One of the unique areas of our archdiocese is the Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches. Those who visit this northern region often ask, “Why did they build so many churches so close together?” This is especially profound at points in Mercer County where several spires are visible at once. The …

The village of Fryburg, a little more than five miles from the city of Wapakoneta, is reminiscent of the rural villages of the old country. Exiting Interstate 75 and passing by the town, you might think you just exited the Autobahn, but, really, you are in the Ohio heartland. A …

St. Augustine’s Parish Cemetery is an essay in local history written in marble and granite. The monuments, headstones and small chapel hint at the lives and experiences of those who rest there. The cemetery’s land, set aside in 1836 on the south side of Minster, is one of the oldest …

To mark this special Year of St. Joseph, the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics will hold a special St. Joseph Mass on his feast day, Mar. 19, at 7 p.m. This will be an occasion for the faithful to join together to meditate on the life of the …

by Matt Hess Many passersby notice the blue-domed St. Charles Center on US 127, although few cave to their curiosity and enter to see its beautiful chapel. Now a private residence for seniors and priests, this former seminary has a mosaic in its Assumption Chapel that continues to preach Precious …

Catholic education in the northern archdiocese is a legacy inherited from the Sisters of the Precious Blood who began in a parish church in the winter of 1844. These dedicated sisters forged a relationship with the community that endured for more than a century as they maintained a presence in …

by Susie Bergman Most of us know the saying, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” We can apply this saying to buildings, structures and churches. In fact, one could even say that a beautiful church may be an architectural diamond, but if the pews are not filled each week …