On Pilgrimage Together
This July, we pray with the pilgrims who will represent the Diocese of Youngstown at the National Eucharistic Congress. May all of us, traveling or at home, experience the power of God’s presence everywhere we go.
Welcome to the Digital Communique!
The Communique collects important information provided by diocesan offices for parish ministry leaders. It also includes promotional materials for diocesan events and programs, where applicable.
Questions? Contact Meagen Farrell, Communications Manager, at communications@youngstowndiocese.org or (330) 744-8451 x275.
The printable format publication is sent by email as a Word file. Attachments are now provided as downloadable files in one folder (including the printable version):
- July Communique Attachments Folder (contains printable version, text-only version, images & flyers): https://bit.ly/july2024comm
- Video: How to Save Communique Attachments https://youtu.be/IAs-FGa6hrQ
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.
- July 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/july2024sharedoy
- August 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/aug2024sharedoy
- September 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/sept2024sharedoy
Quote of the Month
“God made us for joy. God is joy, and the joy of living reflects the original joy that God felt in creating us.” -Saint Pope John Paul II
Photo: Travis Seagraves’ Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate, May 25, 2024 by Brian Keith.
For more Catholic inspiration, connect with the Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo on Facebook, Instagram, 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.
- 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: Columbiana County on December 6, 5:00 pm Mass at St. Philip Neri Parish (Hanoverton).
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- Religious Retirement Fund Collection (Bulletin Materials) – The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal and Collection will take place in most parishes on November 23/24, 2025.
- Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (Bulletin Materials) – The Triennial Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) will be held on November 8/9, 2025.
- 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.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
“Have You Seen My Brother?” New Book About Fr. Popovich (Bulletin Materials)**
“Have You Seen My Brother?: Discovering That God Is Good Even in a Tragedy” is a collection of short stories written by author Margie Cretella about her brother, the late Rev. Steven Popovich. Cretella details her brother’s 40+ years of devotion to the Church, including after a tragic car crash in 2013. Father Steven Popovich passed away on January 14, 2024 at the age of 69.
His memory, generosity and devotion remain alive through stories told by those who loved and knew him well. You can see a video interview with Cretella and other family and friends at CatholicEcho.org (visit https://shorturl.at/TkJXV) or on our Diocesan Facebook and YouTube pages. The book was published by Christian Faith Publishing and can be purchased locally at St. Pauls Books & Gifts in Canfield, Barnes and Noble, or online at Amazon.com or Apple Books.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Statewide Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Carey, OH, August 14 (Bulletin Materials)**
In this month’s attachment folder, find bulletin/newsletter materials, flyer, poster, social media images and instructions to promote this upcoming Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Carey, Ohio.
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/july2024comm
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.
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.
- Season Of Giving (Bulletin Materials) – There are a variety of ways to engage with us during this 60-day campaign such as giving online through our website (ccdoy.org), gifts by mail, or by attending an in-person event.
- Save the Date: Community Day of Hope, Catholics United in Service! – Catholic Charities and other Catholic social service organizations, parishes, and volunteers are planning an event that will bring together essential services, spiritual support, and acts of kindness for families and individuals experiencing hardship in our community.
- Breakfast with the Bishop (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown to host Breakfast with the Bishop at Saint Michael Parish, Canfield
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County – Men Who Cook – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County announces Men Who Cook ’26
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County HALO (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County invites you to attend the HALO Gala—Holiday Angels Loving Others. Support the children who will benefit from this event by visiting our Amazon Toys Wishlist today.
- URGENT REQUEST – Food Support Needed! – Catholic Charities Urgently Seeks Donations to Help Those in Need.
- URGENT PLEA – Winter Baby Items Needed (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties. Urgent plea for donations in Stark County!
- Social Hour with the Bishop (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark County to host 2nd Annual Social Hour with the Bishop.
- October is RESPECT LIFE MONTH (Bulletin Materials) – The Office of Peace and Justice promotes the themes of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the dignity of the human person, through education, advocacy, and prayer.
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/july2024comm
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
ODJFS Seeks Foster Families (Bulletin Materials)**
If you or someone you know might be interested in taking on the challenges and rewards of becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please use this link to learn more.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
CCRA: SAVE THE DATE! Women Fore Women: July 15, 2024 (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities Regional Agency is once again hosting the annual Golf Classic called Women Fore Women on Monday, July 15th, 2024 at the Links at Firestone in Columbiana.
Proceeds from this all-Women’s Golf Classic will benefit the Voice of Hope Shelters for Women and Children operated by Catholic Charities Regional Agency.
We are now seeking sponsors. Contact Nancy at nvoitus@ccregional.org or 330.744.3320 ext. 219.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
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:Catholic Conference of Ohio News Updates (Bulletin Materials)**
Stay Informed on Ohio Legislation from the Catholic Conference of Ohio (CCO)
The Conference works on behalf of the Ohio bishops as an official voice of the Catholic Church in Ohio, primarily in public policy matters. At the end of each month, they send a newsletter summarizing key legislation, action alerts, and relevant information that empowers Catholics across the state to uphold the Church’s beliefs and values. Sign up to receive important updates on legislation and help inform your parishioners to engage as Faithful Citizens.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Peace & Justice: Prison and Jail Ministry – Seeking Volunteers (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.
- SEEK26 – SEEK26 registration opens on October 15th at MIDNIGHT for the first 25 young adults (ages 18-39) to register with the Diocese of Youngstown using the diocesan discount code. Registrants must be parishioners and/or reside in the Diocese of Youngstown to attend.
- Emmaus: New Young Adult Speaker Series – 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.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2025-2026 – Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
- NCYC 2025 – The National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, IN is an annual conference hosted by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. The Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is providing the opportunity for youth groups to attend with the larger diocesan Young Church this year!
- 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
ARISE: Registration is now OPEN! (Bulletin Materials)**
Join young adults throughout the diocese for the 2nd-annual young adult summer festival on Friday, July 26 through Saturday, July 27, 2024! Taken from last year’s theme, based on World Youth Day’s theme – “Mary AROSE and went in haste” – the ARISE Young Adult Summer Festival tradition has begun! This event includes inspiring talks and speakers, discussion and community-building with other young adults, Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, food and fellowship, and s’mores next to a bonfire under the stars. Confession will be available during Adoration both nights – come experience God’s STEADFAST LOVE for you! All young adults across the diocese are welcome to join together at St. Robert in Cortland to celebrate their faith during this special weekend!
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is now on social media! Please give it a like and follow!
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: October & November 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: October & November 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.
- RSVP for Diocesan Communications Retreat on 11/18 – Catholic Communications Professionals in the Diocese of Youngstown are invited to a special day on November 18, 2025 at St. Columba Cathedral (Youngstown). Invites coming soon!
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Check for updates as the event being planned over this next year!
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
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/july2024comm
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.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Mass Finder Now Online – Diocesan Directory Updates -NEW
We have launched a Mass Finder on doy.org to help folks show up for Mass at the right place & time, especially during these transitions. If you change your Mass times, please notify us whenever you update your bulletin! You can notify us of changes at any time by using this form: https://forms.gle/GFX45J5cZt9CuRoQA
Thank you for helping facilitate worship of Lord Jesus, worthy of all praise. If you have any questions, please contact Meagen Farrell, Communications Manager at communications@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451 x275.
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 Retirement Fund Collection (Bulletin Materials) – The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal and Collection will take place in most parishes on November 23/24, 2025.
- SAVE THE DATES! Priest Events in 2025 – Ongoing Education & Formation: “Putting the Heart of Christ in the Ministry of the Priest” – October 28, 1:00 p.m. via WebEx. Advent Day of Recollection on December 16, 2025 (dinner included).
- Parish Vocation Ministry & Called By Name Initiative – SAVE THE DATE: The Office of Church Vocations is sponsoring “Called By Name” on the weekend of January 24 & 25, 2026. Contact the Office of Vocations at vocations@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Check for updates as the event being planned over this next year!
- October & November 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.
- New Candidate Admitted into Seminary Formation – The Office of Church Vocations is pleased to announce the acceptance of Mr. Derek Linden into Seminary Formation for the Diocese of Youngstown, following the Priestly Formation Board meeting. Mr. Linden will attend St. Mary Seminary.
- 2025-2026 Seminarians Posters & Prayer Cards Now Available – Our 2025-2026 Seminarian Posters & Prayer Cards have been delivered to all parishes in the diocese.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Vocations Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials)**
Second Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic
The Second Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic, benefiting Seminarian Formation and other needs is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Youngstown Country Club. Register or sponsor today at doy.org/golf.
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.
- Oct-Dec 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
Pontifical Mission Societies Podcast: Frontiers of Faith (Bulletin Materials)
Looking for a podcast that explores the important work of the Pontifical Mission Societies? Look no further than the show hosted by Katie Ruvalcaba and Msgr. Kieran Harrington! This dynamic duo delves into the inspiring stories of those who have dedicated their lives to mission work, sharing perspectives that are both insightful and thought-provoking. From discussions on the role of faith in global development to interviews with missionaries in the field, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, service, and social justice. Listen at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2187895
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.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Coming Soon: Visiting Missionaries (Bulletin Materials)
Please feel free to add details of dates and names specific to your location.
The Propagation of the Faith and Missions Office is pleased to announce that missionaries from around the world are sending a missionary to each one of our parishes during the months of June, July or August this summer.
20 different missionary groups, from Dominicans to Franciscans and many others, visiting from Capetown in South Africa to Patagonia in South America and even the Middle East – will share with our local parishioners the joys and challenges of evangelizing in lands where the name of Jesus Christ is not yet known, or if it is known it is often suppressed by rebels, unfriendly government or by hostile mobs. These hazards, coupled with poverty, disease and illiteracy make the grass roots evangelization an urgent need.
Each of our parish pastors schedules and welcomes a visiting priest, deacon, sister or layperson to their parish. Please watch your parish weekly bulletin for the Good News of the missionary coming soon to your parish. We always enjoy their presentations, prayers and opportunities to share in their mission. Please remember that when it comes to missions, Some give by going, others go by giving! Please be generous.
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.
- UPDATED: Advent Retreat Day with Steve Angrisano: “Comfort and Joy” – 2025 Advent Retreat Day for parish ministers and leaders, featuring Steve Angrisano, to be held December 4th in Aurora. Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
- Personnel Reports and Catechetical Reports (Were Due 10/13/25) – Current leaders are asked to complete and return the personnel lists for all catechetical and pastoral ministers and the program report as soon as possible.
- (Updated) Lifelong Learning: Courses For Adults – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. The courses are offered online and in-person.
- Universal Prayers for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and for Persons With Disabilities — updated, Bulletin Materials – Parishes and prayer groups are encouraged to pray for persons facing challenges, as well as for increased vocations to lay ministry.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Check for updates as the event being planned over this next year!
- 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.
- Change in Time for Gold Mass: Sunday November 23rd at 5pm at the Cathedral of St. Columba – Organ and choir concert at 3:45pm with Mass at 5pm and dinner afterwards.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Check for updates as the event being planned over this next year!
- Change in Time for Gold Mass: Sunday November 23rd at 5pm at the Cathedral of St. Columba – Organ and choir concert at 3:45pm with Mass at 5pm and dinner afterwards.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Check for updates as the event being planned over this next year!
- Upcoming Parish Music Events (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at: The Living Composer Concert: 10/22 7pm at Divine Mercy Parish – St. Mary Church (Massillon). Theron Brown Trio: 11/23 at 6:30pm at St. Blaise Parish – St. Joseph Church (Austintown). Dates have been announced for the 2026 Cathedral Concert Series.
- 2025-2026 DOY Catholic Schools Calendar Available – The Office of Catholic Schools has published the calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
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.
- July 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/july2024sharedoy
- August 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/aug2024sharedoy
- September 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/sept2024sharedoy
