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Horizon Science Academy to honor St. Dom's Father Maturi
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
The thought from a Robert Burns poem, “To a Mouse,” written in 1786 describes the situation with the Rev. Greg Maturi, pastor of St. Dominic Church, 77 E. Lucius Ave., who was supposed to have received his new assignment by now. A farewell reception and Mass took place Sept. 20 for the priest.
Things didn’t go as planned, however, Father Maturi said. “I will be here into January ... and maybe longer,” he said.
St. Dominic is served by the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph, which extends from the East Coast to Kentucky and from New England to Virginia. The provincial (leader) has not yet assigned someone to replace Father Maturi.
Father Maturi said he had been scheduled to take a sabbatical, but that also has been postponed.
But the delay in assignment has created an opportunity for Horizon Science Academy, 3403 Southern Blvd., to host a community luncheon to honor the priest. It’s planned Jan. 7 at the school. For information, call 782-3003, ext. 101, or send an email to merold@horizonyoungstown. org.
Michelle Merold, community outreach coordinator at Horizon, said the school wanted to do something to recognize Father Maturi. “He has been so supportive of the school,” Merold said.
Horizon Science Academy is housed in the former St. Dominic School building. Father Maturi said he was “so happy” when Horizon moved into the building, adding a school helps stabilize and anchor the surrounding neighborhoods.
“The school wanted to honor Father Maturi because he’s a great person, and when he does leave, the community will miss his presence,” Merold said. She added Father Maturi has often visited the school.
Father Maturi will speak briefly at the luncheon. “I am honored by this,” he said.
Horizon Science Academy has about 400 students in kindergarten through eighth grades and the emphasis is STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.
Father Maturi served six years at St. Dominic, beginning his pastorate Nov. 1, 2009. Just a couple of months later, tragedy struck the church with the murder of Angeline Fimognari, 80, as she left the 8 a.m. Mass on Jan. 23, 2010. Eight months later, parishioner Thomas Repchic, was killed and his wife, Jacqueline, was wounded Sept. 25 by gunfire as they rode in their car near the church. The shooting was a case of mistaken identity.
The violence moved Father Maturi to take action against the blight and crime in the neighborhoods surrounding the South Side church. He contacted state, county and local political leaders, and through his efforts, the city launched Operation Redemption, with 65 abandoned houses being demolished.
Safety summits also took place to reduce crime and violence, and that is ongoing. The church partners with ICU Block Watch on projects and events, including a Neighborhood Harvest, and continues its youth-outreach program.