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 Andacollo, 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 at 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 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of 2023, Father Smith’s appointment to graduate studies in Moral Theology at the Angelicum University in Rome was rescinded due to overwhelming pastoral needs and he was asked to serve as Pro-Tem Sacramental Minister of St. Paul Parish, Salem and St. Patrick Parish, Leetonia.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. 
In his leisure time, Fr. Brian enjoys music, exploring languages, and cooking. We look forward to meeting and welcoming him to northern Portage County.