About Blessed Trinity · Akron, Ohio
Blessed Trinity Parish is a Roman Catholic parish in the North Hill neighborhood of Akron, Ohio, in the Diocese of Cleveland. It was founded on December 6, 2009, through the merger of three historic North Hill parishes: Saint Martha (1919), Christ the King (1935), and the closing Saint Hedwig (1912). The parish is led by founding pastor Father Joseph A. Warner and Deacon John Hirnikl, and serves the surrounding community through weekend and daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, faith formation for children and adults, a parish food pantry, senior activities, and outreach partnerships.
- Established
- 2009
- Patron
- The Blessed Trinity
- Rector
- Rev. Joseph A. Warner
- Diocese
- Diocese of Cleveland
Why belong here
Blessed Trinity is the only parish on Akron's North Hill formed from the merger of three historic Catholic communities, giving it deep roots and a strong sense of belonging. It offers the full rhythm of Catholic life — daily and Sunday Mass, Eucharistic Adoration with reconciliation three evenings a week, faith formation for children and adults, a food pantry serving the local community, senior luncheons, and a monthly Coffee Hour — all in one parish. It is a welcoming, family-friendly community where newcomers, returning Catholics, and lifelong North Hill residents worship and serve side by side.
Mass times at Blessed Trinity
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (during Eucharistic Adoration)
- Wednesday 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (during Eucharistic Adoration)
- Friday 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (during Eucharistic Adoration)
- By appointment with Father Joseph Warner (call 330-376-5144)
Adoration times
- Monday 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
History of Blessed Trinity Parish
Blessed Trinity Parish was canonically established on December 6, 2009, with Father Joseph Warner as founding pastor. The new parish was formed by bringing together the people of three historic Akron North Hill parishes: Saint Martha Parish (founded 1919), Christ the King Parish (founded 1935), and the closing Saint Hedwig Parish (founded 1912, which had closed just months earlier in September 2009). The parish carries forward more than a century of combined Catholic presence on North Hill while building a single, unified community under the patronage of the Blessed Trinity.
- Saint Martha Parish — founded 1919
- Christ the King Parish — founded 1935
- Saint Hedwig Parish — founded 1912, closed September 2009
- Blessed Trinity Parish — established December 6, 2009
- Founding pastor: Rev. Joseph A. Warner
Mission and Identity
The parish's mission statement says members are "brought together by God; guided by the Holy Spirit; and inspired by the command of the Lord Jesus to, 'Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.'" They commit to living the gospel through prayer and worship, education and formation, ministry and evangelization, leadership and service, and to strengthening the presence and vibrancy of the Catholic Church in North Hill and the Diocese of Cleveland.
Faith Formation and Religious Education
Blessed Trinity partners with three neighboring parishes — Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Anthony, and St. Joseph — to offer a robust Parish School of Religion (PSR) for children in Pre-K through 8th grade attending public school. Director of Religious Education Terri Bullock oversees sacramental preparation and coordinates the program.
Parish School of Religion (PSR)
PSR offers two formats for children in Kindergarten through Grade 8: a Sunday Classroom PSR (held Sundays 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. with four Faith! Family! Fun! activities throughout the year) and a Family PSR home-based model with monthly gatherings. Registration for Family PSR is limited to 25 families. All registrations are handled at saintjoe.org/psr.
- Sunday Classroom PSR — Sundays 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., grades K-8
- Family PSR — home-based with monthly gatherings (max 25 families)
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) for ages 3-6
- CGS lead instructors: Dorothy Simonis and Tiffany Reed
- CGS Sunday sessions at 11:15 a.m.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)
CGS is offered for preschool and kindergarten children ages 3-6. Rooted in Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy, CGS uses developmentally appropriate, hands-on Montessori-style materials to let children grow in relationship with God. Dorothy Simonis (a retired music therapist, early-childhood teacher, and secular Franciscan who has co-led CGS since 2010) and Tiffany Reed (an Air Force veteran and member of St. Mary Parish who has co-led since 2015) are the lead instructors.
Sacramental Preparation
Formation and education precedes each of the Sacraments celebrated at Blessed Trinity. The parish prepares children, youth, and adults for Baptism, Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage. Sacramental preparation is coordinated through the parish office with the Director of Religious Education.
Baptism
Baptism is typically celebrated with the parish community at one of the weekend liturgies. Preparation sessions are held in February, May, and September. Families contact Terri Bullock at ext. 226 for more information about Baptism preparation.
OCIA — Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
OCIA (formerly called RCIA) prepares unbaptized adults, baptized Christians from other traditions seeking full communion, and returning Catholics for full sacramental initiation into the Catholic Church. The process is also available for unbaptized children ages 7-17. Weekly formation sessions are offered for both adults and children, and an informal Information Night is held each fall. Deacon John Hirnikl and Terri Bullock coordinate the process.
- For unbaptized adults, baptized Christians, and returning Catholics
- Also for children ages 7-17 who are unbaptized
- Weekly formation sessions for both adults and children
- Information Night typically in early September in McKeever Hall
Outreach and Service
Blessed Trinity offers service and outreach to the local community and works in conjunction with other community programs to meet the needs of many individuals. Its signature outreach is the Blessed Trinity Food Pantry, which provides food assistance to neighbors in need and offers volunteer opportunities for parishioners who want to pick up food orders, stock the pantry, take food calls, and fill orders.
- Blessed Trinity Food Pantry — assistance line: 330-475-0321
- Food Pantry volunteer opportunities: pick-up, stocking, phone calls, order fulfillment
- Community partnerships with other local programs
- Pastoral Staff available by phone: 330-376-5144
Senior Activities and Luncheons
Blessed Trinity maintains an active ministry to senior parishioners and area seniors. The parish offers a regular Senior Luncheon coordinated by Toni Pogwizd, providing opportunities for fellowship, food, and community connection. Details of upcoming luncheons are posted in the weekly bulletin.
- Senior Luncheons coordinated by Ms. Toni Pogwizd (330-376-5144)
- Fellowship and community for parish seniors
Parish Staff
Blessed Trinity is led by founding pastor Father Joseph A. Warner, with Deacon John Hirnikl assisting. The parish team includes a Director of Religious Education, a Homebound Ministry & Virtus Administrator, a Senior Luncheon Coordinator, and an Office Assistant. The parish center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Rev. Joseph Warner — Pastor
- Deacon John Hirnikl — ext. 221
- Mrs. Terri Bullock — Director of Religious Education, ext. 226 ([email protected])
- Bill Blankenship — Homebound Ministry & Virtus Administrator, ext. 225 ([email protected])
- Ms. Toni Pogwizd — Senior Luncheon Coordinator
- Sue Dolson — Office Assistant, ext. 221 ([email protected])
- Parish Center Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Getting Involved
The parish invites parishioners to share their time and talent across worship, formation, and outreach. The parish office can connect interested volunteers with ministries ranging from the food pantry and homebound ministry to faith formation, OCIA, the Senior Luncheon team, and the Coffee Hour fellowship. Contact the parish center at 330-376-5144 to get involved.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Joseph A. Warner2009–present
Founding pastor; also currently serves as Dean of the Summit North Deanery in the Diocese of Cleveland.