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.
Formation for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Formation sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will be offered in fall:
Priests and parish life coordinators were sent an email with the registration information on July 11.
OCIA: FDLC Kits
The Diocese of Cleveland has purchased kits provided by the FDLC (Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions) to assist parishes with developing their OCIA team and process. Our purchase allows any parish in the diocese to print and use the materials in these kits. As these materials are copyright protected, access to the kits can be provided via a OneDrive folder that contains all of the contents of the five kits, along with a brief PDF document describing the contents. To receive access, email Mary Hrich.
OCIA: Digital Institute
Beginning August 11, LTP is offering a digital institute series of orientation sessions for new OCIA Coordinators. Ninety-minute web-based virtual workshops cover a variety of topics, from the vision of OCIA to skills for effective ministry. In November, LTP is offering a digital institute focused on implementing a year-round catechumenate. Learn more at Virtual Workshops - LTP.
September 2025 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.
In commemoration of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, a Blue Mass may be celebrated during the week of September 7-13, 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 21. This year’s theme is "Always be ready to give an explanation…for a reason for your hope." (1 Peter 3:15), encouraging us to be prepared to share the basis of our faith, the Lord, and the hope he provides. Resources are available here.
Faith and Values Appeal for Catholic Education
The 2025-26 Faith & Values Appeal letter to support tuition assistance will be mailed during the first week of August to previous and select donors. Monies raised will be used for:
More information can be found on our website. Contact Sarah Gozur at 216-696-6525 x1910 with any questions.
Angel Scholarship Fund
Reminders:
1. Students wishing to be considered for a 2025 Angel Scholarship must apply by August 15th. Here is the link to the ASF application.
2. Schools must submit their 2025 Angel Scholarship recommendations to asf@dioceseofcleveland.org by September 1st.
Email Fred Roberts or call 216-902-1312 for more information.
The 2025 Appeal has raised over $13.1 million this year. The goal of reaching $15.3 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 over $150,000 was raised via the phonathon.
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 2025B cycle can be found here. The application deadline is September 15. Contact Jessica DiSalvatore at 216-696-6525 x4080.
August is National Make A Will Month
NMAWM is the largest planned giving campaign of the year for nonprofits. In Luke 12, Jesus responds to a question about inheritance with a call to be “rich toward God,” reminding us of the spiritual importance of how we plan and give. Today, as we face the largest wealth transfer in history, parishes have both an opportunity and a responsibility to equip their communities to live and give with eternal purpose.
Bulletin Blurb
Header: Make a will. Make an impact rooted in faith.
August is National Make-A-Will Month, and there’s no better time to create or update your will. Catholic Community Foundation offers a free resource through FreeWill, a simple online tool that can help you plan ahead in about 20 minutes. Your will reflects your values—caring for your loved ones and strengthening faith-based stewardship for generations to come. Visit FreeWill.com/CatholicCommunity to put your faith into action
My Daily Prayers
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
“My Daily Prayers” is a free daily recording of prayers led by the bishops and priests of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and delivered each day directly through email.
Each free daily recording, lasting approximately 10 minutes, invites all into prayer, sharing information about each specific day and what it means to the church and to each of us. Through different prayers led by our Clergy, all are offered encouragement and an invitation to enter into deeper personal relationship with our living and true God.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for us here at the Diocese to connect “one on one” and encourage all to open their heart to our Lord and receive His guidance, His healing and His blessings.
Come together in prayer with “My Daily Prayers”. Sign up here. Bulletin inserts and other promotional materials are available here.
July 2025 Announcements
Rev. Anthony J. Simone, concludes his assignment as Administrator of St. Jerome Parish, Cleveland and as Administrator of Holy Redeemer Parish, Cleveland, and has been appointed Pastor of St. Jerome Parish, Cleveland and Pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish, Cleveland effective 01 August 2025.
Rev. Paul Dressler, OFM CAP., per the request and recommendation of the Very Reverend Robert Marva, OFM Cap, Provincial Minister, Province of St. Augustine, has been appointed Pastor of St. Agnes-Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Cleveland effective 1 July 2025.
Rev. James Watson, OFM CAP., per the request and recommendation of the Very Reverend Robert Marva, OFM Cap., Provincial Minister of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, Province of St. Augustine, concludes his assignment as Pastor of St. Agnes-Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Cleveland effective 1 July 2025.
Rev. Joseph P. O’Donnell, Senior Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Wickliffe, has been granted retirement status effective 30 June 2025.
Rev. Jared P. Orndorff, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Cuyahoga Falls, has had his appointment as Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Cuyahoga Falls renewed for a six-year period.
Rev. John M. Pfeifer, Jr., Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cleveland and Pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Cleveland has had his appointment as Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cleveland and Pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Cleveland renewed for a six-year period.
Rev. Christopher H. Weber, Pastor of Guardian Angels Parish, Copley has had his appointment as Pastor of Guardian Angels Parish, Copley renewed for a six-year period.
Rev. Kevin J. Fox, Pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, has been appointed to the office of Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Council #4130 effective 11 June 2025.
Rev. Steven Ntui, Chaplain of Cleveland Clinic Hospital, has changed residences from the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Provincial House in Highland Heights to Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish rectory in South Euclid effective 1 July 2025.
Rev. Daniel J. Reed, Senior Priest Retired, has been granted permission to take up residence in the rectory at St. Peter Parish, Loudonville.
Rev. Robert Edwards, with permission of the Most Reverend David Bonnar, Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, has received faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland to celebrate Spanish Masses at Saint Bernard Parish in Akron. These faculties are effective 11 June 2025 for a period of one year.
Rev. John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J., with permission of The Very Reverend Karl J. Kiser, S.J., Provincial of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, has been appointed Superior of the Jesuit Community in Cleveland, with residence at John Carroll Jesuit Residence in University Heights, effective 15 July 2025.
Rev. W. Pierce Gibson IV, S.J., The Very Reverend Karl J. Kiser, S.J., Provincial of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, has been appointed as teacher at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland with residence at the Saint Ignatius Dependent Jesuit Community effective 3 July 2025.
Rev. Samuel Leondard, IVE, with permission of Rev. Andrew E. Whiting, IVE, Provincial Superior of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, has been granted faculties of the Diocese of Cleveland to hear confessions and concelebrate Mass for the St. Padre Pio Prayer Group that meets on the first Saturday of the month at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Macedonia. This is effective 1 June 2025 for a period of one year.
Rev. James McGivney, S.J., with permission of The Very Reverend Karl J. Kiser, S.J., Provincial of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, has been appointed Parochial Vicar at Gesu Parish, University Heights through 31 July 2025. Following the conclusion of this appointment at Gesu Parish, University Heights, he has been assigned to ministry on the faculty and staff of Walsh Jesuit High School with residence at the Walsh Jesuit Community, Cuyahoga Falls effective 1 August 2025.
Rev. Cyril N. Pinchak, S.J., with permission of the Very Reverend Karl J. Kiser, S.J., Provincial of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, has been appointed as teacher at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, with residence at Walsh Jesuit Community, Cuyahoga Falls effective 15 July 2025
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
The Jubilee bulletin insert for August is currently available in English and Spanish.
One of the normal conditions for obtaining a plenary indulgence is to pray for the Pope and his intentions. The Pope’s monthly intention for August is for mutual coexistence.
Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious, or ideological reasons.
Annual Compliance Forms | Office for Protection of Children & Youth
Thanks to all of you who have submitted the Annual Compliance Forms indicating our compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. If you haven’t submitted the form (due by July 25, 2025), please complete it ASAP. Return to childprotection@dioceseofcleveland.org or mail to Diocese of Cleveland, Office for Protection of Children, 1404 E. 9th St. 5th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44114. The forms are available here. We will need to call and/or email all locations that have not turned it in. Any questions, email Sharon Minson or call 216-696-6525 x 1157. Thank you.
Sunday, August 3, 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The FEST 2025
Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe
August 5 - 8, 2025
Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Institute: Summer Session
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
August 5 - 8, 2025
Saint Carlo Institute for Youth Ministers | Office of Youth Ministry
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Thursday, August 7, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Parish Staff Day of Recollection with Julianne Stanz
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Friday, August 8 | viernes, 8 de agosto, 6:00 pm -9:30 pm
Taller de Formación Ministerios de Música | Office of Hispanic Ministry
Hispanic Senior Center, 3115 Scranton Rd., Cleveland
Saturday, August 9, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cycle Prep Workshop | Office of Marriage and Family Ministry
St. Sebastian Parish, Byrider Hall, Akron
August 15-16 | 7:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Fostering a Heart for Teens | Office of Youth Ministry
St. Leonard Youth Retreat Center, Avon
Friday, August 22, 2025
Catholic Renewal Ministries Traveling Healing Mass
Holy Family Church, Parma
You are also invited to join us for a prayer meeting.
Friday, August 22, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mental Health in Ministry Workshop | Marriage and Family Ministry
Cornerstone of Hope, 5905 Brecksville Road, Independence
Friday, September 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Pastoral Care Continuing Education | Office of Marriage and Family Ministry
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Friday, September 12, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
An Evening of Healing: Infertility, Pregnancy Loss & Child Loss | Office of Marriage and Family Ministry
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Wednesday, September 17, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Pastor & Youth Minister Annual Gathering | Office of Youth Ministry
St. Basil the Great Parish, Brecksville
Saturday, September 20, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Fe y Cultura 2025: Faith & Culture Celebration | Office of Hispanic Ministry
Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain
Monday, September 29, 9:00am - Friday, January 30, 4:00pm
First Things YM Cohort Orientation Day | Office of Youth Ministry
Cathedral Square Plaza, Cleveland
MARY, MOTHER OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD INSTITUTE
VERITAS SEMINARS: Moral Controversies, Faith & Science | 6-9 p.m., August 6 & August 20 | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
On August 6, Fr. Damian Ference will lead a Veritas Seminar focusing on different views of morality and how they shape the way people think about controversial moral issues such as abortion and euthanasia. On August 20, Dr. Matthew Carey Jordan will lead a Veritas Seminar titled "Faith and Science." Both of these are open to anyone who wants to explore philosophical questions related to the Catholic faith. Fee waivers may be available. For more details or to register, click here.
GATHERING OF THE MINISTERIUM
Registration now open On Friday, October 24, at Cleveland Public Auditorium, clergy, teachers, school administrators, parish staff, volunteers, and diocesan ministers of all kinds will gather for a day of worship and workshops designed to enhance our ministry skills and advance the work of evangelization in an apostolic age.
Theology of the Rocks for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, August 11, 2025 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | The Most Reverend Bishop Robert M. Pipta, of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma | 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 © 2025
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