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.
Bishop Perez appointed Archbishop of Philadelphia
The Holy Father announced on January 23rdthat he has appointed the Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez as the next Metropolitan Archbishop of Philadelphia. Archbishop-Elect Perez will be installed to his new See on February 18th, until which time he retains the powers of a diocesan administrator in the Diocese of Cleveland. Shortly thereafter, the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Cleveland will meet to elect a new diocesan administrator.
2020 diocesan-wide Evening of Confession | 11 March 2020
The 2020 diocesan-wide Evening of Confession will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 from 5-8 p.m. Please ensure this date and time is reflected in your parish calendar. The celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of God’s gifts to help us as we journey toward God’s kingdom and strive to serve God’s people entrusted to our care.
As in previous years, parish resources such as bulletin inserts, poster art and examination of conscience materials will be available on-line after January 10, 2020 at www.welcomecatholics.com. Parishes are encouraged to visit these resource pages after January 10, 2020 to access materials that will be helpful in the promotion and celebration of the 2020 Evening of Confession. Television, radio and social media promotional advertisements to build awareness of the 2020 Evening of Confession will begin running on or about March 1, 2020.
Data from a 2019 survey of pastors showed strong support to continue the Evening of Confession as in previous years with the event being held two weeks after Ash Wednesday from 5-8 p.m.
For questions about the 2020 Evening of Confession, please contact Lynette Saenz in the Parish Life Office or Brooke Uehlein in the Communications Department at .
Black and Indian Mission Collection | February 29 – March 1, 2020
The weekend of February 29 – March 1, 2020 is designated for the Annual Collection for the Black and Indian Missions here in the United States. Pope Francis reminds us in Lumen Fidei (51), “Faith helps us build our societies in such a way that they can journey towards a future of hope.”
During this weekend which is the first weekend of Lent our parishes will take up the 133rdannual National Black and Indian Mission Collection. Your support of this collection helps build the Church in our African American and Native American communities from coast to coast (including our diocese, which received a substantial grant which funded projects here). Parish Religious education programs, evangelization projects, youth & young adult outreach efforts and diocesan ministries depend on your generosity to help us spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Any parish who is interested in submitting a grant proposal for an evangelization project, please call the Parish Life Office at 216-696-6525, ext. 3500 for an application and criteria. Applications are due to Cary Dabney no later than March 24, 2020. Please contact Cary for questions or additional information at cdabney@dioceseofcleveland.org or 216-696-6525, ext. 3020.
Catholic Relief Services Collection | 21-22 March 2020
The CRS Collection is one of the twelve national collections established by the bishops of the United States so that, by combining resources, we can more effectively carry out the global mission of the Church. It offers Catholics a convenient opportunity to help more than 100 million people at home and abroad through a charitable contribution during Mass. The CRS Collection supports six Catholic organizations (Catholic Relief Services; USCCB’s Department of Justice, Peace, and Human Development; USCCB’s Migration and Refugee Services; Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.; USCCB’s Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church; and the Holy Father’s Relief Fund) that advance the international social ministry of the Catholic Church.
The CRS Collection is taken up in the Cleveland Diocese on Laetare (or “Rejoice”) Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Lent (March 22, 2020).
If you are interested in learning more please contact CRS Diocesan Director Kelly Davis at 440-943-7612.
The Cleveland NPM (National Pastoral Musicians Association, Cleveland Chapter) is hosting a retreat for all musicians of the diocese – volunteer and paid, choir members, cantors, instrumentalists, directors, and all those associated with music ministry in your parish.
The retreat will be held at the Center for Pastoral Leadership on Saturday 22 February 2020. The retreat begins at 8:30 with a continental breakfast and continues with presentations by two presenters. Gary Echt, licensed counselor and psychotherapist who ministers as a bass guitarist at St. Mary Magdalen, will discuss the relationships within the ensemble, the psychology of music and how it relates to ministry, focusing on what it is we as individuals bring to the prayer life of the parish through our music. Father Peter Morris, Parochial Vicar at St. John Vianney, will discuss the spirituality of music e.g., the tangible and the intangible, things that make up our ministry, how prayer and music are so closely tied together, and can we incorporate prayer and music together, avoiding performance. Cost of the retreat is $15.00 per person, includes a continental breakfast, lunch and all presentations and activities, with a closing prayer service that will end the retreat at 2:00, time enough for everyone to make their Saturday vigil mass. See your parish music minister to register or go to the Cleveland NPM website at: www.clevelandnpm.org. Questions? Contact Mary Hrich at 216-906-2325 or Herb Dillahunt at 412-897-2373.
March 2020 Liturgical Calendar Reminders:
The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion is celebrated in two liturgies (2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.) on Sunday, March 1, 2020, the First Sunday of Lent. Registration information has been sent to your parish’s diocesan email account.
The Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is celebrated on Thursday, March 19, 2020; however, this solemnity is NOT a holyday of obligation. A Vigil Mass for St. Joseph may be celebrated Wednesday, March 18th after 4:00 p.m. Masses celebrating St. Joseph are to be celebrated on Thursday, March 19th.
The Solemnity of the Annunciation is celebrated on Wednesday, March 25, 2020; however, this solemnity is NOT a holyday of obligation. A Vigil Mass for the Annunciation may be celebrated Tuesday, March 24th after 4:00 p.m. Masses celebrating the Annunciation are to be celebrated on Wednesday, March 25th.
Weddings Within the Mass of the Day may be celebrated on these Solemnities. Please reference this online chart for more information.
August 2020 Liturgical Calendar Notes:
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated on Saturday, August 15, 2020. Whenever the Solemnity of the Assumption falls on a Saturday, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated (lifted) – thus, there is no Mass attendance obligation associated with this holy day this year.
Vigil Masses for the Assumption may be celebrated after 4:00 pm on Friday, August 14th. Masses before 4:00 pm on Saturday, August 15th should be for the Solemnity; Masses after 4:00 pm on August 15th should anticipate the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Weddings Within Mass may be celebrated before 4:00 pm on August 15th, but must use the readings and orations from the Solemnity of the Assumption, rather than from the Wedding Ritual Mass, with minor exceptions. Please reference this online chart for the pattern of a Wedding Within the Mass of the Day. Wedding Ritual Masses or Weddings within the Mass of the Day (20th Sunday in Ordinary Time) may be celebrated after 4:00 pm on August 15th.
HELEN D. SCHUBERT CONCERTS Spring 2020
https://saintjohncathedral.com/concerts
Cathedral of St John the Evangelist; 1007 Superior Ave @ E 9th St; Cleveland 44114. FREE, (no tickets, no reservations); Free secure parking: Cathedral garage & lot, Rockwell & E 9th St.
February 21, Friday at 7:30 p.m. | Schola Antiqua of Chicago | Michael Alan Anderson, director
April 21, Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. | Choir of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris France | Henri Chalet, director; Yves Castagnet, organist
May 8, Friday at 7:30 p.m. | Quire Cleveland | Dr Jay White, director.
2020 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal
2 February – Announcement Weekend: All parishes are asked to use the preprinted Bulletin Inserts received in their parish kits and the Announcements and prayers of the Faithful available at www.CatholicCommunity.org/parishmaterials
9 February – Commitment Weekend: All parishes are asked to conduct the In-Pew Appeal this weekend with the pastor speaking from the pulpit and facilitating the completion of pledge envelopes. Annually, more than $4 million is raised on this weekend in support of the more than 100 programs and 60 sites serviced by Catholic Charities in our diocese. Thank you for all you do to encourage participation.
Text-To-Give: New to this year’s Parish Appeal is the ability of texting CCHOPE to 41444 to make your Annual Appeal gift. It is quick, easy and safe. If you have questions or for more information contact Sarah Yantek at syantek@catholiccommunity.org or by phone 216-696-6525 x1049.
Grants/Scholarships
Tabor Fund Grant Awards
Tabor applications are available for the 2020A cycle at https://www.catholiccommunity.org/grants. Awards are intended to provide an opportunity for ministers to refresh and/or re-energize their spirituality, faith, mind and/or physical well-being, as part of fostering personal development and improving their ministry. The application deadline is 15 March.
Lawyers Guild Scholarship
Applications for the Martin T. Galvin Memorial Scholarship for high school students pursuing a Catholic education are available to students through Digital Academy or on the Lawyers Guild website: https://www.catholiccommunity.org/lawyers. Applications are due 15 March.
Planned Giving
New Law Retains IRA Charitable Giving Option
The SECURE Act, effective 1st January, has several provisions that affect retirement planning. One provision raises the age at which required minimum distributions (RMDs) must begin (age 72, up from 70 ½), but only for people who turn age 70½ after 12/31/19. If you are 70 ½ or older, you may still make a IRA Charitable Rollover or Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to a qualified charity such as Catholic Charities or your parish. This could reduce your taxable income and satisfy your RMD if you are required to take one. Ask your tax advisor how this and other provisions of the SECURE Act will affect you. For more information on QCDs, contact Sandy Lucas at 216-696-6525 x1640 or visit www.catholiccommunity.org/ways-to-give/ira-charitable-rollover.
STANDARD MILEAGE RATES
The IRS has released the 2020 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Beginning 1 January 2020, the standard mileage rate for the use of a car for business miles driven is 57.5 cents per mile, down one half of a cent from 2019. More details can be found on the IRS website at: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-standard-mileage-rates-for-2020
Contact the Finance Office with any questions.
Immigration and Incarceration
As we enter a new year, if your parish or group is interested in a presentation on Immigration or Incarceration and the ministry of the Diocese, please contact Sister Rita Mary at 216-696-6525 x2200. We would be glad to arrange a presentation or meeting that would respond to the interests of your group!
Families of the Incarcerated
Also please remember that we have six LEAF groups for families of the incarcerated meeting at parishes in the Diocese. These groups are welcoming to all those who have a loved one incarcerated:
Cuyahoga County | Communion of Saints | Mary Queen of Peace |St. Agnes-Our Lady of Fatima
Lake County | St. Noel
Lorain County | In Progress
Geauga County | Holy Angels
Medina County | A ministry of the Medina County parishes meeting at the Medina County Jail.
For additional information please see the website at www.dioceseofcleveland.org/leaf-ministry or call Judy in the Parish Life Office at 216-696-6525 x3500.
Office of Missionary Discipleship
Miguel Chavez has joined the Secretariat for Parish Life and Development as Director, Office of Missionary Discipleship. Before coming to the diocese, Miguel spent sixteen years serving in ministry with young adults at Walsh University. In his new role, Miguel will develop and implement programs and supportive processes that promote a culture of missionary discipleship in parishes and across the diocese. Please keep him in prayer as he enters this new phase of service to the Church and to the people of the Diocese of Cleveland. Miguel can be reached at (216) 696- 6525 x2552.
Lenten Revival | 26-28 February 2020, 7-9 p.m. | Saint Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Church, 6800 Lexington Ave, Cleveland
Annual collaboration from the African American Catholic community. Please join us and visiting revivalist, Father Oscar Pratt from the Archdiocese of Boston, in a celebration of African American Catholic heritage, culture, and liturgy.
The Lay Ecclesial Ministry Office and the Office for Ongoing Formation for Clergy are collaborating to plan continuing education and formation opportunities for lay ecclesial ministers, parish staff members, priests and deacons in our Diocese. In this spirit of collaboration, you are welcomed and invited to the following:
Fr. Jacques Philippe: Author of the books "Searching For and Maintaining Peace & Interior Freedom", as follows:
Sunday, February 16th at 7:00 p.m. | St. Sebastian, Fairlawn
Monday, February 17th at 7:00 p.m. | The Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Tuesday, February 18th at 6:30 p.m. | Mary Queen of Peace, Cleveland
Contact Angie Pavlik, 440-943-7464, to RSVP for February 17th. Those who are interested in the parish locations should contact the parish.
Building Connections in Ministry: Effective Strategies for Enhancing Communication | Marilee Fini, M.A. CCC/SLP, a certified and licensed Speech Pathologist | Tuesday, February 18, 2020 6:30-9:00 p.m. | The Center for Pastoral Leadership.
Ministering to Individuals with Speech Challenges | Marilee Fini, M.A. CCC/SLP, a certified and licensed Speech Pathologist | Tuesday, March 31, 2020 from 1:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. | The Center for Pastoral Leadership.
Preaching, Story Telling and its power to Evangelize | ValLimar Jansen | Monday, March 2, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Resurrection of Our Lord Parish.
Registration flyers for Building Connections in Ministry, Ministering to Individuals with Speech Challenges, and Preaching, Story Telling and its power to evangelize can be accessed through the flyer link found at the bottom of the Diocesan Memorandum, or contact Jennell Muscatello, 440-943-7474.
Click here for Family Perspectives March 2020
Cana II Retreat a marriage preparation series for couples, in which one or both have been married before, or one or both will become a stepparent. Includes Active Parenting for Stepfamilies series (scheduled on an as-needed basis).
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2020
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (includes 4:30 p.m. Mass)
Place: St. Joseph Parish, 12700 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, OH 44136
Cost: $125 per couple.
Website & Registration: www.dioceseofcleveland.org/cana-ii
Contact: Carol Petro by email or (216) 696- 6525 x2325, or Katie Galicic by email or (216) 696-6525 x2323
Prepare-Enrich Training - Spring 2020
An online relationship inventory that customizes to couples – dating, engaged, or married – and is mandatory for engaged couples preparing for marriage. We train Priests, Deacons, Lay Ecclesial Ministers, or Counselors, who have not yet been trained or would like a refresher to administer the relationship inventory and work with couples.
Date: Two Saturdays, March 28 & April 4, 2020 (both required)
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Place: Center for Pastoral Leadership
Cost: $175 for new trainee, $25 for refresher course.
Registration: www.dioceseofcleveland.org/prepare-enrich
Contact: Bill Boomer by email, (216) 696-6525 x2322
Advertise your Parish Pre-Cana
We can advertise your Parish Pre-Cana on our website at www.dioceseofcleveland.org/precana. Please complete the online form “Advertise a parish Pre-Cana” to submit your listing. The website lists marriage preparation options for engaged couples who are marrying for the first time. Additionally, please invite your engaged couples to visit our website if they are looking for a Pre-Cana program in the diocese.
Bereavement Ministers’ Retreat - Send my Roots Rain
Renewal for diocesan bereavement ministers and those working in grief and bereavement ministry, with presenter Kim Langley.
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2020.
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Location: St. Victor (Richfield)
Cost: $35.00
Registration & Contact: Jason Lewis 216-334-2974
Save the Date! Sunday, 26 April 2020 | Annual Boy Scout Court of Honor Mass | St. John Cathedral
This annual event hosted by the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting is for all Ad Altare Dei, Pope Pius XII, Pope Paul VI, Good Shepherd, Bronze Pelican and St. George awardees, their families and friends. Liturgy is at 2:30 p.m. Social immediately following. Free parking in the Cathedral Garage. For more information, please visit http://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/yyam or contact: Mark Delsander at 216-696-6525 x2332.
Tuesday, 3 March 2020 | National Workshop: Radiate Christ – Forming Youth for Discipleship | St. Michael Parish, Canfield, OH
The Center for Ministry Development invites you to join us for this workshop series, which includes practical ideas and starting points as we explore the ministry implications for youth ministry, catechesis, sacramental preparation and parish life. Registration fee: $59 per person, includes workshop materials, lunch, and refreshments. Contact Jackie Vigneault for registration link at 330-416-2712.
Save the Date! 1-3 May 2020 | Search Weekend | Camp Christopher
SEARCH is a retreat for high school teens (ages 15-18) who are interested in experiencing the Catholic faith in a dynamic way. The weekend encourages young people to assume an active role in the Church. Youth of all faiths are welcomed. (It is a Catholic weekend open to all religious denominations.) Cost: $80.00 per person. For more information, please contact: Jackie Vigneault, Youth & Young Adult Specialist, 216-696-6525 X2333.
Catholic Renewal Ministries
Catholic Renewal Ministries invites all to the following evenings for Healing and Prayer:
Charismatic Mass | Friday, 21 February, at 7:00 p.m. | Our Lady of Angels Parish, 3644 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland 44111. With healing prayer teams available and a social after Mass. Contact Fr. Bob Franco 440-327-2201 or CRM 440-944-4445 for more information.
Night of Praise and Worship | 22 February 2020, 7:15 to 9:00 p.m. | SS. Cosmas & Damian is located at 10439 Ravenna Rd., Twinsburg 44087. Healing prayer teams will be available for individual prayer. Contact Brenda or Denny Carleton at 216-392-8749 for more information.
Healing Services | March 8, 2020, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | St. Mary Church, 340 N. Main St., Hudson 44236. There will be Adoration, anointing of the sick and praying over those grieving or in any need of healing of body, mind or soul. Email HealingPrayer@stmaryhudson.cc for more information.
CRS Rice Bowl
CRS Rice Bowl is the US Catholic Church’s faith in action program that provides free resources for use in parish and school community settings, as well as complementary materials for families to foster their faith life at home. Through CRS Rice Bowl, US Catholics put their faith in action by committing their Lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving to deepening their faith and serving those in need. CRS Rice Bowl contributions support projects that assist the poor both overseas and here in the United States. 75 percent of CRS Rice Bowl contributions are sent to Catholic Relief Services and help fund development projects overseas that help increase and maintain communities’ access to food. 25 percent of the contributions fund local poverty and hunger alleviation programs in the Diocese of Cleveland through the Catholic Charities Emergency Hunger and Shelter Fund. CRS Rice CRS Rice Bowl begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2020; and ends with Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. You can access the free materials at www.crsricebowl.org.
If you are interested in learning more please contact CRS Diocesan Director Kelly Davis at 440-943-7612.
Please click here for information regarding Civilize It Campaign from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Ohio Primary Election and Voter Registration: The next primary is on 17 March 2020. Your county board of elections provide previews of the ballots so voters can research and prepare. Anyone who wishes to vote in the upcoming primary must be registered to vote by 18 February 2020. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops say that “Through our opportunities as citizens, we can help shape a world more committed to protecting human life and dignity and promoting justice and peace.” For more information on voting in the State of Ohio go to https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/.
Care for God’s Creation Parish Quarterly Network
Care for God’s Creation Parish Quarterly Network will be held on Tuesday, 4 February 2020 – 7:00-9:00 p.m. at St. Basil Parish – Family Life Center at 8700 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141. The is a diocesan network for parishioners, parish staff, and parish school faculty seeking effective ways to deepen a care for creation, and its impact on the poor, in their ministries, faith and lives. This event features guest speaker from NE Ohio Regional Sewer District’s Green Infrastructure Grants and School Curriculum and St. Casimir-Cleveland’s green infrastructure success. Additional meeting spotlights will include 1)Care for God’s creation useful resources for Lent and Earth Day; 2) Bring any best practices in your parish/school you found effective; and 3) Open forum to share your topic ideas for future network events. For more information contact Jeff Campbell at 330-535-2787. You can also go the Diocesan Social Action webpage at www.ccdocle.org/dsao.
Solidarity on Tap: The quarterly Solidarity on Tap is locally sponsored by the Ignatian Solidarity Network, the Diocesan Social Action office, the Coalition of Young Adults and Sisters of Charity Foundation. The next event features Sr. Ann Victory, HM from the Collaborative on Human Trafficking. It is being held on 4 February 2020 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Market Garden Brewery (1947 W 25th St, Cleveland, Oh 44113). Anyone over 21 is welcome to attend. To register go to https://ignatiansolidarity.net/event/solidarity-on-tap-cleveland-5/ or send an e-mail.
Expanded Monthly Grief Support
Catholic Cemeteries Association grief support groups will meet on Sunday February 16th at 3:00 p.m. at the following locations: Saint Joseph Cemetery, Avon (temporary trailer office); Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron (office); Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park (office); Calvary Cemetery, Cleveland (office); All Saints Cemetery, Northfield (office); and All Souls Cemetery, Chardon (office). The February topic will be ‘Grief and Lent: Traveling Hand in Hand’. A reservation is not required, but is appreciated. Visit our website or contact Rhonda at 216-930-4866.
If you are interested in participating at these new Grief Support Group locations or if you would like flyers for your parish, please contact Rhonda or call 216-930-4866.
Christ the Child Society of Cleveland is holding an informational coffee in our office at 7901 Detroit Ave. Suite 300, on Wednesday, 11 March at 10:00 a.m. Please join us and find out about the wonderful work that is being done to service the underserved children of our diocese. If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation please contact: Jane Donovan at 439-7527 or email.
First Friday Club of Akron. Jeff Campbell, Director of the Catholic Commission of Summit County. Friday, February 7, 2020 at Tangier Restaurant, 532 W. Market Street, Akron. More information here.
Theology on the Rocks
Theology on the Rocks – West| Monday, February 10that 7:00 p.m. | LOCATION: VOSH, 1414 Riverside Dr., Lakewood | $12 per person | Bill Boomer, Director of Marriage and Family Office, Diocese of Cleveland and his wife Leslie will discuss marriage, re-marriage and life-in-between | To register and for more information click here.
Workshops/Retreats
“Answer the Call” Men’s Conference | 22 March 2020
The next “Answer the Call” Men’s Conference will be Saturday, March 22, 2020 | Holiday Inn, Rockside at Rt. 77 North and Rockside Rd., Independence | Please click here for 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.
Through Creative Play to Greater Freedom: Workshop for Women | Monday, February 10 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Presented by Jean Plato | Cost: $45.
February Morning Prayer for Women | Monday, February 17 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. | Led by Sr. Mary Ann Flannery, S.C. |Cost: $10
Men’s Lenten Retreat: Beyond Ash Wednesday Friday, February 28, 6:00pm - Sunday, March 1, 11:00 a.m. | Presented by Fr. James Strzok, SJ | Cost: $175
Theology of Forsakenness: Lenten Luncheon | Monday, March 2 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Presented by Carey Dabney | Cost: $30
Flyers which may be of interest to readers of the Diocesan Memorandum may be found at here.
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 © 2024
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