SECOND CHANCE MONTH
April has been declared “Second Chance Month,” a month-long recognition of the critical work of the communities, agencies and individuals who assist formerly incarcerated citizens and help them to reintegrate into society after they have been released. Second Chance Month is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the many difficulties those who are seeking a second chance at life face and to learn what we as members of the community can do to help.
Visit www.drc.ohio.gov to find a local Citizens’ Circle or your local Reentry Coalition and become involved directly in supporting second chances. The diocese also provides ministry opportunities to individuals both in and out of the system. To learn more about volunteering for diocesan Prison and Jail Ministry, visit the website for the Office of Peace and Justice for Catholic Charities at www.ccdoy.org.
MOONEY DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
Congratulations to Cardinal Mooney High School’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awardees: Robert W. Clark, Class of ’84, the president of public safety for the Housing Authority of Philadelphia; and Dr. Chrisanne Gordon, Class of ’71, an expert on treating traumatic brain injury who focuses her work on military veterans. They will be honored at a ceremony at 11 a.m. at Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown on April 10. For more information, visit www.cardinalmooney.com.
EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
The diocese still has a limited number of tickets available to attend the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis from July 17 to 21. Speakers at the congress will include Bishop Robert Barron, Father Mike Schmitz (Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year podcasts), Sister Miriam James Heidland (author and podcast host), Gloria Purvis (Catholic author and commentator), Father Josh Johnson (Ask Father Josh podcast), Cardinal Christophe Pierre (Apostolic Nuncio) and more. Diocesan tickets include a five-day pass to the NEC and hotel accommodations. For more information, email mhouy@youngstowndiocese.org.
SEMINARIAN SUPPORT
On Good Shepherd Sunday, April 21, all parishes in the diocese will be taking a second collection to support our diocesan seminarians. The number of diocesan seminarians has grown in recent years, and they need your support for theological training and educational expenses. Visit their website for more information or to donate.
You can also support our seminarians by attending the Youngstown Vocations Support Society fundraising dinner on April 14 at 2 p.m. at Full Circle Event Center (319 Goldie Road, Youngstown). The event begins with a reception, which includes raffles and a 50/50 drawing, followed by a performance from Rod Coonce & Company at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25. Call 330-207-3594.
