NEWS RELEASE
November 29, 2025
Contact: Dennis Biviano, PR & Media Specialist, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; dbiviano@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, announces the merger of Saint Jude, Our Lady of Lourdes (Columbiana) and Saint Patrick (Leetonia) parishes in the Columbiana County Deanery. On November 17, a petition from three pastoral and financial councils was presented to the Diocesan Presbyteral Council requesting a merger into one vibrant parish. The petition cited the acute shortage of priests as well as the declining number of parishioners participating at the weekend Masses. The Presbyteral Council unanimously recommended to Bishop Bonnar that the three parishes become one. The merger takes effect January 1, 2026. A name of the newly merged parish is forthcoming.
Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Patrick will be used as sites for the celebration of Feast Days and date of Dedication, Baptisms, Marriages and Masses of Christian Burial and one weekday mass per site. Reverend Chad Johnson has been appointed as pastor. Deacon Christopher Evans and Deacon Lawrence Pasko will serve as deacons.
Bishop Bonnar says, “Change is never easy, but these changes are necessitated by our lack of clergy resources and financial challenges. I believe we are always stronger when we are together. This new arrangement will allow for an even more vibrant faith community for years to come. The church is a living organism and more than just bricks and mortar. I invite the faithful of the newly merged parish to work with their pastor in bringing life and unity to this portion of the Lord’s vineyard.”
