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
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for July
27th
New Episode of Wineskins
NFP Awareness Week
Events for July
28th
NFP Awareness Week
Events for July
29th
NFP Awareness Week
Events for July
30th
Events for August
1st
Events for August
2nd
Events for August
3rd
New Episode of Wineskins
Rural Ministry Mass for the Columbiana County Fair
Events for August
4th
Events for August
5th
Events for August
6th
New Episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast
Events for August
7th
Kolbe Gathering | Faith Sharing with Formerly Incarcerated in 3 Locations (1st & 3rd Thursdays)
- R. J. Mangan, Director of Peace and Justice
Events for August
8th
Priest Convocation
- Office of Clergy & Vowed Religious
Events for August
9th
Priest Convocation
- Office of Clergy & Vowed Religious
Events for August
10th
Rural Ministry Mass for the Ashtabula County Fair
New Episode of Wineskins
Stark County Jubilee Mass
Priest Convocation
- Office of Clergy & Vowed Religious
Events for August
11th
Priest Convocation
- Office of Clergy & Vowed Religious
Events for August
12th
Events for August
13th
Events for August
14th
Portage County Jubilee Mass
Rural Ministry Mass for the Feast of the Assumption
Events for August
15th
Events for August
16th
Events for August
17th
Events for August
18th
Events for August
19th
Events for August
20th
Events for August
21st
Events for August
22nd
Events for August
23rd
Events for August
24th
New Episode of Wineskins
Events for August
25th
Events for August
26th
Events for August
27th
New Episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast
Events for August
28th
Events for August
29th
Events for August
31st
New Episode of Wineskins
Rural Ministry Mass for the Mahoning County Canfield Fair
Events for September
1st
Events for September
3rd
Events for September
6th
Chancery
Click the name of the office to read the announcement titles, and click the headlines for more information. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Safe Environment Materiales de Boletín (in Spanish) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (in English) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- DOY County Celebrations for the Jubilee of Hope (Bulletin Materials) – The celebrations take place across all six counties. The next events will be: Stark County on August 10th, 10am Mass at Sancta Clara Monastery (Canton); Portage County on August 14th, 7pm Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto (Mogadore).
- Bishop David J. Bonnar Releases Third Pastoral Letter – The letter is entitled: “Take Heart! Do Not Lose Heart! Behold the Sacred Heart!” It provides prayerful reflections and resources in preparation for an enthronement of the Sacred of Jesus to take place in every church on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
- Letter from the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar about care for our common home – Bishop Bonnar asks all sectors of our diocese to “make decisions for the common good” so “that we can all move forward to promote the care of our common home.”
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- Has your parish ever published a recipe book? – Welcome to Jason Long, our new Processing Archivist. Welcome back to Seminarian Daniel Lapolla. The Archives Office would be grateful to preserve recipe books and booklets in our collections.
- DOY County Celebrations for the Jubilee of Hope (Bulletin Materials) – The celebrations take place across all six counties. The next events will be: Stark County on August 10th, 10am Mass at Sancta Clara Monastery (Canton); Portage County on August 14th, 7pm Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto (Mogadore).
- PARISH RESOURCES FOR JUBILEE 2025: YEAR OF HOPE – Resources to help to help parishes prepare for the Jubilee 2025 are available. Our library has been renovated. Please call before your visit to confirm that the resources you need are available, and we are always ready to help: 330-744-8451.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín)
The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Save the Date: Faith and Family Festival ’25! – Diocese of Youngstown to host a signature event that celebrates the beauty of the Catholic faith, the strength of families, and the unity of our diocesan community.
- Save the Date: Community Day of Hope, Catholics United in Service! – Catholic Charities and other Catholic social service organizations, parishes, and volunteers are planning an event that will bring together essential services, spiritual support, and acts of kindness for families and individuals experiencing hardship in our community.
- Community Cupboard Campaign – Help Catholic Charities collect hygiene, cleaning, and paper products for neighbors in need. Items can’t be purchased with SNAP. Drop off donations or shop our Amazon Wish List.
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County 2nd Annual Bocce Tournament (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County announces 2nd Annual Bocce Tournament on August 30, 2025.
- Seeking Volunteers (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County seeks Volunteers for office assistance.
- Save the Date! CHEFS FOR CHARITY ’25 – Catholic Charities Regional Agency announces CHEFS FOR CHARITY ’25!
- URGENT REQUEST – Personal Care Items – Catholic Charities Urgently Seeks Donations to Help Those in Need.
- URGENT REQUEST – Food Support Needed! – Catholic Charities Urgently Seeks Donations to Help Those in Need.
- New Opportunity – Seeking Fundraising Committee Members (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is seeking a small but powerful team of fundraising committee members.
- New Program Announcement: Lifting Moms Out of Poverty (LMOP) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties announces new pilot program.
- Care for Creation Action Plan Webinar Series (Bulletin Materials) – Join R.J. Mangan on July 16th, 2025, 6:00-7:00 p.m. for a webinar to discuss how individuals and families can care for creation in our diocese.
- Diocese of Youngstown Releases “Care for Creation” Action Plan – The plan is based on the late Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ & Laudate Deum
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
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.
- ARISE 2025 – It’s Not Too Late to Register! – ARISE is an opportunity for young adults (ages 18-39) across the diocese to experience authentic community, delve deeper into their faith, and become empowered to go into the world to spread the Gospel message. Questions? Contact Maddie Francisco at mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth & Young Adult Ministry Events in 2025 – Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
- Theology on Tap – Theology on Tap is an invitation to young adults (18-39) to delve deeper in their faith and in community with other members of the Church.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
- Parishes: Where to send parishioner updates for Echo mailing – Please send updated parishioner household contact information to The Catholic Echo by email at catholicecho@youngstowndiocese.org.
- The Catholic Echo Magazine Advertising Deadlines – Stay connected with The Catholic Echo magazine’s advertising schedule to ensure your ad reaches our vibrant Catholic community across the Diocese of Youngstown. Discounts are available for multiple insertions and Catholic organizations.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: June & July 2025 – Join us for a weekly discussion of your burning spiritual questions. For more information about the Catholic Echo Podcast topics, visit catholicecho.org/podcast.
- Wineskins Schedule: June & July 2025 – “Wineskins” features reflections on the lives of the saints and the sacred scriptures, along with thoughts on a variety of topics and issues from a Catholic perspective.
- Patron Saints of the Diocese – Listen to The Catholic Echo podcast or follow social media for Bishop Bonnar’s new series, Patron Saints of the Diocese.
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
- Resources to Support Your Parish Transitions – Recordings of recent Communications webinars are now available: Parish Website Audit Tutorial, Answers to Your Canva Questions, and How to Write & Send a Press Release.
- FULL Printable Directory Now Available – THANK YOU for your immense patience this year as we created a fully interactive, online directory! The printable edition is now available at: doy.org/diocesan-directory
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
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: doy.org/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.
- SAVE THE DATES! Priest Events in 2025 – Tthe Priest Convocation on September 8 – 11, 2025 is titled “Pilgrims of Hope—Hope does not disappoint… let us be drawn to this hope!” This year’s event will include an Ordination Anniversary and Retirement Celebration and Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
- July & August 2025 Vocation Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials) – Please use these vocation intercessions and bulletin blurbs to help promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life in your parish community and school.
- Pastoral Internship Year – Bishop Bonnar has assigned Mr. Daniel LaPolla to a pastoral internship year beginning June 2025 with Rev. John-Michael Lavelle, Pastor of St. Michael Parish (Canfield).
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Vocations Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials)**
Watch our social media for more updates.
Vocations Social Media
- Website: www.doy.org/vocations/
- Facebook: doyvocations
- Instagram: doyvocations
Development and Stewardship Offices
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- News About the Appeal – Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
- 2025 Annual Diocesan Appeal: One in Hope, One in Mission (Bulletin Materials) – Parish resources to promote the Annual Diocesan Appeal are available in the “Appeal 2025” folder in Google Drive and the resources tab in Catholic Social Media.
- Summer 2025 Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín) – It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.
Annual Diocesan Appeal Updates
Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at www.doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
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.
- Universal Prayers for Lay Ministry and for Mental Health Awareness (Bulletin Materials) – Updated – Parishes and prayer groups are encouraged to pray for vocations to lay ministry and for Mental Health Awareness.
- Lifelong Learning Courses (Bulletin Materials) – Updated – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. These courses are offered online and in person.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry (Bulletin Materials) – Updated – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources about bereavement support, bible study, devotionals, faith formation and prayer.
- PARISH RESOURCES FOR JUBILEE 2025: YEAR OF HOPE – Resources to help to help parishes prepare for the Jubilee 2025 are available. Our library has been renovated. Please call before your visit to confirm that the resources you need are available, and we are always ready to help: 330-744-8451.
- Bishop David J. Bonnar Releases Third Pastoral Letter – The letter is entitled: “Take Heart! Do Not Lose Heart! Behold the Sacred Heart!” It provides prayerful reflections and resources in preparation for an enthronement of the Sacred of Jesus to take place in every church on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
- Upcoming Hispanic Ministry Events – Jubilee Celebration Mass, July 12, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Windsor.
- Mujeres Valientes – Four women representing the Hispanic Ministry in our Diocese are taking classes at the University of Dayton as part of leaders training for the Mujeres Valientes program.
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series (Bulletin Materials) – We are thrilled to announce the latest group of talented musicians who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
- Upcoming Parish Music Events (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at the Cathedral of Saint Columba and Corpus Christi Parish (Conneaut).
- National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM) Youngstown Chapter – Youngstown is a temporary chapter of the National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM). Contact Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series (Bulletin Materials) – We are thrilled to announce the latest group of talented musicians who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
- ARISE 2025 – It’s Not Too Late to Register! – ARISE is an opportunity for young adults (ages 18-39) across the diocese to experience authentic community, delve deeper into their faith, and become empowered to go into the world to spread the Gospel message. Questions? Contact Maddie Francisco at mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth & Young Adult Ministry Events in 2025 – Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
- Theology on Tap – Theology on Tap is an invitation to young adults (18-39) to delve deeper in their faith and in community with other members of the Church.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
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.
- Cemetery Open House Week: June 9-13 (Bulletin Materials) – Please join us for our Cemetery Open House on June 9-13 from 9 am-4 pm at all four of the Diocesan Cemeteries. All are welcome!
- Memorial Service for Miscarried or Stillborn Children (Bulletin Materials) – If you know someone who has suffered the loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth, please invite them to a Memorial Service on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
- Lunch and Learn: Planning Ahead as a Gift of Love (Bulletin Materials) – Lunch and Learn at All Souls Cemetery (Cortland) or Dinner and Discuss at Calvary Cemetery (Massillon) on June 18.
- Rosary at the Cemetery Chapel on the 1st Wednesday at 10am (Bulletin Materials) – Pray the Rosary on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am in the Chapel of any of our four Diocesan Cemeteries.
- Chaplet of Divine Mercy (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services offers the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer Service in the chapels of our four Cemeteries at 3:00p.m. every Friday at alternating locations.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Fridays at 3pm (Bulletin Materials)
Rosary at Four Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials)
Please share these flyers and bulletin announcements as applicable to your location:
Other Events
FAQ: Where do I send my announcements?
You are invited to submit events and announcements for The Catholic Echo to Editor-in-Chief Katie Wagner at kwagner@youngstowndiocese.org.
Are you planning a parish music event? Please contact/copy Diocesan Director of Music Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Shared Publicity Folders -UPDATED LINKS
Catholic parishes, schools, and lay organizations are invited to share your flyers, images, and bulletin announcements using Google Drive. All @youngstowndiocese.org emails should have access to these folders, and others can request access on a case-by-case basis. We will respond to all requests within one business day and appreciate your patience.
- 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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