A Season of Fellowship
August is full of festivals, fellowship, fundraisers, and food from many international traditions. Celebrate the variety of cultures and communities that make up our Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.
Welcome to the Digital Communique!
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):
- August Communique Attachments Folder (contains printable version, text-only version, images & flyers): https://bit.ly/aug2024comm
- Video: How to Save Communique Attachments https://youtu.be/IAs-FGa6hrQ
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.
- August 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/aug2024sharedoy
- September 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/sept2024sharedoy
- October 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/oct2024sharedoy
Quote of the Month
““Do you realise that Jesus is there in the tabernacle expressly for you -for you alone? He burns with the desire to come into your heart.” -Saint Therese of Lisieux
Photo (above): Very Rev. John Sheridan, Most Rev. David J. Bonnar and Very Rev. David Misbrener concelebrating at the Annual Mass for the Cause of Rhoda Wise, June 28, 2024 by Bob Rossiter.
For more Catholic inspiration, connect with the Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
For full list of bulletin announcements, please download the Text Only Attachments
Image and PDF files are available in the monthly Google Drive attachments folder: bit.ly/aug2024comm
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.
- Safe Environment Materiales de Boletín (in Spanish) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (in English) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocese of Youngstown will be participating in the Church at Home Combined Collection the weekend of June 6/7, 2026. This important collection supports the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, USCCB Catholic Communications Campaign, and The Catholic University of America/Newman Apostolate.
- Parish and Shrine Events for Jubilee Year of St. Francis – Celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis with us! Franciscan religious communities and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Diocese of Youngstown are planning opportunities to fall more deeply in love with God through Franciscan spiritual practices.
- Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Registration will open in August – Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
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
Statewide Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Carey, OH, August 14 (Bulletin Materials)**
In this month’s attachment folder, find bulletin/newsletter materials, flyer, poster, social media images and instructions to promote this upcoming Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Carey, Ohio.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Sancta Clara Family Picnic (Canton) on August 11 (Bulletin Materials)**
Find out more at:
https://www.poorclares.org/upcoming-events/2024/8/11/sancta-clara-family-picnic
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Masses at County Fairs in August and September (Bulletin Materials)**
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
59th Annual Assumption Pilgrimage in North Jackson, OH (Bulletin Materials)**
The Maronite Catholic community welcomes you to the Shrine Basilica in North Jackson, Ohio, on August 13-15 and 18, 2024 for our pilgrimage themed “The Mother of God, A Gift to Us” in honor of Our Lady of Lebanon. On Tuesday, August 13th at 7:00 p.m., Bishop David Bonnar will preside at the Divine Roman Rite Liturgy.
Find out more at:
https://www.poorclares.org/upcoming-events/2024/8/11/sancta-clara-family-picnic
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Adoration Under the Stars (Light of the World) on September 8 (Bulletin Materials)**
Join us along with Bishop David J. Bonnar for an evening of worship, prayer, reflection, grace, and healing at St. Joan of Arc Parish (Streetsboro).
Find out more at:
- 2026 Marriage Preparation Formation Opportunities – The Diocese of Youngstown has updated their 2026 dates for Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreats.
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.
- Christmas In July – Join Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, for our “Christmas in July”. Your contributions provide vital winter assistance for families and older adults across our diocese.
- CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocese of Youngstown will be participating in the Church at Home Combined Collection the weekend of June 6/7, 2026. This important collection supports the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, USCCB Catholic Communications Campaign, and The Catholic University of America/Newman Apostolate.
- Current Needs – Product of the Month! (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County presents a program designed to address the most urgent needs of our clients by focusing on specific essential items each month.
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County Annual Bocce Tournament (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County announces Annual Bocce Tournament on September 5, 2026!
- URGENT REQUEST – Personal Care Items – Catholic Charities Urgently Seeks Donations to Help Those in Need.
- Women Fore Women: July 13, 2026 – 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.
- Adoration at the Statehouse – June 2nd: For Unity and Healing in Our Country – All are invited to come and pray at the Ohio Statehouse on Tuesday, June 2nd from 10am – 2pm and contribute to 250 Hours of Adoration.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
For full list of bulletin announcements, please download the Text Only Attachments
Image and PDF files are available in the monthly Google Drive attachments folder: bit.ly/aug2024comm
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
ODJFS Seeks Foster Families (Bulletin Materials)**
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! Chefs for Charity on September 26 (Bulletin Materials)**
An evening with local chefs to support programs that help stabilize housing and fight homelessness. Enjoy delicious tastings from 23 participating restaurants, cash bar, raffles, entertainment and more!
Thursday, September 26, 2024
5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Eastwood Event Centre, Niles, Ohio
Join our host Bishop David J. Bonnar in support of Catholic Charities Regional Agency, serving Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Visit ccdoy.org/chefs-for-charity/ for tickets ($75 each) or sponsorship opportunities. Call 330-744-3320 for more information.
We are now seeking sponsors. Contact Nancy at nvoitus@ccregional.org or 330.744.3320 ext. 219.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
URGENT PLEA – Volunteers Needed (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is looking for volunteers to help with the increased demand for pantry services in both the Canton location and the Ravenna location. Pantry volunteers will typically work a 2-3 hour shift and can choose to work weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on their personal availability. Clients will schedule pantry visits in advance, and pantry volunteers will prepare the grocery bags based on client selections. Compare this to the “Giant Eagle Shoppers” that prepare groceries for pick-up customers. However, this is much easier! In addition, volunteers may be asked to assist with other routine tasks such as dating incoming goods, rotating products, and general organization.
Come and lend a hand! Help others by directly fulfilling just one of the many ways we assist clients in need.
Call the Canton office at 330-491-0896
Call the Ravenna office at 330-297-7745 or
Send an email to charities@youngstowndiocese.org and we will forward your information to the proper location!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Peace & Justice:Catholic Conference of Ohio News Updates (Bulletin Materials)**
Stay Informed on Ohio Legislation from the Catholic Conference of Ohio (CCO)
The Conference works on behalf of the Ohio bishops as an official voice of the Catholic Church in Ohio, primarily in public policy matters. At the end of each month, they send a newsletter summarizing key legislation, action alerts, and relevant information that empowers Catholics across the state to uphold the Church’s beliefs and values. Sign up to receive important updates on legislation and help inform your parishioners to engage as Faithful Citizens.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Peace & Justice: Prison and Jail Ministry – Seeking Volunteers (Bulletin Materials)**
The Office of Peace and Justice is seeking to expand the volunteer program for prison ministry. If you, or someone you know, is interested in ministering to the incarcerated, please contact us. Volunteer opportunities available in all six counties. For further information contact R.J. Mangan, Director of Peace and Justice, at 330-744-8451 x 245.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
- 18 Teens to Receive “Eagle of the Cross” Award from Diocese of Youngstown – The annual award is given to juniors and seniors in the DOY since 1999
- Theology on Tap – Theology on Tap is an invitation to young adults (18-39) to delve deeper in their faith and in community with other members of the Church.
BE FED on August 13 & 14
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.
- Wineskins Schedule: April & May 2026 (Bulletin Materials) – The “Wineskins” radio show features reflections on the lives of the saints and the sacred scriptures, along with thoughts on a variety of topics and issues from a Catholic perspective.
- Diocese Announces Closing Masses for St. Brendan, St. Matthias & St. Joseph Churches – Saint Brendan Church (2800 Oakwood Ave, Youngstown) on Monday May 4, 5:00 p.m.; Saint Matthias Church (915 Cornell St, Youngstown) on Monday May 18, 5:00 p.m.; Saint Joseph Church (3312 Lake Ave, Ashtabula) on Thursday June 18, 6:30 p.m
- Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Registration will open in August – Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
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.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Mass Finder Now Online – Diocesan Directory Updates
We have launched a Mass Finder on doy.org to help Mass goers show up at the right place & time, especially during these transitions. If you change your Mass times, please notify us whenever you update your bulletin! You can notify us of changes at any time by using this form: https://forms.gle/GFX45J5cZt9CuRoQA
Thank you for helping facilitate worship of Lord Jesus, worthy of all praise. If you have any questions, please contact Meagen Farrell, Communications Manager at communications@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451 x275.
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.
- SAVE THE DATES! Clergy Ongoing Formation and Fellowship Events in 2026 – Ongoing Education & Formation: 4/24 Virtual event on imigration; 5/20 5pm Priest Anniversary Celebration.
- Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Registration will open in August – Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- Praise and Worship Nights for Vocations – Join us as we pray for an increase in vocations. For more information contact Fr. William Wainio in the Office of Church Vocations, wwainio@youngstowndiocese.org.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Vocations Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials)**
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. Register or sponsor today at doy.org/golf.
Watch our social media for more updates.
Vocations Social Media
- Website: www.doy.org/vocations/
- Facebook: doyvocations
- Instagram: doyvocations
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.
- News About the Appeal: 76%! – Fr. John-Michael Lavelle emails updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
- Apr-June 2026 Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín) – It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.
Annual Diocesan Appeal Updates
Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at www.doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
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.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Visiting Missionaries (Bulletin Materials)
Please see the UPDATED list of speakers.
Please feel free to add details of dates and names specific to your location.
Parishioners will be invited to give at their parishes. Online giving to the “Missionary Cooperation Plan” is available by parish at doy.org/mcp.
The Propagation of the Faith and Missions Office is pleased to announce that missionaries from around the world are sending a missionary to each one of our parishes during the months of June, July or August this summer.
Each of our parish pastors schedules and welcomes a visiting priest, deacon, sister or layperson to their parish. Please remember that when it comes to missions, Some give by going, others go by giving! Please be generous.
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.
- Let us Pray for Persons With Disabilities including those with mental illness – Parishes are encouraged to utilize these to add to the Universal Prayers at weekend Masses, and prayer groups are encouraged to also utilize these at meetings/gatherings to pray for persons facing challenges or accommodation needs due to disabilities.
- Lifelong Learning: New Courses For Adults starting this summer – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith and learn more about our Catholic Church. There are courses offered online and in-person.
- Prayer Intentions for Pastoral Ministers at Parishes – Prayers of petition for lay ecclesial ministers. Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
- Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Registration will open in August – Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- Adoration at the Statehouse – June 2nd: For Unity and Healing in Our Country – All are invited to come and pray at the Ohio Statehouse on Tuesday, June 2nd from 10am – 2pm and contribute to 250 Hours of Adoration.
- Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Registration will open in August – Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series – 2026 Dates (Bulletin Materials) – We are glad to feature some incredible artistry from around the diocese and beyond who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
- Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Registration will open in August – Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- Upcoming Parish Music Events (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at: the 2026 Cathedral Concert Series; 3/29 Tenebrae Service at Blessed Sacrament Church, St Teresa of Calcutta Parish (Warren); 5/30 St. Columba Cathedral Festival Orchestra Concert
- Dinner & Dialogue Events for Musicians | National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM) Youngstown Chapter – NPM Youngstown chapter is invites musicians to Dinner and Dialogue events: 5/9 at Pondi’s (Lisbon) at 7pm. 6/1 Taize Prayer Service at Regina Coeli Church (Alliance) at 6pm. Youngstown is a temporary chapter of the National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM). Contact Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series – 2026 Dates (Bulletin Materials) – We are glad to feature some incredible artistry from around the diocese and beyond who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
- Sister Mary McCormick Named Interim President of Ursuline High School – Sister Mary is a former instructor and graduate of Ursuline High School
- Dr. Lisa Baylor Named New Principal of Regina Coeli Catholic School – Dr. Baylor previously taught at Regina Coeli, Walsh University and Walsh Jesuit
- Reverend Richard Murphy to Retire as President of Ursuline High School – Father Murphy has served his alma mater as president for the past 14 years
- Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Registration will open in August – Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- 18 Teens to Receive “Eagle of the Cross” Award from Diocese of Youngstown – The annual award is given to juniors and seniors in the DOY since 1999
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
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.
- Rosary at the Cemetery Chapel on the 1st Wednesday at 10am (Bulletin Materials) – Pray the Rosary on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am in the Chapel of any of our four Diocesan Cemeteries.
- Chaplet of Divine Mercy (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services offers the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer Service in the chapels of our four Cemeteries at 3:00p.m. every Friday at alternating locations.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Fridays at 3pm (Bulletin Materials)
Rosary at Four Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials)
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.
- August 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/aug2024sharedoy
- September 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/sept2024sharedoy
- October 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/july2024sharedoy
