Catechetical Sunday
“The spirit of the Lord is upon me … to bring good news to the poor” is the theme for the 2026 Catechetical Sunday, observed on September 20. All parishes in the United States will recognize the Ministry of the Word and those who have dedicated themselves to passing on the faith. Some parishes may mark this event with a commissioning of catechists—including catechists of children in the parish faith formation and the school and facilitators of OCIA, Bible studies and other small faith sharing groups—during the Sunday liturgies. Parishes may also have a blessing for parents since they are the first catechists of their children. Check your parish’s bulletin for more details.
The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo Magazine earned 10 Catholic Media Awards at the 2026 Catholic Media Conference. Bishop David Bonnar won second place in Best Regular Column, Bishop’s Column in a Diocesan Magazine, “Walking by Faith Together” (page 2), and third place in Best Diocesan Pastoral Message for Take Heart! Do Not Lose Heart! Behold the Sacred Heart! with graphic design by Michael Houy, social media and development specialist. The letter is also available in Spanish and audiobook formats. The diocesan communications department took home first place honors for Best Video – Personality Profile for “Remembering Monsignor James Kolp on the 75th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood” by Dennis Biviano, diocesan public relations and media specialist. Other awards for The Catholic Echo and Diocese of Youngstown team include: Third Place, Best Guest Column/Commentary, “All About Lent,” by Father J. Patrick Manning; Third Place, Best Regular Column – Art, Leisure, Culture and Food, “The Catholic Kitchen,” by The Catholic Echo staff; and five honorable mentions. Pictured above are diocesan communications specialist Robert Gavalier, communications & social concerns director Meagen Farrell and public relations and media specialist Dennis Biviano.
Lifelong learning
The diocese offers adult faith formation opportunities to any adult who belongs to a diocesan parish. A new lineup of courses, both for core hours and general hours, is available for the fall season. Please visit Catechist Cafe, https://catechistcafe.weebly.com/catechist-courses.html for details on these classes, to see additional courses and to learn how to enroll. Contact Margie Hynes at 330-744-8451 ext. 296 or mhynes@youngstowndiocese.org with any questions.
Our four diocesan cemeteries—Calvary in Youngstown, Resurrection in Austintown, Calvary in Massillon and All Souls in Cortland—offer monthly events. First, you can pray the Rosary on the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. in the chapels of any of the four diocesan cemeteries. Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services also offers the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer Service in the chapels of the cemeteries at 3 p.m. every Friday at alternating locations. Visit www.doy.org/cemeteries/ to learn more. Photo credit: Jimmy Joe Savage
ARISE 2026
The annual diocesan ARISE festival for young adults will be at St. Joseph Church (St. John Neumann Parish) in Mogadore on September 12. It is the largest, fastest-growing event of the year for diocesan faithful ages 18 to 39. The day-long gathering includes inspiring speakers, a small group discussion, reflection, worship, live music, a catered dinner, meaningful fellowship through outdoor games and activities, Eucharistic Adoration and Mass with Bishop Bonnar. Tickets are $60, with a $10 discount if you register before September 1. Email Father Will Wainio with questions at wwainio@youngstowndiocese.org.
Chefs for Charity
Catholic Charities Regional Agency is hosting its annual Chefs for Charity event on Thursday, September 17, at 5 p.m. at St. Demetrios Community Center in Warren. All are welcome at this event featuring signature dishes from dozens of local area restaurants. The event also includes live music, a cash bar and a large basket raffle, in addition to a 50/50 and other games. Call 330-744-3320 or visit www.ccdoy.org to purchase your ticket.
Couples celebrating 25, 40, 50 or more years of marriage in 2026 are welcome to register for the Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Celebration, including Mass and a reception, at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Canton on October 25 at 2 p.m. Call 330-744-8451×252 to RSVP or for more information. Photo credit: Ed Hall Jr.
Community resource guide
Catholic Charities Diocese of Youngstown recently released an updated Community Resource Guide to help connect individuals and families with essential services and support. The online guide, which is constantly being updated, is available at https://www.ccdoy.org/resource-guide/, but printed copies are available for pick-up at Diocesan Central Offices in Youngstown or at any Catholic Charities location. Call 330-744-8451 with questions.
