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 | April 27-28, 2024
The Catholic Home Mission Appeal Collection will be taken up the weekend of April 27-28, 2024, to assist struggling dioceses in the United States. Click here for Bulletin inserts.
Office of Catechetical Services Collection: | May 11-12, 2024
Each year in the Diocese of Cleveland, a special collection is taken up in all the parishes to support the ministries of the Secretariat for Catechetical Services. This Diocesan Secretariat focuses on providing guidance and support that promotes the evangelizing mission of the Church through the catechetical efforts of all parishes and Newman Campus ministries in the Diocese. Ministries that will benefit from this collection include faith formation for adults, teens and children, and family-based faith formation, as well as the ongoing formation of Parish Catechetical Leaders and catechists as missionary disciples. Newman Catholic Campus Ministries provides opportunities for students to deepen a relationship with Christ through prayer and worship, community, faith and Bible studies, retreats and service. This year the collection will be held on the weekend of 11-12 May 2024. A contribution to the Office of Catechetical Services is an investment in the faith formation of people of all ages throughout the Diocese of Cleveland. Please encourage giving to this very special collection.
Applications for OCP Parish Grants are being accepted through May 30, 2024. The OCP Parish Grants Program is open to all Roman Catholic parishes and campus ministries that can demonstrate a consistent Mass schedule throughout the year. Applicants do not have to use an OCP worship program to qualify. Click here for more information.
The Office for Worship will offer formation sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in April and May:
A memo with the registration link has been sent to parishes and campus ministers. The list of these sessions is also posted on the diocesan website.
Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025. He has also announced a year of prayer in preparation for the Jubilee. The Holy Father wrote: “From now on I am happy to think that the year preceding the Jubilee event, 2024, will be dedicated to a great ‘symphony’ of prayer so as to rediscover the desire to be in the presence of the Lord, to listen to him and adore him." The Dicastery for Evangelization has issued a prayer resource for 2024. “Teach Us to Pray” is now available online in Italian, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Polish. Click here for free downloads
May 2023 Liturgical Calendar
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, May 12, 2024
In the Diocese of Cleveland, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is not celebrated on Thursday, May 9, but is transferred to the following Sunday, May 12, 2024. Scriptures and Orations for all Vigil and Sunday Masses should celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord, not the Seventh Sunday of Easter.
Blessing of Mothers on Mothers’ Day, May 12, 2024
When Mothers’ Day occurs during the Easter season, the Mass of the Sunday is always celebrated. However, intercessions and a prayer over the people are provided in the Book of Blessings. The prayer over the people may replace the solemn blessing of the Easter season. (BB 1724-1728).
Solemnity of Pentecost, May 19, 2024
Masses after 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, celebrate the Vigil of Pentecost, either extended form or simple form. The extended form of the Pentecost Vigil resembles the Easter Vigil, in that four Scripture readings, psalms, and corresponding prayers are proclaimed prior to the singing of the Gloria. The Collect follows the Gloria, and the Epistle reading follows the Collect. After this, the extended Vigil Mass proceeds as the simple Pentecost Vigil. Masses on May 19 should celebrate the Pentecost Mass during the Day.
The Easter candle is lit at all Masses on the Solemnity of Pentecost and, if possible, at Evening Prayer. The Easter season ends with the conclusion of Vespers. If Vespers is not celebrated publicly, the Easter candle might be borne in procession at the end of each Sunday Mass as a sign that the Easter season has come to an end.
The Order for Visiting a Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024
“This order is a solemn commemoration … [and] … may be used on All Souls Day, Memorial Day, or on the anniversary of the death or burial.” It may also be adapted by individuals visiting a grave (BB 1734-1735).
Angel Scholarship Fund
April 15, 2024 is the deadline for making a donation to the Angel Scholarship Fund (ASF) that may be eligible for a 2023 state tax credit. Please call 216-902-1312 for details on ASF; or visit www.catholiccommunity.org/for-advisors for important tax information that ASF donors can provide for their tax preparer.
2024 Catholic Charities Appeal – Transformed by your love
The 2024 In-Pew Weekend took place February 10-11. Parishes can go to www.CatholicCommunity.org/parishmaterials for updated parish statistics to see how well their parish is doing. You can also find bulletin announcements to keep parishioners engaged. Email Sarah Gozur, or call 216-696-6525 x1910 with questions or for additional information.
Legacy Giving Webinar
The Catholic Community Foundation has partnered with FreeWill to offer our entire Catholic community the opportunity to create an estate plan, at zero personal cost. Ready to learn more about how FreeWill can benefit your parish? You’re invited to our upcoming webinar where Chris Hall, our FreeWill Strategist, will share pastoral framework for legacy giving and give you the tools you need to empower your parishioners. This webinar is exclusively for Diocese of Cleveland parish leaders. We invite all pastors, business managers, finance committee members, and legacy society volunteers to join us.
Creating a Legacy of Faith: Talking about Legacy Giving with your Parish Webinar
When: 12 PM noon on Tuesday, April 30
Who: All diocesan parish leaders are invited
How: Sign up HERE
The Demkee Family Scholarship
Who is eligible: students from Wayne and Summit Counties who are attending The University of Akron. Guidelines and the application can be found here. The application deadline is May 1st.
Health Care Open Enrollment
If your employees wish to make any changes to their coverage, Health Care Plans - Enrollment/Change forms, must be received by the Health Benefits Office no later than May 10. Any changes will be effective July 1. Also, a reminder that Annual Physical and Tobacco Attestation Forms and Working Spouse Employer Verification forms are due by May 1. Forms and information can be found at www.MyDocBenefits.com
Marketplace Notices
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all employers to provide their employees with the Marketplace Notice. The notice provides information regarding the public health insurance marketplaces. Please provide your new employees with the recently updated Marketplace notice, which can be found at here.
Contact the Employee Benefits Office at (216) 696-6525, ext. 5040 or hbo@dioceseofcleveland.org with any questions on either of the above.
Catholic Charities Summit County’s 8th annual Derby for Dollars (DFD) will have an exciting new twist at a familiar Akron landmark. Join us on Saturday, May 4 at the beautiful House Three Thirty Cabaret (formerly The Tangier Cabaret) in Akron to drink mint juleps, enter the Best Dressed contest, and cheer for your favorite horse while watching the Kentucky Derby live. Doors open for cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. Kentucky Derby Post Time will be around 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music from the Rolando Pizana Band, delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks, the annual bourbon raffle, a robust silent auction and, of course, contests for best Derby attire. Derby for Dollars will benefit Catholic Charities Summit County’s Emergency Assistance Services – Rent and Utility Assistance and three Community Hot Meals per week. Ticket and Sponsor information can be found here. For more information or paper ticket forms, email Carl Bako or call at 330-524-4196.
Eucharistic Revival
Save the date: June 24, 2024 | Canal Park Stadium, Akron
In celebration of the Eucharistic Revival and to kick off the Parish Year of Revival, we hosted four special "Ballpark Masses" across the diocese last summer. This summer, we will be hosting only one Ballpark Mass at Canal Park Stadium in Akron. It will be a bilingual event with Bishop Malesic presiding and National Eucharistic Preacher, Father Rafael Capó, joining us from the Archdiocese of Miami.
Sheet Music and Audio Recording Available for New Eucharistic Hymns
Please click on the link above for the audio recordings and sheet music of We Do Believe, O Lord and Let the Earth Acclaim Christ Jesus in both English and Spanish. Share these resources with your parish’s music director for use at Eucharistic events and wherever else it feels appropriate.
The Biggest Eucharistic Procession in History
In just a few months, Jesus will begin an unprecedented journey, and your parish is invited to join him along the way. Major processions will leave simultaneously from California, Minnesota, Connecticut, and Texas, carrying Our Lord across more than 6,000 miles. Visit the National Eucharistic Revival website to discover local opportunities to participate and register for free to be a part of this exciting Revival initiative, Learn more
‘‘Invite One Back”
Whether they never came back after pandemic shutdowns or stopped showing up at Mass more recently, most parishes have a few parishioners they could name whom they haven’t seen in a while. As a part of the National Eucharistic Revival, the bishops are asking parish leaders and pastors across the country to join them in an “Invite One Back” campaign. Like the Good Shepherd, we will pursue each lapsed member of our flocks as individuals—returning them to the fold one by one. Learn more
Eucharistic Miracles Display
April 20-28, 2024 | St. Joseph Parish, Avon Lake
All are invited to visit the Eucharistic Miracles Display at St. Joseph Parish in Avon Lake.
Exhibit hours can be found on their website here.
Child Abuse Prevention Month | Office for Child Protection
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM). We highlight this month every year because we are called through Scripture and Tradition to protect the life and dignity of every human person, especially the young and the vulnerable. The USCCB has provided new updates to their CAPM materials. You can find these valuable resources accessible below through the listed links. A comprehensive Resource booklet assembled with such items as suggested virtual activities; homily helps; sample social media posts; and liturgical aides to raise awareness about child abuse prevention can be found here or on our website. For questions, email Sharon Minson
Black Catholic Ministries
Bible Study: African Presence in Scripture
April 11-12, 2024, 6:30pm-8pm | St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Church, Cleveland
Presenter: Fr. Charles Smith, SVD, Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Black Catholic Ministries
Men’s Retreat: How God Made Men
Saturday, April 13, 8:00am-4:00pm | St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Church
Black Catholic Ministries
NBCC Webinar Series: Contemplative Outreach
Wednesday, April 17, 8:00pm | Zoom Webinar
Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Ministry of Spiritual Direction
Saturday, April 27, 10:00am-12:00pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership
Black Catholic Ministries
NBCC Webinar Series: Listening to Your Body While Answering the Prophetic Call
Sunday, May 5, 7:00pm | Zoom Webinar
Office of Youth Ministry
Youth Minister Bootcamp: Neurodivergence & Special Needs
Thursday, May 9, 10:00am-12:00pm | St. Basil the Great Parish
This formation will include general information about neurodiversity, healthy boundaries, how to accompany those with special needs, and practical tips.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Catholic Senior Care, Rick Meserini, President and CEO, St. Augustine Health Ministries | Thursday, April 4, 2024 | Center for Pastoral Leadership 28700 Euclid Ave. Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Registration and more information here.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Grace and Tradition: Catholic Higher Education, Sister Christine De Vinne, President Ursuline College | Friday, April 5, 2024 | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information here.
AM 1260 The Rock Cleveland Catholic Radio Spring Spirit Drive April 10-11-12. Tune in to support your Catholic radio station as they approach the beginning of their 10th year of broadcasting ‘rock solid truth.’ Visit AM 1260 The Rock or call 216-227-1260 for more information.
Theology of the Rocks for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, April 15, 2024 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Fr. John Manning | Click here for more information.
* * *
Submissions for the next Memorandum should be made to Ann Marie Perkins by the 15th of the preceding month. Guidelines
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
Subscribe! Sign up to receive news & updates.
1 of 22