The Church in Ohio

The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown is seeking a permanent substitute teacher for grades K-8 at St. Christine School. The position requires a substitute license and remains open until filled.

Archbishop August Hagemann of Cincinnati released a pastoral letter titled "That They All May Be One" to share his reflections on the Eucharist as a sacrament of unity. The letter encourages the faithful in the archdiocese to experience deeper communion with God and one another through the grace of the risen Christ during liturgical celebrations.

Hagemann explains that his role as bishop includes acting as a point of unity within the local Church and maintaining communion with other bishops and the Pope. He states that the letter serves as an effort to promote greater unity in the archdiocese by calling people to be more faithful to Jesus Christ and to Catholic life. The archbishop notes that the Eucharist helps the community grow as brothers and sisters in Christ, specifically through the liturgical prayer of the Mass.

Archbishop Robert Casey issued his first pastoral letter, titled “That They All May Be One,” to the people of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to reflect on the Eucharist as a sacrament of unity. In the letter, he describes how the Eucharist draws Catholics into deeper communion with Christ and with each other. He explains that active participation in the Mass unites the faithful in Christ, who are then sent to serve the world through lives of love.

Archbishop Casey told The Catholic Telegraph that communion signifies unity rather than uniformity. He noted that Catholics maintain different cultures, customs, and personalities while remaining one Church. He described the global Catholic Church as a witness to unity amid diversity, especially within a polarized society.

The Archbishop characterized the Eucharist as a communal experience rather than a personal one. He stated that those attending Mass are active participants in prayer rather than an audience watching the priest. While the priest provides order and voice to the celebration, the entire congregation participates in the Eucharistic offering. Archbishop Casey also noted that personal faith is connected to communal faith, sharing that his own relationship with Jesus grew through the influence of his family and teachers.

The Diocese of Youngstown has announced the upcoming topics for The Catholic Echo Podcast scheduled for September through December 2026. Hosted by Dennis Biviano, the podcast features Bishop David Bonnar and members of the diocesan community discussing spiritual questions.

The upcoming episodes include a preview of the Chefs for Charity event on September 16, featuring Nancy Voitus, the Executive Director of the Catholic Charities Regional Agency, and participating chefs. On September 30, the program will discuss the Ministry Day taking place October 17 at St. Thomas Aquinas School in Louisville, with guests Cindee Case, a faith formation and lay ecclesial ministry consultant, and Superintendent Steven Jones, PhD. An episode on October 14 will feature Jeff and Barbara Bond.

The Communications Department of the Diocese of Youngstown produces the podcast with support from the Annual Diocesan Appeal. Listeners can access episodes through various podcasting platforms, Facebook, YouTube, or catholicecho.org/podcast.

Cristina Hernandez, the coordinator of Hispanic ministry for the Diocese of Youngstown, is one of eight finalists for the Catholic Extension Society’s 2026-2027 Lumen Christi Award. The Chicago-based organization selected her from 46 nominees.

Hernandez has served as the diocesan coordinator since 2023. In her role, she assists immigrant families throughout Ohio by connecting traumatized mothers and children with mental health counseling and providing support during crises.

Bishop David J. Bonnar of Youngstown nominated Hernandez, stating in his letter that he has seen her transformative work and unwavering commitment to the mission of Hispanic ministry. He noted that her professional work and personal witness of faith reflect the teachings of Christ.

The Lumen Christi Award has been presented annually since 1978 to individuals who reveal the light of Christ within their service communities.

The Eparchy of Saint Josaphat in Parma released a religious education update on September 15, 2026, featuring spiritual reflections and upcoming liturgical reminders for the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

The update includes a focus on teenagers scheduled for September 14 through September 20. It also provides reflections for the Sunday after the Exaltation of the Cross on September 20 and the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost on September 27. For spiritual study, the office provided a verse from Wisdom, a sentence from Christ Our Pascha, and a final passage on the spiritual life from St. Gregory of Nyssa.

The publication also reminds the faithful of theological and pastoral principles regarding the celebration of the Divine Mysteries. Contact information for the Office of Religious Education is listed as Fr. Kevin Bezner and Katie Matlak.

Pope XIV declared January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027, as the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis to honor the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. The Diocese of Youngstown is hosting several events across parishes in Youngstown, Canton, and Navarre to observe the year through Franciscan spiritual practices.

Bishop Bonnar will preside over a Mass for the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi at the Shrine of Our Lady, Comforter of the Afflicted in Youngstown on Saturday, October 3, at 5:30 pm. He will also preside at a feast day Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Parish and St. Anthony Church in Canton on Sunday, October 4, at 11:00 am.

Holy Family Parish and St. Clement Church in Navarre will host an Advent by Candlelight event featuring Saint Francis and Saint Clare on Tuesday, December 1, at 6:00 pm. Participants must RSVP through the parish office for this event.