Peter Garcia

Dennis Schnurr Named Archbishop

Following the retirement of Archbishop Pilarczyk, Dennis Schnurr is named the tenth archbishop of Cincinnati. During his tenure in Cincinnati, he has introduced the Prayer for Vocations. Begging God for more laborers, the archdiocese has seen an increase of priestly vocations, necessitating an expansion of the seminary. Archbishop Schnurr is supportive and welcoming of initiatives for the new evangelization.

Sacred Heart Radio Founded

With the endorsement of Archbishop Pilarczyk, Sacred Heart Radio is founded to bring online Catholic content to the public 24/7. Two shows, The Son Rise Morning Show and Driving Home the Faith, are produced locally. Sacred Heart Radio currently operates three local radio stations, reaching from Covington, Kentucky, to Dayton, Ohio.

The Futures Project Established

Archbishop Pilarczyk establishes The Futures Project to discuss and make plans for the future of the local Church in light of declining priest numbers. Among the accepted recommendations is the creation of pastoral regions.

Su Casa Hispanic Center Founded

Su Casa Hispanic Center is founded as a program of Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio. It is the primary provider of social, case management, family reunification, educational, and health promotion services to the Hispanic/Latino community in Greater Cincinnati. The Su Casa Hispanic Center is committed to serving, enlightening and empowering the poor and the vulnerable of the immigrant community who come to the US looking for a better way of life for themselves and their families.

Decree on Child Protection Published

The archdiocese publishes the Decree on Child Protection, establishing policies and procedures to prevent abuse of minors by the clergy, lay employees and volunteers. In 2003, Archbishop Pilarczyk pleaded “no contest” for failure to report cases of abuse. At that time, the archdiocese established a fund to compensate sexual abuse victims.

Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Pilarczyk Named Archbishop

When Archbishop Bernardin is sent to the Archdiocese of Chicago, Dayton-born Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Pilarczyk is named the ninth archbishop of Cincinnati. Archbishop Pilarczyk worked to address challenges, including the decline in the number of priests and demographic changes that required parish consolidations and closings. Archbishop Pilarczyk wrote nearly two dozen books and booklets, addressing themes such as contemporary moral issues, Scriptures and social justice.