milk.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Knights of Columbus Member Invitation Drive
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is an International Order of Catholic men who are called to lead with faith, protect our families, serve others and defend values in an ever-changing world. Our Maria-Joseph Council 4022 will be holding a member invitation drive at St. Albert's Campus at all Masses on the weekend of May 16-17. Our Knights will be at the doors of the main church side and chapel side. As a member of one of our MGFP Councils, you will find that K of C membership brings Catholic men and their families together in a powerful way. Additional information is also available online at: mgparish.org/koc and kofc4022.org.
A Knight is an instrument of God’s love rooted in Catholic tradition:
Mission driven by Charity
Strengthened by Fraternity
United by Purpose
Inspired by Patriotism
Protector of life & defender of the vulnerable
St. Albert May Crowning
All are in invited to join in a May Crowning of our Blessed Mother on Sunday, May 10 at 9:45 AM on the chapel side at St. Albert Church. Praying the Rosary will be included. Participants are invited to bring flowers for Our Lady. Free Miraculous Medals will be available. For details, call Ennis Dodd, 937-999-1263.
Koffee Klatsch at St. Charles
JOIN US FOR COFFEE, DONUTS AND FELLOWSHIP AFTER SUNDAY MASSES AT ST. CHARLES CAMPUS: MAY 10, 2026 - BORROMEO ROOM
Mother's Day Rose Sale
Don’t miss the Mother’s Day Flower Sale at Ascension. Proceeds benefit Dayton Right to Life.
