Dear friends,

This month we welcomed fall, a season that invites us to slow down and pay attention. The days grow shorter, the air becomes crisp, leaves begin to change and familiar traditions return: football games, pumpkin patches and evenings gathered around a fire. In the changing landscape, we are reminded that every season brings its own gifts and invitations.

Autumn invites us to pause and notice the fruits of what has been planted, to give thanks for those who have come before us and to trust in what is still taking root beneath the surface. It is a season of gratitude and hope.

In this issue of Charity in Motion, we celebrate the many ways that gratitude and hope are taking root in our Community. We share the story of S. Karina Montes Ayala’s First Vows, reflect on gatherings that have brought Sisters and Associates together, and celebrate milestones of faithful service. You’ll find stories of ministry and mission, a new feature at EarthConnection, and upcoming opportunities to learn, reflect and connect through the SC Spirituality Center. And, we look ahead to the Sisters of Charity Open House at the Motherhouse on Oct. 25, an opportunity to welcome our neighbors and share the mission, history and relationships that continue to shape our presence in Delhi Township and beyond.

May these stories invite us to notice the gifts of this season, give thanks for all that has been shared and look ahead with hope.

This fall, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati will open the doors of their Motherhouse to the public as part of the America 250-Ohio: Delhi Township celebration. The Open House will be held Oct. 25 from 2-4 p.m. Visitors are invited to explore the historic Motherhouse, learn more about the Sisters’ 157-year presence in Delhi Township and discover the many ways the SC mission continues to be lived today.

For 157 years, the Sisters of Charity have called Delhi Township home. Through ministries, partnerships and relationships, the Sisters have served alongside others to respond to the needs of the community, care for those who are most vulnerable and build a more compassionate and just world. The Open House offers an opportunity to celebrate that history while also looking toward the future of a mission that continues to take root and grow.

Several partners in mission will also welcome visitors on Oct. 25, giving guests an opportunity to experience the shared history and ongoing work of organizations that help make Delhi Township a vibrant community.

Bayley (990 Bayley Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45233) will host an Open House in the Enrichment Center highlighting its 10 dimensions of wellness and the ways its programs, services and team support the whole person. Pick up a Bayley Passport and collect stamps as you visit each table. Complete your passport for a chance to win a special gift basket! Time: Noon-2 p.m.

Mount St. Joseph University (5701 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45233) invites community members to join them in the historic Mater Dei Chapel for a Homecoming Mass and blessing of the chapel’s new organ. Most Reverend Robert G. Casey, Archbishop of Cincinnati, will be the celebrant. Brunch will follow the Mass. Time: 10 a.m.

Those planning to attend the Mass are asked to RSVP by Oct. 19. Brunch tickets may be purchased when you RSVP at www.msj.edu/rsvp.

Seton High School Sports Complex (388 Klemme Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238) invites guests to tour its new state-of-the-art sports complex and grounds, home to Seton’s all-girls athletic programs, including soccer, tennis, track and field and flag football. The Spirit Shop will be open, and guests may enter to win a gift card. Time: 12-2 p.m.

More information about the Sisters of Charity Open House can be found here. For questions, contact Erin Reder, director of Communications, at 513-347-5447 or erin.reder@srcharitycinti.org.

Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Karina Montes Ayala pronounced First Vows during a joyful ceremony Aug. 29, 2026, in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse. During the liturgy, S. Karina committed herself for three years to the service of God, God’s people, and all of Creation as a member of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

In both Spanish and English, she promised “to live in community and vow to God poverty, consecrated celibacy and obedience according to the Constitutions of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. … I ask the continuing grace of God and the support of my Sisters, Associates, family and friends that I may keep faith with the commitment I freely and joyfully make today.”

Throughout the Mass, S. Karina honored her Hispanic heritage, with readings, music and prayers offered in both languages. She sang the Communion hymn, “Pescador de Hombres,” in Spanish, and the Mass concluded with the congregation singing “Alabare.” Read More. 

Sisters and Associates gathered Sept. 11-13 for the Community’s annual Fall Congregational Days. The weekend included conversations about future planning and preparation for the 2027 Chapter, along with opportunities to pray, connect and enjoy time together. A highlight was a special concert, The Musical Life of Elizabeth Seton, featuring S. Alice Ann O’Neill on cello. View more photos.

The Immigration and Ending Human Trafficking Justice Circle coordinated a food collection for the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Springfield, Ohio. Sisters, Associates and friends generously donated food, money and gift cards. Volunteers then packed and delivered boxes to St. Vincent de Paul, where the donations were distributed to families in need. View more photos.

In August, the Community gathered to celebrate the 2026 Jubilarians. The 37 Jubilarians marked milestones ranging from 35 to 85 years. During the celebration, Jubilarians renewed their vows and recommitted themselves to living the charism of Elizabeth Seton, serving the Church and its people, and faithfully responding to the challenges of charity. View more photos.

On Aug. 1, the Community welcomed six new Associates in Mission: Michelle Arnold, Jeff Briggs, Andy Buechel-Rieger, Janet Cox, Tammy Jo Reiser and Michael Sontag. Also honored were seven Associates marking 25 years of commitment: Marti Barnes, Linda Fry, Cheryl Griffin, Charlotte McKinney, Mary Jo Mersmann, Jan Metz and Ann Wilger. View more photos.

 On Aug. 14, Sisters, Associates, employees and family members gathered to celebrate the 104th birthday of S. Marge Farfsing. S. Marge entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati on Sept. 8, 1940, and spent more than 44 years as an educator. She later volunteered for more than 25 years in the Motherhouse Purchasing Department. View more potos.

Sisters and Associates gathered in July for Rise Up: Sing for Peace, Hope and Justice, an uplifting afternoon hosted by the Peace and Nonviolence Justice Circle. Through song, prayer and video, participants reflected on the shared call to peace, hope and justice while renewing their spirits and commitment to these values. View more photos.

When S. Tricia Cruise first arrived at Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, she wasn’t sure she would stay. What began as a reluctant visit slowly became a ministry that shaped her life in profound ways. Read More.

In 2019, Sisters Ann Elizabeth Von Hagel and Timothy Ann Schroeder closed the chapter on their shared ministry at the Mount St. Joseph Post Office. Now adjusting to a new chapter, their friendship has only grown through each moment shared. Read More.

Sisters of Charity and Associates unite in mission with the Springfield District Council St. Vincent de Paul Society to support Haitian families and all those seeking safety by lifting their voices and actions in support of human dignity and family unity. Read More.

The Sisters of Charity Community came together in August to celebrate the 2026 Jubilarians, giving thanks for their years of faithful service. Learn more about their lives of compassionate ministry and unwavering commitment. Read More.

Take a Cosmic Walk

With the assistance of volunteers from Mount St. Joseph University, EarthConnection is excited to introduce its newest feature – a cosmic walk along the new trail behind the facility.

A cosmic walk is a reflective journey – part meditation, part science lesson and part storytelling experience – that represents the history of the universe as a physical path you can walk. Imagine a trail where every step represents millions or even billions of years. The beginning of the path marks the Big Bang, and as you move forward, you encounter additional milestones in cosmic evolution: the formation of the first stars, the birth of galaxies, the creation of heavier elements inside stars, the formation of Earth, the emergence of life, dinosaurs, humans and, finally, the present moment.

Most of the walk represents empty space and deep time. The experience invites us to consider your place in the universe and recognize just how recent humanity is in its nearly 14-billion-year history.

Painted stones along EarthConnection’s Cosmic Walk mark each of the 23 stations along the trail. All are welcome to visit, walk the trail and explore the story of the universe.

Sacred Pause: What's New at the Spirituality Center

Introduction to the Enneagram 

The Enneagram, originating in the Sufi spiritual tradition, describes nine personality types. Each of these nine types perceives life differently, has different habitual mental patterns, and makes choices based on those perceptions. The Enneagram provides helpful self-knowledge and understanding of others and may lead to growth in spiritual freedom.

Presenter: S. Donna Steffen, SC

Date: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026

Times: Registration begins at 8:45 a.m.; 
workshop from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.            

Location: Emmaus Room, Sisters of Charity Spirituality Center

(5900 Delhi Road, Mount St. Joseph, OH 45051)

Fee: $75   

Register: Email the Spirituality Center at spirituality.center@srcharitycinti.org or call 513-347-5449.

Additional opportunities can be found by clicking here.  

Charity in Motion is an electronic newsletter of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. To join the Charity in Motion mailing list, contact Erin Reder at erin.reder@srcharitycinti.org. To unsubscribe, click here.