The new “Saint Mary Magdalene Parish” will remain the primary worship site
NEWS RELEASE
March 22, 2026
Contact: Dennis Biviano, PR & Media Specialist, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; dbiviano@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – On March 16, the Diocesan Presbyteral Council met to review the progress of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan in hopes of strengthening our mission in a time of changing demographics and a shortage of priests. The plan was promulgated by the late Bishop George Murry in 2019 and has continued to be developed since the 2021 installation of Bishop David Bonnar. Upon consultation with leaders from the Catholic Community of Kent in Ravenna, along with the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, it has been decided Saint Patrick (Kent), Immaculate Conception (Ravenna), and the University Parish Newman Center (Kent) will merge to form a new parish community named Saint Katharine Drexel effective July 1, 2026. This merger is about mission, vitality and sharing resources to create a stronger, more vibrant community to better serve families and neighbors.
The Diocese of Youngstown is moving to a new model of pastoral care entitled in solidum, meaning several priests sharing full and joint responsibility for the pastoral care of parishes. With the retirement of Father William Kraynak this summer, and Father William Wainio accepting the full-time ministry as Vocational Director for the Diocese of Youngstown, Father Kevin Bertleff and Father John Rovnak will look to work together as a team to serve the parishes of Saint John Neumann and the newly merged parish of Saint Katharine Drexel.
The Most Reverend Bishop David J. Bonnar says, “I know that change can be difficult and that you may feel anxiety about the unknown. Please know that your pastoral team is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. Together let us pray, ‘That All May Be One.’“
Also on March 16, parish leadership from Saint Mary Magdalene Parish and the Diocesan Presbyteral Council met to discuss the future of Saint Mary Magdalene Parish, in particular, the buildings of Saint Brendan and Saint Matthias Churches. The diocese has studied the viability of our parishes for many years, looking at attendance figures, financial sustainability and the number of priests available to serve our parishes. Over the last few months since the merger, it has become clear that the current structure with three churches is no longer financially sustainable.
On February 24, Father John Jerek, along with members of the Parish and Financial Councils wrote a letter requesting the closure of Saint Brendan and Saint Mathias Churches (Youngstown), to be relegated to profane but not sordid use. In consultation with the Presbyteral Council and after prayerful consideration, Bishop Bonnar has accepted the recommendation of parish leadership. The eventual sale of the church buildings and other buildings on the property would prevent the parish from incurring debt and enable the parish to carry out its apostolic mission.
On the closure, Bishop Bonnar says, “I understand that this news brings sadness and for many a sense of loss. These churches are not just buildings, they are places where generations have celebrated baptisms, weddings, and funerals. However, we must face reality which requires us to consolidate our resources to strengthen our mission. Let us not fear this time of transition but rather trust in God’s plan for a new future.”
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