Pauline Year: June 28, 2008 - June 29, 2009 Pope Benedict XVI has proclaimed a special year in honor of the 2000th Anniversary of the birth of St. Paul. Click here to learn more about the Year of St. Paul. Return to top Catholic Bishops Voice Concern Regarding State Funding for Embryonic Stem Cell Research The Catholic Conference of Ohio sent an address to Governor Strickland and members of the Ohio General Assembly. The address expresses the Bishops' disappointment with the Governor's veto of a provision within the economic stimulus legislation (HB554) that would have banned the use of state funding for embryonic stem cell research related to human cloning. Click here to read the Bishops' address. Return to top On Embryonic Stem Cell Research: A Statement of the USCCB The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released a new statement concerning embryonic stem cell research. Click here to read the statement, issued June 13, 2008. Return to top Child Protection Policy Revised "We re-affirm our deep commitment to creating a safe environment within the Church for children and youth." This quote from the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2005 identifies the intention of our diocese with the revision of the Diocese of Youngstown Child Protection Policy. Bishop George V. Murry, S.J., has promulgated the Policy, "Treasured Gifts from God," effective June 15, 2008. The purpose of our Policy is to protect children in our diocese from potential abusers, and to define the diocesan response in cases of alleged or actual abuse. To read the policy click on the child protection link on this website, or contact Nancy Yuhasz at 330-744-8451 to obtain a copy. Return to top Scriptural Prayer for Summer 2008 The Office of Religious Education invites you to use Scriptural Prayer Summer 2008 for personal prayer or for prayer with parish ministry groups. This order of service for the Gospels in Ordinary Time Year A is based on the lectio divina method of scriptural prayer. Return to top New Web Address: Cathdoy.org The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has a new address on the World Wide Web. Visit Cathdoy.org for the latest information from the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Return to top Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops provides valuable resources for correctly forming our consciences in order to faithfully take part in the political process. Read Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship Read Conscience and the Catholic Voter Visit FaithfulCitizenship.org Return to top 2008 Parish Festivals Click here to view the current list of parish festivals. Return to top First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Visit the First Friday Club Website for information on the monthly luncheon series. Return to top Faithful Citizenship/Political Responsibility The Office of Social Action has established a web page to provide information on the USCCB Faithful Citizenship efforts and resources. Please visit this page for current information, links and resources on how you and your parish can best be engaged in Faithful Citizenship during this election year and in the years to come. Click here for the Faithful Citizenship bulletin insert. Return to top Youngstown Vocations Website The Diocesan Vocations Office has launched a website YoungstownVocations.org. Visit the Youngstown Vocations Website to learn more about a vocation to the Priesthood, Religious Life, or Permanent Diaconate. The website contains answers to your frequently asked questions, testimonials, current events, and much more. Click on the logo in the left-hand margin to visit the Youngstown Vocations Website. Return to top Getting Married? Consider attending God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage, one-day retreat for engaged couples. This retreat is held in various locations throughout the diocese. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Click here to download the registration form.(pdf) Or contact the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage & Family at 330-744-8451 ext. 289 Return to top Natural Family Planning Many people are searching for a better way to live their married life: a way that is healthier – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Learn more about Natural Family Planning List of Local NFP Instructors Contact the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family at 330-744-8451 for more information. Return to top Today’s Scripture Click here to view the readings for today’s Mass. Return to top Catholics Respond Generously to Capital Campaign The Catholic people of the Diocese of Youngstown made commitments exceeding $32.7 million in the Today’s Sacrifice…Tomorrow’s Church capital campaign. An additional $5.4 million was raised by eight parishes conducting piggyback campaigns for designated parish purposes, i.e. construction or renovation. This campaign is a historic milestone in the history of the diocese. Click here to download the news release or contact the Office of Development and Stewardship , at (330)744-8451. Return to top Lutheran-Catholic Covenant Bishop George Murry, S.J. and Bishop Eaton of the Northeastern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have approved the Lutheran-Catholic Covenant Action Plan 2008-2011 prepared by the Covenant Commission. For more information, visit the Lutheran-Catholic Covenant Website. Return to top Charismatic Prayer Groups Various charismatic prayer groups meet at different locations throughout the diocese. Click here to view the current list(pdf). For more information about Charismatic prayer please contact Rev. Robert Edwards at 330-424-7648 or e-mail georgelisbon@netscape.net. Return to top