YOUNGSTOWN — The Diocese of Youngstown has decided two more churches will close, with both decisions formalizing previous parish and diocesan planning.

Bishop David. J. Bonnar said at this weekend’s Masses, an official decree that SS. Peter and Paul Church will serve as the primary worship site for Holy Apostles Parish in Youngstown and serve as the location for the parish’s one weekend Mass, effective June 1.

Bonnar confirmed the recommendation of the parish’s pastor, the Rev. Joseph Rudjak, that along with SS. Peter and Paul Church as the parish’s primary worship site, St. Stephen of Hungary Church will serve as the parish’s secondary worship site. St. Stephen of Hungary will be open for times of prayer, with Mass celebrated twice during the year.

Bonnar also confirmed Rudjak’s recommendation for St. Stephen of Hungary’s campus to serve as the parish’s office and pastoral center, offering a gathering place for prayer groups, speakers and other forms of missionary work.

In his letter to parishioners, Bonnar wrote, “As your bishop, I affirm this vision for your parish’s two campuses and ask for your prayers and support so that this vision can be sustained.”

Bonnar thanked parishioners for the ways they have come together as one parish community since the parish was established in 2011.

“Your commitment to missionary outreach and service efforts is a sign of God’s love in the Youngstown community. Your service has been nurtured by sharing your ethnic heritages and customs with one another, coming together as one missionary community.”

TRUMBULL COUNTY

Bonnar also announced this weekend the plan formally to close the SS. Cyril and Methodius Church site of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, after consulting with the Diocese’s Presbyteral Council in accordance with church law.

He said the decree to close SS. Cyril and Methodius formalizes a discernment process and follows an April announcement that Bonnar had confirmed the recommendation by the Rev. Christopher Cicero, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, to name St. James as the parish’s worship site. A closing Mass will be celebrated at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church this month.

In his letter to parishioners, Bonnar wrote, “It is always sad when a church building closes because it holds so many memories. One of my responsibilities as bishop is to ensure that our history is preserved and artifacts are treated with reverence and respect. Accordingly, I have directed our diocesan office of patrimony to catalogue and preserve sacred objects from SS. Cyril and Methodius Church and work with Father Cicero to determine an appropriate use.”

In 2021, Bonnar established an Office of Patrimony directed by the Rev. David Misbrener, and earlier this year, Bonnar appointed Joan Lawson as diocesan archivist.

Throughout the diocese, parishes are adjusting their Mass schedule in light of the imminent reality of fewer priests, with one new priest being ordained this year, and nine priest retirements that are effective July 1.