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Phone: 216-696-6525

Toll Free: 1-800-869-6525

Address: 1404 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114

Why Catholic? Meet Bishop Edward C. Malesic
Offices Chancellor Diocesan Memorandum August 2024

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Diocesan Memorandum

August, 2024 | Vol. 58, no. 8 | Prot. No. C-27/2024

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.

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

Office for Worship

OCIA
The upcoming publication of the revised edition of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults offers an opportunity to renew our celebration and pastoral practice of Christian initiation. The diocese will offer a 3-part workshop series to focus on what has changed with the revised edition, the vision of OCIA, and celebration of the Rites and Rituals of OCIA. These formation sessions are intended for Clergy, OCIA teams, Liturgists, Catechetical Leaders, and Music Directors.

Each OCIA workshop series will be held on three consecutive weeks. Each session is 7:00pm-9:00pm. The same content will be offered in three locations:

  • Holy Martyrs Parish (Gathering Area) in Medina, Mondays: September 9, 16, and 23
  • St. Ladislas (Parish Center) in Westlake, Wednesdays: October 16, 23, and 30
  • St. John Vianney (Fr. Kline Social Center) in Mentor, Mondays: October 21, 28, and November 4

There is no cost to participate, but registration is requested. Please register here.

The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will be held on the First Sunday of Lent, March 9, 2025 in one large celebration at 2pm at Public Auditorium. Plan now to attend.

Liturgical Music Apprenticeship Program
Churches across the US have indicated that one of their greatest challenges is finding qualified ministers to serve as directors of liturgy and music. To address this, Bob Soeder, through St. Mary Magdalene Parish, has developed an Apprenticeship Program for those who desire employment in the field of liturgical music ministry. With a program customized to the candidate, the goal is to help form well-rounded liturgical musicians who are enabled to make an immediate positive impact in parish ministry. Click here for details of this apprenticeship program.

Eucharistic Adoration and Exposition Webinars
In preparation for the new translation of Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside Mass (optional use starting September 14, 2024; mandatory use on December 1, 2024), the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions is offered a free webinar series on Eucharistic Adoration and Exposition from May-June 2024, breaking open the history, pastoral practice, and practical implications of the rites. Click here for the replay.

September 2023 Liturgical Calendar Reminders:

On a convenient weekday in September, it is customary to celebrate a Mass of the Holy Spirit to mark the opening of the academic year. As a new academic year begins, also see Order for the Blessing of Students and Teachers (Book of Blessings, nos. 522-550) and Prayers to Begin a School Year, Prayer for Students and Prayer for Teachers (Household Book of Blessings, pp. 300-302).

September 1 is to be observed as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Prayer resources are available here.

Monday, September 2 is a Special Day of Prayer for Recognizing the Dignity of Labor and Human Rights and Equality. Appropriate prayers can be found here and here.

In commemoration of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, a Blue Mass may be celebrated during the week of September 9-14, to honor all firefighters, police officers, and EMTs who serve the local community, as well as to remember those who died over the past year. A Mass For Those in Public Office (Roman Missal #22) or For the Preservation of Peace and Justice (RM #30) are suggested.

Catechetical Sunday falls on September 15. This year’s theme is "Lord, when did we see you hungry?" (Matthew 25:37), reminding us that the universal call to holiness is closely linked to the universal call to mission. Resources for the day are available here.

On Sunday, September 29, the World Day of Migrants and Refugees is observed. This year’s theme is “God walks with his people”. Read Pope Francis’ message and prayer for the day here.

Formation for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The Office for Worship plans to hold the next round of sessions for formation of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in Autumn 2024. A memo with the schedule and registration link will be sent to parishes and campus ministers when dates and locations are set. The full schedule will also be posted here.

SECRETARIAT FOR CLERGY & RELIGIOUS

July 2024 Announcements

Rev. Vincent J. Hawk concludes his assignment as Administrator, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Avon and has been appointed Pastor, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Avon effective 1 July 2024. This appointment is in addition his to assignment as Pastor, Holy Trinity Parish, Avon. His residence remains unchanged.

Rev. Sean P. Ralph has been granted permission to participate in the Roman Sabbatical Program effective 13 January 2025 and concluding 1 May 2025.

Rev. Clyde K. Foster, Senior Parochial Vicar, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cleveland and Senior Parochial Vicar, St. Patrick Parish, Cleveland has received permission to retire effective 4 November 2024.

Rev. Michael J. Feldtz has resigned from the Office of Pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Brooklyn effective 21 June 2024. He remains on an authorized Leave of Absence for Sick Leave.

Rev. Monsignor Richard C. Antall has been reappointed Pastor, Holy Name Parish, Cleveland for a renewable six year term effective immediately.

Rev. John D. Betters has been reappointed Pastor, St. John of the Cross Parish, Euclid for a renewable six year term effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor, SS. Robert and William Parish, Euclid.

Rev. Zvonko Blasko has been reappointed Pastor, St. Paul Parish, Cleveland for a renewable six year term effective immediately.

Rev. Gary D. Chmura has been reappointed Pastor, St. Adalbert Parish, Cleveland for a renewable six year term effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Cleveland.

Rev. Peter Colletti has been reappointed Pastor, St. Eugene Parish, Cuyahoga Falls for a renewable six year term effective immediately.

Rev. Kevin E. Estabrook has been reappointed Pastor, St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Cleveland for a renewable six year term effective immediately.

Rev. Barry T. Gearing has been reappointed Pastor, St. John Neumann Parish, Strongsville for a renewable six year term effective immediately.

Rev. Michael K. Gurnick has been reappointed Pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Cleveland for a renewable six year term effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Administrator, St. Malachi Parish, Cleveland.

Rev. Edward T. Holland has been reappointed Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Columbia Station for a renewable six year term effective immediately.

Rev. James M. Roach has been reappointed Pastor, St. John Cantius Parish, Cleveland for a renewable six year term effective immediately.

Rev. John P. Singler has been reappointed Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Berea for a renewable six year term effective immediately.

Rev. William A. Smith has been reappointed Pastor, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Hinckley for a renewable six year term effective immediately.

Rev. Charles F. Strebler has been reappointed Pastor, Holy Spirit Parish, Avon Lake for a renewable six year term effective immediately.

Rev. David R. Trask has been reappointed Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Oberlin for a renewable six year term effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Wellington.

Rev. Michael J. Troha has been reappointed Pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Willoughby for a renewable six year term effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wickliffe.

Rev. Adam A. Zajac has been reappointed Pastor, St. Mark Parish, Cleveland for a renewable six year term effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor, St. Mel Parish, Cleveland.

Rev. Christopher J. Zerucha has been reappointed Pastor, St. Bernard Parish, Akron and Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Akron for a renewable six year term effective immediately.

Rev. Louis H. Thomas has been appointed Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Council 14111 effective immediately. His assignment as Pastor, St. Andrew the Apostles Parish, Norton and Pastor, Prince of Peace Parish, Norton remains unchanged.

Rev. Michael Marcelli, with permission from the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, has been appointed Parochial Vicar, St. Sebastian Parish, Akron effective 1 July 2024.

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Angel Scholarship award recommendations that have changed since initial approval, intend to use funding raised from 1/1/24-4/15/24, or have yet to be submitted for the 2024/25 school year are due to asf@dioceseofcleveland.org by September 15th. Further information on completing the distribution process for your school can be found here. The ASF Team will be holding office hours on September 5th from 9-11am to answer any further questions you may have, via a Zoom link on the distribution page (link above).

2024 Catholic Charities Appeal: Transformed by your love
The 2024 Appeal has raised nearly $12.8 million this year. The goal of reaching $15 million is within reach to help the nearly 400,000 people who rely on Catholic Charities for programs and services.

Catholic Charities Appeal Phonathon continues through August; calls are being made to parishioners asking for support for this year’s Appeal. For homes with caller ID, the number calling is 216-696-6525. Last year nearly $175,000 was raised by phone.

Parishes can click here for updated parish statistics and bulletin announcements. Email Sarah Gozur, or call 216-696-6525 x1910 with questions or for additional information.

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 2024B cycle can be found here . The application deadline is September 15. Contact Jessica DiSalvatore at 216-696-6525 x4080.

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 different resources to assist your parish in promoting legacy gifts in support of your parish. If you are interested in these opportunities, please call Moira Wopershall of the Catholic Community Foundation at 216-696-6525 x8070 or email.

Qualified Charitable Distributions Bulletin Announcement
As Christian stewards, we share the responsibility of making our Church a true community of faith and a vibrant source of service to the larger community. That includes providing financial support for today's needs -- and building a firm financial foundation for tomorrow. Your IRA can be a tool to help you do this.

If you are 70 ½ years old or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution today for up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to your parish. It will not count as taxable income, and it can satisfy your “required minimum distribution”. Looking to the future, consider naming our parish as a beneficiary IRA. Speak with your financial advisor, contact XX in our parish office at XXX-XXX-XXXX, contact Mary Lou Ozimek at 216-696-6525 x4070 or visit https://www.catholiccommunity.org/ira.

#weGIVECATHOLIC Lunch & Learn Webinar- Early Giving Tips & Tricks - Wednesday, August 21, 2024 - NOON
Join us for our dynamic one-hour #weGIVECATHOLIC Lunch & Learn Webinar, crafted to inspire new strategies for the #weGIVECATHOLIC early giving period (Nov. 23 - Dec. 2). Learn the benefits of getting the word out to encourage donors to contribute before our Giving Day. Learn valuable tips and tricks from organizations that successfully leveraged the early giving period in 2023.https://www.catholiccommunity.org/parish-school/wegivecatholic. This year, #weGIVECATHOLIC is on Tuesday, December 3.

SECRETARIAT FOR PARISH LIFE AND SPECIAL MINISTRIES

INITIATIVES

National Eucharistic Revival

Year of Mission
The National Eucharistic Congress marked the end of the Parish Year of Eucharistic Revival and the beginning of the Year of Mission. Below are some resources to help get you started.

  • Year of Mission Playbook provides a broad overview of the vision for the ongoing mission.
  • The Walk with One initiative outlines four stages of spiritual companionship to guide you as you “walk with one” person in your life to a new or renewed experience of God’s love.
  • Preaching Series on John 6 is a guide written by several of the National Eucharistic Preachers designed to help priests across the country as they prayerfully reflect on the Bread of Life discourse during the five Sundays following the Congress. It is available in both English and Spanish.

Eucharistic Miracles Display
September 8-21, 2024 | Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, South Euclid
All are invited to visit the Eucharistic Miracles Display at Sacred Heart of Jesus, South Euclid. Check the parish website for hours and more details.

Synod Update|
The Instrumentum Laboris released July 9, 2024, will form the basis for the discernment and discussion for the participants of the second session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held this October. The primary focus of the second session of the Synod of Bishops will be how to implement the goals of the Synod on Synodality.

EVENTS

Office of Hispanic Ministry
Formation Day 2024 | Día de Formación
Saturday, August 10, 8:30 am-1:00 pm | Magnificat High School, Rocky River
Presenter: Dr. Antonio Medina-Rivera

Office of Youth Ministry
Fostering a Heart for Teens: Youth Minister Volunteer Training
Saturday, August 24, 9:00am-6:00pm | St. Basil the Great Parish, Brecksville
Bring your whole team to see how the Working Genuis can help you do amazing things to feed the young Church. Registration deadline: August 16.

Office of Hispanic Ministry
Mis Quince Años | My Fifteenth Birthday
Saturday, September 14, 9:00am-3 pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
All young girls celebrating their 15th birthday this upcoming year and her parents are invited to attend. To register, please email Ana Eslaquit or call 216-696-6525, ext. 2530 

Office of Youth Ministry
Pastor and Youth Minister Gathering
Tuesday, September 17, 10:00am-2:00pm | Cathedral Square Plaza, Cleveland
All priests, deacons, youth & campus ministers, and principals are invited to reflect on the state of youth ministry in our diocese and identify ways to and support and minister to young people, especially in light of the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope. Aaron Richards will also be leading a breakout for clergy on “Fatherhood as the Key to Leadership”. Registration deadline: September 9. 

Office of Marriage & Family Ministry|
Red Bird Ministries Retreat Day
Saturday, September 21, 9:00am-6:00pm | St. Justin Martyr Parish, Eastlake
This retreat is for those suffering the loss of a pregnancy or child and is open to individuals with or without spouses. Email Terri if you would like social media graphics or flyers for your parish. 

Office of Youth Ministry
First Things in Youth Ministry Cohort - Orientation Day
Wednesday, September 25, 10:00am-4:00pm | Cathedral Square Plaza, Cleveland
The First Things Cohort is designed for those who have been doing youth ministry for 3 years or less - or who need a refresher. Registration deadline: September 18. 

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Join us for our annual St. Augustine Health Ministries Charity Golf Outing, Tee off for Compassion on Monday, September 16th at Legacy at Sweetbriar Golf Club. Enjoy a round of golf, raffles, prizes, drinks, and fun, followed by a delicious steak or clambake dinner. Not a golfer? Join us for dinner at approximately 3pm - your choice of steak or clambake for a $40 donation.

As a charitable organization we rely on our community friends and partners to provide essential services and programs at St. Augustine Health Campus and Holy Family Hospice. Your support will help us continue our mission of caring for older adults, those with complex medical needs, and individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses.

Click here for more information or to register online or contact the Advancement Office at 216.939.7711.

MISCELLANEOUS

First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Fr. Edward Estok, Pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish, speaking on: Catholic Faith Language: Living as Missionaries of Communion | Friday, August 9, 2024 | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information here.

Theology of the Rocks for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, August 12, 2024 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Fr. Jerry Bednar | Click here for more information.

Pilgrim Relics of Saints Clare and Francis of Assisi-First-ever North American Tour
Join the Poor Clare Colettine Nuns of Cleveland for a one-of-a-kind novena to celebrate the 830thanniversary of the birth of St. Clare of Assisi. The pilgrim relics of St. Clare and St. Francis will be at their monastery for viewing and veneration from 9 am to 7 pm, August 4thto August 11th.

These exceptionally large relics are housed in a beautifully crafted brass reliquary and will be available for viewing during the novena. St. Francis and St. Clare are known for their intense devotion to the Holy Eucharist and so this year’s novena promises to help foster a unique atmosphere conducive to personal prayer and reflection. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is celebrated at 7:30 pm daily and 3:00 pm on Sunday in the chapel located at 3501 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland. For more information go to: www.pcc-cle.org

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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

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