Faithful Citizenship Field Trip for Catholic School Students

Come Learn About the Church's Role in Public Policy
For Catholic School Students in 7th through 12th Grade

The Catholic Conference of Ohio (CCO) invites Catholic school students in 7th through 12th grade to visit the CCO office in tandem with an Ohio Statehouse tour. The CCO will present to students in our office for approximately 45 minutes about the Church’s impact across Ohio and our role in the Church, as well as an introduction to Faithful Citizenship and Catholic social teaching.

See details below on how to plan your field trip.

Student Learning Objectives

After completing the field trip to the Catholic Conference of Ohio, students will be able to:

Summarize the breadth of the Catholic Church’s impact across Ohio: schools, hospitals, parishes, charities, etc.
Recognize the role of the Conference as the official voice of the Catholic Church in Ohio on matters of public policy and government relations
Identify the foundations of Faithful Citizenship and Catholic social teaching, particularly human dignity

Resources for Teachers & Students

Staff from the Catholic Conference of Ohio will provide an introduction into the USCCB Document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, and provide a general overview of Catholic Social Teaching. If you wish to go more in depth on these topics with your students, below are links to more information:
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
Catholic Social Teaching

In addition, the Ohio Statehouse website provides a list of resource links to help you prepare for your vist:
Ohio Statehouse - Teacher Resources

Planning Your Field Trip

It is highly recommended to coordinate your visit to CCO alongside a tour of the Ohio Statehouse.

Step 1: Schedule the Ohio Statehouse Tour
Call 614-728-3726 or 1-888-OHIO-123 to schedule your tour. Tours can also be scheduled via email, which may be more efficient depending on your schedule and phone access: [email protected].

Groups of 10 or more are required to make reservations at least two weeks in advance to ensure a guide is available. Larger groups are urged to make reservations as far in advance as possible to receive your first choice in dates. Please note that dates in April and May tend to fill very quickly. We recommend that you book your spring tour as early in the school year as possible.

View more details at: www.ohiostatehouse.org/visit/school-and-group-tours

Step 2: Contact Your Local Legislators
Once you've secured the date of your visit, let your local legislators know when you will be visiting to see if they, or one of their staff, can speak with your students.

To find your local legislators and contact information: Enter the school's address here to find your representatives. Click on the picture of the legislator and then click on the "Contact" tab to submit a form letting them know the specific date and time you will be visisting and that you are in their district and would enjoy having someone speak to your students.

Step 3: Book Your Catholic Conference of Ohio (CCO) Visit
Schedule your visit to the CCO after confirming your Ohio Statehouse tour and legislator presentations. Simply COMPLETE THIS FORM and we will be in touch within a few days to confirm. If you have any specific questions, please reach out to Michelle Duffey, Associate Director of Communication, at [email protected].

Things to Note

Security: If touring the Ohio Statehouse, each participant will have to go through security with a metal detector and scanner for bags. Therefore, it is recommended to have the students refrain from bringing backpacks or large bags to expedite the process.

Lunch/Snacks: If desired, box lunches may be ordered for $6-$12 each from the Capitol Cafe at the Ohio Statehouse - click here for the order form. You may also choose to bring your own lunches and eat outside on the grounds of Capitol Square or in the hallway with green benches directly off of the Map Room. While visiting the CCO office, we will have water available and provide light snacks.

Bus Information

There are a few different options for drop-off and pick-up, depending on your schedule of events.

Catholic Confernence of Ohio:
Students may be dropped-off/picked-up on E. Lynn Street (more like an alley), between the Renaissance Hotel and Chase Building. Please note that E. Lynn Street is one-way, heading East.

Ohio Statehouse:
Students may be dropped-off/picked-up in front of the N. Third Street entrance to the Ohio Statehouse. Please note that N. Third St. is one-way, heading South. The buses can then go around the corner to park on E. State Street, or in overflow parking on E. Broad Street. Click here to view a map.