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.
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Bulletin Materials) – The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2024, is “You Shall Love the Lord Your God…and Your Neighbor as Yourself.”
- Where can you find sacramental records for a closed or merged parish? – Catechist Café contains guidance on how to find a sacramental record from a closed or merged parish, and the proper keeping of sacramental records.
- Upcoming Hispanic Ministry Events – Please see the Office of Hispanic Ministry page or the diocesan event calendar for details on each of the following events, including bulletin blurbs and flyers in both English and Spanish: SERIE FORMATIVA DE OCP | OCP Formative Series Las Posadas el 21 de diciembre CELEBRACIÓN DIOCESANA A LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE | DIOCESAN CELEBRATION […]
- La misa en español comienza en la Parroquia de la Divina Misericordia en Massillon | Mass in Spanish opens at Divine Mercy Parish in Massillon – Nos complace en anunciar la apertura de la Misa en Español en La Iglesia de San José, La Parroquia de la Divina Misericordia (Massillon), domingos a la 3:30pm.
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.
- Season Of Giving – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown to host Breakfast with the Bishop.
- New Edition, Community Resource Guide 2024/2025 – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown publishes new edition of the Community Resource Guide.
- SAVE THE DATE – Breakfast with the Bishop – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown to host Breakfast with the Bishop.
- 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.
- 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-Dates: Youth & Young Adult Ministry Events in 2025 – [YA] Christmas in the Cabin & Christmas at the Orchard on January 3; [HS] Night of Praise on January 12; Diocesan Confirmation Retreat on February 1; [HS] ENCOUNTER on March 8, 2025
- Annual Global Celebration of Youth and Young Adults – On this feast day… the Church proclaims the Kingdom of Christ, already present, but still growing in all its mystery towards its full manifestation … young people are indispensable bearers of the dynamics of the Kingdom of God, the hope of the Church and the world. – St. John Paul II
- 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.
- FG2G on January 12, 2025 | Youth Ministry – Join youth ministries from across the diocese for this unique event on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord!
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.
- Diocesan Collection for The Catholic Echo – January 11 & 12, 2025 (Bulletin Materials) – The Catholic Echo magazine would like to feature your favorite recipes in an upcoming print edition! All recipes are welcome.
- 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.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: November & December 2024 – The Catholic Echo Podcast topics for September are: Dr. Steven Jones & EdChoice, The Society of St. Paul and Cursillo Anniversaries, Catholic High School Sports, Fr. Popvich’s Life and New Book, and Feast of the Archangels: Diocesan Media Day.
- Wineskins Schedule: November & December 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.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast (Bulletin Materials) – The Catholic Echo Podcast is your official source for what’s happening now in the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.
- 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.
- Wineskins Radio Program (Bulletin Materials) – Wineskins is now available as a podcast! Wineskins airs on local radio stations every Sunday.
- INTRODUCING THE PLATFORM: CATHOLIC SOCIAL MEDIA – The diocese is making a new tool available for free to schools and parishes to help easily find and schedule Catholic content on social media.
- THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF EVANGELIZATION THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA – Please follow us on Facebook and YouTube to be notified (and inspired!) when the Department of Communications posts new stories of faith in action.
- Central Office Updates – Central Offices will be closed for upcoming holidays, and is under construction. Please call before you visit: 330-744-8451.
- Upcoming Communications Webinars & Recordings – We have collected your FAQs about communications for mergers, campaigns, fundraisers, and events. Please RSVP to receive the link to join. Anyone is welcome to participate!
- Diocesan Directory Updates – Deacons & Central Office Staff – Download the printable diocesan directory as we continue to build 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.
- Letters of Suitability Required – Request Now Online – 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.
- Priest Advent Day of Recollection – An Advent Day of Recollection for Priests will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
- MONDAY – DECEMBER 9, 2024 – A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION – The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is transferred this year to Monday, December 9, 2024, which is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope – In the Diocese of Youngstown the Opening Mass for the Jubilee Year will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at Saint Columba Cathedral.
- Come and See the Seminary Weekends – Saint Mary Seminary & Borromeo Seminary are once again offering “Come and See” Weekends. Contact Fr. Chad Johnson at cjohnson@youngstowndiocese.org.
- December 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.
- New Candidates Admitted into Seminary Formation – The Office of Church Vocations is pleased to announce the acceptance of Mr. Jacob Huzyak and Mr. Luke Liptak into Seminary Formation for the Diocese of Youngstown, following the Priestly Formation Board meeting. Mr. Huzyak will attend St. Mary Seminary, while Mr. Liptak will attend Borromeo College Seminary.
- Pastoral Internship Year – Bishop Bonnar has assigned Mr. Arthur Bodenschatz to a pastoral internship year beginning June 2024 with Rev. Chad Johnson, Pastor of St. Jude (Columbiana) and Our Lady of Lourdes (East Palestine).
- 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 2024-2025 Seminarian Posters & Prayer Cards have been delivered to each Parish, High School, and Elementary School 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 – 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.”
- BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ANNUAL DIOCESAN APPEAL – NOVEMBER 2024 – Thank you for all your hard work to help us reach our goal. Please use these bulletin inserts to encourage some last minute gifts.
- #iGiveCatholic Event Takes Place December 3 During Giving Tuesday – Since 2015, #iGiveCatholic has inspired faithful stewards to “Give Back and Give Catholic”
- Fall 2024 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.
- Personnel and Catechetical Report Requested – 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.
- The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion – The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion for catechumens and candidates will be celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, March 9, 2025.
- New Order of Christian Initiation of Adults – The new Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) books were released for sale by publishers on November 1, 2024 – The Feast of All Saints. Workshops for clergy and parish OCIA teams will be scheduled in January 2025.
- Official Appointment | October 28, 2024 – Bishop David Bonnar accepts the retirement of Barbara Walko effective January 10, 2025 and appoints Margie Hynes as Director of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry, effective January 11, 2025.
- 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.
- LIBRARY UNDERGOING RENOVATIONS – Books to help you grow in your prayer life may be borrowed from the Diocesan Library. Due to construction, please call before your visit to confirm that the resources you need are available: 330-744-8451 x296.
- The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion – The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion for catechumens and candidates will be celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, March 9, 2025.
- New Order of Christian Initiation of Adults – The new Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) books were released for sale by publishers on November 1, 2024 – The Feast of All Saints. Workshops for clergy and parish OCIA teams will be scheduled in January 2025.
- LEADER OF PRAYER FORMATION SERIES – Lay Leaders of Prayer are a great assistance when a priest is not available to provide an opportunity and lead prayer for the faithful. The candidates listed were commissioned on November 13, 2024.
- Sunday of the Word of God: January 25-26, 2025 – This year, January 25/26, 2025 will be designated as “Sunday of the Word of God” and is to be devoted to the celebration, study, and dissemination of the Word of God.
- Cecilia Project – The Cecilia Project is a unique opportunity to identify young potential musicians in our parishes and schools and offer them the advantage of furthering their musical education and talent at no cost.
- MONDAY – DECEMBER 9, 2024 – A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION – The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is transferred this year to Monday, December 9, 2024, which is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Upcoming Parish Music Events (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at Divine Mercy Parish (Massillon), St. Patrick Church (Youngstown) and the Cathedral of Saint Columba.
- Cecilia Project – The Cecilia Project is a unique opportunity to identify young potential musicians in our parishes and schools and offer them the advantage of furthering their musical education and talent at no cost.
- MONDAY – DECEMBER 9, 2024 – A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION – The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is transferred this year to Monday, December 9, 2024, which is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- FG2G on January 12, 2025 | Youth Ministry – Join youth ministries from across the diocese for this unique event on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord!
- 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!
- Reduce Your Tax Return with a Donation to the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund – 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.
- 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
