In 2022 the four churches became a collaborative region known as Portage North
NEWS RELEASE
October 10, 2026
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 four parish churches in Portage County. Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Aurora) will merge with Saint Joan of Arc (Streetsboro) and Saint Joseph (Mantua) will merge with Saint Ambrose (Garrettsville). On August 23, Bishop Bonnar along with his staff met with members of the finance and pastoral councils of each parish to ensure a path forward was discerned together in a spirit of mutual prayer and shared input. The Presbyteral Council met on September 21 and recommended these changes to Bishop Bonnar. Both mergers take effect January 1, 2027.
None of the church buildings will close, however, parishes will combine their financial accounts, pastoral councils, staff and programs. Both parishes will be joined under one single name and pastoral leadership team.
In May 2022, St. Joseph Church in Mantua, St. Ambrose Church in Garrettsville, St. Joan of Arc Church in Streetsboro, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Aurora officially became a collaborative region known as Portage North. This merger is about mission, vitality and sharing resources to create a stronger, more vibrant community to better serve families and neighbors.
Father Frantisek Katrinak will serve as pastor of the newly merged parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Saint Joan of Arch Parishes. And Father Scott Kopp will serve as administrator of the newly merged parish of Saint Ambrose and Saint Joseph Parishes effective November 1, 2026 and he will become pastor, effective January 1, 2027.
In his letter to the parishes, Bishop Bonnar says, “This decision is not about ending a legacy, but about strengthening our mission. By combining our resources, leadership and gifts, we can do more together than parishes can do apart. You are not losing your identity; you are expanding your family. The vibrant spirit of each of your parishes, your unique gifts, your rich history and your deep love for the Eucharist, is not being lost. But uniting our resources, our gifts and our hearts, we are being called to build an even stronger witness to the Gospel in Portage County.”
Over the coming weeks, the parishes will share more details on how councils and ministries will begin working together.
