History
2013 – 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.
2015
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.
2019
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.
January 2020
The mission begins to start a monastic community for prison ministry that welcomes the formerly incarcerated. 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 and struggle and perseverance in his conversion.
March 2020
Covid-19 hits. Everything has to be done online. The prisons are locked down and ministry continues only via dropping materials off. The Serenelli Project community continues its conceptual and foundational work.
August 2020
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.
2022 – First House
The Serenelli Project purchases the first property in Sedamsville. Renovations begin shortly thereafter.
June 2023 – House Chapel Complete
After months of renovations done entirely by volunteers, the front room of the house is transformed into the chapel of St. Maria Goretti. Archbishop Dennis Schnurr blesses the chapel and celebrates the first Mass in it June 17, 2023, the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
January 2024 – First employee
Serenelli Project hires its first employee, Josh Petroze, who attended Catholic programs while incarcerated at Lebanon Correctional Institution.
June 2024 – House renovated and Serenelli Industries
The Serenelli house in Sedamsville is unveiled after extensive renovation headed up by volunteer project manager Mike O’Donnell. The next project is announced, a monastic flower garden on a vacant lot in the neighborhood named after St. Maria Goretti. Josh moves from being General Manager to the pioneer of Serenelli Industries as its first employee.
Spring 2025
Work begins to lay the next building block of the Serenelli community by creating parish groups serving local mission fields of incarceration such as county jails, halfway houses, juvenile centers, and rehab centers.