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.
- Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic on June 30, 2025 (Bulletin Materials) – The Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic, benefiting Seminarian Formation and other needs is scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025 at The Lake Club. Sponsorships due June 18, 2025.
- Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land (Bulletin Materials) – The Good Friday Collection will be held April 18, 2025. This Pontifical Collection supports Christians in the Holy Land.
- Reminders For OCIA Record Keeping – Learn what your need to know for OCIA record keeping in preparation for the Easter Vigil, and throughout the year, for those received into the Church.
- Upcoming Hispanic Ministry Events – Quinceañera Retreat, April 5 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Mujeres Valientes Graduation, April 8-11; Pilgrimage to Italy, April 21-18; Fe y Vida Training, May 17 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Social Hall in Ravenna; 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.
- Printable Guide to Catholic Charities Services – Print one or all pages of this handy guide to refer anyone to Catholic Charities services in your area.
- Voice of Hope Dinner – Save the Date – 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.
- SAVE THE DATE! Women Fore Women: July 14, 2025 (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.
- Catholic Relief Services – Rice Bowl (Bulletin Materials) – 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.
- 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.
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 Date for ARISE 2025! – 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 Francisco at mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth & Young Adult Ministry Events in 2025 – [HS] April 28 — Eagle of the Cross; NCYC – November 20-23, 2025
- 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.
- 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.
- Submit Your Parish Profile by April 1, 2025 – The Catholic Echo Magazine is planning a commemorative edition in honor of the 2025 Jubilee year. Submit your parish profile by April 1, 2025.
- Printable Guide to Catholic Charities Services – Print one or all pages of this handy guide to refer anyone to Catholic Charities services in your area.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: March & April 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: March & April 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.
- Free Resources for Blind/Visually Impaired Parishioners – The XSB is now providing large print Bibles and missalettes (all free-of-charge) to any eligible parishioners. Review the application today!
- 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.
- Catholic Social Media Update: 63% Active! – 63% of invited organizations are using this new tool available for free to schools and parishes to help easily find and schedule Catholic content on social media.
- Communications Webinars & Recordings – Our next Communications webinar will be ANSWERS TO YOUR CANVA QUESTIONS on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 11am with Michael Houy. RSVP & send your questions to communications@youngstowndiocese.org to receive the link to join. Anyone is welcome to participate!
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses.
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.
- Easter Vigil Diocesan Universal Starting Time: 8:00 p.m. or later – It is current diocesan policy that the starting time for the Easter Vigil throughout the diocese be at 8:00 p.m. or later. The Easter Vigil will be on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
- 2025 Priesthood Ordination – Bishop Bonnar will ordain Rev. Mr. Travis Seagraves to the Order of Priesthood on Saturday, June 7, 2025 in Saint Columba Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.
- 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 – Lenten Priest Day of Recollection: March 27, 2025; Priest Ordination Anniversary and Retirement Celebration, Wednesday: May 21, 2025; Priest Convocation: September 8 – 11, 2025
- Religious Jubilee Celebration – We will celebrate the Jubilees of all religious who served in the Diocese of Youngstown on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at St Jude Church, Columbiana.
- Chrism Mass-April 15, 2025 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on April 15, 2025.
- Confirmation of Baptized Catholics at the Easter Vigil – Priests are reminded that the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults gives them the faculty to confirm catechumens and candidates at the Easter Vigil.
- Religious Jubilee Celebration – We will celebrate the Jubilees of all religious who served in the Diocese of Youngstown on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at St Jude Church, Columbiana.
- 2025 Priesthood Ordination – Bishop Bonnar will ordain Rev. Mr. Travis Seagraves to the Order of Priesthood on Saturday, June 7, 2025 in Saint Columba Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.
- March & April 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.
- Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic on June 30, 2025 (Bulletin Materials) – The Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic, benefiting Seminarian Formation and other needs is scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025 at The Lake Club. Sponsorships due June 18, 2025.
- Come and See the Seminary Weekends (Bulletin Materials) – Saint Mary Seminary & Borromeo Seminary are once again offering “Come and See” Weekends. Contact Fr. Chad Johnson at cjohnson@youngstowndiocese.org.
- 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.
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 every Tuesday 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.
- Spring 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.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry (Bulletin Materials) – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have books, DVDs and audio books about bereavement support, bible study, devotionals and prayer.
- Lifelong Learning Courses – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. These courses are offered online and in person.
- UNIVERSAL PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL FOR LAY MINISTRY and FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS (Bulletin Materials) – Parishes and prayer groups are encouraged to pray for vocations to lay ministry and for Mental Health Awareness.
- 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.
- Easter Vigil Diocesan Universal Starting Time: 8:00 p.m. or later – It is current diocesan policy that the starting time for the Easter Vigil throughout the diocese be at 8:00 p.m. or later. The Easter Vigil will be on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
- FDLC Free Webinar Series: The Art of Celebrating: Something More is Required – The FDLC will offer a FREE Webinar Series on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m., May 7 – June 4, 2025.
- Chrism Mass-April 15, 2025 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on April 15, 2025.
- 2025 OCP Parish Grants – OCP offers parish grants yearly for the promotion and enhancement of parish music programs. Applications for 2025 OCP Parish Grants are being accepted through May 30, 2025.
- 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.
- Celebrating the Paschal Triduum (Multiple Parishes/Locations) – Guidance and directives have been sent to all priests and parish liturgy committee contacts.
- Confirmation of Baptized Catholics at the Easter Vigil – Priests are reminded that the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults gives them the faculty to confirm catechumens and candidates at the Easter Vigil.
- Easter Vigil – April 19, 2025 – The Easter Vigil will be on Saturday, April 19, 2025
- Upcoming Parish Music Events (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at the Cathedral of Saint Columba.
- 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.
- Chrism Mass-April 15, 2025 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on April 15, 2025.
- 2025 OCP Parish Grants – OCP offers parish grants yearly for the promotion and enhancement of parish music programs. Applications for 2025 OCP Parish Grants are being accepted through May 30, 2025.
- 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.
- Catholic Social Media Update: 63% Active! – 63% of invited organizations are using this new tool available for free to schools and parishes to help easily find and schedule Catholic content on social media.
- CCO Resources for 2025 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.
- 4/15/25 is the Deadline to Donate to the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund for a Potential 2024 Tax Credit – Donations to the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund can apply for a potential state tax credit up to $750 (or $1,500 married filing jointly), reducing your state tax return.
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: May 5-9 (Bulletin Materials) – Please join us for our Cemetery Open House on May 5-9 from 9 am-4 pm at all four of the Diocesan Cemeteries. Families will receive a flower for Mom and some treats in the office. 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 Calvary Cemetery (Youngstown) on April 9 and Calvary Cemetery (Massillon) on April 16.
- 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
