Saint Isidore Parish established as new name after merger
NEWS RELEASE
September 21, 2024
Contact: Dennis Biviano, PR & Media Specialist, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; dbiviano@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – After a period of consultation among parish representatives and review of pastoral statistics, The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, has accepted the recommendation of Rev. Matthew Humerickhouse, pastor of St. Louis/Sacred Heart of Mary Parishes, parishioners, finance & parish councils to merge the two parishes effective January 1, 2025. In accordance with Church law, the decision was made after having also heard the advice of the diocese’s presbyteral council. The parish’s church buildings will retain their names, as customary in Church tradition, while the parish itself will be known as “Saint Isidore Parish.” The name was requested by parish officials. Saint Isidore was a farmer and considered the patron saint of farmers and rural communities.
All assets and debts will be shared by the newly merged parish. All of the original registers containing records of Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage and Christian Burial will be preserved in the newly merged parish office at 8277 Nickel Plate Avenue, N.E., Louisville, Ohio.
In a letter to Bishop Bonnar, Rev. Matthew Humerickhouse says, “By formally uniting our parishes, we would foster a stronger sense of community and shared purpose among the lay faithful in our region, allowing us to work more effectively towards our mission of spreading the Gospel and serving those in need. A combined parish would also be better positioned to address the evolving needs of our congregation and the broader community. We envision a parish that is not only financially stable, but also spiritually enriching, a place where faith can flourish and where we can continue to grow in our love for Christ and for one another.”
Building upon the 2019 Pastoral Plan promulgated by the late Bishop George Murry, the Diocese of Youngstown continues to develop a regional plan for its six-county diocese, with an emphasis on developing effective ministries and supporting missionary activity. Criteria include the number of parishioners and worshipers, parish finances, effective use of buildings and effective use of priests and lay ecclesial ministers.
The official decree from Bishop David Bonnar can be found here.
