Going Godward in Columbus

The Dominican community at St. Patrick parish and priory in downtown Columbus is using a new summer series program to share its mission with the wider community. Located in the warehouse district between Mount Vernon Avenue and East Naghten Street, the community has served the Diocese of Columbus for over 145 years.

Fr. Cornelius Avaritt, OP, noted that while the friars are known for offering confessions seven days a week, the specific Dominican charism of preaching the gospel for the salvation of souls often remains unknown to those outside the parish. The community's preaching and apostolic work are shaped by the lives of St. Dominic and St. Thomas Aquinas, as well as the conventual way of life.

The parish currently serves young families and homeschool communities. To manage geographical challenges, the friars have used creative methods to run the parish and aim to make their way of life and preaching more visible to the public.