Communique | September 2024

Bishop David Bonnar elevates the sacred vessels below a line of quialts and folding chairs full of participants in the Columbiana County Fair
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):

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.

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.

OFFICE OF SAFE ENVIRONMENT
  • Acknowledge Revised and Amended Safe Environment Policy Please review and acknowledge the new diocesan Safe Environment policies available for download in English and Spanish through your VIRTUS account. Visit VIRTUS to log in and complete the acknowledgement. For assistance, contact Dominic Colucy at dcolucy@youngstowndiocese.org or visit the Safe Environment Page.
  • Reporting Child/Vulnerable Adult Abuse To report abuse or a violation of the Safe Environment Policy, contact Mr. Dominic Colucy, Safe Environment Coordinator at (office) 330-744-8451 x293 or (response line) 330-718-1388.
  • Safe Environment: Updating Information Procedures for Safe Environment Compliance Officers to add, move, inactivate or remove individuals at their location. Contact the Safe Environment Coordinator at dcolucy@youngstowndiocese.org.
  • Safe Environment: Compliance Requirements The Safe Envrionment compliance requirements for the Diocese of Youngstown include VIRTUS training, acknowledgment form (Appendix 9), and background checks.
  • Safe Environment: Who needs to be compliant? FAQ: Who needs to be compliant with Safe Environment policies and procedures in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown?
  • 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.
BISHOP'S OFFICE
ARCHIVES OFFICE
DISCIPLE MAKER INDEX
  • Catholic Leadership Institute Update All parishes will receive resources to develop their pastoral plans. This list of parishes have been selected to participate in either the intensive or virtual tracks with Catholic Leadership Institute.
HISPANIC MINISTRY
  • Mujeres Valientes Four women representing the Hispanic Ministry in our Diocese are taking classes at the University of Dayton as part of leaders training for the Mujeres Valientes program.
  • Fe y Vida Fe y Vida provides training for the Hispanic leaders that are working with families, youth and young adults.
EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL
  • Make a Personal Pilgrimage This Summer Make pilgrimage a part of your experience of the National Eucharistic Revival by planning a self-led personal pilgrimage in the next couple of months. The Catholic Echo lists divine destinations in driving distance of Northeast Ohio.
  • Adoration Under the Stars (Bulletin Materials) Join us for an evening of adoration, worship, prayer, reflection, grace, and healing on September 8, 7pm at St. Joan of Arc Parish (Streetsboro) as part of the ongoing Eucharistic Revival.
ECUMENICAL & INTERRELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
RURAL LIFE & MINISTRY

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)**

Details on County Fair Masses 

TRIBUNAL
  • Tribunal In-Service Available The Tribunal staff has made available an ongoing in-service for small groups of between 8-12 participants and generally runs approximately two hours. Interested parties should call the Tribunal at (330) 744-8451, ext. 252.
MARRIAGE & FAMILY SERVICES
  • 25th, 40th, 50th and over Wedding Anniversary Celebration (Bulletin Materials) Couples observing their 25th, 40th, 50th and over wedding anniversaries will be honored at a wedding anniversary celebration on October 27, 2024 at the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist in Downtown Canton. Reservations required through the parish.
  • ODJFS Seeks Foster Families In Ohio, nearly 15,000 children are living in out-of-home placement settings every day. Adoption and foster care can provide a stable, loving home. Learn how to help.

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.

OFFICE OF FINANCE
  • 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.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES, DIOCESE OF YOUNGSTOWN
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ASHTABULA COUNTY
CATHOLIC CHARITIES REGIONAL AGENCY
CATHOLIC CHARITIES SERVING PORTAGE AND STARK COUNTIES
OFFICE OF PEACE AND JUSTICE

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.

OFFICE OF YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

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.

THE CATHOLIC ECHO
  • Make a Personal Pilgrimage This Summer Make pilgrimage a part of your experience of the National Eucharistic Revival by planning a self-led personal pilgrimage in the next couple of months. The Catholic Echo lists divine destinations in driving distance of Northeast Ohio.
  • Call for Recipes! (Bulletin Materials) The Catholic Echo magazine would like to feature your favorite recipes in an upcoming print edition! All recipes are welcome.
MULTIMEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA

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.

OFFICE OF CLERGY SERVICES
OFFICE OF CHURCH VOCATIONS

PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY

Vocations Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs  (Bulletin Materials)**

Watch our social media for more updates.

Vocations Social Media

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.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN APPEAL
  • 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.”
  • Appeal Posts (Bulletin Materials)** Catholic Charities and Michael Houy worked together to come up with fifteen posts/inserts that provide short facts about Catholic Charities.
OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND STEWARDSHIP
OFFICE OF MISSIONS
  • World Mission Sunday on October 19/20 Together, through our prayers and financial support, we bring the Lord’s mercy and concrete help to the most vulnerable communities in the Pope’s missions.
  • Pontifical Mission Societies Podcast: Frontiers of Faith From discussions on the role of faith in global development to interviews with missionaries in the field, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, service, and social justice.
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.

OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION AND LAY ECCLESIAL MINISTRY
  • CATECHETICAL SUNDAY: SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 (Bulletin Materials) “Lord, When Did We See You Hungry?” is the theme for Catechetical Sunday, designated by USCCB as a particular day of recognition for all those who serve in the ministry of catechesis.
  • ANNUAL AUGUST GATHERINGS FOR RCIA TEAMS The Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments has confirmed the revised translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adult and the Ritual de la Iniciacion Cristiana de Adultos.
  • LIFELONG LEARNING All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. These courses are offered in-person or online. Upcoming courses include: Introduction to Scripture, Catholic Belief and Tradition, Catholics Engaging with Social Media, and Journeying Through Church History.
  • ORIENTATION FOR NEW AND NEWER PARISH MINISTERS The Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry offers orientation and support for new hires or appointed volunteers in leadership for Faith Formation.
  • Considering Preparation for Ministry as a Lay Person? If you have ever wondered about becoming prepared for a parish ministry position, please contact Barbara Walko for assistance in discerning academic and experiential qualifications with a possible path toward meaningful and life giving ministry.
  • Pastors Seeking Parish Ministers Pastors hoping to hire new or additional staff persons in the areas of adult faith formation, youth and young adult ministry, children and family formation, pastoral ministry, and other key areas of parish life are asked to contact Barbara Walko for assistance.
IN THE DIOCESAN LIBRARY
OFFICE OF PRO-LIFE, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE
  • Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life has moved! Services and announcements from the former Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life are now being handled by the offices of Canonical Services or Peace and Justice.
  • ODJFS Seeks Foster Families In Ohio, nearly 15,000 children are living in out-of-home placement settings every day. Adoption and foster care can provide a stable, loving home. Learn how to help.
OFFICE OF WORSHIP
WORSHIP: MUSIC
OFFICE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

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.

DIOCESAN CEMETERIES

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.

Download the information sheet for details and FAQs.

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.

Share To Social Media

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