SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County is seeking help with office tasks and upcoming fundraising events in Ashtabula, during regular office hours. This is an opportunity to give back to the community, meet new people and enjoy fellowship and fun while making an impact. Call 440-992-2121 or send an email to charities@youngstowndiocese.org.
PODCAST & RADIO UPDATE
Starting in May, The Catholic Echo Podcast will no longer be available on local radio stations. To continue listening, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform or visit catholicecho.org/podcast. This change will allow us to adapt our show to the flexible, conversational format that podcast listeners expect. See the upcoming schedule for The Catholic Echo Podcast at https://doy.org/the-catholic-echo-podcast-topics/.
The half-hour radio slot will instead air Our Sunday Mass from St. Columba Cathedral on Youngstown radio stations WHOT-FM 101, WYFM-FM 102.9 and WQXK-FM 105.1 Sundays at 6:30 a.m. This is an audio version of our popular half-hour video of Our Sunday Mass that premieres on Saturdays at 4 p.m. on our YouTube and Facebook channels and on Sundays at 6 a.m. on Youngstown TV Channel 21, WFMJ.
Homebound Catholics can sign up for a free Missalette mailed to their home to pray along with the Mass in spiritual communion. Viewers and listeners can also request Mass intentions. Free will offerings and patron donations are appreciated. Please visit doy.org/film-mass for more information.
This year, 20 teens received the Eagle of the Cross Awards at St. Columba Cathedral on April 28. The award, which is the highest honor the diocese bestows on our youth, was created by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) and introduced 27 years ago. It’s given each year to a group of extraordinary high school juniors and seniors who model Catholic-Christian leadership amongst their peers, dedication to the faith and moral integrity for the Church. Visit www.doy.org to read the full list of names and to learn more. Photo by Jimmy Joe Savage
COMMUNITY CUPBOARD CAMPAIGN1
Providing essential personal hygiene and cleaning products to families in need, the Catholic Charities Community Cupboard Campaign runs for one week, from July 14 to 20. The campaign focuses on goods that cannot be purchased with SNAP (food stamp benefits). If you are able, Catholic Charities encourages you to support this mission, either through prayer or by making donations of personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies to your local Catholic Charities agency. You may also purchase these items via Amazon or Dollar Days Wishlist, which will deliver the items directly to Catholic Charities’ offices. Visit www.ccdoy.org for more information.
FIRST STEP FOR CHANGE
Honoring the faith, humility and love it takes to raise a child, Catholic Charities’ First Step for Change Campaign assists low-income expectant parents and families with food, formula, clothing, diapers and other items essential to a child’s health, safety and well-being. Donations can be made online at www.ccdoy.org. Those seeking assistance from the program can pick up a packet at their parish (if it is participating) or email Jennifer Lucarelli at jlucarelli@youngstowndiocese.org.
WELCOME MATTHEW!
Matthew Hazi has been named the director of human resources for the diocese. Hazi spent the past 14 years working as HR director at Children’s Aid Society in Mercer, Pennsylvania. Hazi earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Additionally, the Mercer High School graduate earned a master’s certificate in HR from Villanova University.
Hazi is a native of Mercer and is married and has three children. As director of human resources, Hazi will provide development, oversight, support and advisement in human resources for the diocesan Central Services Offices. Learn more at www.doy.org.
The diocesan Office of Catholic Schools announced seven Golden Apple Award recipients this year. Pictured are the awardees, with Donahue Foundation representative William Donahue, superintendent Dr. Steven Jones and Bishop Bonnar. Standing (left to right): Renee Illa (St. Patrick Elementary School, Kent); Dan Mitchell (St. Joan of Arc Elementary School, Canton); Jamie Sklenar (John F. Kennedy School-Lower Campus, Warren); William Donahue; Dr. Steven Jones and Bishop Bonnar. Seated (left to right): Michele Vargo (St. Christine Elementary School, Youngstown); Cynthia Lindsey (St. Michael Elementary School, Canton); Alaina Chepke (St. Rose Elementary School, Girard) and Jane Vogel (St. Peter Elementary School, Canton). The award honors outstanding individuals who teach or are an administrator in Catholic schools. Visit www.doy.org to learn more. Photo by Joe Rudenic
