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.
New Diocesan Pastoral Council
Bishop Malesic has reconstituted the Diocesan Pastoral Council according to new statutes. The members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council are now principally the Deanery Chairpersons of the twelve deaneries.
Liturgy of the Hours Update
The Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments has approved the English translation of the Liturgy of the Hours. On November 10, Archbishop Broglio signed a Decree of Publication with the expectation that Volume II – Lent and Easter – will be the first volume to go into production and will be available by Ash Wednesday 2027.
January 2026 Liturgical Calendar
On New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, the household may gather at the table or at the Christmas tree or the manger scene for a Blessing of the New Year. See Household Blessings 85-87.
The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, a holy day of obligation, is celebrated on Thursday, January 1. Vigil Masses for the Solemnity may be celebrated after 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31.
On the Epiphany of the Lord, Sunday January 4, there is an ancient custom of announcing the dates of moveable feasts for the coming year. This proclamation has been used in connection with the blessing and distribution of calendars. This Epiphany Proclamation may take place after the reading or singing of the Gospel. It may be solemnly sung by the deacon, presider, or cantor from the ambo. See the Roman Missal, Appendix I: The Announcement of Easter and the Moveable Feasts.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins Sunday, January 18th. Specific intentions from the Masses for Various Needs and Occasions may be inserted into the General Intercessions at Mass: from the Mass for the Unity of Christians (#17), For the Evangelization of Peoples (#18), and For Persecuted Christians (#19). Prayer services with other Christians would also be appropriate, see Book of Blessings, 553-573, or Book of Household Blessings and Prayers, 133.
The Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. is celebrated on January 19th. Prayers for the end of racial discrimination may be included in the intercessory prayers for the day. The prayers for Mass may be taken from the Mass “For the Preservation of Peace and Justice” (see #30, alt) or “For Promoting Harmony” (#15, alt).
The Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children is Thursday, January 22. On this anniversary of the Supreme Court decision, Roe vs. Wade (1973), all dioceses of the United States observe a “day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion” (GIRM, #373). The Mass “For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life” (#48/1A or B) from Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions may be celebrated with white vestments, or the Mass “For the Preservation of Peace and Justice” (#30) with violet vestments.
The annual Diocesan Mass for Life will be celebrated Friday, January 23, at the Cathedral at 10:00 am.
In 2019, Pope Francis declared that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God. Parish communities are encouraged to find their own ways to mark January 25, 2026, Sunday of the Word of God, with a certain solemnity.
Advent & Christmas Liturgical Preparation Aid
The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions has made available a free booklet to help prepare liturgies during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Download the aid here.
Free Formation – Archived Sessions
The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions has archived several of its webinar series for continued use. Most sessions also offer accompanying handouts and/or questions for further discussions. All are 60-75 minutes in length. They can be useful in providing continuing liturgical formation for staff or ministry groups, leading a parish study group, or for increasing one’s own knowledge. These webinar series are free to the public and can be accessed at https://fdlc.org/formation/ . Topics include:
In addition, the Diocese of Cleveland has purchased the set of kits that the FDLC packaged out of their OCIA webinar series. If you would like access to the OCIA kits for developing your OCIA team, please contact Mary Hrich.
Reminder: Deacons do not have the faculty to assist at marriage
Deacons (whether permanent or transitional) with assignments in the Diocese of Cleveland do not automatically have the faculty to assist (i.e. to witness or to receive the consent of the spouses) at marriages in their place of assignment. The faculty must be specifically delegated by the pastor or local Ordinary, or the marriage is invalid. If general delegation (i.e for all weddings) is granted by the pastor, this must be in writing and a copy is to be sent to the Chancellor so that a copy can be maintained in the deacon’s file. Whether the delegation is general or specific, it is to be recorded on the first page of the yellow ‘Information for Marriage’ form for each wedding and noted in the marriage record book. If a deacon has been assisting at marriages without the faculty, please contact the Secretariat for Canonical Services so that the situation can be resolved. In due course, we hope to issue an update or clarification to avoid such problems in the future.
Angel Scholarship Fund Year-End Promotional Messaging
Encourage year-end giving at your school and parish by utilizing this ASF Marketing Guide to communicate through your bulletin, newsletter, pulpit announcement, e-blast, etc. This marketing effort could be exactly what your school or parish needs to reach its 2025 ASF fundraising goal. Please contact Kaitlyn Novicky, 216-696-6525, ext. 1680 with any questions.
Strategies to Increase Your Parish’s Year-End Donations
As the year draws to a close, now is the ideal time for parishes to prepare for the surge in end-of-year generosity from parishioners. Many parishioners are moved to give during the Christmas season or are looking to make final tax-deductible contributions before December 31. These final weeks provide a valuable opportunity to deepen support for your parish’s ministries and mission. To help you maximize this moment, download our resource: 5 Strategies to Increase Your Parish’s Year-End Donations.
Ohio Minimum Wage for 2026
Ohio’s minimum wage is scheduled to increase from $10.70 to $11.00 per hour for non-tipped employees on January 1, 2026. Please make any necessary changes to employee pay and download the new poster and display it with your other labor law posters: 2026_Minumum_Wage_Poster.pdf. Check here to make sure all of your labor law posters are up-to-date: https://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/num/JFS02745/pdf. Contact Donna Speagle, Human Resources, at (216) 696-6525 with any questions.
November 2025 Announcements
Rev. Kevin P. Elbert has been granted permission to be absent from his assignment from 5 January 2026 to 6 April 2026 to take part in the sabbatical program at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
Rev. Cameron D. Popik has been appointed Administrator of the St. Luke Parish, St. Clement Parish, and St. James Parish in Lakewood while Rev. Kevin P. Elbert is on sabbatical effective 5 January 2026 through 6 April 2026.
Rev. Michael A. Petkosek has concluded his appointment as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Litchfield, and has been appointed full-time Parochial Vicar of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Medina effective l November 2025.
Deacon Jeffrey F. Dunlop has concluded his diaconal assignment at St. Joan of Arc Parish, Chagrin Falls and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland effective 1 November 2025.
Rev. Regalado V. Tiongson has been appointed Spiritual Director to the Filipino Catholics who reside in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 1 November 2025.
Rev. Christian Ivandic, LC, with permission from Rev. Shawn Aaron, LC, Territorial Director of the Legionaries of Christ, has received faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 1 November 2025 for a period of one year to exercise priestly ministry, celebrate Mass, provide retreats and spiritual direction and confessions for the Regnum Christi members at Queen of Heaven Parish in Uniontown.
Rev. Joseph Landauer, with permission from Rev. Msgr. Thomas G. Bohlin, Vicar for the Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei for the United States and Canada, has received faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland. Faculties are effective 1 November 2025 for a period of one year to exercise priestly ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe (Macedonia), St. Sebastian (Akron), Communion of Saints (Cleveland Heights), St. Andrew the Apostle (Norton), and Assumption Parish (Broadview Heights).
Rev. Russel Ward, LC, with permission from Rev. Shawn Aaron, LC, Territorial Director of the Legionaries of Christ, has received faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 1 November 2025 for a period of one year to exercise priestly ministry, celebrate Mass, provide retreats and spiritual direction and confessions for the Regnum Christi members at Queen of Heaven Parish in Uniontown.
Letters of Suitability Annual Reminder
In light of the provisions of canon 903 CIC and canon 703 §1 CCEO, Letters of Suitability are required by all clergy when performing ministerial duties outside the Diocese of Cleveland. Those in the Office of Clergy and Religious are happy to assist our Diocesan clergy with their Letters of Suitability. Requests can be made through the Diocese of Cleveland website, under the Office of Clergy and Religious, Letter of Suitability Request - https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/offices/clergy-religious/letter-of-suitability-request. If possible, submit your request as soon as you are aware of your need for a Letter of Suitability.
Please be aware, because there will be limited email access in the Office of Clergy and Religious during the week of Christmas and New Years, the Office asks that, if you need a Letter of Suitability between Wednesday, December 17, 2025 to Sunday, January 4, 2026, to please submit your requests by Monday, December 15th 2025. However, if you are in need of a Letter of Suitability for an emergency or funeral during this time period, please email Fr. Joe Mamich. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Please note, we are only able to take requests from Diocesan clergy. Clergy who are either extern priests or deacons or from a religious order must contact their own diocese/religious community for a letter of suitability.
Should you have any questions, feel free to contact the Office of Clergy and Religious at 216-696-6525 x2440 or x2930.
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
The closing of the Jubilee Year in local churches happens on December 28, 2025. Please prayerfully consider participating in a pilgrimage with your family to one of the sacred sites and join us for the closing Mass at 5:30pm on Sunday, December 28, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
The Jubilee bulletin insert for December includes a special message from Bishop Malesic and 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 December is for Christians in areas of conflict: “Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.”
Manna app available at no charge
Starting November 1, the National Eucharistic Congress has made the Manna app a free resource. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the app designed to help you pray, learn, and grow in your love for Jesus in the Eucharist will be available at no cost.
Tuesday, December 2, 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Bilingual Bible Study | Office of Hispanic Ministry
St. Bernard Church, Akron
For more information, please contact the parish office at 330-253-5161.
Saturday, December 6, 8:00am – 7:00pm
Juan XXIII Volunteer Appreciation Day | Office of Hispanic Ministry
Juan XXIII Retreat House, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Cleveland
For more information, please contact Josean Sánchez at 216- 527-4111.
Thursday, December 11-13, 6:00pm
Juan XXIII National Annual Retreat | Office of Hispanic Ministry
For more information, please contact Josean Sánchez at 216- 527-4111.
Saturday, December 13, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Discover Your Working Genius | Lay Ecclesial Ministry Office
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Saturday, January 10, 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Proclaiming Christ, Our Hope: Forming Disciples & Enhancing Missionary Vitality
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Presenter: Miguel Chavez | Cost: $25
Saturday, January 24, 5:00pm - 11:00pm
Together With Purpose 2026: Cleveland's Celebration of Marriages | Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
St. Noel Parish, Willoughby
February 13-15, 2025
Retrouvaille Weekend | Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
Kent, Ohio. Location will be provided after registration.
My Daily Prayers
“Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” - Mark 1:
During this season of Advent, we invite you to pray with us as we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of our Savior. “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 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. As we begin Advent and a new liturgical year, this is perfect time to begin a new practice of daily prayer and draw closer to Him as we move closer to the Glory of Christmas day. 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 especially during this blessed Advent season. Sign up here.
Bulletin inserts and marketing materials are available here and on the My Daily Prayers webpage: Business Cards (10 on a page) | 3x4 PDF | 3x4 JPG | 7.5x5 PDF | 7.5x5 JPG
MARY, MOTHER OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD INSTITUTE
Covenant & Blessing: Understanding the Old Testament
This undergraduate-level course offers a comprehensive introduction to the Old Testament, exploring its rich narrative, theological depth, and relevance to the Catholic faith. You’ll travel through the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, and Prophetic Writings, reflecting on creation, the Exodus, the monarchy, and the prophetic call to justice and hope. Emphasizing Catholic interpretation, the course integrates Scripture and Tradition and highlights how the Old Testament finds fulfillment in Christ and the Church’s liturgy. Cost: $300* | Instructor: Andrew Courter, M.A., Director for Catholic Identity, Catholic Diocese of Cleveland | When: Tuesdays, 6:00–8:45 p.m., January 13 – May 5 | Where: St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, Brecksville | Register here.
Rooted in Relationship: Christian Spirituality I
Go deeper in your walk with Christ this Lent. This six-week undergraduate-level course invites participants to reflect on the deeply relational nature of Christian spirituality. Our faith is lived in relationship—with the Church, Sacred Scripture, the Saints, and above all, with God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Cost: $100* | Instructor: Rev. G. David Bline, Lecturer in Pastoral Studies and Spiritual Director, Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology | When: Mondays, 6:30–9:15 p.m., February 23 – March 30 I Where: Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe | 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.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Sister Laura Bregar, President, Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Registration and more information can be found here.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Deacon Will Yoho | Friday, December 5, 2025 | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information can found here.
Theology of the Rocks for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, December 8, 2025 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Dr. Jacqueline Philips-Sabol, Ph.D | Click here for more information.
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Submissions for the January Memorandum should be made to Ann Marie Perkins by December 11th, 2025. 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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