Community Gathers to Honor First Responders After Church Fire
Christ our Light Family of Parishes cordially invites members of the media to attend “Firemen & First Responders Thank You”, a special event taking place on Sunday, July 27, at St. John the Baptist Church, located at 8533 State Route 119, Maria Stein, Ohio.
This gathering will include a prayer service and social gathering to honor the firefighters and first responders who courageously responded to the recent fire at St. John the Baptist Church on May 29, and who continue to support the parish and community throughout the recovery process.
The event will bring together parish leaders, parishioners, and first responders in a spirit of prayer, gratitude, and unity. Members of the media are invited to attend and will have the opportunity to:
- Hear public remarks from Fr. Kenneth Schnipke C.PP.S., pastor of Christ our Light Family of Parishes, which includes St. John the Baptist Parish
- Hear a letter from Archbishop Casey expressing his support
- Conduct media interviews with Jennifer Schack, Director of Media Relations for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati
- Receive an update on the recovery and restoration efforts currently underway
- Capture images and video of this meaningful community momentWe hope you will join us as we recognize and give thanks for the bravery, service, and ongoing support of our local first responders.
For the latest information about the recovery efforts please visit: https://www.marioncatholiccommunity.org/st-john-recovery-blog
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 41,000 students. The 19-county territory includes 199 canonical parishes organized into 57 Families of Parishes, and 111 Catholic primary and secondary schools.
W H O | Fr. Kenneth Schnipke, C.PP.S., parishioners, community firemen and first responders
W H A T | Firemen & First Responders Thank You event
W H E N | Sunday, July 27, 2025, 1:30 P.M. through 3:30 P.M.
W H E R E | St. John the Baptist Church, Maria Stein
Prayer Service: South parking lot on SR 119
Social Gathering following Prayer Service: Knights of St. John Hall, 8608 St. Rt. 119, Maria Stein, Ohio 45860
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