Communique | April 2024

Priests smiling and singing
Ready for Resurrection?

After 40 days of fasting, we are prepared to begin 50 days of celebration! At the same time, we continue our solidarity with and service to our neighbors in times of poverty in body or spirit.

The New Digital Communique is Here!

The Communique collects important information provided by diocesan offices for parish ministry leaders. It also includes promotional materials for diocesan events and programs, where applicable.

Questions? Contact Meagen Farrell, Communications Manager, at communications@youngstowndiocese.org or (330) 744-8451 x275.

The printable format publication is sent by email as a Word file. Attachments are now provided as downloadable files in one folder (including the printable version):

 

Announcements suitable or adaptable for parish bulletins are noted. Where applicable, links to attachments and graphic files are included for each office below: click to save/download the file.  

Other Events & Shared Publicity

Events from around the diocese can also be found on The Catholic Echo Events Calendar. You can upload or find publicity for Catholic organizations outside of diocesan offices in our new Shared Publicity Folders. All at youngstowndiocese dot org emails have access to these folders, and others can request access.

Quote of the Month

“Joy, with peace, is the sister of charity. Serve the Lord with laughter.” -St. Padre Pio

Above: Rev. Lawrence Nwabueze, OP (L) and Rev. Anthony Oloko, CMF (R), chaplains for Mercy Health, and Very Rev. Msgr. Robert Siffrin (C), Rector, at the Cathedral of St. Columba, Youngstown, Ohio | Photo by Brian Keith (RusticCity)

For more Catholic inspiration, connect with the Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Chancery

Click the name of the office to read the announcement titles, and click the headlines for more information. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.

OFFICE OF SAFE ENVIRONMENT
BISHOP'S OFFICE
ARCHIVES OFFICE

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

April: Child Abuse Prevention Month (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

All Catholic parishes, schools, and families are encouraged to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Here are some resources to support your prayerful participation:

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín)

The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins. 

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Bishop’s Office–Presidential Thought Leadership Series: Diplomacy in the Church and Why it Matters (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

Join Walsh University for a fireside chat featuring Archbishop Gabriele Caccia and Bishop David Bonnar on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at the Barrette Business and Community Center from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. They will discuss the Catholic Church’s significant role in international diplomacy throughout history and its impact on global affairs. Register now for the free Presidential Thought Leadership Series: Diplomacy in the Church and Why it Matters.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION FOR THE HOLY LAND (Bulletin Materials)**

The Good Friday Collection will be held March 29, 2024.  This Pontifical Collection supports Christians in the Holy Land.  Please see the suggested bulletin and pulpit announcements.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

COLLECTION FOR SEMINARIAN SUPPORT (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

The Seminarian Support Collection will be held the weekend of April 20/21, 2024.

Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.

TRIBUNAL
  • Tribunal In-Service Available The Tribunal staff has made available an ongoing in-service for small groups of between 8-12 participants and generally runs approximately two hours. Interested parties should call the Tribunal at (330) 744-8451, ext. 252.

Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES, DIOCESE OF YOUNGSTOWN
CATHOLIC CHARITIES REGIONAL AGENCY
OFFICE OF PEACE AND JUSTICE

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

ODJFS Seeks Foster Families (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

If you or someone you know might be interested in taking on the challenges and rewards of becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please use this link to learn more.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

CCRA: SAVE THE DATE! Women Fore Women: July 15, 2024 (Bulletin Materials)**

Catholic Charities Regional Agency is once again hosting the annual Golf Classic called Women Fore Women on Monday, July 15th, 2024 at the Links at Firestone in Columbiana. 

Proceeds from this all-Women’s Golf Classic will benefit the Voice of Hope Shelters for Women and Children operated by Catholic Charities Regional Agency.

We are now seeking sponsors. Contact Nancy at nvoitus@ccregional.org or 330.744.3320 ext. 219.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (en Español), our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Office of Peace & Justice: Town Hall Discussion on Immigration (Bulletin Materials)**

The Peace and Justice Committee is hosting a Town Hall Meeting on the topic of Immigration on April 16th, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Dominic Parish Center (Youngstown).

Event is free and open to the public.  Registration is recommended. Contact: R.J. Mangan, CRS Diocesan Director at 330-744-8451, or rmangan@youngstowndiocese.org

Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.

OFFICE OF YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
ARISE: Registration is now OPEN! (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

Join young adults throughout the diocese for the 2nd-annual young adult summer festival on Friday, July 26 through Saturday, July 27, 2024!

BULLETIN/PUBLICITY

Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment (Bulletin Materials)**

New logos attached for Eagle of the Cross, Diocesan Confirmation Retreat, and “ARISE” Youth Summer Festival.

The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is now on social media! Please give it a like and follow!

Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.

THE CATHOLIC ECHO
MULTIMEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

The Catholic Echo  (Bulletin Materials)**

Catholic Echo logos are included on the DOY Brand page: doy.org/brand

BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Shared Publicity Folders -UPDATED LINKS

Catholic parishes, schools, and lay organizations are invited to share your flyers, images, and bulletin announcements using Google Drive. All @youngstowndiocese.org emails should have access to these folders, and others can request access on a case-by-case basis. We will respond to all requests within one business day and appreciate your patience.

Clergy and Religious Services

Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.

OFFICE OF CLERGY SERVICES
OFFICE OF CHURCH VOCATIONS

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Vocations Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs  (Bulletin Materials)**
Save-the-Date: Second Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic

The Second Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic, benefiting Seminarian Formation and other needs is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Youngstown Country Club. Mark your calendars now and watch our social media for more updates in this new year.

Vocations Social Media

Development and Stewardship Offices

Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN APPEAL
  • Memorials for Guardian Angel Gifts Bishop Bonnar is remembering dearly departed loved ones in prayer during November, the Month of All Souls. Names were submitted with Guardian Angels gifts to the Annual Diocesan Appeal.
  • News About the Appeal Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND STEWARDSHIP
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES
  • World Mission Sunday on October 19/20 Together, through our prayers and financial support, we bring the Lord’s mercy and concrete help to the most vulnerable communities in the Pope’s missions.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Annual Diocesan Appeal March Parish Resources (Bulletin Materials)

The following parish resources help promote the Annual Diocesan Appeal in each weekend of March (Lent + Easter). These and other parish resources are available for download at the bottom of www.doy.org/appeal.

Each week’s parish resource sheet contains:

  • Intercession for Prayers of the Faithful
  • Bulletin announcement
  • Pulpit announcement
  • Social media post/content
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Pontifical Mission Societies Podcast: Frontiers of Faith (Bulletin Materials)

Looking for a podcast that explores the important work of the Pontifical Mission Societies? Look no further than the show hosted by Katie Ruvalcaba and Msgr. Kieran Harrington! This dynamic duo delves into the inspiring stories of those who have dedicated their lives to mission work, sharing perspectives that are both insightful and thought-provoking. From discussions on the role of faith in global development to interviews with missionaries in the field, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, service, and social justice. Listen at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2187895

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales del Boletín) 

It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.

Pastoral and Educational Services

Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.

OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION AND LAY ECCLESIAL MINISTRY
  • ANNUAL AUGUST GATHERINGS FOR RCIA TEAMS In preparation for the implementation of the OCIA in your parish in the coming year, the Office of Worship will be scheduling workshops for clergy and parish OCIA teams. More information will be coming soon.
  • LIFELONG LEARNING All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. These courses are offered in-person or online. Upcoming course: Sowing God’s Word.
  • Considering Preparation for Ministry as a Lay Person? If you have ever wondered about becoming prepared for a parish ministry position, please contact Barbara Walko for assistance in discerning academic and experiential qualifications with a possible path toward meaningful and life giving ministry.
  • Pastors Seeking Parish Ministers Pastors hoping to hire new or additional staff persons in the areas of adult faith formation, youth and young adult ministry, children and family formation, pastoral ministry, and other key areas of parish life are asked to contact Barbara Walko for assistance.
IN THE DIOCESAN LIBRARY
  • LIBRARY UNDERGOING RENOVATIONS -NEW Books to help you grow in your prayer life may be borrowed from the Diocesan Library. Due to construction, please call before your visit to confirm that the resources you need are available: 330-744-8451 x296.
OFFICE OF PRO-LIFE, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE
OFFICE OF WORSHIP
WORSHIP: MUSIC
OFFICE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

BULLETIN/PUBLICITY

Office of Pro-Life, Marriage & Family Ministry (Bulletin Materials)**

Project Rachel Lenten Message for Bulletin/Newsletter

There is no sin, including abortion, which is greater than the Divine Mercy of Jesus. There is hope and healing available. For CONFIDENTIAL help, text or call Project Rachel of Northeast Ohio at 330-360-0430 or go to https://hopeafterabortionneo.weebly.com/.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Office of Worship - Music Events (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

Organ Concert Series-Monthly Concerts at The Cathedral of St. Columba

The Cathedral of St. Columba is pleased to announce a new organ concert series in 2024. Join us Friday, April 19th at 6:30pm for a recital by Davis Badaszewski. A free will offering directly goes toward the Cathedral and Diocesan Music program. Please give generously!

See flier for additional dates:

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

It’s not too late to donate to the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund for 2023! (Bulletin Materials)**

Did you miss the opportunity to donate to the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund in 2023? You can still donate by April 15th and choose to receive your Ohio income tax credit for either 2023 or 2024!  Although only funds donated in 2023 will be available for students in the 2024-2025 school year, funds donated in 2024 will be available for students in the 2025-2026 school year. With Tax Day just around the corner, now is a good time to think about turning your taxes into tuition and help us start to grow the fund for the 2025-2026 school year.  Donations can be designated to benefit students in any of our Diocesan schools, or funds can be designated to a particular school. This is a win-win opportunity for Ohio taxpayers, scholarship recipients, and our schools. Go to www.doy.org/Giving/ to donate to the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund.

New EdChoice Brochure (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

Miscellaneous

The Necrology (In Memoriam) for Diocesan Clergy is now available online!

Many thanks to Robalyne Sciubba for keeping the printable Necrology updated.

Gratitude to Rev. Joseph Ruggieri who has created a Google calendar to help you pray by date.

Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials)

Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.

DIOCESAN CEMETERIES

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Lunch & Learn at Calvary Cemetery (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

Please share these flyers and bulletin announcements as applicable to your location:

Other Events

FAQ: Where do I send my announcements?

You are invited to submit events and announcements for The Catholic Echo to Editor-in-Chief Katie Wagner at kwagner@youngstowndiocese.org.

Are you planning a parish music event? Please contact/copy Diocesan Director of Music Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.

BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Shared Publicity Folders -UPDATED LINKS

Catholic parishes, schools, and lay organizations are invited to share your flyers, images, and bulletin announcements using Google Drive. All @youngstowndiocese.org emails should have access to these folders, and others can request access on a case-by-case basis. We will respond to all requests within one business day and appreciate your patience.

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