Release Date: May 29, 2025
Devastating fire at St. John the Baptist Church in Maria Stein
The following statement was released by Archbishop Robert G. Casey this afternoon to the people of St. John the Baptist Church in Maria Stein, Ohio:
Dear parishioners of St. John the Baptist,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the fire this afternoon at our beloved St. John the Baptist Church in Maria Stein. While the fire appears to have caused great damage, I am confident that the faith of this community remains strong.
Please know that I am holding each of you in prayer during this time of sorrow and loss. I will remain united with you in prayer in the coming days, months and beyond.
May Christ, our light in every darkness, bring each of you comfort, strength and peace.
In Christ,
Archbishop Robert G. Casey
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati is the 45th 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.
Jennifer Schack
Director of Media Relations
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Office | 513.263.6618
Cell | 859.512.5626
