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 | 20-21 January 2024
The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States. 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 | 27-28 January 2024
The Latin American Collection will take place on 27-28 January 2024. 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.
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is Friday, February 2, 2024. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day: the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. It is one of only two liturgical celebrations that calls for a procession of the faithful into church carrying lighted candles - the other being the Easter Vigil. According to the “First Form: The Procession,” the faithful gather outside the church, and after their candles are lit, the priest blesses them. The procession follows. Whenever a procession cannot take place, the “Second Form: The Solemn Entrance” may be used. Ideally, all candles that will be used for liturgical or devotional purposes should be blessed at this liturgy. Please refer to February 2 in the Roman Missal for additional directives.
The World Day for Consecrated Life is celebrated in the Church on Friday, February 2, 2023, and in parishes over the weekend of February 3-4, 2024. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation.
The feast of St. Blaise falls on Saturday, February 3, 2024. If the blessing of throats is conferred during Mass, it follows the homily and general intercessions, or, for pastoral reasons, the prayer of blessing may take the place of the final blessing. The blessing may be given by touching the throat of each person with two blessed candles. The blessing may also be given to the sick or the elderly in their homes when they cannot attend the parish celebration, including by lay ministers. A lay minister always says the prayer without making the sign of the cross. (See Book of Blessings, nos. 1622-1655 for the complete rite.)
A Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking is observed on Thursday, February 8. Resources are available through the USCCB here.
Ash Wednesday falls on February 14, 2024. 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. Since February 14 is celebrated by many couples as Valentine’s Day, parishioners should be reminded of the norms governing fasting and abstinence from meat since no dispensation will be given for this day which marks the solemn beginning of Lent.
The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion is celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent in two liturgies at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. It is Bishop Malesic’s desire that every parish within the diocese send their catechumens and candidates for full communion to the Cathedral for this special celebration.
The 2024 Rite of Election and call to Continuing Conversion will be on Sunday, February 18. Liturgy times are assigned by district, below. Please note that due to seating capacity issues in 2023, Lake County parishes are assigned to a time BY CITY.
Angel Scholarship Fund Year-End Promotional Messaging
Thank you for your continued efforts to support ASF year-end giving. We are overwhelmed by the support each school receives. As a reminder, the state now allows Ohio taxpayers to receive a tax credit for 2023 up until April 15, 2024. This is a great opportunity to reach donors who have not already given, and now know their tax liability.
2024 Catholic Charities Appeal kicks off in January with the theme “Transformed by your love.” During the week beginning January 22, 2024, close to 95,000 households will receive a letter from Bishop Malesic encouraging support for the Appeal and asking each of us to embrace this theme. The Appeal goal is $15 million and is needed to continue to serve nearly 400,000 people in need. Donations can be made online or by texting CCHOPE to 41444.
Parish Appeal: Feb. 10-11 All parishes are asked to conduct the In-Pew Appeal the weekend of February 10-11. This is earlier this year to allow us to start celebrating Lent without interruption. This year we hope to raise $3 million during this annual In-Pew event. 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. Thank you for all you do to encourage participation.
Parish Kits will arrive in all parishes for in pew weekend the week of January 22. If you have questions or for more information email Sarah Gozur or call 216-696-6525 x1910.
The Cleveland Guild of the Catholic Medical Association
The Cleveland Guild of the Catholic Medical Association will be sponsoring a conference entitled, “The Pursuit of Definitive Healing – Conforming to The Divine Will in Healthcare” on Saturday February 17, 2024, at St. Albert the Great Parish Life Center. Bishop Malesic will celebrate the opening conference Mass at 8 AM. Please see the attached flyer for details about the conference and for registration which will include both in-person and virtual options.
Click here to register or for online registration assistance, please contact Debra Sudy, 216-696-6525 x 3670. For questions about the conference, call 216-312-4172. Healthcare professionals may obtain medical education credits this year, and the conference is also open to anyone interested who is `not in healthcare.
Ohio Minimum Wage For 2024
Ohio’s minimum wage is scheduled to increase from $10.10 to $10.45 per hour for non-tipped employees on January 1, 2024. Please download the new poster and display it with your other labor law posters.
Check here to make sure all of your labor law posters are up-to-date.
Email Donna Speagle, Human Resources, or call (216) 696-6525, ext. 8760 with any questions.
My Daily Prayers
The Communications Office is pleased to offer a daily prayer resource for the faithful. My Daily Prayers is a daily email linked to an audio recording featuring clergy of the diocese introducing the day and reciting a variety of Catholic prayers. Below is a sample bulletin announcement you are welcome to use in your bulletins, website and social media platforms. In addition, graphics are available on the diocesan website at dioceseofcleveland.org/mydailyprayers.
Sample bulletin announcement:
Do you like to begin your day with prayer? Do you need some prayer time during your lunch hour? Do you like to end your day with prayer? The Diocese of Cleveland is pleased to offer daily audio prayers delivered to you via email every morning. The prayers are led by a variety of clergy from the diocese and provide a simple way to create and sustain a prayerful relationship with God. Sign up at dioceseofcleveland.org/mydailyprayers.
Parish and School Events on the Diocesan Website
Parishes and schools are encouraged to submit events for consideration to be published on the diocesan website. Events should have a broad appeal to the faithful and be open to public. Some event examples include retreats/days of reflection, guest speakers, missions, prayer opportunities and festivals/carnivals. All events, speakers and subject matter must adhere to the teaching of the Catholic Church, and we reserve the right to deny, edit and approve any listing for the website’s calendar. An event submission form is available here. This form should be submitted by a parish or school staff member ONLY. Also, please use the appropriate category for parish or school events. Please DO NOT use the fish fry listing, as it requires different information (see Fish Fry Listing note). Concerns regarding these requests can be directed to Jeff Stutzman in the Communications Department. Once approved, events can be found on our Events page and by selecting the “show parish events” on the page’s filter.
Fish Fry Listing
The diocese will once again feature Fish Fry Listings from our parishes and schools. To submit your information, please go to dioceseofcleveland.org/fishfryrequest. This simple listing will include date(s), time(s), a phone number and a link to your parish/school website. Please include more a detailed listing on your website. The diocesan list will not display or link to menus or additional files. The listing should be submitted ONLY by a parish staff member, and the complete fish fry list will be updated as submissions are received.
Social Media Managers
In order to better coordinate and communicate with parishes and schools regarding the use of social media, the Communications Department is once again collecting contact information for those responsible for your platforms. Please submit information at dioceseofcleveland.org/socialmedia. In the future we hope to use this list to provide better awareness on upcoming diocesan social media campaigns as well as to share best practices and guidance regarding the use of social media for parishes and schools. Concerns regarding this request can be directed to Jeff Stutzman in the Communications Department.
Catholic Charities Summit County – We Are Hiring. Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland is seeking a part-time Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to assist in providing nursing care and support to older adults and adults with disabilities in an Adult Day Services setting. This is for part time position, working a minimum of 15 hours per week. No evenings, no weekends, no holidays. This position will be at our Summit Adult Day Services site in Akron, Ohio. Apply online or call 330-762-2000 with any questions. One need not be Catholic to join our workforce nor to access our services.
The annual Catholic Schools' Week Mass with Bishop Malesic will be on Tuesday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. All schools are invited to send representatives. Please RSVP HERE by January 9th.
Each school can be guaranteed up to 10 spaces, and more may become available. Please note on the RSVP if you would like to bring more attendees. Additional spaces, will be confirmed soon after the registration closes January 9. Please email Dolores Bruno with any questions.
National Eucharistic Revival
Eucharistic Revival Art Contest
The submission deadline is January 12. The Art Contest is directed for students in grades 2-12 and open to all Catholic Schools, Parish Catechetical Programs, Youth Ministry, and homeschool Communities in the Diocese. Select students whose work is of exceptional talent and artistry will be invited to a special Mass and award ceremony with Bishop Malesic on March 6, 2024. Learn more at dioceseofcleveland.org/artcontest.
Eucharistic Miracles Display
January 20-29, 2024 | Mary Queen of the Apostles, Brook Park
For additional dates and locations, click here.
Week for Life
The Office for Human Life has provided a special media toolkit with videos and other resources for use in your parish, school, or ministries. Over the course of the week leading up to the Mass for Life, the Office will highlight the many ways we value life from conception to natural death. Each day of the week will include a video and social media posting, culminating in the Mass for Life on January 19, 2024. Additional resources can be found on the USCCB website for the 9 Days for Life (Jan 6-24) and the National Prayer Vigil for Life.
Office of Youth Ministry
CLE 2:16 Youth Conference
Saturday, January 6 | 10am-9pm
Office of Young Adult Ministry
Believeland Retreat (April 5-7)
Special limited discount; only $40 if you register by January 6.
Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
Anne and Joachim Grandparenting: Share your Story
Sunday, January 14 | 11am-12pm
Office of Black Catholic Ministries
Martin Luther King Day Liturgy
Monday, January 15 | 12pm
Office of Young Adult Ministry
Theology on Tap | Fr. Mike McCandless: Identity in the Father
Tuesday, January 16 | 7pm-9pm
Office of Youth Ministry
YM Bootcamp: Solving Behavioral Issues in Ministry
Thursday, January 18 | 1-3pm
Office for Human Life
Annual Mass for Life
Friday, January 19 | 10am
Office of Young Adult Ministry
Theology on Tap East: “What Difference Does Faith Make as a Physician?
Wednesday, January 24 | 7pm-9pm
Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
Retrouvaille Weekend Retreat
January 26-28, 2023
Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Fit from Faith
Saturday, January 27 | 10am-12pm
Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
Love Beyond Words – National Marriage Week Kick Off
Saturday, February 3 | 6:30-11pm
Office of Youth Ministry
Desert Day Youth Ministers Retreat
Tuesday, February 13 | 9am-5:30pm
Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Ministerial Self-Care with Dr. Ted Raddell
Saturday, February 24 | 10am-12pm
[Please visit our website for the most updated schedule of events and the Bereavement page for details about our Grief Support offerings.]
Free In-Office and Virtual Monthly Grief Support:
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):
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 Cleveland
Where Do We Go From Here? Pro Life Post Issue 1, with Mary von Carlowitz, the Director of the Office for Human Life for the Diocese of Cleveland | Thursday, January 4, 2024 | Center for Pastoral Leadership 28700 Euclid Ave. Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Registration and more information here.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Panel of Seminarians | Friday, January 5, 2024 | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information here.
The 22nd Annual Merry Ploughboys Benefit Concert to Support St. Augustine Health Campus | February 9, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm |The Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave. | Cleveland, OH 44113 | Enjoy an evening of unforgettable, traditional Irish music by the Merry Ploughboys, direct from Dublin Ireland. Opening act by the Craic Brothers.
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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.
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