Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church

381 Robbins Avenue
Niles, Ohio 44446-2407
Phone: 330-652-5825
Fax: 330-544-1872

February 24, 2010

To:      The People of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
From:  Father Larry Frient

As you know, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has been involved in a strategic planning process for more than two years. There will be major reconfigurations involving parishes.  This is necessary due to shifts in population, the declining number of priests, and concerns about how to use financial resources wisely.  This process is ongoing.

            I have promised to keep you informed along the way. True to this promise, I write this about the February 24, 2010 meeting held at St. Rose Church in Girard. It involved all of the parishes in Trumbull County.  Our parish received direction from diocesan leadership.  The Executive Committee of the Diocesan Strategic Planning Process proposes that our parish not merge with another parish (or with several parishes) at this time.  Undoubtedly, we will be given further direction concerning how to work in various necessary ways with other area parishes.   

            I write to assure you that this parish is very viable and financially solvent.  We are not closing.  We encourage your active involvement in this parish and your generous support of it.  We will also rely on the direction of the Holy Spirit, hoping to grow in numbers and in God’s grace, praying to constantly improve our efforts to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and needing to adapt well to changes when necessary.  We wish to share the Lord’s message of love not only with our own parishioners and new parishioners, but also with the surrounding community, the universal church, and the entire world family to the extent that we can and should. 

            Rumors abound concerning the futures of parishes, schools, and other institutions throughout the diocese in this process.  Be cautious and charitable. Some things you hear about some places in our diocese may or may not be true. Be assured that you can rely on the truth in this letter concerning the most recent plans the diocese has expressed concerning our parish.  To clarify the status of another parish, school, or other institution in our diocese, please direct your questions to the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown at 330-744-8451 or write:  Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, Director of Administration, 144 West Wood Street, Youngstown, Ohio, 44503.

            Kindly pray for everyone in our parish, Trumbull County Deanery, and diocese.  Many are facing difficult challenges. May God continue to bless you this Lenten season.