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.
Catholic University Collection | 15-16 January 2022
Catholic University is the national research university of the Catholic Church. Gifts to the National Collection — the only second collection taken for higher education in the U.S. — support students during this crucial time and help the University conduct critical research that will serve parishes and dioceses throughout the country.
Latin America – El Salvador Collection | 22-23 January 2022
The Latin American Collection will take place on 22-23 January 2022. This is the only appeal made by the Diocesan Mission Office for the Cleveland Latin American Mission in El Salvador. It is the main support for two Diocese of Cleveland priests who work in the two parishes served by our Mission Office. This appeal also makes a contribution to the Collection for the Church in Latin America that is managed by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and benefits projects and the formation of seminarians, religious and lay leaders in 23 countries across Latin America.
Case specialist formation program
Those who have already informed the tribunal of their interest in this program will be contacted in the New Year to confirm attendance. Others who are interested are still able to sign up; call the tribunal at 216-696-6525 ext. 4000. After July 2022, clergy and laity who have not been appointed by the diocesan bishop to the role of Case Specialist will no longer be able to submit cases to the tribunal on behalf of those seeking clarification of their marital status.
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 contact Jean Ann Montagna at jmontagna@catholiccommunity.org or 216-696-6525 x8070.
Our Gift to You: A Free Will-Writing Resource
We’ve partnered with FreeWill to make it easier for our community to create their Catholic legacy. Using this online tool, you can write a legal will for free and protect your blessings, while including the necessary language to create an eternal legacy gift in your plans. This resource takes 20 minutes or less and can be paired with an attorney for more complex estates. We invite you to visit www.FreeWill.com/CatholicCommunity to write a free, legal will.
Create Your Catholic Legacy (sample bulletin announcement)
When you make plans to leave a gift to the Church, you demonstrate your gratitude to God for all the gifts with which God has blessed you. You also give witness to family and friends as to the importance of your faith, at the same time blessing the lives of those who will benefit from your generosity. Whether you make a gift to continue a ministry at your parish, to help sustain the good works of Catholic Charities, to provide a Catholic education to students, to ensure the formation of priests, or to help another ministry of the Diocese of Cleveland, you are passing along the tradition of our Catholic faith. Your gift to the Church is part of your legacy. Questions? Contact XXX in our parish office at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or via email at ________. You are also welcome to contact Jean Ann Montagna of the Catholic Community Foundation at 216-696-6525 x8070.
2022 Catholic Charities Appeal
2022 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal kicks off in January with the theme “Be the Light.” During the week of 25 January, close to 100,000 households will receive a letter from Bishop Malesic encouraging support for the Appeal and asking each of us to “be the light to those stuck in the dark” The Appeal goal is $14 million and is needed to continue to serve more than 400,000 people in need. Donations can be made online or by texting CCHOPE to 41444.
Parish Appeal: Feb. 19-20 All parishes are asked to conduct the In-Pew Appeal the weekend of 19-20 Feb. 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. Annually, more than $4 million is raised on this weekend across the diocese. Thank you for all you do to encourage participation.
Parish Kits will arrive in all parishes the week of 25 January. If you have questions or for more information contact Sarah Gozur or by phone 216-696-6525 x1910.
Ohio Minimum Wage Increase
Ohio’s minimum wage will increase from $8.80 to $9.30 per hour for non-tipped employees on January 1, 2022. Please download the new poster and display it with your other labor law posters.
The 2022 W-4 form has yet to be released by the IRS so continue to use the 2021 form for new hires and employees who want to change their payroll federal tax withholding: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf
Email Donna Speagle, Human Resources, or call (216) 696-6525, ext. 8760 or with any questions.
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 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. If possible, submit your request as soon as you are aware of your need for a Letter of Suitability.
In your request, please make sure you include the following information:
Should you have any questions, feel free to contact the Office of Clergy and Religious at 216-696-6525 x2930 or x2440.
“See, I Am Doing Something New!” (Isaiah 43:19) - A Prison Ministry Retreat | February 12, 9:30-11:30 am, Via Zoom
A Welcome Back and New Beginning virtual retreat open to current, past and prospective Prison Ministry Volunteers. Register online here January 15 through February 5, 2022.
For more information contact any of the following:
Ted Lapponi or by text (440) 315-6527
A Sacred Nudging and Missionary Impulse
Saturday, January 8, 9:00am-12:00pm | Aula at the Center for Pastoral Leadership
Miguel Chavez, Director for the Office of Missionary Discipleship will lead this workshop in which we will discern how the Holy Spirit is "moving" the Church and prompting us as missionary disciples to use our gifts to serve God and to serve others.
We will consider the importance of daily prayer and discernment for discipleship and use the example of St. Andre Bessette, a "Porter of the Faith", to inspire our intentions and actions. We also will showcase the newly created, "Called By The Spirit" gifts inventory and discernment process for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and consider how the Holy Spirit animates each of us as disciples.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Annual Lecture | “Ecumenism Today: Working toward an Ecumenical Ethics”
January 28, 1:30 pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership
All are invited to this presentation, which will emphasize the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the commitment to follow Jesus, the importance of spiritual growth, and the necessity of ethical dialogue with mutual respect. It will review recent ecumenical literature and examine some key elements for building an ecumenical moral paradigm. One such paradigm is Virtue Ethics.
Our speaker will be John W. Crossin, OSFS, former director of the office of Ecumenical and Interreligious concerns of the USCCB. Fr. Crossin also served as a Consultor to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity from 2014-2020. He is in the final year of an appointment to the Pontifical Council’s team for the Joint Working Group with the World Council of Churches.
Synodal Journey and Ecumenism
The dialogue between Christians of different confessions, united by one baptism, has a special place in the synodal journey. As we prepare for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on January 18 - 25, 2022, we have adapted the listening session for your use in dialogue with Christians of other traditions and denominations. Download the ecumenical dialogue tool here.
Marriages of Grace Cana Night with Bishop Malesic
Friday, January 28, 7:00-9:00pm | Georgetown Vosh, Lakewood | For more information and to register online, visit their website.
SS. Anne & Joachim Grandparent Workshops
March 28 & 30, April 4 &6
Grandparents are vital to passing on the faith. The Vicar for Evangelization, in collaboration with the Office of Missionary Discipleship, Marriage and Family Ministry, Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry, will offer Anne and Joachim Workshops. This will be an opportunity to talk about ways that grandparents can share their faith with their grandchildren and will offer some practical tools that can be used. The workshops will be offered at various sites throughout the diocese, and will include a closing Mass. Cost is $10 per person including brunch. Register online beginning January 3, 2022.
Information Session for World Youth Day 2023
January 18, 7pm, Zoom
We are planning World Youth Day 2023 already. Franciscan Spirit Tours is our travel partner and we will be putting together zoom information sessions throughout 2022. Email Mike Hayes to reserve your spot for our first session and/or to determine when additional information sessions will be held.
Corporal Works in Lent
Our Campus Ministry sites are planning on centering their Lenten program around an experience of the corporal works of Mercy this lent. Based on Kerry Weber’s book, Mercy in the City, we are inviting young adult participants to join us in attempting to do one experience of each of the 8 Corporal Works of Mercy before the end of Lent.
If you or your young adult group would like to participate, email Mike Hayes for more information.
Catholic Young Adults Ministry - St. Helen Parish in Newbury, OH is starting a new ministry for Young Adults. The first meeting is on Friday, January 14, 2022, 7:00-8:30pm in the Parish Hall at St. Helen. Catholic Young Adults Ministry is a group for young adults that are looking to dive deeper into their faith along with time for fellowship.
Desert Day Retreat
February 22, 9 am-5:30 pm | Jesuit Retreat Center
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31a). It is hard to keep giving from an empty cup, so spend time with the Lord and be filled. This will be a quiet day of prayer. We will start with an inspiring talk and then go on our own to read, reflect, respond, and pray in solitude with God. Mass, Adoration, Confession, and Spiritual Direction will be available. We will provide materials to reflect on or you are welcome to bring your own. This event is geared for those who work with middle and high school teens - especially youth ministers, campus ministers, youth ministry volunteers, and Parish Catechetical Leaders. Register online here.
Night of Healing
Friday, January 21, 2022 | St. Hilary, Fairlawn
Join Peter's Shadow and Healing Waters Unbound Ministry for a night of healing prayer in conjunction with the UnBound Conference featuring Matt Lozano of Heart of the Father Ministries. The service will begin after the 7:00 PM Mass celebrated by Fr. Jacob Bearer. For more information, please call 234-206-0263.
Charismatic Mass
Friday, January 28th, 7:00 pm | St. Peter, North Ridgeville
Fr. Bob Franco will be the celebrant. Praise and worship at 7:00 pm. The liturgy will start at 7:30. A social will follow the Mass and healing prayer teams will be available for individual prayer. For more information, please contact Fr. Franco at 440-327-2201 or CRM at 440-944-9445. Come and bring a friend! This will be a time to truly encounter the Lord.
Afternoon of Healing Prayer
Sunday, February 6, 12 noon | St. Luke, Lakewood
Come experience the healing power of Jesus in an afternoon of healing prayer conducted by Peter's Shadow. For more information, please call 234-206-0263.
[Please visit our website for the most updated schedule of events.]
Free In-Office and Virtual Monthly Grief Support: *3rd Sunday of every month (*4th Sunday, if the 3rd Sunday falls on a holiday) Catholic Cemeteries Association continues to offer free monthly in-office and virtual grief support groups. In a comfortable and supportive environment, you'll find a warm fellowship of people with similar grief experiences led by trained Ministers of Consolation. The groups are open discussion around a monthly topic or whatever is on your heart. If you attend grief support at another organization, consider ours a free source of additional support. Come. Listen. Be in the presence of those who understand. RSVP’s are appreciated but not required to attend.
3:00 – 4:00 pm IN-OFFICE (Cemetery main office buildings):
Participants are advised to wear protective facial coverings.
5:00 – 6:00 pm VIRTUAL (via Zoom):
Registration is free and open to anyone seeking bereavement support in a virtual setting. Join by computer or by phone.
Register (IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING) here with your email address to receive login instructions and download the handout materials. Wifi enabled devices (computer, tablet, smart phone, etc.) are able to join via video and audio. Those dialing in with an analog phone will be able to join via audio only. For more information, contact Rhonda at 216-930-4866.
“A Closer Walk With Thee” – CCA Monthly Grief Support E-Newsletter:
Subscribe to Catholic Cemeteries Association’s monthly grief support e-newsletter, “A Closer Walk with Thee”. This helpful grief resource is emailed the first Tuesday of each month to any family/individual who has expressed an interest in our bereavement programs. To subscribe, go to the signup form or contact Rhonda at 216-930-4866.
First Friday Club of Akron
David Eich, Author and Speaker | Friday, January 7, 2022, | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information here.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Lindsay Fullerman, MA, PN2, SSC, Coach and Founder, Fit From Faith | Thursday, January 6, 2022, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | The City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114 | | Registration and more information here.
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.
January 7-Night Directed Retreat (in conjunction with John Carroll University) | Sunday, January 9, 5:30pm - Sunday, January 16, 1:00pm | $725
The Universal Christ: A Book Conversation (Virtual Program) | Mondays 7:00 - 8:30pm. January 10, 17, 24, 31 and February 7 | Michael Reiling, M.Ed. | $35
Women's Retreat: Accepting Change, Giving Hope | Monday, January 17, 2:00pm - Thursday, January 20, 1:00pm | Sr. Susan Durkin, OSU, Sr. Mary Ann Flannery, SC, Sr. Jeanne Tighe, SFCC | $350
Rosary Hall AA Men's 12 Step Retreat | Friday, January 21, 5:30pm - Sunday, January 23, 11:00am | Bob Linton and Matt Pullar | $200
January Morning Prayer for Women | Monday, January 24 from 9:30 - 11:00am | Sr. Mary Ann Flannery, SC | $10
Cinema and Conversation: Ignatius of Loyola | Monday, January 24 from 7:00 - 9:00pm | Free Will Offering
January Sabbath Days - a Personal Retreat Day | Tuesday, January 25 from 8:30am - 3:30pm | $50
Sr. Ignatia AA Women’s Recovery Retreat - SERENITY: Cultivating Peace One Day at a Time | Monday, January 31 from 8:00am - 3:30pm | Karen S., Jo Ann P., and Marybeth S. | $35
Submissions for the next Memorandum should be made to Ann Marie Perkins by the 15th of the
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
Subscribe! Sign up to receive news & updates.
1 of 22