Office of Worship
The Office of Worship exists to enable the People of God in the Diocese of Youngstown to better celebrate the presence of Christ in worship and sacraments. The office serves as a resource to parishes and parish liturgy committees. Assistance is offered through phone consultation, printed resources, parish visits and workshops. The office also plans and coordinates diocesan liturgical celebrations such as ordination ceremonies, the Rite of Election, Holy Week services, Easter and Christmas celebrations and other special liturgies at St. Columba Cathedral.
The Diocesan Liturgical Commission is a consultative body whose purpose is to offer advice and recommendations to the diocesan bishop in liturgical matters within the diocese. The Commission assists the director of the Office of Worship in the implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Announcements
Upcoming Parish Music Events (Bulletin Materials)
Join us for live music events at: Astralis Chamber Ensemble: 9/17 at 6:30pm at St. Blaise Parish, St. Joseph Church (Austintown).
Register by September 1 for Leader of Prayer Formation Series
Leader of Prayer Formation Series begins at Immaculate Conception Church, Ravenna, Wednesday evenings 9/17/25-11/12/25, 7–9 p.m. Registration deadline is September 1, 2025.
Parishes to Celebrate Enthronement of the Sacred Heart on September 28
Bishop Bonnar provides resources to encourage greater devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: “On Sunday, September 28, 2025, we as a diocese will celebrate an enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in every church.” Additional details have been sent directly to parishes about this special liturgy.
New Ritual Book – The Order of the Anointing of the Sick and of Their Pastoral Care – Revised Edition
A timeline of implementation has been announced by the USCCB along with publishers who will be offering the new ritual book. The book is currently available for pre-order and may be shipped beginning January 1, 2026.
Low Gluten Hosts
It is important for pastors to make every effort to accommodate the experience of Holy Communion for the faithful, including those suffering from celiac disease.
New Mass Texts for September 5 – Optional Memorial for Saint Teresa of Calcutta
The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, by a decree issued June 24, 2025, has confirmed the English and Spanish translations of the Collect and suggested Lectionary readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Teresa of Calcutta on September 5th.
Resources
Cathedral Organ Concert Series (Bulletin Materials)
Look to announcements soon about the next group of talented musicians who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
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.
2025 OCP Parish Grants
OCP offers parish grants yearly for the promotion and enhancement of parish music programs. Applications for 2025 OCP Parish Grants were accepted through May 30, 2025.
Planning Parish Music Events?
If your parish is having any upcoming musical events you’d like to send out, please email Ralph Holtzhauser, Diocesan Music Director, at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org!
Cecilia Project
The Cecilia Project is a unique opportunity to identify young potential musicians in our parishes and schools and offer them the advantage of furthering their musical education and talent at no cost.
New Ritual Book – Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside of Mass
Deacons, Diocesan Pastoral Associates, and Lay Leaders of Prayer should familiarize themselves with the new “The Order of Distributing Holy Communion Outside of Mass” with implementation of the new service no later than December 1, 2024.
Liturgical Directory
The Liturgical Directory contains valuable information about Liturgy Committees; liturgical minister formation guidelines; guidelines for the celebration of sacraments; music in liturgical celebrations; and art and architecture directives.
