St John the Baptist Catholic Italian Church

In 1988, the Most Reverend James A. Griffin, Bishop of Columbus, granted Reverend Father Casto Marrapese, pastor of Saint John the Baptist church, permission for the building of the Italian Cultural Center adjacent to the church. In 1989, the Italian Cultural Center was completed and dedicated by Bishop Griffin.

The Cultural Center is meant to be a bit of Italy in the capitol city of Ohio. For Italian Americans, the ICC is a home where they can enjoy the spirit and atmosphere of the motherland of their ancestors. For others, it is a place where they can get acquainted with Italian customs, traditions and friendliness. The Cultural Center also offers Italian language and dance classes. All in all, the Italian Cultural Center serves many purposes – cultural, spiritual, social and educational.