Diocese of Youngstown Accepting Donations to Assist Catholic Relief Services in Emergency Relief Effort for Myanmar Cyclone Victims Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is supporting the emergency relief and response efforts of the Caritas Internationalis network in the most affected areas of Myanmar after Cyclone Nargis brought a deadly tidal surge across the low-lying coastal areas of the country on May 3. The latest reports of 22,000 dead, 41,000 missing and 100,000 homeless demonstrate dire conditions in which basic food, shelter and water are urgently needed. Assessments on the level of devastation are still underway as communications remain difficult and news trickles out of the country. Significant support is critical to ensure life-saving assistance reaches the most vulnerable people quickly. The Caritas network will coordinate with local and international agencies to determine how best to provide help where it is most needed. CRS, the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States, has supported long-term development programs and emergency relief efforts, including response to cyclones and severe natural disasters, in the Southeast Asia and Pacific region for more than 60 years. The agency provides assistance to people in more than 100 countries and territories based on need, regardless of race, nationality or creed. Donations may be sent to: Southeast Asia Natural Disaster, Catholic Charities/CRS Disasters Fund, Office of Social Action, 144 W. Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503. For more information contact Brian Corbin, Diocesan Director of Catholic Relief Services, at 330-744-8451 ext. 320, or write to charities@youngstowndiocese.org. Return to top Position Opening: Chief Financial Officer The Diocese of Youngstown is accepting applications for the full time position of Chief Financial Officer. To read the job posting click here. Return to top 2008 Parish Festivals Click here to view the current list of parish festivals. Return to top Three Workshops: New Immigrants in the Area Catholic Charities, in partnership with the Immigrant Worker Project, has concluded a demographic survey of new Latino immigrants to the Mahoning Valley area. These three workshops, held on May 19, June 11 and June 23, will analyze different aspects of the study, as well as hear from other experts in the Valley who work with new comers from other parts of the world. For more information, contact Brian Corbin at 330-744-8451 ext 320. Click here for the flier. Return to top April 15 – 20: Christ Our Hope: Apostolic Journey of Pope Benedict XVI to the United States For complete texts and videos of Pope Benedict XVI's Pastoral Visit to the United States visit the Papal Visit Website Return to top Diocesan Office of Development & Stewardship Launches New Website The Diocesan Office of Development and Stewardship has launched a new website DOYStewardship.org. Click on the above 2008 Bishop's Appeal Brochure to visit the Development & Stewardship website. Return to top First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Visit the First Friday Club Website for information on the monthly luncheon series. Return to top July 19-20: See You in Sidney (Ohio)! World Youth Day Event for High School Teens and Young Adults (18-30) Can’t make it to Sydney, Australia for World Youth Day? Come join other young Catholics from Ohio and Michigan at a local World Youth Day Event. Click here for more information and registration forms. Contact the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, 330–744-8451, for more information. Return to top Faithful Citizenship/Political Responsibility The Office of Social Action has established a web page to provide information on the USCCB Faithful Citizenship efforts and resources. Please visit this page for current information, links and resources on how you and your parish can best be engaged in Faithful Citizenship during this election year and in the years to come. Click here for the Faithful Citizenship bulletin insert. Return to top Youngstown Vocations Website The Diocesan Vocations Office has launched a website YoungstownVocations.org. Visit the Youngstown Vocations Website to learn more about a vocation to the Priesthood, Religious Life, or Permanent Diaconate. The website contains answers to your frequently asked questions, testimonials, current events, and much more. Click on the logo in the left-hand margin to visit the Youngstown Vocations Website. Return to top Getting Married? Consider attending God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage, one-day retreat for engaged couples. This retreat is held in various locations throughout the diocese. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Click here to download the registration form.(pdf) Or contact the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage & Family at 330-744-8451 ext. 289 Return to top Love, Naturally Many people are searching for a better way to live their married life: a way that is healthier – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Learn more about Natural Family Planning List of Local NFP Instructors Contact the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family at 330-744-8451 for more information. Return to top Diocese of Youngstown Catholic Schools 2006 Report Card Click here to view the 2006 Report Card for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Youngstown.(pdf) If you have any questions about the report card or Catholic Schools, call the Office of Catholic Schools at 330-744-8451. Return to top Today’s Scripture Click here to view the readings for today’s Mass. Return to top Catholics Respond Generously to Capital Campaign The Catholic people of the Diocese of Youngstown made commitments exceeding $32.7 million in the Today’s Sacrifice…Tomorrow’s Church capital campaign. An additional $5.4 million was raised by eight parishes conducting piggyback campaigns for designated parish purposes, i.e. construction or renovation. This campaign is a historic milestone in the history of the diocese. Click here to download the news release or contact the Office of Development and Stewardship , at (330)744-8451. Return to top Diocese of Youngstown Compliant with Charter During the week of October 22, 2007, the Diocese of Youngstown participated in the child protection compliance audits which are required by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The audits are conducted by The Gavin Group, an independent contractor. Bishop Murry has received notice stating: "Based on the analysis of the results of the 2007 Full Audit of the Diocese of Youngstown, you have been found to be in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People." Return to top Diocese of Youngstown Child Protection Policy The Diocese of Youngstown Child Protection Policy, first implemented in 1994, now has an additional component to the updated 2003 policy. The new document, Standards of Ministerial Behavior for Clergy, Employees and Volunteers, has been promulgated by Bishop George V. Murry, S.J. All clergy, employees and volunteers will follow the Standards in addition to the Child Protection Policy. Click here for the complete text.(pdf) Return to top Charismatic Prayer Groups Various charismatic prayer groups meet at different locations throughout the diocese. Click here to view the current list(pdf). For more information about Charismatic prayer please contact Rev. Robert Edwards at 330-424-7648 or e-mail georgelisbon@netscape.net. Return to top