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Communique | May 2023

We are the Easter People

The month of May brings opportunities to celebrate our new life through Christ’s Resurrection. Our hearts prepare for the Holy Spirit’s movement on Pentecost, renewing the face of the earth.

The Communique collects important information provided by diocesan offices for parish ministry leaders. It also includes promotional materials for diocesan events and programs, where applicable. Questions? Contact Meagen Farrell, Communications Specialist at communciations@youngstowndiocese.org.

Printable Formats (sent by email)

  • May Communique Word
  • May Communique PDF

Attachments are now provided as downloadable files in one folder:

Digital Format:

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

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

Diocesan Events can also be found on our Events Calendar.

Quote of the Month

"Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song." -Pope John Paul II

“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” -St. John Paul II, Photo from Unsplash 2021

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

Table of Contents

Chancery

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

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
APRIL: CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW

Bulletin Announcement for April 30th:

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  It serves as an annual reminder of the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. The Catholic Church remains dedicated to being at the forefront of raising awareness about the scourge of child abuse, implementing the best policies and procedures to protect children from potential abusers, and working with professionals to bring healing to those who have been abused. During the month of April, you are encouraged to visit the diocesan safe environment webpage (https://doy.org/safe-environment/), where you will find reporting resources and access to our free online safe environment VIRTUS training.  This online training provides information about the signs and symptoms of abuse and what steps you can take to prevent and/or report it.  

Please take time this month to pray A Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse, which is provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them. Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them.  Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith.  Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth.  Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness.  Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice.  Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.  Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.  We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Universal Prayer:

One or more of the following petitions should be included with your Universal Prayers on the weekend of Sunday, April 30th.

For victims of child abuse and neglect, may God help to free them so that they may live safely in the peace of Christ….we pray to the Lord. 

For children suffering physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, may they be delivered into the compassion of the Lord….we pray to the Lord. 

For all victims, may they feel neither guilt nor shame, but have the courage to seek help in order to free themselves from all that ails them….we pray to the Lord. 

For perpetrators of child abuse or neglect that they may stop and seek professional help….we pray to the Lord. 

For those who witness abuse or neglect, that they may understand that abusive behavior is never an expression of love, is never acceptable, and must never be tolerated….we pray to the Lord. 

For our community of faith, that we may become compassionate and sensitive towards victims as Jesus would be….we pray to the Lord.

For an end to all child abuse and neglect, that all of us may be an instrument of peace, a beacon of light, and source of healing….we pray to the Lord.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín)

The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins. 

Safe Environment Policy

Link: Safe Environment Page

Link: Background Check Requirements

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

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

Reporting Child/Vulnerable Adult Abuse or Other Policy Violations

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

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

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

Questions or Concerns

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

Letters of Suitability

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

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

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

Letter of Suitability Request Now Online -NEW

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

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

Fill out the form completely and click “Submit.”

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

 

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

EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

Eucharistic Revival: Adoration and Holy Hour (Bulletin Materials) -NEW DATE

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, May 21 at 1:00pm at St. Jude Parish (Columbiana)

Please consider joining us as we spend time in prayer with our Lord. 

Our next phase is the Year of Parish Revival starting on Corpus Christi, June 11, 2023. Look for opportunities for prayer and adoration at your local parish. 

Schedule for Eucharistic Revival in the Diocese of Youngstown December 2022 to May 2023

Office of the Chancellor (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
SEMINARIAN SUPPORT COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW DETAILS
APRIL 29/30, 2023
Please send to: Diocese of Youngstown

c/o Joan Lawson

144 W. Wood Street, Youngstown, OH  44503

SUGGESTED BULLETIN/PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENTS

PULPIT/PARISH BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

This year we are adding a special collection for Seminarians. With the added number of vocations and ordinations this year, we are in the midst of a good problem. Yet, with an increase in vocations comes an increase in education expenses and opportunities to participate in important ministry experiences. Your generosity will help ensure that our future priests will receive the very best formation as they look forward to serving in our parishes.

 

This year, through the gracious support of Catholic Extension, every dollar will be matched on a 1:1 basis up to $32,500 – so your donations will go even farther to support our seminarians! Thank you all for your continued prayers and support of seminarians and please continue to pray for an increase of all vocations.

 

For more information about seminarians in our diocese, visit https://doy.org/vocations/seminarians/

CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

JUNE 3/4, 2023

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

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

SUGGESTED BULLETIN/PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Weekend of May 27/28

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

Weekend of June 3 / 4

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

 

Weekend of June 10 / 11

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

Archives Office

Help Preserve Our Church History! -NEW

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

Questions About Parish Records?

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

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

Voice of Hope Dinner, May 4, 2023 (Bulletin Materials) 

**SOLD OUT**

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, and a keynote address by Dr. James Kravec of Bon Secours Mercy Health.

 

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. If you would like to make a donation to support the event, or make a gift in honor of our award recipients, please use this link:

https://tinyurl.com/3p9npya6

or https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form?svcid=renxt&formId=eb6b0017-698a-4293-8c64-9fbff99c0b14&envid=p-dn6FNihuA0GZMWZHGWJvMw&zone=usa

 

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

Logos included in this month’s attachments folder: https://bit.ly/may2023comm

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Flyer and logo included in this month’s attachments folder: https://bit.ly/may2023comm

Catholic Charities Regional Agency (Bulletin Materials)

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

Proceeds from this all-Women’s Golf Classic will benefit the Voice of Hope Shelters for Women and Children operated by Catholic Charities Regional Agency. For more information and registration, visit our website at https://www.ccdoy.org/2023/02/15/golf/, or view the flyer.

Image and flyer included in this month’s attachments folder: https://bit.ly/may2023comm

Office of Peace and Justice (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

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

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

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

Flyer in this month’s attachment folder: https://bit.ly/may2023comm

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Prison and Jail Ministry – Seeking Volunteers (Bulletin Materials)**

The Office of Peace and Justice is seeking to expand the volunteer program for prison ministry. If you, or someone you know, is interested in ministering to the incarcerated, please contact us. Volunteer opportunities available in all six counties.

For further information contact R.J. Mangan, Director of Peace and Justice, at 330-744-8451 x 245. 

Flyer included in this month’s attachment folder: https://bit.ly/may2023comm

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES – RICE BOWL – LOCAL GRANT OPPORTUNITY

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

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

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

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

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

Department of Communications

THE CATHOLIC ECHO -NEW

THE CATHOLIC ECHO MAGAZINE IS ARRIVING! -NEW

 

The first issue of The Catholic Echo magazine is expected to arrive at most registered households the first week of May.  Extra copies will be sent directly to the parish for new parishioners who may have joined the parish recently and are not yet in our database.  The diocese will send a request for updates to the database in September. (Please hold off sending updates until then.)

For magazines sent to the parish: We ask that you place magazines in the backs of your churches on the weekend of May 6/7, after the majority of parishioners receive the magazines in their homes. If you find you need more or fewer magazines for the back of your church next month, just let me know and we’ll adjust your bulk order.

We are asking that you make an announcement at all Masses the weekend of April 29/30 and the following weekend (May 6/7):

Announcement – April 29/30:

The Catholic Echo is arriving!  Be sure to look for the 1st edition of the Catholic Echo, our diocese’s new magazine, in the mail this week. 
The Catholic Echo is replacing the Catholic Exponent. Every registered household in the parish will be receiving a copy: most should receive them this week.  Be sure to take a look at “The Catholic Echo” when it arrives.


Announcement – May 6/7:

Have you received the first edition of “The Catholic Echo, our diocese’s new magazine? The Catholic Echo is replacing the Catholic Exponent. Every registered household in the parish will be receiving a copy – but if you are a new parishioner and haven’t received yours, please find extra copies in the back of Church.


Additional Information for Parish Offices:

  • Please remember to email Katie Wagner, Editor-In-Chief with any major parish initiatives happening that might be included in future editions – kwagner@youngstowndiocese.org. The Catholic Echo magazine, website and supporting multimedia products will highlight all aspects of Catholic life across the six counties of the diocese.
  • More information about the financial support for the Catholic Echo from your parish will be coming soon from the diocese’s Finance Office.
  • We encourage all parishes to put a link to the Catholic Echo website, CatholicEcho.org– on your parish home page. The Catholic Echo includes up-to-date news, an email newsletter, along with video programming, the Wineskins podcast, local Catholic news stories, event information and much more.
FAQ: What are the planned guides and deadlines for The Catholic Echo magazine? -NEW

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

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

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

Multimedia | CTNY (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Wineskins (Bulletin Materials)

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

Wineskins airs every Sunday: 

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

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

Wineskins Schedule -NEW

May 7, 2023

  • Current Issue: Fr. Korda talks with Katie Wagner about the Catholic Echo Magazine.
  • Saint: Br. Joshua Seidl, SSP will inform us about St. Damien of Molokai.
  • Interview: Korda will interview Pete Sheehan on his time at the Catholic Exponent. 
  • Music: From the CD “Handmaiden of the Lord” by The Daughters of St. Paul.
  • Scripture: Matthew Roehrig, SSP will give us a reflection for The Fifth Sunday of Easter.

 

May 14, 2023

  • Current Issue: Jim Korda interviews Jill Valentic from Catholic Charities on First Step for Change.
  • Saint: Joshua Seidl, SSP will inform us about St. Bernardine of Siena.
  • Interview: Jim Korda will interview Ralph Holtzhauser, the new Diocesan Director of Music. 
  • Music: From the CD “Handmaiden of the Lord” by The Daughters of St. Paul.
  • Scripture: Matthew Roehrig, SSP will give us a reflection for The Sixth Sunday of Easter.

 

May 21, 2023

  • Current Issue: John-Michael Lavelle in his Life Issues Segment tells us about the Elderly.
  • Saint: Joshua Seidl, SSP will inform us about St. Philip Neri.
  • Interview: Jim Korda will interview Bonnie Burdman on The Jewish Community. 
  • Music: From the CD “Handmaiden of the Lord” by The Daughters of St. Paul.
  • Scripture: Matthew Roehrig, SSP will give us a reflection about The Ascension of the Lord.

 

May 28, 2023

  • Current Issue: Jim Korda interviews Bill Joyce on the Cursillo Ministry.
  • Saint: Joshua Seidl, SSP will inform us about St. Justin.
  • Interview: Jim Korda will interview Taylor Tripodi from the First Friday Club. 
  • Music: From the CD “Handmaiden of the Lord” by The Daughters of St. Paul.
  • Scripture: Matthew Roehrig, SSP will give us a reflection for Pentecost Sunday.
CATHOLIC TV YOUNGSTOWN UPDATES -NEW

Happy Easter! As the Church continues to celebrate this great season of resurrection, enlightened by the Risen Christ, I want to thank you for journeying with our multimedia ministry in the Diocese of Youngstown. In the past few months, we have again produced our coverage of the annual Chrism Mass, narrated by Father Jim Korda, and our weekly Our Sunday Mass, including Easter Sunday with Bishop David Bonnar. Our radio program Wineskins continues to be available on the radio and now also podcasting on Spotify. And we are gearing up now for coverage of upcoming events, including ordinations in June. You can find all of our past and upcoming video and multimedia at the new Catholic Echo website at www.catholicecho.org/live/

 

On TV, our cable channel is taking a new name: “CatholicTV Youngstown,” in close collaboration with our longtime national partner, CatholicTV. This remains a local station, with local programs and events, while also featuring programs from CatholicTV that are favorites for our viewers. 

 

As you know, our channel remains on the air for Armstrong customers, but not on Spectrum. We continue to work to get it reconnected for Spectrum customers, and in close collaboration with “CatholicTV.” We have been told that, unfortunately, this process will continue into the summer. We apologize for this long period of waiting. When we are reconnected, our channel number for Spectrum will change. We will contact you when we know the new channel number. 

 

In the meantime, the Mass continues to be available in the following places:

Television in Youngstown, Warren, Mahoning Valley:

  • WFMJ TV-21: Sundays at 6am
  • Armstrong Cable Channel 45: Sundays at 8am, 12pm, 7pm 

Television in Stark County:

  • Spectrum in Canton Channel 989, Massillon Cable Channel 128, and WIVM TV-39: Sundays at 9:30am

Online:  At catholiecho.org/live/ and at facebook.com/DOYoungstown/

 

Thank you to our community. We remain committed to serving you however you connect with us. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Justin Huyck, Director of Communications, at (330) 744-8451, ext. 320.

Media Relations

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

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

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

Office of Social Media -NEW

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

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. 

2. Social media helpful hint of the month – Be sure to interact and monitor! -NEW

Often, people may think that “being on social media” for the parish, school, office or agency is like putting a flier up on a bulletin board and leaving it.  However, even with bulletin boards, you must periodically check to see if anyone wrote on or ripped the fliers.  Likewise, someone must monitor the account at least weekly to assure that only appropriate content is visible. 

 

With social media, the point of being “social” is to have interaction.  That means when people comment or ask questions on a post, they need a timely reply to stay engaged with your page/account.  (It is the newer version of leaving someone a voicemail message and awaiting a response, except for younger people, there is an expectation of a quick reply.) 

 

You must also monitor for any negative comments that do not meet the purpose of your post.  If there appears to be a “teachable moment” that responding to the comment might help clear up any confusion or gently correct inaccurate information (this is after all part of the Spiritual Works of Mercy in our faith!) then take it!  But there will be times when you may need to hide or delete comments. It can be counter-productive to your social media mission for visitors to see a destructive chain.  I do often direct-message the person who commented when possible to explain why the comment was being removed (often as simple as copying and pasting the page “rules.”) Here is how to do so on a few platforms:

 

On Facebook, click on the three dots to the right of the comment, then select hide, delete or report (if this is a continuous spammer or offensive content that you think Facebook needs to monitor.)

 

On Instagram, slide the message to the left to reveal the trashcan icon to discard the comment.

 

On Twitter, click on the three dots to the right of the comment, then scroll down the pop up menu to “hide reply” or “block” as desired. 

 

On LinkedIn, click on the three dots to the right of the comment, and click on “delete” in the menu. 

 

On YouTube, click on the three dots to the right of the comment and select “remove” from the menu. 

 

If a person continually posts inappropriate comments, you may need to block them.  This seems to happen on the diocesan Facebook and Instagram accounts mostly with “fake accounts” (i.e. those posting about getting your air ducts cleaned or asking for friend requests outside the country.)  As your account reaches more and more people, unfortunately, that means the bots and spammers will find you. 

 

If you have a team working on social media, consider dividing up monitoring duties; Person 1 can check posts every Monday, Person 2 can check on Wednesdays and Person 3 can check on Fridays or Saturdays. It need not be an arduous task, but it is important to make sure that our pages/profiles/boards/feeds uphold our Catholic mission and help to present our parish, school, office or agency as a place of Good News! 


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

Internal Communications -NEW

DIGITAL DIOCESAN DIRECTORY NOW AVAILABLE -NEW

This digital (PDF) version of the Spring 2023 directory has been emailed to the official @youngstowndiocese.org email for parishes, priests and schools. Please make sure to check this email address and forward the Directory to other staff as appropriate.

 

You can print if you wish and place it in a binder. It is being made available as a free benefit to parishes, as part of each parish’s contribution to The Catholic Echo.


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

 

For the sake of security, we strongly recommend that you log in to your @youngstowndiocese.org email to submit updates for the Directory. We may contact you for clarification before making changes.

FAQ: Where do I send my announcements? -NEW

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

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

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

 

Please make sure to include the following details:

  • EVENT TITLE: 
  • DATE(S):
  • STARTING TIME (or “All Day”):
  • LOCATION NAME:
  • ADDRESS:
  • COUNTY:
  • ORGANIZER (name & contact info):
  • ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY
  • END DAY/TIME (if applicable)

 

If you do not already have an event page, please provide any of the following (optional):

  • DESCRIPTION
  • LINK(S): for resources other than an events page
  • FLYER (editable Word document preferred but not required)
  • RECOMMENDED BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT
Email List for Internal Communications Staff
We invite you to join an email list for staff at Catholic parishes, schools, central offices, and other Catholic organizations who communicate with Catholics in the Diocese of Youngstown: https://forms.gle/EUz57Gg8sWN3rFjA8
 
Join this list if your job includes: 
  • Editing the bulletin/newsletter
  • Updating the website
  • Sending internal email announcements (to parishioners, parents, etc.)
  • Sending updates for the DOY Catholic Directory 
  • Sending promotional materials to the Communique, (currently) Exponent Datebook, or other Catholic publications
Questions? Contact Meagen Farrell at mfarrell@youngstowndiocese.org or 330.744.8451 x275.

Clergy and Religious Services

Office of Clergy Services

Letter of Suitability Request – Now Online -NEW

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

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

Fill out the form completely and click “Submit.”

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

 

You can also access the form by going to:

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

 

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

Priest Anniversary and Retirement Celebration -NEW DETAILS

 

The annual Priest Anniversary Celebration will be on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Saint Jude Church in Columbiana. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with Solemn Evening Prayer followed by Social Time and Dinner. Join us as we honor those celebrating Ordination Anniversaries and Retirements.

 

Congratulations the following Priests celebrating Ordination Anniversaries:

  • 50th Anniversary Reverend Bernard Gaeta, Reverend Msgr. Lewis Gaetano
  • 40th Anniversary Reverend Gregory Fedor

Special Milestones

                          Reverend Msgr. James Kolp – 73 years

                          Reverend James Cavanaugh – 72 years

                          Reverend Thomas McCarthy – 62 years

 

Congratulations the following Priests who are retiring:

Reverend Carl Kish                                 

Reverend Joseph Rudjak

Reverend Robert Miller              

Reverend Joseph Zamary          

Very Reverend Richard Pentello, V.F.

 

Transitional Deacon Ordination: June 3 -NEW

 

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

  •  Mr. Kevin Bertleff
  •  Mr. William Wainio

 

Priesthood Ordination: June 17 -NEW

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

Rev. Mr. Robert England

Rev. Mr. John Rovnak

and Rev. Mr. Frederick Schlueter

 

OCIA Workshop ~ Save the Date! August 21 -NEW

 

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

 

2023 Priest Convocation -NEW DETAILS

 

“4 Pillars of Priestly Well-Being”

“Do you want to be well…” (John 5:6)

September 4-7, 2023

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

Keynote Presenters:

~The Most Reverend Edward Malesic, Bishop of Cleveland

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

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

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

Breakout Workshops

~The Right Diet

~Staying Fit

~Financial Planning

~Understanding Professional Boundaries

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

Registration Information Coming in June

 

2023 Notre Dame Preaching Conference -NEW

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

 

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

 

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

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

Office of Church Vocations (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

Mass of Ordination to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate -NEW

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

With great joy we announce to you that the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar,

Bishop of Youngstown, has Called to Orders

Rev. Mr. Robert England

Rev. Mr. John Rovnak

and

Rev. Mr. Frederick Schlueter

 

to the Order of the Priesthood

 

The Ordination will take place on Saturday, June 17, 2023,

at 10:30am at St. Columba Cathedral.

 

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

 

As they enter this final period of preparation, please remember Robert, John and Frederick in your prayers.

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

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 flyer and a registration/sponsorship form: https://bit.ly/may2023comm

Good Shepherd Sunday Seminarian Collection (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW DETAILS

Beginning this year, the Diocese of Youngstown will hold an annual second collection for the education of our Seminarians. This collection will be held every year on the Fourth Sunday of Easter or Good Shepherd Sunday, which this year is April 30, 2023. The Vocations Office will supply envelopes to all parishes that need them. Questions or inquiries can be directed to Fr. Chad Johnson at 330-744-8451 or cjohnson@youngstowndiocese.org.

See this month’s attachments folder with information from the Office of the Chancellor: Seminarian Support Collection about bulletin and pulpit announcements.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

PARISH BULLETIN/PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT (REVISED)

This year we are adding a special collection for Seminarians. With the added number of vocations and ordinations this year, we are in the midst of a good problem. Yet, with an increase in vocations comes an increase in education expenses and opportunities to participate in important ministry experiences. Your generosity will help ensure that our future priests will receive the very best formation as they look forward to serving in our parishes.

 

This year, through the gracious support of Catholic Extension, every dollar will be matched on a 1:1 basis up to $32,500 – so your donations will go even farther to support our seminarians! Thank you all for your continued prayers and support of seminarians and please continue to pray for an increase of all vocations.

 

For more information about seminarians in our diocese, or to give online, visit https://doy.org/seminarians/

Seminarian Posters and Prayer Cards -Still Available!

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

Vocation Director at Your Parish / School

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

Come and See the Seminary Weekends

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

Seminarian Visits to Your School or Parish

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

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

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

Vocations Social Media

Development and Stewardship Offices

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

ANNUAL DIOCESAN APPEAL: ONE IN HOPE, ONE IN MISSION -NEW

 

 

Again, thank you for the combined efforts that have gotten us to this point. As previously mentioned, after Mothers’ Day we will be reaching out via mail to everyone who made a gift last year but has yet to do so this year. The official end of phase one of the campaign is Pentecost – May 28th.

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) 

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

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

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

This month’s Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts in English & Spanish are available for download from this month’s Attachments folder at https://bit.ly/may2023comm   

Pastoral and Educational Services

Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry -NEW

New in the Library -NEW

A set of Saint John’s Bibles were generously gifted to the library by the Knights of Columbus Reagan Council 1890. Please stop by and take a look at these beautiful books.

The Saint John’s Bible: Gospels and Acts. Donald Jackson, designer. Liturgical Press, 2005. The first of seven full-color, page-by-page reproductions from The Saint John’s Bible, Gospels and Acts has more than 25 illuminations, including full-page opening illuminations for each of the four gospels. Some of the prominent illuminations include the Genealogy of Jesus, the Birth of Christ, the Raising of Lazarus, the Crucifixion, Christ Our Light, the Last Supper, the Road to Emmaus, and Pentecost.

The Saint John’s Bible: Psalms. Donald Jackson, designer. Liturgical Press, 2005. Visual representations of chants from Benedictine, Native American, Muslim, Taoist and other traditions are the basis for illuminations of the Psalms. The varying pitch of the chants is rendered graphically to provide a motif for the abstract illumination. Every Psalm page features a small gold image that graphically renders the chanting of the monks from Saint John’s Abbey. This process of reading of the Psalms is a continuous reminder that the Psalms are to be sacred songs “and that in such singing God is present.”

The Saint John’s Bible: Pentateuch. Donald Jackson, designer. Liturgical Press, 2006. The third of seven full-color reproductions from The Saint John’s Bible, Pentateuch is foundational to both Judaism and Christianity. Pentateuch features text and illuminations of the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) known as the Torah in Judaism. Prominent illuminations include Creation, Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, Jacob’s Ladder, Abraham and Sarah, the Ten Commandments and the Death of Moses.

The Saint John’s Bible: Prophets. Donald Jackson, designer. Liturgical Press, 2006. Prophets includes artistic depictions from Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Micah, Amos, Daniel, and Zechariah. Major images are Isaiah’s Vision of the New Temple, Suffering Servant, Ezekiel’s Call, Valley of the Dry Bones, Daniel’s Son of Man, Amos ‘ Plea for Social Justice, and Zechariah’s Messianic Predictions. In addition, famous passages such as Isaiah 2:4 “He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” receive special calligraphic and artistic treatment.

The Saint John’s Bible: Wisdom Books. Donald Jackson, designer. Liturgical Press, 2007. Wisdom Books includes some of the Old Testament’s literary masterpieces, including Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs. Also in this volume is the much-loved book of Job and two Old Testament works including the Wisdom of Solomon, which was originally written in Greek, and Sirach, which comes to us from the Greek tradition. Wisdom Books continues the work of earlier volumes, with a script created by calligrapher Donald Jackson specifically for this project. And the images are not to be missed. There are over fifteen large illuminations, among them the spectacular frontispiece for Ecclesiastes and another titled Creative Wisdom.

The Saint John’s Bible: Historical Books. Donald Jackson, designer. Liturgical Press, 2010. As the largest book in the series, Historical Books features more than twenty-five stunning illuminations as well as multiple text treatments and marginal details that dramatically depict the Bible’s inspiring and thought-provoking passages. Through beautiful handwritten script and elegant design, this volume illustrates how the grace of God’s justice and peace can rise from the most unlikely of places, reminding us that our redemption is always close at hand.

The Saint John’s Bible: Letters and Revelation. Donald Jackson, designer. Liturgical Press, 2012. Letters and Revelation is the final volume of the entire monumental project. It includes some of the most crucial works of all the Christian Scriptures: epistles traditionally attributed to Paul, John, Peter, James, and Jude, and the fascinating book of Revelation. Donald Jackson’s artistic vision lends them a new life and vibrancy for modern readers.

August 21: Annual Gathering for Christian Initiation -NEW

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

Beginning Anew: The Vision of The OCIA 2023

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

Attention Pastors Seeking Parish Ministers

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

Parish Ministry Positions

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

National Community of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL)

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

Spiritual Growth for the Easter Season: Keep the Faith Alive!

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.

Lifelong Learning Courses Easter through Summer -NEW

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

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

Regional Respect Life Meetings -NEW

The Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life in conjunction with the Office of Peace and Justice has scheduled regional meetings for parish pro-life representatives, members of parish respect life groups and individuals involved in any pro-life ministry. These meetings are taking place because “the dignity of life in its earliest stages is threatened by groups proposing an amendment to Ohio’s Constitution for the November 2023 ballot that would enshrine and expand abortion at the expense of protections for preborn children and women” (Catholic Bishops of Ohio). 

Please attend one of the four regional meetings which will take place from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on:

– Wednesday, May 3 at St. Michael Parish, Canfield (300 N. Broad St.) in the Social Hall, which is on the south side of the church building,

– Monday, May 8 at Immaculate Conception Parish, Ravenna (409 W. Main St.) in Tobin Hall,

– Thursday, May 11 at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Warren (3020 Reeves Rd. NE) in Holy Family Hall, or

– Tuesday, May 16 at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Canton (3430 St. Michael Blvd. NW) in the St. Michael Room, which is in the lower level on the west side of the church building.

In addition, there is the possibility of attending a “virtual” meeting via Zoom on a date and time to be determined.

For more information or to RSVP contact 330-744-8451 ext. 272 or dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org.

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Dangerous Proposed Amendment to Ohio Constitution would Enshrine & Expand Abortion (Bulletin Materials)

The Catholic Bishops of Ohio have issued a letter about a proposed amendment to Ohio’s Constitution for the November 2023 ballot which threatens life in its earliest stages (see “Attachments” section of this Communique at bit.ly/may2023comm). The Bishops strongly encourage Catholics and all people of good will in Ohio to work against including the proposed amendment for the November ballot and, if it appears on the ballot, vote against the amendment to prevent countless deaths of preborn, innocent children.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio is working with dioceses to coordinate a campaign to promote the dignity of life at every parish in Ohio. They will also collaborate with other Ohio organizations to defeat the amendment. More information and materials will become available as they mobilize to oppose the proposed amendment in the months ahead.

This dangerous and extreme amendment would annihilate parental rights and measures currently in place to protect young girls. It would abolish current Ohio law guaranteeing parental involvement before any abortion is performed on their minor daughter. It also removes critical health and safety protections for Ohio women that are currently in place. If this amendment passes the wellbeing of Ohio’s women and girls would be sacrificed so that the abortion industry can bring to Ohio painful abortions up until the moment of birth.

For more information contact Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life at call 330-744-8451 ext. 272 or dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org.

Please Pray for the Defeat of the Proposed Pro-Abortion Amendment to the Ohio Constitution

            Pro-abortion groups are proposing an amendment to the Ohio Constitution which would enshrine and expand abortion at the expense of protections for preborn children and women. Please pray at 7:14 a.m. and 7:14 p.m. each day until the amendment is defeated. Why 7:14? Because II Chronicles 7:14 says:

If then my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and heal their land.

In response to the proposed pro-abortion amendment, our Catholic Bishops of Ohio have said:

The Church must not be silent and cannot remain on the sidelines when confronted with such a clear threat to human life. This proposal demands a response, and we strongly encourage Catholics and all people of good will in Ohio to work against including the proposed amendment for the November ballot and, if it appears on the ballot, vote against the amendment to prevent countless deaths of preborn, innocent children.

The Catholic Bishops of Ohio conclude their letter with the following prayer:

God our loving Father,

grant wisdom to those who govern us,

compassion and courage to those who work to defend human life,

and safety and care to every human being.

For you alone who formed us in our mothers’ wombs,

and who call us home to heaven,

are God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Walking with Moms in Need & INTO LIFE

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

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

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

Intercessions for Life and Pro-Life Bulletin Briefs

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

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

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

Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreat Day -NEW DATES

The next diocesan-sponsored one-day marriage preparation retreat days for engaged couples will be held Saturday, May 13 in the “School Hall” at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Canton and June 10 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.

Memorial Service for Miscarried & Stillborn Children (Bulletin Materials)**

Flyer available under CEMETERIES in the attachments folder: bit.ly/may2023comm

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

If you know someone who has suffered the loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth, please invite them to one of the following Memorial Services on Sunday, May 21, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapels at:

– Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown (248 Belle Vista Ave.), or

– Calvary Cemetery, Massillon (3469 Lincoln Way E.).

Parents, family, grandparents and others are encouraged to attend. Sponsored by the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Worship, Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life, and Catholic Cemeteries. For more information call 330-744-8451 ext. 272.

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

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

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

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

Office of Worship -NEW

OCIA Workshop ~ Save the Date! August 21 -NEW

 

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

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

46th National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) Convention

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

National Gathering on Christian Initiation

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

Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) National Meeting

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

There are no specific regulations governing the display of flags in Roman Catholic Churches. Neither the Code of Canon Law, nor liturgical books of the Roman rite comment on this practice. As a result, the question of whether and how to display the American flag in church is left to the judgment of the diocesan bishop, who in turn often delegates this to the discretion of the pastor. The Bishop’s Committee on Divine Worship encourages that the American flag not be placed within the sanctuary itself, in order to reserve that space for the altar, ambo, presidential chair and tabernacle. Instead, the suggestion is made that the American flag be placed outside the sanctuary, or in the vestibule along with a book of prayer requests.

Low Gluten Hosts -REMINDER

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

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

The Liturgical Directory contains valuable information about Liturgy Committees; liturgical minister formation guidelines; guidelines for the celebration of sacraments; music in liturgical celebrations; and art and architecture directives. 

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

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

Eagle of the Cross

27 Teens to Receive “Eagle of the Cross” Awards from the Diocese of Youngstown: https://doy.org/eagle-of-the-cross-announced-2023/

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

Young adults in their 20s and 30s are welcome to our upcoming Spirits and Spirituality gathering on Thursday, April 27th at 6:30 pm at the Royal Docks Brewing Co. in Plain Township. Michelle May, Youth and Young Adult Minister from St. Paul Parish will present, The Highs and Lows of Life: Let Go of Control and Allow the Lord to Lead.

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

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 Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs -NEW

The Society of St. John Chrysostom Presents: Fr. Joe Witmer – Retired Priest & Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese of Youngstown

“A 50 Year Ministry Filled with Ecumenical Activities in Many Areas”

Thursday, April 27

7:00-8:30 pm

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica, 343 Via Mt. Carmel Ave., Youngstown

 

Image available in this month’s attachments folder: bit.ly/may2023comm

Office of Catholic Schools -NEW

CONGRATULATIONS to Lori Crofford on Retirement: May 5 -NEW

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

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

Miscellaneous

The Necrology (In Memoriam) for Diocesan Clergy is now available online!

Many thanks to Robalyne Sciubba for keeping the printable Necrology updated.

Gratitude to Rev. Joseph Ruggieri who has created a Google calendar to help you pray by date.

Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials) -NEW

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

Flyer is included in this month’s attachment folder: https://bit.ly/may2023comm

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

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

Event: https://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.

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

BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Honoring Mothers Prayer Service: May 13** 

Flyer is included in this month’s attachment folder: https://bit.ly/may2023comm

Please join us as we honor Mothers with a prayer service in the Chapel on Mothers’ Day, May 13. Families will receive a flower that will be blessed and laid in front of the Blessed Mother Statue in remembrance of our mothers. All 4 of our cemeteries will begin the services at 10:00 AM. There will be light refreshments provided. All are welcome. 

BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Memorial Service for Miscarried or Stillborn Children: May 21** -NEW

Flyer is included in this month’s attachment folder: https://bit.ly/may2023comm

 

There will be a prayer service and a flower for the families that have suffered the tremendous loss of a child to miscarriage or stillbirth at the Chapels at Calvary Cemetery in Massillon and Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown at 2:00pm on May 21. Sponsored by the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life and the Office of Worship. Call Dave Schmidt at (330)744-8451 for any questions.

BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Veterans Memorial Services** -NEW

Please share these bulletin announcements as applicable to your location:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Other Events

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

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

FAQ: Where do I send my announcements? -NEW

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

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

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

 

Please make sure to include the following details:

  • EVENT TITLE: 
  • DATE(S):
  • STARTING TIME (or “All Day”):
  • LOCATION NAME:
  • ADDRESS:
  • COUNTY:
  • ORGANIZER (name & contact info):
  • ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY
  • END DAY/TIME (if applicable)

 

If you do not already have an event page, please provide any of the following (optional):

  • DESCRIPTION
  • LINK(S): for resources other than an events page
  • FLYER (editable Word document preferred but not required)
  • RECOMMENDED BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

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

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Mass for Life Flyer: Sunday, January 14, 2024 at St. Columba Cathedral, Youngstown, Ohio
News
Diocesan Mass for Life to be Celebrated on January 14 at St. Columba Cathedral

Press Release | The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will celebrate a diocesan Mass for Life on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 West Wood Street, Youngstown. All are invited to pray for a greater respect for human life at every stage and in all circumstances.

News
St. Joseph Care Center in Louisville to be Sold

Press Release | The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, and Chairman of the St. Joseph Care Center Corporation, announces that the Members of the Corporation have made the decision to sell St. Joseph Care Center, a senior living facility located in Louisville, Ohio.