Bishop David J. Bonnar celebrated the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle and the 10th anniversary of the dedication of Saint Thomas the Apostle Church in Vienna on July 3, 2026. Photo credit: Gerard Zarella | The Catholic Echo
Throughout August, the Church invites us to reflect on the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a heart completely open to God’s will and overflowing with love, compassion, and trust. As we celebrate the Assumption and the Queenship of Mary this month, may we ask her to lead us ever closer to her Son and help us to imitate her faith, humility, and joyful “yes” to God’s plan.
Welcome to the Digital Communique!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
The Shared Publicity Folders, has replaced the Communique Attachments folder.
For full list of bulletin announcements, please download the Text Only Attachments
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 PDF or Word 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 parish and schools in our new Shared Publicity Folders. Anyone with the link can view these folders. If you are employed at a DOY-affiliated parish, school or lay organization, you can request Editor access to upload publicity materials.
- August 2026 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/aug2026sharedoy
- September 2026 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/sept2026sharedoy
Diocesan Events This Month
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Events for October
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Events for October
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Events for October
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Events for October
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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
- 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.
BISHOP'S OFFICE
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
CHANCELLOR'S OFFICE
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Bulletin Materials) – The theme for the 2027 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2027, is “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
- Religious Retirement Fund Collection (Bulletin Materials) – The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal and Collection will take place in most parishes on November 21/22, 2026.
ARCHIVES OFFICE
- Official Catholic Directory – The Official Catholic Directory Online Update System is open for updating.
- Archives Office – We frequently assist parishes with photos or information about parish history.
RURAL LIFE & MINISTRY
No announcements from this office right now
MINISTERIO HISPANO | HISPANIC MINISTRY
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
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
JUBILEE YEAR OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
MARRIAGE & FAMILY SERVICES
- Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass will take place onSunday, June 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Columba Cathedral, Youngstown. The deadline for couples to register at their parishes is May 22, 2026.
- Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreat Day (Bulletin Materials) – The next diocesan-sponsored one-day marriage preparation retreat days for engaged couples will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Holy Family Parish Center (Poland). Reservations are required.
- 2026 Marriage Preparation Formation Opportunities – The Diocese of Youngstown has updated their 2026 dates for Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreats.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Marriage Preparation Retreat Days on October 25 (Bulletin Materials)
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
25th, 40th, 50th and over Wedding Anniversary Celebration in Canton on 10/26 (Bulletin Materials)
Registration forms with Pastor’s signature due to parishes by September 26th.
Visit doyorg.wpenginepowered.com/jobs to see a full listings of current openings. Click the category to view recent postings, and click the title to view details for each listing. Questions? Contact Matthew Hazi, Human Resources Director, at mhazi@youngstowndiocese.org.
DIOCESAN POSITIONS
PARISH & CAMPUS MINISTRY POSITIONS
CATHOLIC SCHOOL POSITIONS
- St. Patrick – Kent (10/29/2026)
- St. Paul – North Canton (10/30/2026)
- Holy Family – Poland (10/30/2026)
- John F. Kennedy Upper Campus School – Warren (10/26/2026)
- PreSchool Director/Teacher – Saints Philip and James Elementary School, Canal Fulton (10/2/2026)
- Principal for St. Rose School, Girard (10/16/2026)
- Second Grade Teacher – Saints Philip and James School, Canton (10/8/2026)
- Aftercare – Saints Philip and James School, Canton (10/8/2026)
- Permanent Substitute (K-8) – St. Christine School, Youngstown (9/18/2026)
- Head Softball Coach – Ursuline High School, Youngstown (9/9/2026)
- Pre-K Assistant – ECLC @ St. Luke, Boardman (9/9/2026)
- Pre-School Teacher’s Aide (Part Time) – Villa Maria Teresa School, Hubbard (8/21/2026)
- Substitute Teachers for All Diocesan Schools 2026-2027 School Year (7/22/2026)
ADDITIONAL CATHOLIC CAREERS
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
- Season Of Giving (Bulletin Materials) Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026 – There are a variety of ways to engage with us during this 60-day campaign such as giving online through our website at ccdoy.org, gifts by mail, or by attending an in-person event.
- Breakfast with the Bishop (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown to host Breakfast with the Bishop at Saint Michael Parish (Canfield)
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ASHTABULA COUNTY
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County HALO (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County invites you to attend the HALO Gala—Holiday Angels Loving Others. Support the children who will benefit from this event by visiting our Amazon Toys Wishlist today.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES SERVING PORTAGE AND STARK COUNTIES
- Social Hour with the Bishop (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark County to host 3rd Annual Social Hour with the Bishop.
OFFICE OF PEACE AND JUSTICE
- November is Catholic Social Teaching Month (Bulletin Materials) – November in an opportunity to remember the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching, moral guidelines for following Christ’s example of love and mercy.
- October is RESPECT LIFE MONTH (Bulletin Materials) – In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Peace & Justice
CRS Rice Bowl (Bulletin Materials)**
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
OFFICE OF YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
- The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is on Social Media! – The Office is now posting updates, events, and more on Facebook and Instagram, in addition to on the DOY website and the Communique. Please give it a like and a follow!
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
MULTIMEDIA
- Wineskins Schedule: November 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.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: October-December 2026 – Join us for a biweekly discussion of your burning spiritual questions. For more information about the Catholic Echo Podcast topics, visit catholicecho.org/podcast.
SOCIAL MEDIA
- The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is on Social Media! – The Office is now posting updates, events, and more on Facebook and Instagram, in addition to on the DOY website and the Communique. Please give it a like and a follow!
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
LATEST PRESS RELEASES
- Catholic Charities Agencies serving the Diocese of Youngstown to merge (10/29/2026) – The milestone unification is effective January 1, 2027
- #iGiveCatholic Event Takes Place December 1st During Giving Tuesday (10/28/2026) – Since 2015, #iGiveCatholic has inspired faithful stewards to “Give Back and Give Catholic”
- Catholic Charities Announces Annual Season of Giving Campaign (10/27/2026) – Various in-person & online events, including Giving Tuesday, Breakfast with Bishop Bonnar
- Vatican Upholds Bishop Bonnar’s Decision on Mother of Sorrows Church in Ashtabula (10/24/2026) – Mother of Sorrows Church was relegated to profane but not sordid use in November 2025
- Joanie Lewis Appointed as New Director of Mission and Advancement (10/23/2026) – Mrs. Lewis spent the previous three decades as Lead Account Executive at Our Sunday Visitor
- Mass of Thanksgiving for Blessed Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on October 21 (10/20/2026) – Archbishop Sheen was formally beatified and declared blessed on September 24
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Wineskins & The Catholic Echo Podcast (Bulletin Materials)**
Learn more at catholicecho.org/podcast
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 & RELIGIOUS SERVICES
- Religious Retirement Fund Collection (Bulletin Materials) – The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal and Collection will take place in most parishes on November 21/22, 2026.
- Catholic Leadership Institute Update – Parishes whose pastors participated in the Catholic Leadership Institute Intensive Track will retake the Disciple Maker Index survey this fall. Parishes who participated in the virtual track are also invited to retake the DMI. Please contact CLI directly for details.
OFFICE OF CHURCH VOCATIONS
- Men’s Discernment Retreat: “Come Follow Me” – This day of reflection is an opportunity for Catholic men, ages 16 to 25, who are open to considering a call to the priesthood or religious life.
- Vocation Parish Resources – Vocation Parish Resources to Promote Vocations All Year Long
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Vocations Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials)**
Watch our social media for more updates.
Vocations Social Media
- Website: www.doyorg.wpenginepowered.com/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.
ANNUAL DIOCESAN APPEAL
- News About the Appeal: 94.89% – Fr. John-Michael Lavelle emails updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted online here.
OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND STEWARDSHIP
- Oct – Dec 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
This information is also posted at www.doyorg.wpenginepowered.com/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
July-Sept 2026 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
- Ministry with Persons with Disabilities – Suggested Text for Parish Bulletins – Everyone is loved and needed in the Catholic Church. Our diocese offers many resources to help your Catholic organization become more adaptive to special needs and abilities. Sharable posts for parishes that are making accommodations to include everyone are included here.
- Personnel Reports and Catechetical Reports Are Past Due But Still Requested! – Current parish ministers are asked to complete and return the personnel lists for all catechetical and pastoral ministers as well as the program report as soon as possible.
- Lifelong Learning: New Courses For Adults starting in January – 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.
- 2026 Advent Retreat Day for Parish Ministers – December 2 – 2026 Advent Retreat Day for parish ministers and leaders to be held December 2. Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
- Let us Pray for Persons With Disabilities, including Mental Illness, and their families – Parishes are encouraged to utilize these to add to the Universal Prayers at weekend Masses, and prayer groups are encouraged to utilize these at meetings/gatherings to pray for persons facing challenges or accommodation needs due to disabilities.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- 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.
IN THE DIOCESAN LIBRARY
- NEW: Confirmation Retreat opportunities on January 30 and February 13 – Two retreat opportunities for parish groups preparing youth for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be available with the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial includes Advent Resources, browse in person or online – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for bible study, devotionals, faith formation and prayer.
HISPANIC/LATINO MINISTRY
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
OFFICE OF WORSHIP
- The Great “O” Antiphons Lessons and Carols – Come hear the fantastic Cathedral Choir sing 7 newly composed “O Antiphons”.
- Diocese of Youngstown to Host Fourth Annual Gold Mass Celebration – The diocese recognizes its parish musicians at the annual Gold Mass 11/1/26 at 5pm with Concert at 3:45pm. Join for an organ and choir concert before Mass and dinner afterwards.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS (Bulletin Materials) – The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for adults will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Columba Cathedral.
WORSHIP: MUSIC
- The Great “O” Antiphons Lessons and Carols – Come hear the fantastic Cathedral Choir sing 7 newly composed “O Antiphons”.
- Diocese of Youngstown to Host Fourth Annual Gold Mass Celebration – The diocese recognizes its parish musicians at the annual Gold Mass 11/1/26 at 5pm with Concert at 3:45pm. Join for an organ and choir concert before Mass and dinner afterwards.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
OFFICE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- 2026-2027 DOY Catholic Schools Calendar Available – The Office of Catholic Schools has published the calendar for the 2026-2027 school year.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is now on social media! Please give it a like and follow!
Miscellaneous
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
- 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
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 2026 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/aug2026sharedoy
- September 2026 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/sept2026sharedoy
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.
