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	Priests in Portage Surprised by Plan: Say Proposal to Share Clergy, Resources to Be Discussed during Mass By Diane Smith Record-Courier February 27, 2010 http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4778805 OHIO -- The Rev. Edward Wieczorek, pastor of St. Joseph parish in Randolph, was surpised to learn this week that his church is part of restructuring plan by the Diocese of Youngstown. The proposal would create a "collaborative unit" between St. Joseph and St. Peter of the Fields in Rootstown, with only one priest serving both parishes. St. Ambrose in Garrettsville and St. Michael in Windham would face a similar fate if the plan is approved. "Sharing a priest won't be easy," Wieczorek said. He noted that early drafts listed both his congregation and St. Peter of the Fields as single-unit parishes. Wieczorek has served at St. Joseph for 15 years, the longest assignment in his career. He recently turned 70, which is the age of retirement for priests in the Youngstown Diocese. However, retirement is not mandatory and he has no immediate plans to retire, noting that he has been "blessed with good health" and had planned to stay on for "a number of years." "At this point, I'm trying to discern what my next move might be," Wieczorek said. "It's a new twist, a new revelation." The parish, which has 920 households, dates back to 1831. It boasts the oldest English-speaking Catholic school west of the Alleghenies. The parish has two deacons, but one of them also is involved with two parishes in Akron. Deacons, who work part-time, can preside over events such as weddings and baptisms, but cannot say Mass or hear confession. In southern Portage County, the Randolph and Rootstown congregations once worshiped under one roof in the early 19th century. Should the current proposal be implemented, one pastor eventually would be responsible for Mass for nearly 1,300 Catholic households. Both congregations hold three weekend Masses, including two on Sundays. St. Peter of the Fields was a spin-off of St. Joseph when it was formed in 1865. A new church was dedicated three years ago. The Rev. David Misbrener, pastor of the Rootstown congregation, said the plan "kind of comes as a surprise" but he was encouraged that no parishes in Portage County will be closing. Parishes will be merged in more urban areas, such as Warren, Canton and Youngstown. Misbrener said he will encourage his congregation not to fear the possible changes. "I would just share with them not to be afraid," he said. "It all works out in the end. It really does." He said he has no plans to move on, saying he loves the people at his parish and considers Portage County to be his home. The Rev. Leo Wehrlin of St. Ambrose Parish in Garrettsville said it is too early to speculate as to what will eventually happen, noting that the proposal has not been finalized. He plans to share the proposal with those who attend the three Masses this weekend. The parish has about 400 households, Wehrlin said. The move would reduce the number of Catholic clergy in Portage County from 10 priests to 8 but retain all 10 parishes. The draft outlines plans for parish collaboration and mergers throughout the diocese, which encompasses six counties, including Portage. A tentative draft of the plan was presented to the Portage County Deanery on Wednesday, and released publicly on Thursday. Affected parishes have until March 15 to submit written information to the Dean if they find the plan to be unworkable. Bishop George Murry is expected to make a final decision on May 23. Catholics in the diocese can expect to hear the plan discussed in Mass this weekend. The Rev. James Lang, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Windham, could not be reached for comment.
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