Bishop-elect David J. Bonnar, left, celebrates communion Tuesday during a noon Mass at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. Bonnar will become bishop of the Diocese on Jan. 12. Staff photo / R. Michael Semple

YOUNGSTOWN — A former chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers is joining a new team, as the bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown.

Bishop-elect David Bonnar, 58, was introduced Tuesday as the sixth bishop for the Diocese, and led a noon Mass in St. Columba Cathedral.

He said he will focus on unity and oneness among the parishes and community, welcoming both Catholics and non-Catholics.

Pope Francis named Bonnar as the new bishop replacing Bishop George Murry, who died in June after battling leukemia. His Episcopal ordination will take place 2 p.m. Jan 12 in St. Columba Cathedral.

The appointment was made public Tuesday morning in Washington, D.C., by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bonnar said of Murry: “He displayed time and time again a true pastor’s heart. I hope to emulate his example. He was a true gift to the church who left us too soon. I promise to build on his foundation.”

He and Monsignor Robert Siffrin, diocesan administrator, visited Murry’s grave Tuesday.

Bonnar said he is proud to begin serving the Diocese of Youngstown and to learn the faith, traditions, needs, strengths and challenges of the local churches.

“I will give the Diocese my shepherd’s care. It is my honor to lead this effort in these six counties as your next bishop,” he said.

He will oversee parishes in Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark and Trumbull counties.

He is presently the pastor of St. Aidan Parish in Wexford, Pa.

ONENESS

Bonnar said in his 32 years in ministry, with 25 spent in parish ministry and 17 as a pastor, he has worked hard for unity. He also worked 12 years as a chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“One by one we can bring people together. I will do all in my power to bring about unity and oneness. Whether you are a Browns fan, a Bengals fan, a Steelers fan or no fan, I am here to be of service to you. You will always be in my prayers. I want nothing but the best for you and the community,” Bonnar said.

Siffrin said knowing Murry was battling cancer over the last several years, members of the Diocese were very concerned about what direction needed to be taken.

“They have provided us with a very capable man who has a great love and compassion for the people. He has a great understanding of the church and how to help the church become a stronger community of faith,” Siffrin said of Bonnar.

Bonnar said he’s always wanted to be a parish priest. He said many people in his life had an influence on him.

He was ordained in 1988 as a priest for the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

“I will always be proud to have been among the priests of Pittsburgh,” he said.

He served in other parishes in Pennsylvania, including as a parochial vicar at St. Vitus in New Castle. Pa. And, held retreats at the Villa Maria and Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, Pa.

This will be the first time Bonnar has lived in Ohio.

He said it was not uncommon for him to cross the border into Ohio to golf, shop and spend time with friends. Bonnar also had an aunt and uncle who lived in Lake Milton.

‘ORDINARY MAN’

“I truly am an ordinary man who comes from very humble beginnings. By God’s design, I am called to do extraordinary work in these six counties as the sixth bishop of Youngstown. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves, get my lunch bucket and get started here,” he said.

“I want to thank Pope Francis for his trust and confidence in me. I pledge that I will work hard every day to know, love and serve him with the flock he entrusted to me … I will strive every day to preach the joy of the gospel and wear that joy in my heart,” Bonnar said.

Bonnar said the coronavirus pandemic has been challenging, with its masks and social distancing.

“With God all things are possible. Even with this, we cannot stop being the church. God will lead us through this darkness,” he said.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com