Two Churches, One Parish in Butler County
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish brings together two Roman Catholic congregations in neighboring Butler County communities: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 400 Nilles Road in Fairfield, and St. Ann Catholic Church at 3028 Pleasant Avenue in Hamilton. Together the parish serves nearly 2,100 Catholic households and a congregation of more than 7,000 members, organized around three parochial departments: church, school, and religious education. Father David Sunberg serves as pastor of the combined parish, with Father Kraig Gruss as parochial vicar and Father Stephen J. Mondiek as pastor of St. Ann.
The two campuses have been a single pastoral region since 2013, and the parish carries the motto "Faith, Unity, Hope" across both locations. Three principal Masses at each campus form the rhythm of the week, complemented by weekday Masses, an African Catholic Mass celebrated in the parish, and a full sacramental and formation program. The parish belongs to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and operates two parish schools, Sacred Heart of Jesus School and St. Ann Catholic School, both serving kindergarten through grade eight.
Mass Across Two Campuses
Weekend Masses are celebrated at both campuses. At Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Fairfield, the Saturday Vigil Mass is at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday Masses are at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. At St. Ann Catholic Church in Hamilton, the Saturday Vigil Mass is at 5:00 p.m. and the Sunday Mass is at 9:30 a.m. Weekday Masses at Sacred Heart are celebrated Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8:15 a.m.; there is no Wednesday Mass at Sacred Heart. St. Ann offers Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Masses at 6:30 a.m. and a Friday Mass at 8:00 a.m., with no Monday Mass. Mass is livestreamed weekly on the parish YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered at both campuses. Confessions are heard at Sacred Heart on Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and at St. Ann on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Parish office hours at Sacred Heart are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and at St. Ann on Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to stop by either office for parish registration, Mass intention requests, or sacramental preparation materials.
Sacred Heart: From 1957 Mission to Today's Parish
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church was founded in 1957 by Archbishop Karl J. Alter, with Father Hugo Mentink as the first pastor. The original combination church and school building was dedicated in January 1960. Six additional classrooms followed in 1963 and a small gym in 1980. The present church building was completed in 1989, and liturgical-environment modifications were carried out in 1993 and 1994.
Seven pastors have led Sacred Heart across nearly seven decades. Father Mentink served from 1957 to 1974. He was followed by Father John Roettele (1974-1984), Father John Wall (1984-1990), and Father Harry Gerdes as co-pastor from 1987 to 1990. Father Norman Langenbrunner led the parish from 1990 to 2006, and Father Larry Tharp from 2006 to 2025. Father David Sunberg became pastor in 2025. The Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, Indiana, staffed the day school and taught CCD classes for many years, leaving a long legacy in Catholic education at the parish.
Today Sacred Heart is the larger of the two campuses, with three main parochial departments: church, school, and religious education. The church staff meets weekly to plan activities and respond to parish needs, and the Parish Council gathers six times a year as a consultative body of elected representatives who assess parish life and recommend policy.
St. Ann: A Lindenwald Parish Since 1909
St. Ann Catholic Church has roots that run deeper. Its history begins in the early years of the twentieth century, when Catholic families in the Lindenwald neighborhood of Hamilton found it difficult to reach St. Joseph Church on the unpaved Mt. Pleasant Pike. Informal gatherings in Catholic homes, including a meeting at the Eckert home on Laurel Avenue in 1907, led to a formal petition to Archbishop Henry J. Moeller. On July 26, 1908, the feast of St. Anne, Father Holthaus offered the first Mass in a rented house on Hooven Avenue, and St. Ann was born as a mission of St. Joseph Parish.
Father Herman N. Santen was appointed the first resident pastor on August 30, 1909. The school opened on September 20, 1909, with forty-six children in five grades taught by two lay teachers. Father Santen also broke ground on the combination church and school on Pleasant Avenue in April 1910, and on Christmas Day 1910 the first Mass was celebrated in the basement. Archbishop Moeller dedicated the completed structure on June 22, 1911. Father Santen died on March 18, 1914, and was succeeded by Father Albert J. Van Den Bosch, who guided the parish through the early challenges of debt and growth and oversaw construction of the present limestone church, designed by Cincinnati architect Edward J. Schulte and built by Edward Honnert of Mt. Healthy.
The church was used for the first time on Christmas Day 1937 and dedicated by Archbishop McNicholas in 1938. Its interior holds striking artistic treasures: altar woodwork, organ screens, and side chapels from the E. Hackner Altar Company of LaCrosse, Wisconsin; stained glass windows from the Emil Frei Art Glass Company of St. Louis, with the firm's signature palette of blue, gray, and pale green; limestone Stations of the Cross carved by Carolyn Zimmermann; paintings in the sanctuary credited to her husband, J. Carl Zimmerman; and bells from the E. W. Vanduzen Co. of Cincinnati. Pews came from the Josephinum Church Furniture Co., and pews, doors, and furnishings reflect the collaboration of Cincinnati-area craftsmen and religious-supply houses of the late 1930s.
St. Ann marked its centennial in 2009, and St. Ann Catholic School turned 100 in 2011. Father Stephen J. Mondiek, a Dayton native who worked as a mechanical engineer for seventeen years before entering St. Mary's of the West Seminary, is the current pastor. The parish community continues to maintain long-standing organizations including the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Rosary Society (originally founded as the All Souls Society), the Pleasant Athletic Club, and a Church League Softball team.
Schools in the Faith Tradition
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish operates two parish schools, each serving kindergarten through grade eight with a combined total of around 450 students. Sacred Heart of Jesus School, located on the Fairfield campus, is led by Principal Heather Wagner. St. Ann Catholic School, located at 3064 Pleasant Avenue in Hamilton, is led by Principal Jennifer Klein. Both schools are parish-structured schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati that prepare students to be productive citizens and followers of Christ.
St. Ann Catholic School's stated philosophy is to develop each child spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically within the context of a living Catholic Christian community, working in cooperation with the pastor, principal, faculty, staff, and parents. Teachers, parents, and staff members work together to ensure that every student grows in faith, knows they are loved by God, and is treated with dignity and respect. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati Foundation for Catholic Education (CEF-SGO) provides tuition scholarships for K-12 students in the Catholic schools of the archdiocese, and parishioners can direct CEF-SGO donations to benefit Sacred Heart and St. Ann Schools.
Sacraments and Religious Formation
The parish celebrates all seven Catholic sacraments. Infant baptism (through age six) is celebrated on the second Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Campus and on the fourth Sunday at the St. Ann Campus, with a baptismal preparation course required beforehand. Parents of children older than six are directed to the Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC), and adults seeking baptism or full communion with the Catholic Church participate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), also known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
Religious education classes for public grade school children are held on Monday evenings. The Parish Program gathers students for weekly classes on the parish campus, while the Home Program supports families who prefer to teach the faith at home. Both pathways prepare children for First Eucharist and Confirmation. SafeParish is the archdiocesan safe-environment program required of all parish and school volunteers who work with minors.
Other sacraments are prepared for individually. Reconciliation is offered as listed above and by appointment. First Communion Sundays are celebrated each spring. Confirmation is conferred in late winter or early spring. Couples preparing for marriage meet with a priest, and the parish walks with families through the death of a loved one through its Bereavement Committee, which helps plan Funeral Masses at either campus. Anointing of the Sick is available to those who are seriously ill or facing surgery, and the parish also supports vocations to the priesthood and religious life through prayer and discernment opportunities.
Men's Ministry: That Man Is You
The parish hosts "That Man Is You!" (TMIY), an interactive men's program that combines contemporary research with Catholic teaching and the wisdom of the saints. The program addresses the pressures and temptations men face in modern culture and seeks to form men capable of transforming their homes and society. TMIY meets on Thursday mornings in Fellowship Hall at the Sacred Heart Campus, beginning with fellowship and a light breakfast at 6:00 a.m., followed by a presentation at 6:30 a.m., small-group discussion at 7:00 a.m., and dismissal at 7:30 a.m. Coffee and a light breakfast are provided. A multi-week calendar guides the program through the year.
Liturgical and Pastoral Ministries
Worship at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish is supported by a wide range of lay liturgical and pastoral ministries: lectors, communion distributors, ushers, lay liturgical presiders, altar servers, collection counters, funeral coordinators, wedding coordinators, liturgical environment ministers, gardeners, the Arimatheans, and the Marthas (a hospitality ministry). A Prayer Chain lifts up intentions, and a Health Ministry and Blood Bank extend the parish's presence beyond the church walls. The worship life is directed by Director of Worship and Music Director Melody Wallace.
Music at St. Ann has a long lineage. Julius Kollstedt directed music for many years and was succeeded by Kathy Prough, then Virginia Cooney, and since September 2001 by Rick Crone, who continues in that role. Folk-style ("guitar") Masses emerged alongside more traditional music following the Second Vatican Council, and the parish has supported both styles. At Sacred Heart, the parish's heritage of organ, choral, and contemporary music enriches the weekend and weekday liturgies.
The parish also maintains relationships with Catholic service organizations that operate locally. The Knights of Columbus council associated with the parish can be reached through its Facebook page, and Boy Scout Troop 967 meets at the parish. The St. Vincent de Paul Society, especially active at St. Ann, has long been one of the extending hands of parish generosity to the poor and needy. Organizations such as Women Together and Women of Faith bring the women of the parish together for fellowship, formation, and service.
Bereavement and Funeral Planning
When a loved one dies, family members contact the parish office to arrange a funeral with a priest. Once the Funeral Mass is scheduled, a member of the Bereavement Committee calls the family to plan the liturgy. For funerals at the Sacred Heart Campus, the committee uses a detailed Funeral Planning Book that walks families through the choices for First Reading, Second Reading, Gospel Reading, petitions, music, and poetry. For funerals at the St. Ann Campus, the committee arranges a similar meeting to choose readings and plan the Mass.
Music suggestions, poem suggestions, and sample petitions are all gathered in advance to make the planning process as gentle as possible for grieving families. The Mass Intention policy of the parish allows each donor to schedule up to four Masses per year, with no more than two of those on a weekend; intentions for loved ones are recorded in the parish Mass Intention Book in exchange for a $5 stipend. Funerals are also offered as Mass Intentions, with the option for the Bereavement Committee to assist with all of the liturgical details.
Annual Rhythms and Festivals
The parish marks each year with a familiar rhythm of celebrations. Parish Penance Services are held during Advent and Lent. First Communion Sundays take place in the spring, and Confirmation is celebrated in late winter or early spring. The Mission Cooperative Collection is taken up during the summer months, and each summer brings the Sacred Heart Festival in August, one of the largest gatherings of the parish year. The St. Ann Festival (also called the Fiesta since 1971) is another beloved summer tradition.
The parish also hosts Vacation Bible School during the summer for incoming kindergarten through fifth-grade students. VBS gathers children at the Sacred Heart Campus for a week of games, crafts, songs, snacks, and prayer, with a special celebration on the final day. The annual Sacred Heart Golf Outing brings together parishioners and supporters for a day of fellowship and fundraising, and the parish also offers CEF-SGO donation opportunities throughout the year to support Catholic school tuition.
Becoming Catholic and Lifelong Faith Formation
Adults who wish to become Catholic or who are already baptized Christians seeking full communion with the Catholic Church are welcomed into the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). The OCIA process guides inquirers through the periods of evangelization, election, and mystagogia, leading to reception of the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), typically at the Easter Vigil. The parish's Director of Evangelization, Brett Hill, coordinates the process along with a team of catechists and sponsors.
Ongoing formation is supported through the parish's subscription to FORMED, a digital platform of Catholic videos, audio talks, and e-books. The parish also maintains a Newcomers page that walks new neighbors through the registration process and answers frequently asked questions about Mass, sacraments, and getting involved. Parishioners can register online or in person, request reserved seating accommodations for elderly or disabled family members, and request Mass cards for the deceased.
African Catholic Mass and a Wider Community
Beyond the regular schedule of English-language Masses, the parish celebrates an African Catholic Mass that brings together worshippers from across the region for liturgy enriched by African music, prayer, and cultural expression. The African Catholic Mass is one of the ways Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish embraces the cultural diversity of the Catholic faithful in Butler County. Combined with parish events like the Sacred Heart Festival, St. Ann Festival, and the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfasts, the African Catholic Mass is part of a broader communal life that extends well beyond Sunday worship.
The parish is also connected to wider Catholic institutions through the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio. These partnerships support Catholic education, charitable outreach, and the work of social services throughout the region.
Parish Governance and Staff
The parish is led by Father David Sunberg, pastor, with Father Kraig Gruss serving as parochial vicar. Father Stephen J. Mondiek is the pastor of St. Ann Catholic Church. Deacon Mike Huffman assists at liturgies and parish events. Administrative and formation staff include Pamela Andorn (Administrative Assistant), Kathy Middendorf (Director of Administration), Brett Hill (Director of Evangelization), Kelly Denney (Coordinator of Religious Education), Melody Wallace (Director of Worship and Music Director), Bill Dirr (Director of Property Management), and Lauren Obszarski (Communications and Support Coordinator).
The Parish Council meets six times each year and serves as a consultative body of elected representatives. Additional commissions and committees include the Education Commission, Finance Committee, Mission Commission, Peace and Justice Commission, Worship Commission, PTS (Parent Teacher Spirit), Boosters, Scouts, Young Adult Ministry, Small Faith Communities, Health Ministry, and Blood Bank.
Joining the Parish
Newcomers are invited to register as parishioners online or by visiting either parish office. Once registered, parishioners can request Mass Intentions for loved ones, schedule sacraments, volunteer for ministries through the Ministry Volunteer form, and receive the weekly bulletin. Online giving is available through WeShare, with separate portals for Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and St. Ann Catholic Church. The parish also publishes a Photo Directory from time to time, and families are invited to sign up for a sitting.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish is a community shaped by two histories: Sacred Heart, founded in 1957 as a new parish in growing Fairfield, and St. Ann, born in 1909 in the Lindenwald neighborhood of Hamilton and now in its second century of Catholic life. Together they form a parish committed to growing in communion with the Father, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, and being a listening, worshipping, serving, and loving people.