Keep the Flame Burning
As we celebrate Mary in the month of May, our hearts prepare for the Holy Spirit’s movement on Pentecost, renewing the face of the earth.
Welcome to the Digital Communique!
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 Word file. Attachments are now provided as downloadable files in one folder (including the printable version):
- May Communique Attachments Folder (contains printable version, text-only version, images & flyers): https://bit.ly/may2024comm
- Video: How to Save Communique Attachments https://youtu.be/IAs-FGa6hrQ
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.
- May 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/may2024sharedoy
- June 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/june2024sharedoy
- July 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/july2024sharedoy
Quote of the Month
“We all have a vocation. Whether we’re ordained or not ordained, God calls each and every one of us to do something special for him. And our journey is all about discerning what that is.” -Bishop David J. Bonnar
Quote from The Catholic Echo Podcast, episode 25 on Vocations. Listen every week at catholicecho.org/podcast or search for “Catholic Echo” in your favorite podcasting platform.
Above: Lilies and oil lamp at the celebration of Religious Jubilees on April 13, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Warren, Ohio | Photo by Brian Keith
For more Catholic inspiration, connect with the Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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: New Brochures | Ambiente Seguro: Nuevos Folletos – Updated brochures on reporting abuse or neglect now available to download in English and Spanish. For print copies, contact Dominic Colucy at 330-744-8451 x293 or dcolucy@youngstowndiocese.org.
- 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 event will be in Ashtabula County on July 12th, 10am Mass (Spanish) at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine (Windsor).
- 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.
- Pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary with Bishop Bonnar – Our partners at CatholicTV visited St. Columba Cathedral to film Bishop Bonnar’s reflections on the Glorious Mysteries. Watch online any time, or watch The Rosary on CatholicTV Youngstown at 10am weekdays and Saturdays.
- 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.
- Collection for Seminarian Support – Parishes Submit by June 30th – The Seminarian Support Collection was held the weekend of May 11, 2025. Parishes, please send donations to the Finance Department by June 30th.
- CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocese of Youngstown will be participating in the Church at Home Combined Collection the weekend of May 31/June 1, 2025. This important collection supports the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, USCCB Catholic Communications Campaign, and The Catholic University of America/Newman Apostolate.
- Records and certificates for baptisms both before and after adoption -NEW – Sacramental records are not open for public viewing.
- Where can you find sacramental records for a closed or merged parish? – Catechist Café contains guidance on how to find a sacramental record from a closed or merged parish, and the proper keeping of sacramental records.
- 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.
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.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW
This Collection will be held the weekend of JUne 1/2, 2024.
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.
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.
- 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.
- CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocese of Youngstown will be participating in the Church at Home Combined Collection the weekend of May 31/June 1, 2025. This important collection supports the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, USCCB Catholic Communications Campaign, and The Catholic University of America/Newman Apostolate.
- First Step for Change – Catholic Charities will hold its annual First Step for Change campaign from Mother’s Day through Father’s Day, honoring the faith, humility and love it takes to raise a child.
- 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.
- 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
ODJFS Seeks Foster Families (Bulletin Materials)**
If you or someone you know might be interested in taking on the challenges and rewards of becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please use this link to learn more.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
First Step for Change (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities will hold its annual First Step for Change campaign from Mother’s Day through Father’s Day, honoring the faith, humility and love it takes to raise a child, and recognizing that many parents lack adequate financial resources for their children.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
CCRA: SAVE THE DATE! Women Fore Women: July 15, 2024 (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities Regional Agency is once again hosting the annual Golf Classic called Women Fore Women on Monday, July 15th, 2024 at the Links at Firestone in Columbiana.
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.
We are now seeking sponsors. Contact Nancy at nvoitus@ccregional.org or 330.744.3320 ext. 219.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Peace & Justice: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (Bulletin Materials)**
The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (en Español), our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Peace & Justice: 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.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
- *NEW YOUNG ADULT SERIES* – “Emmaus” – Emmaus is a series of events put on by collaborating parishes in Stark County for Young Adults, ages 18-39, from various backgrounds/parishes. The mission of Emmaus is inspired by Luke 24; it is for young adults in Stark County within the Diocese of Youngstown to journey together and grow in authentic faith and fellowship, to empower them to go forth and live the Gospel.
- ARISE 2025 – Register Today! – 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
World Children’s Day (Bulletin Materials)** -UPDATED
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment, in collaboration with the Office of Faith Formation & Lay Ecclesial Ministry, is pleased to bring to your attention the first World Children’s Day instituted by the Vatican, which is being celebrated on May 25-26, 2024!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
ARISE: Registration is now OPEN! (Bulletin Materials)**
Join young adults throughout the diocese for the 2nd-annual young adult summer festival on Friday, July 26 through Saturday, July 27, 2024!
BULLETIN/PUBLICITY
Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment (Bulletin Materials)**
New logos attached for Eagle of the Cross, Diocesan Confirmation Retreat, and “ARISE” Youth Summer Festival.
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is now on social media! Please give it a like and follow!
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.
- Pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary with Bishop Bonnar – Our partners at CatholicTV visited St. Columba Cathedral to film Bishop Bonnar’s reflections on the Glorious Mysteries. Watch online any time, or watch The Rosary on CatholicTV Youngstown at 10am weekdays and Saturdays.
- 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
The Catholic Echo (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Echo logos are included on the DOY Brand page: doy.org/brand
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.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Diocesan Directory Updates -NEW
This document summarizes parish collaborations, mergers, and clergy assignments since November 30, 2023. Most of the changes have effective dates of May 1 or July 1, 2024.
If you change your Mass times, please notify us whenever you update your bulletin!
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.
- Annual Summer Conference for School Pastors’ Institute: July 7-10, 2025 – The Annual Summer Conference for clergy in parishes with a Catholic School will be held July 7-10, 2025, on the campus of Notre Dame. Registration is now open until May 31, 2025.
- SAVE THE DATES! Priest Events in 2025 – Priest Ordination Anniversary and Retirement Celebration will be held at the Priest Convocation: September 8 – 11, 2025
- Welcome Rev. William Wainio, Co-Director of Vocations! – Bishop Bonnar has assigned Fr. Will Wainio as Co-Director of the Office of Church Vocations, in addition to his current responsibilities, and in collaboration with continuing Co-Director Fr. Chad Johnson.
- Collection for Seminarian Support – Parishes Submit by June 30th – The Seminarian Support Collection was held the weekend of May 11, 2025. Parishes, please send donations to the Finance Department by June 30th.
- June & July 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 -NEW – 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) and Administrator of Pope John XXIII Parish (Niles).
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Vocations Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials)**
Save-the-Date: Second Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic
The Second Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic, benefiting Seminarian Formation and other needs is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Youngstown Country Club. Mark your calendars now and watch our social media for more updates in this new year.
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.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Annual Diocesan Appeal May Parish Resources (Bulletin Materials)
The following parish resources help promote the Annual Diocesan Appeal in May until Pentecost. These and other parish resources are available for download at the bottom of www.doy.org/appeal.
Each week’s parish resource sheet contains:
- Intercession for Prayers of the Faithful
- Bulletin announcement
- Pulpit announcement
- Social media post/content
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Pontifical Mission Societies Podcast: Frontiers of Faith (Bulletin Materials)
Looking for a podcast that explores the important work of the Pontifical Mission Societies? Look no further than the show hosted by Katie Ruvalcaba and Msgr. Kieran Harrington! This dynamic duo delves into the inspiring stories of those who have dedicated their lives to mission work, sharing perspectives that are both insightful and thought-provoking. From discussions on the role of faith in global development to interviews with missionaries in the field, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, service, and social justice. Listen at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2187895
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
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.
- First Step for Change – Catholic Charities will hold its annual First Step for Change campaign from Mother’s Day through Father’s Day, honoring the faith, humility and love it takes to raise a child.
- 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.
BULLETIN/PUBLICITY
Office of Pro-Life, Marriage & Family Ministry (Bulletin Materials)**
May Bulletin Announcements:
-World Children’s Day
-LIMEX Group Forming Soon
-Free Books at Diocesan Library
-New Adult Learning Opportunities Begin Son
BULLETIN/PUBLICITY
Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry (Bulletin Materials)**
Project Rachel Lenten May/Mother’s Day Message for Bulletin/Newsletter
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/.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Worship - Music Events (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW
Organ Concert Series-Monthly Concerts at The Cathedral of St. Columba
The Cathedral of St. Columba is pleased to announce a new organ concert series in 2024. Join us Friday, May 10th at 6:30pm for a recital by Mario Buchanan. A free will offering directly goes toward the Cathedral and Diocesan Music program. Please give generously!
See flier for additional dates:
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Catholic Schools: New EdChoice Brochure (Bulletin Materials)**
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
Honoring Mothers Prayer Service on May 11th (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW
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.
- May 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/may2024sharedoy
- June 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/june2024sharedoy
- July 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/july2024sharedoy
