St. Ambrose Church

                                                                                    
7WELCOME REV. BRIAN SMITH Parochial Vicar of Portage North Parishes Born February 4, 1986, Rev. Brian Smith is the oldest of three children of William and Paula Smith of Massillon. He attended Central Catholic High School, Canton, and received a bachelor’s in Romance languages and literature from the University of Notre Dame. His work experience includes teaching English and working in campus ministry at Colegio Nuestra Señora de Anda Collo, a pre-K-12 school run by the Congregation of Holy Cross (priests and brothers) in Santiago, Chile. He also taught Spanish at Massillon St. Mary School and Ursuline High School, Youngstown. He received seminary training at The Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus. In addition to his studies at the Josephinum, he had numerous ministry opportunities in the Columbus Diocese, especially in youth ministry and ministry to the Hispanic community. Following seminary training, he was assigned as a deacon at Canton St. Anthony/All Saints Parish in Canton and then was ordained on June 19, 2021. He has served in the Diocese of Youngstown as Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Parish, North Canton, Diocesan Director of Continuing Education of the Clergy, and Diocesan Director of Hispanic Ministry. In September of 2023, Father Smith’s appointment to graduate studies in Moral Theology at the Angelicum University in Rome was rescinded due to overwhelming pastoral needs and he was asked to serve as Pro-Tem Sacramental Minister of St. Paul Parish, Salem, and St. Patrick Parish, Leetonia. On October 1, it was announced that he has been appointed as the new Parochial Vicar of the northern Portage County parishes of St. Joseph, Mantua, St. Ambrose, Garrettsville, St. Joan of Arc, Streetsboro, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora, effective November 15, 2023. “God’s providence in getting me to this place, being a priest of Jesus Christ in northeast Ohio, has been very kind. My parents planted the seeds of faith in our home by enrolling me and my brothers in Catholic education. My time at the University of Notre Dame introduced me to a broader experience of living out the Gospel, thanks in no small part to the priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Studying abroad in Chile afforded me the opportunity to become a more confident speaker of Spanish, to appreciate and immerse myself in another culture, and to keep seeing the life of the Church around the world. Once I returned to Ohio, a brief time living in Youngstown and working at Ursuline High School confirmed in my heart God’s call to dedicate my life to the Church in this corner of the world. My first two years have brought a number of changes and have challenged me to make the most of the encounters I have each day. As the Church in the Diocese of Youngstown continues to grow according to the needs and signs of the times we live in, I am very excited to continue in love and knowledge of our Savior and to work for the good of his Body in the world.” In his leisure time, Fr. Brian enjoys music, exploring languages, and cooking. We look forward to meeting and welcoming him to northern Portage County.

  
                                                                             


                                                                              
KEEPING IN TOUCH If you would like to send a card or note to Fr. Joe, here’s his contact information for his new assignment: Rev. Joseph Ruggieri St. Paul Parish 935 E. State St. Salem, OH 44460

 

St. Ambrose Council 11801

Breakfast with Santa

December 9^th, 10:00 AM at St. Ambrose Church Hall

 All are welcome to this FREE breakfast. 
Please bring an item for the food pantry if you are able.  
Santa will arrive with presents around 11:00 AM