St. John’s Church has new rector

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

St. John’s Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Ave., is welcoming the Rev. Gayle L. Catinella as its 14th rector.

The former rector at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Berea, will celebrate her first services of Holy Eucharist at St. John’s at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

The Right Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, will officiate at 2 p.m. June 7 to celebrate her new ministry.

A native of Illinois, the Rev. Ms. Catinella earned a bachelor of arts degree in theology from Loyola University in Chicago, a master of arts in social work from the University of Illinois in Chicago and a master of arts in Christian spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.

She was ordained a deacon in 2001 and as a priest in 2002, both by the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska.

In addition to her 10-year ministry at St. Thomas, Ms. Catinella has experience as an assistant rector at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Lincoln, Neb., and as curate at St. James Episcopal Church in Fremont, Neb.

Before entering the ministry, she was a clinical social worker and on the adjunct faculty in sociology at Wayne State College, Wayne, Neb. For six years, she administered homeless shelters in Chicago and Rock Island, Ill.

An active volunteer during the schooling of her six children, Ms. Catinella helped established the Berea Community Meal program and the Berea Youth Works while at St. Thomas.

John W. Manhollan St. John’s senior warden, said, “Since its earliest beginnings, St. John’s has provided Christian leadership to the Mahoning Valley. With Rev. Catinella now in place, the parish remains committed to continuing its rich tradition of serving God and the common good.”