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Diocesan Appeal

Communique | February 2024

Students gather for a photo during homecoming week at Saint John School in Ashtabula, Ohio.
God Calls You by Name

Events in February invite us to reflect on God’s universal call to conversion of heart, and one’s specific call to marriage, clergy, religious community, and single life.

Pastoral Letter: Practicing Faith, Hope & Love
Diocesan Events

The Digital Communique is Under Construction!

Sections May be Blank While We Add New Features; See the Printable Version in the Attachments Folder for Full Announcements
Attachments Folder

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

“The wonderful education that they have received at St. Nick’s and now at Mooney has really been amazing for us. The Christian service program, attending Mass, learning about their faith, were exactly what we were looking for in a school.” –Holly Henry, as quoted in Expanded EdChoice by Pete Sheehan

Students gather for a photo during homecoming week at Saint John School in Ashtabula. All of the students pictured are related (either cousins or siblings) and all have a parent, grandparent or both that graduated from Saint John School. Front center—Natalie Hartwell ‘37; Row 2—Eric Hartwell ‘33, Vinnie Santiago ‘33 and Kora Call ‘33; Row 3—Matthew Call ‘31, Isabella Lucas ‘29, Emma Call ‘27 and Rosilena Santiago ‘30. | Photo by Keith Corlew

For more Catholic inspiration, connect with the Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Pinterest, LinkedIn 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
ARCHIVES OFFICE
DISCIPLE MAKER INDEX
EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

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

Disciple Maker Index (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

During Lent, Catholics will have an opportunity to reflect on their spiritual life using a survey called the Disciple Maker Index (DMI). The survey provides data for pastors, parish councils, and lay ecclesial ministers to help parishioners grow in their faith. The Catholic Leadership Institute will provide survey results during the Easter season, followed by training for parish leaders. The Diocese of Youngstown is one of only 15 dioceses across the country chosen to participate in this multi-year process of reflection and growth. 

The following website contains templates for parishes to promote your parish’s DMI survey.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

March of the Eucharist – Lenten Adoration Schedule Now Available (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

Please share the following blurb in your bulletin or website starting February 3/4

In addition to receiving the Eucharist at Mass, we also need to enter into a greater spirit of prayer, bringing ourselves before the Blessed Sacrament—not only voicing our prayer, but listening for God’s voice in prayerful silence. As part of the three-year Eucharistic Revival, the diocese has compiled a “March of the Eucharist” Adoration schedule for the Lenten season, to assist the faithful in hearing God’s voice. This schedule is available in the February issue of The Catholic Echo Magazine or online at https://doy.org/eucharistic-adoration/ May we all enter this Lenten journey more focused on the true presence of Christ in our lives.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis Starts July 17, 2024 (Bulletin Materials)**

The NEC flyer provides a QR code where participants can register now. We recommend you provide this flyer in your weekly bulletins throughout the year and print some flyers to post in your parish halls and entrances.

Canonical 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.

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.

Catholic Charities 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
  • CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials) – Shamrocks for Socks is a new project of Catholic Charities designed to aid in our service to the poor and vulnerable living in the Diocese of Youngstown.
  • First Step for Change – Catholic Charities will hold its annual First Step for Change campaign from Mother’s Day through Father’s Day, honoring the faith, humility and love it takes to raise a child.
  • ODJFS Seeks Foster Families – In Ohio, nearly 15,000 children are living in out-of-home placement settings every day. Adoption and foster care can provide a stable, loving home. Learn how to help.
  • Lunch and Learn Event – Save the Date – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown to host free lunch and learn events throughout the year and at multiple locations around the Diocese of Youngstown.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES REGIONAL AGENCY
OFFICE OF PEACE AND JUSTICE

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

CCDOY: Annual White Mass (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will be the principal celebrant and for the twenty-eighth annual White Mass on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 West Wood Street in Youngstown. The White Mass is hosted in recognition, celebration, and gratitude for the ministry of all healthcare, mental health, and healing professionals. 

Refreshments to follow in St. Columba Parish Hall.  For more information contact Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown at 330-744-8451 ext. 316.

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

Office of Peace & Justice: Lunch & Learn Event – Laudate Deum (Bulletin Materials)**

SAVE THE DATE – February 1, 2024, 12:00 p.m.
Little Flower Parish, Varble Social Hall, Stark County

TOPIC:  Laudate Deum, the most recent Apostolic Exhortation from His Holiness, Pope Francis
SPEAKER:  R.J. Mangan, Director of Peace & Justice

For this February’s Lunch and Learn as presented by Catholic Charities, R.J. Mangan will be reviewing and discussing the most recent Apostolic Exhortation from His Holiness, Pope Francis – Laudate Deum – a letter which calls all Catholics to a renewed vigor in addressing the global climate crisis and addresses the new difficulties that have arisen in facing this challenge. The document firmly plants Catholic doctrine on the Care of Creation within a scientific framework; this document constitutes a political exhortation as well as a spiritual and theological one. All are welcome to attend.

A free lunch will be provided.
Call or email to reserve your spot – 330-744-8451, ext. 321; ccdoy@youngstowndiocese.org 

Department of Missionary Discipleship

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

OFFICE OF YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
  • Food & Fellowship -NEW – Food and Fellowship was created as an opportunity for youth ministers, campus ministers, and young adult ministers to come together to enjoy casual, ministry-focused conversation, connect with one another, and to share ideas and experiences to continue to improve our ministerial approaches in an ever-changing world.
  • First World Children’s Day (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW – The first World Children’s Day will take place on May 25-26th, 2024. This year’s theme is “I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
  • Eagle of the Cross Awards – Congratulations to the 21 recipients of the Eagle of the Cross Awards! Contact Maddie DiSalvatore for details: mdisalvatore@youngstowndiocese.org
  • ARISE: Registration is now OPEN! (Bulletin Materials) – ARISE is an opportunity for young adults (ages 18-39) across the diocese to pray, laugh and experience God’s love for us, together. Questions/Suggestions? Please contact Maddie DiSalvatore at mdisalvatore@youngstowndiocese.org.
  • 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!
  • Confirmation Retreat Guide – This Confirmation Retreat Guide may be used as a tool by catechists in the Diocese of Youngstown to guide confirmandi on their preparation journey to receive the Sacrament! Catechists should feel free and inspired to use as the Holy Spirit moves them. Questions/Suggestions? Please contact Maddie DiSalvatore at mdisalvatore@youngstowndiocese.org.
Mardi Gras & Missionary Discipleship with Miguel Chavez 

On February 13th and 27th, Miguel Chavez is coming to speak to and discuss with all Youth, Young Adult, Campus Ministers, and any other volunteers (ages 19+) who assist in their ministry within the Diocese of Youngstown. Session 1 is on Tuesday, February 13th (Mardi Gras!) at 9:00am – 11:00am at St Charles Borromeo in Boardman (St. Matthew Room), and Session 2 is on Tuesday, February 27th at 7:00pm-9:00pm at St Paul Catholic Church in North Canton (Parish Hall).  Please RSVP by February 8th by emailing Maddie at mdisalvatore@youngstowndiocese.org or calling at 330.744.8451 x 310.

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.

Department of Communications

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

THE CATHOLIC ECHO
  • The Catholic Echo is Hiring! -NEW – The Catholic Echo is currently seeking an Administrative Assistant and Advertising Sales Representatives. Please send a résumé and cover letter to employment@youngstowndiocese.org.
  • 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.
MULTIMEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA
PUBLIC RELATIONS
  • Media Inquiries, Recent Press Releases – Have you received media inquiries or coverage? Please consult with Dennis Biviano, Public Relations & Media Specialist: (330) 744-8451, ext. 320 or dbiviano@youngstowndiocese.org.
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 VOWED RELIGIOUS
  • Religious Jubilee Celebration – We will celebrate the Jubilees of all religious who served in the Diocese of Youngstown on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Warren, Ohio.
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.

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND STEWARDSHIP
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
  • 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.
  • First World Children’s Day (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW – The first World Children’s Day will take place on May 25-26th, 2024. This year’s theme is “I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
  • LIMEX Group Forming Soon (Bulletin Materials) – If you are interested in a part time, graduate-level program in theology and spirituality from a Catholic university Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX) may be for you.
  • Personnel and Program Reports Requested – Please provide us with the opportunity to verify accurate numbers by completing the catechetical report, according to your area of responsibility. Please share information from others on your staff who oversee ministry areas beyond your position.
  • 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.
  • New Adult Learning Opportunities Begin Soon (Bulletin Materials) – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. These courses are offered online.
  • Free Books at Diocesan Library (Bulletin Materials) – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have books, DVDs and audio books about bereavement support, bible study, devotionals and prayer.
NEW IN THE DIOCESAN LIBRARY
  • New in the Library: May 2024 – New this month: “The Collected Works of Saint Teresa of Avila,” “A Spirituality of Caregiving,” and “Our One Great Act of Fidelity: Waiting for Christ in the Eucharist.”
OFFICE OF PRO-LIFE, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE
  • First Step for Change – Catholic Charities will hold its annual First Step for Change campaign from Mother’s Day through Father’s Day, honoring the faith, humility and love it takes to raise a child.
  • Memorial Service for Miscarried or Stillborn Children (Bulletin Materials) – If you know someone who has suffered the loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth, please invite them to a Memorial Service on Sunday, May 19.
  • Red Bird Ministries (Bulletin Materials) – Red Bird Ministries is a Non-Profit Catholic Grief Support Ministry that guides individuals and couples through the complexity and trauma that happens with the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood.
  • Springs in the Desert (Bulletin Materials) – As a Catholic infertility ministry, Springs in the Desert is more than just a ministry; we are a place of respite, solidarity, and encouragement – wherever you are on the path of infertility, or in the experience of pregnancy loss.
  • Young People: Are You Scared to Talk about Abortion? – On Saturday, May 18th, Ohio Right to Life, Students for Life of America and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Toledo are sponsoring an apologetic conference for students entitled “Persuasive Pro-Life” at the St. Thomas More Newman Center at the Ohio State University from 10 am – 2:30 pm.
  • Project Rachel May/Mother’s Day Message (Bulletin Materials) – For CONFIDENTIAL help text or call Project Rachel of Northeast Ohio at 330-360-0430.
  • Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreat Day – The next diocesan-sponsored one-day marriage preparation retreat days for engaged couples will be held Saturdays, March 2 & April 6 in the social hall at St. Columba Cathedral. Reservations are required.
  • ODJFS Seeks Foster Families – In Ohio, nearly 15,000 children are living in out-of-home placement settings every day. Adoption and foster care can provide a stable, loving home. Learn how to help.
  • Intercessions for Life and Pro-Life Bulletin Briefs – The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities prepares intercessions and bulletin briefs for each month.
  • Students for Life – Any parish, school or campus interested in forming a Students for Life group may contact the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life at dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451 ext. 272.
OFFICE OF WORSHIP
  • Low Gluten Hosts – It is important for pastors to make every effort to accommodate the experience of Holy Communion for the faithful, including those suffering from celiac disease.
  • Displaying of Flags in Catholic Churches (from the USCCB website) – The Bishop’s Committee on Divine Worship encourages that the American flag not be placed within the sanctuary itself, in order to reserve that space for the altar, ambo, presidential chair and tabernacle.
  • New Order of Christian Initiation of Adults – The Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments has confirmed the revised translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adult and the Ritual de la Iniciacion Cristiana de Adultos.
  • OCP Parish Grant Program – The Parish Grant Program is open to all Roman Catholic parishes and campus ministries within the United States. Applications for 2024 OCP Parish Grants are being accepted through May 30, 2024.
  • New Ritual Book – Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside of Mass – A new ritual book, Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside of Mass has been approved for use no later than December 1, 2024.
  • Free Webinar Series – “Behold the Lamb” – The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions will sponsor a FREE Webinar Series entitled “Behold the Lamb” on Wednesday afternoons in May from 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. The webinar series will focus on the newly approved Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside of Mass ritual book.
  • Liturgical Directory – The Liturgical Directory contains valuable information about Liturgy Committees; liturgical minister formation guidelines; guidelines for the celebration of sacraments; music in liturgical celebrations; and art and architecture directives.
WORSHIP: MUSIC
  • Parish Music Events in May 2024 (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at St. Mary Church (Massillon), St. Columba Cathedral (Youngstown) and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish (Warren).
  • OCP Parish Grant Program – The Parish Grant Program is open to all Roman Catholic parishes and campus ministries within the United States. Applications for 2024 OCP Parish Grants are being accepted through May 30, 2024.
  • Planning Parish Music Events? – If your parish is having any upcoming musical events you’d like to send out, please email Ralph Holtzhauser, Diocesan Music Director, at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org!
  • Choir Members Invited to Sing at Ordinations – Music events include Emmet Cahill at the Cathedral on March 14, Cathedral Organ Recital Series on March 22 at 7pm, and Tenebrae service on March 24 at 7pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – St. James Church.
OFFICE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

BULLETIN/PUBLICITY

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

DivorceCare will be offered at St. Joseph Church in Austintown for 13 consecutive Mondays, 6:30-8:00pm beginning on February 12. Meetings will be held in the Mackin Room in the St. Joseph School building. Contact Jim Merhaut at jmerhaut@stjosephaustintown.org or call 330-792-1919 to reserve your spot, or visit the St. Joseph website, http://stjosephaustintown.org/divorcecare/ for more information and to register online.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Office of Worship - Music (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, February 23rd at 6:30pm for a recital by our Diocesan Director of Music, Ralph Holtzhauser. A free will offering directly goes toward the Cathedral and Diocesan Music program. Please give generously!

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Resources for Catholic Schools Week (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

To celebrate Catholic Schools Week, find graphics for your website & social media from NCEA

Golden Apple Award Nominations Due to Principals by February 7, 2024 -NEW

Through the generosity and kindness of the Donahue Family Foundation, the Golden Apple Award honors outstanding individuals who devote their lives to teaching in Catholic schools.

Please download and complete the attached nomination forms:

Miscellaneous

In Memoriam | Necrology for February

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.

In Memoriam for February

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 and Learn: Planning Ahead is a Gift of Love (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

All Souls Cemetery, 3823 Hoagland Blackstub Road, Cortland, OH 44410. RSVP by February 16th at (330) 637-2761. You and a guest are cordially invited to a complimentary lunch at All Souls Cemetery on February 21 at 12:00pm.

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

Other Events

Visit https://catholicecho.org/events/
FAQ: Where do I send my announcements?

You are invited to submit events and announcements for The Catholic Echo to catholicecho@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.

Social Media & News

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