The problem isn t unique to the diocese.
The dwindling number of available priests and the aging of those who are active has been a chronic issue across the country for decades.
The plan also is designed to foster more mutual support for priests and encourages parishes and laypeople to collaborate in applying their gifts and resources for spiritual growth and service and to stem the exodus of those who are no longer active in the church.
Under the plan:
The number of weekend Masses in the region will equal the number in the plan.
Regions will have a plan and actively work toward collaboration in staff and ministry efforts.
mreichert@tribtoday.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one of a series of Saturday profiles of area residents and their stories. To suggest a profile, contact features editor Burton Cole at bcole@tribtoday.com or metro editor Marly Reichert at mreichert@tribtoday.com.
NEWTON FALLS If her love of literature had not won out, Rachel Hrbolich might have become a lawyer or a psychologist instead of spending the past 26 years in various positions at the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.
Hrbolich, 50, has lived in Newton Falls for 44 years. Her parents are Frank and Elizabeth Hrbolich high school sweethearts who have been married for 51 years. She has a younger sister, Jenny Russ.
Apr 26, 2021
OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET: Operation Empty Medicine Cabinet, a prescription drug disposal program to protect the community, will be 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste Management District, 5138 Enterprise Drive, Warren. People can bring expired, unwanted and unused prescription medicine that is safe to dispose. For information, call 330-675-2766, Ext. 119.
ART CONTEST: Any school-age student who attends a Diocese of Youngstown parish or Catholic school are encouraged to submit a drawing, sketch, writing / poem, painting, or original photography with the theme “Testify to the Light.” The art contest is being sponsored by Catholic Charities. Winning pieces will be displayed in the lobbies of Catholic Charities agencies throughout the Diocese of Youngstown. Deadline to enter is Friday. For information, visit www.ccdoy.org.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com
Staff photo / Bob Coupland
The choir of St. Patrick Parish in Hubbard leads the congregation in song and worship during a recent Mass at Hubbard High School. The church caught fire in mid-January, and services currently are being held in the church hall while repairs are being completed.
With a year of online services and sitting in vehicles in parking lots, area churches and parishes slowly have been bringing people back to in-person worship.
Church leaders have been reaching out to their members and reassuring Valley residents that with proper social-distancing guidelines in place, worship services can be attended safely.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com
YOUNGSTOWN Calling his first three months in the Diocese of Youngstown “invigorating,” Bishop David Bonnar said he wants to do all he can to support the parishes in the diocese’s six counties.
He said he will need to spend time meeting with a new presbyteral council of priests that advises him along with a new pastoral council of laity that advises him on different matters.
One task is to address the future of the many parishes in a reconfiguration plan, which has had many parishes merging into one unit.
“The plan has already looked regionally and grouped parishes together,” the bishop said. “I don’t have a crystal ball, but I have inherited a plan that is ongoing. That plan continued to be executed even during the midst of the pandemic. I feel confident about the plan that has been in place.”