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 Sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
In an attempt to make formation sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion more accessible, a few sessions will be scheduled each month, geographically dispersed. The Office for Worship website will be updated regularly with the current schedule. Note the following upcoming sessions:
Rite of Election Reminder
The 2025 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will be celebrated on Sunday, March 9 at Public Auditorium, Cleveland. Participation in Rite of Election is not optional for adult catechumens. The deadline for parishes to register for this celebration was January 31. If you missed the deadline and want to register catechumens and candidates for this celebration, please contact Mary Hrich as soon as possible, as we are arranging assigned seating. Parishes are reminded to celebrate the Rite of Sending and have catechumens sign the Book of the Elect at the parish prior to participating in the Rite of Election.
Musical Concerts in Churches
The Congregation for Divine Worship in 1987 wrote a circular letter (prot. n. 1251/87) addressing the matter of musical concerts in churches. When planning spring musical activities in parishes, please review its instructions concerning hosting concerts in Catholic churches. Please note the following:
We all want to be welcoming to our neighborhoods and community. However, as the document reminds us, we are the custodians of sacred spaces whose primary purpose is worship.
The Diocesan Evening of Confession returns this year on March 19th. Most parishes in the diocese will welcome the faithful from 5-8 pm. All are invited to participate in this sacrament of God’s mercy.
March 2025 Liturgical Calendar Reminders:
Ash Wednesday falls on March 5, 2025. The blessing and distribution of ashes at Mass occurs after the homily, using the ritual texts in the Roman Missal. Directives for distributing ashes outside Mass during a Liturgy of the Word can be found in the Roman Missal following the Prayer Over the People for Mass on Ash Wednesday. The Book of Blessings (nos. 1656-1678) includes a similar rite (without the blessing of ashes) which can be used by lay ministers when taking blessed ashes to the sick and homebound. Ash Wednesday is a day of universal fast and abstinence in the Church. The two Eucharistic Prayers for Reconciliation are appropriate for use during the season of Lent.
On the Second Sunday of Lent, March 16 the presider may wish to use the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer 1), which echoes the theme of Abraham as our father in faith that is reflected in the first reading.
The Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is celebrated on Wednesday, March 19. It is not a holy day of obligation. It is the custom in some places to bless on this day bread, pastries, and other food and to give a large portion of it to the poor. For the Order of Blessing of St. Joseph’s Table, see Book of Blessings #1679-1700.
For those parishes who have catechumens anticipating initiation at the Easter Vigil, the First Scrutiny should be celebrated on Sunday, March 23, the Third Sunday of Lent. At celebrations of scrutinies only, Cycle A readings are used. The Second Scrutiny is celebrated on March 30 and the Third Scrutiny on April 6. See the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Vendors of goods from the Holy Land
Bishop Edward C. Malesic has granted permission to the following vendors to sell religious articles from the Holy Land at the Catholic Parishes in the Diocese of Cleveland.
The permission is granted effective February 21, 2025 until February 20, 2026.
If you are contacted by any of the individuals named above, please know that they have the Bishop’s permission to do so and that you can determine whether or not to permit them to display religious articles from the Holy Land at your parish.
There have been some reports of confusion by parish staff between vendors; for example, that a booking has been made by one vendor, then a new booking made with a second vendor while parish staff were under the impression that this was merely a rescheduling of the date of the first vendor. If in doubt, you may wish to ensure that you are speaking with the correct vendor by calling back to the contact number originally given to you at the time of the first booking. Some vendors have expressed disappointment at the poor sales they have experienced when they have visited a parish shortly after another vendor has visited the same parish.
If you have any feedback (good or bad) regarding your experience with these vendors, kindly let me know so that it can be considered prior to making a decision regarding next year’s vendors.
January 2025 Announcements
Rev. Andrew J. Gonzalez concludes his assignment as Administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Strongsville and has been appointed Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Strongsville effective 15 January 2025.
Rev. Andrew J. Hoover concludes his assignment as Administrator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Parma and has been appointed Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Parma effective 15 January 2025.
Rev. Andrew M. Morkunas concludes his assignment as Presbyteral Moderator of St. Aloysius-St. Agatha Parish, Cleveland and has been appointed Administrator of St. Casimir Parish (Neff Road), Cleveland effective 30 April 2025. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Catholic Chaplain of University Hospital (Main Campus), Cleveland. His residence remains unchanged until 30 April 2025, when he will move into the St. Casimir Parish rectory.
Rev. Daniel F. Schlegel has been appointed Presbyteral Moderator of St. Aloysius-St. Agatha Parish, Cleveland effective 1 May 2025. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor of St. Raphael Parish, Bay Village. His residence remains unchanged.
Rev. Michael J. Feldtz concludes his authorized Leave of Absence for Sick Leave and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Wendelin Parish, Cleveland and Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Cleveland effective 15 January 2025. He also has received permission to reside at the St. Wendelin Parish rectory effective 15 January 2025.
Monsignor Richard C. Antall has been appointed Spiritual Director for the Cleveland Diocesan Cursillo Movement (Spanish only) effective 1 February 2025. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor of Holy Name Parish, Cleveland.
Rev. David M. Verbsky has been appointed Chaplain to the University of Akron in Akron effective 15 January 2025. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Parochial Vicar, St. Francis de Sales Parish, Akron.
Deacon William C. Merriman, St. Patrick Parish, Cleveland diaconal assignment has been concluded and has been granted retirement status effective 31 January 2025.
Deacon Scott A. Cerrito concludes his diaconal status of Awaiting Assignment and has been appointed Deacon of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Medina effective immediately.
Deacon Francisco A. Miranda has been appointed as Spiritual Director for the Parish Retreat Movement: JuanXXIII effective 1 February 2025. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Deacon of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Cleveland.
Deacon William A. Mc Manus, with permission of the Most Reverend George Leo Thomas, Archbishop of Las Vegas, has been appointed Deacon, St. Colette Parish, Brunswick effective 11 December 2024.
Parish Fish Fry Listing
The Communication Department will once again list parishes/schools holding a fish fry during Lent on the diocesan website. Parish/schools are asked to complete the form at dioceseofcleveland.org/fishfryrequest to submit their information. The listing will include the name of parish/school, address, phone, URL and dates of the fish fry. No other details will be listed. Parishes/schools are encouraged to put more detailed information on their websites that will be linked from the diocesan website. Questions or concerns about this listing can be sent to Jeff Stutzman in the Communications Department.
Angel Scholarship Fund
Make sure you take advantage of the January 1- April 15 donation window where Ohio taxpayers can still claim a 2024 tax credit. Marketing materials can be found in our toolkit. As a reminder, our donation page has been updated and donors are required to select if they are claiming a 2024 or a 2025 credit through April 15th. All contributions through April 15, 2025 will be available for schools award as scholarships this fall.
Fund A Dream|
Apply to receive Fund A Dream Scholarships for your students for the 2025-26 school year. The application process has changed for Fund A Dream, as schools are now responsible for completing one single application for all students they would like to recommend. Full details on this change can be found under the Scholarship Information and Application Portal on the foundation website. We will be accepting application recommendations from 1/15-3/15/2025. Please contact Kaitlyn Novicky with questions.
2025 Catholic Charities Appeal
The theme of the 2025 Appeal is, “Make me a channel of your peace.” Since the beginning of the year, more than 150,000 households received a letter from Bishop Malesic encouraging support for the Appeal and asking each of us to embrace this theme. The Appeal goal is $15.3 million and is needed to continue to serve nearly 400,000 people in need. Donations can be made online at www.CatholicCommunity.org/donate or by texting CCHOPE to 41444.
Parish Appeal: Feb. 15-16 All parishes are asked to conduct the In-Pew Appeal the weekend of Feb. 15-16. We are grateful for the support of our priests and volunteers who faithfully promote the Appeal at the parish level and to our loyal parishioners who, through their sacrificial gifts, are changing lives throughout our diocese. We need to raise $4 million on this weekend across the diocese to ensure our goals are met to serve the people in need. Thank you for all you do to encourage participation.
Parish Kits should have arrived in all parishes for in pew weekend by January 27. If you have questions or for more information, contact Sarah Gozur at sgozur@catholiccommunity.org or 216-696-6525 x1910.
Smart Giving From Your IRA [sample 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 our 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 of your IRA. Speak with your financial advisor, visit https://www.catholiccommunity.org/ira, or contact Moira Wopershall at 216-696-6525 x8070 for more information.
Parish Legacy Gift Opportunities
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 email Jackie Brauser or call 216-696-6525 x1640.
Standard Milage Rate For 2025
Beginning January 1, 2025, the standard mileage rate for the use of a car for business miles driven is 70 cents per mile. More detail can be found on the IRS website.
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
Bishop Malesic has designated eight parishes and three shrines as Sacred Sites, places of pilgrimage in the Diocese of Cleveland at which a plenary indulgence may be obtained. The sites have been chosen to be geographically accessible to the faithful throughout the entire diocese. Those faithful who are unable to participate for serious reasons (e.g., the elderly, the sick, prisoners, etc.) may obtain the indulgence by uniting themselves in spirit with those taking part in person and reciting the Our Father, the Profession of Faith, and other prayers while offering up their sufferings or the hardships of their lives.
Please visit the Jubilee Resources page on our website for general information about the Holy Year, worship resources, resources for parish groups and classes, and to download the media kit. You will also find our monthly Jubilee Newsletter which includes reflections on the Second Vatican Council Documents, “Witnesses of Hope” from the Christian martyrs and family activities. The bulletin inserts for January and February are currently available in English and Spanish.
Eucharistic Revival
The diocesan delegates to the National Eucharistic Congress have been busy at work planning five “mini” Eucharistic Congresses that will help them share a part of their Congress experience with our local Church during the Lenten season.
Please visit our Events page for more information and to register.
Diocesan Day of Service | Saturday, April 5, 2025
Calling all Catholics to take part in a diocesan-wide Day of Service as Eucharistic Missionaries and Pilgrims of Hope in the world. We are called to act and love like Christ by giving of ourselves for our brothers and sisters. People of all ages are encouraged to participate in service activities in their local community as individuals, families, and parish or school groups. Join us in celebrating the Eucharistic Revival Year of Mission and the Jubilee Year to share our Christian hope with every person we encounter.
The Diocesan Day of Service Leader Guide provides a number of ideas for individuals and families, or for coordinating a day of service in your parish community. Also, provided is a two-page Participant Journal that can be used for reflection following the service experiences.
February is Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. Below are some ideas for celebrating Black History Month.
National Marriage Week 2025
The observances of National Marriage Week (February 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, February 9) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. This year’s theme is “Marriage: Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal. Pursue a Lasting Love!”
Resources are currently available from the USCCB at foryourmarriage.org.
Office of Black Catholic Ministries
Black History Month: The Legacy of Father Clarence E. Williams, Jr., C.PP.S.
February 8, 9:30am-1:30pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Office of Hispanic Ministry
Retiro Matrimonial | Matrimonios de Esperanza
Sábado, Febrero 8-9, 2025 | Center Por Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Lay Ecclesial Ministry Information Night
Tuesday, February 18, 7:00 – 8:30 pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Office of Hispanic Ministry
Talleres en Espiritualidad Ignaciana
Jueves, Febrero 27, 2025, 6 pm-7pm | St. Ignatius High School - Capilla Santa María de la Asunción, 1911 West 30thSt. Cleveland
Para registrarse y más detalles vaya al sitio web, ignatius.edu/talleres.
Office of Youth Ministry
Youth Minister Ted Talks
Monday, March 3, 10:00-11:00am | Online
Office of Youth Ministry
YM Bootcamp: Partnering with Parents
Thursday, March 20, 6:30-8:30pm | St. Albert the Great, North Royalton
Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Lay Ecclesial Ministry Workshop: Living the Prophetic
Saturday, March 22, 10:00am-12:00pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
Behold Retreat
Saturday, March 22, 10:00am-4:00pm | Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Euclid
Office of Youth Ministry
Middle School Youth Ministry: Summer Camps & Activities
Tuesday, March 25, 10:00-11:30am | St. Mary, Hudson
Young Adult Ministry
Ignite Young Adult Conference
February 22 – 9:00am - 4:30pm | St Ignatius High School
Mass @ 4:30pm with Eucharistic Procession: St Patrick's Bridge Avenue
Light refreshments and praise and worship to follow until 9PM
Theology on Tap East: Bar Louie, Lyndhurst
February 26 – 7:00pm | Fr. Jan Maturkanic from St. Joseph Byzantine in Brecksville.
Theology on Tap West, Forest City Brewery, Ohio City
February 26 - 7:00pm | Speakers: Jen and Frank Ricard, Spousal Unity in Marriage
Save the Date | The Mary Mother of the Good Shepherd Institute Summer Session Parish Staff Development Opportunity: August 5th - 8th ,2025
‘Mission of the Family’ video series produced by the Knights of Columbus
Bulletin/Newsletter Information:
Men and women, young and old, strengthen and grow in your faith for your families with five short videos produced by the Knights of Columbus called the “Mission of The Family”. The videos can be found on the Knights of Columbus website. Here is the link to find “The Mission of The Family” videos. The five videos are less than 14 minutes in length.
Accompaniment and Mental Health Ministry Conference | Keynoter Bishop John Dolan of Phoenix, Keynoter Dr. Dave Margolius, M.D., Director of Public Health for Cleveland and expert panel and over twenty exhibitors | Friday, February 21, 2025 | St. Ambrose, 929 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH 44212 Click here for more information.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Bill Leahy, current Akron District St Vincent De Paul President | Friday, February 7, 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, February 10, 2025 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Auxiliary Bishop Michael G. Woost | Click here for more information.
Lorain County First Friday Forum.
Sr. Lisa Marie Belz, OSU, Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology | Presentation “Why Did Jesus Die for Us” | Friday, March 7, 2025 | $25 a person includes lunch | Lorain County Community College Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 Abbe Road North, Elyria, Ohio 44035 | Please email ffflorain@gmail.com to register (Deadline to register is March 3rd, 2025) or for more information.
* * *
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
Subscribe! Sign up to receive news & updates.
1 of 22