Recap of 2025 Engagement, Outreach and Events
Local Engagement with Diocesan Conferences
Reaching Beyond the Diocese
A significant development in outreach occurred as the ministry expanded beyond Rome City and the diocese. On March 1st, Al was invited to Cincinnati to present on the devotion at the Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center. More than 40 people attended the Mass and presentation. Following the event, Al visited the former residence of Archbishop Leibold next door and viewed important artifacts connected to Sister Mary Ephrem, deepening our historical and spiritual connection to the devotion.
Youth and Family Outreach
Youth & Family Engagement
• 4 schools on field trips
• 3rd annual May Crowning
• 1st-ever Kids’ Day
• Annual holiday open house
Youth and family outreach was a major focus throughout the year. There were opportunities for fun in every season. Four schools participated in field trips to the center in the spring and fall. In May, we celebrated the third annual May Crowning Mass with youth choir members and readers. June marked the inaugural Kids’ Day, a community-focused event featuring games, activities, tons of prizes, snacks, and strong support from area businesses. During winter, the center hosted its annual holiday open house as part of the Lakeside Holidays celebration, welcoming families with over 20 Christmas trees displayed and a visit from Santa. These efforts strengthened relationships with families and expanded awareness of the center locally.
National Catholic Youth Conference: engaging with the young Church
The largest outreach initiative was also a youth event; participation as exhibitors at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, one of the largest Catholic youth gatherings in the United States, with approximately 16,000 attendees. The pinnacle of the conference was a digital address from Pope Leo, who engaged youth at Lucas Oil Stadium. He encouraged them to live their faith out loud and reminded them that they weren’t just the church of the future, but the church right now. So much of his message echoed that of Our Lady of America, particularly when speaking about youth as the leaders of renewal. As exhibitors, we engaged youth, clergy, and chaperones in meaningful discussions about the devotion and the role of young people in the life of the Church.
Not just the future - now
New Speaker Series Enhances Pilgrim Experience
While going out was exciting and essential, we also wanted to provide pilgrims coming in with new opportunities at the center. To enhance the pilgrim experience, the center launched its first speaker series, structured as mini-retreats integrating teaching, prayer, and the sacraments. Speakers included:
- Father Kevin Barrett (May), speaking on the Holy Family and family consecration
- Father Jeff Pomeisl (July), focusing on the hearts of the Holy Family and Saint Joseph
- Deacon Cody Miller (September), presenting on Marian consecration in the spirit of Saint Louis de Montfort
- Father Glenn Sudano, CFR (November), addressing formation, manhood, and the Indwelling of the Holy Trinity
- Father Kevin Barrett (May), speaking on the Holy Family and family consecration
Walking Pilgrimage Sees Major Growth
While we wanted to offer new opportunities, we also had a familiar favorite tradition to uphold, the annual walking pilgrimage. This was the fourth annual walking pilgrimage to celebrate the anniversary of the devotion. This year, our walk grew; we had 240 pilgrims join us as the statue of Our Lady was processed over 7 miles along Fishing Line Trail. Our Lady made sure the weather was beautiful that September day! The walk concluded with Benediction at the center, followed by a taco/nacho bar for hungry walkers to enjoy some rest and fellowship.
An Unexpected Blessing: Saint Gaspar Parish Moves In
An unexpected blessing was the temporary hosting of Saint Gaspar Parish during its church renovation. With diocesan approval, parish Masses were held at the center, strengthening collaboration and making sacramental life at the center even more vibrant with daily Masses and more Adoration. Bishop Rhoades celebrated Mass on the Feast of the Transfiguration at the center before the groundbreaking ceremony at the parish. This was the second year he has celebrated the Transfiguration Mass at the center, after celebrating it in 2022 for the consecration and renaming of the chapel to the Oratory of the Holy Family.
We're Just Getting Started
“The devotion is carried forward by those who encounter it and go out to share it."
We’ve had more pilgrims come to our campus than ever before, and we’ve gone out to share the devotion more than ever before. Our outreach expands so rapidly thanks to our pilgrims and clergy who learn about the devotion and then go and share it with others, and we’re particularly blessed by the bishops who allow us to come present the devotion in their diocese. We have pilgrims coming by the busload, not because of some brilliant marketing scheme but because of some generous pilgrims who can’t help but share the joy.