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 | 17-18 January 2026
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 | 24-25 January 2026
The Latin American Collection will take place on 24-25 January 2026. 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.
Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion
In January, the Office for Worship will be contacting parishes who have not yet registered for the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion on Sunday, February 22 at Public Auditorium. Participation in Rite of Election is not optional for adult catechumens who are journeying to the Sacraments of Initiation at this year’s Easter Vigil. The registration link was sent to all priests, deacons, and parish life coordinators. Contact the Office for Worship with any questions.
Chrism Mass
This year, Chrism Mass will take place at St. Sebastian Parish in Akron on Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00pm. More information to follow.
Church Renovations
All who are considering updates or renovations in the next year are kindly reminded that the bishop’s permission is required for any updates to the sanctuary, changes in location of the tabernacle, or renovations that will have an impact on worship. You must submit a letter to Bishop Malesic requesting permission, as well as contact Mary Hrich in the Office for Worship to arrange a site visit.
Copyright Music
This is a gentle reminder that any parishes or institutions who print music in worship aids or stream liturgy must abide by copyright law and maintain proper licensing. Click here for more details about copyright and music. Contact Tom Fielding at the Cathedral or Mary Hrich in the Office for Worship with any questions.
February 2026 Liturgical Calendar
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is Monday, February 2. 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 call 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 Monday, February 2. Please pray for all those who have made commitments to 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 Tuesday, February 3. If the blessing of throats is conferred during Mass, it concludes the Universal Prayer, 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.)
The World Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking is observed on Sunday, February 8. Resources are available through the USCCB here.
On Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16, a prayer written by Archbishop John Carroll may be used prior to grace before meals or at the conclusion of dinner. See Household Book of Blessings, 172.
Ash Wednesday falls on February 18. 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. A reminder that the two Eucharistic Prayers for Reconciliation are appropriate for use during the season of Lent.
Angel Scholarship Fund
Thank you all for another record setting year for ASF. More than $8 million was received in the 2024 tax year, and we look forward to continued growth as we begin “ASF Season” for the 2025 tax year. The Catholic Community Foundation is here to help grow your school’s share of the ASF pie by utilizing resources like this ASF Marketing Guide. Please visit catholiccommunity.org/asfmarketingtoolkit to access additional marketing materials, including social media templates.
2026 Catholic Charities Appeal kicks off in January with the theme “Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world.” During the week beginning January 26, 2026, over 90,000 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 $15.3 million and is needed to continue to serve the needs throughout the eight counties of the Diocese. Donations can be made online or by texting CCHOPE to 216.223.9372
Our Gift to You in the New Year: 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.catholiccommunity.org/freewill to write a free, legal will.
#weGIVECATHOLIC Celebrates a Record-Breaking 10th Anniversary
The Catholic Community Foundation is excited to share the tremendous success of this year’s #weGIVECATHOLIC, held on Giving Tuesday, December 2, 2025. More than 240 parishes, schools, Catholic Charities sites, and Catholic nonprofits across the Diocese participated—raising over $4.3 million to strengthen their ministries. This milestone year also marks the 10th anniversary of #weGIVECATHOLIC. Since the Catholic Community Foundation launched the giving day in 2016, organizations across the diocese have collectively raised more than $25 million to support their vital work. Thank you to all who participated and helped make this 10th anniversary year our most inspiring yet—a true testament to the power of faith, generosity, and community.
The Cleveland Guild of the Catholic Medical Association
The Cleveland Guild of the Catholic Medical Association is sponsoring a conference entitled, “Innovative Approaches to Compassionate Healthcare: The Ministry of Mercy” on Saturday February 28, 2026, at St. Albert the Great Parish Life Center. Bishop Edward C. Malesic will celebrate the opening conference Mass at 8 AM. Medical education credits are available for healthcare professionals, and the conference is also open to anyone interested who is not in healthcare.
Click here to learn more about the conference and to register. For online registration assistance, please contact Debra Sudy, 216-696-6525 x 3670. For questions about the conference, call 216-312-4172.
December 2025 Announcements
Rev. Thomas G. Woost concludes his appointment as Administrator of St. Richard Parish, North Olmsted and has been appointed Presbyteral Moderator of St. Richard Parish, North Olmsted effective 15 January 2026. This appointment is in addition to his responsibilities as Pastor of St. Brendan Parish, North Olmsted.
Deacon Michael D. Mucic has been appointed Parish Life Coordinator of St. Richard Parish, North Olmsted effective 15 January 2026.
Deacon Robert G. Sabol concludes his diaconal assignment at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Columbia Station, and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective 1 January 2026.
Rev. Mark R. Riley has been appointed as Spiritual Director for the Hispanic Marriage Ministry "Matrimonios de Esperanza" effective 1 December 2025.
Rev. Odemary Bahati Kisaka, AJ, has been appointed to the office of Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Charles Reymann Council #4664 effective immediately.
Rev. Michael Lee, with permission from the Very Reverend Robert Jager, Bishop's Delegate for Clergy of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, has been granted faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 15 November 2025 for a period of six months to exercise his priestly ministry by celebrating the Divine Liturgy for the Lyceum at Sacred Heart Parish.
Diocesan Week of Service - March 22-28, 2026
The Week of Service is an opportunity to come together to serve others across Northeast Ohio. Throughout the week, volunteers will partner with Catholic Charities, parish groups, and community organizations. Together, we will participate in a variety of service projects that reflect our shared mission of compassion, dignity, and justice. There are three ways to get involved:
For more information and to sign up, visit dioceseofcleveland.org/weekofservice.
Office of Catechetical Formation
Looking for new ways to offer ongoing adult faith formation to the people in your parish? The Diocese of Cleveland has been a partner diocese with the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) for many years and appreciates its online initiative that offers adult faith formation in a way that respects and responds to the challenges of everyday life:
The next cycle of offerings begins January 19, 2026. For more information, or to register for courses, go to https://vlcff.udayton.edu/ Questions? Email Denise Smithberger or call or 216-696-6525 x 8910.
Resources for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place from Sunday, January 18 through Sunday, January 25. Graymoor Ecumenical and Interfaith Institute provides resources for parishes to prepare ecumenical services to celebrate the Week of Prayer. For questions or more information, please email Deacon Mike Hayes, delegate for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs.
Mass for the Gift of Human Life – January 23, 2026
Join us for the Mass for the Gift of Human Life on Friday, January 23 at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Bishop Edward C. Malesic will be the celebrant as our diocesan community gathers in prayerful solidarity with those participating in the national pro-life events in Washington, D.C. Groups are asked to register using the QR code so that reserved seating can be arranged; individuals and families do not need to register. Please email Tony Dipre (director for the Office for Human Life) with any questions: or call 216.696.6525 ext. 2335. Click here for more information.
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children – January 22
Adoration at the Ohio Statehouse
Catholics across the country are encouraged to observe a nationwide prayer vigil from Thursday, January 22 to Friday, January 23, 2026, to pray for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life in post-Roe America. If you can’t make it to the March for Life in D.C., consider a trip to the Ohio Capitol building to pray before the Blessed Sacrament for the legal protection of unborn children.
Eucharistic Adoration will take place:
Thursday, January 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Governor Thomas Worthington Center (inside the Ohio Statehouse)
1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio, 43215
For more details, visit ohiocathconf.org/adoration
Wednesdays, January 14 - February 25, 9:30-11:00 am
Book Study: The Soul of the Apostolate | Youth Ministry
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Gates Mills
Open to all in ministry to those in 6th-12th grade
Friday, January 16, 9:00 am
Memorial Liturgy: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | Black Catholic Ministries
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland
Main Celebrant: Bishop Michael Woost
Friday, January 23, 10:00am
Mass for Life 2026 | Human Life Office
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland
Main Celebrant: Bishop Edward C. Malesic
Friday, January 23-Sunday, January 25, 9:00am-4pm
Retiro de Mujeres Juan XXIII | Ministerio Hispano
Casa de Retiro Juan XXIII, 3395 East 53rd Street, Cleveland
January 30, 2026 - February 1, 2026
The Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma-5th Annual Men's Retreat | Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs
Jesuit Retreat Center, Parma
Tuesday, February 10, 9am – 5pm
Desert Day Retreat | Youth Ministry
Jesuit Retreat Center, Parma
Open to all who minister to those in 6th-12th grade
Wednesday-Friday February 18-20, 7:00-8:30pm
Lenten Revival | Black Catholic Ministries
St. Aloysius/St. Agatha Church, Cleveland
Saturday, February 21, 9:00am - Sunday, February 22, 4:00pm
Marriages of Hope Retreat / Retiro de Matrimonios de Esperanza | Ministerio Hispano
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
The Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Institute is an initiative of the Diocese of Cleveland to develop, promote, and enhance the intellectual formation of adults throughout northeast Ohio. MMGSI will be offering two courses this winter/spring. These are for any adult who wants to go deeper in understanding our faith. No prior study is assumed.
Covenant & Blessing: Understanding the Old Testament
Discover how every Old Testament story points directly to Jesus, and change the way you read your Bible forever.
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
A practical Lenten series on deepening your relationship with God, the saints, and the Church
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.
Mark your calendars for the following MMGSI lectures and series:
Borromeo Seminary Aquinas Lecture: James Matthew Wilson on "The Order of Things: Aesthetic Form, the Liturgy, and Truth" | 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21 | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
American Catholic History Series: Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's birth with monthly lectures by Fr. Kyle Rosser. The series kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, at the St. Albert the Great Parish Life Center in North Royalton
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Miguel Chavez, Senior Vice President, Mission & Ministry, Sisters of Charity Health System | Thursday, January 8, 2026 | Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Registration and more information can be found here.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Fr. Jeffrey Lindholm, Parochial Vicar at St. Barnabas and Our Lady of Guadalupe | Friday, January 9, 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, January 12, 2026 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Dr. Matt Carey Jordan, VP of Academic Affairs at Borromeo & St. Mary Seminary | Click here for more information.
Catholic Men's Fellowship Conference 25th Anniversary: “Answer the Call” | Saturday, March 7th, 2026, 8:00 AM -5PM | Holiday Inn, Independence, Ohio | For more information: CMFNEO.com.
* * *
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