EDITOR’S NOTE: This roundup of 2022 diocesan news stories was compiled by Annetta Sweetko, Exponent production director. Some of the events listed under a specific month may have taken place earlier, but due to deadlines and space availability, were placed in the succeeding issues.
January
The diocesan Office of Catholic Schools is seeking nominations for Golden Apple awards, a special honor for teachers and principals in Catholic schools. – Bishop David Bonnar celebrates Masses for Life at Walsh University’s Our Lady of Peace Chapel and St. Columba Cathedral.– Nominations are sought for Eagle of the Cross Awards for teens who exemplify Catholic life at school, Church and home. – Bishop Bonnar celebrates Mass at the cathedral in recognition of his first anniversary as bishop of the diocese. – All schools in the six counties of the Youngstown Diocese celebrate Catholic Schools Week. – A mini men’s conference is offered at North Canton St. Paul Parish, with Walsh University president Tim Collins as a keynote speaker. This event is sponsored by the parish Men’s Fellowship and the diocesan Catholic Men’s Fellowship.
February
First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown’s luncheon speakers series hosts a Holocaust educational specialist, Deacon Jesse McClain, at Avion on the Water Banquet Center. – Father Shawn Conoboy is named ecumenical director for the diocese. – The annual White Mass for health care professionals is offered at the cathedral. – Walsh University announces a Master of Dyslexia Therapy degree. – Knights of Columbus state secretary Jeff Kiliany presents a check for religious education. Funds were raised by the councils, assemblies and chapters in Ohio. – A Mass for the World Day of Consecrated Life is offered at the cathedral, with Msgr. Peter Polando as celebrant. Blessing of throats for the Feast of St. Blaise follows the Mass. – Various parishes offer missions and programs in preparation for Easter. – The diocesan Office of Religious Education/Evangelization is renamed the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry. The name adds a new focus to recruit, support and oversee ecclesial ministers in addition to the educational programs already provided by the office. – Hubbard St. Patrick Parish marks the one-year anniversary of the fire that damaged the interior of the church. It is still being restored.
March
Lent begins with the administering of ashes at all parishes in the diocese. – The Annual Bishop’s Appeal is renamed the Annual Diocesan Appeal at its launch. The new name reflects the fact that donations will now reach even more ministries. – Bishop Bonnar participates in the New Bishops Orientation Program Class of 2022, sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington D.C. – The Russian invasion of Ukraine is felt in the diocese as vigils are held and reflections shared. – Canton Central Catholic High School cheerleaders garner a second-place trophy during the Game Day Division of the Ashland University Cheer Competition. – Bishop Bonnar officiates the Rite of Election in the cathedral as part of future Catholics’ initiation into the Church. – “The Light is on For You” reconciliation services are offered across the diocese. – Joan Lawson is named to the new position of diocesan archivist. – COVID-19 guidelines and directives are revised, lifting mask mandates, though masks remain an option for those wishing to wear them. This step reintroduces many previously-suspended Mass activities such as the presentation of offertory gifts and regular collections. – Father John Jerek, pastor of Youngstown Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Christine parishes, addresses the First Friday Luncheon series. His topic is “The Path of Salvation Runs through Lent.”
April
Pope Francis and bishops around the world consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, praying for an end to the war. Bishop Bonnar celebrates Mass for this intention. – Bishop Bonnar accepts the merger of Andover and Kinsman parishes and the closing of Warren St. Joseph Church. – The bishop celebrates the baccalaureate of 650 Walsh University graduates and addresses the commencement ceremony. – A Catholic Men’s Conference is held at the Youngstown Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with guest speaker Tony Agnesi addressing “Being Someone Else’s Angel.” Agnesi is senior vice president of Akron’s Rubber City Radio. – A Blue Mass honoring safety forces is offered at Canton St. Joseph Parish, celebrated by Father Edward Beneleit. – Easter celebrations are held across the diocese. – An Ecumenical Evening Prayer Service is held at the Cathedral, with Bishop Laura Barbins of the Northeastern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Bishop Bonnar. The two bishops rededicate themselves and their Churches to the Lutheran-Catholic Covenant. – Diocesan Catholic Charities brings back the Voice of Hope dinner. This year, the event is held at the Grand Resort Ballroom in Howland. Honorees are Msgr. Robert Siffrin, vicar general, and George Garchar, retired veteran Catholic Charities administrator. – Twenty-nine diocesan teens receive the Eagle of the Cross Award in the cathedral. The ceremony includes Evening Prayer, with Bishop Bonnar presiding. – Catholics gather at the cathedral for a Holy Hour of Prayer and Adoration to pray for healing for victims of child abuse and sexual abuse. – Bishop Bonnar celebrates the Chrism Mass, blessing the oils used for anointing the sick and consecrating the sacred Chrism, used in Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. The priests attending the Mass renew their commitment to the service of God and his people. – Golden Apple Awards go to six teachers: Kimberly Ritter, Jessica Fryda, Kate Samolczyk, Connie Carbone, Patricia Muffet and Mark Uerling, and principal Alyse Consiglio.
May
Nine priests are honored as they celebrate their major jubilees in the priesthood during Evening Prayer at Ravenna Immaculate Conception Parish. – Ashtabula St. John Catholic School announces the launch of a major fundraising campaign. The money is needed for extensive building renovation plans. – Bishop Bonnar celebrates a Mass honoring more than 100 couples celebrating major wedding anniversaries at the cathedral.– The bishop ordains four seminarians: Brooke Benedict, Robert England, John Rovnak and Frederick Schlueter as transitional deacons (on their way to priesthood). – The practice of receiving Communion from the chalice is restored at Masses, following a hiatus due to COVID-19 health guidelines. – It is announced that Warren SS. Cyril and Methodius Church will be closed. Also, Youngstown SS. Peter and Paul Church will be the primary worship site for Holy Apostles Parish. – Youngstown Cardinal Mooney High School honors Joseph Lordi and Eileen Bacha as distinguished alumni. – The six diocesan high schools graduate and honor seniors during baccalaureate and graduation ceremonies at various venues.
June
The diocese launches a three-year Eucharistic Revival as part of a national effort by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. To begin the revival, Bishop Bonnar celebrates Mass in the cathedral and leads the Eucharistic Procession. – The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women holds its annual meeting and Mass at Canton St. Joseph Parish. Speakers are Charita Goshay of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church and a Canton Repository columnist, and Wendy Bullock, outreach coordinator for Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District. – Transitional Deacon Connor Hetzel is ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Bonnar in the cathedral. – The story of Rhoda Wise, Canton candidate for canonization, airs nationally on Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) as an episode of the series “They Might be Saints.” – Ashtabula Our Lady of Peace Parish celebrates the 125th anniversary of its Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church with a Mass and brunch. – Bishop Bonnar addresses the Jewish-Christian Dialogue’s annual lecture series in celebration of “Nostra Aetate,” the Second Vatican Council document on the relationship of the Catholic Church to non-Christian religions. Co-sponsored by Father George Balasko and Rabbi Samuel Meyer, the program is in its ninth year.
July
The diocese opens the Eucharistic Revival with a procession around the cathedral. This is part of a three-year national revival to help Catholics become more aware of the Eucharist. – The diocese announces the implementation of a new communications department to include all internal and external publishing. Justin Huyck is named director, Katie Wagner publications editor and associate director. Other members of the new department are Cindee Case, Robert Gavalier, Meagan Farrell, Father James Korda and Pauline Brother Dominic Calabro. – Msgr. John Zuraw is named as the second diocesan vicar general with the responsibility of parish, school and ministerial leadership as well as external operations. Msgr. Robert Siffrin continues as vicar general and moderator of the curia. – Massillon St. Barbara School announces its closing due to declining enrollment. – The diocesan Catholic Interracial Council announces its annual grants to assist six students in meeting tuition costs at Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas High and Middle School. – Sister Bridget Marie Fritsch makes her profession as a Poor Clare Nun of Perpetual Adoration at a Mass at Canton Sancta Clara Monastery with Bishop Bonnar as celebrant. – Youngstown native Dominican Father Paul Marich celebrates his first Masses at his home parish, Youngstown St. Brendan, and at Youngstown St. Dominic Parish. – The Catholic Media Association honors Pete Sheehan with a first-place award for his column in the Catholic Exponent and Bishop Bonnar with a second-place award for his column in The Priest magazine during the association’s 2022 competition. – The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated with Masses and processions at Lowellville Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Ashtabula Our Lady of Peace, and Youngstown Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica.
August
It’s back-to-school time for diocesan students. – The merged Andover and Kinsman parishes announce the new name of Our Lady of Hope. Father John Ettinger is pastor of the parish. – Robert “R.J.” Mangan is named new director of peace and justice for the diocesan Catholic Charities. – Orwell St. Mary Parish celebrates its 100th anniversary with a Mass offered by Bishop Bonnar followed by a dinner in the church hall. – The Knights of Columbus Council 554 honors Msgr. James Kolp for his 50 years of service as chaplain. – Bishop Bonnar names Joan Lawson diocesan chancellor. She will continue the role of archivist for the diocese. – The St. Vincent de Paul Society announces the closing of its thrift store at the former St. Stanislaus Church. The search for a suitable new store is ongoing. – The diocesan high school football season begins. – Niles St. Stephen parishioners, with pastor Father Richard Murphy, dedicate a Monument for Life on church grounds. – Youngstown Ursuline High School golf team wins the Bishop James W. Malone Cup at Windmill Lakes Golf Club in Ravenna. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney golfer Rocco Turner is the match medalist with a four over par 74. Second-place goes to Mooney High School with St. Thomas Aquinas taking third.
September
The Youngstown Vocations Support Society hosts the annual diocesan seminarian picnic at the Oblate Sisters Villa Maria Theresa Convent in Hubbard. – Ralph Holtzhauser is named new diocesan music director at the cathedral. He replaces Dr. Daniel Laginya who is retiring after 40 years. – Canton Central Catholic High School launches a new E-sports team to display students’ technology skills. – The annual Migrant Mass is celebrated at Hartville with Father Brian Smith, diocesan director of Hispanic ministry, celebrating in Spanish. Several people received sacraments at this time. – Oblate Sister Blanche Marie Kenfack Wamba makes her perpetual profession at Youngstown St. Anthony of Padua Church with Bishop Bonnar as celebrant. – Bishop Bonnar presides at a Mass and blessing for the new St. Paul Bookstore located on the grounds of St. Paul Monastery west of Canfield. – Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital is a site of a new COVID-19 Memorial. Bishop Bonnar was present to bless and dedicate the statue. – Father John-Michael Lavelle is named director of stewardship and development in addition to his pastorate at Canfield St. Michael Parish and vicar general for missionary discipleship. – The annual diocesan Faith and Family Festival is held at Walsh University. Bishop Bonnar offers the opening Mass. Keynote speaker is the “cooking priest” Father Leo Patalinghug. – Bishop Bonnar visits the Vatican in Rome and has an audience with Pope Francis for the first time as a bishop. – A deacons’ retreat is held at the Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, Pennsylvania, with Bishop Bonnar as celebrant.
October
Diocesan Catholics show support by participating in local and national March for Life events. – The Conference of Slovak Clergy held its biannual meeting in the diocese. – Two seniors from Ursuline High School, Armaan Sheik and Andrew Stoneman, are named National Merit Commended Scholars. – The Diocesan Ministry Day is held at Warren John F. Kennedy High School upper campus with the keynote speaker Paulist Father Ricky Manalo with the topic of the Eucharist and Synodality. – The youth groups of Randolph St. Joseph Parish and Rootstown St. Peter Parish work together to prepare and serve meals for guests at a new homeless shelter, Haven of Portage County, in Ravenna. – The Hubbard St. Patrick SHINE students help to fill a police cruiser with dry and canned goods and collected $463 to donate to the parish food pantry. – A Mass is offered at Warren Blessed Sacrament Parish to formally welcome three members of the Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate who now reside in a renovated convent on parish grounds. Sisters Mary Beata, Michelle DiCarolo (postulant) and Deborah Marie will visit those in the Warren area. – Fifty-seven couples celebrate various wedding anniversaries in Canton Basilica of St. John the Baptist with Bishop Bonnar as celebrant. – Youngstown Cardinal Mooney High School golf team member Rocco Turner is the Division III Individual Ohio State champion, shooting one under par in the final round in Columbus to win by four strokes.
November
Bishop Bonnar meets with Religious Superiors at the Ursuline Motherhouse in Canfield for their annual dialogue. – The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal is announced, and will include Mass visits and a collection throughout the diocese. – Bishop Bonnar announces the closing of The Catholic Exponent at the end of February after nearly 80 years. A new 10-times-a-year magazine, The Catholic Echo, will begin in the spring with online access to news and features. – The diocese commissions 25 men and women as Lay Leaders of Prayer during Evening Prayer at Ravenna Immaculate Conception Parish. Father Michael Balash, director of the Office of worship and vicar for clergy presided. – A Red Mass for members of the legal profession is offered at the Cathedral with Msgr. Robert Siffrin and Msgr. John Zuraw as concelebrants. – Religious sisters celebrating major jubilees are honored with a Mass at Holy Family Parish. Bishop Bonnar presided with pastor Father Martin Celuch concelebrating. – Three Massillon parishes: St. Barbara, St. Joseph and St. Mary, merge under the new name of Divine Mercy Parish. – The first phase of the Eucharistic Revival concludes, with one final Holy Mass and Eucharistic Procession at St. Patrick Parish, Kent, with Father John-Michael Lavelle, vicar for missionary discipleship, presiding. During the next stage of the Eucharistic revival, Holy Hours will be held at various parishes throughout the diocese. – Holy Name Church officially closes with a final Mass. – Veterans are honored throughout the diocese with Masses, breakfasts and dinners. – Maureen Gutierrez and K. Anthony Hayek are named distinguished alumni for Youngstown Ursuline High School.
December
Lessons and Carols is held at the Cathedral and at Canton St. Joseph Parish. – Bishop Bonnar blesses the new addition to Canton Little Flower Parish, which includes a gathering space, a 24-hour adoration chapel, a multipurpose room, choir practice room and new restrooms. – The Exponent announces new issue dates for the final four copies of the newspaper, Jan. 13 and 27, Feb. 10 and 24. – Catholic Charities hosts a Breakfast with the Bishop at the Youngstown Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica Hall as a launch for the organization’s Giving Tuesday event. – Warren John F. Kennedy Eagles play in the OHSAA State Championship football game. The team walks away with state runner-up accolades. Central, Ursuline and Mooney all made their respective playoffs. – Students at Canton Central Catholic High School host a food drive for Catholic Charities. – Celebrations of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe are held throughout the diocese. – Bishop Bonnar and Orthodox Metropolitan Zembillas met and called for unity. The meeting was organized by the St. John Chrysostom Youngstown-Warren Chapter. – The four cemeteries of the diocese, Calvary, Youngstown; Resurrection, Austintown; Calvary, Massillon; and All Souls, Cortland, held Christmas of Remembrance ceremonies for families to honor deceased love ones.
