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YOUNGSTOWN -- All parish directors, musicians and anyone involved in liturgical music within the Diocese of Youngstown are invited to come to the fourth annual Gold Mass Nov. 1 at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St., Youngstown.
A concert featuring choral and instrumental music will begin at 3:45 p.m. The Mass is at 5 p.m. and a complimentary dinner will follow the Mass for all musicians in attendance.
If you are interested in participating in the concert before the Mass, singing or playing for Mass, or need any additional information, contact Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org, or 330-744-8451, ext. 212. Additionally, contact Ralph if you and your guests will be staying for the dinner afterwards so there can be an accurate head count.
"I'm ecstatic that the Cathedral will be hosting the Diocesan Gold Mass for the fourth year. The Gold Mass is in dedication and celebration of all diocesan musicians, no matter what level or experience they have. After 28 years of playing and directing
liturgical music in a variety of styles and in many different places, I understand just how much work goes into every single Mass and liturgical celebration. There are many times when musicians are working well beyond the normal office hours, making this a truly dedicated and special ministry," Holtzhauser said.
In other music ministry news, the Diocese of Youngstown is bringing back the Cecilia Project for the 2026-27 church year. The project was developed in response to a growing concern to encourage, recruit, train and empower qualified people to become pastoral musicians in our parishes.
The Youngstown Community Concert Band, featuring more than 80 members, will be making its debut at St. Columba Cathedral at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 under the direction of Todd Maki.
Finally, the Diocese of Youngstown 2027 Organ Concert Series kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at St. Columba. This series has garnered the attention of artists both nationally and internationally and continues to gain traction in the liturgical and organ world. There are six performances. The concerts are free, but a suggested donation of $10 will help this self-sustained series. The series ends June 25 with a performance by world famous organist and CIM Professor, Todd Wilson.