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.
Pontifical Good Friday Collection | 3 April 2026
Pope Leo has asked each parish to support the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, which helps Christians in the Holy Land, where they are now less than 2% of the population. Your support is essential to help the Church minister in parishes, provide Catholic schools, and offer religious education. The Pontifical Good Friday Collection also helps to preserve the sacred shrines of Christianity, including in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem, to name only a few. The pandemic had hit Christians in the Holy Land particularly hard. Most of them depend on pilgrimages for work. The war and now the Iranian conflict have made their situation even more dire. In these times of crisis, the Pontifical Good Friday Collection is necessary to meet the basic needs of the People of God still living in this Land and to maintain a Christian presence where the Church was born.
When you contribute to the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, you join with Catholics around the world in solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land. Please be generous. For more information about Christians in the Holy Land, visit www.myfranciscan.org or www.custodia.org
Home Mission Collection | April 25-26, 2026
The Catholic Home Mission Appeal Collection will be taken up the weekend of April 25-26, 2026, to assist struggling dioceses in the United States. Click here for Bulletin inserts.
Office of Catechetical Services Collection | May 9-10, 2026
Each year in the Diocese of Cleveland, a special collection is taken up in all the parishes to support the ministries of the Office of Catechetical Formation. The ministry 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, worship, community, faith and Bible studies, retreats and service. This year the collection will be held on the weekend of May 9-10, 2026. 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.
Good Friday Solemn Intercessions
In your final preparations for Triduum, please know that there will not be an eleventh intercession provided for this year’s celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday.
OCP Parish Grants submission deadline 30 May 2026
Applications for OCP Parish Grants are being accepted through May 30, 2026. OCP Parish Grants provide direct financial assistance to parishes and campus ministries seeking to enhance their community’s worship experience. For more information, please visit https://ocp.org/en-us/parish-grants.
Eucharistic Processions for Corpus Christi, 7 Jun 2026
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is celebrated on Sunday, June 7. Eucharistic processions on or near this feast are encouraged. When preparing a procession route, parishes should review local community ordinances and confer with public authorities and law enforcement officials. It may be necessary to apply for local permits and provide security escorts, especially if the procession will be using city streets.
After initial preparations have been developed and a route established with local permissions, parishes must contact the Office for Worship to obtain the Bishop’s formal approval of these plans. Please refer to the Guidelines for Preparing and Celebrating Eucharistic Exposition with a Public Procession document for more information.
St. Cecelia Retreat: Seeking Wholeness and Holiness – June 14-16, 2026
The St. Cecilia Retreat is for all music ministers, professional and volunteer. As some choirs wind down for the summer and we return to the counting Sundays of Ordinary Time, take some time for reflection and inspiration. Our liturgical musicians give of themselves sacrificially to care for the needs of others, but who takes care of them?
This year’s St. Cecilia Retreat features radio personality and podcaster Trapper Jack and additional speakers from around the diocese. We will spend time immersed in the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, and prayer that encompasses our whole bodies with movement and meditation. We will reflect on seeking wholeness and holiness, in our ministry and in our lives. Spend time with like minds, learning and growing together and in our relationship with the Lord. There will be plenty of music and food, an evening jam session, and all of the comforts of the Center for Pastoral Leadership. Pastors, please encourage your music ministers to take time for their own spiritual development. Registration deadline is 5 Jun 2026. Click here for details and registration.
OCIA Resources
In late 2025, a four-part series of workshops, corresponding to the four periods of the OCIA, was presented and recorded in the Diocese of Cleveland. These recordings, along with the slides from the presentations, are now available on the diocesan website here. Contact Mary Hrich with any OCIA questions.
Save the Date: Rite of Election 2027
Next year’s Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will be held on Saturday, 13 Feb 2027, beginning at 10am at Cleveland Public Auditorium. Participation in Rite of Election is not optional for adult catechumens who are journeying to the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Please mark your calendar now and keep this in mind when developing OCIA plans.
Formation Sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Formation Sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are being offered each month. Register via the link included in the letter that was sent out at the end of February. Refer to the Office for Worship website for the complete list of locations.
May 2026 Liturgical Calendar
Blessing of Mothers on Mothers’ Day, May 10, 2026
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 the Ascension of the Lord, May 17, 2026
In the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is not celebrated on Thursday, May 14, but is transferred to the following Sunday, May 17, 2026. Scriptures and Orations for all Vigil and Sunday Masses should celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord, not the Seventh Sunday of Easter.
Solemnity of Pentecost, May 24, 2026
Masses after 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 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 Glory to God. 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 24 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 25, 2026
“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, 2026 is the deadline for making a donation to the Angel Scholarship Fund (ASF) that may be eligible for a 2025 state tax credit. Please call 216-902-1312 for details on the ASF, or click here for important tax information that ASF donors can provide for their tax preparer.
2025 Catholic Charities Appeal – “Yours Are the Hands with which He Blesses All the World”
We are nearly halfway to our $15.3 million dollar goal. Parishes can visit click here for updated parish statistics to see how well their parish is doing. There are also bulletin announcements located there to help keep parishioners engaged in this year’s Appeal. Email Sarah Gozur, or call 216-696-6525 x1910 with questions or for additional information.
New Tax Benefit for Faithful Givers in 2026
Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who do not itemize may still benefit from charitable giving. You may deduct up to $1,000 (single filers) or $2,000 (married couples) in cash gifts to qualified charities, including (name of parish). Your generosity helps support the mission and good works of (name of parish) that serve our faith community. Tax benefits are subject to applicable laws and limits. Please consult your tax advisor. Gifts to donor-advised funds are not eligible. Email Moira Wopershall or call 216-696-6525 x8070 with questions or for additional information.
Priest and Deacon Jubilarian Planning Forms Due
Priest and Deacon Jubilarians were recently mailed Jubilee Planning Forms to gather information for the 2026 Jubilees in May. Please remember to fill out the forms and either mail them back to the Diocese, or scan and email them to Kate Kasik as soon as possible. Please let Kate know if you need another form.
Annual Religious Jubilee Celebration
Religious in the diocese who are celebrating Silver, Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilees this year will be honored by The Most Reverend Edward G. Malesic at a liturgy and luncheon at the Center for Pastoral Leadership on 25 April 2026. Invitations were mailed the beginning of March to those whose names were submitted by the Religious Superiors to the Office for Religious. Because this celebration involves a catered dinner, it is limited to the jubilarians. In cases where a driver is needed to accompany those who are celebrating, the driver is invited to the meal. Please inform the Office for Religious of this additional participant by calling 216-696-6525 ext. 2930 or email Kate Kasik.
March 2026 Announcements
Rev. Kevin P. Elbert concludes his assignment as Pastor of St. Luke Parish, St. Clement Parish, and St. James Parish in Lakewood, and has been appointed Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Cuyahoga Falls effective 1 May 2026.
Rev. Ryan J. Mann has been appointed Assistant Director of the Office of Ongoing Formation for Clergy of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective 1 July 2026. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor of St. Basil the Great Parish, Brecksville.
Rev. Michael J. Lanning concludes his authorized Leave of Absence for Sick Leave and has resigned from the office of Pastor of St. Angela Merici Parish in Fairview Park effective 7 April 2026. He remains an incardinated priest of the Diocese of Cleveland with Senior Priest-Retired status.
Rev. James E. Singler concludes his assignment as Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Cuyahoga Falls, and has been granted early-retirement status for health reasons effective 1 May 2026. He remains an incardinated priest of the Diocese of Cleveland with Senior Priest-Retired status.
Very Rev. John T. Lane, SSS, concludes his assignment as Pastor of St. Paschal Baylon Parish, Highland Heights effective 1 June 2026. He has been elected as the new Provincial Superior of the Province of Saint Ann of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (USA), and has been reassigned to New York City as Pastor.
Rev. Sebastian Rosario Pushparaj, SSS, with the recommendation of the Very Rev. John Thomas Lane, SSS, Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament - Province of Saint Ann, concludes his assignment as Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish, Willoughby and his assignment as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wickliffe, and has been appointed Pastor of St. Paschal Baylon Parish, Highland Heights effective 1 June 2026.
Deacon Matthew Richards, with the recommendation of the Very Reverend Monsignor John A. Zuraw, Vicar General of the Diocese of Youngstown, has been granted permission to exercise diaconal ministries at St. Rita Parish in Solon for a period of one year beginning 11 February 2026.
Deacon David N. Chordas concludes his diaconal assignment at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, South Euclid, and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland effective 12 April 2026.
Deacon Charles C. Shin concludes his diaconal assignment at St. Andrew Kim Parish, Cleveland, and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland effective 15 April 2026.
Deacon Robert J. Stegmaier concludes his diaconal assignment at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Akron, and has Awaiting Assignment status as a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 15 April 2026.
Synod on Synodality
The General Secretariat of the Synod has published the first three Final Reports of the Study Groups established by Pope Francis following the First Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops:
Over the coming weeks, a total 15 final reports from the study groups are expected and will be used to form proposals submitted to the pope for consideration.
Thank You for Your Service
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all parishioners who participated in the Diocesan Week of Service. Your generosity is a powerful witness of Christ’s love, showing that our local Church strives to be a living example of the Good Samaritan. Thank you for being faithful servants and true reflections of Christ’s hands and feet in our communities.
As we reflect on these shared moments of grace, we invite you to prayerfully use the Participant Reflection Guide and complete the Volunteer Feedback Form and/or the Host Site Feedback Form. Your thoughtful feedback will help guide our future efforts as we continue to walk together in faith and service. Please complete the forms by April 8. Remember to share your photos on social media using #LoveInActionCLE. Your posts help us gather these moments of grace and celebrate the incredible ways God is working through each of you across our diocese.
Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM). The USCCB provides CAPM materials every few years as a valuable resource to protect the life and dignity of all, especially the young and the vulnerable. Included is 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. Click to download. For more information, please visit our website | For questions, email Sharon Minson.
2026 Catholic Jewish Bridgebuilders: April 16, 2026 at 6:30PM at the Maltz Museum
Catholic Jewish Bridgebuilders (formerly Colloquium) is a significant interfaith gathering that brings together members of Cleveland’s Catholic and Jewish Community for Dialogue to enhance knowledge and understanding of each other’s religion through presentations and discussion. The 2026 Theme: Running Against Hate: Marty Glickman and Lessons from the 1936 Olympics and Beyond. 2026 marks the 90th Anniversary of the 1936 Olympic Games, which were held in Berlin when Hitler was in power. Hear the story of the four-man relay and how two Jewish runners were removed from the team because of antisemitism. Marty Glickman, a NYC legendary sportscaster, was one of them. This year's Keynote Speaker, Dr. Jeffrey Gurock is the author of Marty Glickman: The Life of an American Jewish Sports Legend and professor at Yeshiva University will discuss not only how Glickman coped for decades with that painful rejection but also examines how he dealt with other anti-Semitic and cultural obstacles that threatened to stymie his career. Marty Glickman’s story is told within the context of the prejudicial barriers that were common to thousands, if not millions, of fellow Jews of his generation as they aimed to make it in America. Deacon Mike Hayes, Director of the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs for the Diocese of Cleveland, and a student of Glickman’s at Fordham University will offer a Catholic response to Dr Gurock’s presentation.
To Register: Events | Catholic Diocese of Cleveland | Cleveland, OH or register on the ADL Website. The Event is free, but you must register to attend.
Save the date: All Life, One Faith: Spring Regional Gatherings
These gatherings will bring together parish and school leaders to strengthen collaboration, share resources, and reflect on how we can more effectively witness to the dignity of every human life – from womb to tomb. More information and registration details will be available soon. Co-sponsored by the Office for Human Life and the Diocesan Social Action Office of Catholic Charities.
Help needed: Catholic Divorce Support
We are seeking volunteer leaders for Catholic divorce support groups. Abounding Joy Ministry is offering free facilitator training for those who feel called to support individuals navigating divorce through their Catholic faith. Upcoming training sessions are scheduled for late April and August. If you know someone who may be a good fit, or if you are personally interested, please contact Terri for more information.
The support groups begin September 3 and are livestreamed with Carolyn Klika, foundress of Abounding Joy Ministry. Trained facilitators will guide participants who gather in person at their parish, creating a supportive and faith‑centered environment. Additional virtual offerings may also be found on their website for individuals or couples seeking support and healing.
New: Intimacy: From Pitfalls to Possibilities
The MFM Office has developed a two-session marriage ministry program grounded in Gottman’s research and the Prepare-Enrich inventory. Pilot groups have been very successful. This program is ideal for parishes that are launching a new marriage ministry or enhancing an existing one. If you are interested in scheduling this program for next year, please email Joe for more information.
Marriage Mentor Training
Parishes interested in scheduling Marriage Mentor Training Days are encouraged to reach out soon to reserve dates for 2026 or 2027. We will host a training on Saturday, June 13, from 9am-2pm at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Valley City. Lunch included. Cost is $100. Please email Terri for additional details or if you have couples who may be ready to begin the process.
Friday, April 3, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Good Friday Procession and Service | for all interested
The procession begins at Sagrada Familia Parish on Detroit Avenue and ends at St. Michael the Archangel Church on Scranton Road in Cleveland. This year marks its 50th anniversary.
Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12
Ignatian Spirituality Project’s Volunteer Discernment Retreat | for all interested adults
Loyola Retreat House, Green
This overnight retreat is for those interested in volunteering to assist in spiritual care of those recovering from addiction and/or homelessness. Register here.
Saturday, April 11, 9:30am - 3:00pm
Black Catholic Men's Retreat | for interested men
St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima, Cleveland
To register, please contact the parish office at St. Agnes / Our Lady of Fatima Parish at (216) 391-1655.
Monday, April 13, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Canon Law Course Information Night | for all interested
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19
Juan XXIII Men’s Retreat | for interested men
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Juan XXIII Retreat House, Cleveland
This overnight, weekend retreat begins on Friday evening at 6 pm and is offered in Spanish. For more information, please contact Mayra Ramos at 787-929-1510.
Saturday, April 18, 9:00am - 11:00am
Marriage and Family - Cycle Prep Workshop | for girls age 9-13 and parents
St. Barnabas Parish, Northfield
All teens must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other supportive adult.
Tuesday, April 21, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Office for Human Life - Lake Co WWMIN Informational Night | for all interested
St. Gabriel Parish, Concord
Learn more about supporting pregnant and parenting mothers in need.
Wednesday, April 22, 9:00am – 2:00pm
Catholic Publisher’s Showcase | For catechetical leaders, principals, and clergy
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Explore catechetical materials and connect with publishers
Tuesday, April 22, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Theology on Tap East | for young adults ages 18-39
Pizzazz on the Circle, University Heights
Topic: “We Are an Easter People: An Easter Reflection on Empty Tombs & Full Hearts” with Fr. Anthony Donatelli
Thursday, April 23 – Friday, April 24
Listen, Teach, Send Regional Formation by the USCCB | for youth ministers (grades 6-12) and young adult ministry leaders |Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit
Join us for two days of formation, encouragement, and renewal as we strengthen our shared mission to serve the next generation of disciples.
Wednesday, May 13, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
SCI Formation: Intentional Planning | for all youth ministers
Holy Family Parish, Stow
Topic: YM Calendar Planning for Next Ministry Year
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, Disability Services & Ministries
Summer Camp Employment Working with Children with Disabilities
Catholic Charities Disability Services & Ministries will be interviewing college students and young professionals to work with children, ages 5-18, with developmental disabilities, this summer for Camp Happiness at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. This is a great opportunity to experience a job that is truly one of service and is personally fulfilling—and they have fun. Camp Happiness is from 8:45am to 3:15pm beginning June 8 and ending July 24, 2026 (closed on July 3 and includes one week of staff training and six weeks of camp). If you are interested in learning more about working at camp, email Megan Bonilla or call 216-672-1515. You can apply at https://www.ccdocle.org/careers - do a search for Camp Happiness to find the open positions.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, Disability Services & Ministries
free Disability Ministry Training on May 7-8, 2026
Catholic Charities Disability Services & Ministries, together with the Diocese of Cleveland, will welcome the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) for a free two‑day Disability Ministry training on May 7–8, 2026. The training will take place at St. Ambrose Parish in Brunswick (929 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH 44212) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Participants may register for one or both days. Day One will cover parish accessibility, adaptive catechesis, resource utilization, language guidelines, and conducting parish assessments. Day Two will address mental health topics including accompaniment, stigma, trauma‑informed care, and suicide. This training is a wonderful opportunity for our Diocese to deepen awareness and support for individuals with disabilities. All are welcome to attend. Register here: English / Spanish For more information, email Megan Bonilla.
See below for our Summer course offerings. These are for any adult who wants to go deeper in understanding our faith. No prior study is assumed. To learn more or to register, visit www.mmgsi.org.
Communion of Saints: The Church as the Mystical Body of Christ - Students will examine the Church’s nature, mission, and identity through Scripture, Vatican II, and the Catechism, tracing her life from apostolic origins to the present day. The course gives special attention to Mary as Mother of the Church and perfect disciple, and to the saints as exemplars of holiness and living members of Christ's Body.
Cost: $300* | Instructor: Dr. Megan Lowes-Bolin, Director of Young Adult Ministry, Catholic Diocese of Cleveland | When: Wednesdays, 6:00–9:00 p.m., June 10 – August 12 | Where: Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe | Register here.
Christ and the Apostolic Witness: Understanding the New Testament - A comprehensive introduction to the New Testament, exploring the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Church's witness to the Gospel. Emphasizing Catholic interpretation, the course integrates Scripture with Tradition, highlighting the sacramental and ecclesial dimensions of the New Testament and their expression in the Church's liturgical and moral life.
Cost: $300* | Instructor: Andrew Courter, M.A., Director for Catholic Identity in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland | When: Tuesdays, 6:00–9:00 p.m., June 2 – August 11 | Where: St. Basil the Great Parish, Brecksville | Register here.
*MMGSI is committed to making our programs as accessible as possible. Discounted rates and fee waivers may be available: email mmgsi@dioceseofcleveland.org for information.
Mark your calendars for the following MMGSI-sponsored events and series:
American Catholic History Series — Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's birth with monthly lectures by Fr. Kyle Rosser. The next lecture will be at 6:30pm on Wednesday, April 15 at the St. Albert the Great Parish Life Center in North Royalton.
Theology of the Rocks for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, April 13, 2026 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Trapper Jack, Cleveland Broadcaster | 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.
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 © 2026
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