The Diocese of Columbus is a Catholic community in central and southern Ohio that brings people together through worship, Catholic education, formation, social outreach, evangelization, and service. We are the people of God in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus. Through Baptism we are called together as members of the community of faith established by Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Diocese of Columbus serves communities across 23 counties and is led by Bishop Earl K. Fernandes, the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus. The diocese supports parishes, schools, ministries, charitable initiatives, clergy, religious communities, and programs that help Catholics encounter Jesus Christ and live their faith in the world.
Overview of the Diocese of Columbus
Founded in 1868, the Diocese of Columbus is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. It is a nonprofit religious institution representing the people of God in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Diocese of Columbus |
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Industry | Religious Institutions |
| Headquarters | Columbus, Ohio |
| Founded | 1868 |
| Area of ministry | 23 counties |
The diocese describes its mission through the life of the Catholic Church: worship, discipleship, education, formation, outreach, and service. Its ministries and offices serve parishes and communities throughout the diocese, while Catholic schools and formation programs support the spiritual and intellectual development of children, young people, and adults.
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes
The Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes was ordained and installed as the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus on May 31, 2022. He holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Alphonsian Academy in Rome and serves on several USCCB committees and sub-committees.
As bishop, Fernandes provides spiritual and pastoral leadership for the diocese, including its parishes, Catholic schools, clergy, religious communities, and ministries. His pastoral planning priorities include vocations, Catholic education and formation, social outreach, and evangelization.
Pastoral Planning
Pastoral Planning 2025-2026 focuses on four pillars of pastoral planning: Vocations, Catholic Education and Formation, Social Outreach, and Evangelization. Parishioners from around the diocese were encouraged to give their feedback on Bishop Fernandes’ four pillars of pastoral planning.
The Pastoral Planning Survey began at the start of the summer and closed in October, 2025. The Pastoral Planning Survey took place at the beginning of the summer and closed in October, 2025.
Fr. Michael Hartge, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, took time to speak with members of the Diocesan Envisioning Team, which was created to review the Pastoral Planning survey and create next steps for implementation in the Pastoral Planning Podcast.
Vocations
Vocations are one of the four pillars of pastoral planning in the Diocese of Columbus. The diocese’s ministry of vocations supports the Church’s call to priesthood, religious life, and other forms of dedicated service.
Catholic education and formation
Catholic Education: An Act of Hope is Bishop Earl K. Fernandes’ first pastoral letter on the current state of education and the importance of Catholic education and formation as it relates to the development of the whole student.
Catholic education and formation are central to the development of the whole student. Through Catholic schools, parish religious education, sacramental preparation, and adult formation, the diocese seeks to connect intellectual growth with faith and discipleship.
Social outreach
Social outreach is another pillar of pastoral planning. The diocese’s response includes support for people affected by disasters, assistance to communities in need, and ministries that express the Church’s concern for human dignity and the common good.
Evangelization
Evangelization calls Catholics to share the Gospel and invite others into an encounter with Jesus Christ. Parishes, schools, ministries, and diocesan initiatives provide opportunities for people to grow in faith and participate in the life of the Church.
Parishes and Catholic community
Find a Parish helps people discover their spiritual home and a welcoming Catholic community in the Diocese of Columbus. Parishes are local communities where Catholics gather for Mass, the sacraments, prayer, religious education, fellowship, and service.
Each parish contributes to the larger mission of the diocese while responding to the needs of its local community. Through parish ministries and office programs, Catholics can take part in worship, formation, outreach, and evangelization.
St. Patrick Catholic Church in downtown Columbus
Welcome to St. Patrick Church in the heart of downtown Columbus, Ohio. Encounter Jesus Christ with us.
At St. Patrick’s, we strive to live out the fullness of the Catholic faith in all its many dynamic dimensions through an authentic encounter with the living Triune God. In particular, as a parish led by the Dominican friars, we strive to form the faithful in the rich liturgical and intellectual tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.
Our formed disciples are sent on mission to be the light of Jesus Christ in the world. Our church is open to everyone. Join us in growing in faith with people who have fallen in love with the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Worship and sacramental life
Join us! We’d love to welcome you to our Church and have you worship with us. Find Mass and Confession times by clicking the button below.
St. Patrick Catholic Church provides a local setting for worship, confession, spiritual guidance, Catholic formation, and participation in parish life. Its Dominican identity emphasizes the liturgical and intellectual tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.
Priests, staff, and parish ministries
Our dedicated team of priests and staff are here to provide spiritual guidance and support - as well as resources to help you growth in your Catholic faith.
Explore St. Patricks! We have vibrant ministries, many upcoming events, and service opportunities.
Religious education at St. Patrick’s
CCD classes are held on Sundays from 10:15 am - 11:30am. Additionally, we offer CGS classes (Level I and Level II) on Fridays from 9:30 am - 11:30 am.
Children who are going to receive their First Communion (2nd grade) or Confirmation (4th grade) are expected to participate in CCD classes on Sundays. Click on the link below for complete details.
Confirmation and sacramental formation
The Diocese of Columbus is lowering the age of Confirmation so children can receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit earlier, helping them grow in faith and navigate the challenges of today’s world.
The change connects sacramental preparation with the diocese’s broader emphasis on Catholic education and formation. Parish religious education programs help children and families prepare for the sacraments and participate more fully in the life of the Church.
Catholic schools and education
Catholic schools are part of the educational and evangelizing mission of the Diocese of Columbus. Catholic education and formation relate to the development of the whole student by bringing together academic learning, moral development, spiritual growth, and community life.
Keeping Catholic education affordable and accessible is one of the ongoing concerns of the diocese. Catholic schools serve students and families while helping communities cultivate faith, knowledge, service, and responsibility.
Two 2026 Columbus Catholic high school graduates completed a pilgrimage this summer known as the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) in Spain. The experience reflects the way Catholic education can extend beyond the classroom into prayer, pilgrimage, witness, and personal growth.
Ministries and offices
“To be called to ministry, to be called even to be a disciple or a Christian, is a great grace. We should not have a sense of entitlement, but rather a sense of and spirit of true service of the Lord.”
The Diocese of Columbus organizes ministries and offices around the needs of the Church and the communities it serves. These areas include Catholic education, formation, evangelization, social outreach, vocations, parish life, communications, and support for clergy and religious communities.
Through these ministries, Catholics are invited to move from receiving formation to active discipleship and service. The diocesan mission connects parish worship with practical care for neighbors, families, students, immigrants, people affected by disasters, and those who serve the wider community.
Spirit of Hope Disaster Response Fund
The Spirit of Hope Disaster Response Fund was established to support the immediate and long-term needs in the Diocese of Columbus in the aftermath of a natural or man-made disaster.
A second collection will be taken up again this weekend to support those in need. You can help those affected by storm damage in our diocese.
The fund reflects the diocese’s commitment to social outreach by addressing both urgent needs and longer-term recovery. Its purpose includes support for people and communities affected by storm damage and other disasters within the diocese.
Service to the wider community
The Diocese of Columbus recognizes the sacrifice of police, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical crews, members of the public safety community, and all those who have given their lives in service to their community.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our country. Honoring all the men and women who gave their lives on that day, and those who serve as first responders in the Columbus area and beyond, Bishop Earl K. Fernandes celebrated the annual Blue Mass at Saint Timothy Church Columbus.
The Blue Mass honors and recognizes the sacrifice of police, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical crews, members of the public safety community, and all those who have given their lives in service to their community.
We are grateful for those who protect and serve our community and invite you to join us in continued prayer for their safety and protection.
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the horrific tragedy of 9/11 that rattled our nation. We invite you to pray for the souls lost on this day, and for the surviving family and friends mourning their passing. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Clergy and religious service
In July of this year, Father Leo Connolly retired after serving as a priest in the Diocese of Columbus for 45 years. His story includes ministering at 9/11 and reflects the long-term service of diocesan priests to parish communities and people in need.
Father Daniel Swartz, a priest of the Diocese of Columbus and a member of the military Corps of Chaplains, received two U.S. Navy awards for his service.
Bishop Fernandes issued a statement expressing his gratitude for the rule change for visas that will positively impact foreign-born clergy and religious.
Faith communities within the diocese
The Diocese of Columbus includes Catholic communities with different cultural, linguistic, and pastoral traditions. Over the weekend, Bishop Earl K. Fernandes celebrated Mass for the Venezuelan community at St. Peter, and to honor Our Lady of Coromoto, the patron saint of Venezuela.
Fr. David Shalk, Fr. Joseph Rowling, and Fr. Stanislaus John, SAC, concelebrated the Mass, and Deacon Fidel Pitones assisted. A relic from Guanare was also blessed during the Mass. Our Lady of Coromoto, pray for us!
These celebrations express the unity of the Catholic Church while recognizing the devotional life and cultural heritage of particular communities. Parish life provides a place where Catholics can worship together, preserve traditions, and participate in the mission of the diocese.
News and communications
The diocese publishes announcements and news about parish life, Catholic schools, clergy, ministries, liturgical celebrations, service initiatives, and community events. Read the latest announcements from the Diocese of Columbus.
The Catholic Times provides local Catholic news, voices, features, culture, sports, and galleries. Its coverage includes diocesan events, parish activities, schools, pilgrimages, clergy, and community service.
Recent diocesan news
- High school grads witness to faith on Camino: Two 2026 Columbus Catholic high school graduates completed a pilgrimage this summer known as the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) in Spain.
- Diocesan priest receives U.S. Navy awards: Father Daniel Swartz, a priest of the Diocese of Columbus and a member of the military Corps of Chaplains, received two U.S. Navy awards.
- Capital law students form group dedicated to faith, ethics: A group of Catholic law students at Capital University in Columbus have formed an organization to link their growth in the faith with what they learn.
- 480 babies and moms need prayerful presence this fall: According to recent data of reported abortions, Greater Columbus Right to Life estimates that an average of 12 babies will die by abortion each day of the year.
- Gallery: Chesterton Academy of St. Benedict Opening Mass: On Friday, August 5, Bishop Fernandes celebrated Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral for the staff, students and families of Chesterton Academy of St. Benedict.
St. Joseph Cathedral and diocesan celebrations
St. Joseph Cathedral serves as an important setting for diocesan celebrations. Bishop Fernandes celebrated Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral for the staff, students and families of Chesterton Academy of St. Benedict.
Diocesan liturgies bring together bishops, priests, deacons, religious, students, families, parishioners, and Catholic communities from across the area. These celebrations make visible the unity of the Diocese of Columbus as one Catholic Church.
The Appeal and diocesan ministries
The Appeal is a diocese-wide effort to support the essential ministries, formation, and outreach throughout our 23 counties. It is a powerful opportunity each year to unite as one Church and one Body of Christ to share in our call to be good stewards of our Church and its people.
Your gift to The Appeal empowers ministries, formation and outreach across 23 counties-help us live out our mission together.
Making a gift supports Columbus Catholic Giving in ongoing initiatives throughout the Diocese. The Appeal provides a way for the faithful to participate in the work of the Church beyond their individual parish communities.
Formation, discipleship, and mission
At the center of diocesan life is the encounter with Jesus Christ. St. Patrick’s expresses this mission by inviting people to encounter the living Triune God and by forming disciples in the liturgical and intellectual tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.
Our formed disciples are sent on mission to be the light of Jesus Christ in the world. This pattern of encounter, formation, and mission connects parish worship, Catholic education, service, evangelization, and the many ministries of the Diocese of Columbus.
The Diocese of Columbus offers a broad Catholic community in which people can worship, receive the sacraments, study the faith, serve neighbors, support families, participate in parish life, and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.