Joining Jesus in the Desert
Events in March support your Lenten practices of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.
Quote of the Month
“I stand before you today truly humbled by the Holy Father’s decision to name me a bishop and truly grateful to be here among you […] and truly grateful that the Holy Spirit is in charge and that my best course of action is to get out of the way and to allow the Holy Spirit to guide me and to allow myself to decrease that Christ might increase.”
-Bishop-elect John Keehner
Photo: Press Conference introducing Bishop-elect John Keehner Feb. 12, 2025. Source: SiouxCity Journal on YouTube. Watch the full press conference on the Diocese of Sioux City’s YouTube Channel.
For more Catholic inspiration, connect with the Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Welcome to the Digital Communique!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
For full list of bulletin announcements, please download the Text Only Attachments
Image and PDF files are available in the monthly Google Drive attachments folder: bit.ly/mar2025comm
The Communique collects important information provided by diocesan offices for parish ministry leaders. It also includes promotional materials for diocesan events and programs, where applicable.
Questions? Contact Meagen Farrell, Communications Manager, at communications@youngstowndiocese.org or (330) 744-8451 x275.
The printable format publication is sent by email as a PDF or Word file. Attachments are now provided as downloadable files in one folder (including the printable version):
- Communique Attachments Folder (contains printable version, text-only version, images & flyers): https://bit.ly/mar2025comm
- Video: Saving Communique Attachments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz8Uim_okAE
Announcements suitable or adaptable for parish bulletins are noted. Where applicable, links to attachments and graphic files are included for each office below: click to save/download the file.
Other Events & Shared Publicity
Events from around the diocese can also be found on The Catholic Echo Events Calendar. You can upload or find publicity for Catholic organizations outside of diocesan offices in our new Shared Publicity Folders. All at youngstowndiocese dot org emails have access to these folders, and others can request access.
- March 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/mar2025sharedoy
- April 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/apr2025sharedoy
- May 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/may2025sharedoy
Diocesan Events This Month
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- SA
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Events for October
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Events for October
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Events for October
23rd
Divine Mercy Chaplet | Fridays, Alternating Diocesan Cemeteries
Events for October
24th
Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreat Day
Events for October
25th
Parish Presentations After Mass (Canton)
25th, 40th, 50th, 55th, 60th and over Wedding Anniversary Celebration
Events for October
26th
Events for October
27th
Events for October
28th
Events for October
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Events for October
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Events for October
31st
Chancery
Click the name of the office to read the announcement titles, and click the headlines for more information. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Safe Environment Materiales de Boletín (in Spanish) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (in English) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Bulletin Materials) – The theme for the 2027 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2027, is “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
- Religious Retirement Fund Collection (Bulletin Materials) – The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal and Collection will take place in most parishes on November 21/22, 2026.
- Official Catholic Directory – The Official Catholic Directory Online Update System is open for updating.
- Archives Office – We frequently assist parishes with photos or information about parish history.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín)
The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass will take place onSunday, June 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Columba Cathedral, Youngstown. The deadline for couples to register at their parishes is May 22, 2026.
- Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreat Day (Bulletin Materials) – The next diocesan-sponsored one-day marriage preparation retreat days for engaged couples will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Holy Family Parish Center (Poland). Reservations are required.
- 2026 Marriage Preparation Formation Opportunities – The Diocese of Youngstown has updated their 2026 dates for Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreats.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Breakfast with the Bishop (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown to host Breakfast with the Bishop at Saint Michael Parish (Canfield)
- Season Of Giving (Bulletin Materials) Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026 – There are a variety of ways to engage with us during this 60-day campaign such as giving online through our website at ccdoy.org, gifts by mail, or by attending an in-person event.
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County HALO (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County invites you to attend the HALO Gala—Holiday Angels Loving Others. Support the children who will benefit from this event by visiting our Amazon Toys Wishlist today.
- Social Hour with the Bishop (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark County to host 3rd Annual Social Hour with the Bishop.
- November is Catholic Social Teaching Month (Bulletin Materials) – November in an opportunity to remember the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching, moral guidelines for following Christ’s example of love and mercy.
- October is RESPECT LIFE MONTH (Bulletin Materials) – In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Charities Awareness Month (Bulletin Materials)**
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
URGENT PLEA – Winter Baby Items Needed (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is desperately seeking donations for their First Step Program for women & children.
The items currently needed most are:
- Winter Wear – Hats, Gloves, Boots, Socks
- Winter Clothing for Babies & Toddlers
- Sizes 6 mos. through 5T
- New or Gently Used
- All used clothing should be freshly washed.
- Boys & Girls Styles needed!
Please drop off donations at either location, but please call first.
Call the Canton office at 330-491-0896
Call the Ravenna office at 330-297-7745 or
Alternatively, please ship directly using our AMAZON WISHLIST.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
URGENT PLEA – Volunteers Needed (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is looking for volunteers to help with the increased demand for pantry services in both the Canton location and the Ravenna location. Pantry volunteers will typically work a 2-3 hour shift and can choose to work weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on their personal availability. Clients will schedule pantry visits in advance, and pantry volunteers will prepare the grocery bags based on client selections. Compare this to the “Giant Eagle Shoppers” that prepare groceries for pick-up customers. However, this is much easier! In addition, volunteers may be asked to assist with other routine tasks such as dating incoming goods, rotating products, and general organization.
Come and lend a hand! Help others by directly fulfilling just one of the many ways we assist clients in need.
Call the Canton office at 330-491-0896
Call the Ravenna office at 330-297-7745 or
Send an email to charities@youngstowndiocese.org and we will forward your information to the proper location!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Peace & Justice: Prison and Jail Ministry (Bulletin Materials)**
The Office of Peace and Justice is seeking to expand the volunteer program for prison ministry. If you, or someone you know, is interested in ministering to the incarcerated, please contact us. Volunteer opportunities available in all six counties. For further information contact R.J. Mangan, Director of Peace and Justice, at 330-744-8451 x 245.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
- The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is on Social Media! – The Office is now posting updates, events, and more on Facebook and Instagram, in addition to on the DOY website and the Communique. Please give it a like and a follow!
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: October-December 2026 – Join us for a biweekly discussion of your burning spiritual questions. For more information about the Catholic Echo Podcast topics, visit catholicecho.org/podcast.
- Wineskins Schedule: November 2026 (Bulletin Materials) – The “Wineskins” radio show features reflections on the lives of the saints and the sacred scriptures, along with thoughts on a variety of topics and issues from a Catholic perspective.
- The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is on Social Media! – The Office is now posting updates, events, and more on Facebook and Instagram, in addition to on the DOY website and the Communique. Please give it a like and a follow!
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Wineskins & The Catholic Echo Podcast (Bulletin Materials)**
Learn more at catholicecho.org/podcast
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
CALL FOR RECIPES! (Bulletin Materials)**
The Catholic Echo magazine would like to feature your favorite recipes in an upcoming print edition! All recipes are welcome. For more information or to submit a recipe, email catholicecho@youngstowndiocese.org.
Catholic Echo logos are included on the DOY Brand page: doyorg.wpenginepowered.com/brand
Clergy and Religious Services
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Religious Retirement Fund Collection (Bulletin Materials) – The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal and Collection will take place in most parishes on November 21/22, 2026.
- Catholic Leadership Institute Update – Parishes whose pastors participated in the Catholic Leadership Institute Intensive Track will retake the Disciple Maker Index survey this fall. Parishes who participated in the virtual track are also invited to retake the DMI. Please contact CLI directly for details.
- Men’s Discernment Retreat: “Come Follow Me” – This day of reflection is an opportunity for Catholic men, ages 16 to 25, who are open to considering a call to the priesthood or religious life.
- Vocation Parish Resources – Vocation Parish Resources to Promote Vocations All Year Long
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Vocations Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials)**
Watch our social media for more updates.
Vocations Social Media
- Website: www.doyorg.wpenginepowered.com/vocations/
- Facebook: doyvocations
- Instagram: doyvocations
Development and Stewardship Offices
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- News About the Appeal: 93.1% – Fr. John-Michael Lavelle emails updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted online here.
- Oct – Dec 2026 Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín) – It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.
Annual Diocesan Appeal Updates
Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at www.doyorg.wpenginepowered.com/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Winter 2025 Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales del Boletín)
It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.
Pastoral and Educational Services
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Ministry with Persons with Disabilities – Suggested Text for Parish Bulletins – Everyone is loved and needed in the Catholic Church. Our diocese offers many resources to help your Catholic organization become more adaptive to special needs and abilities. Sharable posts for parishes that are making accommodations to include everyone are included here.
- Personnel Reports and Catechetical Reports Are Past Due But Still Requested! – Current parish ministers are asked to complete and return the personnel lists for all catechetical and pastoral ministers as well as the program report as soon as possible.
- 2026 Advent Retreat Day for Parish Ministers – December 2 – 2026 Advent Retreat Day for parish ministers and leaders to be held December 2. Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
- Let us Pray for Persons With Disabilities, including Mental Illness, and their families – Parishes are encouraged to utilize these to add to the Universal Prayers at weekend Masses, and prayer groups are encouraged to utilize these at meetings/gatherings to pray for persons facing challenges or accommodation needs due to disabilities.
- Lifelong Learning: New Courses For Adults starting in January – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith and learn more about our Catholic Church. There are courses offered online and in-person.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- Prayer Intentions for Pastoral Ministers at Parishes – Prayers of petition for lay ecclesial ministers. Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
- NEW: Confirmation Retreat opportunities on January 30 and February 13 – Two retreat opportunities for parish groups preparing youth for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be available with the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial includes Advent Resources, browse in person or online – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for bible study, devotionals, faith formation and prayer.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- The Great “O” Antiphons Lessons and Carols – Come hear the fantastic Cathedral Choir sing 7 newly composed “O Antiphons”.
- Diocese of Youngstown to Host Fourth Annual Gold Mass Celebration – The diocese recognizes its parish musicians at the annual Gold Mass 11/1/26 at 5pm with Concert at 3:45pm. Join for an organ and choir concert before Mass and dinner afterwards.
- SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS (Bulletin Materials) – The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for adults will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Columba Cathedral.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- The Great “O” Antiphons Lessons and Carols – Come hear the fantastic Cathedral Choir sing 7 newly composed “O Antiphons”.
- Diocese of Youngstown to Host Fourth Annual Gold Mass Celebration – The diocese recognizes its parish musicians at the annual Gold Mass 11/1/26 at 5pm with Concert at 3:45pm. Join for an organ and choir concert before Mass and dinner afterwards.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is on Social Media! – The Office is now posting updates, events, and more on Facebook and Instagram, in addition to on the DOY website and the Communique. Please give it a like and a follow!
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- 2026-2027 DOY Catholic Schools Calendar Available – The Office of Catholic Schools has published the calendar for the 2026-2027 school year.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Resources to Promote School Affordability (Bulletin Materials) **
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Theology on Tap is BACK! (Bulletin Materials) **
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is now on social media! Please give it a like and follow!
Miscellaneous
The Necrology (In Memoriam) for Diocesan Clergy is now available online!
Many thanks to Robalyne Sciubba for keeping the printable Necrology updated.
Gratitude to Rev. Joseph Ruggieri who has created a Google calendar to help you pray by date.
Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials)
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Rosary at the Cemetery Chapel on the 1st Wednesday at 10am (Bulletin Materials) – Pray the Rosary on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am in the Chapel of any of our four Diocesan Cemeteries.
- Chaplet of Divine Mercy (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services offers the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer Service in the chapels of our four Cemeteries at 3:00p.m. every Friday at alternating locations.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Fridays at 3pm (Bulletin Materials)
Rosary at Four Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials)
Please share these flyers and bulletin announcements as applicable to your location:
Other Events
FAQ: Where do I send my announcements?
You are invited to submit events and announcements for The Catholic Echo to Editor-in-Chief Katie Wagner at kwagner@youngstowndiocese.org.
Are you planning a parish music event? Please contact/copy Diocesan Director of Music Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Shared Publicity Folders -UPDATED LINKS
Catholic parishes, schools, and lay organizations are invited to share your flyers, images, and bulletin announcements using Google Drive. All @youngstowndiocese.org emails should have access to these folders, and others can request access on a case-by-case basis. We will respond to all requests within one business day and appreciate your patience.
- March 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/mar2025sharedoy
- April 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/apr2025sharedoy
- May 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/may2025sharedoy
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