The Parish of St. Elisabeth, Mainz and Budenheim, the Social Service of Catholic Women e.V. Mainz (SkF), and the City of Mainz are pleased to announce that, following intensive and constructive discussions between the city, the Diocese of Mainz, and its in-house daycare operator Unikathe, an agreement has been reached regarding the transfer of operational responsibility for the Heilig Geist Daycare Center. Effective July 1, 2026, the SkF will assume responsibility for the facility. The City of Mainz will support the transition and cover personnel and operational costs in accordance with applicable subsidy regulations. 

This agreement has made it possible to find a sustainable and forward-looking solution for the Heilig Geist daycare center. All parties involved are confident that the facility will continue to be a reliable and high-quality place for children and families in the future.

The St. Elisabeth Parish in Mainz and Budenheim looks back with gratitude on its many years of responsibility for the Heilig Geist daycare center. The decision to transfer management was made in close consultation with all partners involved and serves to secure the facility’s long-term future and further development. 

SkF looks forward to the takeover with great joy and confidence. Hildegard Eckert, chairwoman of the association, emphasizes: “As an experienced Catholic operator, we will continue the proven educational work of the Heilig Geist daycare center and shape the facility’s future together with the team. At the same time, the SkF’s management will open up new perspectives for the daycare center.”

Jana Schmöller, Commissioner for Children and Youth, emphasized at the handover: “The change in management and the preservation of childcare spots is good news—especially for families in Mombach, but also for us as a city. I am pleased that the Social Service of Catholic Women, an experienced provider of social services, is taking over responsibility for the Heilig Geist Daycare Center. I would like to thank the St. Elisabeth Parish, which has operated the Heilig Geist Daycare Center for many years and provided an important place of community for many children.”

The St. Elisabeth Parish in Mainz and Budenheim thanks the City of Mainz, the Diocese of Mainz, and Unikathe for their trusting, solution-oriented, and collaborative partnership throughout the entire process. The discussions were characterized by a shared sense of responsibility for the children, families, and staff. All parties involved pursued the goal of creating a sustainable solution for the future of the facility.

The agreement reached underscores the excellent cooperation among all partners involved. The Parish of St. Elisabeth in Mainz and Budenheim and the SkF look forward to the coming years with great confidence and are pleased to continue their pastoral collaboration in the best interests of the children, families, and staff at the Heilig Geist daycare center.