YOUNGSTOWN — The Diocesan Presbyteral Council recently met to review the progress of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, which was designed to address the changing demographics of the diocese and the shortage of priests.

The plan was promulgated by the late Bishop George Murry in 2019 and has continued to be developed since the 2021 installation of Bishop David Bonnar

Parish leadership from St. Mary Magdalene Parish met with the council to discuss the future of the St. Brendan and St. Matthias church buildings. Bonnar said the diocese has studied the viability of the two parishes for many years, looking at attendance figures, financial sustainability and the number of priests available to serve the parishes.

Over the past few months since the merger, it has become clear that the current structure with three churches is no longer financially sustainable, Bonnar said.

On Feb. 24, the Rev. John Jerek, along with members of the parish and financial councils, wrote a letter requesting the closure of both churches, which Bonnar approved.

The bishop said the eventual sale of the churches and other buildings on the properties would prevent the parish from incurring debt and enable the parish to carry out its apostolic mission.

“I understand that this news brings sadness and for many a sense of loss. These churches are not just buildings, they are places where generations have celebrated baptisms, weddings and funerals. However, we must face reality, which requires us to consolidate our resources to strengthen our mission. Let us not fear this time of transition, but rather trust in God’s plan for a new future.”

The Diocese of Youngstown is moving toward a new model of pastoral care in which several priests share full and joint responsibility for the pastoral care of parishes.

With the retirement of the Rev. William Kraynak this summer, and the Rev. William Wainio accepting the full-time ministry as Vocational Director for the Diocese of Youngstown, the Revs. Kevin Bertleff and John Rovnak will work together as a team to serve the parish of St. Katharine Drexel, which will merge St. Patrick Church in Kent, Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna and the University Parish Newman Center at Kent State University effective July 1.