St Francis Seraph Church Closes After 160 Years

After 166 years of service, St. Francis Seraph Catholic Church in Over-the-Rhine is closing its doors for good, with its final Mass set for June 28. The historic church and friary will be sold, but the adjacent St. Anthony Center for the homeless and the nearby school will stay open. Brother Tim Sucher explains the closure stems from a nationwide shortage of friars and financial strain—not neighborhood issues. Though saddened, parishioners are finding new communities, and the friars remain committed to serving the area through other ministries. The church’s legacy, rooted in Cincinnati’s oldest Catholic history, may live on through repurposed buildings—perhaps as affordable housing—keeping the Franciscan spirit of service alive. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8977632c0ef48634