Communique | December 2024

Preparing for the Messiah

In Advent, we wait in joyful hope for the coming Messiah, God of the Universe, who was, and is, and is to come. Oh come, let us adore Him!

Quote of the Month

[Our Blessed Mother] says, ‘All generations will call me blessed.’ Every generation is integral to the story of our faith. As Catholics we have a responsibility to increase our awareness and appreciation of those who have gone before us.” 

-Bishop David J. Bonnar

Above: Bishop David Bonnar and Chancellor Joan Lawson at the Press Conference announcing the new All Saints Archival Center on November 20, 2024. Photo by Michael Houy.

Watch the full press conference at https://catholicecho.org/2024/11/20/introducing-the-all-saints-archival-center/

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

Welcome to the Digital Communique!

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/dec2024comm

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 PDF or 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.

Diocesan Events This Month

October 2025

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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
BISHOP'S OFFICE
ARCHIVES OFFICE
ECUMENICAL & INTERRELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
No announcements from this office right now
RURAL LIFE & MINISTRY
No announcements from this office right now

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. 

MARRIAGE & FAMILY 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.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES, DIOCESE OF YOUNGSTOWN
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ASHTABULA COUNTY
CATHOLIC CHARITIES REGIONAL AGENCY
CATHOLIC CHARITIES SERVING PORTAGE AND STARK COUNTIES
OFFICE OF PEACE AND JUSTICE

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

CCAC: HALO Donations (Bulletin Materials)**

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

URGENT PLEA – Winter Baby Items Needed (Bulletin Materials)**

Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is desperately seeking donations for their First Step Program for women & children.
The items currently needed most are:

  • Winter Wear – Hats, Gloves, Boots, Socks
  • Winter Clothing for Babies & Toddlers
  • Sizes 6 mos. through 5T
  • New or Gently Used
  • All used clothing should be freshly washed.
  • Boys & Girls Styles needed!

Please drop off donations at either location, but please call first.

Call the Canton office at 330-491-0896
Call the Ravenna office at 330-297-7745 or

Alternatively, please ship directly using our AMAZON WISHLIST.

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: Prison and Jail Ministry (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.

OFFICE OF YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
  • SEEK26 SEEK26 registration opens on October 15th at MIDNIGHT for the first 25 young adults (ages 18-39) to register with the Diocese of Youngstown using the diocesan discount code. Registrants must be parishioners and/or reside in the Diocese of Youngstown to attend.
  • Emmaus: New Young Adult Speaker Series Emmaus is a series of events put on by collaborating parishes in Stark County for Young Adults, ages 18-39, from various backgrounds/parishes. The mission of Emmaus is inspired by Luke 24; it is for young adults in Stark County within the Diocese of Youngstown to journey together and grow in authentic faith and fellowship, to empower them to go forth and live the Gospel.
  • Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2025-2026 Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
  • NCYC 2025 The National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, IN is an annual conference hosted by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. The Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is providing the opportunity for youth groups to attend with the larger diocesan Young Church this year!
  • 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.

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

THE CATHOLIC ECHO
  • The Catholic Echo Magazine Advertising Deadlines Stay connected with The Catholic Echo magazine’s advertising schedule to ensure your ad reaches our vibrant Catholic community across the Diocese of Youngstown. Discounts are available for multiple insertions and Catholic organizations.
MULTIMEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

CALL FOR RECIPES! (Bulletin Materials)**

The Catholic Echo magazine would like to feature your favorite recipes in an upcoming print edition! All recipes are welcome. For more information or to submit a recipe, email catholicecho@youngstowndiocese.org.

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)**

Watch our social media for more updates.

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
OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND STEWARDSHIP
OFFICE OF MISSIONS
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
Fall 2024 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
IN THE DIOCESAN LIBRARY
OFFICE OF WORSHIP
WORSHIP: MUSIC
OFFICE OF YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT ACCOMPANIMENT
  • SEEK26 SEEK26 registration opens on October 15th at MIDNIGHT for the first 25 young adults (ages 18-39) to register with the Diocese of Youngstown using the diocesan discount code. Registrants must be parishioners and/or reside in the Diocese of Youngstown to attend.
  • Emmaus: New Young Adult Speaker Series Emmaus is a series of events put on by collaborating parishes in Stark County for Young Adults, ages 18-39, from various backgrounds/parishes. The mission of Emmaus is inspired by Luke 24; it is for young adults in Stark County within the Diocese of Youngstown to journey together and grow in authentic faith and fellowship, to empower them to go forth and live the Gospel.
  • Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2025-2026 Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
  • NCYC 2025 The National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, IN is an annual conference hosted by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. The Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is providing the opportunity for youth groups to attend with the larger diocesan Young Church this year!
  • 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.
OFFICE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Theology on Tap is BACK! (Bulletin Materials) **

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

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

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.

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