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):
- September Communique Attachments Folder (contains printable version, text-only version, images & flyers): https://bit.ly/sept2024comm
- 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.
- September 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/sept2024sharedoy
- October 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/oct2024sharedoy
- November 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/nov2024sharedoy
Quote of the Month
“Jesus often turns to agricultural images like seeds, grains of wheat, vines, branches, trees, fruit, fish, the ‘fatted calf,’ and shepherds and sheep to preach the Gospel. Perhaps it was His way of underlining the importance of growth in the realm of faith”.
–Bishop David J. Bonnar, “We are all farmers” in The Catholic Echo, June 2024 Magazine
Photo: Mass at the Columbiana County Fair, August 4, 2024 by Brian Keith.
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/sept2024comm
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.
- The Score: Talking sports with Bishop David Bonnar – July 9, 2025 on “The Score” on WFMJ, Dana Balash interviewed Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar about sports, including his favorite teams and players, as well as his experience as the Chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- DOY County Celebrations for the Jubilee of Hope (Bulletin Materials) – The celebrations take place across all six counties. The next events will be: Stark County on August 10th, 10am Mass at Sancta Clara Monastery (Canton); Portage County on August 14th, 7pm Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto (Mogadore).
- Bishop David J. Bonnar Releases Third Pastoral Letter – The letter is entitled: “Take Heart! Do Not Lose Heart! Behold the Sacred Heart!” It provides prayerful reflections and resources in preparation for an enthronement of the Sacred of Jesus to take place in every church on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- Has your parish ever published a recipe book? – Welcome to Jason Long, our new Processing Archivist. Welcome back to Seminarian Daniel Lapolla. The Archives Office would be grateful to preserve recipe books and booklets in our collections.
- Bishop David J. Bonnar Releases Third Pastoral Letter – The letter is entitled: “Take Heart! Do Not Lose Heart! Behold the Sacred Heart!” It provides prayerful reflections and resources in preparation for an enthronement of the Sacred of Jesus to take place in every church on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
- Catholic Mass Opportunities at Five Remaining County Fairs This Summer – The Masses take place in Mahoning, Columbiana, Ashtabula, Portage and Stark Counties
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
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Ecumenical Study Day on September 22 (Bulletin Materials)**
All are invited to a milestone Lutheran-Catholic Study Day on September 22, 2024, hosted at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Streetsboro, Ohio, from 2:30-7:00 p.m.
Pre-registration is required. Find out more at: https://doy.org/lcc
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Masses at County Fairs on September 1st (Bulletin Materials)**
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
25th, 40th, 50th and over Wedding Anniversary Celebration (Bulletin Materials)**
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, honoring couples observing their 25th, 40th, 50th, and over wedding anniversaries in 2024. You must make advanced reservations for this event by contacting your parish office and obtaining your pastor’s signature before September 23rd.
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.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Save the Date: Faith and Family Festival ’25! – Diocese of Youngstown to host a signature event that celebrates the beauty of the Catholic faith, the strength of families, and the unity of our diocesan community.
- 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.
- Community Cupboard Campaign – Help Catholic Charities collect hygiene, cleaning, and paper products for neighbors in need. Items can’t be purchased with SNAP. Drop off donations or shop our Amazon Wish List.
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County 2nd Annual Bocce Tournament (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County announces 2nd Annual Bocce Tournament on August 30, 2025.
- Seeking Volunteers (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County seeks Volunteers for office assistance.
- Save the Date! CHEFS FOR CHARITY ’25 – Catholic Charities Regional Agency announces CHEFS FOR CHARITY ’25!
- URGENT REQUEST – Personal Care Items – Catholic Charities Urgently Seeks Donations to Help Those in Need.
- URGENT REQUEST – Food Support Needed! – Catholic Charities Urgently Seeks Donations to Help Those in Need.
- New Opportunity – Seeking Fundraising Committee Members (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is seeking a small but powerful team of fundraising committee members.
- New Program Announcement: Lifting Moms Out of Poverty (LMOP) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties announces new pilot program.
- Care for Creation Action Plan Webinar Series (Bulletin Materials) – Join R.J. Mangan on August 27th, 2025, 6:00-7:00 p.m. for a webinar to discuss how parishes can care for creation in our diocese.
- Diocese of Youngstown Releases “Care for Creation” Action Plan – The plan is based on the late Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ & Laudate Deum
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/sept2024comm
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
CCRA: Chefs for Charity on September 26 (Bulletin Materials)**
An evening with local chefs to support programs that help stabilize housing and fight homelessness. Enjoy delicious tastings from 23 participating restaurants, cash bar, raffles, entertainment and more!
Thursday, September 26, 2024
5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Eastwood Event Centre, Niles, Ohio
Join our host Bishop David J. Bonnar in support of Catholic Charities Regional Agency, serving Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Visit ccdoy.org/chefs-for-charity/ for tickets ($75 each) or sponsorship opportunities. Call 330-744-3320 for more information.
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
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.
- 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.
- ARISE 2025 – It’s Not Too Late to Register! – ARISE is an opportunity for young adults (ages 18-39) across the diocese to experience authentic community, delve deeper into their faith, and become empowered to go into the world to spread the Gospel message. Questions? Contact Maddie Francisco at mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth & Young Adult Ministry Events in 2025 – 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!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Theology on Tap is BACK! (Bulletin Materials) **
SAVE THE DATES:
- September 10, 2024
- October 8, 2024
- November 12, 2024
- December 10, 2024
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.
- Catholic Echo October Issue – Celebrating Parish Anniversaries & Jubilees – If your parish is celebrating a significant anniversary in 2025, please contact Andrea Taddei at ataddei@youngstowndiocese.org by August 11th. You can also take out an ad by August 22nd to celebrate a retirement or jubilee for a parish priest, deacon, or member of a religious order.
- 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.
- 2025 Mass Intentions for “Our Sunday Mass” filmed at St. Columba Cathedral – “Our Sunday Mass” filmed at St. Columba Cathedral airs online every Saturday at 4 PM EST. Join us in prayer for these Mass intentions.
- The Score: Talking sports with Bishop David Bonnar – July 9, 2025 on “The Score” on WFMJ, Dana Balash interviewed Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar about sports, including his favorite teams and players, as well as his experience as the Chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: July & August 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: July & August 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.
- Wineskins Radio Program (Bulletin Materials) -NEW WEBSITE – Wineskins is now available as a podcast! Wineskins airs on local radio stations every Sunday.
- Communications Webinars & Recordings: How to spot fake Catholic content online on 8/5/25 – On 8/5 at Noon, the makers of Catholic Social Media are hosting a special webinar to share the tools and strategies you need to protect your schools and parishes from fake AI-generated content and malicious actors.
- Guarding Against Phishing Attacks -NEW – If you receive an email that is an invitation for an event or offering to share a file/folder with you and it is not something that you were 100% expecting do not click on any link provided.
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
- Diocesan Directory Updates – 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
Mass Finder Seasonal Updates
Thank you for helping facilitate worship of Lord Jesus, worthy of all praise. We have launched a Mass Finder on doy.org to help Mass goers show up at the right place & time. If you change your Mass times, please notify us whenever you update your bulletin! You can notify us of changes at any time by using this form: https://forms.gle/GFX45J5cZt9CuRoQA or by contacting Meagen Farrell, Communications Manager at communications@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451 x275.
Clergy and Religious Services
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- SAVE THE DATES! Priest Events in 2025 – The Priest Convocation on September 8 – 11, 2025 is titled “Pilgrims of Hope—Hope does not disappoint… let us be drawn to this hope!” This year’s event will include an Ordination Anniversary and Retirement Celebration and Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
- July & August 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.
- Pastoral Internship Year – Bishop Bonnar has assigned Mr. Daniel LaPolla to a pastoral internship year beginning June 2025 with Rev. John-Michael Lavelle, Pastor of St. Michael Parish (Canfield).
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.
- Summer 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
Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales del Boletín)
It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.
Pastoral and Educational Services
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- For Parish Ministers: 2025 Day of Prayer and Preparation on August 28 – The 2025 Day of Prayer and Preparation for the new ministry year will take place at Little Flower Parish on Thursday, August 28.
- Lifelong Learning Courses (Bulletin Materials) – Updated – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. These courses are offered online and in person.
- UNIVERSAL PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL FOR LAY ECCLESIAL MINISTRY – updated, Bulletin Materials – Parishes and prayer groups are encouraged to pray for vocations to lay ministry.
- 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.
- Upcoming Parish Music Events (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at the Cathedral of Saint Columba and Corpus Christi Parish (Conneaut).
- 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.
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.
- Cemetery Open House Week: June 9-13 (Bulletin Materials) – Please join us for our Cemetery Open House on June 9-13 from 9 am-4 pm at all four of the Diocesan Cemeteries. 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 All Souls Cemetery (Cortland) or Dinner and Discuss at Calvary Cemetery (Massillon) on June 18.
- 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 Funeral Liturgy (Bulletin Materials)
Join us on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 9am for service in our four cemetery chapels.
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.
- September 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/sept2024sharedoy
- October 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/july2024sharedoy
- November 2024 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/nov2024sharedoy
