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 Re-entry 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 at www.ccdoy.org.
Catechumens from across the diocese came to the cathedral for the Rite of Election on February 22. This year, 282 men, women and children from 44 parishes became members of the Catholic Church at Easter. Of those, 43 received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at their parish’s Easter Vigil, and 139 who had already been baptized in other Christian traditions made a profession of faith and received the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. This year represents an increase of more than 90 people compared to 2025.
EAGLE OF THE CROSS RECIPIENTS
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment presented Eagle of the Cross Awards to teens in the six counties of the Diocese of Youngstown who model Christian discipleship and exemplify the qualities of moral integrity, prayer, good works and Christian leadership in their school and parish communities. The awards will be presented in a ceremony on April 28. Afterward, see photos from the ceremony online at www.catholicecho.org.
SEMINARIAN SUPPORT
On Good Shepherd Sunday, April 26, 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 www.doy.org/vocations/seminarians/ for more information or to donate.
