Diocese Appoints Lavelle Director of Stewardship and Development

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, bishop of Youngstown, has appointed the Very Rev. John-Michael Lavelle, as director of stewardship and development. He will remain vicar for missionary discipleship and pastor of St. Michael Parish in Canfield.

Under Father Lavelle’s direction, the Office of Stewardship and Development will continue to develop and direct the Annual Diocesan Appeal: One in Hope, One in Mission, as well as the Diocese of Youngstown Foundation. Additionally, with the assistance of a fund development dpecialist to be added to the staff in the coming weeks, the office will coordinate donation and grant opportunities for the diocese, parishes and schools. The office will also serve as a resource in directing parishes and schools to obtain assistance in conducting various fundraising campaigns.

Lavelle was appointed vicar for missionary discipleship in 2021, and serves on the Diocesan Administrative Board, Diocesan Presbyteral Council, the Diocese of Youngstown Foundation and the Catholic Charities Regional Agency Board. He was appointed interim director of the Annual Diocesan Appeal in 2022, and previously served as pastoral director of the Catholic Television Network of Youngstown among many other duties. He was ordained in 2000 and has served as pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish, Ravenna, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Niles, and as associate pastor at Saint Mary Parish, Massillon, and Saint Christine Parish, Youngstown.

Lavelle holds a B.S. in education from Youngstown State University, master’s degrees in both divinity and religious education from Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, and a doctorate in ministry from Saint Mary Seminary, Cleveland.

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