Over the weekend, parishioners at St. Christine's and St. Brendan's churches were given details of a merger during mass.  The merger would also include Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church.

During the homily portion of the mass, Father John Jerek addressed the future of these parishes saying St. Brendan's and Our Lady of Sorrows would merge with St. Christine's. 

He attributed the merger to the declining number of priests available in the diocese and the declining number of parishioners attending masses.

He also said a new name would be given to the three merging congregations and that a town hall regarding the mergers would be held on June 24th at St. Christine's church.

On Monday, the Diocese of Youngstown sent 21 News a letter that will be read at these parishes this weekend.  

In part that letter says that Bishop Bonnar never authorized merging these parishes. 

It says, "...a bishop cannot indiscriminately close a parish or church building.  Any decision on such matters requires a process rooted in Canon Law that originates within the parish and involves the Finance and Pastoral Councils.  In addition, once a petition is submitted to the bishop it must be reviewed by the Presbyteral Council.  For the record, there has never been a petition, and no such action has ever been vetted by the Presbyteral Council."

Bishop Bonnar says he and Fr. Jerek did talk months ago about the possibility of a merger between these three parishes.  

Back in 2019, a Diocesan Regional Plan was created by Bishop George Murry to deal with the declining number of clergy.  Since that plan was put in place, there have been 24 mergers.

Bishop Bonnar also points out that the diocese has begun to develop a new regional plan.