Catholic Charities Month
February invites us to reflect on God’s universal call to charity and to discern one’s specific call to ministry.
Quote of the Month
“Charity is the sweet and holy bond which links the soul with its Creator: it binds God with man and man with God.”
-Saint Catherine of Siena
Photo: Participants consider transportation choices during a Charity Walk at Breakfast with the Bishop to benefit Catholic Charities, held at St. Michael Parish Hall in Canfield, December 3, 2024. Photo by Breanna Crissman. Find more event photos on Facebook.
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/feb2025comm
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):
- Communique Attachments Folder (contains printable version, text-only version, images & flyers): https://bit.ly/feb2025comm
- 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.
- February 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/feb2025sharedoy
- March 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/mar2025sharedoy
- April 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/apr2025sharedoy
Diocesan Events This Month
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- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
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Events for April
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Events for April
2nd
Events for April
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Events for April
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Events for April
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Events for April
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Events for April
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Events for April
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Events for April
12th
Events for April
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Events for April
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Events for April
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Events for April
16th
Events for April
17th
Events for April
18th
Events for April
19th
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Events for April
20th
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Events for April
21st
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Events for April
22nd
New Episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Events for April
23rd
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Events for April
24th
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Deadline for Ad Placement in The Catholic Echo June/July Magazine
Virtual Event: IMMIGRATION & THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Divine Mercy Chaplet | Fridays, Alternating Diocesan Cemeteries
Events for April
25th
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Seminarian Support Collection (Good Shepherd Sunday)
- Office of Church Vocations
- Vocation Director
Events for April
26th
New Episode of Wineskins
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Seminarian Support Collection (Good Shepherd Sunday)
- Office of Church Vocations
- Vocation Director
Events for April
27th
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Events for April
28th
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Eagle of the Cross Award Ceremony
Events for April
29th
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Events for April
30th
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Voice of Hope Dinner 2026
Events for May
1st
Events for May
2nd
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.
- April: Child Abuse Prevention Month (Bulletin Materials) – All Catholic parishes, schools, and families are encouraged to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Here are some resources to support your prayerful participation.
- 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.
- Idea for Parish Prayer, Observances & Events for Jubilee Year of St. Francis – In honor of the Jubilee Year of St Francis, the Diocese of Youngstown suggests these ideas for parish prayer, observances and events to connect to God through Franciscan spirituality.
- Online Resources for Jubilee Year of St. Francis – In honor of the Jubilee Year of St Francis, the Diocese of Youngstown suggests these Franciscan resources to help us to fall more deeply in love with God and neighbor.
- 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.
- 2027 Diocesan Collections Announced – The 2027 schedule of diocesan collections are now available and have been sent to parishes and envelope companies.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Voice of Hope Dinner – Get Your Ticket Today! – The Voice of Hope annual event celebrates the unity and identity of Catholic Charities’ Services in the Diocese of Youngstown, and raises funds to support our Basic Needs Assistance program.
- Collect CRS Rice Bowls During Holy Week – CRS Rice Bowl—Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten faith-in-action program—invites us to reflect on how caring for our neighbor is caring for Christ.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Charities Awareness Month (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.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2026 – Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
- 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.
- Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and broadcast in Stark County on April 2.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: March 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: March & April 2026 – 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.
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
- Printable Diocesan Directory Updated from February 2026 – Download the printable diocesan directory or search our interactive, online directory.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Wineskins & The Catholic Echo Podcast (Bulletin Materials)**
Learn more at catholicecho.org/podcast
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
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.
- Religious Jubilee Celebration – We will celebrate the Jubilees of all religious who served in the Diocese of Youngstown on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Cathedral of St Columba. RSVP to Sr. Mary Stephany Rose, OSHJ.
- SAVE THE DATES! Clergy Ongoing Formation and Fellowship Events in 2026 – Ongoing Education & Formation: 4/20 In-person formation about AI; 4/24 Virtual event on imigration; 5/20 5pm Priest Anniversary Celebration.
- Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and broadcast in Stark County on April 2.
- 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 Vocation Ministry: Called By Name Initiative Leads to St. Andrew Dinners – The Office of Church Vocations has invited young men nominated through the “Called by Name” initiative to learn more at a Saint Andrew Dinner on either April 13th or 15th. Contact the Office of Vocations at vocations@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: 67%! – 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.”
- Dec 2025-Mar 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
Winter 2025 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 beginning late April through summer 2026 – 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.
- Lifelong Learning: New Courses For Adults in late April 2026 – 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.
- FREE Conference on Disabilities and Mental Health with NCPD – Free two-day workshop, “Disability Ministry Training,” offered May 7 & 8 in Brunswick, Ohio for free by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability
- Let us Pray for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and for Persons With Disabilities including Autism – 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, as well as for increased vocations to lay ministry.
- March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – Our diocesan library offers adaptive learning kits for sacramental preparation and catechesis.
- Lifelong Learning: Courses For Adults in March 2026 – 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.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry, plus Catechist Cafe’ website (Bulletin Materials)- Updated – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for personal reflection, small group study, families, as well as age-level faith formation. Visit any time between 8AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday at 225 Elm Street, Youngstown. We also share resource ideas and links online on our Catechist Cafe’ website.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry – (Bulletin Materials) – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for small group study, families, as well as age-level faith formation. Visit any time between 8AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday.
- The Light is On for You – On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, parishes throughout the Diocese of Youngstown will participate in the annual “The Light is ON for you – An Evening of Reconciliation.”
- Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and broadcast in Stark County on April 2.
- 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.
- 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: 4/28 at 6:30pm Bann Thai (Alliance); Crow’s Nest (Ashtabula) 5/9 at 7pm. Youngstown is a temporary chapter of the National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM). Contact Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and broadcast in Stark County on April 2.
- 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.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2026 – Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
- 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.
- Diocese of Youngstown Celebrates Catholic Schools Week January 25th-January 31 – The annual celebration includes a variety of events running from January 25-31
- Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) Marketing Toolkit (Bulletin Materials) – Ohio taxpayers can reduce their 2025 state tax return through a donation to the Good Samaritan Scholarship up to $750 per individual or $1500 married filing jointly. DOY maintains this Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) and distributes it to families based on financial need. Leading up to Catholic Schools Week, parishes & schools are encouraged to use the SGO Marketing toolkit to promote their local Catholic schools.
- Catholic Schools Week 2026: CCO Resources for 2026 EdChoice Campaign (Bulletin Materials) – The Catholic Conference of Ohio has compiled resources which Catholic parishes and schools may share during Catholic Schools Week, or anytime, to highlight EdChoice scholarships that make Catholic education more affordable.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Resources to Promote School Affordability (Bulletin Materials) **
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.
- February 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/feb2025sharedoy
- March 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/mar2025sharedoy
- April 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/apr2025sharedoy
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