Learn more in the newly released "Diocese of Cleveland Report to the Community 2013"
My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Blessings upon all of you, the faithful of the Diocese of Cleveland.
This marks the tenth year for the publication of the Annual Diocesan "Report to the Community"; 2013 has been a very eventful year.
All of our parishes participated in the "Year of Faith" while observing the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Special activities included presentations focusing on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the documents of Vatican II, and on the saints, as well as celebrating parish missions and special devotions.
Also of note, a Diocesan-wide celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation was held in February in every parish across the Diocese and hundreds of people participated in the celebration of this wonderful sacrament bringing reconciliation and peace to the hearts of people. In this coming March, the Diocesanwide celebration of Reconciliation will be held again. During the summer there were pilgrimage opportunities within our diocese where hundreds of people took advantage by visiting and spending time in each of the five parishes. I truly believe the Year of Faith has brought many people in our parishes closer to Jesus Christ, thus, better able to live their relationship with Him.
This year also saw the realization of the Diocesan-wide parish based, "Rooted in Faith, Forward in Hope" capital campaign. I am very pleased to report that this initiative went beyond all expectations, as it totaled more than $170 million in pledges. You will find a general review of the campaign and its beneficiaries in this report.
Please take this opportunity to review the financial statements of our Diocese and familiarize yourself with all that has been accomplished and what is being done so graciously and generously by the Catholic Faithful. Working together for the glory of God and for the good of all people, thousands of committed laity, consecrated religious women and men, and ordained deacons and priests; make this story the great story it is of God's love in our midst.
I am most grateful for all you do so well. May we ever continue living together our Catholic faith through our eight county diocese.
Please know that I am most grateful for your love, care, and support as we continue to rediscover what our Catholic faith means and how we are called to live it.
With my blessings and love to you all, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+Richard Lennon
Bishop of Cleveland
Visit the "Report to the Community 2013" on-line option page>