PRESS RELEASE
July 24, 2022
MORE INFO: Justin Huyck, Director of Communications, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320, jhuyck@youngstowndiocese.org
After a period of consultation and prayer, the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown announces the new name of Our Lady of Hope Parish, in Andover and Kinsman. Our Lady of Hope Parish includes two church buildings: Our Lady of Victory Church in Andover and Saint Patrick Church in Kinsman.
On March 17, 2022, Our Lady of Victory Parish in Andover and St. Patrick Parish in Kinsman were merged into one parish. Parishioners initiated this request, which came after a long period of partnership between the two parishes. The request was then considered and the parish merger decreed by Bishop Bishop after hearing the favorable advice of the diocese’s presbyteral council. At the time, Bishop Bonnar commended parishioners for their initiative, noting that the request by the two parishes was “a model for living the mission of the Church through collaboration and sharing.”
After the parish merger, a consultation process began to choose a new parish name. On the weekend of July of 23 and 24, the new name of the parish was formally announced to parishioners at weekend liturgies. In his letter to parishioners, Bishop Bonnar wrote, “Today, I am pleased to formally recognize you as Our Lady of Hope Parish. I pray that your community will increase in holiness, grace, and service in the spirit of Our Lady of Hope. I encourage your community to dig deeper into this interesting title for our Blessed Mother, rooted in experiences of the Christian people as they sought hope.” He noted that the new name is “unique to your parish community, drawing you together as one family.”
Reverend John Ettinger is the pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish. In July 2022, he succeeded Reverend Michael Mikstay, upon the latter’s retirement. Father Ettinger is also the pastor of Saint Joseph Calasanctius Parish, Jefferson.
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