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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Divine Mercy Chaplet | Fridays, Alternating Diocesan Cemeteries
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Kolbe Gathering | Faith Sharing with Formerly Incarcerated in 3 Locations (1st & 3rd Thursdays)
- R. J. Mangan, Director of Peace and Justice
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New Episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast
NFP Awareness Week
Events for July
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NFP Awareness Week
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NFP Awareness Week
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“ARISE” – Young Adult Summer Festival
NFP Awareness Week
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New Episode of Wineskins
NFP Awareness Week
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NFP Awareness Week
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NFP Awareness Week
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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: New Brochures | Ambiente Seguro: Nuevos Folletos – Updated brochures on reporting abuse or neglect now available to download in English and Spanish. For print copies, contact Dominic Colucy at 330-744-8451 x293 or dcolucy@youngstowndiocese.org.
- 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.
- DOY County Celebrations for the Jubilee of Hope (Bulletin Materials) – The celebrations take place across all six counties. The next event will be in Ashtabula County on July 12th, 10am Mass (Spanish) at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine (Windsor).
- Bishop David J. Bonnar Releases Third Pastoral Letter – The letter is entitled: “Take Heart! Do Not Lose Heart! Behold the Sacred Heart!” It provides prayerful reflections and resources in preparation for an enthronement of the Sacred of Jesus to take place in every church on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
- Pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary with Bishop Bonnar – Our partners at CatholicTV visited St. Columba Cathedral to film Bishop Bonnar’s reflections on the Glorious Mysteries. Watch online any time, or watch The Rosary on CatholicTV Youngstown at 10am weekdays and Saturdays.
- Letter from the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar about care for our common home – Bishop Bonnar asks all sectors of our diocese to “make decisions for the common good” so “that we can all move forward to promote the care of our common home.”
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- Collection for Seminarian Support – Parishes Submit by June 30th – The Seminarian Support Collection was held the weekend of May 11, 2025. Parishes, please send donations to the Finance Department by June 30th.
- CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocese of Youngstown will be participating in the Church at Home Combined Collection the weekend of May 31/June 1, 2025. This important collection supports the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, USCCB Catholic Communications Campaign, and The Catholic University of America/Newman Apostolate.
- Records and certificates for baptisms both before and after adoption -NEW – Sacramental records are not open for public viewing.
- Where can you find sacramental records for a closed or merged parish? – Catechist Café contains guidance on how to find a sacramental record from a closed or merged parish, and the proper keeping of sacramental records.
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.
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.
- Community Cupboard Campaign – Help Catholic Charities collect hygiene, cleaning, and paper products for neighbors in need. Items can’t be purchased with SNAP. Drop off donations or shop our Amazon Wish List.
- CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocese of Youngstown will be participating in the Church at Home Combined Collection the weekend of May 31/June 1, 2025. This important collection supports the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, USCCB Catholic Communications Campaign, and The Catholic University of America/Newman Apostolate.
- 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.
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County 2nd Annual Bocce Tournament (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County announces 2nd Annual Bocce Tournament on August 30, 2025.
- Seeking Volunteers (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County seeks Volunteers for office assistance.
- Save the Date! CHEFS FOR CHARITY ’25 – Catholic Charities Regional Agency announces CHEFS FOR CHARITY ’25!
- URGENT REQUEST – Personal Care Items – Catholic Charities Urgently Seeks Donations to Help Those in Need.
- URGENT REQUEST – Food Support Needed! – Catholic Charities Urgently Seeks Donations to Help Those in Need.
- New Opportunity – Seeking Fundraising Committee Members (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is seeking a small but powerful team of fundraising committee members.
- New Program Announcement: Lifting Moms Out of Poverty (LMOP) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties announces new pilot program.
- Care for Creation Action Plan Webinar Series (Bulletin Materials) – Join R.J. Mangan on July 16th, 2025, 6:00-7:00 p.m. for a webinar to discuss how individuals and families can care for creation in our diocese.
- Diocese of Youngstown Releases “Care for Creation” Action Plan – The plan is based on the late Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ & Laudate Deum
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.
- *NEW YOUNG ADULT SERIES* – “Emmaus” – Emmaus is a series of events put on by collaborating parishes in Stark County for Young Adults, ages 18-39, from various backgrounds/parishes. The mission of Emmaus is inspired by Luke 24; it is for young adults in Stark County within the Diocese of Youngstown to journey together and grow in authentic faith and fellowship, to empower them to go forth and live the Gospel.
- ARISE 2025 – Register Today! – ARISE is an opportunity for young adults (ages 18-39) across the diocese to experience authentic community, delve deeper into their faith, and become empowered to go into the world to spread the Gospel message. Questions? Contact Maddie Francisco at mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth & Young Adult Ministry Events in 2025 – 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.
- Parishes: Where to send parishioner updates for Echo mailing – Please send updated parishioner household contact information to The Catholic Echo by email at catholicecho@youngstowndiocese.org.
- The Catholic Echo Magazine Advertising Deadlines – Stay connected with The Catholic Echo magazine’s advertising schedule to ensure your ad reaches our vibrant Catholic community across the Diocese of Youngstown. Discounts are available for multiple insertions and Catholic organizations.
- Pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary with Bishop Bonnar – Our partners at CatholicTV visited St. Columba Cathedral to film Bishop Bonnar’s reflections on the Glorious Mysteries. Watch online any time, or watch The Rosary on CatholicTV Youngstown at 10am weekdays and Saturdays.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: June & July 2025 – Join us for a weekly discussion of your burning spiritual questions. For more information about the Catholic Echo Podcast topics, visit catholicecho.org/podcast.
- Wineskins Schedule: June & July 2025 – “Wineskins” 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.
- Patron Saints of the Diocese – Listen to The Catholic Echo podcast or follow social media for Bishop Bonnar’s new series, Patron Saints of the Diocese.
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
- Resources to Support Your Parish Transitions – Recordings of recent Communications webinars are now available: Parish Website Audit Tutorial, Answers to Your Canva Questions, and How to Write & Send a Press Release.
- FULL Printable Directory Now Available – THANK YOU for your immense patience this year as we created a fully interactive, online directory! The printable edition is now available at: doy.org/diocesan-directory
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.
- Annual Summer Conference for School Pastors’ Institute: July 7-10, 2025 – The Annual Summer Conference for clergy in parishes with a Catholic School will be held July 7-10, 2025, on the campus of Notre Dame. Registration is now open until May 31, 2025.
- SAVE THE DATES! Priest Events in 2025 – Priest Ordination Anniversary and Retirement Celebration will be held at the Priest Convocation: September 8 – 11, 2025
- Welcome Rev. William Wainio, Co-Director of Vocations! – Bishop Bonnar has assigned Fr. Will Wainio as Co-Director of the Office of Church Vocations, in addition to his current responsibilities, and in collaboration with continuing Co-Director Fr. Chad Johnson.
- Collection for Seminarian Support – Parishes Submit by June 30th – The Seminarian Support Collection was held the weekend of May 11, 2025. Parishes, please send donations to the Finance Department by June 30th.
- June & July 2025 Vocation Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials) – Please use these vocation intercessions and bulletin blurbs to help promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life in your parish community and school.
- Pastoral Internship Year -NEW – Bishop Bonnar has assigned Mr. Daniel LaPolla to a pastoral internship year beginning June 2025 with Rev. John-Michael Lavelle, Pastor of St. Michael Parish (Canfield) and Administrator of Pope John XXIII Parish (Niles).
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 – Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
- 2025 Annual Diocesan Appeal: One in Hope, One in Mission (Bulletin Materials) – Parish resources to promote the Annual Diocesan Appeal are available in the “Appeal 2025” folder in Google Drive and the resources tab in Catholic Social Media.
- Summer 2025 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.
- Universal Prayers for Lay Ministry and for Mental Health Awareness (Bulletin Materials) – Updated – Parishes and prayer groups are encouraged to pray for vocations to lay ministry and for Mental Health Awareness.
- Lifelong Learning Courses (Bulletin Materials) – Updated – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. These courses are offered online and in person.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry (Bulletin Materials) – Updated – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources about bereavement support, bible study, devotionals, faith formation and prayer.
- PARISH RESOURCES FOR JUBILEE 2025: YEAR OF HOPE – Resources to help to help parishes prepare for the Jubilee 2025 are available. Our library has been renovated. Please call before your visit to confirm that the resources you need are available, and we are always ready to help: 330-744-8451.
- Bishop David J. Bonnar Releases Third Pastoral Letter – The letter is entitled: “Take Heart! Do Not Lose Heart! Behold the Sacred Heart!” It provides prayerful reflections and resources in preparation for an enthronement of the Sacred of Jesus to take place in every church on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
- Upcoming Hispanic Ministry Events – Jubilee Celebration Mass, July 12, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Windsor.
- 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.
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series (Bulletin Materials) – We are thrilled to announce the latest group of talented musicians 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 Cathedral of Saint Columba and Corpus Christi Parish (Conneaut).
- National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM) Youngstown Chapter – Youngstown is a temporary chapter of the National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM). Contact Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series (Bulletin Materials) – We are thrilled to announce the latest group of talented musicians who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
- *NEW YOUNG ADULT SERIES* – “Emmaus” – Emmaus is a series of events put on by collaborating parishes in Stark County for Young Adults, ages 18-39, from various backgrounds/parishes. The mission of Emmaus is inspired by Luke 24; it is for young adults in Stark County within the Diocese of Youngstown to journey together and grow in authentic faith and fellowship, to empower them to go forth and live the Gospel.
- ARISE 2025 – Register Today! – ARISE is an opportunity for young adults (ages 18-39) across the diocese to experience authentic community, delve deeper into their faith, and become empowered to go into the world to spread the Gospel message. Questions? Contact Maddie Francisco at mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth & Young Adult Ministry Events in 2025 – 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.
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.
- Cemetery Open House Week: June 9-13 (Bulletin Materials) – Please join us for our Cemetery Open House on June 9-13 from 9 am-4 pm at all four of the Diocesan Cemeteries. All are welcome!
- 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 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
- Lunch and Learn: Planning Ahead as a Gift of Love (Bulletin Materials) – Lunch and Learn at All Souls Cemetery (Cortland) or Dinner and Discuss at Calvary Cemetery (Massillon) on June 18.
- 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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