Holy Spirit Catholic Parish in Uniontown
Holy Spirit Catholic Church sits along Edison Street NW in Uniontown, a small community in the Lake Township area of Stark County in northeastern Ohio. The parish belongs to the Diocese of Youngstown and gathers parishioners and visitors for Mass, the sacraments, faith formation and a wide range of outreach efforts. Its stated mission is to be "family finding its center in Christ and His Body the parish, and in turn, reflecting that Love of Christ to the community and beyond." The parish's vision statement calls it to be a community that is "engaging, growing and serving."
Mass and Reconciliation Schedule
Weekend Masses are celebrated on Saturday at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 9:30 am. Weekday Masses are offered on Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 am. Holy Day Masses are scheduled at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm. A First Friday Liturgy of the Word with Communion Service, followed by the Rosary, is held at 9:00 am on the first Friday of each month.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on a rotating weekend schedule: after the 5:00 pm Mass on the first and second weekends of the month, and after the 9:30 am Mass on the third and fourth weekends. The sacrament is also available by appointment. Children preparing for First Reconciliation do so as part of the parish faith formation program, typically in the second grade.
Sacraments for Every Stage of Life
Holy Spirit prepares parishioners for and celebrates all seven Catholic sacraments.
Baptism. Parents preparing for an infant baptism meet with the Diocesan Pastoral Associate beforehand. Adults seeking baptism enter the parish's OCIA process, while parents of older children work with the Coordinator of Faith Formation.
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Children who have been baptized may register for First Eucharist after two years of catechesis, with preparation generally beginning in the second grade. First Reconciliation is usually celebrated in January and First Communion in May. The 2027 celebrations include First Reconciliation on Sunday, February 7 at 10:30 am, and First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 15 at 5:00 pm and Sunday, May 16 at 9:30 am. The parish provides a First Sacraments calendar, parent letters, banners for communicants, and a multi-chapter classroom program.
Confirmation. In the Diocese of Youngstown, young people are confirmed in eighth grade or above. Youth begin immediate preparation in the spring of eighth grade and are confirmed in the fall of ninth grade. The process includes orientation, the Rite of Enrollment, days of service, a summer session, sponsor selection, video sessions with the sponsor, Sunday morning formation sessions, an evening session with Fr. Matthew Zwilling, a confirmation retreat, and rehearsal. Bishop David Bonnar asks candidates to choose a saint's name from the Roman Catholic tradition. Confirmation liturgies are held at St. Paul Parish in North Canton, with final dates set by the Bishop's office.
Marriage. Engaged couples are asked to contact the Diocesan Pastoral Associate at the parish office at least six months before the wedding, following diocesan guidelines.
Anointing of the Sick. The sacrament is offered to those who are seriously ill, facing surgery or otherwise affected by the aging process. The parish celebrates it during Respect Life month at all weekend Masses on a designated weekend in October, in addition to requests made through the parish office.
Holy Orders. The parish encourages men discerning priesthood, diaconal or religious vocations to visit the Diocese of Youngstown vocations office.
Faith Formation for Children, Teens and Adults
The Parish School of Religion (PSR) partners with parents in providing lifelong faith formation for their children. Through the teachings of Jesus Christ, Sacred Scripture, Catholic doctrine and traditions, the sacraments, prayer and parish life, families are supported in coming to know and love the Lord as disciples. PSR classes meet on Sundays from 10:35 to 11:50 am.
Children in pre-kindergarten through third grade are invited to a Liturgy of the Word for Children during Mass at various times throughout the year. An adult catechist leads them out of Mass to proclaim the Gospel and "break open" its meaning in a way children can understand, then returns them to their families after the homily.
Vacation Bible School runs each summer for a week of themed activities, stories, crafts, music, games, service and play for children pre-K through grade five. Older youth in sixth grade and up serve as group leaders and helpers, while adults pitch in by leading stations and helping with set design.
Adult Faith Formation invites parishioners into ongoing growth through Bible studies, becoming a catechist on the PSR team, sacramental and mission speakers, a Men's Faith Fellowship, a book group, the Mission Program and Small Christian Communities. The parish encourages reading the daily Scriptures, praying the Rosary, and using the Catechism in ongoing study. Recommended audio resources include the Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year podcasts with Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Becoming Catholic Through OCIA
Adults and older children who are unbaptized, or who were baptized in another Christian tradition and seek full communion with the Catholic Church, journey through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). The process involves formation, faith sharing and liturgical rites that lead to Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Baptized adults who have been away from the Church are also welcomed back through this ministry. Inquiries are directed to the Diocesan Pastoral Associate.
Liturgy and Music
The Liturgy Committee plans liturgies, recruits and trains liturgical ministers, educates the community on liturgical issues and establishes guidelines in coordination with the Diocesan Office of Worship. Ministries under its care include the Arts and Environment Committee, Eucharistic Ministers, proclaimers (lectors), sacristans, ushers, greeters and altar servers. Altar servers must be going into fourth grade to volunteer.
The Music Ministry brings together organists, pianists, instrumentalists, cantors and the choir. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings in the church and sings at the 9:30 am Mass once a month. No prior experience reading music is required, and new singers are warmly welcomed. Cantors lead the sung prayer at Mass, and instrumentalists of all kinds are invited to share their talents.
Service and Outreach
The Christian Service and Outreach Committee focuses the parish on justice and charity through prayer, action and education. It coordinates outreach efforts, monitors and distributes tithe funds, and sponsors awareness-building events in the parish.
The Holy Spirit Food Pantry and Food Cupboard is located along the parish exit drive. Each week volunteers fill it with an average of five carts of non-perishable food. Items are collected in the cart in the church lobby, and an Amazon wish list allows donors to ship goods directly to the parish. Monthly wish lists are featured in the bulletin.
The St. Bernard's Hot Meals Program in downtown Akron is served on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays and Wednesdays of each month. Holy Spirit volunteers, beginning in high school age with parents, gather at 4:00 pm to serve a meal at 5:00 pm and stay until cleanup wraps up around 6:30 pm.
The parish supports several local partners: the Lake Township FISH program for food and emergency assistance, the Hartville Migrant Workers Ministry (organizing activities with children, interpreting for the Hispanic community, painting and repairing the center, and preparing children and families for first Communion, confirmation and baptism), Catholic Charities of Stark and Portage Counties, and Love Our Community, which provides emergency and transitional housing, summer meals, clothing and other services in Lake Township.
Stitch & A Prayer gathers on the second Saturday of the month from 9:00 am to noon to make prayer shawls, pocket squares, rosaries, quilts for hospitalized children, hats, scarves and soap sacks for those experiencing homelessness. The group is open to anyone who wants to participate, regardless of crafting experience, age or gender.
Mission Trips to Kentucky
Each year youth in eighth grade and above, along with adults, take part in a mission program that begins in the fall with formation gatherings, fundraising, local service projects and parish service, leading to an immersion experience the following summer. Holy Spirit partners with the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) in Martin, Kentucky, where the group works on home repair and improvement projects for families living in rural poverty. Volunteers stay and eat at CAP's Foley Mission Center in bunk-style rooms divided by male, female, youth and adult. Registration requires a $100 deposit at sign-up with an additional $80 due by April 1, with the balance offset by parish subsidy and fundraising. Final forms include youth and adult permission and medical releases and, for drivers, a volunteer driver form with license and insurance copies.
Youth Ministry
Youth ministry at Holy Spirit empowers young people to live as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, drawing them into the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community as they grow personally and spiritually. The group gathers on Sundays from 10:35 to 11:50 am, with additional opportunities throughout the year.
Family Life and Bereavement
The Family Life Committee nurtures growth in family and parish life through programs of understanding, commitment, enrichment and fellowship. It coordinates the Chili Cookoff, Parish Hayride, Parish Picnic, Fall Harvest Meal, Christmas Giving Tree, and Coffee and Donuts. A Respect Life sub-committee informs the parish of issues involving the dignity of life through displays and actions.
The Bereavement Ministry supports those grieving the loss of a loved one, whether the loss is recent or long ago, through prayer, comfort and connection. Prayer shawls made by Stitch & A Prayer are available to the bereaved, ill or anyone in need of comfort. Holy Spirit also connects grieving parishioners with the Seeds of Hope grief support program, an eight-week adult group with day and evening sessions run through Mercy Medical Center.
Knights of Columbus Council 14959
Holy Spirit Council 14959 of the Knights of Columbus has been active at the parish since 2010. Catholic men of the parish who are 18 and older are welcome to join. The council meets on the second Tuesday of each month and supports parish and community service through projects that complement the parish's faith life. Grand Knight Terry Smith welcomes new members.
Evangelization
Holy Spirit maintains an evangelization team that reaches out to parishioners periodically to offer a blessing and to listen to how the parish community can grow. The team asks the parish to consider how it is serving those who attend Mass weekly, those who come only occasionally, those who love God but do not attend Mass, youth and young adults, and those who feel distant from the Church. Deacon Mike and Dianne Capitena lead this effort.
Music, Choir and Sanctuary
First communicants take part in liturgical ministry as part of their preparation year. Children and a parent are scheduled to serve as greeters and ushers once each, with training and an Usher/Greeter Form provided. Greeters arrive about 20 minutes before Mass to welcome everyone at the main doors. Ushers arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to assist with seating, the collection and special needs during Mass, including opening the door to the Day Chapel for the Eucharistic Minister to retrieve the ciborium for Communion.
Parish Staff and Office
Holy Spirit is led by Pastor Fr. Matthew Zwilling, Parochial Vicar Fr. Simon Mino, and Pastor Emeritus Fr. John Zapp. Deacons Mike Capitena and Chuck Ivan assist at Mass and in parish ministry. Anne Weeks serves as Diocesan Pastoral Associate and Safe Environment Compliance Officer. Cathy Kasza coordinates Faith Formation. Ginny Herman coordinates the Stitch & A Prayer ministry. Grand Knight Terry Smith leads the Knights of Columbus council.
The parish office is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and is closed on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays. Messages left through the parish phone line or email are answered during office hours.
Joining the Parish
Newcomers are warmly invited to register online, by stopping at the office, by speaking with Anne after Mass, or by calling the parish office. The parish also maintains a Welcome Form for those exploring Catholic faith, returning after time away, or considering joining Holy Spirit. New members can register through the New Parishioner Registration Form.
Giving and Financial Stewardship
Parishioners can support Holy Spirit through online giving via ParishSoft, online checking and bill pay through their own bank, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) through St. Joseph's Credit Union, mailed contributions, and the collection at Mass. Semi-annual and annual financial reports are published.
Safe Environment
All employees and any volunteers who work with youth or vulnerable adults must complete the Diocese of Youngstown's Safe Environment compliance every five years, including VIRTUS training, review of the policy and Appendix 9, and a background check. Holy Spirit's Safe Environment Compliance Officer is Anne Weeks, who can be reached at anneweeks@holyspiritunoh.org.
Streaming the Mass
Parishioners who are homebound can follow Sunday Mass through the Diocese of Youngstown's Catholic Echo livestream or on the Holy Spirit YouTube channel. Daily and Sunday Mass from St. Paul Parish in North Canton is also available online through the BoxCast channel.