Decree | February 19, 2026
Bishop Bonnar decrees that all the schools and parish religious education programs in the Diocese of Youngstown shall adopt and implement the VIRTUS Empowering God’s Children® annual training program for all children and young people, effective immediately.
La enseñanza de los límites y la seguridad—Empoderamiento de los Hijos de Dios®
La Diócesis de Youngstown está implementando el programa Proteger a los Hijos de Dios(TM) en todas sus parroquias y escuelas para educar a niños y jóvenes sobre los límites y la seguridad. Se invita a los padres y tutores a participar activamente utilizando estos recursos.
Empowering God’s Children®: Teaching Safety & Boundaries
The Diocese of Youngstown is implementing the Empowering God’s Children program across all parishes & schools to educate children and young people on boundaries and safety. Parents and guardians are invited to take an active role by using these resources.
Safe Environment Brochures | Folletos de Ambiente Seguro
Brochures on reporting abuse or neglect now available to download in English and Spanish. For print copies, contact Dominic Colucy at 330-744-8451 x293 or dcolucy@youngstowndiocese.org.
Wear Blue for Child Abuse Prevention
Ohioans are encouraged to “Wear Blue” on the second Wednesday in April to support child abuse prevention. All are welcome to 12:10pm Mass at St. Columba Cathedral.
April: Child Abuse Prevention Month (Bulletin Materials)
All Catholic parishes, schools, and families are encouraged to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Here are some resources to support your prayerful participation.
Colucy, Dominic
Vice-Chancellor dcolucy@youngstowndiocese.org 144 W Wood St, Youngstown, OH 44503 (330) 744-8451; ext. 293 Assignments: Director, Office of Safe Environment Victim Assistance Coordinator Director, Diocesan Office of Missions
Safe Environment: Updated Background Check Requirements
The Safe Envrionment Office and the Office of Catholic Schools have updated requirements for background checks for school employees.
Acknowledge Revised and Amended Safe Environment Policy
Please review and acknowledge the new diocesan Safe Environment policies available for download in English and Spanish through your VIRTUS account. Visit VIRTUS to log in and complete the acknowledgement. For assistance, contact Dominic Colucy at dcolucy@youngstowndiocese.org or visit the Safe Environment Page.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
All Catholic parishes, schools, and families are encouraged to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. These resources can support your prayerful participation.
