Canton parish priest appointed diocesan director of Rural Life and Ministry
YOUNGSTOWN − The Very Rev. Kevin Peters has been appointed director of Rural Life and Ministry Renewed for the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.
Peters has also been appointed as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Canton, which resulted from the merger of St. Anthony/All Saints and St. Mary/St. Benedict parishes, and Holy Family Parish in Navarre and Brewster, as well as the dean of Stark County West.
As director of the Office of Rural Life and Ministry, Peters will lead the diocese’s renewed efforts to support farmers and rural families throughout its six counties − Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark and Trumbull.
He will work in collaboration with county farm bureaus and fair boards, and his office will help identify basic spiritual and social justice needs in rural communities.
Guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the Office of Rural Life and Ministry also will be actively involved in legislative matters that impact farming practices, food chain issues and food supply for the poor and underfed.
Peters has been committed to serving the needs of local and civic communities, including regularly celebrating Mass at the Canfield Fair in Mahoning County and participating in the work of the diocese’s prison ministries.
“I am an inner-city pastor who respects the land and those who work the land, and I am inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical 'Laudato Si’' on the environment and care for our common home," he said in a news release. "I feel blessed, honored and privileged to serve in this capacity.”
The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, bishop of the Youngstown Diocese, praised Peters' work with those in his new focus areas.
“I am grateful to Father Peters for taking on this important new role, which will help us better serve rural communities that are so important in our diocese," Bonnar said. "Father Peters is a true shepherd who cares about the real lives of people and has a passion for justice.”
Peters most recently has served as pastor of St. Angela Merici and St. Patrick parishes in Youngstown, and as chaplain of Ursuline High School, completing those assignments in June.
Previously, he served as pastor of Immaculate Conception and Sacred Heart of Jesus parishes in Youngstown (overseeing their merger into St. Angela Merici), and as pastor of Mother of Sorrows parish in Ashtabula (which later merged into Our Lady of Peace Parish). He has also served as parochial vicar for the parishes of St. Joan of Arc in Canton; St. Nicholas in Struthers; and St. Christine in Youngstown, and served as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy from 1998 to 2000.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton parish priest is appointed director of Rural Life and Ministry
