St. Ignatius Loyola Parish Mission Statement
As a Roman Catholic Christian community, St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish exists in union with the Universal Church to proclaim and live the Gospel teachings of Jesus. Through prayer, worship, and generously giving of our time, talents, and resources, we strive to build the Kingdom of God in our parish, the Cincinnati area, and the world.
Facts about our Parish
Parish size: over 2,200 registered families
School enrollment: approximately 1,150 students in preschool through grade eight
Campus amenities:
The main church building includes parish staff offices, a rectory, and a large meeting hall
A second multi-level building includes multiple meeting spaces
A dedicated school building includes a full-size gymnasium with a stage, a large library, and three floors of classrooms
Multiple athletic fields for baseball, football, and soccer, and a large walking track
A concession stand complex with restrooms and a picnic shelter
A large scoreboard with gazebo
Large front, side, and rear parking lots
A Brief History of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish
1945:
St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish was formed with 78 charter members.
Ground breaking for the new church and rectory took place on 23 acres of North Bend Road.
1946:
The first Mass in the new church was celebrated on December 25.
1947:
Sister Margaret Mary Alocoque was selected as the first principal of St. Ignatius School.
The temporary school building opened on September 27 in a former public school building.
1948:
The new church was officially blessed on May 30 by Archbishop Paul F. Leibold.
The first Holy Communion Mass was celebrated on May 23.
The first St. Ignatius School class graduated on June 6.
1950:
Ground breaking for the new school took place in May.
The cornerstone for the new school was laid by Monsignor William J. Anthony on July 31 (The Feast of St. Ignatius).
1951:
240 students were enrolled in the new school, which was dedicated on September 23 by Archbishop Karl Alter.
1961:
Additional property on North Bend Road was purchased for expansion.
1965:
The first meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society was held in October.
1969:
Ground breaking for a new church building took place in January.
1970:
The new church was dedicated on March 15 by Archbishop Paul F. Leibold.
1972:
The new church bells were installed and rung for the first time on Easter Sunday.
1987:
The new community center was dedicated and the new parish offices were completed.
1996:
St. Ignatius celebrated the 50th anniversary of the parish.
2003:
Construction was completed on the rectory, parish offices, Loyola Hall, and school additions.
2008:
St. Ignatius School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.
2019:
The Ignatius Center opened on the opposite side of North Bend Road, housing two conference rooms and a dedicated space for the youth ministry program.
2020:
St, Ignatius celebrated the 75th anniversary of the parish.
Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S. celebrated the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the St. Ignatius church building.