Rev. Francis Katrinak
  Pastor (May 1, 2023 - to date)
  f[email protected] 
     330-274-2253

Rev. Frantisek “Francis” Katrinak was born in Slovakia in 1971 and was ordained in the Archdiocese of Kosice, Slovakia on June 22, 1996. He earned a License of Theology degree in 1999 at the Catholic University in Ljublin, Poland and he received his Ph.D. in Roman Catholic Systematic Theology from the Catholic University in Ruzomberok, Slovakia. During the 22 years that he was assigned to the Archdiocese of Kosice he served in a variety of ministries including 5 years as the rector of the archdiocesan seminary. In August 2018, at the request of the Diocese of Youngstown, he came to the United States to serve at the St. Mary Parish of Warren; this was his first time pastoring a church in the United States. In September 2019 he was also appointed as the pastor of the St. John Paul II Parish in Warren. In December 2021, the Youngstown Diocese announced the two Warren parishes would become one, the St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish, reflecting the history of both parishes. Fr. Francis was named the Dean of the Trumbull County Deanery on August 15, 2022, in addition to his responsibilities as pastor of the St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish in Warren. Effective May 1, 2023, Fr. Francis became the pastor of the four parishes of Portage North: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Aurora, St. Joan of Arc Parish in Streetsboro, St. Joseph Parish in Mantua and St. Ambrose Parish in Garrettsville.

Areas of Responsibility:  Pastor the people of the northern Portage County region - St. Joseph Church (Mantua), St. Ambrose Church (Garrettsville), Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (Aurora), St. Joan of Arc (Streetsboro); Liturgies & Sacraments, Pastoral Care & Counseling, Administration

Rev. Brian Smith
   Parochial Vicar ( Nov. 15, 2023 - to date)
  [email protected]
     
Born February 4, 1986, Rev. Brian Smith is the oldest of three children of William and Paula Smith of Massillon. He attended Central Catholic High School, Canton, and received a bachelor’s in Romance languages and literature from the University of Notre Dame. His work experience includes teaching English and working in campus ministry at Colegio Nuestra Señora de Andacollo, a pre-K-12 school run by the Congregation of Holy Cross (priests and brothers) in Santiago, Chile. He also taught Spanish at Massillon St. Mary School and at Ursuline High School, Youngstown.
He received seminary training at The Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus. In addition to his studies at the Josephinum, he had numerous ministry opportunities in the Columbus Diocese especially in youth ministry and ministry to the Hispanic community. Following seminary training, he was assigned as a deacon at Canton St. Anthony/All Saints Parish in Canton and then was ordained June 19, 2021. He has served in the Diocese of Youngstown as Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Parish, North Canton, Diocesan Director of Continuing Education of the Clergy, and Diocesan Director of Hispanic Ministry. 
In September of 2023, Father Smith’s appointment to graduate studies in Moral Theology at the Angelicum University in Rome was rescinded due to overwhelming pastoral needs and he was asked to serve as Pro-Tem Sacramental Minister of St. Paul Parish, Salem and St. Patrick Parish, Leetonia. On October 1, it was announced that he has been appointed as the new Parochial Vicar of the northern Portage County parishes of St. Joseph, Mantua, St. Ambrose, Garrettsville, St. Joan of Arc, Streetsboro, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora, effective November 15, 2023. 
In his leisure time, Fr. Brian enjoys music, exploring languages, and cooking. We look forward to meeting and welcoming him to northern Portage County.

Areas of Responsibility:  Assist the pastor of the northern Portage County region - St. Joseph Church (Mantua), St. Ambrose Church (Garrettsville), Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (Aurora), St. Joan of Arc (Streetsboro)

Deacon Gerry Scopilliti
  Permanent Deacon (Dec., 2014 - to date)
  [email protected]
     330-569-4795

Deacon Gerelome "Gerry" Scopilliti was born and grew up in the Cleveland area and graduated from Parma High School. He works in the construction and building industry and is member of the sheet metal workers union. He has three lovely daughters, Amanda, René, and Adrianna and two granddaughters.
He was ordained in the fall of 2008 and previously served at St. Ambrose Parish in Garrettsville. As ministers of Word, deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, and teach in the name of the Church. As of September 6, 2022, he was appointed deacon to the four parishes of northern Portage County (St. Joseph, St. Ambrose, St. Joan of Arc, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help). As ministers of Sacrament, deacons baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services. As ministers of Charity, deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others, then marshaling the Church's resources to meet those needs. Along with his duties as deacon, Gerry also ministers in the areas of evangelization, marriage preparation, helps with PSR and ministering to our youth, and  volunteers his time with the Ox Roast Fair. In his free time he enjoys riding his motorcycle, singing karaoke, and socializing.

Areas of Responsibility:  Assist the pastor, distribute Holy Communion, preach the homily, work on parish committees, teach the faith, baptize, witness marriages, perform funeral and burial services outside of Mass, OCIA.

Deacon Steven Gies
    Permanent Deacon (Sept. 6, 2022 - to date)
d[email protected]
    330-626-3424 ext 107

Deacon Steven Gies was born February 16, 1951, and grew up in the Richmond Heights and Rootstown area. He was ordained January 2, 1999, while serving at Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna. His ministries there included Bereavement Ministry, Liturgical Minister training, and working with the youth doing a Lenten production of the Lord's Passion in mime and teaching the Boy Scout religious medals. In 2004 Steve was called to serve as Deacon at St. Joseph Church in Randolph for 16 years and was involved as the Spiritual Director for the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus, Liturgical Ministry training, Baptismal Prep., Community Hot Meal, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Confirmation Team Leader, Pastoral Council, and Worship Committee. Then in 2021, he was called to St. Joan of Arc Church in Streetsboro where he serves in Evangelization, I Give Catholic, Adoration Under the Stars, Lector, Altar Server and Greeter Training.  As of September 16, 2022, Deacon Steve 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. He is a former Scoutmaster, District Chairman and in charge of Leadership Training for Great Trail Council for eight years. He is also the Chaplain for Alter Care in Brimfield and Cuyahoga Falls.  He has five children (three deceased) and two granddaughters. He married his wife Linda on October 5, 1991.

Areas of Responsibility:  Assisting the priests as they serve the four parishes of northern Portage County.

Mrs. Jennifer Berczik
  Director of Religious Education (June 1, 2024 - to date)
  [email protected]
    330-274-2253, ext. 305

Born in Cleveland and raised in Streetsboro, Jennifer earned her associates degree in Paralegal Studies and a BS in Education with a minor in Sociology from Kent State University. She also has an MA in Pastoral Studies with Pastoral Care & Counseling from Loyola University. Jen has worked as a pre-school teacher in Ravenna for two years, as an STNA in Twinsburg for two years at Grand Village, and is currently the Pastoral Associate at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Streetsboro for five years. Her ministries include volunteering as a catechist since 1997 for St. Joan of Arc Parish, St. Ambrose Parish in Garrettsville, and St. Mary Parish in Hudson, chairperson for Social Concerns and Community Outreach, and being a part of Nursing Home and Homebound Ministry. Previously, she spent many years as a room parent and chair of fundraising at Hudson Montessori School. Married to husband Todd since December, 2023, Jennifer has five grown children and lives in Garrettsville. In her leisure time she enjoys hiking, kayaking, traveling, and reading.

Areas of Responsibility:  Family Faith Program for Portage North - Mantua for Parish School of Religion, Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion & Confirmation

Mrs. Therese Gross
     Religious Education Aide (February 5, 2024 - to date)
     [email protected]
     330-995-3992

A member of St. Joseph Parish since October of 2001, Therese has been a volunteer with the PSR program since her children were involved. Having studied nursing at Lakeland Community College, she now works as Quality Assurance at Private Physician and RN at MetroHealth. Married to husband Rob since August 9, 1997, the couple have three children, Carley, Collin and Cameron, and live in Mantua.

Areas of Responsibility:  Assisting the Director of Religious Education with office details and as a liaison to families within the program.

Mrs. Kathi Trares
  Parish Secretary (Sept. 21, 1992 - to present)
  [email protected]
     330-274-2253, ext. 301

Currently working four days a week in the Parish Office, Kathi grew up in Stow where she graduated from Stow High School completing the Intensive Office Education program. She has worked as a receptionist for H & R Block, Inc. and as a secretary for Stow High School's Athletic Director, Kent's Huntington Bank loan department, Kelly Services, and Lamson & Sessions in Kent. Living in Shalersville Twp. since 1984, she and her husband, George, have three children, Jeff who's a mechanical engineer, James-Peter a Dominican priest, and daughter Wendy (Ralph) Harner who's married and two sons, Gabriel and Liam, and works as an Occupational Therapist. She serves as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteers for St. Joseph Parish activities and is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts. Kathi also enjoys gardening, hiking, trail building, genealogy, photography, traveling, and spending time with family.

Areas of Responsibility:  Parish database, weekly bulletin, parish calendar, parish website, parish app, parish and Ox Roast Fair Facebook pages, ParishSOFT Online Giving, Parish Council secretary, Ox Roast Fair publicity and media specialist, assist pastoral staff, parish publicity, liturgical ministers' schedule and sign-in sheets, scheduling Mass Intentions, funeral booklets, weekend announcements, American Red Cross Blood Drive coordinator

Mrs. Marcy Fleming
  Parish Office Manager (December, 2023 to present)
  [email protected]
  330-274-2253, ext. 303

Marcy was born and raised south of Boston. She graduated from Bryant University with a BS in Business Administration. After getting married in 1996, her husband Don and children took an opportunity to move to Birmingham, Alabama and stayed for 12 years. While in Alabama, Marcy converted to Catholicism and has continued to learn about her faith. Marcy worked in both the PSR Office as Assistant DRE and helped in the Parish Office of the large parish.  
Her husband's job opportunity took them to Northeast Ohio, where they settled in Akron for three years and then moved to Mantua in October of 2021. They have two children attending college. Marcy and Don stay busy volunteering with the any group helping the homeless or food insecure. Her hobbies include hiking with her two dogs, cycling, gardening, watching Notre Dame football, and attending almost anything with “festival” in the name. She looks forward to getting to know her new community of St. Joseph Parish.  
In 2022, she took on the job of Portage North Region Communication Coordinator to bring about more effective communications in the Portage North region—which includes the parishes of St. Ambrose-Garrettsville, St Joan of Arc-Streetsboro, St. Joseph-Mantua and Our Lady of Perpetual Help-Aurora. In December of 2023, this position was dropped (bulletin editors and other staff became responsible for communicating to parishioners) when her job title was changed to Parish Manager. 

Areas of Responsibility:  Oversee Management of Parish Spaces and Activities, Coordinate Business Office Tasks with Bookkeeper, Assist Parish Office and Religious Education Office staff as needed.

Mrs. Lydia Kulesza 
   Music Minister (November 1, 2023 to present)
  Piano Accompanist (2008 to present)
[email protected]
     330-626-3747

Lydia has been a member of St. Joseph Parish since 1986. She has served St. Joseph Parish as a Eucharistic Minister, has been a part of Music Ministry and as a Cantor since 1997, and Accompanist since 2008. In 2024, she also became the Music Minister for St. Ambrose Parish in Garrettsville. Lydia has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Kent State University (1984). She attended Kent State University and completed post-graduate work in Special Education (2001-2002) and earned a Master’s degree in Teaching from Marygrove College in 2010. Lydia taught at St. Therese School (Garfield Hts.), Immaculate Conception School (Ravenna), and St. Joseph School (Mantua) before joining the Crestwood Schools in 2000. Lydia currently teaches at Crestwood Intermediate School as a 6th grade Language Arts teacher. She is a Curriculum Liaison for Crestwood Schools. Lydia resides in Shalersville Township and she and her late husband, Greg, have three children, Rachel (Shaun), Philip, Jacob, and two grandchildren. 

Areas of Responsibility:  Leads choir in practical preparation for liturgical celebration; piano accompaniment for Masses and other liturgical services 

Mrs. Debbie Kruis (Volunteer)
   Hall Manager, Fundraising Chair, ORF Clerk 
   [email protected]
   330-221-0272 Cell
   330-274-2268 Ox Roast Fair Office (limited hours)

A member of St. Joseph Parish since 1979, Debbie has been a part of the parish life in a variety of ways including the Ox Roast Fair, Eucharistic Minister, with St. Joseph School among them. She currently manages our hall rentals, coordinates fundraising efforts (Lottery Raffle Fundraiser, Aluminum Recycling, 300 Club). Recently, she took on assisting with Ox Roast Fair office details. She and her husband, John, live in Mantua Village and have four grown children.

 Mrs. Mary Ann Feddor (Volunteer)
   Sacristan (2018 - to present)
    [email protected]
      330-296-7402

Mary Ann Feddor serves in this “behind-the-scenes” volunteer position that makes the priest’s job on Sundays less stressful by taking care of keeping the sacristy in order, that items for Masses are available, giving the members the tools that they need, and keeping a watchful eye on the house of God and the liturgical environment. She has been a member of the parish since 1980. She was married to her husband Carl for nearly 50 years before his passing in 2013 and together they have two children, John and Blanche, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Mary Ann is involved in a variety of ministries and organizations including Eucharistic minister, Mass set-up, Worship Committee, Collection Counter, Ox Roast Fair worker, and past Parish Council and K of C Women's Auxiliary member. Having retired from Baldwin, Inc. after 41 years, she enjoys bingo, dancing, and exercise. She's the humble recipient of several Knights of Columbus awards which include 2012 Women's Auxiliary Woman of the Year award, 2015 Volunteer of the Year, and 2012-2013 Parish Family of the Year. Taking pride in serving where ever is needed, Mary Ann is a blessing to our parish community.

Areas of Responsibility:  Cleaning and keeping sacristy in order, notifying staff when supplies need ordered, assisting with Mass set-up.

Dan Nuti
  Janitor (January 21, 2019 - to present)
[email protected]
 440-465-9384

Dan and his family have been members of the parish since 2009. Residing in Hiram, he and his wife, Wendy, have four kids, Dan, with the Rocky River PD, Joe and Pete both in the U.S. Army Infantry, and Emily, a student and gifted artist. Graduating from St. Edward High School, Dan served 28 years as a Cleveland police officer (retired). He enjoys motorcycling and is a member of the Catholic Cross Bearers Motorcycle Ministry. He takes part in the Men of St. Joseph spirituality group. 

Areas of Responsibility:  Cleaning Hughes Hall, kitchen and school building, disposing of trash, maintaining water softeners, noting needed repairs.

Mrs. Michele Manderbach
      Accountant / Bookkeeper (November, 2022 -to date)
   [email protected]
      440-252-1069

Currently, Michele Manderbach is the external accountant/bookkeeper for St. Joseph, Mantua, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora, and St. Ambrose, Garrettsville. She coordinates the financial aspect of the parish with Marcy Fleming handling duties in the Parish Office.
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.

Maintenance & Grounds Ministry Crew (Established December, 2018)

Greg D’Aurelio (Volunteer)
 330-569-4614 or [email protected]
   (chair, coordinator, inventory control)

Areas of Responsibility:  Manage the care of the buildings and grounds of our entire parish property with the help of a team of other volunteers with varying expertise in general maintenance and repair, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, mechanics, refrigeration, phone systems, and grounds keeping. We are grateful for this “labor of love” ministry whose members are not afraid to get their hands dirty and take pride in the upkeep of the Parish Community of St. Joseph.