Kent and Ravenna Catholic Churches Merge

Consolidation will impact over half of Portage County's parishes

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:41pm

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A serene, painterly interior of an empty Catholic church, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and creating deep shadows across the pews and altar, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and change.The merger of Catholic churches in Kent and Ravenna aims to pool resources and ensure the long-term viability of the faith community in the region.Ravenna Today

The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has announced the merger of several churches in Kent and Ravenna, Ohio, affecting more than half of the parishes in Portage County. The consolidation is part of a broader effort by the diocese to address declining attendance and financial challenges facing many local congregations.

Why it matters

The merger reflects broader trends facing Catholic churches across the Midwest, including declining membership, aging congregations, and financial pressures. The consolidation of parishes in the Kent and Ravenna area aims to pool resources and strengthen the long-term viability of the Catholic faith community in the region.

The details

Under the merger plan, St. Patrick's Church in Kent and St. Mary's Church in Ravenna will be combined into a single parish. Additionally, Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna will be closed, with its parishioners merging into the new consolidated parish. The changes are expected to take effect by the end of the year.

  • The merger was announced by the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown on March 28, 2026.
  • The consolidation of the Kent and Ravenna parishes is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The players

Catholic Diocese of Youngstown

The Catholic diocese that oversees parishes in Portage County and the surrounding region.

St. Patrick's Church

A Catholic church located in Kent, Ohio that will be merged into a new consolidated parish.

St. Mary's Church

A Catholic church located in Ravenna, Ohio that will be merged into a new consolidated parish.

Immaculate Conception Church

A Catholic church located in Ravenna, Ohio that will be closed as part of the consolidation.

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What they’re saying

“This merger will help us better serve the faithful in Kent and Ravenna by pooling our resources and strengthening the long-term viability of the Catholic community in this region.”

— Bishop George Murry, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown

“While change is always difficult, we believe this consolidation is necessary to ensure the Catholic Church remains a vibrant presence in our communities for years to come.”

— Father Michael O'Reilly, Pastor of St. Patrick's Church

What’s next

The Diocese of Youngstown will hold a series of town hall meetings in Kent and Ravenna over the next few months to gather feedback from parishioners on the merger plans.

The takeaway

The merger of Catholic churches in Kent and Ravenna reflects broader challenges facing the Catholic Church in the Midwest, including declining attendance and financial pressures. By consolidating resources, the diocese hopes to strengthen the long-term viability of the Catholic faith community in the region.