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Diocesan Appeal

Communique | January 2024

The Mathis family celebrates with Bishop David Bonnar at the dedication of their Habitat for Humanity home in Canton, Ohio on December 5, 2023
Serving Christ Together as Neighbors

January is Poverty Awareness Month, when we continue to love Christ incarnate with compassion for all our neighbors.

Pastoral Letter: Practicing Faith, Hope & Love
Diocesan Events-NEW LINK!

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 Specialist at communications@youngstowndiocese.org.

Printable formats in Word & PDF are sent by email. The full Communique is available below digitally.

Attachments are now provided as downloadable files in one folder:

Announcements suitable or adaptable for parish bulletins are noted. Where applicable, 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

Aysha Mathis smiles on a ladder in the foundation of her Habitati for Humanity home in Canton, Ohio, Fall 2023

“It’s anointed from the ground up.” -Aysha Mathis about her Habitat for Humanity home, as quoted in From the Ground Up, photo and article by Collin Vogt

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
OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
ARCHIVES OFFICE
EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL
OFFICE OF ECUMENICAL & INTERRELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
HISPANIC MINISTRY | MINISTERIO HISPANO -NEW
  • Mujeres Valientes – Four women representing the Hispanic Ministry in our Diocese are taking classes at the University of Dayton as part of leaders training for the Mujeres Valientes program.
  • Fe y Vida on May 4th -NEW – Fe y Vida is coming to Ashtabula to provide training for the Hispanic leaders who are working with families, youth, and young adults.
  • Misa en español en la Parroquia Santo Domingo -NEW – El obispo David J. Bonnar presidirá la misa en español al mediodía del domingo 28 de abril de 2024 en la Parroquia Santo Domingo en Youngstown.

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

Diocesan Communications Collection – January 6 & 7 (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

The Diocesan Communications Collection will take place in most parishes January 6-7. Support or learn more at https://doy.org/communications-collection/

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2024, is “You Shall Love the Lord Your God…and Your Neighbor as Yourself.”  Resources are available using this link:

https://geii.org/week_of_prayer_for_christian_unity/theme_announcement_2024.html

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.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES REGIONAL AGENCY
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ASHTABULA COUNTY
CATHOLIC CHARITIES SERVING PORTAGE AND STARK COUNTIES
OFFICE OF PEACE AND JUSTICE

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

CCDOY: Catholic Charities Diocese of Youngstown (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

Catholic Charities’ Christmas Gifting Project is a great way to support the work of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Youngstown, while giving a gift that has real meaning. Visit ccdoy.org for details.

In conjunction with “Poverty Awareness Month,” Catholic Charities will again sponsor our annual “Warm Hearts for Warm Homes” campaign (formerly Keep the Kids Warm) on the weekend of January 13-14. 

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Office of Peace & Justice  (Bulletin Materials)**

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 -NEW

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.

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
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Diocesan Communications Collection – January 6 & 7 (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

The Diocesan Communications Collection will take place in most parishes January 6-7. Support or learn more at https://doy.org/communications-collection/

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)**

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 YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT ACCOMPANIMENT
  • 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.
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.”
  • 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.
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 Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment (Bulletin Materials)**

New logos attached for Eagle of the Cross, Diocesan Confirmation Retreat, and “ARISE” Youth Summer Festival.

BULLETIN/PUBLICITY

Office of Faith Formation & Lay Ecclesial Minister (Bulletin Materials)**

BULLETIN/PUBLICITY

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

Bishop Bonnar will preside at a Mass for Life on Sunday, January 14, at 4:00 pm at St. Columba Cathedral, Youngstown (154 W. Wood St.). Bishop Bonnar will offer a special Blessing of Children in the Womb to women who are with child, and their families. In addition, there will be a blessing of pilgrims attending the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. A reception will follow. All are welcome – no reservations needed.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Office of Worship - Music (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

The Diocese of Youngstown is partnering with the Warren Civic Chorus to bring Handel’s most recognizable work to the Cathedral of St. Columba! The concert will be on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. followed by a reception in the Cathedral Hall.  A free will offering will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

If you would be so kind to publicize this event in your parish bulletin it would be greatly appreciated.

Miscellaneous

In Memoriam | Necrology for January

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 January

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

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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News
St. Joseph Care Center in Louisville to be Sold

Press Release | The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, and Chairman of the St. Joseph Care Center Corporation, announces that the Members of the Corporation have made the decision to sell St. Joseph Care Center, a senior living facility located in Louisville, Ohio.

November 16, 2023
News
15 Lay Leaders of Prayer Commissioned by the Diocese of Youngstown

Press Release | Fifteen men and women were commissioned as Lay Leaders of Prayer on November 15, 2023. Leaders of Prayer are lay persons commissioned to lead the faithful in acts of worship which in the past were most often led by the ordained clergy but may also be led by lay people.

November 16, 2023
News
Financial Investigation Expands; Evidence To Be Shared With Law Enforcement

Press Release | A review of financial irregularities at two Youngstown Diocese parishes has expanded beyond the Rev. Maciej (“Matthew”) Mankowski to include scrutiny of another priest, the Rev. Chris Henyk. The evidence collected thus far will soon be turned over to outside public law enforcement authorities.

November 12, 2023