The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has announced on Friday their new magazine set to debut in spring of 2023.

The new magazine, called "The Catholic Echo" will build on the 77-year legacy of the Diocese's "Catholic Exponent" newspaper, which will produce its final issue in February 2023.

The magazine, its website and supporting multimedia projects will highlight all aspects of Catholic life across the Diocese's six counties.

Additionally, a new circulation model will ensure all registered parishioners in the Diocese receive the publication with no subscription cost.

Bishop of Youngstown, the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar says like all newspapers across the country, the Catholic Exponent has been affected by changes in how media is consumed.

"Our current circulation sits at under 19,000 households, which is about one third of the number of households in our diocese ... More widely, the diocese has been engaged in a process of balancing the need to be more digital while also supporting the 'legacy' platforms of print, broadcast television and radio in a way that is sustainable," Bonnar said.

The Catholic Echo's website will launch in early 2023 and will feature timely news, video programs, televised masses, radio and podcasts such as the Wineskins program, stories from the magazine and more.

Those who opt into the Catholic Echo's email newsletter will be notified about recent news and trending topics. Additionally, the Catholic Echo's digital offerings will be available on social media as well.

The multimedia offerings will build upon the 40+ year legacy of the Catholic Telecommunications Network of Youngstown (CTNY), whose pioneering radio and television programming will continue to be available on local outlets including its own cable channel on Armstrong and an anticipated return to Spectrum in the Youngstown-Warren area.

The Catholic Echo will publish 10 times per year.