The January-February 2024 issue of Northeast Ohio Catholic magazine is arriving in homes throughout the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland. Many homes already have received the newest edition of the magazine.
The cover story focuses on Akron’s Judy Holder and her ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer. She relies on her faith, the power of positivity and the support of her family and parish community at St. Hilary in Fairlawn for strength as she faces her challenges. Also, learn about her recent visit to Rome and a brief encounter with Pope Francis.
In his “From the Bishop” column, Bishop Edward Malesic writes about how the new year brings renewed opportunity to strengthen Catholic education.
And speaking of Catholic education, the annual State of the Schools report outlines some of the achievements of Catholic schools in the diocese, including four schools that earned National Blue Ribbon School status. In addition, diocesan schools are in the top 15% academically of all schools in the country and maintain a 99% high school graduation rate. See more of the schools’ achievements and a snapshot of the schools on pages 16-17. There also is information about the celebration of Catholic Schools Week, set for Jan. 28 to Feb. 3.
Learn about the Aspiring Leaders Program that helps to identify and prepare future leaders for Catholic schools in the diocese. Meet some of the people involved in this initiative that evolved from the Keeping the Faith strategic plan which seeks to strengthen the schools.
The new magazine also looks at the Eucharistic Revival rally and Mass that drew thousands of high schoolers from 19 schools across the diocese to Public Auditorium for the first – and largest – gathering of its kind in the diocese. And there is a recap of the local contingent of young people who attended the National Catholic Youth Conference, along with Bishop Malesic and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost.
There also are stories about the Black Catholic Ministries’ retreat focusing on those “Called to Sainthood” and the annual Evening of Confession set for Feb. 28 in churches across the diocese.
As the 2024 Catholic Charities Appeal prepares to launch, learn about how it can transform lives. The appeal has a $15 million goal that will help generate support for diverse, critical services across the diocese. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland annually assists more than 425,000 people with life-saving programs and services from 60 locations, making it one of the largest social services organizations in the country.
There also is a wrap-up of #weGIVECATHOLIC 2023, which raised a record-setting $3.4 million to help 239 entities during the one-day fundraising marathon.
The regular features, including clergy assignments and Things to Do listings are included.
Wrapping up the issue is the Last Word by Father Gary Yanus, who encourages readers to “Keep Searching for God’s Gifts.”
If you don’t get the magazine and would like to be added to the mailing list, contact rpolomsky@dioceseofcleveland.org or call 216-696-6525, Ext. 3190. Also, stay connected between magazine issues by subscribing to the weekly companion e-newsletter, which is emailed every Thursday afternoon.