COMMITMENT

By Linda Linonis | April 7, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

youngstown

Priests in the Diocese of Youngstown renewed their commitment to service during the Mass of Holy Chrism on Holy Thursday in St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St.

The Rev. John Jerek, vicar for clergy and religious services, said there are about 100 active and 50 retired priests in the diocese, which covers Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark and Trumbull counties. The diocese website, www.doy.org, reports the number of Catholics at 198,332.

“The informal commitment to service is always part of the Chrism Mass,” Father Jerek said. He noted it recalled Jesus’ Last Supper with the 12 apostles and “the gift of the Eucharist.”

The Chrism Mass also reflects the unity of the diocesan church, as some 1,000 people from 94 parishes and mission in the diocese attend. Banners display the names of churches and pertinent symbols.

At the Mass, Bishop George V. Murry consecrated the Sacred Chrism and blessed the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens. Each pastor receives Sacred Chrism and oils for use in his parish.

“It’s a time when the people show support of the diocesan church,” said Father Jerek. When priests “affirm and acclaim” their recommitment to priestly service, they do so with the support of the people, he added.

Father Jerek said the changes at parishes have included re-assignment for about one-fourth of the priests in the diocese. “It’s a learning experience in a new parish,” he said. The diocese is in a transitional period with the mergers, closing and collaborations that were set into motion through the Parish Implementation Plan. The two-year plan began in May 2010.

The Rev. Chris Luoni, director of vocations for the diocese, said the Chrism Mass is meaningful on many levels to participants and priests.

“It’s a confirmation that you’re not alone in this service,” he said. “For myself, I see this brotherhood of priests and know I share the same commitment and calling.”

Father Luoni is involved with St. Andrew’s House of Vocation Discernment on the campus of Walsh University in North Canton.

The house will offer men a place to figure out their vocational calling. It “will fill a need” for those pondering a life in God’s service.