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):
- December Communique Attachments Folder (contains printable version, text-only version, images & flyers): https://bit.ly/dec2024comm
- UPDATED Video: Saving Communique Attachments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz8Uim_okAE
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.
- December 2024 Shared Publicity Folders https://bit.ly/dec2024sharedoy
- January 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/jan2025sharedoy
- February 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/feb2025sharedoy
Diocesan Events This Month
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Praise & Worship Night for Vocations (Bilingual)
Events for May
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Events for June
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Taize Prayer Service: National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM)
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Church at Home Combined Collection
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
- 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 Podcast Topics: May-June 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.
- 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
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.
- 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)**
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: 82%! – 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
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.
- 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!
- 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!
- 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; 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.
- 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.
- Sarah Sciarretti Named Principal of Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic School – Mrs Sciarretti is currently employed at the school as Assistant Principal and Teacher
- 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!
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.
- 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.
- December 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/dec2024sharedoy
- January 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/jan2025sharedoy
- February 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/feb2025sharedoy
