Community Ministries
Get to Know SMOY
Community Ministries
Our parish family is strongest when we all come together in service. There's a place for everyone to make a difference.
Boosters/Athletics
Visit the Boosters PageBoosters supports and encourages the athletic development, character development, and spiritual development of our student athletes.
Boy Scouts
"Scouting is adventure, family, fun, character, leadership and so much more. Scouting is hands-on learning and achievement that puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today – and for life."
(Source: Boy Scouts of America)
Leadership:
Bob Schneider
513.288.9026
Cana Family Institute
Cana Family Institute’s The Cana Experience is a small group formation program for mothers of young children. Regardless of where you are in your faith and family journey, you will grow in your relationship with God, confidence in your role as a Catholic spouse and parent, and friendships with other families. The Cana Experience is made up of small group programs including The Temperament God Gave You and Created & Called, which explores the following topics: Who am I as a Woman, Who am I as a Wife/Mother, Who am I as a Child of God and Who am I as a Disciple for Christ? Retreats specifically geared to mothers of young children are also offered.
Cana Family Institute’s Called to Motherhood: A Small Group for Moms
Do you sometimes wonder about who you are as a woman, wife and mother? Do you desire strong friendships with other moms just like you? Grow closer to God while meeting with other moms who want the same things as you – to raise great kids and have a strong and fulfilling marriage.
Join Created to Believe: Called to Motherhood: A Catholic Small Group for Mothers of Young Children
This Year 1 Group will meet twice a month between September and May (dates TBD). Cost is $85. Register at https://www.canafamilyinstitute.com/join-group or scan the QR code.
Leadership:
Jessi Lima Bollin
Challenge
Challenge is a network of Catholic clubs and camps for girls in the fifth through twelfth grade who want to grow in their Catholic faith, friendship with Christ, and make a difference in the world around them. It is designed to help adolescent girls go out into the world as strong and authentic Catholic role models where they can make a positive impact.
Challenge's "recipe" for success is based on the combination of doing apostolic work and formation. This dual approach helps to unite the girls with Christ in order to live virtue, find happiness and to make a difference.
Leadership:
Tammy O'Rourke
513.226.1195
Susan Purdue
513.600.1084
Elizabeth Ministry
We are a group of experienced mothers who provide support to the mothers of new babies in our parish. Whether you are a first time mom or welcoming your 10th child, we are here to make this blessed time a little easier.
We have a team of women who love to cook and would be happy to make a meal or two for your family to add to the help you may already be getting from family and friends. We also have experienced moms and grandmas who miss that new baby smell and can still feel in our bones the weariness of those early months. If you would like to be paired with a home visitor, we offer 6 in-home visits for 2 hours at a time. Anything from helping with the baby to entertaining siblings, light cleaning or simply moral support. Make a mental list of things that would soothe you the most - folding the laundry that’s sitting been in the dryer, holding the baby while you nap, pushing the big kids on the swings and reading them books while you snuggle with your newest blessing, or just sharing a coffee and chatting with an adult. We are here to make sure you get a little bit of mothering too. We also have a handmade baby blanket as a gift for you from our parish, made by our amazing Elizabeth Ministry knitters and crocheters. I know it all sounds almost too good to be true, but we really are here just for you.
If you are the mother of a new baby and would like help, or are a woman in the parish who would like to serve our new mamas, feel free to reach out to me.
Leadership:
Amy Konrad
513.315.7431
Food Pantry Ministry
The Food Pantry Ministry collects non-perishable items and delivers the goods to both the Kings Local and Loveland LIFE Food Pantries. In collaboration with the pantry staff, we highlight an Item of the Month. These items are much-needed, rarely donated, and are often not SNAP-eligible and/or are outside pantry budgets. Volunteers of all ages deliver to the pantries ~2-3 times per month. Service hour opportunities are available upon request.
To donate goods: All non-perishable donations can be left on the table opposite the Parish Office. To donate money: For every $1 donated, pantries typically purchase $10 worth of food, thanks to partnerships with Shared Harvest (Kings) and Freestore Foodbank (LIFE). Donate directly through the following links to Kings Local Pantry and/or Loveland LIFE Food Pantry.
Leadership:
Fathers Team
Growing in Faith, Together
Welcome to the Fathers Team at St. Margaret of York! Our main goal is to support the spiritual growth of fathers within our parish. We believe in strengthening men to become better husbands, fathers, and followers of Christ through faith-based discussions, fellowship, and service.
Our Meetings
Join us for enriching conversations focused on faith, family, and becoming the best men we can be. No commitment is required – just come as you are for prayer, sharing wisdom, and camaraderie.
We offer two convenient meeting times:
Thursday Evenings: 7:03 PM
Friday Mornings: 6:03 AM
What happens at a meeting? Our meetings are designed around conversations that help us grow as husbands, fathers, and followers of Christ. We begin with prayer, typically followed by a presentation on a faith-based topic from a team member. We then engage in large and/or small group discussions, concluding promptly at the one-hour mark.
Opportunities to Serve
The Fathers Team believes in putting our faith into action. We offer various opportunities to serve our church and the wider community, allowing you to live out your faith and teach your children the value of service.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Ministry
Join us in ensuring every child has a bed to sleep on. This ministry builds and delivers beds to children in need across the Greater Cincinnati community.
Bed Build Event:
Date: Check back soon
Location: St. Margaret of York Church campus
How you can help: We are seeking 40 men to donate $250 and a few hours of their time on August 9th. Each donor who contributes this amount will have the unique opportunity to work alongside their child/children, truly following in the steps of St. Joseph and Jesus.
Register & Donate: This is a first-come, first-served registration. If you are unable to participate in the build session but would like to sponsor, your financial support is greatly welcomed.
Register for the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build (check back soon)
Once your donation is received, we will send a volunteer registration link with additional details.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this call to action. Yours in Christ,
Ryan McKenna
ShelterHouse Meal Service
Help us provide warm meals to those experiencing homelessness in Cincinnati.
When: 4th Sunday of every month, 11:30 AM
Where: ShelterHouse, Cincinnati, Ohio
How you can help: We need three families each month to cook spaghetti and serve on a cafeteria line downtown.
Sign up to Serve at ShelterHouse
More info, email or call:
SteveASparks@icloud.com / 513-315-5611
Our Daily Bread Sandwich Making
Contribute to Cincinnati’s largest soup kitchen by preparing sandwiches.
When: 4th Saturday of every month, 9:00 AM
Where: York Room, St. Margaret of York
How you can help: We need six families each month to make sandwiches.
Sign up to Make Sandwiches for Our Daily Bread
More info, email or call:
SteveASparks@icloud.com / 513-315-5611
Other Opportunities
Look out for ways to get involved with these important ministries:
The Fathers Team Band
Our Friday morning band adds a special touch to our gatherings! Enjoy some of their favorite tunes on this curated Spotify playlist:
FT Music Spotify Playlist: Here is the “Spotify FT Music” link.
Leadership:
Sean Hayes
Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts delivers the best leadership experience for girls, setting them up for a lifetime of success. Girl Scouts is proven to help girls thrive in five key ways as they:
develop a strong sense of self
seek challenges and learn from setbacks
display positive values
form and maintain healthy relationships
dentify and solve problems in the community
Girl Scout troops creates a safe space where girls can try new things, develop a range of skills, take on leadership roles, and just be themselves. (Source: Girls Scouts)
Leadership:
Gabrielle Gray
Heart and Soul
Learn MoreThe Heart & Soul Mission is to encourage and promote friendship and fellowship at St. Margaret of York Parish through social and fun-filled events. Heart & Soul is an all-inclusive group open to all singles and couples by serving them in their diverse needs and interests. Participants typically span the ages of 50+; however, all are welcome.
Mission Statement
The purpose and hope of the Heart and Soul ministry is to encounter God through the activities provided by this ministry and its community. Gatherings in prayer, meals together, entertainment and informative events are examples in which as a community we can encounter God. Many are the examples in scripture where Jesus and his followers gathered in such moments. Jesus provides examples of fellowship by which we can grow closer to God who is love.
Leadership:
Matt Sokany
Kairos Prison Ministry
"The mission of Kairos Prison Ministry is to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of incarcerated men, women and youth, as well as their families, to become loving and productive citizens of their communities." (Source: Kairos Prison Ministry International)
Leadership:
John Brandenburg
Knights of Columbus
Visit K OC WebsiteKnights of Columbus - Council 13429
Saint Margaret of York Parish
About the Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is one of the world’s leading fraternal and service organizations with 2 million members in more than 16,000 parish-based councils. During the past year, the SMOY KOC Council 13429 participated in the following events:
- Coats for Kids program
- Support of local seminary students
- Helping Hands programs such as soup kitchens, Ronald McDonald Homes, etc.
- SMOY Parish functions and events.
- Lenten Fish Fry
- Free Store Foodbank
- Flag Day Ceremonies
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See.
Leadership:
Chris Gauche
Moms Ministry
The Moms Ministry is a group of moms of all ages from St. Margaret of York Church whose mission is to support each other through faith, fellowship, and service as we seek to raise our kids in the Catholic faith. We do this through informal social gatherings and play dates, regular story times and music classes, "Mom's Night Out" craft nights, and more. We are led by and for moms, and we welcome your creativity and contributions to our group!
Leadership:
Liz Weber, Laura Hern, and Kim Korst
PLUS: Prayerful, Loving, Understanding, Support
The Pregnancy Loss Ministry provides caring support to those who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn death or SIDS through information, group support meetings, liturgical activities, and prayer.
Grieving parents find comfort and support among peers -- within a Christ-centered environment. Volunteers have also experienced loss and are able to share a personal experience to the extent that it provides support to others.
Leadership:
Mary Kuenzig
513.300.1537
Prayer Team Ministry
Submit a Prayer RequestThe St. Margaret Prayer Team Ministry prays for those experiencing a special need or emergency situation. This is a great comfort to anyone who feels alone when facing a time of crisis.
You are welcome to be included in this special ministry, or if you have prayer intentions or requests, our prayers can be offered for you.
Submit a Prayer Request here.
By joining the Prayer Team, you’re committing to pray daily for our parish’s intentions—even something as small as one Hail Mary a day can make a big impact.
Sign up to join the Prayer Team here.
Leadership:
Birgitt Hacker
513.697.3100
Divine Healer, God of Wholeness, we place these parishioners in your hands; we ask for healing, but also for acceptance of their illness and of your holy plan. Help them and us to embrace whatever you have in mind for them. Support them in their anxieties, fears, pains, and the frustrations of their illness. Support them with the strength of the Holy Spirit. We ask this in the name of Jesus, compassionate healer of those in need of health and hope. Amen.
Queen City Catholics - Young Adult Ministry of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati
St. Margaret of York does not have a separate ministry for young adults, but the Archdiocese of Cincinnati does through Queen City Catholics.
About Queen City Catholics:
Our mission is to empower every young adult in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to embrace their unique vocation within vibrant Catholic communities. As missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, their passion will revive the local church. Following Jesus’s command to “Go, and make disciples of all nations,” we aim to share the Gospel's abundant life with everyone we meet.
Respect Life
The Respect Life Ministry at St. Margaret of York promotes education and awareness of pro-life issues and the necessity of respect for all life from conception until natural death.
We have partnered with Old St. Mary's Pregnancy Center in Over-the-Rhine to provide monetary and material donations. Currently we are collecting:
- Car seats and booster seats (new or gently used)
- Pack-and-plays (new or gently used)
- Strollers (new or gently used)
- Toddler clothing (sizes 2T-5T, new or gently used)
- Diapers and pull-ups (size 3 and up)
All items may be placed in the wooden bin in the gathering space by the parish offices (please do not place items in the food pantry bin)
Additionally, our group sponsors two prayer days at Planned Parenthood Abortion Clinic during the 40 Days for Life campaign in the Spring and in the Fall. These prayer events are peaceful and prayerful. Respect Life encourages participation in legislative action by petitioning lawmakers on the local, state, and federal level to promote a culture of life.
Members also participate in the annual March for Life in Washington DC and Cross the Bridge for Life in Cincinnati. Respect Life also helps connect post-abortive men and women with organizations such as Project Rachel and other appropriate counseling and healing programs in a loving and non-judgemental way.
Want to sign up for the Archdiocese Pro-Life Newsletter? Click here and sign up at the bottom of the page.
Leadership:
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The St. Margaret of York Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) has been in existence since November 2006. Our mission is to offer emotional, spiritual, and financial support to people living in the St. Margaret of York and St. Vincent de Paul boundaries -- parishioners and non-parishioners alike. Volunteers with SVdP share the love, fellowship, and resources of both our God and our St. Margaret of York family during home visits with clients in need.
SVdP is supported by our parishioners through Fifth Sunday Collections occurring four times a year during Mass. The members of the Conference normally meet twice a month to hold spiritual discussions, pray, and discuss the business affairs of the Conference.
Leadership:
David Bedel
630.842.9394
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers are members of our parish who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people going through a crisis or a difficult time.
St. Margaret of York/St. Columban
513.683.0105
Ext. 2134 Confidential Hotline
Ext. 2109 Stephen Leader
Leadership:
Linda Corbett
Welcome New Parishioners
The Welcome Ministry informs and encourages new parishioners to take an active role in the church community. The ministry hosts Welcome Gatherings periodically for new parishioners. We hope you will join us and meet your parish family!
Upcoming Dates:
February 1, 2026
May 17, 2026
September 27, 2026
Leadership:
Leanne Matthews
513.587.9517
Wisdom of the Word (WOW) Bible Study
Learn MoreWhere Scripture Comes Alive and Fellowship Flourishes
Looking to deepen your faith, connect with others, and discover the richness of God’s Word? Wisdom of the Word (WOW) is more than a Bible study—it’s a spiritual adventure offered every Wednesday, right here at SMOY.
• Fall Session kicks off around September
• Winter Session begins mid-January to early February
Each season features dynamic topics drawn from scripture and Catholic teaching from Catholic producers like Ascension Press, the Augustine Institute, and the Saint Paul Center, offering fresh insights and practical wisdom for everyday life.
Two Ways to Join
We offer both morning and evening sessions to fit your schedule. (Heads up: sometimes the two groups explore different topics—so you might want to peek at both!)
• Dive deeper into Scripture and discover its power in your life
• Grow in your Catholic faith alongside a welcoming community
• Whether you’re brand new to Bible study or a seasoned participant, you’ll feel right at home
• Oh, and yes… we have snacks. Because fellowship tastes better with treats.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quvVWmZuMEw
Ready to Join Us? Watch the Video!
For questions, reach out to Birgitt Hacker at 513.697.3114 Or email: bhacker@smoy.org
Come for the Word. Stay for the Wisdom. Leave with joy. We can’t wait to study with you!
Women in Service for Community (WISC)
See What We've Been Up To!WISC welcomes all women interested in building community through volunteer service activities. Our desire is for women to grow in faith and fellowship through small group efforts to serve the SMOY parish and surrounding community.
WISC members serve together in a variety of activities including:
• Sorting and organizing donations at Pregnancy Center Plus
• Helping underprivileged high school girls select prom dresses at Kenzie’s Closet
• Packing meals for international distribution at A Child’s Hope
• Gathering in homes to write Christmas cards to US Military personnel or to decorate bags to hold SVdP donations
• Signing up together to support SMOY Giving Tree, Fish Frys and SMOYFest
• And any other good service activity that members organize
If you are interested in being added to the WISC mailing list to receive emails regarding upcoming activities, please contact us at: smoywisc@gmail.com
Check back for links to upcoming WISC activities!
Leadership:
Sue Ann Klaber
Pam Paul
Elinor Yu
Want to get involved but not sure where to start? We'll help you find your place.
Birgitt Hacker
Pastoral Associate of Adult Faith Formation and Ministries
View Bio
Birgitt Hacker is the Pastoral Associate for Adult Faith Formation at SMOY. Birgitt manages our Bible studies, RCIA, parish mission, and speaking events at SMOY. She is a graduate of UC with an MBA and undergraduate degrees in Operation Management and German. She is working on her Masters of Theology at MTSM. In her free time, Birgitt enjoys gardening, cooking, and reading.
