“We are the diocese … We are all in this together,” said Father Don Oleksiak during a recent presentation to the First Friday Forum of Lorain.
In his nearly hourlong program, Father Oleksiak offered a snapshot of the Cleveland Diocese and its operation, as well as his role as vicar general and moderator of the curia. He is a top aide to Bishop Edward Malesic, the diocesan shepherd, and essentially serves as the chief operating officer of the eight-county diocese.
“I’m in the 24th year of a five-year assignment,” he quipped, noting he has worked with five bishops and also served as diocesan administrator between two bishops’ terms. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1989 and ministered at several parishes before being assigned by the late Bishop Anthony Pilla to serve in diocesan administration.
Father Oleksiak’s presentation was sprinkled with humor and information about the diocese, what makes it tick and its place in the Universal Church.
With nearly 700,000 Catholics, the Cleveland Diocese is the 23rd largest diocese in the country, Its name comes from the city where the cathedral is located, he explained. It is one of six Ohio dioceses in the Catholic Conference of Ohio. Also, it is in Region 6, part of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which includes Ohio and Michigan. The regional bishops meet twice a year, as does the USCCB, which includes all dioceses and other entities that are part of the Roman Catholic Church, which is overseen by Pope Leo XIV.
There are 182 parishes, two pastoral centers and one oratory in the diocese. About 200 people work at Cathedral Square Plaza, the diocesan headquarters in downtown Cleveland, including the finance, education, parish life, clergy and religious, legal, human resources, communications and tribunal/canonical services offices – all of which support parishes, schools and others throughout the diocese.
In addition, the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe houses the diocesan seminaries, diaconate formation, lay ecclesial ministry, continuing education and Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Institute. These entities help people prepare for and understand their roles in ministry.
The Catholic Cemeteries Association oversees and maintains 21 diocesan-owned cemeteries and 19 parish cemeteries.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, the second-largest Catholic Charities operation in the country, serves more than 400,000 people of all creeds and nationalities each year through more than 200 programs.
The Catholic Community Foundation serves as the fundraising operation of the diocese and facilities services helps with maintaining buildings and grounds and helps with planning for future projects.
“We are here for service,” Father Oleksiak said.
The diocese is divided into a dozen deaneries, each overseen by a dean who helps ensure parish needs – including those of the clergy – are met.
“The parishes re where the rubber meets the road,” Father Oleksiak said. “They are the place where people encounter Christ, receive faith formation and education.” He said there is a great thirst from young people seeking answers and a deeper connection to the faith.
He also cited the importance of lay involvement in the Church at the diocesan level and beyond, stressing, “We are all here for service … We are all connected to those who went before us, and we are all charged with converting hearts to Christ.”