Framed by Catholic social teaching and a renewed call to serve the most vulnerable, the Diocese of Youngstown’s first-ever Community Day of Hope unfolded Saturday as a sweeping collaboration of parishes, charities, health partners, schools and volunteers—a living expression, organizers say, of what Catholic outreach looks like at its best.
Held at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish (Blessed Sacrament Church), the event brought together free meals, medical screenings, legal assistance, hygiene kits, children’s activities and spiritual care. The gathering also marked the Church’s observance of the World Day of the Poor, celebrated Sunday during the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Bishop David Bonnar said the day’s mission reflects the heart of the Gospel.
“Matthew 25. That’s it,” Bishop Bonnar said. “This is the Gospel coming to life, and we’re proclaiming it together. My hope is that people walk away not only with meals and resources, but with a sense that they are loved and worthy of being loved.”
Bishop Bonnar, whose episcopal motto is “That all may be one,” said the event showed the power of unity.
“There’s a joy in seeing our agencies collaborating for a common cause,” he said. “We accompany people, we stand in solidarity with them, and we offer hope. And that work continues long after the Holy Doors close at the end of the Jubilee Year.”
Showcasing Catholics Serving the Community
For Rachel Hrbolich, director of Catholic Charities for the diocese, the timing was intentional.
“In celebrating the Jubilee of the Poor, we wanted to have an event that showcased Catholics serving the community,” Hrbolich said. “We invited partners like Mercy Health, St. Vincent de Paul and our Catholic Immigration Legal Services. It’s a resource day for families who may need the services we provide.”
Hrbolich said the response exceeded expectations.
Nearly 150 households registered online, and more than 500 meal reservations were placed. Volunteers expected to serve close to 600 meals, both onsite and takeout, prepared by diocesan deacons and the Knights of Columbus.
Months of planning—much of it led by Jennifer Lucarelli at Catholic Charities’ diocesan office—made the event possible, Hrbolich said.
“This is the first time we’ve ever done this, so we were a little nervous,” she said. “But it’s been so rewarding to see everything come together and to see so many people here today.”
Health Care Meets Community Need
Leigh Greene, director of community health for Mercy Health, said the event marked a rare gathering of every Catholic health and social service partner under one roof.
Mercy Health brought its mammography van, dental van and primary care van, offering no-cost screenings funded through the Mercy Health Foundation.
“This is all free of charge,” Greene said. “We want people to know what’s available to them and that Mercy Health is here to serve. It’s wonderful to see all of us come together to give back to the community.”
Catholic Schools as ‘Agents of Light’
Representing the diocese’s Catholic schools, Superintendent Dr. Steven Jones said participation reflects the system’s commitment to local communities.
“You always hope families will consider a Catholic education,” Jones said, “but more importantly, we want our schools to be an integral part of their communities—not separate from them.”
Jones said enrollment interest has risen in recent years and that the schools’ annual theme, “Pray for the Welfare of the City,” aligns directly with the event’s mission.
“We’re teaching students to be blessings beyond their campuses,” he said. “From working with nursing homes to supporting first responders, we want our kids to be agents of light.”
Parish Hospitality and Hands-On Service
For Father Christopher Cicero, pastor of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, hosting the event honors their patroness and deepens the parish’s relationship with the broader community.
“Mother Teresa set a high standard, but we strive to follow her example,” Father Cicero said. “We want to bring Christ’s presence to those in need. Events like this strengthen the bond between our parish and the community.”
Dozens of parishioners assisted with childcare, meal service, setup and hospitality.
Volunteers as Witnesses to Hope
Among the many volunteers was Darla Plant, campus minister at John F. Kennedy Catholic School in Warren, who served alongside student members of the school’s service club.
“Our motto is to serve others and rise,” Plant said. “It’s beautiful to see how gracious people are. Some older women needed help carrying items, and one expectant mother had eight meals to take home. That human touch matters.”
Plant said volunteers like Nicholas—a young parishioner helping carry supplies to cars—made a meaningful difference.
“People feel more comfortable when someone walks with them,” she said. “It makes everything better.”
‘An Amazing Start’
For Bishop Bonnar, Saturday’s turnout is just the beginning. He hopes the model can expand to other counties in the diocese, especially after the momentum of the Jubilee Year fades.
“There will always be need,” he said. “And we must always be present.”
As families left with meals, hygiene kits, household goods and warm conversations, organizers said the day offered something deeper than material assistance.
It offered hope—the very thing the Church celebrates this weekend, and the mission the Diocese of Youngstown says will continue long after the doors of the Jubilee close.
