Rev. Frantisek Katrinak was ordained in the Archdiocese of Kosice, Slovakia.
He served in a variety of ministries over the past 23 years, including rector of the archdiocesan seminary there. He recently served as pastor of the parish in Cana, Slovakia. Having served at churches in Slovakia for the past 23 years, he came to the United States at the request of the Diocese of Youngstown to serve at St. Mary’s Parish. Father Francis started at St. Mary’s in August of 2018; his first time pastoring a church in the United States. St. Mary’s historic building was very impressive to him.
 
“This will be something new for me. I feel I can do good being here,” 
“I am thankful for the parishioners for supporting me and the work many of them do here to make this place beautiful.” 
 
Father Francis first visited the United States in 1992, coming to Pennsylvania after studying in Poland. Since he was a boy, he always wanted to be a priest and started as an altar boy.
 
“I am happy that I became a pastor. I will work to make this congregation stronger. I will help people here on their journey to do what God wants them to do. I want to make that journey successful and help people achieve their needs. As a church it is important for the congregation to come together in prayer. Our purpose is to be with God.”
 
The people of St. Mary's are thankful for his willingness to leave his home and join their parish family.