Catholic Family Night 2026 was one of faith, family, and fastballs. While two rain delays postponed the special post game event in which Sal Stewart, Emilio Pagan, and Tejay Antone planned to share their personal testimonies of faith, hundreds of Catholic families still gathered for a late-night Cincinnati Reds victory, besting the Milwaukee Brewers 5-3.

This year the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Diocese of Covington collaborated to celebrate Catholic families and to honor those in our local communities who put love into action. Nine individuals who live out this calling through service gathered on the field before the game began.

These individuals were chosen from three local agencies that provide help, create hope and change lives: Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio, Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Covington. 

From Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley: 

Rocco Latino volunteers for the RideConnect Program, providing transportation to medical appointments and employment for vulnerable populations. In three years, Rocco has volunteered nearly 400 hours and driven more than 10,000 miles to help others. 

Charles Bizimana is an employment specialist with the Refugee Services program, supporting refugees in developing job skills and English language proficiency. Charles is known for tireless energy, a positive attitude and a unique ability to build bridges. 

Mary Reid is the new CEO, having served the agency for more than 11 years. Under her leadership the agency continues strengthening individuals and families through acts of faith, service and charity. 

From Catholic Charities Diocese of Covington: 

Sister Nancy Heman is a Notre Dame Sister and true go-getter. At 83 years old her energy and dedication continue to inspire. Sister Nancy volunteers at Mobile Food Pantries and lives out the corporal works of mercy with great passion. 

Jorja Kremer volunteers at the Parish Kitchen in Covington, maintaining gardens that provide produce for daily meals and serving in the kitchen. In the past year the Parish Kitchen has served more than 50,000 free meals to anyone who is hungry. 

Chuck Faeth volunteers for the Jail Ministry program, visiting individuals incarcerated at the Kenton County Detention Center each week — offering a compassionate ear, sharing his love for Jesus and bringing hope to those in difficult circumstances. 

From Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio: 

Angie Homoelle coordinates the Caregiver Assistance Network, overseeing support services and programming for those who care for disabled, chronically ill or aging family members — work that often goes unnoticed. 

Tony Stieritz is CEO of Catholic Charities, an agency that serves 11 counties and around 20,000 individuals annually through emergency assistance, hunger relief, counseling, family empowerment, senior and caregiver support, and migrant and refugee services. 

Daniel Minera is Director of the Su Casa Hispanic Center, providing emergency assistance, case management, education and health services to vulnerable Hispanic and Latino immigrants in Greater Cincinnati. 

Savannah Baumgartner delivered the game ball to the mound.

The National Anthem was sung by African American Catholic Choir, comprised of choir members from several Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.  

Cincinnati’s Archbishop Robert G. Casey and Covington’s Bishop John C. Iffert were honorary captains for the evening’s game. 

Father Michael Willig threw the ceremonial first pitch, while his brother Fr. Jacob Willig caught. Ordained a priest in 2022, Father Michael is currently the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Father Jacob is currently a theology instructor at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. Fathers Willig are nephews to the well-known late-Father Jim Willig who died 25 years ago and was an inspiration to many local Catholics.