YOUNGSTOWN — Monsignor Robert J. Siffrin, diocesan administrator for the Diocese of Youngstown, has announced that Rachel Hrbolich will assume responsibility for the oversight of activities previously assigned to the Department for Social Concerns, in addition to her role as the diocesan director of Catholic Charities.

Hrbolich has served the diocese for 26 years and has been the director of Catholic Charities since 2017.

Corresponding with Hrbolich’s administrative appointment, the third floor of the chancery offices is now known as the “Department of Catholic Charities” as of Jan. 4.

Hrbolich will be responsible for supervising diocesan prison ministry, Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Relief Services efforts. She also will serve as the diocesan liaison with Catholic health care institutions, nursing homes and St. Vincent de Paul Societies.

Her primary responsibilities will be the Catholic Charities affiliate agencies — Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County; Catholic Charities Regional Agency, serving Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties; and Catholic Charities serving Portage and Stark counties.

Siffrin said that historically the Diocesan Department for Social Concerns has served as the administrative arm of the church for coordinating social service and social action efforts throughout the diocese. Most notably, the department houses the Office of Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Youngstown Catholic Charities Corporation. Much of the department’s work has centered on providing oversight, coordination and support for the work of the Catholic Charities Affiliate Agencies serving the diocese.

He said budget considerations and staff adjustments over the past two years have “right-sized” the department to meet the current needs of the church.

“I am thankful for this opportunity, and anticipate the new responsibilities entrusted to me. Having worked in tandem with the previous director for Social Concerns over the past two-and-a-half years, I am confident in my ability, and in the competence of my staff, to carry out the department’s ministries in a pastoral and professional manner to serve the needs of the church and the broader community,” Hrbolich said.

Hrbolich resides in Newton Falls, where she and her husband and daughter are parishioners at SS. Mary and Joseph Church.

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