PDF of Press Release

Release Date:  Sept. 30, 2025

Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Renew Partnership with New Memorandum of Understanding

For decades, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio have worked together in the character and leadership development of young girls. At the present moment, however, we find ourselves with areas of significant differences.  The Catholic Church is a religious organization, and Girl Scouts is a secular organization. Nevertheless, these differences do not prevent us from seeking common ground that allows us to be united in our commitment to young girls and our shared hope for their future as leaders of our communities.

In recent months, our two organizations have engaged in intentional dialogue, grounded in mutual respect and a shared dedication to the well-being of girls. These conversations explored ways to continue working together in pursuit of our missions, even amid differences in our understanding of identity and the human person. The dialogue has been both fruitful and constructive, helping us envision the next chapter of our relationship.

As a result of this renewed clarity and common ground, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio are pleased to announce the continuation of our longstanding partnership. Together, we will build on our decades of collaboration and continue to work together to strengthen and support the girls in our communities.

“I am proud of this dialogue and the way we have focused on our shared desire for the flourishing of young women in virtue and faith, rather than being solely focused on our differences,” said Most Reverend Robert Casey, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. “Girl Scouts is a secular organization, and as such, they do not share all of our views. As the Catholic Church we are called to uphold the Gospel and teach young people the Truth of the Catholic faith. Despite these differences, we have reached a mutual understanding that allows us to fulfill our mission as Church in the faithful formation of young girls while also accessing all that is best about Girl Scouting.”

“Girl Scouts of Western Ohio and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati have helped generations of girls to grow in their faith and develop the critical thinking and decision-making skills they need in order to act on the values of their faith in our complex world,” said Aimée Sproles, President & CEO of Girl Scouts of Western Ohio. “At Girl Scouts, we believe that a part of girls’ healthy development is encouraging girls in their spiritual journey, through partnerships with their individual faith communities. This renewed partnership allows our Catholic Girl Scouts to have the support of their family and the Catholic community as they grow in courage, confidence, and character.”

As of this announcement, Girl Scout troops are welcome on Catholic campuses with the support and approval of the parish pastor and after entering into the Archdiocese and GSWO Facility Use Agreement with parishes. Upon meeting these requirements, Girl Scout troops can continue as a ministry or extracurricular activity on Catholic parish and school campuses.

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The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati is the 45^th largest Catholic diocese in the country, with nearly 440,000 Catholics, and has the fifth largest Catholic school system in terms of enrollment with more than 41,000 students.  The 19-county territory includes 199 canonical parishes organized into 57 Families of Parishes, and 111 Catholic primary and secondary schools. 

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gswo.org, or follow Girl Scouts of Western Ohio on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

 

Jennifer Schack

Director of Media Relations

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Office | 513.263.6618

Cell | 859.512.5626

[email protected]

 

KayAnn Taylor Rutter

Director of Marketing & Communications

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

Office | 513.619.1431

[email protected]

PDF of Press Release

Release Date:  September 24, 2025

Update from the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati regarding Fr. Ed Burns’ administrative leave: 

Last week, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Pastoral Center shared that Fr. Ed Burns, pastor of St. Carlo Acutis Family of Parishes, had been placed on administrative leave after a computer previously used by him at St. Michael Parish was reported to have accessed inappropriate websites. A parish employee turned over the computer to leadership at the Pastoral Center, along with a document listing various websites that may have been accessed on the device.

As shared last week, placement on administrative leave is not a presumption of guilt. It is a procedural step intended to protect all parties and allow for an objective investigation.

In accordance with archdiocesan policy the matter was referred to law enforcement. At the direction of the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, the computer was provided to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for forensic investigation.

This investigation is now complete. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office informed us that it conducted a full forensic review of the computer and found no evidence of any criminal, pornographic, or inappropriate material of any kind.

While questions regarding the technical aspects of the investigation should be directed to the forensic experts at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office, we understand that the initial list of concerning websites that was provided to the Pastoral Center was not in fact a list of websites that had actually been accessed by anyone using the computer.  Instead, the websites were obtained from an anti-malware program installed on the computer.  The individual who generated the document mistakenly concluded that those websites were included in the computer’s DNS cache or temporary local storage records.

Regarding the role of the Pastoral Center in this matter: this list of websites was generated by the son of a parish employee and presented to the Pastoral Center by the parish employee. The list was not generated at the request of archdiocesan leadership. After reviewing the document that included the list of websites thought to have been possibly accessed on the computer, both the computer and list were promptly handed over to law enforcement. Archdiocesan leadership did not even turn on the computer while in possession of it.

This investigation by the Hamilton County Sherriff’s Office exonerates Father Burns of any wrongdoing. Given that the reason for Fr. Burns’ administrative leave has been demonstrated to be unfounded, effective immediately, Fr. Burns is no longer on administrative leave and will resume his duties as pastor of the St. Carlo Acutis Family of Parishes.

Archbishop Robert Casey expresses his gratitude for Father Burns’ patience and cooperation during this process, and for his ongoing service to God, the Church, and his parishioners.

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati remains committed to transparency in all matters. That commitment must always be balanced with respect for the individuals involved, the integrity of investigative processes, and the public’s trust in the safeguards that are in place. This balance can be difficult to maintain when public pressure demands immediate answers, but the archdiocese remains steadfast in its responsibility to pursue truth with diligence and integrity. Trust is built not only through openness but also through consistent adherence to due process and established protocols, both of which were followed in this case.

The archdiocese thanks the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for their professional investigation, and the Catholic faithful for their prayers and patience during this time.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati is the 45^th largest Catholic diocese in the country, with nearly 440,000 Catholics, and has the fifth largest Catholic school system in terms of enrollment with more than 40,000 students.  The 19-county territory includes 199 canonical parishes organized into 57 Families of Parishes, and 108 Catholic primary and secondary schools.

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Jennifer Schack

Director of Media Relations

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Office | 513.263.6618

Cell | 859.512.5626

[email protected]

 

 

 

PDF of Press Release

Event Contact

Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains

Office | 513.421.5354

W H A T | 21st Annual Blue Mass Celebration

W H E N | Sunday, September 28, 2025 – Blessing 9:45 A.M. followed by Mass at 10 A.M.

W H E R E | Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains: 325 W. 8^th St., Cincinnati OH

 

Release Date:  Sept. 18, 2025

A Blessing and Mass for those who Protect the Community

 

Reverend Steve Angi, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Police Chaplain, will celebrate a Mass to honor those who protect our community each day. An outdoor blessing of first response vehicles will take place outside the Cathedral Basilica along 8^th and Plum Street beginning at 9:45 A.M. This will be followed by Mass at 10 A.M.

 

Both Greater Cincinnati Police and Public Safety Personnel are expected to be in attendance. People of all faiths are invited to join in prayer for the men and women who work tirelessly to ensure safe communities. Refreshment and fellowship will follow Mass.

 

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati is the 45^th largest Catholic diocese in the country, with nearly 440,000 Catholics, and has the fifth largest Catholic school system in terms of enrollment with more than 41,000 students.  The 19-county territory includes 199 canonical parishes organized into 57 Families of Parishes, and 111 Catholic primary and secondary schools.

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Jennifer Schack

Director of Media Relations

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Office | 513.263.6618

Cell | 859.512.5626

[email protected]

 

PDF of Press Release

Release Date:  September 16, 2025

Information from the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati regarding Fr. Edward Burns:

As recently announced at weekend Masses, Fr. Edward Burns was placed on administrative leave by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati pending an investigation. An administrative leave does not entail a presumption of guilt.

At St. Michael the Archangel Parish, where Fr. Burns has been pastor since 2018, a computer that had been used by Fr. Burns was being repurposed. During that process, an employee uncovered the possibility that concerning websites were accessed, including pornography sites. This information was brought to the attention of the Pastoral Center and then reported by the Pastoral Center to law enforcement for their review.

Fr. Burns will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. While on administrative leave Fr. Burns is not present in the parish offices and will not be on school campuses.

As this is an open investigation, we have no additional information to share at this time. 

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati is the 45^th largest Catholic diocese in the country, with nearly 440,000 Catholics, and has the fifth largest Catholic school system in terms of enrollment with more than 40,000 students.  The 19-county territory includes 199 canonical parishes organized into 57 Families of Parishes, and 108 Catholic primary and secondary schools.

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Jennifer Schack

Director of Media Relations

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Office | 513.263.6618

Cell | 859.512.5626

[email protected]