Uniting Ourselves with Christ’s Sacrifice
Lent calls us to enter the desert with Jesus. In March, parishes, schools, and offices have plans to support your Lenten practices of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.
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.
Printable Formats (sent by email)
- March Communique Word
- March Communique PDF
Attachments are now provided as downloadable files in one folder:
- March Communique Text Only Bulletin Announcements
- February Communique Attachments Folder (images & flyers): https://bit.ly/mar2023comm
- Video (new link): How to Save Communique Attachments
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 holy season of Lent is a time for us to turn away from our sinful and worldly ways, and intentionally turn toward God by coming home to him.”
-The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, Ash Wednesday 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)
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: Background Check Requirements
Who needs to be compliant?
- All active clergy, religious, seminarians, and persons in formation are required to be compliant.
- 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.
- 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)
- VIRTUS Account Creation and VIRTUS Training
- Visit the Safe Environment page on the diocesan website to create an account and complete the online training in either English or Spanish.
- 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.
- VIRTUS training is valid for five years. An online recertification module is required every five years to maintain compliance.
- 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.
- Authorization & Verification and Acknowledgement Form (Appendix 9)
- Visit the Safe Environment page on the diocesan website to review an electronic copy of the Safe Environment Policy.
- 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.
- 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.
- Appendix 9 may not be edited. If any lines of text are removed, crossed off, or altered, the document is not valid for compliance.
- Fingerprinting and Background Checks
- 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.
- 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.
- Background checks are valid for five years and must be renewed to maintain compliance.
- 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
- 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.
EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL (Bulletin Materials)
Eucharistic Revival: Adoration and Holy Hour (Bulletin Materials)
All are invited to join the second half of the Diocesan Year of Eucharistic Revival with opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Hours in a different county of the diocese each month. The Holy Hour will begin with a brief understanding of the importance of Eucharistic Adoration, followed by time spent in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Our next celebration will be:
Sunday, March 19 at 1:00pm at Saint Joan of Arc Parish (Streetsboro)
Please consider joining us as we spend time in prayer with our Lord.
In subsequent months, we will visit other parishes throughout the diocese, always on Sunday at 1:00pm:
- Corpus Christi Parish, Conneaut (April 16)
- Saint Jude Parish, Columbiana (May 21)
Please make sure to mark your calendar for the Holy Hour in your county.
Office of the Chancellor (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION FOR THE HOLY LAND (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
APRIL 17, 2023
Please send to: Diocese of Youngstown
c/o Joan Lawson
144 W. Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503
SUGGESTED BULLETIN/PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENTS
PARISH BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT
Pope Francis has asked our parish to support the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, which helps Christians in the Holy Land. Your support helps the church minister in parishes, provide Catholic schools, offer religious education, and undertake social and charitable works. The Pontifical Good Friday Collection also helps to preserve the sacred shrines.
Most Christians in the Holy Land depend on pilgrimages to work. They rely heavily on this Pontifical Good Friday Collection to meet the basic needs of the People of God still living in this Land where the Church was born.
When you contribute to the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, you become an instrument of peace and join with Catholics around the world in solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land.
PLEASE BE GENEROUS!
For more information about Christians in the Holy Land, visit www.myfranciscan.org/good-friday.
PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT
Pope Francis has asked our parish to support the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, which helps Christians in the Holy Land. Through the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, you stand in solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land as a witness of peace, supporting Catholics there in parishes and schools, maintaining Christian shrines and caring for refugees in the Holy Land.
PLEASE BE GENEROUS!
Archives Office -NEW
Questions About Parish Records? -NEW LINK
As we strive to preserve our history, we welcome questions and suggestions. If you would like to ask about what to save or dispose of in your parish records, you are welcome to contact Joan Lawson, Archivist, at 330-744-8451 x290, or email jlawson@youngstowndiocese.org.
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 the Bishop -NEW
St. Patrick’s Day Dispensation -NEW
Given the Church’s discipline which Catholics aged 14 and over are required to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and each Friday during the Season of Lent. This year, however, Friday of the third week of Lent corresponds with Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17) which has traditionally been an occasion of importance in the lives of so many in the Diocese of Youngstown. Having taken into consideration both past practices and present circumstances, and having judged that it would serve the spiritual good of the faithful, Bishop Bonnar has granted to the faithful of the Diocese of Youngstown, as well as to any visitor or travelers who may be physically present within the territory of this diocese, a dispensation from the obligation of abstinence from meat on March 17, 2023.
Those taking advantage of the dispensation are urged to make some other act of Lenten sacrifice of charity, such as the public celebration of the Stations of the Cross, the giving of time in a charitable way, the spending of time in devout prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, praying for vocations, the Divine Mercy Chaplet or the Rosary.
Office of Hispanic Ministry (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín) -NEW
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Cumbre del Ministerio Hispano con Obispo David Bonnar (Materiales de Boletín)** -NEW
El Obispo David Bonnar hace la invitación a participar en un diálogo sobre el presente y el futuro del Ministerio Hispano en la Diócesis de Youngstown el día sábado, 4 de marzo de 2023. El encuentro en la Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción en Ravenna iniciará con una Misa en español a las 10:00am en la iglesia. A continuación habrá un tiempo para dialogar y hacer preguntas en el salón parroquial. El día concluirá con un lonche gratuito a mediodía. Para el lonche, se le pide inscribirse en la página del evento. Inscríbase en la página siguiente antes del 28 de febrero: https://forms.gle/dk2V9H66uALP347w8 Por favor venga y participe en esta conversación importante.
Hispanic Ministry Summit with Bishop David Bonnar (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW
Bishop David Bonnar is extending an invitation to dialogue about the present and future of Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Youngstown on Saturday, March 4, 2023. The gathering at Immaculate Conception Parish in Ravenna will begin with Mass in Spanish at 10:00am in the church. This will be followed by a time for dialogue and Q&A in the parish hall after Mass. The day will conclude with a free boxed lunch at noon. RSVP online is required for lunch. Please RSVP by February 28, 2023 at: https://forms.gle/dk2V9H66uALP347w8 Please come and participate in this important conversation!
Father Brian Smith serves as Director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry. For more information, visit: https://doy.org/ministries/ministerio-hispano/
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
Save the Date! Voice of Hope Dinner, May 4, 2023 (Bulletin Materials) -NEW DETAILS
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Please save the date for the Annual Voice of Hope Dinner. This event celebrates the unity and identity of Catholic Charities’ Services in the Diocese of Youngstown, and raises funds to support our Basic Needs Assistance program.
The event will be held on Thursday, May 4th at The Grand Resort Ballroom in Warren, Ohio. We are honored to be joined by The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown. We are also excited to recognize Sister Jean Orsuto, Father Jim Korda, and St. John School, with Voice of Hope Awards for their dedication, service and support of the ministry of Catholic Charities over the course of their vocations with the Church.
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are now available on our website at https://www.ccdoy.org/2022/02/15/annual-voice-of-hope/.
If you would like additional information please contact Jennifer Lucarelli at 330-744-8451, ext. 316 or jlucarelli@youngstowndiocese.org or visit the website at www.ccdoy.org.
Warm Hearts for Warm Homes-NEW
The annual “Warm Hearts for Warm Homes” campaign (formerly Keep the Kids Warm) has officially ended. For all parishes who participated in a second collection, please forward all checks to the Department of Catholic Charities so that we can process allocations to the (6) counties of the Diocese in need. These funds help families with children, working poor adults and older adults on fixed incomes with utility assistance during the long, cold winter months here in Ohio. To date, we have received $21,300.
Thank you to all parishes that have supported this important collection.
Mail checks to: Catholic Charities, Warm Hearts Campaign, 144 West Wood St., Youngstown, Ohio 44503
For more information, contact Jennifer Lucarelli at 330-744-8451, ext. 316 or jlucarelli@youngstowndiocese.org.
Shamrocks for Socks (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Please consider donating to Catholic Charities’ “SHAMROCKS FOR SOCKS” collection during the month of March. For every pair or package of socks donated (or cash donation received for the purchase of socks) we will add your name and county to a Shamrock in our “Field of Green” Display and share our progress on social media as it grows! Read more about this important collection here https://www.ccdoy.org/2023/02/09/shamrocks-for-socks/.
There are several ways to donate to Shamrocks for Socks.
-Make a cash donation now at ccdoy.org.
-Shop on our custom Amazon Wish list, and have your donation delivered directly to us: https://a.co/9M8fmWC
-Shop for socks and drop them off at a Catholic Charities location near you!
Locations can be found on our website at https://www.ccdoy.org/locations/.
Flyer, logo and QR code included in this month’s attachments folder: https://bit.ly/mar2023comm
First Step to Service – Spring Coloring Contest – Care for Creation -NEW
Catholic Charities is calling children ages K-8 grade to participate in our annual spring “Care for Creation” coloring contest as a part of our First Step to Service, Service-Learning Opportunities project. Children may participate in our Coloring Contest using the entry form included with this publication, through their parish, or through our local Catholic Schools. Contact Jennifer Lucarelli with questions at 330-744-8451, ext. 316 or email jlucarelli@youngstowndiocese.org.
Deadline for contest entries is April 30, 2023.
Entry form included in this month’s attachments folder: https://bit.ly/mar2023comm
Catholic Charities Regional Agency (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Save the Date! Women Fore Women Golf Classic, July 10, 2023 (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW
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/mar2023comm
Catholic Charities Serving Stark and Portage Counties (Bulletin Materials)
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Adult Day Services in Louisville is Accepting Participants (Bulletin Materials)
The Adult Day Services (ADS) facility operated by Catholic Charities serving Portage and Stark Counties is open and accepting participants on a limited basis. ADS offers a safe and secure environment for older adults in need of supervision or assistance with activities of daily living while family caregivers are at work or attending to other responsibilities. We have implemented strict pandemic related protocols to ensure the health and safety of participants and staff alike. Our well-maintained facility is located on the St. Joseph Senior Living Campus in Louisville, Ohio. For more information about the program, please call 330-875-7979 or send an email to Troy Cochran at troy.cochran@catholiccharitiesps.org
Office of Peace and Justice (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
The Cost of Poverty Experience, COPE, a ThinkTank Experience (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
Learn about the experiences of those reentering society through a 2.5-hour event that offers a personal connection to the stories and daily realities of the lives of families experiencing poverty in America.
This event is free and open to the public.
Friday, March 24, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Register today at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reentry-simulation-tickets-508217170237
Link and flyer included in this month’s attachments folder: https://bit.ly/mar2023comm
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Save the Date – Lunch and Learn – March 28, 2023, 12:00 p.m., St. Columba Parish Hall (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
Please save the date for a Lunch and Learn event to promote the newly developed Office of Peace and Justice, and to learn what that means for our local community and the Diocese of Youngstown.
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.
Director of Peace and Justice, R.J. Mangan, provides opportunities for the Catholic faithful to engage with various aspects of the Church’s robust social mission, coordinating and collaborating with others of good will to influence public policy for the sake of the common good.
This event is FREE and open to the public, but reservations are required. Please call Angela Wells at 330-744-8451, ext. 321 to reserve your spot, or send an email message to charities@youngstowndiocese.org.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please advise if you have any special dietary needs or allergy concerns.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Prison Ministry Presents – Kolbe Gathering (Bulletin Materials) -NEW FLYER & LOCATION
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/mar2023comm
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Relief Services – Rice Bowl (Bulletin Materials | Materiales del Boletín) -NEW LINKS
Included:
Lent is a time of repentance and of uniting ourselves to Christ during his 40 days in the desert. During this sacred season, CRS Rice Bowl—Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten faith-in-action program—invites us to reflect on how caring for our neighbor is caring for Christ.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, thirsty and you gave me drink.” (Matthew 25:35)
CRS Rice Bowl provides resources to bring Lenten spirituality to life for families, parishes and school communities, while continuing to connect Catholics in our diocese with our global human family. As Jesus teaches in the Gospel story of the loaves of bread and the fish, your small offering can feed many, and what may seem like a little, can actually be a lot.
NEW: Website: https://www.ccdoy.org/2023/02/01/forlent/
NEW: Online Donations
CRS Rice Bowl orders will automatically be shipped to parishes based on last year’s requests. Only those who haven’t ordered before or need to make changes to their order should contact R.J. Mangan, CRS Diocesan Director at 330-744-8451, or rmangan@youngstowndiocese.org.
To read more about Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl, please visit https://www.crsricebowl.org. Stories of hope celebrate the many lives that our Lenten journey touches.
A planning guide is included with this communication, and a CRS kickoff video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxpmJjAkqpc.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development; Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award
Do you know a young faith-filled Catholic between the ages of 18-40 who has demonstrated leadership against poverty and injustice in the United States? The Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award, an activity of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, recognizes the leadership, energy and diverse skills that young people bring to the anti-poverty work of low-income projects and Catholic parishes. The Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award highlights the gifts of young leaders and their Gospel commitment to the poor.
Joseph Cardinal Bernardin (1928-1996) demonstrated strong leadership to fulfill the option for the poor in the US and to build bridges across ethnic, class, and age barriers. Cardinal Bernardin began his ministry at a young age and was ordained a bishop while still in his thirties. In his role as the first bishop named General Secretary of the NCCB/USCC, he nurtured the vision for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and helped to shepherd it through its first years. He remained a strong supporter of CCHD while serving as Archbishop of Cincinnati and Cardinal Archbishop of Chicago. It has been said about Cardinal Bernardin that his gift was a vision to build consensus “that doesn’t just settle for what already exists, but moves us ahead to what is possible.”
The Bernardin Award is designed to:
- Recognize new and future leadership against poverty and injustice
- Promote young people as leaders in our communities
- Honor outstanding young leaders and their organizations/ parishes
- Strengthen the Catholic community’s participation in CCHD’s anti-poverty mission
Eligibility
The award would be given to a young Catholic, age 18-40, who demonstrates all of the following:
- leadership consistent with the work and philosophy of CCHD to address the basic causes of economic poverty
- a commitment to carry out the church’s option for and with those who are poor through empowerment and relationship building between those who are living in poverty and those who are not, and
- potential for future leadership in these arenas.
Nominations Process
- Deadline: August 31, 2023
- Nominations may be submitted by a pastor, university faculty or staff, a local CCHD Diocesan Director, a CCHD-funded project, a mentor or a colleague.
- The nominator should submit the nomination form, a one-page recommendation, and up to two pages of supplementary biographical information, by August 31.
Department of Communications
THE CATHOLIC ECHO (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW
FAQs and Logo -NEW
In the attachments folder, please find a “Q and A” to the faithful from Katie Wagner (Editor-in Chief of The Catholic Echo), Pat Kelly (Diocesan CFO), and Justin Huyck (Director of Communications). This letter ran in the January 27 edition of the Catholic Exponent.
BULLETIN/PUBLICITY
Multiple versions of the Catholic Echo logo in this month’s attachment folder: https://bit.ly/mar2023comm
ANNOUNCING THE CATHOLIC ECHO -NEW LINK
The Diocese of Youngstown is pleased to announce a new print product, The Catholic Echo magazine, debuting in Spring 2023. Building on the 79-year legacy of The Catholic Exponent newspaper, which produced its final issue in February 2023, The Catholic Echo magazine, website and supporting multimedia products will highlight all aspects of Catholic life across the six counties of the diocese—and a new circulation model will ensure that all registered parishioners in the diocese receive the publication with no subscription cost.
The Catholic Echo news website, www.CatholicEcho.org, launched in the last week of February, features video programming from CTNY, the Wineskins podcast, local Catholic news stories, event information and much more. You can visit www.CatholicEcho.org and sign up for the Echo’s email newsletter (coming soon) to stay up-to-date on diocesan news and events.
Multimedia | CTNY (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Wineskins (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
Wineskins is now available as a podcast! Subscribe to Wineskins on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google 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/. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for updates when we post a new episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thecatholicecho
Wineskins Schedule -NEW
March 5, 2023
- Current Issue: Fr. Korda talks with Fr. Brian Smith.
- Saint: Br. Dominic Calabro, SSP from Society of St. Paul in Canfield tells us about St. John of God.
- Interview: Fr. Korda will continue the series on Vatican II this week’s topic is The Priesthood.
- Music: From the CD “What Wondrous Love” by Stacie Bert and Fr. Bob Lengerich.
- Scripture: Fr. Scott Kopp will tell us about the Scriptures for The Second Sunday of Lent.
March 12, 2023
- Current Issue: Fr. John-Michael Lavelle informs us about Health and Wellness.
- Saint: Br. Dominic Calabro, SSP from Society of St. Paul in Canfield tells us about St. Patrick.
- Interview: Fr. Korda will continue the series on Vatican II this week’s topic is The Missions.
- Music: From the CD “What Wondrous Love” by Stacie Bert and Fr. Bob Lengerich.
- Scripture: Fr. Scott Kopp will tell us about the Scriptures for The Third Sunday of Lent.
March 19, 2023
- Current Issue: Olivia Wall from Catholic Charities tells us about Earth First.
- Saint: Br. Dominic Calabro, SSP from Society of St. Paul in Canfield tells us about St. Turibius of Mogrovejo.
- Interview: Fr. Korda will continue the series on Vatican II this week’s topic is Church in The Modern World.
- Music: From the CD “What Wondrous Love” by Stacie Bert and Fr. Bob Lengerich.
- Scripture: Fr. Scott Kopp will tell us about the Scriptures for The Fourth Sunday of Lent.
March 26, 2023
- Current Issue: Fr. Korda talks with Rick Squires on The Diocesan Appeal.
- Saint: Br. Dominic Calabro, SSP from Society of St. Paul in Canfield tells us about St. Maria Cristina of the Immaculate Conception.
- Interview: Fr. Korda will interview Fr. Ed Brienz on Café Augustine.
- Music: From the CD “What Wondrous Love” by Stacie Bert and Fr. Bob Lengerich.
- Scripture: Fr. Scott Kopp will tell us about the Scriptures for The Fifth Sunday of Lent.
How to Watch the Mass for Shut-Ins
The diocese continues to produce the Mass for Shut-Ins. The Mass may be viewed the following ways:
Online:
In Youngstown, Warren, Mahoning Valley:
- On WFMJ TV-21: Sundays at 6 a.m.
- On Armstrong Cable Channel 45: Sundays at 8 a.m., noon, 7 p.m., for the time being.
- On Spectrum Cable in Canton – Channel 989: Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
- On Massillon Cable Channel 128: Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
- On WIVM TV-39: Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
In nursing homes and prisons:
- The diocese continues to make its televised Mass available in 10 nursing homes and 3 prisons. For more information, contact Bob Gavalier at 330-533-2243.
Any further updates to diocesan cable TV programming will be noted at www.doy.org/live/
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. 2022- 2023 Social Media Profile Report Form
Catholic institutions, parishes and schools in the Diocese of Youngstown are asked to complete a 2022-2023 Social Media Profile so that we know what is currently being used around the diocese and to help network those seeking support in various areas.
Click on the link to complete:
https://forms.gle/v8cTuJ18cfRQjzoV8
Please note that the contact person listed in the profile will receive period emails from the diocese to support his/her work. The information also helps us to support your efforts by occasionally sharing/retweeting.
2. DOY Social Media Networking Facebook Group for Social Media Contacts
Ongoing networking 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 great 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.
3. Social Media Helpful Hint of the Month – Questions for Review Prior to Posting -NEW
To share the Good News of the Gospel and the good news around our diocese, we must remain mindful of our potential to influence love, positivity and goodness. To assist with that, prior to posting to social media, particularly for our Catholic parishes, schools and agency platforms, be sure to review these questions:
- Will posting this photo, text, article, video, etc. further the goals of our parish/school/office/agency/organization?
- Will the posting be perceived in the spirit in which it is intended, or might other circumstances impact the perception of the audience/digital community?
- If a post does receive negative responses, will you be prepared to address them with Christian charity?
Thanks for all you do to share God’s love in the digital world!
Do you have other “Pre-posting Review Questions” that you do that you think might be helpful for others to consider? Let Cindee Case, ccase@youngstowndiocese.org, know.
Internal Communications
New Email List for Internal Communications Staff
- 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
Clergy and Religious Services
Office of Clergy Services
1. New Order of Penance
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, USCCB President issued a promulgation decree on June 24, 2022, for the recently confirmed Order of Penance. The new translation may be used beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023, and the date for obligatory use has been set for Sunday, April 16, 2023.
Four publishers will produce ritual editions for use in the United States. Some presales began October 1, 2022:
- Catholic Book Publishing Corp: https://catholicbookpublishing.com/product/1639
- Liturgy Training Publications: https://ltp.org/products/details/OPRE/order-of-penance
- Magnificat: https://bookstore.magnificat.net/the-order-of-penance.html
- and Midwest Theological Forum: https://www.theologicalforum.org/Category/118/Product/636/The_Order_of_Penance
2. The Light is On For You ~ An Evening of Reconciliation -NEW RESOURCES
The Light is On for You ~ An Evening of Reconciliation will return this year and be celebrated on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Every parish should have reported their plan to the Office of Worship to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation that evening either by scheduling a Lenten Communal Reconciliation Service with neighboring/collaborating parishes or individual reconciliation. A list of locations and times is available at doy.org/thelightisonforyou/
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
To publicize this event please find the following in the attachments folder in WORD format, labeled “WORSHIP”: https://bit.ly/mar2023comm
- Bulletin Insert: Making a Good Confession and FAQ About the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Note: This insert contains revised texts and prayers from the new Order of Penance ritual.
- Bulletin/Pulpit announcements
- Bulletin Board Flyer
Lenten Regulations -NEW
The Season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023. All are encouraged to participate in the traditional Lenten practice of prayer, sacrifice, and almsgiving. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence – one full meal and two smaller meals for persons 18 – 59 years of age; no meat for persons 14 years and older. All Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence – no meat for persons 14 years and older. There is no obligation to fast during the weekdays of Lent; however voluntary acts of self-denial are encouraged.
Saint Patrick’s Day Dispensation -NEW
Bishop Bonnar has granted a special dispensation on Friday, March 17, 2023, for Saint Patrick’s Day from the obligation of abstinence from meat on this day. Those taking advantage of the dispensation are urged to make some other act of Lenten sacrifice of charity, such as the public celebration of the Stations of the Cross, the giving of time in a charitable way, the spending of time in devout prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, praying for vocations, the Divine Mercy Chaplet or the Rosary.
Chrism Mass – April 4, 2023 -NEW
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Columba Cathedral. All clergy are invited to concelebrate.
2023 Priest Convocation ~ “4 Pillars of Priestly Well-Being” -NEW
SAVE THE DATE!
2023 Priest Convocation, September 4-7, 2023.
Oglebay Resort Center 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, West Virginia www.oglebay.com
Office of Vocations -NEW
The First Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
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. 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 a Save-the-Date flyer and a sponsorship form: https://bit.ly/mar2023comm
Seminarian Pastoral Intern
The following Seminarian has been assigned as a Pastoral Intern for the 2022-2023 Academic Year.
Mr. Travis Seagraves: Our Lady of Peace, Ashtabula
Please remember him, the people of Ashtabula, and all of our seminarians in your prayers.
Seminarian Posters and Prayer Cards
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.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Come and See the Seminary: March 31-April 2, 2023 (Bulletin Materials) -NEW DATES
Saint Mary Seminary & Borromeo Seminary are once again offering “Come and See” Weekends. These are opportunities for men who are open to priesthood formation can experience life in the Seminary. The next Come and See Weekend is scheduled for March 31-April 2, 2023. If you know of anyone interested in this time of prayer, discovery, and discernment, please contact Fr. Chad Johnson at 330-744-8451 or by email at cjohnson@youngstowndiocese.org.
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.
“Discovery Days” [Seminary Field Trips]
Considered having your school go on a field trip to the Seminary to see what it’s all about? There are many opportunities for 7th/8th grade and High School visits to Saint Mary Seminary & Graduate School of Theology in Cleveland. For more information, 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
- Website: doy.org/vocations
- Facebook: doyvocations
- Twitter: doy_vocations
- Instagram: doyvocations
Office of Vowed Religious
Religious Jubilee/Conference Day -NEW DETAILS
We invite all religious to reserve Saturday, March 25, 2023, to celebrate with religious jubilarians of 25, 50, 60 years, and beyond, at St. John’s Basilica in Canton, Ohio. A social begins at 1:15 p.m. followed by dinner and presentation on Rhoda Wise: A Search for the Truth, by Karen Sigler SFO. Bishop Bonnar will celebrate Holy Mass at 4:00 p.m.
Retirement Fund for Religious -NEW
Thanks to all who participated in and donated to the annual Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal. You have the gratitude, thoughts, and prayers of thousands of elderly Religious Sisters, Brothers, and Priests across the United States. A dollar amount for the collection will be forthcoming.
Development and Stewardship Offices
Office of the Annual Diocesan Appeal (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW
2023 ANNUAL DIOCESAN APPEAL: ONE IN HOPE, ONE IN MISSION
Thank you for your support of the Announcement Weekend of the Appeal on February 18th & 19th. In the attachments folder, please find the bulletin announcements for that weekend, the three commitment weekends, and the two follow up weekends. In addition to this, please post the Appeal video to all your social media accounts for the parish:
- Appeal Video English https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu7HfECOl5M
- Appeal Video Spanish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1eC2VZDRc
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Find these and more resources from Fr. Lavelle in both English and Spanish under “Parish Toolkit and Updates” at www.doy.org/appeal/
Office of Development and Stewardship
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales del Boletín) -NEW
“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.
Pastoral and Educational Services
Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry -NEW
1. New Adult Faith Formation Courses Have Begun -NEW
Please visit Catechist Cafe at catechistcafe.weebly.com under the tab “For Catechists” for a full listing of courses and descriptions offered this winter. All courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. These courses are offered online. You don’t need to have prior knowledge to participate. For more information, contact Margie Hynes at 330-744-8451 ext. 296 or mhynes@youngstowndiocese.org.
2. Spiritual Growth for Lent. Check out the Library!
Small faith communities, women’s groups, men’s groups, young adults, families, and other age or life stage clusters of parishioners can benefit from a structured book study or video assisted presentation on sacred scripture, a papal encyclical, and other faith topics during the season of Lent. Encourage leaders to visit the library in person (no appointment necessary) or online at https://doylib.follettdestiny.com to search for topics for a variety of interests. Many of the resources include a facilitator’s guide and sample session designs to enhance the user-friendly approach to spiritual growth and increase appreciation of the richness of the Catholic Tradition. We welcome questions and are ready to assist in selecting from a wide selection of authentic Catholic resources.
3. New in the Library -NEW
Large Print Third Edition Roman Missal Through an agreement with the USCCB, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability offers large print formats of the Roman Missal, Third Edition to priests and deacons. The library has the Roman Missal, Third Edition in 34-point font available.
The Mass, Threshold Bible Study. Stephen J. Binz. Twenty-Third Publications, 2022. “Worship of God in the Mass is the most distinctive activity of Christ’s church, the summit toward which all its activity is directed and the font from which its life flows. Explore the biblical foundations of each part of the Mass and learn how the saving truths of Scripture are made present for us in the eucharistic liturgy.
The Complete Guide to Becoming a Creative Catechist. Janaan Manternach and Carl Pfeifer.
Twenty-third Publications, 2022. This newly updated classic is a must-have for every catechist! Based in the wisdom of recent church documents on faith formation as well as in current catechetical theory and practice, this revised guide is a support and affirmation for experienced and new catechists alike. The real-life suggestions are practical, realistic, user-friendly, and rooted in discipleship. Written for both individual and group use, the discussion questions and suggested creative exercises are time tested and needed more than ever in today’s church.
4. Beginning Anew: The Vision of The OCIA 2023 -NEW
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.
5. National Community of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL) -NEW
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!
Office of Pro-Life, Marriage, and Family Life (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
1. Homily Hints – Pro-Life Ponderings (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
The scriptures present many opportunities to convey the Gospel of life. Below are a few examples.
Any time the subject of abortion is addressed in a homily, it is prudent to remind the 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).
March 12: The Third Sunday of Lent – Gospel Reading: John 4:5-42
Jesus offers the Samaritan woman at the well “living water” despite her less than virtuous past. Similarly, Jesus offers healing and reconciliation to those – men and women alike – with abortion in their past.
March 19: The Fourth Sunday of Lent – First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
The Lord said to Samuel “Do not judge from … appearance… Not as man sees does God see…” The ‘throw away culture’ sees the unborn child as just a mass of cells, and the handicapped or elderly person as a burden and a life not worth living. In contrast, Pope Francis tells us “Even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.”
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
2. Project Rachel Outreach – March (Lent) Message (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
There is no sin, including abortion, which is greater than God’s forgiveness. 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/.
3. 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.
4. Walking with Moms in Need
In March, 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. Find out more about our local efforts and resources at https://doy.org/walkingwithmomsneo/
The Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life is piloting Walking with Moms in Need in the Eastern Stark County Region of our diocese and has held information meetings in Mahoning, Stark and Portage Counties. Anyone interested in establishing this important effort in their parish or region may contact Dave Schmidt at dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451 ext. 272.
5. 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, March 4 and April 1, 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.
6. Appointing or Renewing a Parish Pro-Life Representative -NEW
Towards the end of February pastors, administrators and diocesan pastoral associates were mailed a letter asking them to appoint or renew a Parish Pro-Life Representative. The chief responsibility of the representative is to serve as a liaison between their parish and the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life in matters pertaining to the respect life teaching of the Church. Any questions in this regard may be directed to Dave Schmidt at 330-744-8451 ext.272 or dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org.
7. Next Wedding Anniversary Celebration on May 7 at St. Columba Cathedral (Bulletin Materials) -NEW DETAILS
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
The Diocese of Youngstown is sponsoring a Wedding Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, May 7, 2:00 p.m. at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown, honoring couples observing their 25th, 40th, 50th and over wedding anniversaries in 2023.
The Wedding Anniversary Celebration will include Mass with the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, renewal of marriage vows, a personalized certificate for each couple and a light reception for the couples and their families in the cathedral hall. Couples must make reservations in advance by contacting their parish office as soon as possible, but no later than March 29. Limited spaces are available.
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Registration information for the May celebration was sent to parishes at the end of February. A second anniversary celebration will take place at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist Church in Canton on Sunday, October 15, 2023; at 2:00 p.m. For more information contact 330-744-8451ext.272 or dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org.
8. 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.
9. Author to Speak on Priest who Influenced Founder of Alcoholic Anonymous (Bulletin Materials)**-NEW
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
The Diocese of Youngstown will host author Dawn Eden Goldstein for a special talk: “Journeying Through Lent with Father Ed Dowling, S.J.” The event will be of interest to anyone wishing to explore the faith dimensions of Alcoholics Anonymous, and broader issues of human dignity, and will be held on Friday, March 10 at 7:30pm at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 3430 St. Michaels Blvd NW Canton, Ohio 44718 (Corner of Whipple and Fulton).
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Photos of Dawn Eden Goldstein and the cover of her book Father Ed available in this month’s attachments folder at https://bit.ly/mar2023comm
Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson called Father Edward Dowling, SJ, “the greatest and most gentle soul to walk this planet.” Although Father Ed was not himself an alcoholic, he opened his heart to alcoholics and other people with problems. Dawn Eden Goldstein, author of Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.’s Spiritual Sponsor (Orbis Books), will share the life and message of this remarkable priest, whose joyful identification with Christ led him to develop his spirituality of “Glad Gethsemane.” Books will also be available for purchase.
In addition to Father Ed, Dr. Goldstein is the author of several other books. Dr. Goldstein began her working life as a rock-and-roll historian and went on to editorial positions at the New York Post and the Daily News before publishing her first book in 2006. In 2016, she became the first woman to earn a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake (Mundelein, Illinois). She has taught at universities and seminaries in the United States, England and India. Today she lives in Washington, DC, where she is completing her studies for a license in canon law at the Catholic University of America.
For more information, contact the Diocese of Youngstown’s Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life at 330-744-8451 ext. 272.
Office of Worship -NEW
New Order of Penance
The new Order of Penance translation may be used beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023, and the date for obligatory use has been set for Sunday, April 16, 2023.
Four publishers will produce ritual editions for use in the United States. Some presales began October 1, 2022:
- Catholic Book Publishing Corp: https://catholicbookpublishing.com/product/1639
- Liturgy Training Publications: https://ltp.org/products/details/OPRE/order-of-penance
- Magnificat: https://bookstore.magnificat.net/the-order-of-penance.html
- and Midwest Theological Forum https://www.theologicalforum.org/Category/118/Product/636/The_Order_of_Penance
The Light is On for You ~ An Evening of Reconciliation -NEW RESOURCES
“The Light is On for You ~ An Evening of Reconciliation” will return this year and be celebrated on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Every parish should plan to participate by either scheduling a Lenten Communal Reconciliation Service with neighboring/collaborating parish or individual reconciliation.
A list of locations and times is available at doy.org/thelightisonforyou/
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
The Office of Worship has provided publicity materials for use in parishes. Please find the following documents in the attachments folder in WORD format, labeled “WORSHIP”: https://bit.ly/mar2023comm
- Bulletin Insert: Making a Good Confession and FAQ About the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Note: This insert contains revised texts and prayers from the new Order of Penance ritual.
- Bulletin/Pulpit announcements
- Bulletin Board Flyer
Saint Patrick’s Day Dispensation-NEW
Bishop Bonnar has granted a special dispensation on Friday, March 17, 2023, for Saint Patrick’s Day from the obligation of abstinence from meat on this day. Those taking advantage of the dispensation are urged to make some other act of Lenten sacrifice of charity, such as the public celebration of the Stations of the Cross, the giving of time in a charitable way, the spending of time in devout prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, praying for vocations, the Divine Mercy Chaplet or the Rosary.
Chrism Mass – April 4, 2023-NEW
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Columba Cathedral. All clergy are invited to concelebrate and parishes are welcomed to send delegations of 5-7 people. After the Chrism Mass, parishes are invited to obtain the holy oils for use in their parish. Since there is a provision in the rite for priests to bless the oil of the sick and oil of catechumens, there is concern regarding the sacred chrism. It is recommended that an appropriate amount of sacred chrism be taken sufficient for parish needs. If a substantial amount of sacred oil is being disposed of each year, please adjust the amount taken. Oils will be distributed in Saint Columba Parish Hall after the Chrism Mass.
Celebrating the Paschal Triduum (Multiple Parishes/Locations)-NEW
The Office of Worship recently produced guidance and directives for the celebration of the Paschal Triduum in the circumstance of merged parishes; parishes with multiple worship sites; multiple parishes served by a single pastor. For further guidance, questions or concerns please contact the Office of Worship.
Easter Vigil – April 8, 2023
The Easter Vigil will be on Saturday, April 8, 2023. The Roman Missal states that, “the entire celebration of the Easter Vigil must take place during the night, so that it begins after nightfall…” Furthermore, the Priest Policy Handbook states that the Easter Vigil “is not to take place at the time of the ordinary anticipated Mass for Sunday,” (cf. Faculties and Permissions, Section V, pg. 10). In the Diocese of Youngstown, sunset on April 8, 2023, will be at 7:54 p.m. and the end of civil twilight will be at 8:23 p.m. It is current diocesan policy that the starting time for the Easter Vigil throughout the diocese be at 8:00 p.m. or later. This starting time respects the current liturgical guidelines and diocesan policy. Furthermore it makes the Easter Vigil distinctive from the ordinary anticipated Mass for Sunday and alleviates any confusion among parishes. Therefore the Easter Vigil is not to begin before 8:00 p.m. Please note that because daylight savings time begins each year in early March, the recommended start time of Easter Vigil will never be before 8 p.m.
Confirmation of Baptized Catholics at the Easter Vigil -NEW
Priests are reminded that the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults gives them the faculty to confirm catechumens and candidates at the Easter Vigil. However, if there are persons who are baptized Catholic and completing their initiation at the Easter Vigil, the pastor must request permission of Bishop David J. Bonnar to confirm them. A letter of request stating the names of only those individuals who were baptized Catholic and who will be confirmed at the Easter Vigil should be sent to the Bishop’s Office as soon as possible.
Eucharist: The Work of Our Redemption
In response to Pope Francis’ call for a “serious and dynamic liturgical formation.” (Desiderio Desideravi #21) the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FLDC) is pleased to offer a five-part Lenten series which will explore the Mass –“Eucharist: The Work of our Redemption.” This is offered in harmony with the United States Bishop’s campaign for a Eucharistic Revival.
The webinar series will be held February 23 – March 23, 2023. The sessions will be offered live each Thursday in Lent at 1:00 p.m. (eastern) and will be 75 minutes in length to include time for questions and answers. The sessions will also be recorded so that registered participants can view it at a convenient time.
The webinars are FREE and online registration is now open: https://www.fdlc.org/eucharistseries2023 The schedule includes:
Feb. 23 – Celebration of the Paschal Mystery: Theological Foundations. Dr. James Starke – Professor of Liturgy and Sacraments Mt. St. Mary University Baltimore
Mar. 2 – The Church at Prayer: The Introductory Rites. Sr. Joyce Ann Zimmerman CPPS, Founding Director Institute for Liturgical Ministry
Mar. 9 – Proclamation and Response: The Liturgy of the Word. Rev. Regis Armstrong, OFM Cap, Professor Emeritus, Catholic University of America
Mar. 16 – Joining in the Sacrifice: The Liturgy of the Eucharist. Rev. Matthew Ernest, Director, Office of Worship, Archdiocese of New York
Mar. 23 – Glorifying the Lord by Your Life: The Concluding Rite. Rev. Ajani Gibson, Parochial Vicar, St. Peter Claver Parish, Archdiocese of New Orleans
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
Spirits and Spirituality (Canton) (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Any young adult is welcome to learn more about the Catholic faith and meet other young adults in a fun, casual environment. We are looking forward to our next Spirits and Spirituality gathering, Thursday, February 23rd at 6:30 pm at Royal Docks Brewing in Plain Township. Fr. Connor Hetzel, Parochial Vicar at St. Michael the Archangel will present, “Feasting and Fasting: How do you Lent?” Save the date for our next Spirits & Spirituality on March 30th.
For details, contact roberta@stmichaelcanton.org or follow Spirits and Spirituality on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spiritsandspirituality/
“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 -NEW
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
Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund (Bulletin Materials)**
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
As a result of legislation passed in 2021, Ohio taxpayers who wish to support Catholic education in Ohio now have the opportunity to receive an income tax credit. The Office of Catholic Schools is excited to announce the availability of additional financial assistance through the newly established Scholarship Granted Organization (SGO): Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund. Donations to the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund will be utilized to award scholarships to students attending Catholic schools in the Diocese of Youngstown with a priority to support low-income families that seek high quality educational opportunities for their children.
After a soft opening of the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund in December of 2022, the Fund has $290,000 available to distribute to families for the 2023-2024 school year. To apply for tuition assistance for the 2023-24 school year, families must use the FACTS tuition management system to complete the application at https://online.factsmgt.com/aid. The application period is from December 1st through March 1st, 2023, with the awards announced in early May.
Donations received between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 will be used to fund tuition assistance for the 2024-2025 school year. Donors to the fund can designate their tax credit to go to either into the general Diocesan fund or to benefit students in a particular school. Give online today by visiting https://doy.org/schools/
Diocese of Youngstown Foundation Tuition Assistance Fund (Bulletin Materials)
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
The Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund joins the Diocese of Youngstown Foundation Tuition Assistance Fund as another source of support to help Catholic education be more affordable for families. Applications are also made online at https://online.factsmgt.com/aid. All completed application materials should be uploaded by March 1, 2023.
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
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3pm on Fridays
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.
- First Friday of the month at Calvary Cemetery Chapel in Youngstown.
- Second Friday of the month at Resurrection Cemetery Chapel in Austintown.
- Third Friday of the month at All Souls Cemetery Chapel in Cortland.
- Fourth Friday of the month at Calvary Cemetery Chapel in Massillon.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Rosary at Calvary Cemetery (Youngstown) and All Souls Cemetery (Cortland)** -NEW LOCATION
Event: https://doy.org/events/rosary-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.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
All Souls’ Remembrance Funeral Liturgy (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW
We offer at no charge, to anyone of any faith, who has cremated remains at home or is considering scattering; a proper funeral liturgy and dignified committal performed by one of our Deacons at our All Souls’ Remembrance Crypt on Friday, March 17 at 9:00am. The services will be held in our 4 Chapels. For more information call Calvary Cemetery Youngstown (330) 792-4721, Resurrection Cemetery (330) 799-1900, All Souls Cemetery (330) 637-2761 or Calvary Cemetery Massillon (330) 832-1866.
Other Events
Send Catholic events and news to announcements@youngstowndiocese.org.
Are you planning a parish music event? Please contact/copy Diocesan Director of Music Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Mahoning County | First Friday Club | Dr. Louis Zona on “Art and the Spirit” in March** -NEW DETAILS
Dr. Louis Zona – Full Page Flyer
We continue the First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown 2022-23 Speaker Series season with a luncheon on the first Thursday in March! Join us as we welcome Lou Zona, Ph.D. on March 2, 2023.
Dr. Louis A. Zona has been associated with Youngstown State University since 1962 when he began his baccalaureate studies, graduating in 1966. Dr. Zona has been the recipient of two YSU Distinguished Professor Awards, and in 1976 was elected Chairman of the YSU Art Department. In 1981, Professor Zona became Executive Director of The Butler Institute of American Art, devoting his tenure there to expanding and modernizing the facility, creating two branch museums, and bringing about professional accreditation for the Institute. Dr. Zona has received several national honors including the Gari Melchers Medal, presented in 1996 by the Artist’s Fellowship of New York City, for his outstanding contribution to American art and culture.
Dr. Zona will present “Art and the Spirit,” at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield.
There will be an opportunity for participants’ questions to follow. Luncheon will be served at 11:30 AM, with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $20.00. Call by February 24, 2023, 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited!
Visit our website www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org
Integrating the principles of religious faith into our everyday lives and work.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Mahoning County | First Friday Club in April (Bulletin Materials) -NEW
Visit our website www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Mahoning County | Bible Study on the Eucharist (2/7 to 5/2) | Christ Our Savior Parish (Struthers)**
Dr. Ben Safranski (DRE) will be hosting a Bible Study on the Eucharist at Christ Our Savior in Struthers. He will work through many passages that teach us about the Eucharist, from Genesis to Revelation. Bible Study will be Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Thursdays at 9 a.m. in the lower church at St. Nicholas, starting February 7th and concluding on May 25th. For more information, please contact Dr. Safrankski at bsafranski@youngstowndiocese.org.
Mahoning County | Vermicomposting in the Community Garden | St. Patrick’s Parish (Youngstown) -NEW
March 18th is the initial meeting of 30 plus honors students from YSU completing their community service project in the gardens at St. Patrick’s. The students and the church have teamed up to create the city’s first worm farm. Worm farms are scientifically called vermicomposting. These worms will produce rich organic material to use as a compost in the church’s community gardens on Cleveland Street. The students will build, stock and sustain these farms and put together a presentation on their work to the Honors College and Youngstown Community in the spring.
Learn more about the Community Garden at St. Pat’s Youngstown, including their outdoor Stations of the Cross, at https://www.stpatsyoungstown.com/community-garden. Anyone can support this project with prayer, volunteer time, or donations to purchase supplies. To get involved, please contact Deacon Jesse McClain at vandevner@zoominternet.net or 330-743-1109.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Mahoning County | Knights of Columbus Holy Hour with Bishop Bonnar, March 2 at 5pm | St. Edward Church (Youngstown)** -NEW
The Knights of Columbus Council 15959 at St. Edward, in support of the Eucharistic Revival, and as part of our Lenten Programs, will be having a Knights of Columbus sponsored Holy Hour on March 2nd from 5:00-6:00 P.M. at St. Edward. There will be refreshments to follow. We will be following the general Knights of Columbus style for Holy Hour, including Adoration, evening prayer, a Knights of Columbus Litany, Rosary, and closing with Benediction. The Most Reverend Bishop David Bonnar will be the primary Celebrant. All are invited and encouraged to attend.
St. Edward Church, 240 Tod Lane, Youngstown OH 44504
For Questions, please call 330.360.6576.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Portage County | Clementine Bihiga, March 19 at 7pm | St. Joan of Arc Parish (Streetsboro)** -NEW
Clementine Bihiga, author of Happily Broken: Discovering happiness through pain and suffering, will speak at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Streetsboro on Saturday, March 19 at 7:00pm. Order a signed copy of her book at https://www.clementinelive.com/book/
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Stark County | Lenten Events at St. Michael the Archangel Parish (Canton)** -NEW
Spirits & Spirituality Invite PNG
Any young adult is welcome to learn more about the Catholic faith and meet other young adults in a fun, casual environment. We are looking forward to our next Spirits and Spirituality gathering, Thursday, February 23rd at 6:30 pm at Royal Docks Brewing in Plain Township. Fr. Connor Hetzel, Parochial Vicar at St. Michael the Archangel will present, “Feasting and Fasting: How do you Lent?” Save the date for our next Spirits & Spirituality on March 30th.
For details, contact roberta@stmichaelcanton.org or follow Spirits and Spirituality on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spiritsandspirituality/
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For anyone interested, we have our annual Men’s Retreat coming up on Saturday, February 25th with presenter, Fr. Ed Noga. Check out our parish website for more information and to register: StMichaelCanton.org
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We have our Lent Mission Our World, Our Time, Our Future on March 12th and 13th with Fr. Bob Bonnot, ad in attachments folder: https://bit.ly/mar2023comm
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Trumbull County | Catholic Men’s Conference, March 25 | JFK High School (Warren)**
This is a FREE event, registration is required.
Catholic Men’s Fellowship of the Diocese of Youngstown has set this year’s Men’s Conference for Saturday, March 25th. This year’s theme is on the Eucharist and is titled “This is my Body.”
March 25th, 2023 at JFK Catholic High School in Warren, Ohio. Doors open at 8:00 am and the conference will run from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am with Bishop David Bonnar.
Our featured speakers include…
- Fr. Ryan Furlong, Pastor of St Thomas the Apostle Parish in Vienna, Ohio • Dr. Ben Safranski, D.R.E. Christ Our Savior Parish, Struthers, Ohio • Fr. John-Michael Lavelle, Pastor of St Michael Parish, Canfield, Ohio.
To make a reservation go to www.CMFDOY.org.
How much does it cost? It’s Free!
A freewill collection will be taken up to cover the conference’s expenses.
Are reservations required? YES!
Go to CMFDOY.org to make your reservation.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Pittsburgh, PA | Women of Grace Retreat, March 24-26 | St. John Neuman-Regina Coeli Church -NEW**
Flyer, bulletin ad, FB & Instagram images in this month’s attachments folder: https://bit.ly/mar2023comm
Women of Grace® Retreat Pittsburgh March 24 – 26, 2023
“The Holy Duet: Mary and the Holy Spirit”
* Dynamic Presentations by Johnnette Benkovic Williams, Monsignor Arthur Calkins, and Andi Oney
* Opening and Closing Mass celebrated by: Most Reverend William Waltersheid
* Music by Living Praise Worship Team
* Fellowship * Prayer * Confession * Saturday Evening Healing Service *
$145 Registration includes three meals. TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE INFO: www.womenofgrace.com 1-800-558-5452
Location: St. John Neumann-Regina Coeli Catholic Church
2230 Rochester Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237
