Contact Information
1404 East 9th Street
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 696-6525
(800) 869-6525
Contact Information
1404 East 9th Street
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 696-6525
(800) 869-6525
The Diocesan Memorandum (formerly the Clergy Memorandum) is a service of the Office of the Chancellor for clergy and lay leadership of the Diocese of Cleveland, providing a summary of relevant and timely information from the Office of the Bishop and other diocesan offices.
Revised Policy for the Safety of Children in Matters of Sexual Abuse and Standards of Conduct for Ministry
Bishop Malesic has promulgated a revised Policy for the Safety of Children in Matters of Sexual Abuse together with revised Standards of Conduct for Ministry. These new documents improve our efforts to protect the vulnerable and ensure that the Church is a safe place for all. These documents apply to all who are involved in ministry. All are requested to read at least Bishop Malesic’s Pastoral Letter introducing the new documents.
All clergy will be required to give notification of receipt of these documents. Further information regarding this will be sent to clergy via their diocesan email accounts.
The Retirement Fund for Religious | December 12 – 13, 2026
The Retirement Fund for Religious is an annual collection that raises funds that are distributed to religious communities throughout the eight counties of the diocese and across the country. A gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious help provide medications and care to these communities and the immediate needs of their elder members. The in-pew collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious will be December 12-13, 2026. Donations are also accepted online at RetiredReligious.org. Last year, through your generosity, $378,295.50 was donated. Most importantly, please pray for God’s blessing on all religious. Rest assured, they are praying for you. “Please give to those who have given a lifetime.”
2026-2027 Solemn Annual Eucharistic Exposition
For many years, the Diocese of Cleveland has published a schedule for Solemn Annual Eucharistic Exposition. The intent of this practice is rooted in the Church's recommendation that “[i]n churches and oratories where the Eucharist is reserved, it is recommended that solemn exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament for an extended period of time should take place once a year, even if not strictly continuously, so that the local community may meditate on and adore this mystery more profoundly” (Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside Mass, no. 86). The schedule for 2026-2027 by parish and by date is available on the Office for Worship website. Should you wish to make an adjustment to your scheduled time of exposition, please inform the Office for Worship of the change.
Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion 2027
The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will be celebrated on Saturday, 13 Feb 2027 at Cleveland Public Auditorium, beginning at 10am. Participation in the Rite of Election isnot optional for adult catechumens journeying to the Paschal Sacraments at this year’s Easter Vigil. Families and parishioners are encouraged to attend this powerful witness of faith, whether or not your parish has catechumens or candidates. More information will be forthcoming.
Support for OCIA Teams
Team Initiation (an organization sharing resources for Christian initiation, formerly (“Team RCIA”) has developed a series of brief videos for those responsible for leading the catechumenal process. While they do have a subscription option, many of their resources, including these videos, are free of charge.
As a result of the OCIA survey that our diocese participated in, the Archdiocese of Chicago has developed helpful materials to assess and improve parish OCIA practices. Included is an assessment worksheet that reflects the responses from the survey.
Diocesan Youth Choir Festival
The 7thAnnual Diocesan Youth Choir Festival has been expanded this year to include tracks for younger treble singers and those in middle and high school. New this year, the festival offers an opportunity for music teachers to earn 7 clock hours of professional development. Full details here.
Formation for Liturgy of the Hours
Registration is now open for the FDLC webinars providing formation on the Liturgy of the Hours. Register once and receive a link to each recorded session. Registration is free. Additional formation opportunities are planned throughout the coming year.
December 2026 Liturgical Calendar
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Tuesday, December 8 is a Holy Day of Obligation, as it is the Patronal Feast Day of the United States.
Saturday, December 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. However, Masses after 4pm celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday. Rose-colored vestments are permitted, to set a tone of joyful anticipation of the Lord’s birth and Second Coming.
Beginning December 17, the Advent weekdays are intended to serve to prepare more directly for the Lord’s Birth (Universal Norms, 42). Advent Preface II is used at Mass; proper Invitatories, hymns, daily propers and proper antiphons at MP and EP, as well as the “O Antiphons” at the Magnificat, are used in the celebration of the Hours. The hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” based on these antiphons, may fittingly be used at the Eucharist and at the Hours.
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) is a holy day of obligation. Vigil Masses for the Nativity may be celebrated after 4:00pm on Thursday, December 24. Masses celebrating the Solemnity are to be celebrated on Friday, December 25. Any set of readings from any of the Christmas Masses (Lectionary nos. 13-16) may be used on Christmas Day according to the pastoral needs of each celebration. Prior to the opening procession, the Mass during the Night may begin with the Roman Martyrology, proclaimed by a deacon, a lector, or some other minister. See the Roman Missal, Appendix 1.
The Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene (Book of Blessings, 1541-1569 or Household Blessings, 82-84) may take place during the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time, during a celebration of the Word of God, during Mass, or during another service such as a service of Lessons and Carols. If the manger is placed in the church, it must not be placed in the presbyterium (see Book of Blessings, 1542-1544.)
The Christmas season, especially the Solemnity of the Epiphany, is a traditional time when homes may be blessed. For the Blessing of Homes during this season, see Book of Blessings, 1597-1621 or Household Blessings, 88-91. For the Blessing of a Christmas Tree, see Book of Blessings, 1570-1596 or Book of Household Blessings and Prayers, 78-81.
On December 27, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, a priest may wish to make use of the Blessing of a Family as found in Book of Blessings, 62-67, making the necessary adaptations or additions as needed.
On December 29, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, see Book of Household Blessings and Prayers, 367, for special prayers for the innocent who have perished through abortion, starvation, and war.
On December 31 (New Year’s Eve) or New Year’s Day, the household may gather at the table or at the Christmas tree or manger scene and offer a prayer for the New Year. See Book of Household Blessings and Prayers, 85-87.
#weGIVECATHOLIC – Giving Tuesday is December 1. Early Giving begins Saturday, November 21, and excitement is building for another incredible day of Catholic generosity. Participating parishes, schools, Catholic Charities sites, and Catholic ministries are preparing their campaigns and competing in pre-event contests designed to strengthen their fundraising efforts and earn cash prizes for their organizations. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 1, and plan to support your favorite Catholic organization during #weGIVECATHOLIC. Every gift makes a difference, and 100% of the funds raised go directly to the participating organizations. Learn more at www.wegivecatholic.org.
Professional Advisors’ Seminar
Join fellow professional advisors from the legal, tax, trust, and wealth management disciplines on Wednesday, December 9th (12:00-3:30 p.m. for Noon Mass followed by continuing education program) at the Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe. Seminar topics include discussion on charitable giving, Catholic stewardship and estate planning, and the new federal scholarship tax credit (aka Education Freedom Tax Credit). Continuing education credit available. $50 registration. Click here for details and to register or contact Jessica DiSalvatore at 216-696-6525 x4080.
Year-End Giving suggested bulletin announcement
As you prayerfully consider your charitable giving for 2026, we invite you to remember our parish with a year-end gift in thanksgiving for God’s many blessings. Your generosity helps sustain our parish’s ministries, serve our community, and carry forward the mission of Christ. Gifts may be made by cash or check, appreciated assets such as stocks, or grants from donor-advised funds. New in 2026: Individuals who do not itemize deductions may be eligible to claim a charitable deduction of up to $1,000, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly, for qualifying cash gifts. As individual circumstances vary, you may wish to consult your tax advisor about how these provisions apply to you. Thank you for your generosity and support of our parish and its mission. For more information, visit www.catholiccommunity.org/year-end-giving or contact [parish office] or Moira Wopershall of the Catholic Community Foundation at 216-696-6525 x8070.
Angel Scholarship Fund Year-End Promotional Messaging
Encourage year-end giving at your school and parish by utilizing this ASF Marketing Guide to communicate through your bulletin, newsletter, pulpit announcement, e-blast, etc. This marketing effort could be exactly what your school or parish needs to reach its 2026 ASF fundraising goal. Please contact Kaitlyn Novicky, 216-696-6525, ext. 1680 with any questions.
2026-27 Fund A Dream Student Donor Matches
Matches have been sent to both the schools and donors that are participating in Fund A Dream. We were able to award a record of 405 Fund A Dream scholarships thanks to our generous donors. Schools helping facilitate our Sponsors Student Experience is what makes this program something donors are eager to continuously support. Schools received a timeline of these communications for the school year and can expect to receive their Christmas Communication materials in early November.
2026 Catholic Charities Appeal
Thank you for your continued support and promotion of the 2026 Catholic Charities Appeal. More than $14M has been raised to date, and we are getting closer to our $15.3M goal. A letter from Bishop Malesic will be sent this month, emphasizing Catholic Charities’ ongoing work to support the hungry and homeless population throughout our diocese and asking those who receive it to join in the mission this year by offering their financial support. To make an immediate impact, parishioners can donate online.
Letters of Suitability Annual Reminder
In light of the provisions of canon 903, CIC, and canon 703 §1, CCEO, Letters of Suitability are required by all Diocesan clergy when performing ministerial duties outside the Diocese of Cleveland. Those in the Office of Clergy and Religious are happy to assist our Diocesan clergy with their Letters of Suitability. Requests can be made through the Diocese of Cleveland website, under the Office of Clergy and Religious, Letter of Suitability Request: https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/offices-departments/clergy-religious/letter-of-suitability
If possible, submit your request as soon as you are aware of your need for a Letter of Suitability.
Please be aware, because there will be limited email access in the Office of Clergy and Religious during the week of Christmas and New Years, the Office asks that, if you need a Letter of Suitability between Wednesday, December 16, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027, to please submit your requests by Monday, December 14th 2026. However, if you are in need of a Letter of Suitability for an emergency or funeral during this time period, please email Fr. Joe Mamich. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Please note, we are only able to issue a Letter of Suitability to Diocese of Cleveland clergy. Clergy of a religious order or extern clergy of another diocese must contact their own community or diocese of incardination for the letter of suitability. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact the Office of Clergy and Religious at 216-696-6525 x2440 or x2930.
Rev. Douglas H. Koesel has resigned from the office of pastor of Blessed Trinity Parish, Cleveland, and has been granted status in the Diocese of Cleveland as Senior Priest-Retired effective 15 October 2026.
Rev. James Maloney has been appointed to the office of Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Father Carl Anthony Council 3213 effective immediately.
Rev. Anthony J. Schuerger has received permission to remain in residence at the rectory of Holy Name Parish, Cleveland, as a Senior Priest-Retired.
Dcn. Charles Salway, with recommendation from Deacon Mark Machuga, Director of the Permanent Diaconate Office for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, has been granted faculties of the Diocese of Cleveland for a period of one year to exercise diaconal ministries effective 22 September 2026.
Rev. Michael J. Marco, S.J., with permission from the Very Reverend Karl J. Kiser, S.J., Provincial of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, has been appointed Director of the Jesuit Retreat Center in Parma with residence at the Saint Ignatius Dependent Jesuit Community effective 1 October 2026.
Rev. John M. Mc Manamon, S.J., with permission from the Very Reverend Karl, J. Kiser, SJ., Provincial of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, has been granted faculties to minister at St. Ignatius High School, St. Martin de Porres High School, and other Jesuit apostolates in the Cleveland area on as as-needed basis for a period of one year while continuing his research and writing in Italian Renaissance history, effective 1 October 2026.
Mark your calendar: A Month of Catholic Action | October 2027
What began as a single day of service and later expanded into a week-long effort will enter a new chapter in 2027 as A Month of Catholic Action. Held in October in conjunction with Respect Life Month, this expanded initiative will offer opportunities for individuals, families, parishes, schools, and organizations across Northeast Ohio to serve their communities while reflecting on the dignity of every human person. Throughout the month, volunteers will partner with Catholic Charities, parish groups, and community organizations to participate in service projects that reflect our shared mission of compassion, charity, and justice. Together, we will serve our neighbors, strengthen our communities, and witness to the Gospel through concrete acts of love and service. More details, including service opportunities and registration information, will be available in the coming months.
Adoption Awareness Month
November is National Adoption Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the gift of adoption and to support those whose lives have been touched by it. A variety of helpful resources are available through Catholic Adoption Services and Resources, including information on the different types of adoption, guidance for couples considering adoption, and support for expectant and birth mothers. These resources may be shared in parish bulletins and other parish communications. We encourage clergy and parish leaders to consider sharing a personal witness or adoption story during the month to help highlight the beauty and hope found in adoption. If you are seeking additional information or resources tailored to your parish community, please contact Terri Yohman. To learn more about the Church's message on adoption, visit the USCCB's website.
Black Catholic History Month
In honor of Black Catholic History Month, the African American Catholic community will be hosting a Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration series throughout the month of November.
The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States voted on Tuesday, July 24, 1990 to designate November as Black Catholic History Month because it marks a time when the Church prays for all saints and souls in loving remembrance, as well as a time to recall the saints and souls of Africa and the African Diaspora.
Catholic Social Teaching Month
Throughout November, Catholic Charities Diocesan Social Action Office invites parishes and families to celebrate Catholic Social Teaching Month by deepening their understanding of the Church’s rich social tradition. The Office for Human Life is promoting this as a natural follow-up to Respect Life Month, continuing reflection on the dignity of the human person and our shared call to the common good. The DSAO webpage features weekly video presentations highlighting each CST theme through the lens of local Catholic Charities programs, along with liturgical and educational resources for parish use. Social media posts for each week are also available on the webpage.
NEO Chosen Weekend
The Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs would like to announce a wonderful opportunity to meet the cast of the Chosen (free event) and be entertained by the Piano Guys (paid ticketed event) from November 13–15, 2026. Come meet four members from The Chosen: Shaan Sharma (Shmuel), Noah James (Andrew), Vanessa Benavente (Mother Mary), Yasmine Al-Bustami (Ramah). The Piano Guys will perform at two different local venues. Concert tickets are on sale. Free Meet & Greet event registration is required. Learn more at neochosen.com.
Advent Day of Reflection for Ministry Leaders
All ministry leaders are invited to an Advent Day of Reflection on Friday, December 4, at the Jesuit Retreat Center. Hosted jointly by the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Office and the Marriage and Family Ministry Office, this year's theme is: “Come away. Make room. Be filled. Go forth.” The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude by 3:00 p.m., and will include hospitality, time for prayer and reflection, and Mass. Following the success of last year's event, we are pleased to expand this opportunity to all ministry leaders across the Diocese. As we enter the Advent season, this day offers a chance to step away from the busyness of ministry, deepen your relationship with Christ, and be renewed for the work ahead. Register here. The registration fee is $45. We hope you will join us for this meaningful day of reflection and renewal.
National Catholic Youth Conference 2027: Tickets on sale November 2.
“I didn’t know there were so many other Catholic teens like me!” Bring your teens to the National Catholic Youth Conference NEXT November 18-21, 2027, in Indianapolis and let them experience the joy of being part of the Universal Church. This unforgettable gathering brings thousands of high school teens together for prayer, powerful speakers, music, Mass, Adoration, and an encounter with Christ. Whether NCYC is a tradition for your group or a brand-new opportunity, plan to join the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry's Cleveland pilgrimage. Bishop Malesic, Bishop Woost, and Fr. Eric Garris will be attending. We coordinate registration, hotel, and transportation, so you can pour into your teens and chaperones. CLE packages go on sale November 2, 2026. Find details here.
Chaplaincy Ministries BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT:
Hospital Volunteers Needed
Several local hospitals need volunteers to bring the Eucharist to patients or to provide pastoral care. If your parish would like guidance on becoming involved in hospital ministry, please contact the Director of Chaplaincy Services, Deacon Mike Hayes.
Tuesday, November 10, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
SCI Formation: OCIA and Thresholds of Conversion for Teens | for youth ministers (grades 6-12)
St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Parma
Guest presenter Christen Aquino from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will break open this important topic for our spiritually open and seeking young people.
Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Young Adult Roundtable | for young adults (18-39)
Monthly online gathering for young adults who serve, lead, or support young adult ministry.
Tuesday, November 17, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Ministry After Hours: Catholic Young Adult Happy Hour | for Catholic young adult professionals
Forest City Brewery, Cleveland
All young adults working in Catholic ministry, schools, and nonprofits are welcome.
Wednesday, November 18, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Theology on Tap: Remember Your Death | for young adults (18-39)
Pizzazz on the Circle, University Heights
Presenter: Andrej Lah, Director, Catholic Cemeteries Association
Saturday, November 21, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Praying with the Church: Discovering the Beauty of the Liturgy of the Hours | for certified LEMs and candidates, and pastoral leaders
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Presenter: Bishop Michael Woost
Saturday, November 21, 5:00 – 8:00pm
Global Celebration of Young People & Friendsgiving Dinner | for young adults (18-39)
Holy Family, Stow
Please RSVP to help us plan and ensure that we have plenty of food for our feast.
Saturday, December 12, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Being Restored to Wholeness: Encountering Jesus as Teacher, Healer, and Beloved Son | for certified LEMs and candidates, and pastoral leaders
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Funds are now available through the "Outreach Trust Fund" administered by Saint Mary Seminary. Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, money is available to provide assistance for projects that will aid the poor and needy of the Diocese of Cleveland; promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life, with a special concern for the needs of minority groups; or assist the foreign missions. This Fund is unrelated to the Seminary Endowment Fund, which helps finance operations at the Seminary. Fund Trustees are now accepting proposals requesting funding up to $6,500. For an application, please write to Office of the Treasurer, Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, 28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe, OH 44092 or e-mail at pguban@dioceseofcleveland.org. Completed applications must be submitted no later than Monday, November 23, 2026. Grants are scheduled to be awarded in February 2027.
Graveside Service for Deceased Priests | Monday, 16 November 2026
The Rock Catholic Radio (AM 1260, AM 930, FM 100.3), in conjunction with the Catholic Cemeteries Association, is holding a Graveside Service for Deceased Priests. You are invited to join as we remember those priests who left us in the past year and all deceased priests who served our Diocese so faithfully. The service is being held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park. It will be held indoors at the St. John Paul II Mausoleum in Section 5, followed by a visitation of graves in Section 2. For more information, you can contact The Rock at www.rockcatholicradio.com or 216-227-1260.
To learn more or to register for any of these upcoming events, visit www.mmgsi.org.
See below for our Spring 2027 course offerings. CEUs are available for diocesan educators. Registration opening soon.
Covenant and Blessing: Understanding the Old Testament
Mondays 6-8:45PM | St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Middleburg Heights
Word Made Flesh: Understanding the Person and Mission of Jesus Christ
Tuesdays 6-8:45PM | St. Basil the Great Catholic Church in Brecksville
Toward an Apostolic Church: Pastoral Strategies for the 21st Century
Wednesdays 4:30-6:30PM | Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe
Myth Became Fact: The Philosophical Writings of C. S. Lewis
Wednesdays 6:40-9:25PM | Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe
Mark your calendars for these upcoming MMGSI events:
2026 Mullen Lecture — Join Dr. Jennifer Newsome Martin on Sunday, November 8 for the 2026 Mullen Lecture, “The Play of Eternal Glory: Divine Beauty and the Spirit of the Liturgy.” Dr. Martin is a Catholic systematic theologian whose scholarship centers on theological aesthetics, especially the work of Hans Urs von Balthasar and John Henry Newman. She directs the University of Notre Dame’s de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture. The lecture will take place at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. All are welcome.
Crucibles: An Evening with Author Dr. Ben Baran — Join MMGSI at St. John Vianney Catholic Church on November 12 for a presentation by Dr. Benjamin E. Baran on his new book, Crucibles: How Faith and Science Help Us Navigate Suffering. In this talk, Dr. Baran will share the compelling story behind how the book was created and deliver key insights for managing personal adversity, uncovering how the Catholic faith and social science together provide practical wisdom for fortitude amid life's unavoidable trials.
Church GPT: Christian Faith in the Age of AI — How should Catholics approach the use of artificial intelligence in a way that reflects our faith, human dignity, and responsibility to one another? Join us for a faith and science workshop at St. Sebastian Parish on Saturday, November 14 to explore the answer to this question. The day will include two professional speakers, one a theologian and one a particle physicist, who will help us think clearly about AI from both Catholic and scientific perspectives. Registration includes the speaker presentations, a boxed lunch, and discussion tables.
American Catholic History Series — Join us on Wednesday, November 18 at 6:30pm at St. Albert the Great in North Royalton for Fr. Kyle's ongoing series. This month’s lecture is titled Spears into Plowshares: Catholic Social Action in America.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Chris Larson, CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland | Friday, November 6, 2026 | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information can be found here.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
“Story of Sacrifice” with Fr. Joseph Mamich & Jim Lechko | Thursday, November 5, 2026 | Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Registration and more information can be found here.
Theology on the Rocks West for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, November 9, 2026 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Good Medicine, Hard Times: a compelling presentation by Colonel Edward P Horvath, MD | Click here for more information.
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Submissions for the next Memorandum should be made to Ann Marie Perkins by the 15th of the preceding month. Guidelines for submissions are available here.