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.
World Mission Sunday | October 17-18, 2026
World Mission Sunday will take place on the weekend of October 17-18, 2026. The collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith benefits over 1,100 mission territories throughout the world and helps the Church bring the Gospel to missionary lands for the first time, as well as to places where the Church is too young, too poor, and too persecuted to sustain itself.
Materials for World Mission Sunday, including homily hints and liturgical suggestions, can be found on the Mission Office website. We will also post a video message from Pope Leo XIV when it becomes available.
Communion to the Sick
Per our diocesan Instruction for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, “individuals who take Communion to the sick, elderly, hospitalized, homebound, or incarcerated are to have additional formation and training specific to that ministerial function, based on the Roman Ritual Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside Mass (2024).” Two upcoming formation sessions have been scheduled:
Commissioned Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who have been asked to bring Communion to the Sick are welcome to attend. Contact the hosting parish for details.
November 2026 Liturgical Calendar
During November, we are called in a special way to remember “our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection” (Eucharistic Prayer II). A book might be made available in a convenient location in which the faithful may inscribe the names of their beloved dead who would be remembered in prayer during this month.
Sunday, November 1 is The Solemnity of All Saints. Therefore, Masses on Saturday evening, October 31, are for the vigil of All Saints. Relics of the Saints may be exposed for veneration by the faithful. Relics may also carried in the opening procession of the All Saints Mass and placed before the altar or some other location of honor.
Monday, November 2 is the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day).
The month of November, especially All Souls’ Day, is a traditional time for visiting graves of loved ones, as is the anniversary of death. The “Order for Visiting a Cemetery,” (see Book of Blessings #1734-1754) may be used by a priest, deacon, lay minister, or a family, either immediately following Mass or apart from Mass. If this is done immediately following Mass, the blessing and dismissal of Mass are omitted. The priest may wear either a chasuble or cope for the procession to the cemetery, and a suitable psalm/song may be sung. If this service is used by a family, a family member takes the minister’s parts.
November 15 is the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. In his Apostolic Letter, Misericordia et Misera, Pope Francis designated this day “World Day of the Poor.” It is suggested that the days before Thanksgiving be set aside for deeds of charity, of penance, and for prayers for economic justice.
Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 26th. The Proper Mass is used, with white vestments. Thanksgiving Day is a holiday with special religious significance. Individuals or families may bring food to Mass to be blessed for their Thanksgiving dinner or for distribution to the poor. The blessing may take place outside of Mass (Book of Blessings #1755-1780).
The new liturgical year begins on Sunday, November 29th, the First Sunday of Advent. The Sunday lectionary cycle is Year B and the weekday cycle for Ordinary Time is Cycle I.
Angel Scholarship Fund – scholarships are in the process of being finalized and awarded to schools for the 2026/2027 school year. This will be our largest distribution ever thanks to the generous donors that claimed a State of Ohio tax credit. Ready to start marketing the 2026 State of Ohio tax credit? Check out our ASF Tax Credit Marketing Guide.
#weGIVECATHOLIC – Giving Tuesday is December 1. Early Giving begins Saturday, November 21, which means participating parishes, schools and ministries have less than two months to prepare for a successful giving day. As campaign planning gets underway, we encourage organizations to set their fundraising goals, engage their leadership and begin building excitement within their communities. Resources and tools to help you prepare are available on the #weGIVECATHOLIC website.
Spread the Faith Annual Appeal – supporting the Northeast Ohio Catholic Magazine. 25,000 households across our diocese will receive a letter from Bishop Malesic in October asking their support to help us “Spread the Faith” and share the Gospel message with the faithful throughout Northeast Ohio. Funds from this appeal will allow the diocese to send the magazine free of charge to nearly 230,000 households, deliver the latest news of our diocese to thousands through our weekly digital newsletter, allow us to acquire new technology to increase our broadcasting and live-streaming efforts, and increase our social media reach.
Catholic Charities – To date, the Catholic Charities Appeal has raised nearly $14.1 million in pledges and remains on track to reach and surpass our $15.3 million goal in 2026.
Save the Date –
Contact Katie McCarron of the Catholic Community Foundation with questions.
Year-End Giving suggested bulletin announcement
As you prayerfully consider your charitable giving for 2026, please consider a year-end gift to our parish in gratitude for God’s blessings. Gifts may be made by cash or check, appreciated assets such as stocks, or grants from donor-advised funds. New in 2026: Those who do not itemize may be eligible for a charitable deduction of up to $1,000 for individuals 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 mwopershall@catholiccommunity.org.]
Give from Your IRA suggested bulletin announcement
If you are age 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA can be a meaningful way to support our parish. A QCD allows eligible individuals to make a gift directly from an IRA to a qualified charity, including our parish. The amount distributed may be excluded from taxable income and may count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD). As you consider your longer-term plans, you can also include our parish as a beneficiary of your IRA, creating a lasting legacy of faith for future generations. Because individual circumstances vary, you may wish to consult your tax or financial advisor to determine what is appropriate for you. For more information about giving via IRA QCD, visit www.catholiccommunity.org/ira or contact [parish office or Moira Wopershall of the Catholic Community Foundation at 216-696-6525 x8070 ]
September 2026 Announcements
Rev. Joshua Trefney will conclude his assignment as Administrator of St. Gabriel Parish, Concord Township, and has been appointed Pastor of St. Gabriel Parish, Concord Township, effective 15 September 2026.
Rev. Anthony J. Schuerger has been granted Senior Priest-Retired status in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 1 September 2026.
Dcn. Lawrence A. Somrack will conclude his diaconal assignment at St. Helen Parish, Newbury, and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland effective 15 September 2026.
Dcn. Scott T. Proper has been appointed as Deacon of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Akron, and Deacon of St. John the Baptist Parish, Akron, effective 1 September 2026.
Rev. William McIntyre, OFM, with permission from the Very Reverend Michael A. Perry, OFM, Provincial Minister of Franciscan Friars, Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, has been granted faculties of the Diocese of Cleveland to continue his role as Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Padua Franciscan High School and to exercise priestly ministry, including hearing confessions and celebrating Mass in English and Spanish in the Cleveland area parishes, effective 30 August 2026 for a period of one year.
Rev. Hieromonk Seoirse Murray, with the permission of the Very Reverend Iuliu Vasile Muntean, JCL, Protosyncellus of the Romanian Catholic Eparchy of Saint George in Canton, has been granted faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland to exercise priestly ministry to celebrate Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish/The Lyceum in South Euclid for a period of one year beginning 1 August 2026.
The Culture Project
The Culture Project (TCP) Missionaries serving the Diocese of Cleveland have returned and are available for presentations through May 2027. Catholic schools and parishes can invite the missionaries to speak with middle school and high school teens and young adults. TCP Missionaries are recent college graduates formed in Catholic Social Teaching who offer dynamic presentations on the inherent dignity of the human person, the benefits of sexual integrity, and healthy living in an online age. There is no cost to host a presentation. Schedule a Culture Project presentation today.
October Respect Life Month Resources: "Mary, Mother of Life"
The USCCB has released its annual Respect Life Month Action Guide, featuring the 2026 theme, "Mary, Mother of Life."
The Office for Human Life has ordered a supply of this year's prayer cards and posters for parishes wishing to participate in Respect Life Month. To request materials, please contact Victoria Uhase. In addition, the Office for Human Life will publish resources throughout September and October on the Office for Human Life webpage. Materials connect this year's theme with key aspects of human dignity highlighted in Dignitas Infinita (2024). Each parish should have received a physical copy of the 2026 Parish Toolkit. A digital copy is also available here. If you would like any Respect Life Month resources mailed (or emailed) directly to your parish, please contact Tony Dipre.
OCIA Adapted for Children & Young People | Wednesday, October 14, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm | St. Noel Parish, Willoughby Hills
Join other parish and school leaders to unpack the Church’s vision for OCIA adapted for children, young people, and their families. The workshop will be presented by Sr. Sandy DeMasi, SSJ, a sister of Saint Joseph of Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She serves as pastoral associate for liturgy at Saint Rose of Lima in Short Hills, New Jersey. Register here. For questions, please email Lauren O’Hara or call 216-696-6525, ext. 1920.
Marriage Mentor Training - Host Parish Opportunity
The Office of Marriage and Family Ministry is seeking additional parishes to host Marriage Mentor Training programs through Fall 2027. Parishes may choose to host either a one-day training session or a two-evening format. To learn more or to express interest in hosting, please contact Terri Yohman.
Current Marriage Mentors are also invited to a training session on Tuesday, October 20 at 7 pm via Microsoft Teams. To register, please contact Joe Mikolajczyk.
Global Celebration of Young People & Friendsgiving Dinner
Saturday, November 21, 5:00-8:00pm
Holy Family, Stow
The Global Celebration of Young People takes place on the Feast of Christ the King. It is an opportunity for young people around the world to remember that they are a dynamic source of hope for the Church and the world, as emphasized by St. John Paul II. This year’s theme is “Take Courage!”
All young adults ages 18–39 in the Diocese of Cleveland are invited to this special celebration on Saturday, November 21. Our evening will begin with Mass at 5:00 PM at Holy Family in Stow, followed by a Friendsgiving Dinner. Join us for an evening of faith, fellowship, gratitude, and good food. Together, we will give thanks to the Lord for our community and for those who encourage and inspire us to live out our faith in the world. Please RSVP to help us plan and ensure that we have plenty of food for our feast. We look forward to celebrating with you. For questions, please contact Dr. Megan Lowes-Bolin.
February 6, 10:30am-6pm
CLE: Middle | for middle school youth (grades 6-8)
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Tickets on sale October 1 at 9:00am. Last year's inaugural event sold out in less than two days. CLE: Middle is a one-day, retreat-style experience that invites middle schoolers to encounter Jesus in a way that is fun, prayerful, and unforgettable. The day includes Eucharistic Adoration, praise & worship, small group time, games, and Mass.
Saturday, October 3, 10:30 am
LEM Certification Liturgy | for all interested
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Friday, October 9, 11:00am-11:45am
Catholic Conference of Ohio “Prayer for a Culture of Life” | for all interested
Special Guest: Sr. Mary Grace, S.V. (Sisters of Life)
Virtual gathering: Click here to register to receive a Zoom link.
Friday, October 16, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Gather Community Kickoff Event | for young adults 18-35
St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Parma
Wednesday, October 21, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Theology on Tap | for young adults 18-35
Pizzazz on the Circle, University Heights
Topic: Come & See: The Art of Invitation with Fr. Eric Garris
Thursday, October 22, 7:00pm-9:30pm
Build a New Life Workshop | for the divorced or separated
St. Hilary Parish, Fairlawn
Sunday, October 25, 10:15am - 12:30pm
Cycle Prep Workshop | for girls age 9-13 and chaperones
St. Hilary Parish, Fairlawn
October 27, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Oratory | for all adults in youth ministry
Mother of Sorrows Parish, Peninsula
Time of Eucharistic Adoration and inspiration to rest in Christ’s love
Advertise your events
With the launch of the new diocesan website, parishes can submit their events for inclusion on the “Events” page (dioceseofcleveland.org/events). A parish staff member can submit the details at dioceseofcleveland.org/event-submission. Once reviewed, the event will be published on the website’s calendar when a user selects the “Include parish events” filter.
Catholic Social Media
As a reminder, parishes looking for assistance with their social media content can utilize “Catholic Social Media” (CSM). Close to 100 parishes are already using this tool provided for free by the diocese. Parishes can schedule their own content as well as use suggested content from diocesan offices and other third-party content providers. Download a quick info sheet here. To sign up for CSM, please contact Deacon Jeff Stutzman in the communications office or fill out the CSM Info form here.
TV Mass Bulletin
Four times a year, the communications office produces and mails the “TV Mass Bulletin” to compliment the TV Mass aired locally at 10 a.m. every Sunday on channel 43 (WUAB). Parishes can request copies of the TV Mass Bulletin for distribution to nursing homes and assisted living facilities within their territory. Contact Deacon Jeff Stutzman with the number of copies needed and the facilities that your parish ministers visit. Copies will be sent to the parish for distribution.
36th Annual Awards Luncheon for DSAO Lorain County
Sunday, October 25, 2026, 1-3 pm at St. Mary in Elyria
Join us for the 36th Annual Peace & Justice Luncheon hosted by the Catholic Commission of Lorain County. Enjoy an afternoon of celebration, renewal, and fellowship. This annual celebration recognizes individuals, parishes, and community organizations whose service, compassion, and commitment reflect the Catholic call to serve others throughout Lorain and Western Cuyahoga Counties. Proceeds will support Catholic Charities Diocesan Social Action Office in Lorain County. Our special guest will be Christopher Larson, the new President & CEO of Catholic Charities. The event is in the parish hall of St. Mary parish in Elyria, located at 320 Middle Avenue. Tickets are $25, and can be purchased in advance at here or pay at the door. Contact Shawn Witmer for more information, or by phone or text at 216-316-9544. RSVP Requested no later than Monday, October 19.
Cemetery Sunday Mass November 1st, 2026
Cemetery Sunday is a Catholic Observance Day dedicated to those buried in Catholic cemeteries. The Catholic Cemeteries Association celebrates Mass at eight of our cemetery locations. All Mass times are at 3:00 PM. For more information, please email Suzi Richter or visit the events page on our website.
Graveside Service for Deceased Priests Novemeber 16th, 2026
Catholic Cemeteries Association, in collaboration with AM 1260 The Rock, invites you to attend a Graveside Prayer Service for Deceased Priests of the Diocese of Cleveland. The service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery Brookpark in the St. John Paul II Mausoleum, section 5 across from the priests’ section 10, The service will be indoors beginning with the Divine Mercy Chaplet, recited at 3:00 PM – Hour of Mercy, followed by In Paradisum, and visitation of the graves in section 10. For more information, please contact Suzi Richter or call (216) 930-4866.
MMGSI is currently planning for our 2027 summer parish internship program. Applications for parishes to apply to host an intern will open on October 12, 2026, on our website: mmgsi.org. We're looking for host parishes distributed across the diocese that can offer opportunities for interns to gain diverse professional and ministry experiences while contributing to the communities they serve. All applications are due by October 30, 2026.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming MMGSI events:
American Catholic History Series — Join us on Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30pm at St. Albert the Great in North Royalton for Fr. Kyle's ongoing series. This month’s lecture, Church in Transition: The Rise of Catholic America and Vatican II, will explore Vatican II’s impact on Catholicism in America.
The Dignity of Dependence Discussion Groups — Join staff from Theology of the Body—Cleveland and Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Institute for an engaging four-week discussion of Leah Libresco Sargeant's new book The Dignity of Dependence. Sargeant challenges today's false ideal of the human person as strongest alone and demonstrates that true human flourishing comes through embracing our reliance on God and one another in mutual dependence.
The discussions will take place in October at four locations across the diocese: St. Anthony of Padua in Parma, St. John Neumann in Strongsville, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Cuyahoga Falls, and the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. The series will culminate with a talk and Q&A with the author on Thursday, November 5 at 6:30pm at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe.
To learn more or to register for any of these upcoming events, visit www.mmgsi.org.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Bishop Edward C. Malesic | Friday, October 2, 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
"Always Forward" with Fr. John Bambrick | Thursday, October 1, 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, October 12, 2026 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Fr. Bob Sanson will share the inspiring story of Pedro Arrupe, SJ | 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.