PRESS RELEASE
June 30, 2022
SUBJECT: Msgr. John Zuraw Appointed Vicar General
MORE INFO: Justin Huyck, Coordinator of Media Relations, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, announces the appointment of Msgr. John Zuraw as a Vicar General, effective July 1, 2022, with responsibilities as Moderator of Parish, School, and Ministerial Leadership and for external operations of the diocese (ad extra). Msgr. Robert Siffrin will also continue to serve as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, with responsibilities for internal operations of the diocese (ad intra). The role of Vicar General, now assumed by both Msgr. Siffrin and Msgr. Zuraw, is to represent the bishop in all civil and canonical matters as needed, which includes meetings, liturgical ceremonies, and civil ceremonies. It also includes evaluating the implementation of diocesan policies and procedures and facilitating the resolutions of misunderstandings and conflicts.
Msgr. Zuraw will continue to serve as Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and Dean of Trumbull County. For the time being, he will remain as Chancellor for the Diocese of Youngstown and coordinator for the Diocesan Pastoral Council. He will also assume additional oversight of the diocese’s Presbyteral Council. Msgr. Zuraw remains the point person for the regional pastoral plan.
Bishop Bonnar comments, “Since my installation as bishop, Msgr. Zuraw has been a trusted confidant and an exemplary colleague, responding effectively and efficiently to all that has been asked of him. He is a gifted individual with a wide skill set that includes writing, speaking, preaching, listening, visioning, implementing, collaborating, and uniting. More importantly, he is a pastor with a shepherd’s heart, and a dedicated and competent canon lawyer. This appointment not only affirms all the good work Msgr. Zuraw has done but it also prepares the way for an eventual plan of succession.”
Bishop Bonnar also says, “I wish to also express my gratitude to Msgr. Siffrin for his leadership. Just a few months ago, Msgr. Siffrin at my request assumed leadership for Saint Columba Cathedral, the mother Church of our diocese, in addition to serving as Pastor of Saint Edward Parish and Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. Msgr. Siffrin will be a great mentor for Msgr. Zuraw.”
Msgr. Zuraw comments, “I thank Bishop Bonnar for his confidence in me as I assume the role of Vicar General for the Diocese of Youngstown. I am grateful for the many opportunities that I have been entrusted with over the last 35 years and I look forward to this new adventure.”
Msgr. John Zuraw is a native of Campbell, Ohio and graduate of Ursuline High School, Youngstown State University, the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, and Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Cincinnati, with a License in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America. He was ordained in 1987 by Bishop James Malone, and in addition to his parish pastoral assignments has served the Diocese of Youngstown as Executive Director of Clergy and Religious Services, Vicar for Educational and Pastoral Service, and Chancellor, as well as Defender of the Bond and Promoter of Justice for the Diocesan Tribunal.
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