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.
September 2022 Liturgical Calendar:
Thursday, September 1st is the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Even if no special Mass formulary or readings are selected for the occasion, it would still be appropriate to mention the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and its significance in the homily, petitions, and/or concluding announcements.
Monday, September 5th is Labor Day, which coincides with the Special Day of Prayer for Recognizing the Dignity of Labor and Human Rights and Equality. The Ordo offers suggested Mass orations and Lectionary readings for this observance.
The anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist on Tuesday, September 6th is observed as a solemnity in the Cathedral and as a feast in the parishes of the diocese.
September 18th, the third Sunday in September, is Catechetical Sunday. The theme is, “This is my body given for you”. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. The ceremony for the blessing and commissioning of those the parish community has designated to serve as catechists is intended to take place at the Eucharistic liturgy on Catechetical Sunday. 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. “Order for the Blessing of Those Appointed as Catechists” can be found in the Book of Blessings, no. 491. Downloadable resources for Catechetical Sunday are available here.
2022 First Step Program
The Tribunal is pleased to be able to continue this important evangelization aspect of our ministry in order to assist those in need of a declaration of invalidity of a marriage. We now have specially-trained ministers, called Case Specialists, to assist people with their cases. The participants attend the general meeting and follow-up with a Case Specialist to submit the case. A bulletin announcement for your convenience is available here. Please remember to pass on the fact that the Tribunal no longer requests any fees for cases. The First Step Program will be held on Tuesday, 27 September 2022, at St. Ambrose Parish, Brunswick, at 7:00 pm. For more information call Lynette Tait at the Tribunal: 216-696-6525/800-869-6525, ext. 4000
#weGiveCatholic Registration is Open
This year’s Online Day of Catholic Giving takes place on Tuesday, November 29th. Let’s come together as one Catholic Community to celebrate generosity and highlight the good works of all our Catholic Parishes, Schools, Catholic Charities sites/programs, and Catholic nonprofits. Find out more and register your organization here.
#AllTogetherNow Join us for our #weGiveCatholic “Festival” of training in August and September. The Festival includes a tell-all studio session on August 16, pre-recorded Training Videos designed to help you learn more about specific topics at all levels, one-on-one training Road Show at a location near you (3 locations/3 dates in August), and an in-person Prep Rally (Sept. 22) designed to put your organization on the path to success. No matter the size and shape of your organization, we've got the tools to help you rock this giving day. For more info and to register, click here.
Contact Linda Corcoran at the Catholic Community Foundation, 216-696-6525 x1042, info@weGiveCatholic.org.
Faith and Values Appeal for Catholic Education
The 2022-23 Faith & Values Appeal letter to support tuition assistance will mail during the first week of August to previous and select donors. Monies raised will be used for tuition assistance programs to provide faith-based education to students in need.
For those who wish to promote this appeal for tuition assistance, please take a look at our website. Bulletin and pulpit announcements are available here. Any questions, please contact Sarah Gozur at 216-696-6525 x1910.
Tabor Fund Grant Awards
Tabor Grant awards provide an opportunity for ministers to refresh and re-energize their spirituality and faith as well as their mental and physical well-being, fostering personal development and improving their ministry. Guidelines and the application for the 2022A cycle can be found at here . The application deadline is September 15.
National Make A Will Month
August is National Make A Will Month, and it is a great opportunity to promote legacy giving in your parish community. The Catholic Community Foundation has many resources for you to promote legacy giving, including FreeWill (https://www.freewill.com/catholiccommunity), bulletin inserts, social media templates, and more. For these resources, please contact Jean Ann Montagna or call 216-696-6525 x8070.
Synod Update
On June 30, the diocesan synthesis report was submitted to the USCCB. Regional writing teams have been formed to synthesize the feedback received from across the country. As of July 8, the USCCB had received reports from 152/178 (85%) Latin Dioceses in the US and 104 organizations have contributed. At last count, approximately 620,000 people in the US participated in the Synod either through in-person or virtual listening sessions or through a survey. Visit our website to view the synthesis report for the Diocese of Cleveland or click here.
Eucharistic Revival
The U.S. bishops are calling on us to foster greater devotion to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and promote belief in His Presence. The objective is to find healing and renewal through the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. The three-year process will culminate in the National Eucharistic Congress which will be held in Indianapolis in 2024. Click here to view an infographic of the Eucharistic Revival mission and process. Visit our website for more information and regular updates.
Thank you to all who have submitted the Annual Compliance Formsindicating our compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. We must have on file documentation of our efforts over the past audit year (July 1, 2021--June 30, 2022) to keep kids safe. The forms were due by July 15, 2022. Please complete the forms as soon as possible. You may return the forms via email to Debbie Morris or mail them to: Diocese of Cleveland, Office for Protection of Children 1404 E. 9th St. 5th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44114.
The forms are available here, or reach out to Debbie and she will email you a copy. Any questions, email Sharon Minson or call 216-696-6525 x 1157. Thank you.
Youth Encounter Explosion (for all youth ages middle school to young adult) | Saturday, August 13, 2022, 10:00am-6:00pm | St. Michael the Archangel Parish
Instituto Emaús- Escuela de Discípulos Misioneros
Emmaus Institute- School of Missionary Disciples
Center for Pastoral Leadership | Nueva Evangelización (New Evangelization) | August 27, 2022 from 9:00am-4:00pm
For more information about these events, please call the Office of Hispanic Ministry
Contact: Misael Mayorga 216-374-9440.
A Post-Roe World: Saving babies while serving women
Most women who consider an abortion believe that they are alone and often face difficult situations or circumstances. Our goal is for every woman who experiences an unexpected or difficult pregnancy will have a safe church to turn to for healing, hope, and help in her local area. In our diocese, we are advocating for the dignity and sanctity of human life at every stage.
We are a voice for both the pre-born child and the woman carrying her child. How can you make sure that your parish community offers help and hope to a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy in your community? Refer to our Pregnancy Resource website
Encourage your parishioners to be compassionate, supportive, and consistent friends
Regardless of a woman's beliefs or opinions, extending your friendship and support can open doors to share Christ's love. You can play a part in opening her eyes to the value and beauty of the life growing inside her.
Get involved with your local Pregnancy Center
Encourage your community to volunteer their time or resources at a center near you. Pregnancy Centers are always in need of good counselors, mentors, or material and financial donations. Click to view the running list of Pregnancy Centers, to find one near you.
Start a Parish Support Group (like WWMIN, Gabriel Project, Embrace Grace)
Part of supporting women faced with unplanned pregnancies is connecting them with a loving parish community to walk alongside and empower them in their journey. You are strongly encouraged to start a group in your own parish or in collaboration with a neighboring parish to help these women be brave. Visit our website.
Help women know their options
When a woman feels supported, she can clearly consider her options. Whether she decides to parent, or make a parenting plan through the blessing of adoption, she is better equipped to utilize resources that will help her to pray through what’s best for her and her preborn baby if she is accompanied by someone that cares.
Pastoral Skills Workshop coming this Fall 2022. The workshop, titled: Cultivating Emotional Intelligence in Pastoral Care, is a three-class series hosted by Dr. Ted W. Raddell.
There is no cost, however registration is required through www.dioceseofcleveland.org/events
Bereavement Loss by Suicide
The Marriage and Family Ministry office has been collaborating with Cornerstone of Hope to facilitate a closed support group for those grieving a loss by suicide. It will begin at 6:30PM on Monday, September 12that St. Albert the Great in North Royalton and run for 10 consecutive Mondays. The cost will be $30 payable to St Albert the Great. Click to contact Terri Yohman or to schedule the intake meeting. The group will only hold 15 people.
World Meeting of Families Update
There is a two-part English translation of the meetings provided below, where you will hear much witnessing about current family needs, marriage preparation, and accompaniment. Part One or Part Two
The USCCB’s Julia Dzielski hinted in the June director’s meeting that there will be concrete guidelines for marriage preparation coming soon; suggesting a catechumenate model. Indications are that it will be “a practical path, experiential, and liturgical." This will guide the formation of a new marriage policy for the Diocese.
New Grandparenting Ministries at the parish level have been formed after our successful Anne and Joachim workshops around the Diocese. If you would like to have some support for your parish or be linked to the other groups to empower yours; please email Terri Yohman.
Blessed Carlo Institute for Youth Ministers | August 9-12, 2022, Center for Pastoral Leadership
The Blessed Carlo Institute for Youth Ministers is a four-day, three-night formation experience that includes classes each morning taught by seminary professors, afternoon workshops by ministry experts, off-campus excursions, daily Mass, and more.
Adults who minister to youth in grades 6-12 as youth ministers, campus ministers, pastoral ministers, catechists, or volunteers are encouraged to attend.
More information and registration link here.
Register for these Upcoming Events:
Fostering a Heart for Young People | August 20, 2022, 9am-3pm | St. Barnabas Church | Youth ministry volunteer training and prayer
Gathering of Pastors and Youth Ministers, September 14, 10am-2pm, Cathedral Square – Priests and youth ministers are invited to join Bishop Malesic as we reflect on the state of youth ministry in our diocese and identify ways to support and minister to young people.
August 4: Hillbilly Thomists Concert
Join us for a free concert featuring The Hillbilly Thomists (A group of Dominicans who play Bluegrass) at St. Wendelin’s Parish on August 4 at 7PM. Local Artist Tom Evanchuk will open the show. Food trucks, a beer tent and a neighborhood celebration on Duck Island. Newly minted Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost will end the evening with night prayer.
August 6: Cookout at St. John of the Cross, Euclid
Join the Lakeshore Pod at their summer cookout in the fire pit along with their Saturday evening Mass. Mass at 5PM and Cookout at 6PM
August 13 (tentative) Grapevine 1 year Anniversary
Join Grapevine for their one-year anniversary party at St Luke’s in Lakewood on August 13 from 7pm-9pm. Free food and drink. Grapevine is a West Side Pod that hosts a weekly discussion group each Thursday, along with weekly service events and a Friday night adoration and confession service. 1212 Bunts Rd.
World Youth Day Delegation 2023
If you are interested in attending World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal with the Pope, please contact Mike Hayes, Diocesan Director of Young Adult Ministry as soon as possible. Franciscan Spirit Tours will be our tour partner and we are coupling World Youth Day with a pilgrimage walk on the Portuguese Camino. Dates for Portuguese Camino: July 23-31 + World Youth Day: July 31-August 6, 2023. All-inclusive price: $4490 (includes simple accommodations on the Camino and 3-star hotel at World Youth Day.) $800 deposit due by September 1. Limited spots available. Must be 18 years old by July 1, 2023 in order to attend. Click here for itinerary and flyer.
Skills for Accompanying Young Disciples Workshop
Designed to support adults preparing young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation including parish catechetical leaders, sacramental coordinators, catechists, middle school teachers and volunteers. Saturday, August 27 from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at St. John Vianney Parish, 7557 Bellflower Road, Mentor. Registration is requested here. For assistance, email Alicia Breeden or call 216-696-6525, ext. 1920.
Strengthening Our Faith Grants (Part of the Rooted in Faith – Forward in Hope 2022 Initiative)
Provides funding for innovative and effective parish faith formation programs. Monies awarded build capacity for sacramental preparation as well as youth, young adult and adult faith formation efforts. There is a limit of $25,000 on the amount that may be requested.
Catechetical Media Grants (funded by the annual Matching Funds Campaign of the Ohio Knights of Columbus). Monies awarded provide critical funding for current, media-based catechetical materials and technology for faith formation. There is a limit of $1,000 per parish or school each year. Applications are currently available in the Digital Academy or email Alicia Breeden in the Office of Catechetical Formation or call 216-696-6525 ext. 1920.
A Mass for People with Special Needs and their families will be celebrated on August 28 at 2 p.m. at St. Bernadette Church, 2256 Clague Road, Westlake. The special mass is sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 16376 as a Life program of the K of C. Fr. Philip G. Racco, Pastor, will be the celebrant. All are welcome. Refreshments will be provided after the Mass. St. Bernadette offers easy access for persons with mobility challenges. An interpreter will be provided for the Deaf. A live stream will be available. More information: Jack Archer, 216-505-5414 or Rich Noga, 440-552-1176.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Trapper Jack, Host of Touched by Heaven Podcast | Friday August 5, 2022 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm | The City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Ave., Cleveland OH 44114 | Registration and more information here .
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Ozanam Orientation Training for current & prospective Vincentians | Cheryl Davis & Ella Kick are facilitators | Saturday, October 22 - 9 am to 3 pm | St. Edward Church, 501 Cottage St., Ashland | Click here for flyer with more information.
Jesuit Retreat Center Programs, 5629 State Road, Parma, Ohio 44134
For more information on the programs listed below, please click here or call 440-884-9300.
August Weekend Directed Retreat | Friday, August 12, 5:30pm - Sunday, August 14, 1:00pm | $250
August 7-Night Directed Retreat | Friday, August 12, 5:30pm - Friday, August 19, 1:00pm | $725 (Space is Limited)
August Morning Prayer for Women | Monday, August 15, 9:30am - 11:00am | Sr. Mary Ann Flannery, S.C. | Free Will Offering (walk-ins welcome, registration is no longer required).
August Sabbath Days - a Personal Retreat Day | Monday, August 29, 8:30am - 3:30pm | Cost: $50
Cinema & Conversation: Mission: Joy | Monday, August 29, 7:00 - 9:00pm | Free Will Offering (registration is no longer required)
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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
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