Dinner to follow Mass; deadline to RSVP for the event is October 10
NEWS RELEASE
October 1, 2026
Contact: Ralph Holtzhauser, Diocesan Director of Music and Cathedral Musician, rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org, or (330) 744-8451, ext. 212
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – All parish directors, musicians, and anyone involved in liturgical music within the Diocese of Youngstown are invited to come to the third annual Gold Mass, taking place on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Saint Columba Cathedral at 154 West Wood Street in Youngstown. A concert featuring choral and instrumental music will begin at 3:45 P.M. The Mass takes place at 5:00 P.M. and a complimentary dinner follows the Mass for all musicians in attendance.
If you are interested in participating in the concert before the Mass, singing or playing for Mass, or need any additional information, you’re asked to contact Youngstown Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org, or (330) 744-8451, ext. 212. Additionally, please contact Ralph if you and your guests will be staying for the dinner afterwards so there can be an accurate head count.
About the event, Holtzhauser says, “I’m ecstatic that the Cathedral will be hosting the Diocesan Gold Mass for the fourth year! The Gold Mass is in dedication and celebration of all diocesan musicians, no matter what level or experience they have. After 28 years of playing and directing liturgical music in a variety of styles and in many different places, I understand just how much work that goes into every single Mass and liturgical celebration. There are many times when musicians are working well beyond the “normal office hours,” making this a truly dedicated and special ministry. One of my goals since assuming the role of Diocesan Music Director has been to support and uplift musicians across the diocese. I can think of no better way than to honor our musicians’ talent and dedication to the Church than through powerful liturgical music. This year, we will be having the Gold Mass on the Solemnity of All Saints, making this an even more important and special occasion.”
In other music ministry news, the Diocese of Youngstown is bringing back the Cecilia Project for the 2026-2027 church year. The project was developed in response to a growing concern to encourage, recruit, train and empower qualified people to become pastoral musicians in our parishes.
Regarding the concert series at the Cathedral, the Youngstown Community Concert Band, featuring over 80 members, will be making their debut at St. Columba Cathedral on Friday December 18th at 7 P.M. under the direction of Todd Maki. This concert will feature Christmas classics in colorful arrangements of sacred music in a stunning sacred space. This will be the first of the yearly concerts, and might feature a surprise artist or two!
Finally, the Diocese of Youngstown 2027 Organ Concert Series kicks off on January 15th at 6:30 P.M. at St. Columba Cathedral. This series has garnered the attention of artists both nationally and internationally and continues to gain traction in the liturgical and organ world. There are six performances starting monthly in January. The concerts are free of charge but a suggested donation of $10 will help this self-sustained series. The series ends June 25th with a performance by world famous organist and CIM Professor, Todd Wilson.
Photo: Choir at St. Columba Cathedral directed by Ralph Holtzhauser at Gold Mass, Credit: Brian Keith
