The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has announced several mergers that will be completed by January 2025.

According to a news release by the Diocese, the mergers are expected to happen throughout four counties, including Mahoning, Trumbull, Portage, and Stark.

In Mahoning:

  • St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Austintown
  • St. Columba Cathedral Parish, St. Edward Parish, and Holy Apostles Parish in Youngstown and
  • St. Charles Parish and St. Luke Parish in Boardman

In Trumbull:

  • Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and St. Stephen Parish in Niles and
  • Blessed Sacrament, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, and St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish in Warren

According to a letter sent to Reverend Gregory Fedor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, they have been instructed to merge by January 2025, according to a letter addressed to Reverend Gregory Fedor that was read to St. Joseph's congregation on Saturday and Sunday.

"These newly merged parishes will be aligned with multi-site parishes in the diocese, with masses and other parish activities continuing to be offered in multiple churches and campuses while ensuring more efficient operations," Bonnar's letter read. 

According to the letter, the purpose of the merger is to ease the burdens of both churches and help church leaders better manage the operations of both churches.

Bonnar states in the letter that the recommendation to merge these parishes was made during a diocese meeting earlier this month.

"One of my priorities as Bishop of Youngstown has been to walk with our parishes as we explore new ways of living parish life. I am more committed than ever to the parish as a wellspring of hope, and yet I know that people are struggling to find hope in parish life itself because it is not what it used to be. As Church, we must discover anew that Christian hope is not fixed: it is dynamic, not static, not nostalgic, but forward thinking."

There was no further discussion of the letter during Sunday's 9 a.m. mass as Fedor was not at it.

How the merger will impact worship for both churches and staff is unclear now.

According to Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown Public Relations & Media Specialist Dennis Biviano, the decision to merge is in the preliminary stages.

Biviano says that these parishes are already sharing resources.

There is no definitive date for more information regarding these mergers, Biviano said.