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Disciple Maker Index Survey News
Remember when we asked everyone to fill out a survey called the Disciple Maker Index Survey last Lent (2024)? We received our results and are now in the next phase of setting parish goals for all four parishes of Portage North. Fr. Francis put together a Writing Team of three representatives from each parish. The Writing Team works with the Catholic Leadership Institute’s (CLI) consultant and the pastor to represent the parish in developing a comprehensive plan. We have had three meetings and will meet three more times before we are finished.
The purpose of the Writing Team is to:Evaluate the results of the Disciple Maker Index survey
Develop a focused plan that includes the following:
Three Pastoral Priorities for the parishes of Portage North based on the DMI survey.
One or two SMART Goals (Specific, Measurable and Motivating, Attainable, Relevant, Timely and Trackable) for each priority
An Action Plan to implement each goal
A Communication Plan that targets various groups
Once the writing team is done with this phase, a new team will be formed to implement these goals. This entire process is meant to take three years. More information will be shared as the process progresses.
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We will receive the results this spring/summer at which time
we will share what we have
learned with the entire parish.
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Weekly Bulletin
As a cost-cutting measure and an additional collaborative effort, there will be a combined bulletin for the parishes of St. Joseph and St. Ambrose beginning in February, 2024 (created each week by Kathi Trares, St. Joseph Parish secretary).
The deadline for submitting information to our bulletin editor, Kathi Trares ([email protected] or 330-274-2253), is 10 days prior to the weekend it is to appear.
Never Miss A Bulletin!
Digital versions of the bulletin are available on our parishes’ websites each week (includes any inserts). Simply go to https://stjosephmantua.com/bulletins, select the date, and download the pdf. In addition, you may subscribe to receive our weekly bulletin via email. Visit https://discovermass.com/subscribe/ to complete and submit the form to receive bulletins from your parish right in your Inbox.
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Meeting & Event Planning
The Parish Community of St. Joseph is a very busy place with dozens of groups using the facilities year round. Please check with the Parish Office to confirm a date whenever you are planning a meeting, event, fundraiser, etc. Don’t assume that a space or date is available before you check the master calendar through the Parish Office staff (330-274-2253 or [email protected]). They should always know what is going on throughout the buildings and on the grounds not only for organizational purposes but also for safety and security concerns. Our pastor has final approval on everything. We also take pride in accurately publicizing the many activities in the bulletin and on the parish website and Facebook pages. We appreciate your assistance in helping to keep the parish running smoothly and efficiently by following good rules of communication: clear, concise, complete, correct, and courteous.
Reservations & Rentals
To reserve a space, please call our Hall Manager, Debbie Kruis (330-221-0272). At this time, a date will temporarily be reserved with the Parish Office. Date is confirmed when the contract is signed and a refundable security deposit of $150.00 is made (make check out separately from rental fee payable St. Joseph Church). This security deposit will be returned to the renter within two weeks upon inspection and approval of the premises being left in proper order. All fees must be paid by the time of the event. You are welcome to bring in a caterer for your event. Please advise them that they may use our facilities, but leave it in the condition it was found. The Hall Manager is available to meet with renter to view facilities, to open building for set-up and start of event, to be a contact with any problems, questions or concerns, and to secure and inspect facility at end of event.
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PORTAGE NORTH LITURGY & DEVOTION SCHEDULE UPDATE
Acknowledging that each of our parishes have specific routines of gathering for liturgies and prayer, Fr. Francis has made some changes to weekday opportunities at St. Joseph, St. Ambrose, St. Joan of Arc, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The idea is to have something offered each weekday and utilize our Lay Leaders of Prayer. An updated liturgy and devotion schedule can be found below. Please refer to each parish’s bulletin and/or website for more details of the schedule throughout the Portage North region.
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A Time of Transitions
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Fr. Francis announced some St. Joseph Parish staff changes at Mass on Sunday, December 17th. Please be patient with our staff as they maneuver their new roles and responsibilities.
Cindy Clark, our Business Office Manager since February of 2016, is retiring at the end of this year. We wish to express our sincere gratitude for her nearly eight years of conscientiously handling the financial aspects of our parish and other office duties. Cindy still plans to serve the parish as a Eucharistic Minister and help with funerals among other parish involvements. Happy Retirement!
As of December 1st, Marcy Fleming became the Parish Office Manager. She’ll be taking over many of the tasks that retiring Cindy Clark handled and will be coordinating business office duties with our bookkeeper, Michele Manderbach. She’ll also be overseeing management of parish spaces and activities, maintaining the parish database and online giving, and assisting Parish Office and Religious Education Office staff as needed.
Currently, Michele Manderbach is the external accountant/bookkeeper for St. Joseph, Mantua, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora, and St. Ambrose, Garrettsville. Growing up in Lake County, then moving to Chicago, Michele graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and her master’s degree from Northwestern University. She has a broad range of experience in accounting, audit, and finance.
She has been married to husband Steve for over 20 years. They have four children, two of whom are in college and two of whom are still in high school in Aurora. They spend much of their time attending their children’s sporting events and other activities. Michele also has frequently volunteered in the kids’ schools (coaching, classroom, library, etc.) and is currently the Treasurer for the Harmon High PTO. She also loves to read, hike, travel, and spend time with family and friends.
Long-time parish secretary Kathi Trares will be creating the combined bulletin for St. Joseph and St. Ambrose parishes beginning in February. In addition to handling this communication resource, she’ll continue to serve as webmaster for our parish website, to maintain and update the parish database and Facebook pages (parish and Ox Roast Fair), take care of media specialist duties for the Fair, and handle various other Parish Office tasks.
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Parochial Vicar Changes - Nov. 15, 2023
At Masses at Portage North parishes the weekend September 30/October 1), Bishop Bonnar's letter concerning the assignment of Fr. Joe Ruggieri was read. Effective November 15, 2023, 
Fr. Joe will be assigned as pastor of Saint Paul Parish in Salem and Saint Patrick Parish in Leetonia. Fr. Brian Smith has been assigned the new parochial vicar of the northern Portage County parishes. We thank Fr. Joe for his service to St. Joseph, St. Ambrose, St. Joan of Arc, and Our Lady of Perpetual help parishes. We look forward to meeting Fr. Brian. -
MESSAGE FROM FR. JOE - November 20, 2023
My heartfelt thanks to everyone for all your kind words, wishes, prayers and gifts as I move on to my new assignment. As I tried to convey at my farewell Masses, your support over the past year and a half has meant the world to me as I returned to ministry after my sabbatical. You have inspired me and renewed my confidence to return to being a pastor once again.
A special thanks to everyone responsible for planning and executing my farewell receptions at each parish. Everything was delicious and fantastic.
An additional word of thanks also to the Knights of Columbus for your incredible assistance loading up my POD for my move and for all your hard work helping me on my moving day. And in particular, thanks for the spectacular and memorable send-off party complete with axe-throwing and Jambalaya!!! You guys are the best!
More thank-yous will be forthcoming once I get myself unpacked, and find the box with all the cards!!! In the meantime, once again know of my gratitude for your love and support. May this season of preparation for Christmas bring you great blessing as we rejoice in the coming of our Savior.Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Joe Ruggieri
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Portage North Clergy ChangesMarch 19, 2023
As of May 1, 2023, Fr. Shawn Conoboy has been released from his current assignment for the Diocese of Youngstown. He is being assigned to the staff of the Vatican's Dicastery for
Promoting Integral Human Development beginning June 1, 2023 (a 5-year assignment). Fr. Chris Luoni will become a Sacramental Minister for all of Portage County with residence at St. Joseph Parish in Mantua.
Bishop Bonnar has appointed Rev. Frantisek Katrinak as pastor of the Portage North parishes. Rev. Joseph Ruggieri will be the parochial vicar. Fr. Francis and Fr. Ruggieri will reside at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Streetsboro. To read the Bishop's letter that was read at Masses throughout the region the weekend of March 18/19, click here.
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Meet Fr. FrancisRev. Frantisek “Francis” Katrinak was born in Kosice, Slovakia on October 18, 1971 and was ordained in the Archdiocese of Kosice, Slovakia on June 22, 1996. He served in a variety of ministries including rector of the archdiocesan seminary there and as pastor of a parish in Cana, Slovakia. He came to the United States at the request of the Diocese of Youngstown to serve at St. Mary Parish, Warren in August of 2018, his first time pastoring a church in the United States. He visited the United States several times before his placement at St. Mary's and is fluent in English. In December of 2021, the Youngstown Diocese announced a new name for the recently merged Warren parishes of St. Mary and St. John Paul II (merger of St. Joseph, Christ Our King, and St. Pius X parishes in 2011), now named St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish, reflecting the history of both parishes. Fr. Francis was named Dean of Trumbull County Deanery August 15, 2022, in addition to current responsibilities as pastor of St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish, Warren.
Effective May 1, 2023 Fr. Francis became
the pastor of the parishes of Portage North
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Portage North Region CreatedMay 27, 2022
Fr. Ed Stafford, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Mantua, and St. Ambrose Parish, Garrettsville, was granted a medical health leave. On April 15, 2023, the parish honored him with an Appreciation Reception. (view slideshow)
Fr. Sha
wn Conoboy, Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora, was appointed Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Mantua, and St. Ambrose Parish, Garrettsville, maintaining his responsibilities as Pastor of Our Lady, Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer, and part-time professor at Walsh University. He will be assisted by a parochial vicar.
Fr. Chris Luoni, Pastor of St. Joan of Arc, Streetsboro, will work with Fr. Conoboy to serve the needs of the faithful of all four parishes of Portage North. -
Parochial Vicar AssignedJuly 1, 2022
Fr. Joseph Ruggieri was appointed parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Mantua, St. Ambrose Parish in Garrettsville, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora, and St. Joan of Arc Parish in Streetsboro. -
Deacons AssignedSeptember 6, 2022
Deacon Steven Gies was assigned to St. Ambrose Parish, Garrettsville, St. Joseph Parish, Mantua, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Aurora, in addition to his current responsibilities at St. Joan of Arc Parish, Streetsboro. 
Deacon Gerolome "Gerry" Scopolliti, was assigned to St. Joan of Arc Parish, Streetsboro, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Aurora, in addition to current responsibilities at St. Joseph Parish, Mantua, and St. Ambrose Parish, Garrettsville.
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Welcoming CelebrationsNovember 5/6, 2022
As an official welcome to our parishes, a reception was held for Fr. Shawn Conoboy and Fr. Joe Ruggieri on Saturday, November 5, after St. Joe's 5 p.m. Mass for both St. Joseph Parish and St. Ambrose Parish. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a great collaborative effort and special celebration.
The Most Reverend David Bonnar, Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, came for a pastoral visit on Sunday, November 6, at St. Joseph Church's and St. Ambrose Church's Sunday Masses.
Dear Parishioners,
Thank you! The reception on Saturday was wonderful! Parishioners from both St. Ambrose and St. Joseph came together to plan and execute the reception. Everything was beautiful. Fr. Joe and I truly appreciated this welcome to the parishes. And, the participation during the Bishop's visit on Sunday was also uplifting. Be assured of my prayers!God bless you,
Fr. Conoboy
Welcome Reception Photos
Bishop Bonnar's Visit Photos -
Fr. Ed Returns AfterMedical Leave of Absence
Fr. Ed Stafford returning from medical leave has been assigned as parochial vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Warren, effective January 1, 2023. In addition, he has been assigned as parochial vicar of St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish, Warren effective May 1, 2023.
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The Synod on Synodality is a two-year process of listening and dialogue that Pope Francis began with a solemn opening in Rome on October 9 and 10, 2021. Officially known as “Synod 2021-2023: For a Synodal Church,” it is a process that allows bishops to consult with Catholics — from parishioners all the way up to priests — in a spirit of collaboration and openness.Learn more by visiting our links section.
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Beginning December 2022, the faithful will visit a different county of the diocese each month. The Holy Hour will begin with a brief understanding of the importance of Eucharistic Adoration, followed by time spent in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. For Portage County, this will take place on Sunday, March 19 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Parish, Streetsboro.
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Links
- Synod Bulletin Insert #10 (3/12/23)
- Synod Bulletin Insert #9 (3/5/23)
- Synod Bulletin Insert #8 (2/26/23)
- Synod Bulletin Insert #7 (2/19/23)
- Synod Bulletin Insert #6 (2/12/23)
- Synod Bulletin Insert #5 (2/5/23)
- Synod Bulletin Insert #4 (1/29/23)
- Synod Bulletin Insert #3 (1/22/23)
- Synod Bulletin Insert #2 (1/15/23)
- Synod Bulletin Insert #1 (1/8/23)
- Diocesan Summary
- USCCB Synod on Synodality
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Did You Hear?
In late October, 2022, Fr. James-Peter Trares, OP, received the License in Theology, which prepared him for his current doctoral program at the Angelicum in Rome. The degree certifies him to teach at the graduate level in seminaries. He continues on for the next two years with in-depth research to complete a doctorate, opening up opportunities to be a full-time professor. Congratulations and God bless.
On September 15, 2020, Fr. James-Peter Trares, OP moved to Rome to begin studies in October at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (commonly known as "the Angelicum")! He'll be pursuing a Doctorate in Spirituality, which should take about four years, after which he'll be qualified to teach full time, to work in seminaries, to do spiritual counseling, and assist with the formation of the order's younger brothers. Since his priesthood ordination on May 20, 2017 (Dominican Friars Province of St. Albert the Great), he was assigned as a campus minister and theology professor at the University of St. Thomas based in the twin cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN. We congratulate him and wish him well in his new adventure.
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