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
Dinner & Dialogue Events for Musicians | National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM) Youngstown Chapter
NPM Youngstown chapter is invites musicians to Dinner and Dialogue events: 4/28 at 6:30pm Bann Thai (Alliance); Crow’s Nest (Ashtabula) 5/9 at 7pm. Youngstown is a temporary chapter of the National Association of Parish Musicians (NPM). Contact Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
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
Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and broadcast in Stark County on April 2.
The Light is On for You
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, parishes throughout the Diocese of Youngstown will participate in the annual “The Light is ON for you – An Evening of Reconciliation.”
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.
Resources
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.
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.
