Let’s Grow Together
Welcome back to school for all students, families, catechists, and staff! We praise God for the Spirit of Wisdom to help us recognize and use our God-given talents.
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):
- October Communique Attachments Folder (contains printable version, text-only version, images & flyers): https://bit.ly/oct2024comm
- 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.
- October 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/oct2024sharedoy
- November 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/nov2024sharedoy
- December 2024 Shared Publicity Folders https://bit.ly/dec2024sharedoy
Quote of the Month
“The Lord’s call is not an intrusion of God in our freedom; it is not a ‘cage’ or a burden to be borne. On the contrary, it is the loving initiative whereby God encounters us and invites us to be part of a great undertaking. He opens before our eyes the horizon of a greater sea and an abundant catch.”
-Pope Francis
Photo: Rev. Frederick Schlueter, Bishop David Bonnar, and Sister Ellen Marie Schlueter at her final profession to the Daughters of the Holy Mary of the Heart of Jesus on August 4, 2024.
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/oct2024comm
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 Compliance Reminder for Music Ministers – No child, young person, or vulnerable adult is permitted to interact with a music minister that is not safe environment compliant.
- 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.
- Archives Request for Anniversary Books or Brochures – For records 70 years or newer, certificates may be provided only for the person named in the sacramental record, a diocesan official involved in canonical investigations, a parent or legal guardian of a minor child, or an individual with valid power of attorney for the person who received the sacrament.
- Catholic Leadership Institute Update – Parishes whose pastors participated in the Catholic Leadership Institute Intensive Track will retake the Disciple Maker Index survey this fall. Parishes who participated in the virtual track are also invited to retake the DMI. Please contact CLI directly for details.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
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
First Friday Club: Reflections from Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials)**
All are invited to the First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown 2024-25 Speaker Series luncheon on October 3, 2024, the first Thursday. The Most Rev. Bishop David J. Bonnar, Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, will present “Reflections from Bishop Bonnar” at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, Canfield. Call before September 26, 2024, 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited!
Visit our website www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org
- Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass will take place onSunday, June 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Columba Cathedral, Youngstown. The deadline for couples to register at their parishes is May 22, 2026.
- 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, October 25, 2025 at Holy Family Parish Center (Poland). Reservations are required.
- 2026 Marriage Preparation Formation Opportunities – The Diocese of Youngstown has updated their 2026 dates for Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreats.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
25th, 40th, 50th and over Wedding Anniversary Celebration
The Diocese of Youngstown is sponsoring a Wedding Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, October 27th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Canton.
Parishes: Either scan and email registrations to marriageoffice@youngstowndiocese.org or mail them to the Tribunal and Marriage Office at 141 West Rayen Ave. – Youngstown, Ohio 44503 by September 30th.
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.
- Current Needs – Product of the Month! (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County presents a program designed to address the most urgent needs of our clients by focusing on specific essential items each month.
- October is RESPECT LIFE MONTH (Bulletin Materials) – In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month.
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: Dine to Donate on October 16 (Bulletin Materials)**
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
CCAC: HALO Gala on November 9 (Bulletin Materials)**
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
CCRA: “Take Back the Night” on October 3 (Bulletin Materials)**
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
CCRA: Tri-County Patchwork Networking Event on October 10 (Bulletin Materials)**
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
URGENT PLEA – Donations Needed (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is desperately seeking donations for their taxable goods panty. The items currently needed most are:
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Dish detergent
- Multi-purpose cleaner
- Body wash
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 News Updates (Bulletin Materials)**
Stay Informed on Ohio Legislation from the Catholic Conference of Ohio (CCO)
The Conference works on behalf of the Ohio bishops as an official voice of the Catholic Church in Ohio, primarily in public policy matters. Sign up to receive important updates on legislation and help inform your conscience to engage as Faithful Citizens.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Respect Life Month (Bulletin Materials)**
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.
- The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is on Social Media! – The Office is now posting updates, events, and more on Facebook and Instagram, in addition to on the DOY website and the Communique. Please give it a like and a follow!
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 Podcast Topics: October-December 2026 – Join us for a biweekly discussion of your burning spiritual questions. For more information about the Catholic Echo Podcast topics, visit catholicecho.org/podcast.
- Wineskins Schedule: September – October 2026 (Bulletin Materials) – The “Wineskins” radio show 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 Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is on Social Media! – The Office is now posting updates, events, and more on Facebook and Instagram, in addition to on the DOY website and the Communique. Please give it a like and a follow!
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
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: doyorg.wpenginepowered.com/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.
- Catholic Leadership Institute Update – Parishes whose pastors participated in the Catholic Leadership Institute Intensive Track will retake the Disciple Maker Index survey this fall. Parishes who participated in the virtual track are also invited to retake the DMI. Please contact CLI directly for details.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- The Office of Vocations for Diocese of Youngstown Launches New Branding – The mission is to help men and women discern and respond to God’s call
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Vocations Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials)**
Watch our social media for more updates.
Vocations Social Media
- Website: www.doyorg.wpenginepowered.com/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: 93.1% – Fr. John-Michael Lavelle emails updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted online here.
- Oct – Dec 2026 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.doyorg.wpenginepowered.com/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.
- Personnel Reports and Catechetical Reports Are Past Due But Still Requested! As is the 2026 Contact Form – Current parish ministers are asked to complete and return the personnel lists for all catechetical and pastoral ministers as well as the program report as soon as possible.
- NEW: Confirmation Retreat opportunities on January 30 and February 13 – Two retreat opportunities for parish groups preparing youth for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be available with the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
- 2026 Advent Retreat Day for Parish Ministers – December 2 – 2026 Advent Retreat Day for parish ministers and leaders to be held December 2. Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
- Let us Pray for Persons With Disabilities, including Mental Illness, and their families – Parishes are encouraged to utilize these to add to the Universal Prayers at weekend Masses, and prayer groups are encouraged to utilize these at meetings/gatherings to pray for persons facing challenges or accommodation needs due to disabilities.
- Lifelong Learning: New Courses For Adults starting in January – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith and learn more about our Catholic Church. There are courses offered online and in-person.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- Prayer Intentions for Pastoral Ministers at Parishes – Prayers of petition for lay ecclesial ministers. Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial includes Advent Resources, browse in person or online – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for bible study, devotionals, faith formation and prayer.
- SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS (Bulletin Materials) – The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for adults will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Columba Cathedral.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- Safe Environment Compliance Reminder for Music Ministers – No child, young person, or vulnerable adult is permitted to interact with a music minister that is not safe environment compliant.
- Ministry Day Rescheduled to February 20, 2027 – Ministry Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield
- 2026-2027 DOY Catholic Schools Calendar Available – The Office of Catholic Schools has published the calendar for the 2026-2027 school year.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
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.
- 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:
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.
- October 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/july2024sharedoy
- November 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/nov2024sharedoy
- December 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/dec2024sharedoy
