Serving Christ in One Accord
During January we celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to affirm our shared belief in Jesus Christ and pray “that all may be one.”
Quote of the Month
“Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy (cf. Acts 2:46). Thus St. Augustine says rightly, ‘Singing is for one who loves.’ There is also the ancient proverb: ‘One who sings well prays twice.’”
-General Instruction of the Roman Missal no. 39
Above: Choir at Lessons and Carols at Saint Columba Cathedral, Youngstown on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Photo by Courtney Poullas.
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/jan2025comm
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/jan2025comm
- 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.
- January 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/jan2025sharedoy
- February 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/feb2025sharedoy
- March 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/mar2025sharedoy
Diocesan Events This Month
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Praise & Worship Nights for Vocations
Events for June
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Divine Mercy Chaplet | Fridays, Alternating Diocesan Cemeteries
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Events for June
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New Episode of Wineskins
Events for June
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Events for July
1st
New Episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast
Christmas in July
Events for July
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Events for July
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Independence Day | Offices & Library Closed
Christmas in July
Events for July
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Christmas in July
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.
- Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic on June 22, 2026 – The Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic, benefiting Seminarian Formation and other needs is scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025 at The Lake Club. Sponsorships due June 18, 2025.
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION: Remit to Diocese of Youngstown – For The Church at Home Combined Collection on June 6th and 7th of 2026 please remit these to the Diocese of Youngstown rather than to Catholic Charities as in the past.
- Sacramental Registers Not Open for Public Viewing – Because confidential information may be contained in them, sacramental registers are not open for public viewing.
- Catholic Mass Opportunities at Six County Fairs This Summer in the Diocese – Masses take place in Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana, Ashtabula, Portage and Stark Counties
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.
- 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!
- Christmas in July Kid’s Giveaway! – Catholic Charities Regional Agency announces Kid’s Giveaway Day!
- CHEFS FOR CHARITY ’26 – Catholic Charities Regional Agency announces CHEFS FOR CHARITY ’26!
- 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.
- School Supply Drive Supporting Portage County Families (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties. School Supply Drive in Portage County.
- First Friday Divine Mercy Chaplet for Prison Ministry Starts in July – DOY Prison Ministry invites you to join us in praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3pm for 9 First Fridays starting on July 3rd, 2026.
- 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
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.
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: June & July 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.
- Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Registration will open in August – Who should go? – Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- 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
- CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION: Remit to Diocese of Youngstown – For The Church at Home Combined Collection on June 6th and 7th of 2026 please remit these to the Diocese of Youngstown rather than to Catholic Charities as in the past.
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.
- Thank you! – I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the following parishes for their generous support of the 2026 Bishop’s Golf Classic: Saint Michael Parish, Canfield The Parishes of Portage North: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Saint Joseph, Saint Joan of Arc, and Saint Ambrose Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Canton Holy Family Parish, Poland […]
- Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic on June 22, 2026 – The Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic, benefiting Seminarian Formation and other needs is scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025 at The Lake Club. Sponsorships due June 18, 2025.
- Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Registration will open in August – Who should go? – 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: 88.1% – 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.”
- July-Sept 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, especially in July – 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 Course For Adults starting July 13 – 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 – Who should go? – 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 – Who should go? – 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 – Who should go? – 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 – Who should go? – 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
- 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 – Who should go? – Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- Anthony Catale Named Principal at Warren John F. Kennedy Catholic School Upper Campus – Mr. Catale had previously taught and coached at Warren JFK Lower Campus; He starts on July 1
- 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
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
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