Father Edward R. Wieczorek

Pastor

Born in Warren, Ohio,  Fr. Wieczorek attended St. Mary grade and high school prior to entering the seminary at St. Gregory, Cincinnati.  He earned a bachelor's and master's degree in philosophy at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.  He went on to the Gregorian University (North American College) in Rome, where he earned a licentiate in sacred theology. 

Father Ed was ordained December 18, 1965 by Bishop Francis Reh at St. Peter's Basilica, Rome.  When he returned to the Diocese of Youngstown, he served as associate pastor at St. Columba Cathedral for three years.  In 1969, he returned to the Gregorian for graduate studies in theology. He joined the faculty of Mount St. Mary's of the West Seminary in Cincinnati in 1971 for a four year stint.  He then served as associate pastor at St. Joseph's in Canton for four years (1975-79) prior to becoming the first pastor of Uniontown Holy Spirit, where he served from 1979-91, the year he was named pastor of Columbiana St. Jude.  He became pastor of this parish in August 1995.

Father also served in Synod '76 Social Justice and Responsibility committee and was an elected representative to the Priests Senate.  He has coordinated a prayer group for priests and was active in the Charismatic Movement in Stark County.  While at St. Columba, he served as Mahoning County chaplain to the Boy Scouts.  He served on the diocesan Board of Education (1983-86), and was President of the Lake Area Clergy Association in 1985.  In 1996 he was the co-founder, along with Rev. Charles McNatt of the Methodist Church, of the S.W. Portage County Ministerial Association, where he has held various offices including president. 

Father Ed can be reached at the rectory, 330-628-9941. 

James White

Permanent Deacon

Deacon James White was born in Akron, Ohio and has lived in St. Joseph Parish all his life.  He, his wife and children have all been very active in the parish.  Deacon White decided to become a Deacon in order to help people in ways that he could not as a lay person.  He was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in 1982 and was assigned to St. Joseph Parish.  He has been active in many facets of parish life including Baptism preparation, RCIA, Sponsor Couple and Marriage preparation, Confirmation preparation, Adult Religious Education and also Ministers for Baptisms and Weddings. 

Deacon White has a Masters Degree from Loyola University in Religious Education which gave him the ability to become a Director of Religious Education (DRE) in a parish setting.  At the present, he is the DRE at Annunciation, St. Bernard and St. John the Baptist Parishes in Akron.  He has also served in that capacity for St. Matthew Parish in Akron.  Deacon White feels that working with people who are eager to listen to the Catholic story is very rewarding.

To contact Deacon White, please call the rectory at 330-628-9941.

Steven Gies

Permanent Deacon

Ordained in 1999, Deacon Gies came to St. Joseph's Church in 2003.  He is involved in many aspects of the church, including proclaiming the Gospel at Mass, preaching and teaching and assisting Father Ed with the Mass.  He also serves the parish by leading or serving on several committees including  Chairman of Family Life/Spiritual Life Committee, Stewardship Committee, Worship Committee and Parish Pastoral Council.  He is currently in the process of establishing a Bereavement Committee and bring a new program, Angel Food Ministries to the parish to help with the high cost of groceries.

Deacon is also very active in a prison ministry and the Eagle Scout program of the Boy Scouts of America.

Deacon Gies and his wife and son have become integral to the parish.  Their dedication and hard work is deeply appreciated by the parishioners

Deacon can be reached by calling the rectory at 330-628-9941.

Linda Shaw

DRE/Pastoral Minister

I began my ministry as an elementary teacher in my home parish of St. Benedict in Canton, O., after graduating from Walsh University.   Following several years of teaching I was asked to become a teaching principal for the school.   Later, I became the first Director of Religious Education for the parish.

 From there I also served as DRE and Pastoral Minister at St. James, Waynesburg and at St. Mary’s in Morges, OH.   I came to St. Joseph in Randolph in 1988.   I completed my Masters Degree in Pastoral Ministry from LoyolaUniversity in 1990.

I really enjoy the many individuals, families and students who continue to make my ministry here so rewarding.  I feel richly blessed because I get to share so many significant moments with people.  My ministry includes Sacramental Preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation for parents, sponsors and students.  I also lead the RCIA team as we welcome individuals who are interested in the Catholic faith.

While I enjoy all of the various aspects of my ministry, I think the RCIA holds a special place in my heart.  I can not describe the joy I feel for each person at the Easter Vigil each year when they realize the dream they have been seeking for so long – to personally meet Jesus in the Sacraments of Initiation.

I am happy to work with a great volunteer staff for our thriving CCD program and our high school Youth Ministry.  Each person is so dedicated to sharing their faith and is a real example to the children and youth of our parish.   Through both programs we not only attempt to pass on our faith but also guide the young people to become active members of our parish and the community at large.

I am so grateful to all of the many volunteers who step forward each year to help make all the things we do so successful and enjoyable.  I could not begin to do what I do without each of you!

My door is always open and people are always welcome to stop in or call.  I never claim to offer solutions to life’s events but I am always happy to listen and pray with and for you!

Linda can be contacted at msgrlin@aol.com or 330-628-4844.

Dorenda M. Demyan (Dee)

St. Joseph School Principal

I am currently attending University of Akron in the Educational Administration Master's Program and will graduate on August 15, 2009, as a member of the Pi Lambda Theta International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education and as a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.  I am a graduate of The University of Akron with a BS in Elementary Education, grades 1-8, and a concentration in reading and social studies.  I attended Mount Union College to receive my certification in kindergarten.  I have taught at St. Joseph School for ten years; four years in the fourth grade, five years in kindergarten and one year in first grade.  Before teaching at St. Joseph School, I taught Title 1 Reading at Pfeiffer Elementary School in the Akron Public School system for two and a half years and was a substitute and preschool teacher. 

In addition to my teaching career, I am a freelance writer for an educational magazine and have had several of my submissions published.  I am married to Dan and have two sons, Daniel, seventeen, and Adam, twelve.

To reach Mrs. Demyan, please call the school office at 330-628-9555 or e-mail her at ygnjosephran@doy.org.