The Mother of Christ Church in Winton Hills held its final Mass yesterday, drawing the curtains on a nearly 80-year legacy. The church has been a fixture in the Greater Cincinnati area and is well known for its specific appeal to the Black Catholic community. Opened in 1945 as a mission for St. Bernard Parish, it has since stood as a testament to the vibrant local faith community, as reported by WLWT.
The final service was an emotional moment for many parishioners, not just marking an end but also celebrating the rich tapestry of life events that unfolded within its walls. "I got married here," one parishioner recounted. "My children have been baptized here, received confirmation. I'm just filled with love and affection when I get here," they told WLWT—according to Local12, the church and St. Bernard Parish leadership reached the decision to close due to dwindling attendance and financial support.
This closure affects religious services and removes crucial community support accessible by foot, including a food pantry, health days, and holiday assistance. Vanessa Rozier, business manager, pastoral assistant, and church member since 1965, expressed her heartache over the loss. "Services that this community can walk to, they no longer can walk to include the pantry, health days, school supply giveaways and assistance for Thanksgiving and Christmas," Rozier told WCPO.
Church members recall the institution as more than a place of worship; it was a hub for mentorship and familial bonds. "Most of us from this church lived in this neighborhood at one time," Rozier said in a statement obtained by WCPO. Pastoral council president Glen Glenn spoke to the importance of the church to Winton Hills, saying, "It's been really important to the people of Winton Hills to have this church here... this church has been essential to a lot of people surviving." He shared his hopes with WCPO that any future use of the building will align with how the church has served the community.
Though the church doors have closed, Mother of Christ Church encourages former parishioners to find a new spiritual home at the nearby St. Bernard parish, just a 1.5-mile drive to the south. St. Bernard has been closely linked with Mother of Christ Church over the years and will welcome its members with open arms, as reported by WLWT.
