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Communique | June 2023

2022 Graduation at Central Catholic HS, courtesy of DOY Office of Catholic Schools
Celebrating in Ordinary Time

From May into June, we celebrate graduations, ordinations, and the 80th Anniversary of the Diocese of Youngstown! We descend from the peak of Pentecost and return to the flow of ordinary time, knowing the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us.

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 communciations@youngstowndiocese.org.

Printable formats in Word & PDF are sent by email.

Attachments are now provided as downloadable files in one folder:

 

Digital Format:

The full Communique – including attachments – is available below digitally. Announcements are listed by diocesan departments and office. We are once again accepting submissions for parish events, which are listed by County.

Announcements suitable or adaptable for parish bulletins are noted. Where applicable, graphic files are included: click (or right click) to save/download. Attachments (e.g. flyers) are also included within the notices for each office below.

Diocesan Events can also be found on our Events Calendar.

Quote of the Month

“The cross is a twofold path of how we are to live our lives. The vertical beam reveals that we need to always be in a relationship with God while the horizontal beam signals the need to be in relationship with others.” -Bishop David Bonner, March 25, 2023

“The cross is a twofold path of how we are to live our lives. The vertical beam reveals that we need to always be in a relationship with God while the horizontal beam signals the need to be in relationship with others.” -Bishop David Bonner, March 25, 2023

For more Catholic inspiration, connect with the Diocese of Youngstown on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Table of Contents

Chancery

Office of Safe Environment (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín) -NEW

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. 

Safe Environment Policy

Link: Safe Environment Page

Link: Background Check Requirements

Who needs to be compliant?
  1. All active clergy, religious, seminarians, and persons in formation are required to be compliant.
  2. All employees in parishes, schools, and institutions, including the Diocesan Central Offices, are required to be compliant regardless of their level of contact with children or vulnerable adults.
  3. Any volunteer who has unsupervised access to a child or vulnerable adult, or who works directly with a child or vulnerable adult, or who is responsible for a child or vulnerable adult on behalf of the Diocese, must be compliant.
Compliance Requirements (Available on the Safe Environment Page)
  1. VIRTUS Account Creation and VIRTUS Training
    1. Visit the Safe Environment page on the diocesan website to create an account and complete the online training in either English or Spanish.
    2. If you completed VIRTUS in a different diocese you can transfer or mirror your account by emailing a request to the VIRTUS online help desk (helpdesk@virtus.org).  Please include your full name, email address, original diocese and new diocese, your new parish / school, plus a phone number in case they need to contact you.
    3. VIRTUS training is valid for five years.  An online recertification module is required every five years to maintain compliance.
    4. Aside from VIRTUS, child/vulnerable adult protection in-service or online courses from other agencies, employers, dioceses, Scouts, etc., are not valid for compliance in the Diocese of Youngstown.
  2. Authorization & Verification and Acknowledgement Form (Appendix 9)
    1. Visit the Safe Environment page on the diocesan website to review an electronic copy of the Safe Environment Policy
    2. After you have reviewed this policy, print a copy of Appendix 9.  Both pages must be completed, and the document requires a witness signature for validity.  The witness can be anyone.
    3. The original must be submitted to the Compliance Officer at your parish, school, or institution.  The Compliance Officer will forward a copy to the diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator.
    4. Appendix 9 may not be edited.  If any lines of text are removed, crossed off, or altered, the document is not valid for compliance.
  3. Fingerprinting and Background Checks
    1. Visit the Safe Environment page on the diocesan website to review our background check requirements, codes, and instructions, a background check location finder, and a list of criminal offenses that automatically disqualify an applicant from working with children or vulnerable adults.
    2. A BCI or BCI/FBI background check is required for compliance. In extraordinary circumstances, the Office of Safe Environment reserves the right to alter background check requirements for individuals, unless the requirements are stipulated by the State of Ohio. This includes the right to require background checks from other background check providers besides the Civilian Identification Office.
    3. Background checks are valid for five years and must be renewed to maintain compliance.
    4. The Civilian Identification Office must send the BCI and/or FBI background check results directly to the Office of Safe Environment at the Diocese.  This needs to be communicated to the person doing the background check: Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, Attn: Office of Safe Environment, 144 West Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503
    5. If background check results are sent to the wrong location, they are not valid for compliance.  Additionally, background checks completed for other agencies, employers, dioceses, public schools, certifications, etc., or in other States, are not valid for compliance in the Diocese of Youngstown.
A person is not compliant until their VIRTUS account notes the dates of completion for all three compliance requirements (VIRTUS Training, Appendix 9, Background Check). 
Updating Information

Compliance Officers must submit a Change of Location Form to the Safe Environment Coordinator to add a new person to their Safe Environment Master Report or to request records from other locations.  Individuals can be removed/inactivated by emailing the Safe Environment Coordinator. Compliance Officers should monitor the compliance status of individuals at their location via the VIRTUS database.

Reporting Child/Vulnerable Adult Abuse or Other Policy Violations

If you or someone you know has been abused at any time by a priest, deacon, religious, seminarian, person in formation, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Youngstown, or if you believe that abuse has occurred or is currently occurring, contact civil authorities and also Mr. Dominic Colucy, Victim Assistance Coordinator, (office) 330-744-8451 x293 or (response line) 330-718-1388.

To report a violation of the Safe Environment Policy that does not constitute abuse or suspected abuse contact Mr. Dominic Colucy, Safe Environment Coordinator, (office) 330-744-8451 x293 or (response line) 330-718-1388.

Visit the Safe Environment page on the diocesan website to find our most up-to-date Reporting Requirements and Procedures in English and Spanish, as well as links to additional reporting resources.

Questions or Concerns

For more information about the Diocese of Youngstown Safe Environment Policy, contact Mr. Dominic Colucy by mail: 144 W. Wood Street, Youngstown, OH  44503, phone: 330-744-8451 x293; fax: 330-744-5099; or e-mail: dcolucy@youngstowndiocese.org.

Letters of Suitability

Please note that no priest or deacon may exercise ministry within the Diocese of Youngstown without being granted faculties/permission by the bishop. It is the obligation of the pastor of the parish where ministry or speaking engagement will occur (or other responsible person outside a parish setting) to ensure that the visiting cleric has obtained a letter of suitability. Without such a letter, the Diocese, the parish or school and the pastor or president could become legally liable should any wrongdoing occur. 

The visiting cleric himself should ask his bishop or religious superior to send a letter of suitability to Bishop Bonnar. Letters of suitability are to be sent from one bishop/superior to another, not directly to a parish, since it is the bishop who is responsible for determining a cleric’s suitability for ministry. 

If you have any questions, please contact Msgr. Zuraw, Vicar General.

Letter of Suitability Request Now Online

Very Rev. Balash would like to announce a new easier way for diocesan clergy to request a letter of suitability in the event you are engaging in ministry outside of the diocese. A new electronic request form is now available on the Diocesan website at:

https://doy.org/ministries/clergy-and-religious/letter-suitability/

Fill out the form completely and click “Submit.”

The completed form and request will be sent directly to the Office of Clergy Services.

 

Note:  All information must be included in the request for a letter of suitability to be processed.  It is asked that you submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance or earlier so that proper notification can be sent to the diocese and parish location that you will perform your ministry.

Office of the Chancellor (Bulletin Materials)

CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials)

JUNE 3/4, 2023

The Diocese of Youngstown will be participating in the Church at Home Combined Collection the weekend of June 3/4.  This important collection supports the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, USCCB Catholic Communications Campaign, and The Catholic University of America/Newman Apostolate.  Please see the suggested bulletin and pulpit announcements in this month’s Communique attachments for more information.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

SUGGESTED BULLETIN/PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Weekend of May 27/28

Next weekend, parishes in the Diocese of Youngstown will hold the annual CHURCH AT HOME combined collection.  This three-in-one collection supports the national and local work of three important Church ministries.  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development works to break the cycles of poverty by providing local and national support for low-income people with a hand up, not a hand out.  The USCCB Catholic Communication Campaign helps the Church spread the Gospel message through local and national media. The Catholic University of America and Newman Campus Ministries supports educational and research programs and develops future leaders at the national university of our Catholic Church.  Please prayerfully consider a generous donation. 

Weekend of June 3 / 4

This weekend our parish will participate in the combined collection to support the local and national work of three major CHURCH AT HOME ministries: The Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the USCCB Catholic Communication Campaign, and the Catholic University of America and Newman Campus Ministries.  Please give generously. 

 

Weekend of June 10 / 11

Thank you for your support last weekend of the Diocese of Youngstown CHURCH AT HOME combined collection which supports the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the USCCB Catholic Communications Campaign, and the educational and research ministries of the Catholic University of American and Newman Campus Ministries.  If you were unable to give last weekend, please consider giving at your parish today for this important collection.  

Archives Office -NEW

Welcome New Archives Team Members! -NEW

The Archives Office welcomed new team members in May: Father Robert Lanterman, and seminarians Daniel LaPolla and Craig Ziobert. They are true blessings as we work to preserve our diocesan memory.

Help Preserve Our Church History!

The Archives Office is striving to preserve the history of the Church in northeastern Ohio, and you can help! Has your parish published a booklet for a significant anniversary, or a brochure about your history or your church building? The Archives Office would welcome a copy of it to preserve in our collections. Please contact Joan Lawson, Archivist, at 330-744-8451 x290, or email jlawson@youngstowndiocese.org.

Questions About Parish Records?

If you need to send a notation for a baptismal record, or find a sacramental record from a closed or merged parish, but aren’t certain where the records reside, please phone the Archives, or check this page on Catechist Café: https://catechistcafe.weebly.com/sacramental-records.html

Office of Ecumenical & Inter-religious Affairs (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

Society of St. John Chrysostom -NEW

The Society of St. John Chrysostom (Youngstown-Warren Chapter) hosts Very Rev. Fr. Mauritius Anba Bishoy, speaking on the topic: “Our Coptic Orthodox Brethren Plan Deep Roots in the Mahoning Valley: Exploring the History and Expansion of the Coptic Orthodox Christians Among Us.” June 8, 2023, 6:30pm, at St. Mary and St. John the Beloved Coptic Orthodox Monastery – 8640 Squires Ln NE, Warren, OH 44484. 

The Society of St. John Chrysostom fosters ecumenical relationships and understanding between Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians, among other partners. Learn more at https://ssjcyoungstown-warren.org

Graphic available in this month’s attachments folder: https://bit.ly/june2023comm

Society of St. John Chrysostom, June 8th, 2023 at 6:30pm at St. Mary & St. John the Beloved Coptic Orthodox Monastery, 8640 Squires Lane, Warren, OH 44484

Canonical Services: Tribunal

Tribunal In-Service Available

The Tribunal staff has made available an ongoing, in-service for pastors, associates, deacons, religious, directors of religious education, religious education coordinators and counselors in order to prepare them in facilitating pleas for nullity for persons within the community whose marriages have broken down and who may be seeking a second union recognized by the Church.

The in-service focuses on preparation of case histories, compilation of documents, witnesses and determining of the appropriate grounds of nullity. Covered also are other types of nullity procedures.

Size of the in-service is in small groups of between 8-12 participants and generally runs approximately two hours. The in-service is offered at either the offices of the Tribunal of the Diocese of Youngstown or at a parish in the Canton area.

Interested parties, who have not already registered or who need a “refresher” should call the Tribunal at (330) 744-8451, ext. 252, to have their names placed on the registrant list. You would then be contacted when there are at least eight registrants for a particular location.

Catholic Charities Services

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
First Step for Change Campaign (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

First Step for Change is an annual fundraiser held by Catholic Charities to assist low-income women, children, infants and families in need.  We have asked our parish families to take home “First Step Packets,” learn about the program, complete a participation card, and return the packets to church.  Funds are then forwarded to Catholic Charities to purchase food, formula, diapers, clothing and other essentials items to low-income pregnant women, families and children served in our First Step Programs across the Diocese of Youngstown.

WHEN:          Sunday, May 14 (Mother’s Day) – Sunday, June 18 (Father’s Day)

WHY:              To meet the urgent needs of those in Catholic Charities’ First Step programs across the diocese

HOW: Return FIRST STEP FOR CHANGE PACKETS to your parish, or donate online (Accepting online donations through the end of July) at https://tinyurl.com/mw2tf8b7

or  https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=a07c7219-0618-4b03-8703-ef23024a75e3&envid=p-dn6FNihuA0GZMWZHGWJvMw&zone=usa

NEW! Special thanks to these area Knights of Columbus Councils and Assemblies for their support in underwriting a portion of the costs associated with this annual fundraising campaign!

Assembly #2596, Youngstown      Council #341, Canton        

Council #554, Massillon                 Council #3930, Youngstown         

Council #4484, Newton Falls         Council #5582, Navarre

Council #11801, Garrettsville         Council #11915, Poland                

Council #14186, Aurora                  Council #11369, Canfield

** gifts received as of 5/15/2023

Flyer and logo included in this month’s attachments folder: https://bit.ly/june2023comm

Catholic Charities Regional Agency (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Harriet’s Cupboard (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

Catholic Charities Regional Agency established this program in memory of Harriet Labedz to provide clients with personal hygiene items, paper products, and cleaning supplies — items that they cannot receive through food stamps. The need is great, and supply is often low. CCRA is asking for help to fill Harriet’s Cupboard and provide an ongoing supply of goods for clients in need. Items can be dropped off at the CCRA office in [choose Columbiana, Mahoning, or Trumbull County] for distribution to clients.

Items most in need for June: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash

For More Information about Harriet’s Cupboard, contact the local Catholic Charities Regional Agency Office at: [choose your area: Youngstown:  330-744-3320, Warren:  330-393-4254, Lisbon:  330-420-0845, or E. Liverpool:  330-385-4732]

Background:

Harriet’s Cupboard was inspired by Harriet Labedz. Harriet worked for Catholic Charities Regional Agency (CCRA) for over 20 years. Harriet was lively, compassionate, and kind. Often, Harriet would give a client her own sandwich to eat. She would also bring toilet paper and other items from her home to give to clients in need.

Although Harriet has since passed away, her spirit lives on through the Harriet’s Cupboard Program. Catholic Charities Regional Agency established the program in her memory to provide clients with personal hygiene items, paper products, and cleaning supplies — items that they cannot receive through food stamps. Many of the clients who come to CCRA for assistance need basic items that many of us often take for granted.  Harriet’s cupboard is also a great resource for homeless clients who are moving into permanent housing.

The need is great and supply is often low. When products are available, CCRA can help those in need. When you donate to Harriet’s Cupboard, the items you donate stay in your county, helping local residents.

CCRA is asking churches, schools, and other organizations to help fill Harriet’s Cupboard and provide an ongoing supply of goods for clients in need. Items can be dropped off at any CCRA office in Columbiana, Mahoning, or Trumbull Counties for distribution to clients. Or give us a call and we can pick items up and deliver them to the office in your county. 

Here’s a list of items most in need, sorted by month:

January and July

Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Tissues, Feminine Hygiene Products

February and August

Deodorant, Razors, Shaving Cream

March and September

Toothpaste, Toothbrushes

April and October

Cleaning Products, Mops, Sponges, Buckets

May and November

Laundry Detergent, Fabric Softener

June and December

Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash

 

For More Information about Harriet’s Cupboard, contact the Catholic Charities Regional Agency Office in your area:

Youngstown:  330-744-3320         

Warren:  330-393-42554            

Lisbon:  330-420-0845           

East Liverpool:  330-385-4732

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Save the Date!  Women Fore Women Golf Classic, July 10, 2023 (Bulletin Materials)** 

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. For more information and registration, visit our website at https://www.ccdoy.org/2023/02/15/golf/, or view the flyer.

Image and flyer included in this month’s attachments folder: https://bit.ly/june2023comm

Office of Peace and Justice (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Prison Ministry Presents – Kolbe Gathering  -Two Locations! (Bulletin Materials)

Kolbe Gathering is a place for the formerly incarcerated and their families to join with parish-based volunteers in spiritual support and fellowship. Embrace spirituality in prayer, music, scripture reading and fellowship, all in a welcoming and warm environment.

For further information contact R.J. Mangan, Director of Peace and Justice, at rmangan@youngstowndiocese.org or 330.744.8451 x245.

Flyer in this month’s attachment folder: https://bit.ly/june2023comm

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
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. 

Flyer included in this month’s attachment folder: https://bit.ly/june2023comm

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES – RICE BOWL – LOCAL GRANT OPPORTUNITY

CRS Rice Bowl is the official Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services, the official overseas international relief and development agency of the United States Bishops. It was created in 1975 with the goal of entering into solidarity with our brothers and sisters overseas through prayer, fasting, learning, and giving. This Lenten program is conducted in Catholic parishes and schools throughout the Diocese of Youngstown. Seventy-five percent of the funds raised are sent to CRS for international development projects; twenty-five percent of CRS Rice Bowl supports local programs and initiatives that address hunger and poverty.

Local groups and organizations are encouraged to apply for grants that will alleviate hunger and poverty in your community. Guidelines are as follows:

  1. The project requesting funds must be operated within the geographical boundaries of the Diocese of Youngstown.
  2. Projects must be consistent with Catholic moral and social teaching.  
  3. Recipient must be a not-for-profit organization.
  4. The project requesting funds should make an immediate impact to alleviate poverty and hunger within the Diocese of Youngstown.
  5. Grants are made on an annual basis only. 

Completed applications (including required attachments) must be submitted to the Office of Peace and Justice by July 31, 2023.

Grants will be awarded by September 15, 2023. If you would like to receive an application, please send your request via email to charities@youngstowndiocese.org and an application will be returned to you.

Department of Communications

THE CATHOLIC ECHO -NEW

THE CATHOLIC ECHO MAGAZINE HAS ARRIVED! -NEW

If you still have some extra copies of the May 2023 Catholic Echo in the back of your church, could you email Katie Wagner at kwagner@youngstowndiocese.org to let us know? We sent all of our extra copies out to the parishes, so we may collect some of the extras for advertising/ archival purposes.

Extra copies were sent directly to the parish for new parishioners who may have joined the parish recently and are not yet in our database. The diocese will send a request for updates to the database in September. (Please hold off sending updates until then.) If you find you need more or fewer magazines for the back of your church, contact Katie Wagner at kwagner@youngstowndiocese.org to adjust your bulk order.

Additional information for parish offices:

  • Please remember to email Katie Wagner, Editor-In-Chief with any major parish initiatives happening that might be included in future editions – kwagner@youngstowndiocese.org. The Catholic Echo magazine, website and supporting multimedia products will highlight all aspects of Catholic life across the six counties of the diocese.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

We encourage all parishes to put a link to the Catholic Echo website – CatholicEcho.org – on your parish home page. The Catholic Echo includes up-to-date news, an email newsletter, along with video programming, the Wineskins podcast, local Catholic news stories, event information and much more. Catholic Echo logos are included in this month’s Attachment folder: https://bit.ly/june2023comm

FAQ: What are the planned guides and deadlines for The Catholic Echo magazine?

The new deadlines to submit content ideas for The Catholic Echo print magazine are 4-6 months in advance. Each issue of The Catholic Echo magazine features at least one unique advertising guide, which includes editorial support based around an advertising theme. The Catholic Echo also has opportunities for digital advertising and content on our website catholicecho.org. For questions about advertising, please contact Karen Mason at kmason@youngstowndiocese.org or see https://catholicecho.org/advertising/.

The planned Echo Guides for 2023-24 are (download in PDF format or JPG image):

  • August 2023: Back to School
  • September 2023: Celebrations Issue
  • October 2023: Vocations
  • November 2023: Death & Grieving
  • December 2023/January 2024: Catholic Schools Week & Christmas Greetings
  • February 2024: Finance & Investment
  • March 2024: Senior Living 50+
  • April 2024: Wedding and Marriage & Easter Greetings
Echo Guides 2023/24
Contact Karen Mason at kmason@youngstowndiocese.org

Multimedia | CTNY (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Wineskins (Bulletin Materials)

Wineskins is now available as a podcast! Subscribe to Wineskins on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts or any major podcasting platform.

Wineskins airs every Sunday: 

  • 7:30 a.m. on WKBN 570 AM in Youngstown
  • 7:30 a.m. on WRQX 600 AM in Salem
  • 9:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on WILB AM Canton 1060, WILB FM 89.5 Youngstown, WILB FM 94.5 Canton

Listen to Wineskins on the new Catholic Echo website at https://catholicecho.org/podcast/

Wineskins Schedule -NEW

June 4, 2023

  • Current Issue: Korda talks with Ralph Holtzhauser, the new Diocesan Director of Music.
  • Saint: Martha Coulter will inform us about St. Boniface
  • Interview: Korda will interview President Tim Collins from Walsh University.
  • Music: From the CD “His Sacred Heart” by Kellenberg Memorial Choir.
  • Scripture: Chad Johnson will give us a reflection for Most Holy Trinity Sunday.

 

June 11, 2023

  • Current Issue: John-Michael Lavelle in his Life Issues Segment tells us about the LGBTQ community.
  • Saint: Martha Coulter will inform us about St. Anthony of Padua.
  • Interview: Korda will interview newly ordained Deacon Bill Wainio.
  • Music: From the CD “His Sacred Heart” by Kellenberg Memorial Choir.
  • Scripture: Chad Johnson will give us a reflection for Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

 

June 18, 2023

  • Current Issue: Korda talks with Jennifer Lucarelli from Catholic Charities.
  • Saint: Martha Coulter will inform us about The Nativity of St. John the Baptist.
  • Interview: Korda will interview newly ordained Deacon Kevin Bertleff.
  • Music: From the CD “His Sacred Heart” by Kellenberg Memorial Choir.
  • Scripture: Chad Johnson will give us a reflection for The Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

 

June 25, 2023

  • Current Issue: Jim Korda interviews Meagen Farrell from the Diocesan Communications Department.
  • Saint: Martha Coulter will inform us about St. Peter and St.
  • Interview: Korda will interview Joan Lawson, Diocesan Chancellor.
  • Music: From the CD “His Sacred Heart” by Kellenberg Memorial Choir.
  • Scripture: Chad Johnson will give us a reflection for The Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Media Relations

1. Parishes and other diocesan entities who receive inquiries from the media are asked to consult with Justin Huyck, Director of Communications: (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; jhuyck@youngstowndiocese.org

2. Please also kindly inform the Communications Department when your programs, initiatives, and ministries are featured in the news media.

3. The Communications Department is available to consult on news releases regarding events and initiatives. Processes will continue to be developed to assist these efforts.

Office of Social Media -NEW

1. DOY Social Media Networking Facebook Group for Social Media Contacts -NEW

Notes from the April 20 Social Media Networking meeting were posted to the Facebook group page, including a list of recent demographics for popular platforms. This ongoing network regarding social media can be found on Facebook in a private group by searching for “DOY Social Media Networking” or click: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2882358088720802

This is a suitable place to share resources, ask questions and meet others around the diocese doing social media for their parishes, schools, offices and agencies. You can also share upcoming events that you’d like to invite others to so they can share in social media as well. This is also a key way the Social Media Minister is sharing insights as to avoid overwhelming contacts email boxes. 

2. Best Practice: Digital Password Keeper -NEW

Who can access your parish, school, office, or Catholic agency social media accounts? If something happens to you, will the parish, school, office of agency be able to continue posting? 

These questions may seem morbid, but they are essential as we never know when circumstances can change in our lives that might preclude us from continuing to post to the platforms. Yet, the ministry must go on! Therefore, it is important to have access information available “just in case.”  

In the attachments to this Communique’, you will find a form called the “Digital Password Keeper” which is a tool you can use to document your accounts access information. Every pastor should have a copy of this or similar for their parish(es), every principal should have a copy for their school, every director/supervisor should have one for each office or agency. It would be best to keep it in a locked file drawer. It should be reviewed annually as platforms often require changes in passwords or verification processes. 

I would then repeat this process for our other social media accounts. It would also be a good idea to document access information for other parish, school, office and agency online activities, such as websites, photo storage sites, blogs, etc.  If there is an electronic program, application (APP) or site being used, leaving access information is a service to your organization. Thank you for your responsible stewardship! And keep up the splendid work as evangelizing and engaging Catholics in the Digital World!   

If you have other ideas for the monthly Helpful Hints, please, contact Cindee Case, ccase@youngstowndiocese.org.

3. Seeking “Helpful Hints” from past Communiques? See the Catholic Echo

Many of the Helpful Hints published in previous editions of the Communique’ have been posted on the Catholic Echo for continued reference at:

Social Media Helpful Hints – The Catholic Echo

You may wish to bookmark the page for quick access. 

Internal Communications -NEW

DIOCESAN DIRECTORY -NEW

PDF version: Due to the number of changes taking effect in May, an updated digital (PDF) version of diocesan directory will be emailed to the official @youngstowndiocese.org email for parishes, priests, and schools. Please make sure to check this email address and forward the Directory to other staff as appropriate. You can print if you wish and place it in a binder. It is being made available as a free benefit to parishes, as part of each parish’s contribution to The Catholic Echo.

You are welcome to send updates or corrections for the next version of the directory at any time by using this form: https://forms.gle/GFX45J5cZt9CuRoQA

BULLETIN/PUBLICITY
Schedule a Demo of the Catholic Echo Calendar -NEW

THANK YOU to those who attended our “Third Thursday” session about the new Catholic Echo event calendar! If you could not attend but would like a demo of the new system (with exclusive access for faster publishing), please schedule a time with Meagen Farrell by emailing mfarrell@youngstowndiocese.org.

The Catholic Echo will continue the tradition of sharing Catholic events around the diocese at https://catholicecho.org/upcoming-events/ which will replace the “Parish/Other Events” section in the Communiqué.

You can email your event details to catholicecho@youngstowndiocese.org.

IMPORTANT! Rather than a PDF flyer, for the online calendar we prefer a single image/logo in JPEG or PNG format and the event details in text format. If you have a link on your own event page, we will send calendar visitors directly to your page.

Email List for Internal Communications Staff
We invite you to join an email list for staff at Catholic parishes, schools, central offices, and other Catholic organizations who communicate with Catholics in the Diocese of Youngstown: https://forms.gle/EUz57Gg8sWN3rFjA8
 
Join this list if your job includes: 
  • Editing the bulletin/newsletter
  • Updating the website
  • Sending internal email announcements (to parishioners, parents, etc.)
  • Sending updates for the DOY Catholic Directory 
  • Sending promotional materials to the Communique, (currently) Exponent Datebook, or other Catholic publications
Questions? Contact Meagen Farrell at mfarrell@youngstowndiocese.org or 330.744.8451 x275.

Clergy and Religious Services

Office of Clergy Services

2023 Ordinations

Ordination to the Order of Deacon will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Columba Cathedral.  Bishop Bonnar will ordain the following to the Order of Deacon: 

                                    Mr. Kevin Bertleff

                                    Mr. William Wainio

Ordination to the Priesthood will take place on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Columba Cathedral.  Bishop Bonnar will ordain the following to the Order of Priest:

Rev. Mr. Robert England

Rev. Mr. John Rovnak

Rev. Mr. Frederick Schlueter

80th Anniversary of the Diocese Celebration -NEW

A special Mass commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Diocese will be celebrated on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in Saint Columba Cathedral. All priests are invited to concelebrate. More information will be sent soon.

Letter of Suitability Request – Now Online

Priests and Deacons requesting a Letter of Suitability can now do so online.  A new electronic request form is now available on the Diocesan website at:

https://doy.org/ministries/clergy-and-religious/letter-suitability/

Fill out the form completely and click “Submit.”

The completed form and request will be sent directly to the Office of Clergy Services.

You can also access the form by going to:

  1. www.doy.org.
  2. Click on the “Ministries” tab and then “Clergy and Religious” tab.
  3. Scroll down to the “Letter of Suitability” button and click.
  4. Fill out the form completely and click “Submit.”

 

Note:  All information must be included in the request for a letter of suitability to be processed.  It is asked that you submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance or earlier so that proper notification can be sent to the diocese and parish location that you will perform your ministry.

OCIA Workshop ~ Save the Date! August 21

“The Vision of the NEW Order of Christian Initiation of Adults”
 ~Monday – August 21, 2023  – Saint William Church, Champion
~Clergy / Pastoral Minister Session: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Lunch included)
 ~Parish RCIA Team Member Session: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(Clergy / Pastoral Minister can attend either session)
~Featured Presenter: Mrs. Rita Thiron, Executive Director, Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC).

2023 Priest Convocation

“4 Pillars of Priestly Well-Being”

“Do you want to be well…” (John 5:6)

September 4-7, 2023

Oglebay Resort Center 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, West Virginia  www.oglebay.com

Keynote Presenters:

~The Most Reverend Edward Malesic, Bishop of Cleveland

~Very Reverend Nicholas Rouch, Vicar for Clergy, Diocese of Erie

~Reverend John Sawicki, Political Science Professor, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh

~Rev. Leo Patalinghug, Creator of the Plating Grace & Grub Food Truck Social Enterprise

Breakout Workshops

~The Right Diet

~Staying Fit

~Financial Planning

~Understanding Professional Boundaries

  • Prayer, Mass, Reconciliation, Holy Hour
  • Religious Goods, Social Gatherings, Rela and Entertainment

Registration Information Coming in June

 

2023 Notre Dame Preaching Conference

The 2023 Marten Program Preaching Conference, “Visions of the Reign of God: Preaching and Catholic Social Teaching,” will be held on June 26-28, 2023 at the University of Notre Dame. 

Keynote Speakers include: Archbishop John Wester, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Mary Novak, Barbara Reid OP, and Jorge Presamnes OP.

More information and registration materials can be found at: https://theology.nd.edu/graduate-programs/initiatives/marten-program/conferences-lectures/2023-conference/

Registration $350.00 after May 1, 2023. Residence Hall Housing $80/night ~ Morris Inn $135/night.

Office of Church Vocations (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

Mass of Ordination to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate

With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty for His abundant love and mercy, the Diocese of Youngstown joyfully announces the Ordination of

Mr. William Nicholas Wainio (St. Angela Merici, Youngstown)

Mr. Kevin John Bertleff (St. Robert Bellarmine, Cortland)

to the Sacred Order of Deacon through the Imposition of Hands & the Invocation of the Holy Spirit by the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown.

To be celebrated on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 10:30 AM in the Cathedral of Saint Columba, Youngstown.

For those unable to celebrate in-person, the Mass of Ordination will be Live-Streamed at: https://catholicecho.org/live/

As they enter this final period of preparation, please remember Will and Kevin in your prayers.

Mass of Ordination to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood -NEW DETAILS

With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty for His abundant love and mercy, the Diocese of Youngstown joyfully announces the Ordination of

Rev. Mr. Robert England (Christ Our Savior, Struthers)

Rev. Mr. John Rovnak (Our Lady of Sorrows, Youngstown)

Rev. Mr. Frederick Schlueter (St. Paul, Salem)

to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ

through the Imposition of Hands & the Invocation of the Holy Spirit by the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown.

To be celebrated on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 10:30 AM in the Cathedral of Saint Columba, Youngstown.

For those unable to celebrate in-person, the Mass of Ordination will be Live-Streamed at: https://catholicecho.org/live/

As they enter this final period of preparation, please remember Deacon Bob, Deacon John, and Deacon Fritz in your prayers.

The First Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic (Bulletin Materials) -NEW DETAILS

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Calling all golfers! The Vocations Office is pleased to announce the First Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic. This new initiative is a fundraiser in support of the education and needs of our Diocesan Seminarians. This first Golf Classic will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Attached to the Communiqué are a “Save-the-Date” flier, an advertising flier, and a sponsorship form. We will begin a full campaign beginning in May; however, we are accepting both golfer foursomes and sponsorships. Questions or inquiries may be directed to either Fr. Chad Johnson at 330-744-8451 or cjohnson@youngstowndiocese.org or Mr. William Wainio at wwainio@youngstowndiocese.org.

Please see the attachments for flyer and a registration/sponsorship form: https://bit.ly/june2023comm

Seminarian Posters and Prayer Cards -Still Available!

The Seminarian Posters and Prayer Cards are now available! They are being mailed directly to parishes. There are a limited number of extra prayer cards and posters. If you would like any additional cards or posters, please contact Fr. Chad Johnson at 330-744-8451 or cjohnson@youngstowndiocese.org

Vocation Director at Your Parish / School

If you have a special youth ministry, parish, retreat, or vocational event, that you would like the Diocesan Vocation Director to attend, please contact Fr. Chad Johnson at 330-744-8451 or by email at cjohnson@youngstowndiocese.org.

Come and See the Seminary Weekends

Saint Mary Seminary & Borromeo Seminary are once again offering “Come and See” Weekends. Watch this space as the Seminary prepares for another academic year.

Seminarian Visits to Your School or Parish

Please remember all of the seminarians we have currently studying in our diocese. They are all willing and available to come and speak at your parish or school. To schedule, please contact Fr. Chad Johnson at 330-744-8451 or by email at cjohnson@youngstowndiocese.org.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Vocation Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

Click the links below or see the Communiqué attachments folder for vocation intercessions and bulletin blurbs. Please use these in your bulletins and at Mass to help promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life in your parish community and school:

Vocations Social Media

Development and Stewardship Offices

Office of the Annual Diocesan Appeal (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

ANNUAL DIOCESAN APPEAL: ONE IN HOPE, ONE IN MISSION 

 

As of May 18, we have $3,033,000 in gifts and pledges toward our $4,000,000 Appeal Goal. This is over 75% of the way to meeting our goal! The official end of phase one of the campaign is Pentecost – May 28th. Over the summer, updates will be emailed out every other week.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Find bulletin announcements and more resources from Fr. Lavelle in both English and Spanish under “Parish Toolkit and Updates” at www.doy.org/appeal/

Welcome New Staff Member! -NEW

We are very happy to welcome to the Stewardship and Development Department Mr. Michael Houy as our new Fund Development Specialist. This position has been vacant for over two years. Michael’s enthusiasm and energy for working in the Church to increase our outreach in both development and stewardship, along with assisting with the work of Missionary Discipleship will serve to enhance all our efforts. He most recently worked as an Intern in the Catholic Charities Offices at the Diocese. Welcome Michael!

Office of Development and Stewardship

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales del Boletín) 

“Let us focus on generosity, or returning God’s gifts with increase, through the generous sharing of our time, talent and treasure.”

It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.

Please see this website for upcoming Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts in English y Reflexiones del Boletín de Corresponsibilidad en español: https://www.archstl.org/about-stewardship/bulletin-inserts/weekly-bible-reflections

This month’s Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts in English & Spanish are available for download from this month’s Attachments folder at https://bit.ly/june2023comm   

Pastoral and Educational Services

Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry -NEW

1. Summer Reading from the Library -NEW

Mere Christianity. C.S. Lewis. Simon and Schuster, 1996.  The book brings together C. S. Lewis’s legendary broadcast talks of the war years, talks in which he set out simply to “explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times.” Rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity’s many denominations, Lewis provides an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith. It is a collection of scintillating brilliance that remains strikingly fresh for the modern reader. 


Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life. James Martin. Harper One Publishing, 2011. Martin shares how you can strike a healthy balance between spirituality and daily life and live as a joyful believer. In Between Heaven and Mirth, he uses scriptural passages, the lives of the saints, the spiritual teachings of other traditions, and his own personal reflections to show us why joy is the inevitable result of faith, because a healthy spirituality and a healthy sense of humor go hand-in-hand with God’s great plan for humankind. 


Story of A Soul: the Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux. Translated by John Clarke, O.C.D. ICS Publications, 1976.   Two and a half years before her death in 1897 at the age of 24, as Thérèse Martin began writing down her childhood memories at the request of her blood sisters in the Lisieux Carmel. Decades later, in response to growing requests from scholars and devotees of the Saint, a facsimile edition of the manuscripts appeared, along with more popular French editions of what the Saint had actually written. Here, expressed with all of Thérèse’s original spontaneity and fervor, we rediscover the great themes of her spirituality: confidence and love, the little way, abandonment to God’s merciful love, and her mission in the church and world today.

2. August 21: Annual Gathering for Christian Initiation

Mark your calendar and plan to participate in the Monday, August 21, 2023 session on the New Order of Christian Initiation of Adults! The afternoon session with lunch 12:30 – 3:30 pm, and the evening session will be from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Both sessions will be at St. William Parish in Champion. Featured presenter is Rita Thiron, Executive Director of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions.

3. Beginning Anew: The Vision of The OCIA 2023

A Conference for Catechumenal Ministers and Pastoral Leaders sponsored by Liturgy Training Publications will be held August 1-3, 2023, in Chicago. Visit NGCI.org for additional information and registration. Learn from experts on how to implement the vision of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults through this conference.

4. Pastors Seeking Parish Ministers

Pastors hoping to secure additional or new Parish Ministers serving in the areas of pastoral ministry, faith formation, youth ministry or young adult ministry are asked to contact Barbara Walko for policies regarding hiring procedures. Assistance will be provided to post openings, screening applicants, creating a position description and suitable compensation.

5. Parish Ministry Positions

Pastors and parish staff members aware of persons seeking to serve the church in a professionally prepared ministry are asked to direct the person to the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry. An opportunity to explore a path to readiness for ministry will be provided, guidance on qualifications and discernment of gifts is readily available. Thank you very much for recognizing the potential and perceiving possible vocations to Lay Ecclesial Ministry.

6. National Community of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL)

NCCL is dedicated to promoting the ministries of evangelization and catechesis in the U.S. church by fostering a community of leaders who proclaim and teach the word of Jesus Christ through the witness of accompaniment, education, and formation in the Catholic faith. Regular opportunities to network with others, learn current trends in faith formation, participate in online and in person conferences are available through a no cost membership. Visit www.ncclcatholic.org to join!

7. Vacation Bible School -NEW

Summer is an excellent season to provide ongoing faith formation in new, fun, and exciting ways! Parish households might participate in mission and service trips and opportunities – nearby, or within the community. Planned pilgrimages or family road trips, church visits within a particular area or vacation destinations may also be offered. More structured opportunities are also encouraged such as Vacation Bible School for children, Vacation Bible School for adults, summer book clubs for teens, young adults, all adults. Be creative! Summer affords many opportunities to reach out and evangelize the parish and beyond. Contact the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry for easy-to-use resources.

BULLETIN/PUBLICITY

9. Lifelong Learning Courses Easter through Summer 

Please visit Catechist Cafe at catechistcafe.weebly.com under the tab “For Catechists” for a description of the new adult learning opportunities. All courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. These courses are offered online and in person. You don’t need to have prior knowledge to participate. For more information contact Margie Hynes at 330-744-8451ext. 296 or mhynes@youngstowndiocese.org.

10. 10th Annual Nostra Aetate Lecture

Please see this month’s attachment folder for a flyer from Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center about two upcoming lectures by Michal Bar-Asher Siegal on Tuesday, August 1, 2023: https://bit.ly/june2023comm.

Office of Pro-Life, Marriage, and Family Life (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

Important Message from the Catholic Bishops of Ohio-NEW

A proposed amendment to Ohio’s Constitution for a vote on the November 2023 ballot expands and enshrines abortion at the expense of protections for preborn children and women. The Church must not be silent and cannot remain on the sidelines when confronted with such a clear threat to human life and dignity. We must engage and mobilize Catholics statewide to defeat this proposed amendment and its grave consequences for Ohio’s future.

Every parish in Ohio is asked to unite in prayer, distribute educational materials, and encourage voter registration to Vote NO on the abortion expansion amendment.

Catholic Conference of Ohio

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Help Protect the Dignity of Life in Ohio -NEW

Life in its earliest and most vulnerable stages is threatened by groups proposing an amendment to the Ohio Constitution for the November 2023 ballot to expand and enshrine abortion at the expense of protections for preborn children and women. The Catechism of the Catholic Church proclaims that “human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception.” The Church accompanies and supports women facing unexpected pregnancies and mothers through programs like Walking with Moms in Need and the services of Catholic Charities. 

          The bishops of Ohio strongly encourage Catholics statewide to unite in prayer and work to defeat this proposed amendment and its grave consequences for women and preborn children in Ohio. The following materials about the proposed amendment were sent to Ohio parishes by the Catholic Conference of Ohio:  

Protect Them Both Prayer Card: Unite with Catholics across Ohio in asking God to strengthen us as we defend and accompany mothers and preborn children 

Dignity of Life Threatened in Ohio Flyer: Learn more about the proposed amendment and what you can do now

These and other resources are available on the Catholic Conference of Ohio website at: www.ohiocathconf.org/protect or from the Diocese of Youngstown’s Office of Pro-Life, Marriage & Family Life at dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451 extension 272. The Catholic Conference of Ohio is the official voice of the Catholic Church in Ohio on public policy.

NOTE: Bulletin editors may insert the location(s) that the above-mentioned prayer cards and flyers may be found at their respective parishes. In addition, the above-mentioned prayer card and flyer may be found in the attachments section of this Communique.  

Defeat Ohio’s Proposed Abortion Amendment: Suggested Action Plan for Parishes from the Catholic Conference of Ohio -NEW

         

The bishops of Ohio, who comprise the Catholic Conference of Ohio’s board of directors, urge all parishes in Ohio to unite in prayer, distribute materials, and encourage voter registration to Vote NO on the proposed amendment to Ohio’s Constitution that would expand and enshrine abortion at the expense of protections for preborn children and women.

To help mobilize these efforts, below is a suggested timeline, focus areas, and sample tactics for a parish action plan. You may wish to identify one or two leaders within your parish that are passionate about respect life initiatives and collaborate well with the pastor and other ministry leaders to help activate this plan. If possible, a woman leader is preferred as studies show that women’s voices are most effective when speaking against abortion.

Preparation:

 Review CCO Resources (www.ohiocathconf.org/protect)

 Collaborate with Local Diocesan Respect Life Office to Create Your Action Plan – the Diocese of Youngstown’s Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life may be contacted at 330-744-8451 extension 272 or dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org.

May – June 2023 Focus: Prayer + Voter Education

Suggested Tactics:

 Distribute/Restock CCO Materials (flyers, prayer cards, and more coming)

o Flyers can be inserted into bulletins

o Prayer can be placed in pews and recited before/after Masses

o Hang signage in high-traffic areas

 Add link to campaign page (www.ohiocathconf.org/protect) to website and newsletters

 Have a table after Masses (and at the Parish Festival) about the proposed amendment

o Highlight dangers of vague amendment language

o Encourage people to register/vote in November

 Coordinate times to pray with and speak to ministry/prayer groups

 Incorporate suggested prayers of the faithful and announcements (coming soon)

July – August 2023 Focus: Prayer + Voter Education + Voter Registration

Suggested Tactics:

 Continue May-June Suggested Activities

 Encourage Voter Registration:

o Get Ideas from the USCCB website at https://www.usccb.org/resources/voter-education-and-voter-registration

o Hold Registration Sundays/Events

September – November 2023 Focus: Prayer + Voter Education + Get Out the Vote 

Suggested Tactics:

 Continue May-August Suggested Activities

 Stress the Importance of Voting (& Voting NO) this November

o General elections typically have much lower turnout than primary

Utilize/Distribute Voting Materials from CCO (to be created after prop # assigned)

For more information contact the Diocese of Youngstown’s Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life at 330-744-8451 extension 272 or dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org.

Protect Women Ohio -NEW

The Catholic Conference of Ohio is a member of Protect Women Ohio, a larger coalition to help defeat the proposed amendment that would expand and enshrine abortion at the expense of protections for preborn children and women. On their website, www.protectwomenohio.com, they describe themselves thusly: 

Protect Women Ohio is a coalition of concerned family and life leaders, parents, health and medical experts, and faith leaders in Ohio focused on ensuring that radical out-of-state organizations aren’t able to rewrite our constitution to give Ohio one of the most extreme abortion laws in the country.

Walking with Moms in Need & INTO LIFE

Last year Bishop Bonnar wrote to all pastors encouraging the implementation of Walking with Moms in Need in their parishes. This initiative from the USCCB is to help parishes come alongside and accompany pregnant and parenting mothers facing difficulties. Anyone interested in establishing Walking with Moms in Need in their parish or region may contact Dave Schmidt in the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life at dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451 ext. 272.

INTO LIFE – Love Changes Everything is a 12-part original series on accompanying a woman into life. The Sisters of Life and the University of Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute for Church Life teamed up to create an original 12-part video series based on the work of the Sisters serving women who are pregnant. Journey with the Sisters of Life as they explain what it means to walk with a woman who is pregnant and vulnerable. Learn what it means to deeply listen to and understand the heart of another, how to rejoice in the beauty of the individual person, and what it means to truly accompany someone into God’s life and freedom. 

INTO LIFE can be instrumental in establishing Walking with Moms in Need at your parish or school. For more information go to https://intolifeseries.com/ or contact Dave Schmidt at 330-744-8451 ext. 272 or dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org.

Intercessions for Life and Pro-Life Bulletin Briefs

Recommended intercessions and bulletin briefs for December, prepared by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, may be found at www.respectlife.org/word-of-life.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Project Rachel Outreach – June Message (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

If you are a father suffering from an abortion decision know that there is Hope and Healing available. For CONFIDENTIAL help text or call Project Rachel of Northeast Ohio at 330-360-0430 or go to https://hopeafterabortionneo.weebly.com/.

Homily Hints – Pro-Life Ponderings -NEW

The scriptures present many opportunities to convey the Gospel of life. Below are some examples.

June 4: Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

God, in his essence, is a community of persons united in an eternal exchange of life and love. May all families truly reflect the image of God and always lovingly accept God’s gift of life at all stages and under all circumstances.

          June 11: Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ – Second Reading: I Corinthians 10:16-17 & Gospel: John 6:51-58

In the Eucharist, we are certainly united with Christ, for by the Blessed Sacrament we participate in his body and his blood and remain in him. But we are also united with all those with whom Christ identifies: those who are hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, ill or imprisoned. And dare we add the preborn and elderly to this list of the least among us?

June 18: Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – Gospel: Matthew 9:36-10:8

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus’ heart is moved with pity for the crowds “because they were troubled and abandoned.” As followers of Christ, may our hearts likewise be moved for the troubled and abandoned in our “throw-away culture,” especially the preborn and the elderly.

June 25: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Gospel: Matthew 10:26-33

Jesus tells us to “fear no one” and to proclaim his message “on the housetops.” The culture of death in which we find ourselves tries to intimidate us to silence, but Jesus assures us to “not be afraid.” For our lives, and the lives of the preborn whom we are called to protect, are worth much in the sight of our heavenly Father.

Anytime the subject of abortion is addressed in a homily, it is prudent to remind listeners that reconciliation and healing are available to those with abortion in their past through the Church’s Project Rachel Ministry (https://hopeafterabortionneo.weebly.com/ or 330-360-0430).

Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreat Day -NEW DATES

The next diocesan-sponsored one-day marriage preparation retreat days for engaged couples will be held Saturdays, June 10 and August 19 in the social hall at St. Columba Cathedral. Reservations are required. Registration information may be found at www.doy.org/events or go to DOY.org at the “Ministries” drop-down menu and click on “Pro-Life, Marriage & Family Life.” 

Direct link for registration: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=4479d9

For more information on this, and other opportunities for marriage preparation formation, contact dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451, ext.272.

Religious Freedom Week 2023: Embracing the Divine Gift of Freedom – June 22-29 -NEW

Religious Freedom Week 2023: Embracing the Divine Gift of Freedom takes place from June 22 to 29. The Week begins with the Feast of Ss. John Fisher and Thomas More, includes the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and ends with the Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul.   

During Religious Freedom Week, Catholics are encouraged to pray and act each day for religious freedom. The Pray-Reflect-Act series aims to help Catholics build solidarity with people of faith who are persecuted abroad and find strength to carry out the mission of the Church here in the United States. Graphics with the prayer intention for each day of Religious Freedom Week are available for download. Lectionary notes for Sunday, June 25 are also available. More information may be found at: https://www.usccb.org/committees/religious-liberty/religious-freedom-week.

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week 2023 – Marriage: One Flesh, Given and Received -NEW

This year’s Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week is July 23 to 29 with the theme Marriage: One Flesh, Given and Received. Resources to explain and promote this important teaching of the Church may be found at https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning/national-nfp-awareness-week, or contact dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451 ext.272.

Mark Your Calendars: Night for Life with Peter Range – September 17 at St. Charles -NEW

The Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life is partnering with Men & Women United for Life to provide a Night for Life on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Boardman (7345 Westview Dr.). The featured speaker will be Peter Range, the CEO of Ohio Right to Life. More details to come. For more information contact 330-744-8451 ext. 272 or dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org.

Mark Your Calendars: Ohio March for Life – October 6, at the Statehouse in Columbus

The second annual Ohio March for Life will take place on Friday, October 6, 2023 in Columbus beginning with an 11:00 a.m. Rally at the Statehouse before the March takes place at Noon. More details to come. For more information contact dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451 ext.272.

Office of Worship -NEW

OCIA Workshop ~ Save the Date! August 21

 

“The Vision of the NEW Order of Christian Initiation of Adults”
~Monday – August 21, 2023 – Saint William Church, Champion
~Clergy / Pastoral Minister Session: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Lunch included)
~Parish RCIA Team Member Session: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(Clergy / Pastoral Minister can attend either session)
~Featured Presenter: Mrs. Rita Thiron, Executive Director, Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC).

Mark your calendars now…. Plan to attend!
More details coming soon!

FDLC Webinar Series -NEW

“The Liturgical Reform of The Mass Through the Ages”

In order that the Christian people may more certainly derive an abundance of graces from the sacred liturgy, Holy Mother Church desires to undertake with great care a general restoration of the liturgy itself…” (Sacrosanctum concilium, 21)  

 

In keeping with the focus of the Eucharistic Revival, the FDLC is pleased to announce a free three-part webinar series on the history of the Mass — from the early Church to the reforms and restorations as promulgated at the Second Vatican Council.

The presenter will be Rev. Gil Ostdiek, OFM founding faculty member and Professor Emeritus of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.  He holds an STL and an STD from the Pontifical Athenaeum Antonianum in Rome and worked extensively with ICEL for many years.  He is the past President of the North American Academy of Liturgy (NAAL) and is a prolific author, including Mystagogy on the Eucharist: A Resource for Faith Formation (Liturgical Press, 2015).

The series will be offered across one week (Monday -Wednesday-Friday) – June 19, 21, and 23, at 1:00 p.m. ET.  The 75-minute webinars will be offered live, but all registered persons may view them at a more convenient time.  Registration is FREE and can be made at at: www.fdlc.org/Mass2023

46th National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) Convention

The 46th National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) Convention will be held in Reno, Nevada, July 10-14, 2023.  This year’s theme is “Walking with the Saints.”  A virtual experience of the convention will be available July 18-20, 2023.  For more information: www.npm.org

National Gathering on Christian Initiation

The National Gathering on Christian Initiation sponsored by Liturgical Training Publications (LTP) will take place on August 1-3, 2023 at Loyola University Chicago Lakeshore Campus, located in the Rogers Park neighborhood. This conference “Beginning Anew – the Vision of the OCIA” is for parish leaders, initiation ministers, and regional or diocesan trainers, and will explore the theoretical and practical aspects of initiation ministry. Through interactive sessions, meetings, and prayer opportunities, participants will understand more deeply that the vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the vision of the parish as a community of disciples. For more information: https://ngci.org/home/index

Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) National Meeting

The 2023 National Meeting of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) will be October 10-12, 2023 at the Netherland Hilton Hotel in downtown Cincinnati. This year’s national meeting is “Sign and Pledge of Communion: Masses with Children” and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Directory for Masses with Children. A special Study Day on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 is open to all – clergy, catechists, teachers, principals, parish ministers – involved with the preparation and celebration of Mass with Children. Plenary sessions include:

 

            ~ “Unless You Become Like a Child:  The Challenge and Promise of Liturgical Childhood for the Church” – by Dr. Timothy, O’Malley, McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame.

            ~ “Children as Natural Mystics: A Second Look at the Directory for Masses with Children” –by Dr. Donna Eschenauer, Professor of Theology, Saint Joseph Seminary, Dunwoody, New York.

            ~ “Liturgical Formation for and with Children” – by Sr. Sandra Demasi, SSJ, former Director, Office of Worship, Newark, New Jersey.

 

For more information:  www.fdlc.org  – Virtual Study Day version also available!

Displaying of Flags in Catholic Churches (from the USCCB website)

There are no specific regulations governing the display of flags in Roman Catholic Churches. Neither the Code of Canon Law, nor liturgical books of the Roman rite comment on this practice. As a result, the question of whether and how to display the American flag in church is left to the judgment of the diocesan bishop, who in turn often delegates this to the discretion of the pastor. 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. Instead, the suggestion is made that the American flag be placed outside the sanctuary, or in the vestibule along with a book of prayer requests.

Low Gluten Hosts -REMINDER

It is important for pastors to make every effort to accommodate and normalize the experience of Holy Communion for the faithful, including those suffering from celiac disease. Canon 912 states, “any baptized person not prohibited by law can and must be admitted to Holy Communion.” In the United States there are four approved distributors of low-gluten hosts known to the USCCB – Secretariat of Divine Worship:

  1. Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration www.BenedictineSisters.org 
  2. Parish Crossroads www.ParishCrossroads.com
  3. GlutenFreeHosts.com Inc. www.GlutenFreeHosts.com
  4. Cavanagh Company www.CavanaghCo.com
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. 

The directory can be accessed and downloaded by clicking the button below or visiting the DOY Office of Worship page: https://doy.org/ministries/worship/

Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

Confirmation Retreat & Diocesan Events

Fr. Ryan Furlong and Fr. Chad Johnson are teaming up to create a diocesan confirmation retreat.  Please contact them if interested at rfurlong@youngstowndiocese.org or cjohnson@youngstowndiocese.org

Fr. Ryan is working with a diocesan planning council to plan and coordinate diocesan events. Please contact him for more information or ways you can help at rfurlong@youngstowndiocese.org

“Into the Breach”

A young men’s study on virtue will be coming to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Vienna this Spring. Look for more details soon. Questions? Contact Fr. Ryan at rfurlong@youngstowndiocese.org or call St. Thomas Apostle Parish at 330-394-2491.

NCYC

Anyone interested in attending this year’s NCYC please contact Cara Lipinski at clipinski@youngstowndiocese.org or Deacon Randy Smith at rsmith@youngstowndiocese.org.

Office of Catholic Schools -NEW

CONGRATULATIONS to Lori Crofford on Retirement: May 5 -NEW

Lori Crofford will officially retire from the DOY Office of Catholic Schools on May 5, 2023 after 31 years working in education! You can send your well wishes to lcrofford@youngstowndiocese.org or to the Office of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Youngstown, 144 W. Wood St., Youngstown OH 44503.

Lori worked for the Diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools as the Director of Technology and Professional Development for 9 years (2012-2021) and the Associate Superintendent from 2021-2022.  From July 2022-May 2023, she worked as a consultant training the two new employees (Christa Capper and Jennifer Fischer) that will take over her job managing the technology program for the schools and the DOY office, plus the curriculum and professional development for teachers and the responsibility of managing teachers’ and administrators’ license renewal among other organizational tasks. Lori has been instrumental in creating the curriculum documents for the diocesan K-8 schools. Prior to her time with the Diocese, Lori was a teacher and math coach for the Youngstown City Schools and a teacher for the Mahoning County Montessori School. Thank you for your career in education, and service to our Catholic community!

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) -NEW

Please share these bulletin announcements as applicable to your location. Flyers are included in this month’s attachment folder: https://bit.ly/june2023comm

BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3pm on Fridays**

Flyer is included in this month’s attachment folder: https://bit.ly/june2023comm

Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of the Diocese of Youngstown will be offering The Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer Service in the chapels of our 4 Cemeteries at 3:00pm every Friday at alternating locations.

  1. First Friday of the month at Calvary Cemetery Chapel in Youngstown.
  2. Second Friday of the month at Resurrection Cemetery Chapel in Austintown.
  3. Third Friday of the month at All Souls Cemetery Chapel in Cortland.
  4. Fourth Friday of the month at Calvary Cemetery Chapel in Massillon.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Rosary at Calvary Cemetery (Youngstown), All Souls Cemetery (Cortland), and Calvary Cemetery (Massillon)** -NEW LOCATION

Event: https://catholicecho.org/events/rosary-at-cemeteries/

Join us as we pray the Rosary at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00 in the Chapel. We will be led by the Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart. All are welcome.

Join us as we pray the Rosary at All Souls Cemetery in Cortland on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am in the Chapel. We will be led by the Parish Visitors of the Mary Immaculate from Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome.

Join us as we pray the Rosary at Calvary Cemetery in Massillon on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am in the Chapel. We will be led by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Divine Spirit at The House of Loreto. All are welcome.

BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Veterans Memorial Services** 

Please share these bulletin announcements as applicable to your location:

Join us as we remember our fallen Veterans with a brief service with the Color Guard, National Anthem, Rifle Salute and Taps; and volunteer to place flags on the Veterans graves at Calvary Cemetery in Massillon on May 28 at 9:00am. All are welcome.

Join us as we remember our fallen Veterans with a brief service by American Legion Post #301 and the Austintown Fitch Junior ROTC; and volunteer to place flags on the Veterans graves at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown on May 20 at 11:00am. All are welcome.

Join us as we remember our fallen Veterans with a brief service by Disabled American Veterans and the Austintown Fitch Junior ROTC at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown on May 27 at 10:00am. All are welcome.

Join us as we remember our fallen Veterans with a brief service by the 910th Airlift Wing of the Youngstown Air Reserve Station at All Souls Cemetery in Cortland on May 27 at 10:00am.  All are welcome.

BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Honoring Fathers Prayer Service and Cookout** -NEW

Please join us as we honor our fathers with a prayer service in the Chapel. There will be a hotdog cook-out afterwards. All 4 diocesan cemeteries (Calvary in Youngstown, Resurrection in Austintown, All Souls in Cortland and Calvary in Massillon) will open their doors at 10:30am and the service will begin at 11:00am on Saturday, June 17th. All are welcome.

Other Events

Visit https://catholicecho.org/upcoming-events/

Are you planning a parish music event? Please contact/copy Diocesan Director of Music Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org

FAQ: Where do I send my announcements?

The Catholic Echo will continue the tradition of sharing Catholic events around the diocese at https://catholicecho.org/upcoming-events/ which will replace the “Parish/Other Events” section in the Communiqué.

You can email your event details to catholicecho@youngstowndiocese.org.

Rather than a PDF flyer, for the online calendar we prefer a single image/logo and the event details in text format. If you have a link on your own event page, we will send calendar visitors directly to your page.

Thank you for your patience. Please give us a few weeks’ notice to make sure we have enough time to add your event to our calendar. For large events (such as festivals & revivals), you are encouraged to contact us with a save-the-date 4-6 months in advance – or more – to assist us in developing coverage.

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