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.
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocese of Youngstown will be participating in the Church at Home Combined Collection the weekend of June 6/7, 2026. This important collection supports the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, USCCB Catholic Communications Campaign, and The Catholic University of America/Newman Apostolate.
- Parish and Shrine Events for Jubilee Year of St. Francis – Celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis with us! Franciscan religious communities and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Diocese of Youngstown are planning opportunities to fall more deeply in love with God through Franciscan spiritual practices.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – As the school year ends, make sure all those serving in ministry Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- FREE Conference on Disabilities and Mental Health with NCPD – Available in English or Spanish: Free two-day workshop, “Disability Ministry Training,” offered May 7 & 8 in Brunswick, Ohio for free by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. Register by 4/29.
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)**
- 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.
- 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 (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.
- Christmas In July – Join Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, for our “Christmas in July”. Your contributions provide vital winter assistance for families and older adults across our diocese.
- CHURCH AT HOME COMBINED COLLECTION (Bulletin Materials) – The Diocese of Youngstown will be participating in the Church at Home Combined Collection the weekend of June 6/7, 2026. This important collection supports the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, USCCB Catholic Communications Campaign, and The Catholic University of America/Newman Apostolate.
- Voice of Hope Dinner – Get Your Ticket Today! – 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.
- Women Fore Women: July 13, 2026 – 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.
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.
- 18 Teens to Receive “Eagle of the Cross” Award from Diocese of Youngstown – The annual award is given to juniors and seniors in the DOY since 1999
- 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) **
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.
- Wineskins Schedule: April & May 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.
- Diocese Announces Closing Masses for St. Brendan, St. Matthias & St. Joseph Churches – Saint Brendan Church (2800 Oakwood Ave, Youngstown) on Monday May 4, 5:00 p.m.; Saint Matthias Church (915 Cornell St, Youngstown) on Monday May 18, 5:00 p.m.; Saint Joseph Church (3312 Lake Ave, Ashtabula) on Thursday June 18, 6:30 p.m
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – As the school year ends, make sure all those serving in ministry Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
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! Clergy Ongoing Formation and Fellowship Events in 2026 – Ongoing Education & Formation: 4/24 Virtual event on imigration; 5/20 5pm Priest Anniversary Celebration.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – As the school year ends, make sure all those serving in ministry Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- Praise and Worship Nights for Vocations – Join us as we pray for an increase in vocations. For more information contact Fr. William Wainio in the Office of Church Vocations, wwainio@youngstowndiocese.org.
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: 76%! – Fr. John-Michael Lavelle emails updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
- Apr-June 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.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.
- Let us Pray for Persons With Disabilities including those with mental illness – Parishes are encouraged to utilize these to add to the Universal Prayers at weekend Masses, and prayer groups are encouraged to also utilize these at meetings/gatherings to pray for persons facing challenges or accommodation needs due to disabilities.
- Lifelong Learning: New Courses For Adults beginning late April through summer 2026 – 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.
- 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.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – As the school year ends, make sure all those serving in ministry Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- FREE Conference on Disabilities and Mental Health with NCPD – Available in English or Spanish: Free two-day workshop, “Disability Ministry Training,” offered May 7 & 8 in Brunswick, Ohio for free by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. Register by 4/29.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – As the school year ends, make sure all those serving in ministry Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series – 2026 Dates (Bulletin Materials) – We are glad to feature some incredible artistry from around the diocese and beyond who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – As the school year ends, make sure all those serving in ministry Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- Upcoming Parish Music Events (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at: the 2026 Cathedral Concert Series; 3/29 Tenebrae Service at Blessed Sacrament Church, St Teresa of Calcutta Parish (Warren); 5/30 St. Columba Cathedral Festival Orchestra Concert
- Dinner & Dialogue Events for Musicians | National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM) Youngstown Chapter – NPM Youngstown chapter is invites musicians to Dinner and Dialogue events: 5/9 at Pondi’s (Lisbon) at 7pm. 6/1 Taize Prayer Service at Regina Coeli Church (Alliance) at 6pm. Youngstown is a temporary chapter of the National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM). Contact Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series – 2026 Dates (Bulletin Materials) – We are glad to feature some incredible artistry from around the diocese and beyond who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
- Sister Mary McCormick Named Interim President of Ursuline High School – Sister Mary is a former instructor and graduate of Ursuline High School
- Dr. Lisa Baylor Named New Principal of Regina Coeli Catholic School – Dr. Baylor previously taught at Regina Coeli, Walsh University and Walsh Jesuit
- Reverend Richard Murphy to Retire as President of Ursuline High School – Father Murphy has served his alma mater as president for the past 14 years
- Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17 – As the school year ends, make sure all those serving in ministry Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
- 18 Teens to Receive “Eagle of the Cross” Award from Diocese of Youngstown – The annual award is given to juniors and seniors in the DOY since 1999
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:
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
