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.
- April: Child Abuse Prevention Month (Bulletin Materials) – All Catholic parishes, schools, and families are encouraged to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Here are some resources to support your prayerful participation.
- Safe Environment Materiales de Boletín (in Spanish) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (in English) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- Idea for Parish Prayer, Observances & Events for Jubilee Year of St. Francis – In honor of the Jubilee Year of St Francis, the Diocese of Youngstown suggests these ideas for parish prayer, observances and events to connect to God through Franciscan spirituality.
- Online Resources for Jubilee Year of St. Francis – In honor of the Jubilee Year of St Francis, the Diocese of Youngstown suggests these Franciscan resources to help us to fall more deeply in love with God and neighbor.
- Parish and Shrine Events for Jubilee Year of St. Francis – Celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis with us! Franciscan religious communities and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Diocese of Youngstown are planning opportunities to fall more deeply in love with God through Franciscan spiritual practices.
- 2027 Diocesan Collections Announced – The 2027 schedule of diocesan collections are now available and have been sent to parishes and envelope companies.
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.
- Voice of Hope Dinner – Get Your Ticket Today! – The Voice of Hope annual 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.
- Collect CRS Rice Bowls During Holy Week – CRS Rice Bowl—Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten faith-in-action program—invites us to reflect on how caring for our neighbor is caring for Christ.
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.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2026 – 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.
- Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and broadcast in Stark County on April 2.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: March 2026 – Join us for a biweekly discussion of your burning spiritual questions. For more information about the Catholic Echo Podcast topics, visit catholicecho.org/podcast.
- Wineskins Schedule: March & April 2026 – The “Wineskins” radio show features reflections on the lives of the saints and the sacred scriptures, along with thoughts on a variety of topics and issues from a Catholic perspective.
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
- Printable Diocesan Directory Updated from February 2026 – Download the printable diocesan directory or search our interactive, online 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.
- Religious Jubilee Celebration – We will celebrate the Jubilees of all religious who served in the Diocese of Youngstown on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Cathedral of St Columba. RSVP to Sr. Mary Stephany Rose, OSHJ.
- SAVE THE DATES! Clergy Ongoing Formation and Fellowship Events in 2026 – Ongoing Education & Formation: 4/20 In-person formation about AI; 4/24 Virtual event on imigration; 5/20 5pm Priest Anniversary Celebration.
- Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and broadcast in Stark County on April 2.
- Religious Jubilee Celebration – We will celebrate the Jubilees of all religious who served in the Diocese of Youngstown on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Cathedral of St Columba. RSVP to Sr. Mary Stephany Rose, OSHJ.
- Praise and Worship Nights for Vocations – Join us as we pray for an increase in vocations. For more information contact Fr. William Wainio in the Office of Church Vocations, wwainio@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Parish Vocation Ministry: Called By Name Initiative Leads to St. Andrew Dinners – The Office of Church Vocations has invited young men nominated through the “Called by Name” initiative to learn more at a Saint Andrew Dinner on either April 13th or 15th. Contact the Office of Vocations at vocations@youngstowndiocese.org.
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: 67%! – Fr. John-Michael Lavelle emails updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
- Dec 2025-Mar 2026 Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín) – It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.
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.
- Let us Pray for Persons With Disabilities including those with mental illness – Parishes are encouraged to utilize these to add to the Universal Prayers at weekend Masses, and prayer groups are encouraged to also utilize these at meetings/gatherings to pray for persons facing challenges or accommodation needs due to disabilities.
- Lifelong Learning: New Courses For Adults beginning late April through summer 2026 – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith and learn more about our Catholic Church. There are courses offered online and in-person.
- Prayer Intentions for Pastoral Ministers at Parishes – Prayers of petition for lay ecclesial ministers. Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
- Lifelong Learning: New Courses For Adults in late April 2026 – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith and learn more about our Catholic Church. There are courses offered online and in-person.
- FREE Conference on Disabilities and Mental Health with NCPD – Free two-day workshop, “Disability Ministry Training,” offered May 7 & 8 in Brunswick, Ohio for free by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability
- Let us Pray for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and for Persons With Disabilities including Autism – Parishes are encouraged to utilize these to add to the Universal Prayers at weekend Masses, and prayer groups are encouraged to also utilize these at meetings/gatherings to pray for persons facing challenges, as well as for increased vocations to lay ministry.
- March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – Our diocesan library offers adaptive learning kits for sacramental preparation and catechesis.
- Lifelong Learning: Courses For Adults in March 2026 – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith and learn more about our Catholic Church. There are courses offered online and in-person.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry, plus Catechist Cafe’ website (Bulletin Materials)- Updated – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for personal reflection, small group study, families, as well as age-level faith formation. Visit any time between 8AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday at 225 Elm Street, Youngstown. We also share resource ideas and links online on our Catechist Cafe’ website.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry – (Bulletin Materials) – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for small group study, families, as well as age-level faith formation. Visit any time between 8AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday.
- The Light is On for You – On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, parishes throughout the Diocese of Youngstown will participate in the annual “The Light is ON for you – An Evening of Reconciliation.”
- Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and broadcast in Stark County on April 2.
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series – 2026 Dates (Bulletin Materials) – We are glad to feature some incredible artistry from around the diocese and beyond 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 2026 Cathedral Concert Series; 3/29 Tenebrae Service at Blessed Sacrament Church, St Teresa of Calcutta Parish (Warren); 5/30 St. Columba Cathedral Festival Orchestra Concert
- Dinner & Dialogue Events for Musicians | National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM) Youngstown Chapter – NPM Youngstown chapter is invites musicians to Dinner and Dialogue events: 4/28 at 6:30pm Bann Thai (Alliance); Crow’s Nest (Ashtabula) 5/9 at 7pm. Youngstown is a temporary chapter of the National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM). Contact Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and broadcast in Stark County on April 2.
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series – 2026 Dates (Bulletin Materials) – We are glad to feature some incredible artistry from around the diocese and beyond who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
- Diocese of Youngstown Celebrates Catholic Schools Week January 25th-January 31 – The annual celebration includes a variety of events running from January 25-31
- Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) Marketing Toolkit (Bulletin Materials) – Ohio taxpayers can reduce their 2025 state tax return through a donation to the Good Samaritan Scholarship up to $750 per individual or $1500 married filing jointly. DOY maintains this Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) and distributes it to families based on financial need. Leading up to Catholic Schools Week, parishes & schools are encouraged to use the SGO Marketing toolkit to promote their local Catholic schools.
- Catholic Schools Week 2026: CCO Resources for 2026 EdChoice Campaign (Bulletin Materials) – The Catholic Conference of Ohio has compiled resources which Catholic parishes and schools may share during Catholic Schools Week, or anytime, to highlight EdChoice scholarships that make Catholic education more affordable.
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.
- 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
