Attn: Bulletin Editor and Intercessions Writers

Vocation Bulletin Blurbs February 2021/Cycle B

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – January 31, 2021 “Let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God has called you.” Do you think the Lord is calling you to the consecrated life or priesthood? Call Father Scott Kopp at 330-744-8451 or email: skopp@youngstowndiocese.org. Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time -- February 7, 2021 World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” Could God be calling you to spread his Word and his love as a priest or consecrated religious? Call Father Scott Kopp at 330-744-8451 or email: skopp@youngstowndiocese.org. Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time -- February 14, 2021 “Do everything for the glory of God.” Your vocation is to give glory to God through your very being. Is He choosing you to be a priest or consecrated religious? Call Father Scott Kopp at 330-744-8451 or email: skopp@youngstowndiocese.org. First Sunday of Lent – February 21, 2021 “Christ suffered for sins once for all.” Is He asking you to suffer with Him and bring others to God as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? Call Father Scott Kopp at 330-744-8451 or email: skopp@youngstowndiocese.org. Second Sunday of Lent – February 28, 2021 “If God is with us, who can be against us?” Is the Lord strengthening you to consider the grace of a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life? Call Father Scott Kopp at 330-744-8451 or email: skopp@youngstowndiocese.org. Third Sunday of Lent -- March 7, 2021 “We proclaim Christ crucified…the power and wisdom of God.” Could Jesus be calling you to proclaim His life, death and resurrection as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? Call Father Scott Kopp at 330-744-8451 or email: skopp@youngstowndiocese.org.

Vocation General Intercessions

February 2021/Cycle B Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – January 31, 2021 That all those discerning or pursuing a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life will find encouragement through our prayers and sacrifices on their behalf, we pray to the Lord. Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time -- February 7, 2021 World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits, we pray to the Lord. Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time -- February 14, 2021 That the Holy Spirit will assist all those discerning a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life to discover the truth of God’s call, we pray to the Lord. First Sunday of Lent -- February 21, 2021 That prayer, penance and almsgiving will enable more men and women to follow the Holy Spirit as He leads them to discover their vocations in Christ, we pray to the Lord. Second Sunday of Lent – February 28, 2021 That those considering a call to the priesthood or consecrated life will answer the call of the Lord unhesitatingly like Abraham, we pray to the Lord. Third Sunday of Lent – March 7, 2021 For those considering a call to the priesthood or consecrated life, that they will answer the call and proclaim Christ crucified, we pray to the Lord.

Stewardship Thoughts for parish bulletins February 2021

February 7, 2021 - 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed…He told them, ‘Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.’” - MARK 1:35, 38 In today’s Gospel reading we see a perfect example of stewardship. Jesus gives His time to do all that God wishes - healing the sick and preaching. But before He begins, Jesus makes time to be alone with God in prayer. It is through prayer, spending time with God, that we find the strength to do what He wishes us to do. Be sure to find time every day to be with God. February 14, 2021 - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time “Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”- 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31 Do a quick check of your priorities. Where does God rank in that list? If He’s not first, you have some work to do. Putting God first in everything helps us from putting other “gods” (like our pride, ego, money and possessions) before God. Before making a decision, ask yourself, “I’m I going this for the glory of God or for the glory of me?” February 21, 2021 - 1st Sunday of Lent “After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God….” - MARK 1:14 Do you ever think about how difficult it must have been for Jesus to come into Galilee, knowing that John had just been arrested for teaching the same message that Jesus was proclaiming. It must have taken great love and trust for Jesus to do what the Father had sent Him here on earth to do. In the same way, following a life of stewardship takes great love and trust from us. We must be willing to surrender completely to God, trusting that God will always give us all that we need to fulfill His plan for us. February 28, 2021 - 2nd Sunday of Lent “’Here I am!’ he answered.” - GENESIS 22:11 It is easy to say, “Here I am, Lord,” when we are kneeling in church. But how easy is it to say “Here I am, Lord,” when a neighbor needs our help, when we are invited to join a parish ministry, or when we are asked to provide financial support? Often times we are called when it’s not convenient for us. Discipleship is not always easy, most of the time it will make us uncomfortable and vulnerable.

Stewardship Thoughts for parish bulletins February 2021 (Continued)

7 de febrero de 2021 - 5to. Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario "Se levantó muy temprano antes del amanecer, salió y se fue a un lugar desierto, donde oró... Él les dijo, Vamos a los pueblos cercanos para que también allí predique, pues para eso he venido". - MARCOS 1:35,38 En la lectura del Evangelio de hoy vemos un ejemplo perfecto de corresponsabilidad. Jesús dio Su tiempo para hacer todo lo que Dios desea - sanar a los enfermos y predicar. Sin embargo, antes de comenzar, Jesús toma un tiempo para estar solo en oración con Dios. Es a través de la oración pasando tiempo con Dios, que encontramos la fuerza para hacer todo lo que Él desea que hagamos. Asegúrese de encontrar tiempo cada día para estar con Dios. 14 de febrero de 2021 - 6to. Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario "Hermanos y hermanas, si comen o beben, o cualquier cosa que hagan, háganlo todo por la gloria de Dios" -1 CORINTIOS 10:31 Revise rápidamente sus prioridades. ¿En qué lugar está Dios en esa lista? Si Él no está en el primer lugar, tiene que hacer algo. Poner a Dios primero en todo nos ayuda a no poner otros "dioses" antes que a Dios (como nuestro orgullo, ego, dinero y propiedades). Antes de tomar una decisión, pregúntese a sí mismo, ¿Estoy haciendo esto para la gloria de Dios o para mi gloria? 21 de febrero de 2021 - 1er. Domingo de Cuaresma "Después que Juan había sido encarcelado, Jesús vino a Galilea a proclamar el evangelio de Dios" - Marcos 1:14 Alguna vez ha pensado lo difícil que debe haber sido para Jesús venir a Galilea, sabiendo que Juan había sido arrestado por enseñar el mismo mensaje que Jesús estaba proclamando. Debe haber requerido un gran amor y confianza para que Jesús cumpliera lo que el Padre lo había enviado a hacer aquí en la tierra. De la misma manera, seguir una vida de corresponsabilidad requiere un gran amor y confianza de nuestra parte. Debemos estar dispuestos a entregarnos por completo a Dios, confiando que Dios siempre nos dará todo lo que necesitamos para cumplir el plan que tiene para nosotros. 28 de febrero de 2021 - 2do. domingo de Cuaresma "él respondió Aquí estoy!" - Genesis 22:11 Es fácil decir, “Aquí estoy, Señor” cuando nos arrodillamos en la iglesia, pero ¿qué tan fácil es decir “aquí estoy Señor” cuando un vecino necesita nuestra ayuda, cuando somos invitados a unirnos a un ministerio en la parroquia, o cuando se nos pide ayuda financiera? A menudo somos llamados cuando no es conveniente para nosotros. El discipulado no siempre es fácil, la mayor parte del tiempo nos va a hacer sentir incómodos y vulnerables

Office of Pro‐Life, Marriage & Family Life Bulletin Announcements

Please include these announcements in your bulletin throughout the month of February, as appropriate. Annual White Mass for all Health Professionals Including Mental Health Workers The Annual White Mass – celebrating and recognizing the ministry and work of those in the health professions – will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Columba located at 154 W. Wood St. in Youngstown. Bishop David J. Bonnar will preside. Because of COVID-19 restrictions participants need to RSVP by calling 330-744-8451 ext.272 or emailing dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org to ensure that there is sufficient space with social distancing. Walking with Moms in Need

Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” Everyone in a parish community should know where to refer a pregnant woman in need.

This year, as the Church celebrates the 25th anniversary of Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) by Pope St. John Paul II, we are invited to assess, expand, and communicate resources to pregnant moms and families in need. This nationwide effort entitled “Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service” is sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

To learn more about how your parish can take part in this effort contact our diocesan Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family at dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or330-744-8451 ext. 272, or visit www.walkingwithmoms.com. A Prayer for Pregnant Mothers O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the incarnation of Christ, your Son,

with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties. Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance

for mothers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion. Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life. Amen. *Cf. Evangelium vitae 105 © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City. Adapted with permission. All rights reserved. In addition, recommended intercessions and bulletin briefs for February 2021, prepared by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, may be found at https://www.respectlife.org/word-of-life

2021 BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS

Hard copies of all background checks must be sent directly by BCI&I to: Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, Attn. Safe Environment Office, 144 West Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503.

This needs to be communicated to the person doing the background check. Priests, Deacons, Religious, Seminarians, Persons in Formation Code (BCI or BCI/FBI): 2151 86 – Out of Home Child Care

Lived in Ohio for the last 5 years a) BCI background check at start of service; renew every five years

Lived Outside of Ohio during the last 5 years

a) BCI/FBI background check at start of service; renew every five years Licensed School Teachers, Licensed School Employees, and Preschool Teachers* Code (BCI/FBI): 3319 291 – School Employees – Licensure with Ohio Department of Education a) BCI/FBI background check at start of service b) Renew FBI background check every five years

* For those who hold an ODE License, whenever a background check is needed it must be sent electronically to ODE and a hard copy must be sent to the Safe Environment Office at the Chancery. This needs to be communicated

to the person doing the background check so the proper information can be completed on the form. Non-Licensed School Employee Code BCI: 3319 39B1 – School Employees – non teaching position Code FBI: 3319 39 a) BCI/FBI background check at start of service b) Renew BCI/FBI background check every five years Parish or Institution Employee Code (BCI or BCI/FBI): 2151 86 – Out of Home Child Care

Lived in Ohio for the last 5 years a) BCI background check at start of service; renew every five years

Lived Outside of Ohio during the last 5 years

a) BCI/FBI background check at start of service; renew every five years Volunteer Working with Minors or Vulnerable Adults Code (BCI/FBI): 2151 86 – Out of Home Child Care

Lived in Ohio for the last 5 years a) BCI background check at start of service; renew every five years

Lived Outside of Ohio during the last 5 years a) BCI/FBI background check at start of service; renew every five years

Keep the Kids Warm Bulletin Blurbs 2021 Announcement One Catholic Charities launched the Warm Hearts for Warm Homes campaign (formerly Keep the Kids Warm) in 2008 in response to the economic recession impacting many local families. Unfortunately, the need for this annual campaign still exists over 12 years later. Warm Hearts for Warm Homes aims to provide utility assistance during the cold winter months to families with children, working poor adults and older adults on fixed incomes. More information about Warm Hearts for Warm Homes, including ways to support this campaign with your prayers and financial support, can be found on our website (www.ccdoy.org). Announcement Two Many of the people who come to Catholic Charities for assistance are families with children or older adults on fixed incomes asking for help – help to keep their homes warm during the cold winter months. Catholic Charities’ Warm Hearts for Warm Homes campaign (formerly Keep the Kids Warm) provides tangible assistance and peace of mind to individuals and families in need of utility assistance. Please visit www.ccdoy.org to learn more and to make a gift online. Thank you for your consideration and generosity.