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.
Home Mission Collection
The Catholic Home Mission Appeal Collection will be taken up the weekend of April 27-28, 2019, to assist struggling dioceses in the United States. Bulletin inserts and announcements can be found here.
Reminders: Transitional Diaconate Ordination: Saturday, April 6th at 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral.
Chrism Mass: Tuesday, April 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the Cathedral. General seating for the Chrism Mass will be first come, first served. Holy Oils may be collected after the Mass.
The Easter Vigil is to begin no earlier than 7:30 p.m.
Permanent Diaconate Ordination: Saturday, May 4th at 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral
Presbyteral Ordination: Saturday, May 18th at 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a holyday of obligation. A Vigil Mass for the Assumption may be celebrated Wednesday, August 14th after 4:00 p.m. Masses celebrating the Solemnity are to be celebrated on Thursday, August 15th.
The anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist on Friday, September 6th is observed as a solemnity in the Cathedral and as a feast in the parishes of the Diocese of Cleveland. This observance takes precedence over the Friday of the Twenty-Second week in Ordinary Time.
The blessing and commissioning of parish catechists is intended to take place at Mass on Catechetical Sunday, September 15th. If this is not possible, the blessing and commissioning may be celebrated at Mass at another time, or it may be used outside of Mass, perhaps with the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours or at a simple commissioning service. The “Order for the Blessing of Those Appointed as Catechists” can be found in the Book of Blessings, # 491.
October is Respect Life Month. Parishes may wish to begin planning to mark Respect Life Month, especially the weekend of Respect Life Sunday (October 6th).
The diocesan Silent Sorrow Mass for those suffering from Miscarriage, Infertility, and Neo-Natal Death will be celebrated Sunday, October 20th at 5:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. All are welcome.
Prenuptial agreements
Clergy and lay ministers may have recently received materials from an organization promoting a “Covenant in anticipation of marriage,” “Solemn marriage covenant,” or “True marriage proclamation set.” Couples should not be encouraged to use these or similar documents. In any situation where the bride and groom are contemplating making a prenuptial agreement, the preparing minister should seek the advice of the Judicial Vicar.
Master of Science in Church Management
Villanova University is offering a Master of Science degree in Church Management, available to study largely through distance learning. Students recommended from the Diocese of Cleveland may be eligible for a 50% tuition discount. See the flyer for more information.
Sacrament of Confirmation at Saint John Cathedral
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated at St. John Cathedral on Saturday, June 8, 2019, the Vigil of the Solemnity of Pentecost, at the 4:30 p.m. Mass. If you have candidates who are unable to participate at the Confirmation Ceremony at their own parish, please contact the Cathedral Rectory at 216-771-6666, ext. 4700. The candidate must meet Diocesan guidelines for age or school grade level. The parish staff of the sponsoring parish is to prepare the candidates for the reception of the sacrament. Registration must be made by the pastor, administrator, or parish life coordinator; not by the candidate. Registration forms, and a Catholic baptismal certificate should be submitted to the Cathedral no later than May 31, 2019.
2019 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal
More than 50,000 households will receive a letter from Bishop Perez the week of April 24inviting them to donate to this year’s appeal. See here for updated parish statistics and bulletin announcements. Contact Karen Joyce or 216-696-6525 x 1910 with questions.
2019 Catholic Stewardship Webcast Series
Visit the Stewardship Office website to learn more about these no-cost webinars aimed to strengthen parish leadership in ministry. Webinar recordings available to registrants post-session. Our May offering is ‘Embracing Youth and Young Adults,’ May 14, Presented by Leisa Anslinger of Catholic Life & Faith.
Save the Date Upcoming Events:
Annual Stewardship Day of Reflection, July 18, details forthcoming.
International Catholic Stewardship Conference, October 6-9, Chicago
Healthcare Open Enrollment
All Pastors, Principals and Administrators should have received a memo dated January 31 for Healthcare premium and plan design changes for 2019/2020. Be sure to read through it and share with your Business Managers. It contains information regarding our current plans as well as a new plan. Note that open enrollment begins April 29 and concludes May 17. Updated information will be posted to the benefits website: www.MyDOCBenefits.com. Contact the Employee Benefits Office at (216) 696-6525, ext. 5040 with any questions.
Flag collection
The Catholic Cemeteries Association will be collecting worn, tattered, or faded American flags at all eight of its cemetery offices year-round. On June 15, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. we will be conducting a Flag Retirement Ceremony at Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland. For more information call 216-570-5939.
Monthly Grief Support
The next grief support group meeting will be on Sunday April 28 at 3:00 p.m. at the following locations: Saint Joseph Cemetery, Avon (temporary trailer office); Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron (office); and Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park (office). The topic will be ‘No Eye Has Seen… Wonderful Things God Has Prepared for You.’ No reservations required. Visit our website or contact Rhonda at 216-930-4866.
Immigration: presentations to parishes on the topic of immigration. Please click here for information.
Diocesan Prison Ministry is in serious need of toiletry items. To view the list, please click here.
April LEAF Ministry (Listening, Encouraging and Assisting Families of the incarcerated) schedule is available here.
Incarcerated loved one. Please click here to have a chaplain or volunteer visit your loved one.
Gay and Lesbian Family Ministry Support Groups: Please click here for the current schedule.
Ursuline College is offering tuition discounts and moral theology courses at its Akron location. For more information, please contact the Lay Ecclesial Ministry office at 440-943-7670.
Catholic Renewal Ministry events, click here.
Showing of The Sultan and the Saint, a film about Saint Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt, on April 3 at John Carroll University followed by a discussion and a Q&A. See here for more information.
Informational evenings for those interested in Lay Ecclesial Ministry will be held the evenings of April 5 and May 17, 2019. For more information, please contact the Lay Ecclesial Minsitry office at 440-943-7670.
Upcoming events
Lay Ecclesial Ministry benefit dinner May 3, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
Lay Ecclesial Ministry retreat, July 26-27, 2019.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. These resources from the USCCB may help parishes and schools to mark the event. On April 2 at 2 p.m. USCCB staff will pray the Rosary for the victims/survivors of abuse, and the defense of the vulnerable. The rosary will be streamed live from the USCCB’s Facebook and Twitter sites. On Friday, April 5, the USCCB will promote a ‘Call to Prayer.’ Dioceses and parishes can consider promoting that day for prayer and sacrifice for the intention “May survivors of abuse experience God’s profound love for them, and receive comfort and healing.” Contact Sharon Minson, Director, Office for Protection of Children, 216-696-6525 x1157 with any questions.
Summer Camp Counselors wanted
Catholic Charities is seeking energetic, mission-driven individuals to join our summer camp staff as Camp Counselors. These are temporary positions are at four of our summer camps that will last for up to 12 weeks during the summer from the first week in June to the first to second week in August. Positions are available at Camp Christopher, Bath Township; Camp Happiness, Wickliffe and Parma; Fatima Family Center, Cleveland; and St. Martin de Porres Family Center, Cleveland. Please see the postings on the Catholic Charities careers page for more information.
PREP Marriage Skills Workshop offers enrichment to married couples. April 13, 2019, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. at Holy Martyrs in Medina. $125 per couple. More information and registration are available online. Contact Katie at 216-334-2978 or with questions.
Ministry of Consolation / Parish Bereavement Ministry training provides the training and tools needed to create a Ministry of Consolation / Bereavement program in the context of parish life. This course is for those who are ministering to the bereaved in parish and diocesan settings. Trainings in the Akron area of the diocese are typically scheduled only every other year Thursdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 2019; 6-9 p.m. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory. Saint Francis de Sales, Akron. $125.00 per participant. Contact Jason Lewis at 216-334-2974.
Sacred Steps To Peace / Catholic Divorce Recovery program for the divorced has a focus on spiritual healing and growth through education, discussion and reflection on Scriptures and Church teachings. Third Friday of every month 7-8:30 p.m. at St Joseph, Strongsville. Sign up to be added to the email list for further information. The optionally additional Women’s Support Group meets the first Thursday of every month, 7p.m.-8:30p.m. at Saint Joseph, Strongsville.
World Wide Marriage Encounter offers weekends to bring a husband and wife closer together. Get away from the distractions of everyday life and focus on each other and how to improve your marriage. The next weekend is April 26-28, 2019 in Solon. For more information on these weekends go to www.greatmarriagesohio.org or call 330-305-9963.
The 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration Mass is scheduled for Saturday October 12, 2019 at 10 a.m. (NB this is a change from the usual summer date). Online registration for the Mass will be available shortly. Contact Jason Lewis via email or call 216-334-2974.
Summit County Derby for Dollars fundraiser bulletin announcement:
Catholic Charities Summit County’s 4th annual Derby for Dollars will be Friday, May 3, 2019, at the beautiful Portage Country Club in Akron. This event is the perfect Friday night before the Kentucky Derby. We will feature a live cooking demonstration from world-renowned celebrity priest and Chef Father Leo Patalinghug. Cleveland TV legend Robin Swoboda will be the MC for the evening.
There will be great live and silent auction items, a Derby Draw for bourbon and wine as well as contests for best Derby hats and outfits. We will be doing a live auction for a private mass and dinner with Bishop Perez. How cool is that?
All proceeds from this event directly support the Basic Needs Services of CC Summit: Community Hot Meals, Food Pantry and Emergency Financial Assistance.
Please plan to be with us on May 3. For sponsor and ticket information, call 330-762-2961, email Carl Bako or click here.
First Friday Club of Cleveland. Talking Baseball; Talking Tribe with Bob DiBiasio, Sr. Vice President, Public Affairs, the Cleveland Indians. Thursday April 4, 2019, at The City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Avenue, 2nd floor, Cleveland. Registration table and lunch buffet opens at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at noon. Registration and more information available here.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron. Recovery life! Hope beyond opiate addiction with Andrew J. Davis, LPCC-S, Clinical Supervisor and David Monter, Support Services Coordinator. Friday April 5, 2019 at Tangier Restaurant, 532 W. Market St., Akron. More information here.
Theology on the Rocks - West - For adults 40 and over. The Emergence of Easter Traditions in our Faith & the Byzantine rite with Fr. Michael Hayduk, Retired rector and administrator of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma of the Ruthenians. Monday April 8, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Copper Cup (Ironwood Café) 680 Dover Center Road, Westlake. $10 (pay at the door) including includes appetizers. Cash bar. Registration and more information click here or email .
The Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development (CPPCD) is having its 46th Annual Summit at Jesuit Retreat Center in Parma from May 5 to 8, 2019. For more information and to register, see the brochure with this month’s Memorandum flyers or the CPPCD website. Contact Rick Krivanka at the Jesuit Retreat Center at 440-884-9300, ext. 312.
Operation Good News’ Spring Renewal Weekend, theme ‘Surrounded by Love, Fear Not For I am with You.’ June 1-2, 2019 at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Parma. Cost of $130 includes lodging and meals. For more information call 216-396-4136, 216-464-4443, or 216-751-0216.
Your feedback on the new format for the Diocesan Memorandum is welcomed. Please send comments or suggestions to Mrs. Ann Marie Perkins.
Flyers which may be of interest to readers of the Diocesan Memorandum may be found at HERE.
Submissions for the next Memorandum should be made to Mrs. Ann Marie Perkins by the 15th of the preceding month. Guidelines for submissions are available here.
Child & Youth Protection
Our promise to protect, our pledge to heal.
To report an abuse, please contact local law enforcement and:
Kathleen McComb, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Response Services – 216-334-2999
Catholic Diocese of Cleveland © 2024
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