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Join us in a prayer challenge: Hallow’s Lent Pray40
JOIN US IN A PRAYER CHALLENGE!
Beginning Ash Wednesday, February 18
Pray40 This Lent — Journey Together in Prayer
This Lent, the Mother of God Family of Parishes invites you to join Hallow’s Lent Pray40 prayer challenge, beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 18. Available on our parish page in the Hallow app — with or without a subscription — Lent Pray40 is an opportunity for our entire parish community to journey together in daily prayer and reflection throughout Lent.
A Kids’ Lent Challenge will also be available on our parish page starting on Ash Wednesday, offering families with children an engaging and meaningful way to experience Lent together.
More details about this year’s Lent Pray40 theme — including the special guides who will walk with us each day — will be released soon. The Lent Pray40 waitlist is available now on our Hallow parish page.
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 into Lent, alongside our Pastor and the whole community.
Already using Hallow?
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!
MGFP Lenten Almsgiving Projects
Please support the Mother of God Family of Parishes Lenten Almsgiving Projects.
In-Kind Donations Accepted at the CARE House
New or handmade small blankets
New medium-sized stuffed animals
Hand-held games (ages 10-15)
Board games (ages 3-18)
Children’s picture books
Blank journals
Puzzles (50-piece or less)
Paper towels, plates, cutlery, napkins
Pretzels, almonds, raisins (individual bags)
Granola bars
Peanut butter crackers or graham crackers (individual servings)
Individual bags of reduced salt popcorn
8 oz water bottles
Juice boxes
The Chosen: Season 5
Join us for Season 5 of The Chosen this winter/spring!
Start date is Tuesday, February 3. End date is Thursday, March 26.
10:00-11:30 AM: Tuesday mornings at St. Albert (in the Spirit Center)
6:30-8:00 PM: Thursday evenings at Ascension
Each episode is about an hour. We'll watch and then have about 30 minutes for discussion/reflection and prayer.
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
February 26 at 7:00 PM in the Borromeo Room in St. Charles Church
You’re invited to join us at our next meeting on February 26 at 7:00 PM in the Borromeo Room, where you’ll help us plan events that raise mental wellness awareness and offer emotional and spiritual support. Questions? Email MGFPmentalwellness@gmail.com or Lisa at laverion@catholicaoc.org.
To help us better serve you and our parish family, please complete this anonymous survey online by February 25 at https://forms.gle/bhc5k4RmqoHjMNpZA.
Some resources and ideas about self care, volunteering, taking a break, journaling, saying no when things get overwhelming, and more, please search specific topics.
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.
Restore: Women’s Lenten Study on Thursdays
Women’s Lenten Study: Restore - A Journey of Healing Prayer
We would like to invite women from the Mother of God Family of Parishes to join us for a Lenten study group using Restore: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation by Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT.
We will meet once a week for prayer, small and large group discussion and fellowship, based on the daily reflections provided in the journal. This will be a time to encounter the tenderness of God’s mercy and experience true restoration in prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
When: Thursdays at 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, February 19 thru March 19
Where: St. Charles Borromeo in the Borromeo Room
Details: Bring your own copy of the journal (available from Ave Maria Press, Amazon, or Catholic bookstores).
All women are warmly welcome—join us as we prepare our hearts for Easter! Contact: Karen Connair @ 937-626-4958 for more information or to RSVP.
IGNITE Youth Ministry
IGNITE
6th-8th grade youth ministry nights on Fridays
Friday, February 27: Youth Group Hangout Night at St. Albert, 6-8 PM - good food, great friends, and a night full of fun!
Friday, March 13: Youth-Led Stations of the Cross at Ascension (beginning with dinner in the Notre Dame Center), 6-8 PM
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.
Stations of the Cross
Thursdays at St. Albert following Noon Mass
Fridays at Ascension & St. Charles at 7:00 PM
Catholic Men's Conference
Columbus Catholic Men's Conference
“Called to Be Saints: Take Courage”: Ohio Expo Center in Kasich Hall.
RSVP to Mike Wager by February 14th.
Weekly Collection for Veterans at Ascension
Toiletry Items Needed for Veterans
The Ascension Campus Knights of Columbus Council 14891 have been collecting toiletries (soap, shampoos, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.) for several years to support the Dayton VA inpatient and homeless local veterans.
This program is a vital resource, providing basic hygiene supplies to these valued men and women. Both travel and full-size items are accepted. Please place them in the container marked “Dayton VA Veterans Toiletry Donation” in Ascension’s Bride’s Room.
Our Council is grateful for the continued donations from the MGFP parishioners in supporting our great veterans. Contact Rob Edwards at kof14891@gmail.com with any questions.
Marian Consecration Study Group on Saturdays
Legion of Mary
Marian Consecration Study Group - You're invited to grow closer to Jesus and His Mother, to learn the spirituality of St. John Paul II and St. Teresa of Calcutta, to meet like-minded people, and to enjoy free hot coffee/tea and snacks.
Saturdays, 5:45-7:15 p.m. (after the 4:30 Mass), February 7 - March 21, 2026
St. Albert Spirit Center (behind the playground), 3033 Far Hills Ave., Kettering, OH
The Legion of Mary will host the discussions. Register by Feb. 1 to reserve a printout of Mater Populi fidelis for $3.50 (available free online) and Fr. Hugh Gillespie, SSM,’s book, Preparation for Total Consecration, for $10, or it can be purchased online. Register with your name, email, phone number, and any food allergies to Gloria Dodd, 937-999-1263 (cell), legionofmarystalbert@yahoo.com. Walk-ins are welcome.
Koffee Klatsch at St. Charles
JOIN US FOR COFFEE, DONUTS AND FELLOWSHIP AFTER SUNDAY MASSES AT ST. CHARLES CAMPUS: MARCH 1, 2026 - BORROMEO ROOM
Communio Nights– Every Sunday
Communio Nights are weekly, parish-wide family faith formation evenings, held at St. Charles every Sunday beginning September 14th, from 4:45-7:00 PM, designed to bring all ages together for faith, fellowship, and community.
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.
Tuesday Lenten Bible Study: Resting in Jesus
Join our Lenten Bible Study: Resting in Jesus - A 30-Day Walk with Mary and Martha by April Rodgers.
Mondays, March 2-30, 2-3:30 p.m., St. Albert the Great Campus, Room D.
To register, contact Kathy Zamonski at wonderlywoman@gmail.com or 937-304-1511.
Turning Sorrow into Joy
Presentation by Carl Brown, author and national speaker
St. Charles Main Church
Carl Brown and his wife have 6 kids and live in Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating from college he learned about Our Lady of Fatima and that changed his life.
He worked as a sales and marketing consultant for 20+ years, serving clients across the country and in different industries. After writing the book, "Something You Can Count On," he shares the treasures of grace hidden in the Rosary to anyone who will listen!
Oh, and he enjoys running... but not as much as he enjoys Italian food!
Mom-to-Mom Winter Session
Mom-to-Mom is a 12-week session beginning September 2 and 3 from 9–10:45 AM at St. Charles, offering community and encouragement for mothers of school-age children. Each morning begins with 8:30 AM Mass, followed by breakfast, fellowship in small “pods” with mentor moms, a presentation on motherhood with a spiritual focus, and small group discussion. Nursery care is available from 8:15–11:00 AM, and all moms in the community are welcome, regardless of parish or school affiliation.
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.
Lenten Book Study: Why Do We Suffer
Why do we Suffer: A Scriptural Approach to the Human Condition
Dates:
Wednesdays, February 25 - March 18 / April 15 - May 6: 6:30-8:00 PM at St. Charles Borromeo
Thursdays, February 26 - March 19 / April 16 - May 7: 10:00-11:45 AM at St. Albert Spirit Center Room D
Format: Lecture with reading between sessions
Description: Have you ever asked “Why me, God?” or tried to make sense out of useless suffering? Spend Lent exploring these questions and the meaning of suffering through the Biblical literature. We will look at Biblical approaches to suffering utilizing Daniel Harrington, SJ’s Why do we suffer: A Scriptural Approach to the Human Condition. The book can be purchased HERE. Please CLICK HERE to register!
Wednesday Night Lenten Bible Study at St. Albert
You are invited to the Lenten Session of the Wednesday Night Bible Study
ENCOUNTERING THE GOD OF FAITH, HOPE, & LOVE IN THE BIBLE
By Rev. George M. Smiga
A Little Rock Scripture Study
[Scripture passages, commentary, and exploration questions contained in the study book]
Wednesday evenings from February 25 - April 1 in the St Albert Spirit Center, Room D, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
[Books have been ordered and are available before study begins]
For information and book pick-up: contact Julie at 937-409-6035
Women’s Guild: Art of Sprouting
ALL WOMEN OF THE MOTHER OF GOD FAMILY OF PARISHES are invited to the upcoming Women’s Guild Meeting on March 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Witzman Center at Ascension Campus. We will be learning all about the Art of Sprouting! Come hear from Patti McCormick, RN, PHD - Institute of Holistic Leadership – What Are Sprouts? – Why Sprout at Home? – and the Benefits of Eating Sprouts. All attendees will receive a Sprout Kit to start growing at home.
RSVP is required by February 25 to sgraham@ascensionkettering.org.
The first 25 people to RSVP will receive a free Sprout kit.
Day of Grace
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at St. Albert all day on March 5th from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM in a special Day of Grace.
Feed the Hungry
Provide a meal for our neighbors at the St. Vincent shelters. The next deadline for pans is March 7 at the St. Albert breezeway entrance between 9-10 AM.
Coffee & Donuts at Ascension
All are welcome to join us for Coffee & Donuts, including healthy options, after the morning Masses in the Ascension Witzman Center. This event is hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 14891.
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.
Blood Drive at St. Albert
Be a hero for someone in need. Give blood today.
Give the gift of life during Lent by donating blood at St. Albert the Great Campus on Saturday, March 14, 8:30 a.m.-Noon. Walk-ins are welcome, or register at https://versitidayton.org/blood-donation/ to reserve your time. Your donation helps ensure blood is available for those in urgent need—be a hero for someone in our community today!
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:
Mar 14/15
Apr 18/19
May 16/17
June 20/21
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)
Ignatius Book Fair at St. Albert
St. Albert School is hosting an Ignatius Book Fair. The book fair will be open to MGFP parishioners after all the masses during the weekend of March 14-15 in the school cafeteria. This is a wonderful chance to come together as a community, enjoy both classic and faith-filled books, and support our school.
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.
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
Registration materials will be available here soon!
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.
Pilgrimage of Hope: North to South Green Cycling Journey
The MGFP Care of God’s Creation team is sponsoring “A Pilgrimage of Hope – North to South Green Cycling Journey” on Tuesday, February 24, 7:00 PM, in the Ascension Witzman Center.
Hear from Brent Devitt about his solar-assisted "Green Journey" cycling ~3500 miles through 11 states over ~75 days from the northernmost point in the contiguous U.S. to the southernmost point. Brent planned this ride with the Catholic Church’s celebration of the 2025 Jubilee theme of “Pilgrims of Hope” as a message of coexistence with the earth.
Light refreshments will be offered. All are welcome – bring a friend!
Men's Morning of Reflection
The annual men's retreat at St. Charles, hosted by the Knights of Columbus, is Saturday, February 21. This year's theme is “Embracing the Paschal Mystery of our Lives.” Presenter: Norm Rich. To register, please CLICK HERE.
Women's Evening of Reflection
Ladies of the Mother of God Family of Parishes are invited to an Evening of Reflection on Ash Wednesday, February 18, in the Hospitality Room at St. Charles, from 7:00-8:30 PM. The theme is: "Messengers of Love: Building Relationships by Praying with Others." For more information, please contact Barbette Whelan at 937-293-1438. Sponsored by Regnum Christi.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is February 18, 2026. See below for various family Mass times.
Women’s Guild Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast
PANCAKES FOR SHROVE TUESDAY – ASCENSION CAMPUS
The Women’s Guild will be hosting a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast on Tuesday, February 17th, at the Ascension Campus. The event will be at 9:00 AM in the Witzman Center, Room 114. We are blessed to be a part of this tradition and look forward to sharing the morning with women of all ages and stages.
Meg Draeger, who loves pancakes, will be cooking them up using her homemade buttermilk recipe! Women's Guild will provide a "Pancake Bar" as well with all the necessary accoutrements. Come relax and enjoy a meal with us.
We hope you can join us and bring a friend! Please RSVP to Meg, so she knows how many pancakes to make: 937-671-7988 or megdraeger@aol.com.
This will be a zero waste event.
Doughnut Sunday at St. Albert the Great
All are welcome to join us for Coffee & Donuts, including healthy options, after the morning Masses in the Ascension Witzman Center. This event is hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 14891.
Bunco Game Night
Don’t miss the Bunco Game Night at Ascension on Friday, February 13, from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Witzman Center. Help us celebrate Valentine's Day with a White Elephant gift exchange - $10 or less, or something new or gently used from home. No joke gifts, please. Hope to see you there!
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, February 12, 2026, in the St. Albert Parish Center following the noon Mass. 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, FEBRUARY 8.
MGFP Prayer Shawl Meeting
There will be a prayer shawl meeting on Monday, February 9th at 9:30 AM in the Borromeo room at St. Charles. 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.
MGFP Communal Anointing Service
MGFP COMMUNAL ANOINTING SERVICE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8
FOLLOWING 10:30 A.M. MASS
ST. CHARLES BORROMEO CAMPUS
Our Family of Parishes will offer a Communal Anointing of the Sick on Sunday, February 8, immediately following the 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Campus. Anyone facing surgery or serious illness is invited to receive this sacrament.
Pancake Breakfast & Parish Art Showcase
St. Charles’ Pancake Breakfast, hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 14995 and originally scheduled for December but canceled due to inclement weather, has been rescheduled for February 8.
CALLING ALL PARISH ARTISTS & CRAFTERS!
Are you a painter, knitter, woodworker, jewelry-maker, or creator of any kind? We’d love for you to share your talents at our Pancake Breakfast & Parish Art Showcase on Sunday, February 8, at the St. Charles Borromeo Campus! This is a wonderful opportunity to display and sell your handmade creations, connect with other parishioner artists, and enjoy a morning of fellowship, food, and festive cheer. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or just getting started, your participation helps celebrate the many gifts within our Family of Parishes. Reserve your table today! Space is limited, so sign up soon to be part of this joyful community event. Contact John Griffin to learn more: griffinj@ameritech.net.
St. Albert Food Collection
The next St. Albert Food Collection is February 7-8.
Thank you for your generous and continuing support of the St. Albert monthly food collection that serves our Montgomery County neighbors through the Choice Food Pantry at Catholic Social Services in downtown Dayton. Your donations, caring, prayers, and pivots through the years are so appreciated.
Ascension Women's Guild Mardi Gras Party & Bingo
All Ladies of the Mother of God Family of Parishes, you are invited to join Ascension Women's Guild on Wednesday, February 4th, at 7:00 PM in the Witzman Center, for our annual Mardi Gras Party and Bingo! Please come enjoy the fun, win some prizes, and hear what all the Women's Guild is up to in the coming year.
ACTS XXIX SERIES—Speak, Lord: The Art of Synodality
Synodality can be a game changer in bringing transformation and renewal to our Church when done well. Please join us for this new video series based on Fr. Riccardo’s new book: Speak, Lord, Your Servants Are Listening.
Held on Fridays at St. Charles from 9:15 AM-11:15 AM.
K of C Free Throw Contest at St. Albert
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest
Place: St Albert’s Parish Center
Date: Saturday January 24, 2026
Registration begins at 12:45 PM
Competition runs from 1:00 – 2:00 PM
All MGFP students and children of the Mother of God Family of Parishes (including Religious Education students), aged 9-14, are eligible and are encouraged to participate!
NOTE: The child's official age to determine their age bracket for this contest will be his/her age as of January 1, 2026.
This is a free activity.
Please print and fill out the registration form below in advance, and bring the completed form to the contest. Or you may fill out the form the day of the event (we will have blank forms available).
Note: A parent or guardian will have to sign the registration form to allow the child to participate in this contest.
Winners move on to the District Competition at St Charles (time and date: TBD).
K of C Free Throw Contest at Ascension
Knights of Columbus 2026 Free Throw Championship
Sponsored by Our Lady of the Light Council 14891
St. Albert the Great Fish Fry
St. Albert the Great School
Athletics Fish Fry for ages 21 and up
Location:
St. Albert Parish Center, School, Cafeteria, and Spirit Center.
Tickets:
$30 per person
$25 presale
Carryout Available for $15 per dinner/$5 per extra sandwich
Featuring delicious food, cold beverages, fun games, and amazing silent auction!
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, January 21, in the Hospitality Room at St. Charles, from 7:00-8:30 PM. The theme is: "Recognizing Opportunities to Share God's Love One Soul at a Time." Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Barbette Whelan at 937-293-1438. Sponsored by Regnum Christi.
Rumpke Recycling Event
The Care of God’s creation team is holding a Rumpke Recycling event on January 21st at 6:30 PM at the Ascension campus in the Witzman Center room 118.
Have a question about what you can recycle in your curbside bin? Molly Kennedy , the Dayton Region Communication Coordinator for Rumpke Waste, will speak to us about curbside recycling and what is accepted in the curbside bins. Bring one item in question and Molly will educate us on what is new in the recycling world.
No RSVP is necessary- everyone is welcome. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Linda Scharf at 937-231-3322.
Soup-er Saturday
Attention all Cooks: Ascension Parish is pleased to announce its upcoming “Soup-er Saturday.” Participants are invited to bring their best soup recipe for a tasting event, where attendees will sample each entry and vote for their favorite.
The event will take place on Saturday, January 17th, following the 5:00 PM Mass, at the Witzman Center, Rooms 114-118 (located in the church basement).
Please bring a crockpot of soup or chili to share. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries as determined by popular vote. The parish will provide water, lemonade, tableware, and cornbread. Attendees are welcome to bring their own beverage. Admission is $2.00 per person or $5.00 per family; there is no charge for chefs who contribute a soup.
If you plan to bring a crockpot of soup, RSVP to the Ascension Parish Office at 937-253-5171 by Friday, January 9, 2026.
Join us in a prayer challenge: Project Rescue on Hallow
JOIN US IN A PRAYER CHALLENGE!
JANUARY 4–16
You’re invited! Join Fr. John Riccardo of ACTS XXIX ministries as he tells the story of salvation like never before. We’ll look at how God created the world, why everything is so messed up, what Jesus did about it, and how we can respond. In this series of powerful talks and reflections, Fr. John helps us realize that the Gospel is lifechanging news, and we were born to share it. Sign up for the Rescue Project!
The Mother of God Family of Parishes is journeying together through Hallow’s Rescue Project Prayer Challenge, exploring how we were born to share the life-changing news of the Gospel!
Already using Hallow? 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.
Additional January prayer challenges on Hallow:
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!
Leisure Club Trivia Day at Ascension
All senior members of the Mother of God Family of Parishes is invited to join us on Thursday, January 8th for Trivia with John Eonta! We will begin at 1:30 PM in the Witzman Center (Ascension church basement). We'll do a potluck and enjoy some after-Christmas treats! Leisure Club will supply the treats and drinks. Please bring a favorite appetizer or dish to share with us.
Teams can be 4-6 people! We need to get a head count -- and John is hoping for a sizable crowd -- so RSVP and let us know you can join us! Feel free to reply to this Flocknote or email Sue at sgraham@ascensionkettering.org. Thanks!
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!
MGFP Special Masses
Dec 26
Noon MGFP Mass at St. Albert the Great
Dec 29
Office Closed
9:00 AM MGFP Mass at Ascension
Dec 30
8:30 AM MGFP Mass at St. Charles
Dec 31
Office Closed
3:30 PM Mass at Ascension
5:30 PM Mass at St. Albert
Jan 2
Office Closed
9:00 AM MGFP Mass at Ascension
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Holy Day Masses
OUR PATRONAL FEAST DAY AS MOTHER OF GOD FAMILY OF PARISHES
On January 1, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a holy day that holds special meaning for us this year. As the Mother of God Family of Parishes, this marks our first patronal feast day, a joyful opportunity to gather in prayer and gratitude under the loving patronage of Mary. Placing our parish family beneath her care reminds us that Mary continually leads us to her Son and intercedes for us as we grow together in faith, unity, and mission. This Solemnity honors one of the Church’s most ancient and profound teachings: That Mary is truly the Mother of God because her Son, Jesus Christ, is fully human and fully divine. By celebrating Mary at the very beginning of the new year, the Church invites us to reflect on God’s closeness to humanity and on Mary’s humble “Yes,” through which salvation entered the world. Her trust, obedience, and love model what it means to receive Christ and carry Him into the world. As we begin a new calendar year—and continue the new chapter as one parish family—we ask Mary, our Mother, to pray for us. May she help us grow in faith, strengthen our bonds with one another, and guide us always toward her Son. We invite you to celebrate this beautiful Solemnity by joining us at Mass and entrusting the year ahead to the maternal care of Mary, Mother of God.
CHRISTMAS MASSES
CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES
9 a.m. – St. Albert
9:30 a.m. – St. Charles
10 a.m. – Ascension
CHRISTMAS EVE MASS
CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES
3 p.m. – Ascension
3 p.m. – St. Albert
3:30 p.m. – St. Charles
5:30 p.m. – Ascension
6 p.m. – St. Albert
7 p.m. – St. Charles
Lessons & Carols will take place at 9:30 p.m., before the 10 p.m. Ascension Mass.
10 p.m. – Ascension
Live Nativity
Experience the Wonder of Christmas!
Throughout the history of the church, the telling of the Christmas story has been a staple of Christian tradition done in a variety of ways, from nativity plays, to scripture reading to prayerful Christmas songs. A tradition at the St. Charles Campus is our annual Live Nativity, where the scene of Christ’s humble birth literally comes to life.
This popular Christmas tradition, going back over 800 years, is attributed to the famous 13th century evangelist St. Francis of Assisi. His plan for the people in the small town of Greccio was that by depicting the manger scene much like it was that first Christmas- in a cave, with human actors and animals playing various parts- they would more fully encounter the miracle of the Incarnation. By taking it all in through the senses this miracle would become more real, transforming the scene from just a display into an invitation to witness Jesus meeting us as one of us, in his humility, poverty, and love.
Although St. Francis in his later years usually sought solitude, he wanted to experience this Live Nativity with others as a communal celebration of Jesus' birthday. I think that’s fitting for us too as we transition into a family of Parishes. May this year’s Live Nativity help us to experience our own interconnectedness with one another as we behold in the words of St. Francis: “the memory of that Child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger”.
Step into the true meaning of Christmas at our Live Nativity at St. Charles on Sunday, December 21.
This cherished parish tradition brings the story of Christ’s birth to life with live animals, joyful music, and the sight of our children portraying the Holy Family in a beautiful manger setting. As you walk through the scene of Bethlehem, you’ll be reminded of the simple yet profound miracle of God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ—Emmanuel, “God with us.”
After visiting the Nativity, join us in the PAC for festive fun and fellowship. Children can enjoy games, crafts, and time with the animals, while families share cookies and hot cocoa together. Our Youth Ministry will also be hosting a delicious fundraiser dinner featuring pulled pork sandwiches (or PB&J), along with popcorn and pizza sales to support their work. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our faith, support our youth, and strengthen our parish community during this sacred season of Advent.
Come and encounter the beauty of that holy night, where faith, family, and community come join in harmony to welcome the newborn King.
Sunday Advent Adoration
ADVENT ADORATION AT ST. CHARLES
Monsignor Breslin Knights of Columbus Council 14995 invites all Mother of God Family Parishioners to join us for Advent Adoration!
What: Adoration on Advent Sundays to prepare our souls for Christmas
When: Sunday November 30, December 7, 14, 21 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Where: St. Charles Borromeo Parish in the day chapel
Why: We worship, adore, bless, honor, thank, and love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Thank You and God Bless!
Bill Duffy, Faith Director, Monsignor Breslin KofC Council 14995