As several churches in the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown will be impacted by mergers and closures in 2026, Bishop David Bonnar told 21 News the Diocese is embracing a new vision of what the church can be. 

“If we want to stay alive, if we want to remain vibrant, change is inevitable,” Bonnar said. “We've seen this already going back to mergers that have occurred. … While they have their challenges and their pains, there's great opportunities for the church to grow and become stronger.”

Bonnar made the remarks in an interview at the fourth annual Breakfast with the Bishop event. According to Rachel Herbolich, diocesan director of Catholic Charities, proceeds from the breakfast went towards basic needs assistance in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Ashtabula counties. 

"I think the church’s social mission and its mission of charity is something we can all agree on, so when we have opportunities like this to get the bishop out in front of people to promote the work of charity, I think it makes everybody feel that they are part of something that’s so much bigger than buildings and properties and pastors,” said Herbolich.

Several factors have contributed to the consolidation, Bonnar said, including financial constraints and a lack of available clergy. He said the Diocese has been “very intentional” about looking for priests from outside the area, and praying for people to answer the call to priesthood.

“We brought two in over this past year,” Bonnar said. “We just welcomed a religious community from the Philippines, the Rogationist Fathers who are staffing a parish in Canton. They're going to be sending another priest as well, so that'll be three Rogationists. We're in conversations now with other outlets for the possibility of bringing potentially four more priests in.”

Another challenge that has driven the mergers is a declining Catholic population and decreased church attendance. 21 News asked several parishioners what they believe the church should do to draw more people in. 

Renee Ruman of St. Mary Parish in Mineral Ridge said an important factor is making an effort to welcome people into the church. 

“I know this sounds a little morbid — but not really — when we have funerals at our parish, our pastor does such a wonderful job of making people feel important and cherished, especially the deceased,” Ruman said. “Within my own family, we’ve had funerals there, and invariably somebody wants to now come back to church, because the priest has been so welcoming.”

Mary Therese Driscoll, a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, said Catholic families need to prioritize faith in the upbringing of their children. 

“I think you have to bring your children to church, and do it on a regular basis every Sunday, and get them involved in what they’re doing, get them involved in the Mass itself,” Driscoll told 21 News. 

When asked if there are any more mergers on the horizon, Bonnar said while “there’s always going to be changing dynamics,” he believes “things will level off” and “most of that is behind us.”

Bonnar also spoke on the civil litigation facing the Diocese and Ursuline High School over alleged hazing and bullying incidents at the school. In a court filing Monday, attorneys for the Diocese responded to one of four federal lawsuits filed against them, denying that a culture of hazing or violence is present at the school. 

“This has been a very painful and traumatic time for Ursuline High School, for the Diocese, and for all those who have been hurt by this reality,” Bonnar said. “We need to offer our prayers and our support and pray for healing for all those who have been hurt in any way, shape or form.”

Bonnar declined to answer questions about specific allegations in the lawsuits, saying he will allow the legal process to speak for itself.