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.
- Reporting Child/Vulnerable Adult Abuse – To report abuse or a violation of the Safe Environment Policy, contact Mr. Dominic Colucy, Safe Environment Coordinator at (office) 330-744-8451 x293 or (response line) 330-718-1388.
- Safe Environment: Updating Information – Procedures for Safe Environment Compliance Officers to add, move, inactivate or remove individuals at their location. Contact the Safe Environment Coordinator at dcolucy@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Safe Environment: Compliance Requirements – The Safe Envrionment compliance requirements for the Diocese of Youngstown include VIRTUS training, acknowledgment form (Appendix 9), and background checks.
- Safe Environment: Who needs to be compliant? – FAQ: Who needs to be compliant with Safe Environment policies and procedures in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown?
- 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.
- Cursillo’s 60th Anniversary Mass & Dinner (Bulletin Materials) – Bishop Bonnar will preside at a Mass at St. Columba Cathedral to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Cursillo Ministry in the Diocese of Youngstown. Tickets for the dinner afterwards are $29 per person; RSVP by April 26th.
- CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials) – Shamrocks for Socks is a new project of Catholic Charities designed to aid in our service to the poor and vulnerable living in the Diocese of Youngstown.
- Record Retention Guidelines -NEW – Many parish records, including bulletins, are to be kept permanently. Please refer to the Diocesan Record Retention Guidelines for details.
- Questions or Suggestions About the Archives? – Do you want to know what to save in your parish records? Not sure where your sacramental records reside? The Archives Office can help!
- Follow-up Webinars: Using the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) Survey -NEW – Parish leaders, staff, and pastoral councils are invited to participate in Zoom webinars about how to interpret and use their DMI Survey results.
- 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.
- Fe y Vida on May 4th -NEW – Fe y Vida is coming to Ashtabula to provide training for the Hispanic leaders who are working with families, youth, and young adults.
- Misa en español en la Parroquia Santo Domingo -NEW – El obispo David J. Bonnar presidirá la misa en español al mediodía del domingo 28 de abril de 2024 en la Parroquia Santo Domingo en Youngstown.
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.
- Tribunal In-Service Available – The Tribunal staff has made available an ongoing in-service for small groups of between 8-12 participants and generally runs approximately two hours. Interested parties should call the Tribunal at (330) 744-8451, ext. 252.
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.
- CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials) – Shamrocks for Socks is a new project of Catholic Charities designed to aid in our service to the poor and vulnerable living in the Diocese of Youngstown.
- 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.
- ODJFS Seeks Foster Families – In Ohio, nearly 15,000 children are living in out-of-home placement settings every day. Adoption and foster care can provide a stable, loving home. Learn how to help.
- Lunch and Learn Event – Save the Date – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown to host free lunch and learn events throughout the year and at multiple locations around the Diocese of Youngstown.
- SAVE THE DATE! Women Fore Women: July 15, 2024 (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.
- Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship – The Office of Peace and Justice promotes the themes of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the dignity of the human person, through education, advocacy, and prayer.
- Civilize It: A Better Kind Of Politics – The Office of Peace and Justice promotes the themes of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the dignity of the human person, through education, advocacy, and prayer.
- Grant Funding Available – The Office of Peace and Justice has grant opportunities available to help those living in unimaginable hardship.
- Prison and Jail Ministry – Seeking Volunteers (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.
- Prison Ministry Presents – Kolbe Gathering – Three 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.
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.
- Food & Fellowship -NEW – Food and Fellowship was created as an opportunity for youth ministers, campus ministers, and young adult ministers to come together to enjoy casual, ministry-focused conversation, connect with one another, and to share ideas and experiences to continue to improve our ministerial approaches in an ever-changing world.
- First World Children’s Day (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW – The first World Children’s Day will take place on May 25-26th, 2024. This year’s theme is “I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
- Eagle of the Cross Awards – Congratulations to the 21 recipients of the Eagle of the Cross Awards! Contact Maddie DiSalvatore for details: mdisalvatore@youngstowndiocese.org
- ARISE: Registration is now OPEN! (Bulletin Materials) – ARISE is an opportunity for young adults (ages 18-39) across the diocese to pray, laugh and experience God’s love for us, together. Questions/Suggestions? Please contact Maddie DiSalvatore at mdisalvatore@youngstowndiocese.org.
- The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is on Social Media! – The Office is now posting updates, events, and more on Facebook and Instagram, in addition to on the DOY website and the Communique. Please give it a like and a follow!
- Confirmation Retreat Guide – This Confirmation Retreat Guide may be used as a tool by catechists in the Diocese of Youngstown to guide confirmandi on their preparation journey to receive the Sacrament! Catechists should feel free and inspired to use as the Holy Spirit moves them. Questions/Suggestions? Please contact Maddie DiSalvatore at mdisalvatore@youngstowndiocese.org.
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.
- The Catholic Echo is Hiring! -NEW – The Catholic Echo is currently seeking an Administrative Assistant and Advertising Sales Representatives. Please send a résumé and cover letter to employment@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Call for Recipes! (Bulletin Materials) – The Catholic Echo magazine would like to feature your favorite recipes in an upcoming print edition! All recipes are welcome.
- Wineskins Schedule: May 2024 – “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.
- Feature & Promo Videos -NEW – Please follow us on Facebook and YouTube to be notified (and inspired!) when the Department of Communications posts new short videos.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: May 2024 – The Catholic Echo Podcast topics for May are: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, and Marriage.
- El NUEVO podcast de The Catholic Echo (Materiales de boletín)** -NEW/NUEVO – El podcast de The Catholic Echo informará y entretendrá a los fieles de la Diócesis de Youngstown discutiendo diversos temas que hoy son relevantes en la iglesia.
- Yes, the Diocese of Youngstown is Still Sending Seasonal Missalettes! -NEW – Through a partnership with CatholicTV, we are now offering their televised content in all six counties of the diocese as CatholicTV Youngstown. The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown will continue to mail Seasonal Missalettes.
- Wineskins Radio Program (Bulletin Materials) – Wineskins is now available as a podcast! Wineskins airs on local radio stations every Sunday.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast (Bulletin Materials) – The Catholic Echo Podcast informs and entertains the faithful of the Diocese of Youngstown by discussing various topics that are relevant in the church today.
- The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is on Social Media! – The Office is now posting updates, events, and more on Facebook and Instagram, in addition to on the DOY website and the Communique. Please give it a like and a follow!
- Media Inquiries, Recent Press Releases – Have you received media inquiries or coverage? Please consult with Dennis Biviano, Public Relations & Media Specialist: (330) 744-8451, ext. 320 or dbiviano@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Diocesan Directory Updates -NEW – This printable supplement can be added to the Diocese of Youngstown 2023-24 Directory, summarizing parish collaborations, mergers, and clergy assignments since November 30, 2023.
- Parish Merging or Collaborating? Secure Your Online Accounts! -NEW – Your parish web address is your “internet real estate.” Remember to secure and transfer your online accounts during any merger or assignment change.
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.
- Ordination to the Priesthood on June 1st – Bishop Bonnar will ordain Kevin Bertleff and William Wainio to the Order of Priest on Saturday, June 1, 2024 in Saint Columba Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.
- Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate on May 25th – Bishop Bonnar will ordain Travis Seagraves to the Order of Deacon on Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Saint Columba Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.
- Priest Retirement and Ordination Anniversary Celebration – Wednesday, May 8, 2024 – The Priest Retirement and Ordination Anniversary Celebration will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Saint Christine Church in Youngstown. RSVP to Geri Deane.
- Free Webinar Series – “Behold the Lamb” – The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions will sponsor a FREE Webinar Series entitled “Behold the Lamb” on Wednesday afternoons in May from 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. The webinar series will focus on the newly approved Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside of Mass ritual book.
- Clergy Convocation – Catholic Leadership Institute: SAVE THE DATE! – Save-the-date for a Clergy Convocation with Catholic Leadership Institute: Thursday, September 12, 2024.
- Letters of Suitability Required – Letters of suitability are to be sent from one bishop/superior to another. An electronic form is now available online for diocesan priests to request a letter of suitability from Bishop Bonnar.
- Religious Jubilee Celebration – We will celebrate the Jubilees of all religious who served in the Diocese of Youngstown on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Warren, Ohio.
- Ordination to the Priesthood on June 1st – Bishop Bonnar will ordain Kevin Bertleff and William Wainio to the Order of Priest on Saturday, June 1, 2024 in Saint Columba Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.
- Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate on May 25th – Bishop Bonnar will ordain Travis Seagraves to the Order of Deacon on Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Saint Columba Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.
- May 2024 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.
- Vocation Director or Seminarian Visits to Your Parish / School – If you have a special youth ministry, parish, retreat, or vocational event, please remember our current seminiarians are available to speak at your parish or school.
- Seminarian Posters and Prayer Cards – Our 2023-2024 Seminarian Posters & Prayer Cards have been delivered to each Parish, High School, and Elementary School in the diocese.
- 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.
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.
- May Parish Resources for the Appeal (Bulletin Materials) – Parish resources are available to promote the Annual Diocesan Appeal in May 2024 until Pentecost. Your hard work to support this vital collection tois greatly appreciated.
- Appeal Posts (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW – Catholic Charities and Michael Houy worked together to come up with fifteen posts/inserts that provide short facts about Catholic Charities.
- Appeal Updates – Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing regular updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
- Catholic Extension 2025 Calendars Available – Catholic Extension’s 2025 calendars are available to buy in bulk. We thank every parish that supports Catholic Extension by purchasing their calendars.
- 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.
- Pontifical Mission Societies Podcast: Frontiers of Faith (Bulletin Materials)** – 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.
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.
- Considering Preparation for Ministry as a Lay Person? – If you have ever wondered about becoming prepared for a parish ministry position, please contact Barbara Walko for assistance in discerning academic and experiential qualifications with a possible path toward meaningful and life giving ministry.
- First World Children’s Day (Bulletin Materials)** -NEW – The first World Children’s Day will take place on May 25-26th, 2024. This year’s theme is “I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
- LIMEX Group Forming Soon (Bulletin Materials) – If you are interested in a part time, graduate-level program in theology and spirituality from a Catholic university Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX) may be for you.
- Personnel and Program Reports Requested – Please provide us with the opportunity to verify accurate numbers by completing the catechetical report, according to your area of responsibility. Please share information from others on your staff who oversee ministry areas beyond your position.
- Pastors Seeking Parish Ministers – Pastors hoping to hire new or additional staff persons in the areas of adult faith formation, youth and young adult ministry, children and family formation, pastoral ministry, and other key areas of parish life are asked to contact Barbara Walko for assistance.
- New Adult Learning Opportunities Begin Soon (Bulletin Materials) – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. These courses are offered online.
- Free Books at Diocesan Library (Bulletin Materials) – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have books, DVDs and audio books about bereavement support, bible study, devotionals and prayer.
- New in the Library: May 2024 – New this month: “The Collected Works of Saint Teresa of Avila,” “A Spirituality of Caregiving,” and “Our One Great Act of Fidelity: Waiting for Christ in the Eucharist.”
- 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.
- 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 19.
- Red Bird Ministries (Bulletin Materials) – Red Bird Ministries is a Non-Profit Catholic Grief Support Ministry that guides individuals and couples through the complexity and trauma that happens with the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood.
- Springs in the Desert (Bulletin Materials) – As a Catholic infertility ministry, Springs in the Desert is more than just a ministry; we are a place of respite, solidarity, and encouragement – wherever you are on the path of infertility, or in the experience of pregnancy loss.
- Young People: Are You Scared to Talk about Abortion? – On Saturday, May 18th, Ohio Right to Life, Students for Life of America and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Toledo are sponsoring an apologetic conference for students entitled “Persuasive Pro-Life” at the St. Thomas More Newman Center at the Ohio State University from 10 am – 2:30 pm.
- Project Rachel May/Mother’s Day Message (Bulletin Materials) – For CONFIDENTIAL help text or call Project Rachel of Northeast Ohio at 330-360-0430.
- Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreat Day – The next diocesan-sponsored one-day marriage preparation retreat days for engaged couples will be held Saturdays, March 2 & April 6 in the social hall at St. Columba Cathedral. Reservations are required.
- ODJFS Seeks Foster Families – In Ohio, nearly 15,000 children are living in out-of-home placement settings every day. Adoption and foster care can provide a stable, loving home. Learn how to help.
- Intercessions for Life and Pro-Life Bulletin Briefs – The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities prepares intercessions and bulletin briefs for each month.
- Students for Life – Any parish, school or campus interested in forming a Students for Life group may contact the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life at dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451 ext. 272.
- Low Gluten Hosts – It is important for pastors to make every effort to accommodate the experience of Holy Communion for the faithful, including those suffering from celiac disease.
- Displaying of Flags in Catholic Churches (from the USCCB website) – 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.
- New Order of Christian Initiation of Adults – The Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments has confirmed the revised translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adult and the Ritual de la Iniciacion Cristiana de Adultos.
- OCP Parish Grant Program – The Parish Grant Program is open to all Roman Catholic parishes and campus ministries within the United States. Applications for 2024 OCP Parish Grants are being accepted through May 30, 2024.
- New Ritual Book – Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside of Mass – A new ritual book, Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside of Mass has been approved for use no later than December 1, 2024.
- Free Webinar Series – “Behold the Lamb” – The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions will sponsor a FREE Webinar Series entitled “Behold the Lamb” on Wednesday afternoons in May from 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. The webinar series will focus on the newly approved Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside of Mass ritual book.
- 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.
- Parish Music Events in May 2024 (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at St. Mary Church (Massillon), St. Columba Cathedral (Youngstown) and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish (Warren).
- OCP Parish Grant Program – The Parish Grant Program is open to all Roman Catholic parishes and campus ministries within the United States. Applications for 2024 OCP Parish Grants are being accepted through May 30, 2024.
- Planning Parish Music Events? – If your parish is having any upcoming musical events you’d like to send out, please email Ralph Holtzhauser, Diocesan Music Director, at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org!
- Choir Members Invited to Sing at Ordinations – Music events include Emmet Cahill at the Cathedral on March 14, Cathedral Organ Recital Series on March 22 at 7pm, and Tenebrae service on March 24 at 7pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – St. James Church.
- 2024-2025 DOY Catholic Schools Calendar Now Available – The Office of Catholic Schools has released the calendar for the 2024-2025 school year.
- Diocese of Youngstown Foundation Tuition Assistance Fund Update -NEW – Updated: The primary application period for this Tuition Assistance is from December 1st through April 9th.
- EdChoice Scholarship Available for Catholic Schools (Bulletin Materials) -NEW BROCHURE – All K-12 students in Ohio are now eligible for an EdChoice Scholarship that can be used toward Catholic School tuition.
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.
- Veterans’ Memorial Service on May 18th or May 26th (Bulletin Materials) – May 18th or May 26th, help us honor those who serve by placing flags on the veterans’ graves. All are welcome.
- Honoring Mothers Prayer Service on May 11th (Bulletin Materials) – All are welcome to a prayer service in the Chapel in remembrance of our mothers. Join us Saturday, May 11 at 10am at any of our four Diocesan Cemeteries.
- 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 19.
- 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.
- 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.
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
