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.
Resources:
Liturgical Directory
The Cecilia Project Brochure
Announcements
Chrism Mass-March 26th at 10:30am: The Cathedral of St. Columba
Calling all parish music directors and respective choir members to join the diocesan choir for the Chrism Mass. Please email Ralph Holtzhauser, Diocesan Music Director, at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org!
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!
Parish Music Events in March 2024 (Bulletin Materials)
Music events include Emmet Cahill at the Cathedral on March 14, Cathedral Organ Recital Series on March 22 at 7pm, and Tenebrae service on March 24 at 7pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – St. James Church.
Pueri Cantores Children’s Choir Festival-March 16th: The Cathedral of St. Paul in Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Catholic Youth Choral Festival & Mass for singers in grades 4-12 will be taking place on March 16, 2024 at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh. Please contact Ralph Holtzhauser if your child is interested in participating.
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.
Confirmation of Baptized Catholics at the Easter Vigil
If there are persons who are baptized Catholic and completing their initiation at the Easter Vigil, the pastor must request permission of Bishop David J. Bonnar to confirm them.
Easter Vigil – March 30, 2024
The Easter Vigil will be on Saturday, March 30, 2024. In the Diocese of Youngstown, the Easter Vigil is not to begin before 8:00 p.m.
Celebrating the Paschal Triduum (Multiple Parishes/Locations)
The Office of Worship has produced guidance and directives for the celebration of the Paschal Triduum in the circumstance of merged parishes; parishes with multiple worship sites; multiple parishes served by a single pastor.
The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Due to the timing of Holy Week, the Annunciation is transferred to Monday of the Second Week of Easter, in this case, April 8, 2024.
Chrism Mass – March 26, 2024
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Columba Cathedral. All clergy are invited to concelebrate and parishes are welcomed to send delegations of 5-7 people.
Saint Patrick’s Day – Sunday, March 17, 2024
Please note that Saint Patrick’s Day falls on Sunday, March 17, 2024, this year. The Fifth Sunday of Lent is to be celebrated on this day at Mass.
Lenten Regulations
All are encouraged to participate in the traditional Lenten practice of prayer, sacrifice, and almsgiving.