In November We Remember
Throughout November, we remember in prayer those who have died. We support each other in our grief while praising God for the promise of eternal life with Jesus Christ.
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 PDF or Word file. Attachments are now provided as downloadable files in one folder (including the printable version):
- November Communique Attachments Folder (contains printable version, text-only version, images & flyers): https://bit.ly/nov2024comm
- NEW & UPDATED Video: Saving Communique Attachments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz8Uim_okAE
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.
- November 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/nov2024sharedoy
- December 2024 Shared Publicity Folders https://bit.ly/dec2024sharedoy
- January 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/jan2025sharedoy
Quote of the Month
“Our Lord does not come down from heaven every day to lie in a golden ciborium. He comes to find another heaven which is infinitely dearer to him—the heaven of our souls, created in his image, the living temples of the adorable Trinity.”
-Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Photo: Bishop David Bonnar and Msgr. John Zuraw distribute communion at the annual Red Mass at St. Columba Cathedral, Youngstown on September 19, 2024. Photo by Jimmy Joe Savage.
For more Catholic inspiration, connect with the Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
For full list of bulletin announcements, please download the Text Only Attachments
Image and PDF files are available in the monthly Google Drive attachments folder: bit.ly/nov2024comm
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 – Fe y Vida Training, 2025 Dates: March 1, and May 17 from 9:00 to 6:00 PM; Third Hispanic Summit with Bishop Bonnar on March 22, 2025. All at Immaculate Conception Social Hall in Ravenna.
- A New Light Shines on an Old Prayer: Ember Days – This year, the Ember Days of spring would be March 12th, 14th and 15th, 2025. This is an opportunity to give thanks, fast and pray to acknowledge God’s gift of earth’s bounty.
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.
- Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Saint Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. The deadline for couples to register at their parishes is Friday, April 25, 2025.
- Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreat Day (Bulletin Materials) – The next diocesan-sponsored one-day marriage preparation retreat days for engaged couples will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025 in the social hall at St. Columba Cathedral. Reservations are required.
- New Investment Option Quarterly Summary – A new quarterly investment option summary from June 30, 2024 is available for the Principal 403(b) plan.
- Updated Finance Office Mailing Address – All payments and correspondence to the Diocese of Youngstown Central Office in Youngstown should be mailed to: 144 West Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503. The former P.O. Box is permanently closed.
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.
- Opening Doors Parenting Class (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County presents Opening Doors Parenting Program.
- Seeking Volunteers (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County seeks Volunteers for office assistance.
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County – Men Who Cook – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County is bringing back a fan favorite! MEN WHO COOK
- 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.
- URGENT PLEA – Volunteers Needed (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties. Urgent plea for volunteers in Canton and Ravenna!
- 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
CCAC: HALO Gala on November 9 (Bulletin Materials)**
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
URGENT PLEA – Baby Items Needed (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is desperately seeking donations for their First Step Program for women & children.
The items currently needed most are:
- Winter Wear – Hats, Gloves, Boots, Socks
- Winter Clothing for Babies & Toddlers
- Sizes 6 mos. through 5T
- New or Gently Used
- All used clothing should be freshly washed.
- Boys & Girls Styles needed!
Please drop off donations at either location, but please call first.
Call the Canton office at 330-491-0896
Call the Ravenna office at 330-297-7745 or
Alternatively, please ship directly using our AMAZON WISHLIST.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
URGENT PLEA – Volunteers Needed (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is looking for volunteers to help with the increased demand for pantry services in both the Canton location and the Ravenna location. Pantry volunteers will typically work a 2-3 hour shift and can choose to work weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on their personal availability. Clients will schedule pantry visits in advance, and pantry volunteers will prepare the grocery bags based on client selections. Compare this to the “Giant Eagle Shoppers” that prepare groceries for pick-up customers. However, this is much easier! In addition, volunteers may be asked to assist with other routine tasks such as dating incoming goods, rotating products, and general organization.
Come and lend a hand! Help others by directly fulfilling just one of the many ways we assist clients in need.
Call the Canton office at 330-491-0896
Call the Ravenna office at 330-297-7745 or
Send an email to charities@youngstowndiocese.org and we will forward your information to the proper location!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Peace & Justice: Catholic Conference of Ohio Issues Parish Dos & Don’ts for Election Season
On behalf of the Catholic Bishops, the Catholic Catholic of Ohio has issued a one-page flyer with practical tips to ensure parishes are encouraging faithful citizenship. Guiding Principle: Only share resources provided by the USCCB, Catholic Conference of Ohio, or your local diocesan office.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Peace & Justice: Prison and Jail Ministry (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 – [HS] ENCOUNTER on March 8, 2025; March 20 – Lenten Retreat; 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
Theology on Tap is BACK! (Bulletin Materials) **
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 is Looking for Recipes! (Bulletin Materials)**
Email your recipes to catholicecho@youngstowndiocese.org.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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)**
Watch our social media for more updates.
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.
Annual Diocesan Appeal Updates
Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at www.doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
World Mission Sunday on October 19/20 (Bulletin Materials | Materiales del Boletín)
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Fall 2024 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.
- NCPD Parish Leadership Virtual Meeting: Adapting Faith Formation – The National Catholic Partnership on Disabilities (NCPD) invites parish leaders to a formation meeting focused on “Adapting Faith Formation.”
- UNIVERSAL PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL FOR LAY MINISTRY – Parishes and prayer groups are encouraged to pray for vocations to lay ministry and for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Upcoming Hispanic Ministry Events – Fe y Vida Training, 2025 Dates: March 1, and May 17 from 9:00 to 6:00 PM; Third Hispanic Summit with Bishop Bonnar on March 22, 2025. All at Immaculate Conception Social Hall in Ravenna.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth & Young Adult Ministry Events in 2025 – [HS] ENCOUNTER on March 8, 2025; March 20 – Lenten Retreat; 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.
- 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.
- 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.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
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.
- All Souls Remembrance Funeral Liturgy on March 21 (Bulletin Materials) -NEW – All Souls Remembrance Funeral Liturgy on March 21
- 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
Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Fridays at 3pm (Bulletin Materials)
Rosary at Four Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials)
Please share these flyers and bulletin announcements as applicable to your location:
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
All Souls Day Mass (Bulletin Materials)
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.
- November 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/nov2024sharedoy
- December 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/dec2024sharedoy
- January 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/jan2025sharedoy
