YOUNGSTOWN — Bishop David Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown has appointed Monsignor John Zuraw as a vicar general, effective Friday, with responsibilities as moderator of parish, school and ministerial leadership and for external operations of the diocese.

Monsignor Robert Siffrin also will continue to serve as vicar general and moderator of the Curia, with responsibilities for internal operations of the diocese.

The role of vicar general, now assumed by both Siffrin and Zuraw, is to represent the bishop in all civil and canonical matters as needed, which includes meetings, liturgical ceremonies and civil ceremonies. It also includes evaluating the implementation of diocesan policies and procedures and facilitating the resolutions of misunderstandings and conflicts.

Zuraw will continue to serve as pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles and dean of Trumbull County.

For the time being, he will remain as chancellor for the Diocese of Youngstown and coordinator for the Diocesan Pastoral Council. He also will assume additional oversight of the diocese’s Presbyteral Council. Zuraw remains the point person for the regional pastoral plan.

Bonnar said, “Since my installation as bishop, Monsignor Zuraw has been a trusted confidant and an exemplary colleague, responding effectively and efficiently to all that has been asked of him. He is a gifted individual with a wide skill set that includes writing, speaking, preaching, listening, visioning, implementing, collaborating and uniting.

“More importantly, he is a pastor with a shepherd’s heart and a dedicated and competent canon lawyer. This appointment not only affirms all the good work Monsignor Zuraw has done but it also prepares the way for an eventual plan of succession,” Bonnar said.

Bonnar also expressed gratitude to Siffrin for his leadership.

“Just a few months ago, Monsignor Siffrin at my request assumed leadership for St. Columba Cathedral, the mother Church of our diocese, in addition to serving as pastor of St. Edward Parish and vicar general and moderator of the Curia. Monsignor Siffrin will be a great mentor for Monsignor Zuraw,” he said.

Zuraw said, “I thank Bishop Bonnar for his confidence in me as I assume the role of vicar general for the Diocese of Youngstown. I am grateful for the many opportunities that I have been entrusted with over the last 35 years and I look forward to this new adventure.”

Zuraw is a native of Campbell and graduate of Ursuline High School, Youngstown State University, the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus and Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Cincinnati, with a license in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America.

He was ordained in 1987 by Bishop James Malone, and in addition to his parish pastoral assignments, has served the Diocese of Youngstown as executive director of Clergy and Religious Services, vicar for Educational and Pastoral Service, and chancellor, as well as Defender of the Bond and Promoter of Justice for the Diocesan Tribunal.