Serenelli Project
“The work of incarceration ministry is the work of the whole Church, and Serenelli Project offers a model for our Church in the 21st century to more effectively extend the gift of Our Lord’s mercy to those most in need of it.”
Upcoming Events
Serenelli Saturday
Our community gathers on the second Saturday of each month for Mass, prayer, breakfast, and spiritual and ministerial development. This day is for volunteers and the formerly incarcerated. Adults 18-years of age and older are welcome.
The Annual Serenelli Project Gala
Join us for our annual gala, an evening of laughter and inspiration featuring: comedian Shayn Smith, the premiere of our new mission video, and the chance to win a one-of-kind, handcrafted prayer kneeler. Event ticket includes two drink vouchers with heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts.
Tickets $50 per person
Doors open at 6:30pm.
Projects
“Truly I say to you, this day you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus to the repentant thief on the cross
Origins
A College Student in Prison Ministry
In the fall of his senior year at the University of Cincinnati, Marty Arlinghaus meets a priest who volunteered in the Archdiocese prison ministry and invited him to come sing for Mass in the prison. Marty took him up on the offer and began volunteering at two men’s prisons. In conversation with his mentor priest in the prison ministry, they discuss what could be done for the men when they are released.
2013Inmates' Interest
Marty enters seminary and continues to visit the prisons. He discovers that some of the participants show keen interest in the liturgy of the hours and a way of structuring their day with prayer.
2015A Unique Question
Marty takes the reigns of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Prison Ministry. An inmate at Lebanon Correctional Institution asks him if a guy like him could become a priest. It would be practically impossible for this man to accomplish such a goal without strong community support. Marty feels in prayer like this need is becoming a call from God.
2019Beginning the Mission
The mission begins to create a new model for prison ministry that will include a monastery welcoming the formerly incarcerated at its heart. Marty gathers volunteers, professionals, and fellow believers to pursue it. Marty is introduced to the story of Alessandro Serenelli. The community decides to name itself in honor of him because of the acceptance of forgiveness from his victim and the transformation that occurred in his heart because of the grace of God given through St. Maria’s forgiveness. Alessandro also made his way into a monastery that welcomed him after his release.
January 2020Incorporation
The board of directors signs the articles of incorporation and files with the state. They begin looking for a suitable neighborhood and church in hopes of obtaining an abandoned church and rectory to restore it. They discover Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Sedamsville. After being introduced to the civic association, the core Serenelli team and the board of directors focus their efforts on Sedamsville and Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
August 22, 2020Our Top Community Partners
“For the love of Jesus, I do forgive Alessandro Serenelli, and I want him to be with me in paradise.”
St. Maria Goretti
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