Respect Life Month
October is an opportunity to reflect on how deeply the Sacred Heart of Jesus loves all God’s children. May we respond to the call to respect, defend and cherish those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life until its end.
Quote of the Month
“Our churches tell stories through stained glass, statues and scripture. As some of those items are no longer present in communities, it’s important to have a place [the planned Diocesan Archives Center] for collective storytelling. Not just for treasures like stained glass, but for the documents and records that show where we’ve been as we discern where we’re going.”
-Very Rev. John-Michael Lavelle, D.Min., diocesan Vicar of Missionary Discipleship and Curator of the Patrimony
Photo above: Bishop Bonnar, Chancellor Joan Lawson, and honored guests shovel dirt at the groundbreaking for the Diocesan Archives Center on September 15, 2025. Photo credit: Vince Taddei
See the full story by Vince Taddei at https://catholicecho.org/2025/09/17/preserving-the-past-building-the-future-diocese-breaks-ground-on-archives-center/
For more Catholic inspiration, connect with the Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Welcome to the Digital Communique!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
For full list of bulletin announcements, please download the Text Only Attachments
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.
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. Anyone with the link can view these folders. If you are employed at a DOY-affiliated parish, school or lay organization, you can request Editor access to upload publicity materials.
- October 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/oct2025sharedoy
- November 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/nov2025sharedoy
- December 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/dec2025sharedoy
Diocesan Events This Month
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NCYC
Events for November
21st
NCYC
Events for November
22nd
Retirement Fund for Religious
- Office of Clergy & Vowed Religious
NCYC
Events for November
23rd
NCYC
Events for November
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Events for November
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Events for November
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Events for November
27th
Thanksgiving | Offices & Library Closed
Events for November
28th
Thanksgiving | Offices & Library Closed
Events for November
29th
Events for November
30th
Events for December
3rd
Events for December
4th
Advent Retreat Day with Steve Angrisano: “Comfort and Joy”
Events for December
6th
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 (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.
- Religious Retirement Fund Collection (Bulletin Materials) – The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal and Collection will take place in most parishes on November 23/24, 2025.
- Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (Bulletin Materials) – The Triennial Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) will be held on November 8/9, 2025.
- 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.
- Pilgrim Days at Basilica of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel for the Jubilee of Hope (Bulletin Materials) – Join the devotions during pilgrim days at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Youngstown on November 13, Feast of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini; & December 8, 2025, Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
- DOY County Celebrations for the Jubilee of Hope (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).
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
JUBILEE 2025 EVENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & RESOURCES
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Marriage Preparation Retreat Days on October 25 (Bulletin Materials)
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
25th, 40th, 50th and over Wedding Anniversary Celebration in Canton on 10/26 (Bulletin Materials)
Registration forms with Pastor’s signature due to parishes by September 26th.
Visit doy.org/jobs to see a full listings of current openings. Click the category to view recent postings, and click the title to view details for each listing. Questions? Contact Matthew Hazi, Human Resources Director, at mhazi@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Financial Services Secretary (11/4/2025)
- Facilities Worker | Holy Family Parish (Navarre & Brewster) (10/21/2025)
- Music Director | St. Dominic Church (Youngstown) (9/15/2025)
- St. Jude, St. Patrick, Our Lady of Lourdes Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (8/12/2025)
- Bookkeeper & Human Resource Officer (PT) | Trumbull North Catholic Community (3/17/2025)
- Regional Youth Minister (FT) | Portage County South Parishes (7/18/2024)
- Facilities and Grounds Worker – Christ Our Savior Parish, Struthers (11/27/2023)
- Student Monitor/Educational Aide – St. Thomas Aquinas School, Louisville (11/17/2025)
- Head Track Coach- Ursuline High School, Youngstown (11/4/2025)
- 7th and 8th Grade Math Teacher – St. Thomas Aquinas School, Louisville (10/30/2025)
- Long Term English Substitute Teacher – Ursuline High School, Younstown (9/16/2025)
- Part Time (K-8) Music Teacher – St. Joseph the Provider Elementary School, Youngstown (10/3/2025)
- Grades 4/5 ELA and Social Studies Teacher – St. Peter Elementary School, Canton (10/3/2025)
- Permanent Substitute – St. Christine Elementary School, Youngstown (9/30/2025)
- 7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher – St. Thomas Aquinas School, Louisville (9/26/2025)
- 6-8 Science/Math Teacher – Holy Family Elementary School, Poland (9/15/2025)
- Physical Education Teacher – Ursuline High School, Youngstown (9/9/2025)
- Second Grade Teacher – St. Nicholas Elementary School, Struthers (9/3/2025)
- Art Teacher – St. James Elementary School, Waynesburg (8/20/2025)
- Music Teacher – St. James Elementary School, Waynesburg (8/20/2025)
- Physical Education Teacher – St. James Elementary School, Waynesburg (8/20/2025)
- Custodian – St. Paul Elementary School, Salem (8/19/2025)
- Middle School Math Teacher – St. Joseph Elementary School, Mogadore (8/19/2025)
- High School Intervention Specialist – Cardinal Mooney High School, Youngstown (8/5/2025)
- High School Math Teacher – St. Thomas Aquinas School, Louisville (8/5/2025)
- Prekindergarten Teacher (Full or Part Time) – ECLC @ St. Joseph, Austintown (7/24/2025)
- Middle School Math Teacher – St. Patrick Elementary School, Kent (7/15/2025)
- PRN / Part-Time Substitute Teacher | St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (Akron) (11/5/2025)
- Long-Term Sub (Physical Education) | St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (Akron) (11/5/2025)
- Head Coach – Football | St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (Akron) (11/5/2025)
- Financial Services Secretary (11/4/2025)
- Director of Faith Formation | St. Joseph Pillar of Families Parish (Shelby County, OH) (10/14/2025)
- Director of Liturgy, Worship and Music | St. Joseph Pillar of Families Parish (Shelby County, OH) (10/14/2025)
- Part-Time Digital Media Specialist | Holy Spirit Parish (Lawrence County, PA) (1/7/2025)
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 (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.
- Breakfast with the Bishop (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown to host Breakfast with the Bishop at Saint Michael Parish, Canfield
- 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.
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County – Men Who Cook – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County announces Men Who Cook ’26
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County HALO (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County invites you to attend the HALO Gala—Holiday Angels Loving Others. Support the children who will benefit from this event by visiting our Amazon Toys Wishlist today.
- URGENT REQUEST – Food Support Needed! – Catholic Charities Urgently Seeks Donations to Help Those in Need.
- URGENT PLEA – Winter Baby Items Needed (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties. Urgent plea for donations in Stark County!
- Social Hour with the Bishop (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark County to host 2nd Annual Social Hour with the Bishop.
- October is RESPECT LIFE MONTH (Bulletin Materials) – The Office of Peace and Justice promotes the themes of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the dignity of the human person, through education, advocacy, and prayer.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County
Lunch & Learn: Protecting Our Most Vulnerable Neighbors (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County
HALO Gala on Nov 8th (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown
Breakfast with the Bishop on 12/2 (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities Serving Stark & Portage Counties
Social Hour with the Bishop on 12/4 (Bulletin Materials)**
Office of Peace & Justice
October is Respect Life Month (Bulletin Materials)**
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.
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.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: October & November 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: October & November 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.
- 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.
- RSVP for Diocesan Communications Retreat on 11/18 – Catholic Communications Professionals in the Diocese of Youngstown are invited to a special day on November 18, 2025 at St. Columba Cathedral (Youngstown). Invites coming soon!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Wineskins & The Catholic Echo Podcast (Bulletin Materials)**
Learn more at catholicecho.org/podcast
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.
- Religious Retirement Fund Collection (Bulletin Materials) – The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal and Collection will take place in most parishes on November 23/24, 2025.
- 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).
- 2025-2026 Seminarians Posters & Prayer Cards Now Available – Our 2025-2026 Seminarian Posters & Prayer Cards have been delivered to all parishes in the diocese.
- 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 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.
- October & November 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.
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 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.
Annual Diocesan Appeal Updates
This information is also posted at www.doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Missions
World Mission Sunday, October 18/19 (Bulletin Materials)
Winter 2025 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.
- 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.
- (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.
- UPDATED: Advent Retreat Day with Steve Angrisano: “Comfort and Joy” – 2025 Advent Retreat Day for parish ministers and leaders, featuring Steve Angrisano, to be held December 4th in Aurora. Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 2025-2026 DOY Catholic Schools Calendar Available – The Office of Catholic Schools has published the calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is now on social media! Please give it a like and follow!
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.
- Oct 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/oct2025sharedoy
- Nov 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/nov2025sharedoy
- Dec 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/dec2025sharedoy
