About

VISION

The Vision for St. John’s is unique in the U.S. as a place dedicated to keeping healthy Priests healthy in spirit, mind and body. The board and founding supporters envision that the hermitage property will be dedicated to Priests, as a place of refreshment and enjoyment. Our Priests make a lifetime commitment to serving us, the laity; this is one gracious and meaningful way for us to say THANK YOU … by giving them a place of peace and beauty to call their own to pray and play with:

Communal celebration of the Eucharist
Time and space in a natural wooded setting for silence and prayer including the potential for outdoor Stations of the Cross on the trails
Individual pastoral care
Individual and ongoing spiritual direction
Continuing theological education
Fraternity and recreation, such as hiking, camping, and mountain biking

MISSION

To provide dedicated space, facilities and resources to encourage and support the spiritual, emotional, educational and physical health of Catholic Priests.

WHO WE ARE

We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to serving Priests and ordained.
We desire to expand awareness about this initiative while inviting the active engagement of individuals and parish communities through hands-on assistance, prayerful support, and financial gifts.
We are motivated by a deep appreciation and love for our Priests who faithfully serve their parishioners and the needs of our Diocese.

LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors

Chris Crum, Chair
Lou Griffith, Vice-Chair
Len Barbe, Treasurer
Doug Byorth, Secretary
Robin Baxter

Debbie Christopher
Ryan DeAngelis
Grant Griffith
Chip Stalter
Janet Henderson

ROLE OF DIOCESE

Bishop Earl Fernandez is supportive of our efforts to pray, discern and reach out for support from other organizations and Dioceses for this project. Our dedicated Board of Directors includes both laity and ordained. This is a private and independent effort that began in the Columbus Diocese.

LOCATION

St. John’s Hermitage is nestled in the rolling hills and ravines of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, about 52 miles / 1 hours Northeast of downtown Columbus, OH. It is accessible within a couple hours' drive from all six Ohio Catholic Dioceses, being no more 150 miles from any corner of the state.

The property consists of just over 10 undeveloped acres surround the property with the possibility of acquiring that land. Internet and phone service is excellent on the property. The Hermitage is close enough to central Ohio for guests to drive in for fraternal activities such as going to a restaurant or movie theater. Several Catholic parishes are within a 15-mile radius of the Hermitage, and the northern and northeastern portions of Columbus contain more than 25 parishes.