Official Decrees & Assignments

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Clergy Official | March 13, 2023

Personnel Appointments for Very Rev. Msgr. Siffrin, Very Rev. Balash, Rev. Furlong, Rev. Johnson, Rev. Smith; Dcns. Bancroft, Green, Mintus | New assignments for Holy Apostles Parish (Youngstown), St. William Parish (Champion), St. Robert Bellarmine Parish (Cortland), St. Thomas the Apostle Parish (Vienna)

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Coat of Arms

Clergy Official | July 30, 2022

Personnel Appointments for Msgr. Zuraw; Very Revs. Balash and Celuch; Revs. Humerickhouse, Gretchko, and King; Dcns. Kocjancic, Lisko, Redig, Hatala and McDonald; and Sr. Mary Alyce Koval (Diocesan Pastoral Associate).

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Clergy Official | September 22, 2025

Bishop Bonnar is announcing the following appointment, effective September 22, 2025.

Deacon Assignment

Deacon Sylvester Frazzini III is appointed Episcopal Master of Ceremonies for the Diocese of Youngstown, with responsibility for the training, assigning and oversight of all Masters of Ceremonies. This is in addition to his diaconal responsibilities at Saint Columba Cathedral Parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica – Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Saint Angela Merici Parish, and Saint Patrick Parish, Youngstown.

Clergy Official | September 13, 2025

Bishop David Bonnar announces the following Clergy Assignments:

Clergy Assignments – Priests

Reverend Scott Kopp is appointed sacramental minister, on an as needed basis for the Portage Deanery, with residence at the Immaculate Conception Parish Rectory in Ravenna, effective October 1, 2025. The Portage Deanery includes Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Aurora; St. Ambrose Parish, Garrettsville; St. Patrick Parish and University Parish Newman Center, Kent; St. Joseph Parish, Mantua; St. John Neumann Parish (St. Joseph Church, Mogadore and St. Peter of the Fields Church, Rootstown); Immaculate Conception Parish, Ravenna: and St. Joan of Arc Parish, Streetsboro.

Very Reverend John-Michael Lavelle, D.Min., is appointed Curator of the Patrimony, effective September 12, 2025. This is in addition to his pastoral duties as pastor of St. Michael Parish, Canfield, and his diocesan responsibilities as Vicar of Missionary Discipleship, Director of Stewardship and Development and Director of Communications.

Reverend Christopher Luoni is relieved of his duties as sacramental minister of the Portage Deanery, effective October 1, 2025. He continues to provide Spiritual accompaniment for the Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration at Sancta Clara Monastery in Canton and to pursue a Spiritual Director Certification at Loyola University.

Reverend Benson Okpara is appointed administrator of Guardian Angels Parish, with worship sites at Saint Joan of Arc Church and Saint Joseph Church in Canton, effective September 22, 2025. This appointment is in addition to his pastoral duties at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Canton. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he is appointed Diocesan Director of Extern Priests. In collaboration with the Vicar for Clergy and Religious Services, the Director of Extern Priests will secure entrance and follow up documentation for priests entering the Diocese of Youngstown from other countries.

Reverend Richard Pentello is relieved of his duties as pro-tem administrator of Guardian Angels Parish, with worship sites at Saint Joan of Arc Church and Saint Joseph Church in Canton, effective September 22, 2025.

Clergy Official | September 5, 2025

Bishop David Bonnar announces the following Clergy and Pastoral Assignments effective September 5, 2025.

Clergy Assignments – Priests

Very Reverend Michael D. Balash has requested and has been granted a leave of absence for personal reasons from the Pastorate of Saint Patrick Parish, Hubbard. He remains the pastor of the parish for the duration of his leave of absence.

Reverend J. James Korda is appointed the Administrator Pro-Tem of Saint Patrick Parish, Hubbard.

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