DIOCESE OF YOUNGSTOWN 2 staff appointments announced; new family ministry office formed

The new office provides support for pro-life activities.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of the Diocese of Youngstown announced two staff appointments and the creation of a new office in the Department of Pastoral and Educational Services of the Diocese, effective March 1.
Bishop Tobin announced the formation of the new Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Ministry, which will bring together the services of the Office of Pro-life Activities and the Office of Marriage and Family Life. The combined office is part of the Department of Pastoral and Educational Services.
What new office does
The new office provides resources and support for all aspects of pro-life activities, natural family planning, marriage preparation, marriage enrichment and education, divorced and separated ministry and other topics related to the formation of Christian families.
In announcing the new office, Bishop Tobin said that issues and concerns impacting human life as well as marriage and the family have become the major moral and social agenda in the Church for the next generation.
"Our Holy Father," noted Bishop Tobin, "has called special attention to the pastoral care of the family and respect for the life of every human being as part of the Church's agenda for the Third Millennium. These are challenges that the Church and individuals face now and for the foreseeable future, and it is important that we provide the Church's clear teaching and support in the face of cultural pressures."
Melinda Knight has been appointed director of the newly created office of Pro-life, Marriage and Family Ministry, having served as director of the Office of Pro-Life Activities since 2002.
Knight, who holds a master of arts degree from Ohio State University, serves as a catechist in her parish, the parish pro-life representative and member of the vocations committee.
She and her family are members of St. Dominic Parish, Youngstown.
Appointed director
John Damico has been appointed director of the Office of Lay Ministry Formation. He earned a master's degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, New Orleans, La., and is a commissioned Lay Leader of Prayer for the Diocese.
Damico has experience in various parish ministries, particularly RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), marriage preparation programs and parish catechetical programs.
For the past four years, he has served on the faculty of the Lay Ministry Formation program and been an instructor in both the Foundations of Ministry Track I class as well as specialized ministry programs.
Damico and his family are members of St. Paul Parish in North Canton.
For further information about the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Ministry, contact Melinda Knight at the diocese at (330) 744-8451, Ext. 289. For information regarding the Office of Lay Ministry Formation, contact John Damico at the diocese, Ext. 273.