We, as Catholics, are many things.
“We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!” said Saint Augustine of Hippo. Indeed, Easter is the capstone of the liturgical year—an event we look forward to throughout each preceding season. Regardless of the season, we get a small taste of Easter when we gather around the holy table at Mass, and as such, Easter and food and tradition are at the core of who we are.
The Diocese of Youngstown was founded in 1943, and at that time, many cultures from all over the world had already settled here and built communities around their churches. Language was an important reason for this—sure, there may be another church in your area, but why attend one that does not speak your native tongue?—but so was cultural tradition. Over time, as the country truly became a melting pot, language became less important, and traditions began crossing cultural borders. So even though, in some cases, physical church buildings may no longer be the focus of a community, the people and traditions remain—and they are as strong as ever.
Whenever we plan content for an issue of The Catholic Echo, we’re looking for a mix of formative and informative content appealing to people in all counties of the diocese—“formative” meaning stories to help a reader grow in their faith or in their understanding of Catholicism. When my writer submitted a story that was more than 5,000 words for this issue, I sighed inwardly, knowing I’d either need to cut about 2,500 words from it or place half of it online, to make room for our usual second feature story. Yet, when I read it, I realized it checks all the boxes. “Easter Tables of Northeastern Ohio” on page 14 delves into the who, what, when, where and why of many of the rich ethnic Easter traditions that are prevalent throughout our diocese. For this reason, we published Courtney’s story in full (and I even added to it!)—as the only feature story in this issue—and I encourage you to give it a read.
Other content you’ll find in this issue includes a story on the Seven Sisters Ministry—a group dedicated to praying for local clergy—on page 30. We have a column from Dominic Colucy, diocesan director of the Office of Safe Environment, for National Child Abuse Prevention Month (page 25). We also have a listing of events related to the Jubilee of Hope on page 2.
For May, we’ll be scrapping most of our standard content because we’re dedicating the entire magazine to Bishop-elect John Keehner—one of our own, who will be ordained and installed as the Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa on May 1. We couldn’t be prouder!
But until then, on behalf of the Catholic Echo staff, I’d like to wish you and yours a very “Happy Easter!” He is risen, Alleluia!
Katie Wagner
