Four priests named deans in Diocese of Youngstown

STAFF REPORT

Bishop George V. Murry of the Diocese of Youngstown has appointed four priests to the position of dean in the diocese. The appointments are for three-year terms, beginning Aug. 15. They join three priests already serving in that capacity. There are seven deaneries in the six-county Diocese of Youngstown, with a dean appointed for each deanery. The deans serve in addition to their current pastoral assignments.

The Rev. Raymond Thomas is dean of Ashtabula County. He was ordained May 27, 1972, and is as pastor of St. Mary/St. Frances Cabrini Church in Conneaut.

The Rev. Nicholas Shori is dean of Mahoning County-South. He was ordained June 8, 1974, and he is pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown.

Monsignor James A. Clarke is dean of Stark County. The pastor of St. Paul Church in North Canton was ordained May 23, 1970.

The Rev. Donald King is dean of Trumbull County. Ordained June 27, 1974, he is pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Warren.

Reappointed were the Rev. Thomas Eisweirth, dean of Columbiana County and pastor of St. Paul Church in Salem; the Rev. Stephen Popovich, dean of Mahoning County-North and pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Austintown; and the Rev. Richard Pentello, dean of Portage County and pastor of St. Patrick Church in Kent.

The duties and faculties of a dean are outlined in Canon Law and include: strengthening the work of the apostolate in his deanery, meeting with the bishop at least quarterly in order to appraise him of conditions and needs in his deanery, coordinating common pastoral activity within the deanery, ensuring that religious functions are celebrated properly, visiting parishes and ensuring that churches, sacred furnishings and parish books are carefully maintained.

A dean also promotes a spirit of fraternity and cooperation among the clergy, visits sick priests, assists retired priests and keeps the bishop informed of clergy matters in his deanery.