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 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-Rescheduled (Bulletin Materials) – The celebrations take place across all six counties. The next event will be: Columbiana County on December 6, 5:00 pm Mass at St. Philip Neri Parish (Hanoverton).
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- Save-the-Date: Church Overseas Combined Collection – The Church Overseas Combined Collection will be held the weekend of January 24/25, 2026. Parishes can use these bulletin announcements.
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Bulletin Materials) – The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be January 18-25, 2026.
- Bound sacramental registers are the official records, not a database – Catechist Café contains guidance on how to find a sacramental record from a closed or merged parish, and the proper keeping of sacramental records.
- Upcoming Hispanic Ministry Events – 12/1/25: Amor y Vida; 12/12/25: La Virgen de Guadalupe at the Cathedral; 12/20/25: Diocesan Posada at St Barbara Parish (Massillon); Jan 9-11, 2026: Fe y Vida: Padre Felices, Hijos Felices, Hogares Felices;
- La Diócesis de Youngstown ofrece dos eventos del Ministerio Hispano en diciembre – 12 de diciembre, Misa y Cena de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe 20 de diciembre, tercera Posada Diocesana
- Diocese of Youngstown Offers Two Hispanic Ministry Events in December – Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and Dinner will be held on December 12 & the third diocesan Posada on December 20
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.
- Christmas Gifting: Emergency Assistance through Catholic Charities (Bulletin Materials) – ake a donation in any amount to Catholic Charities until December 17th and we will send a personalized greeting card to someone special on your behalf.
- Season Of Giving (Bulletin Materials) – There are a variety of ways to engage with us during this 60-day campaign such as giving online through our website (ccdoy.org), gifts by mail, or by attending an in-person event.
- Save the Date: Community Day of Hope, Catholics United in Service! – Catholic Charities and other Catholic social service organizations, parishes, and volunteers are planning an event that will bring together essential services, spiritual support, and acts of kindness for families and individuals experiencing hardship in our community.
- Breakfast with the Bishop (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown to host Breakfast with the Bishop at Saint Michael Parish, Canfield
- URGENT REQUEST – Food Support Needed! – Catholic Charities Urgently Seeks Donations to Help Those in Need.
- Catholic Relief Services – Rice Bowl: Order Free 2026 Materials Now – 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.
- SEEK26 – SEEK26 registration opens on October 15th at MIDNIGHT for the first 25 young adults (ages 18-39) to register with the Diocese of Youngstown using the diocesan discount code. Registrants must be parishioners and/or reside in the Diocese of Youngstown to attend.
- Emmaus: New Young Adult Speaker Series – 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.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2025-2026 – Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
- NCYC 2025 – The National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, IN is an annual conference hosted by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. The Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is providing the opportunity for youth groups to attend with the larger diocesan Young Church this year!
- 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 2026 Fish Fry Deadline – Every parish can claim a basic Fish Fry listing for FREE with the option of sponsoring an enhanced listing. Deadlines in November 2025 for printing in the February 2026 magazine.
- Diocesan Collection for The Catholic Echo – January 10 & 11, 2026 (Bulletin Materials) – The offerings made via the “Catholic Echo” envelope in January are to remain in the parish to assist the parish in meeting the prescribed subsidy for providing the Echo to parishioners.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: November & December 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: December 2025 & January 2026 – “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.
- Know Someone Who Can’t Leave Home for the Holidays? Send A FREE Missalette (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocese of Youngstown shares Our Sunday Mass by distributing DVDs and secure download links to retirement/nursing homes and prisons within our six-counties, providing seasonal Missalettes to the homebound by mail, and posting the Mass online.
- Spectrum News 1 closings announcement system now available to churches – Spectrum News 1 has opened their closings and delays system to churches in the state of Ohio. Register on their website or contact Aaron Hepker at aaron.hepker@charter.com or 614-307-2703.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Check for updates as the event being planned over this next year!
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
- Resources to Support Your Parish Transitions – Here are some resources & reminders to support your parish transitions: Bookmark online Diocesan Directory; Update your parish website; Send us any changes for job postings, Mass time updates, and personal directory listings.
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.
- SAVE THE DATES! Priest Events in 2025 – Ongoing Education & Formation: “Putting the Heart of Christ in the Ministry of the Priest” – October 28, 1:00 p.m. via WebEx. Advent Day of Recollection on December 16, 2025 (dinner included).
- 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 – SAVE THE DATE: The Office of Church Vocations is sponsoring “Called By Name” on the weekend of January 24 & 25, 2026. Contact the Office of Vocations at vocations@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Check for updates as the event being planned over this next year!
- November & December 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.
- New Candidate Admitted into Seminary Formation – The Office of Church Vocations is pleased to announce the acceptance of Mr. Derek Linden into Seminary Formation for the Diocese of Youngstown, following the Priestly Formation Board meeting. Mr. Linden will attend St. Mary Seminary.
- 2025-2026 Seminarians Posters & Prayer Cards Now Available – Our 2025-2026 Seminarian Posters & Prayer Cards have been delivered to all parishes in the diocese.
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: CONGRATULATIONS! 100% – 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.
- Oct-Dec 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.
- For Parish Ministers: In-Service on February 10 regarding Mental Health – In-Service Day for Parish Ministers regarding Mental Health will take place in Niles on February 10, 2026.
- Let us Pray for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and for Persons With Disabilities — updated prayers, Bulletin Materials – Parishes are encouraged to utilize these to add to Universal Prayers this weekend, and prayer groups are encouraged to pray for persons facing challenges, as well as for increased vocations to lay ministry.
- (Updated) Lifelong Learning: NEW Courses For Adults – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. The courses are offered online and in-person.
- Personnel Reports and Catechetical Reports (Were Due 10/13/25) – Current leaders are asked to complete and return the personnel lists for all catechetical and pastoral ministers and the program report as soon as possible.
- (Updated) Lifelong Learning: Courses For Adults – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. The courses are offered online and in-person.
- Universal Prayers for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and for Persons With Disabilities — updated, Bulletin Materials – Parishes and prayer groups are encouraged to pray for persons facing challenges, as well as for increased vocations to lay ministry.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Check for updates as the event being planned over this next year!
- 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.
- Change in Time for Gold Mass: Sunday November 23rd at 5pm at the Cathedral of St. Columba – Organ and choir concert at 3:45pm with Mass at 5pm and dinner afterwards.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Check for updates as the event being planned over this next year!
- Change in Time for Gold Mass: Sunday November 23rd at 5pm at the Cathedral of St. Columba – Organ and choir concert at 3:45pm with Mass at 5pm and dinner afterwards.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Check for updates as the event being planned over this next year!
- Upcoming Parish Music Events (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at: Theron Brown Trio: 11/23 at 6:30pm at St. Blaise Parish – St. Joseph Church (Austintown). The Great “O” Antiphons: 11/30 at 7:00pm at the Cathedral. Advent Improvisation Concert 12/5 at 6:30pm at the Cathedral. Gift of Song To Baby Jesus: 12/14 at 6pm at Corpus Christi (Conneaut). Dates have been announced for the 2026 Cathedral Concert Series.
- 2025-2026 DOY Catholic Schools Calendar Available – The Office of Catholic Schools has published the calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.
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
