Following the ruling of a Franklin County judge on the EdChoice program, Brian Hickey, executive director for the Catholic Conference of Ohio released the following statement:

“We remain confident the EdChoice program will prevail in the appeals process. Ensuring EdChoice scholarships for students is a matter of social justice, as it allows for equal opportunities for all of Ohio’s children. It is also sensible public policy, encouraging a more robust education system for families that ultimately benefits society and the common good.

The Catholic Church will continue to advocate for and defend programs that support parents as the primary educators of their children and enable them to select a school that best suits their child’s needs. We are proud that Catholic schools in Ohio continue to flourish with ethnic and racial diversity while providing a rich spiritual and intellectual environment. Catholic schools, like other chartered nonpublic schools in Ohio, work closely with the Department of Education and Workforce to adhere to state chartering requirements, including operating standards, teacher licensing, state audits and approved testing."

The Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association (OCSAA) seeks an innovative Director with a vision to lead the state accreditation process and support Catholic schools across Ohio. Passionate about his/her Catholic faith, the successful candidate will work with school leaders, explore possibilities for systems level-thinking, reimagine the school improvement process, and take initiative to refine protocols to support strategic growth for all schools. The Director reports to the Executive Director of the Catholic Conference of Ohio (CCO) and works collaboratively with the OCSAA Commission, comprised of the diocesan Superintendents in Ohio.

View the full job description and application process >

Habemus papam! Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, Chicago-born prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, has been elected the 267th pope of the Catholic Church and has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.

“Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV. May God bless and protect him as he shepherds the Church. Holy Spirit, guide Pope Leo XIV in bringing peace and building a civilization of love throughout the world.” – Brian Hickey, Executive Director for the CCO

The Catholic Bishops of Ohio invite all the faithful to spend time with Jesus and pray for our nation, state, and government leaders in the Ohio capitol building.

Eucharistic Adoration will take place:
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Governor Thomas Worthington Center (inside the Ohio Statehouse) 
1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio, 43215

Click Here for Details >

"In proclaiming the Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis showed us through his words and actions the Christian mission. We will remember exhortations of Pope Francis to shake off our indifference to suffering, get out of our comfort zones, and bring the light of Christ to those often discarded by society. We, at the Catholic Conference of Ohio, will continue to give thanks for Pope Francis' service to the Church and world while mourning his death.” - Brian Hickey, Executive Director for the CCO

Bishop of Ohio statements:

Archbishop Robert G. Casey & Archbishop Emeritus Dennis M. Schnurr, Cincinnati >
Bishop Edward C. Malesic, Cleveland >
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes, Columbus >
Bishop Edward M. Lohse, Steubenville >
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, Toledo >
Bishop David. J. Bonnar, Youngstown >
Bishop Robert M. Pipta, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma >

In response to the introduction of House Bill 72 and Senate Bill 134, the Catholic Bishops of Ohio sent a letter to members of the 136th General Assembly urging them to uphold a consistent ethic of life by prohibiting the State of Ohio from funding the intentional termination of human life­­­­––including abortion, euthanasia, and execution––and to abolish the death penalty in favor of life without parole.

The bishops wrote, “A government that sanctions the destruction of human life through taxpayer funding of abortion, euthanasia, or the use of capital punishment undermines the dignity of those it exists to serve and protect. If taxpayer dollars are used to end life in the womb and hasten the death of the elderly, infirm, and suffering, what message does this send? Instead, state funds should be used to advance the common good and to accompany and support those in need.“

The bishops also call for the abolition of the death penalty, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which states, “…more effective systems of detention have been developed, which ensure the due protection of citizens but, at the same time, do not definitively deprive the guilty of the possibility of redemption.” 
 
Click “Read more” to view the full letter. Click here to learn more about HB 72 and SB 134.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio is bringing Catholics from across Ohio to the Statehouse to meet with our elected officials and advocate for policies that respect life, focus on the poor and vulnerable, and recognize families as the central social institution of society. Diocesan contacts will help coordinate meetings with legislators and lunch will be provided.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 starting at 9:15am
Downtown Columbus (CCO office, Ohio Statehouse, and Riffe Center)

View Details and Register Here >

The Catholic Conference of Ohio testified in support of Senate Bill 86 to prohibit the sale of intoxicating hemp products, except for sales at licensed dispensaries; to regulate drinkable cannabinoid products, and to levy taxes on drinkable cannabinoid products and other intoxicating hemp products. CCO stated, “The rapid spread of unregulated intoxicating hemp products represents a serious threat not just to public safety but to the moral fabric of our state. … By setting clear guidelines on permitted THC levels and requiring rigorous testing, labeling, and advertising standards, SB 86 ensures that consumers are informed, products are accurately represented, and minors are protected.”

 Click “Read more” for the full testimony.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio testified in support of school choice proposals in House Bill 96, the budget bill. While expressing appreciation for supporting Catholic school families through the EdChoice program, the CCO requested consideration of two proposals. First, to extend Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid (DPIA) to chartered nonpublic school students living in high-poverty areas. The second proposal is to allow the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship amounts in chartered nonpublic schools to match those in public districts. Governor DeWine's Executive Budget retained all the school choice programs currently in effect during the 2024-2025 school year.

As part of the "Year of Mission" during the National Eucharistic Revival, the Catholic Bishops of Ohio invite all the faithful to spend time with Jesus and pray for our nation, state, and government leaders in the Ohio capitol building.

Eucharistic Adoration will take place:
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Governor Thomas Worthington Center (inside the Ohio Statehouse) 
1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio, 43215

Click Here for Details >