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.
St. Cecilia Institute, 5-7 August 2025
St. Cecilia Institute offers high quality formation for all music ministers – paid or volunteer, singer or instrumentalist, director or member. The deadline to register for the St. Cecilia Institute is Friday, 25 July 2025. For details, downloadable brochure, and registration, please see St. Cecilia Institute for Pastoral Musicians | August 05, 2025 | Diocese of Cleveland
FDLC Kits for OCIA
The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions has designed a series of kits that contain multiple workshops designed for diocesan formation on Christian Initiation. The Diocese of Cleveland has purchased the full set, which can be used by any parish as they develop their OCIA teams. More details will be forthcoming.
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 are now being scheduled for most months, geographically dispersed. The Office for Worship website will be updated regularly with the current schedule. Our next formation sessions will be held in August.
Liturgical Considerations for Holy Days of Obligation in 2025
In 2025, the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1 falls on a Saturday, with the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) taking place on the following Sunday, November 2. All Saints Day is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year. Therefore, Masses on Friday evening, October 31, are those of the day, not the vigil of All Saints. Masses on Saturday November 1 are of All Saints, but in parish Masses on the Saturday scheduled as the regular anticipated Mass for Sunday, the All Souls Mass texts should be used.
Since Saturday is a common day for the celebration of Marriage in the United States, it should also be noted that Ritual Masses are forbidden on All Saints Day (GIRM, 372). While the Ritual Mass for the Celebration of Marriage is forbidden, the Mass of the day with the ritual itself and the nuptial blessing could be celebrated. Alternatively, the Order of Celebrating Matrimony without Mass could also be used if the celebration of Marriage is to take place on this day. Since All Saints Day is not a holy day of obligation this year, funeral Masses may be celebrated on this day (see GIRM, 380).
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday, December 8 is a Holy Day of Obligation, as it is the Patronal Feast Day of the United States. Masses at any time on Sunday, December 7 are of the Second Sunday of Advent; Masses at any time on Monday, December 8 are of the Immaculate Conception.
August 2025 Liturgical Calendar Reminders:
August 6 and August 9 are the anniversaries of the atomic explosions over Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945). As these events are recalled, all are urged to continue to pray for world peace (see Household Book of Blessings, 151, 375-376).
August 15 is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation in the United States. Masses after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, should celebrate the Vigil of the Assumption. Today, where customary, or on another appropriate day, the produce of fields, gardens, and orchards may be blessed. For the Blessing on the Occasion of Thanksgiving for the Harvest, see HB, 153, 312-314.
Status Animarum 2024-2025
The reporting period for the Status Animarum annual statistical report for 2024-2025 is approaching. The annual Status Animarum is to be submitted via the same online portal first used last year for the 2023-2024 Status Animarum. A link to access the portal will be sent to your Diocesan email account in early August. You will need to sign into the portal via a Diocese of Cleveland email account. If you have any questions please refer them to the Status Animarum Team or 216-696-6525 ext. 2110.
Angel Scholarship Fund (ASF)
Congratulations to these schools for significantly increasing their ASF fundraising total vs. last year: St. Brendan School, North Olmsted, +580%; St. Peter School, Lorain, +280%; Incarnate Word Academy, Parma, +256%; Ss. Joseph & John School, Strongsville, +213%.
Email Fred Roberts or call 216-902-1312 for more information.
2025 Catholic Charities Appeal: Make me a channel of your peace
Letters will be mailed to current Appeal donors during the week of July 14 seeking an additional gift if they are able to give one.
Catholic Charities Appeal Phonathon – Beginning July 7 and continuing thru August, calls will be made to parishioners asking for support for this year’s Appeal. For homes with caller ID, the number the call comes from is 216-696-6525. Parishes can click here for updated parish stats and bulletin announcements. Email Sarah Gozur or call 216-696-6525 x1910 with questions or for additional information.
Rev. Msgr. Richard C. Antall concludes his assignment as Pastor of Holy Name Parish, Cleveland, and has been appointed Pastor of Sagrada Familia Parish, Cleveland effective 30 June 2025.
Rev. Robert J. Jasany has been appointed Pastor of Holy Name Parish, Cleveland effective 30 June 2025. This assignment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor of St. John Nepomucene Parish, Cleveland. His residence remains unchanged.
Rev. David A. Stavarz concludes his assignment as Administrator of Holy Family Parish, Parma, and has been appointed Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Parma effective 15 June 2025.
Rev. Michael J. Lanning has been granted authorized Leave of Absence for Sick Leave from his assignment as Pastor of St. Angela Merici Parish, Fairview Park, effective immediately. His residence remains unchanged.
Rev. Richard J. Samide has been appointed Administrator of St. Angela Merici Parish in Fairview Park effective immediately.
Rev. James Winings concludes his appointment as Newman Campus Chaplain to Oberlin College and has been appointed to serve as Newman Campus Chaplain to Ashland University effective 1 July 2025.
Rev. Paul J. Rosing concludes his assignment as Presbyteral Moderator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Akron effective 1 July 2025.
Rev. Dismas Byarugaba, AJ, with the permission of the Very Reverend Augustine Idra, AJ, Provincial Superior of the Apostles of Jesus Institute, has been appointed Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Akron effective 1 July 2025. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor of Visitation of Mary Parish, Akron and Pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, Akron. His residence remains unchanged.
Rev. Jose Fifin, CSJ, with the permission of the Very Reverend Jesus Jose Berrizbeitia Lazpita, CSJ, Superior of the Congregation of St. Joseph USA/Mexico Province, concludes his appointment as Administrator of Sagrada Familia Parish, Cleveland. He has been appointed Pastor of St. Jude Parish, Elyria effective 30 June 2025. His residence remains unchanged.
Rev. Donald H. Dunson has been granted an authorized Leave of Absence for Personal Leave effective 3 June 2025 for a period of one year.
Rev. Joseph Scalco, CSJ, with permission from the Very Reverend Jesus Jose Berrizbeitia Lazpita, CSJ, Provincial Minister of the Congregation of St. Joseph, USA/Mexico Province, has been granted permission to retire from active ministry. He concludes his assignment as Pastor of St. Jude Parish effective 30 June 2025. His residence remains with the members of the Congregation of St. Joseph Community at the St. Leonard House in Avon, Ohio.
Rev. Jacob B. Bearer concludes his appointment as Chaplain to the Cleveland Culture Project Mission Team effective 30 August 2025. His assignment as Pastor of St. Edward Parish, Parkman and as Pastor of St. Lucy Mission, Middlefield remains unchanged.
Rev. Dominic G. Gideon has been appointed to serve as Chaplain to the Cleveland Culture Project Mission Team effective 30 August 2025. This is in addition to his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Albert the Great Parish, North Royalton.
Deacon Edward J. Linsky concludes his appointment as Deacon of Holy Spirit Parish, Garfield Heights and has been appointed Deacon of St. Anselm Parish in Chesterland effective 1 July 2025.
Deacon Robert J. Stegmaier concludes his assignment as Parish Life Coordinator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Akron effective 1 July 2025. His appointment as permanent Deacon of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Akron remains unchanged.
Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology
The visitation team from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools (HLC) and the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Theological Schools (ATS) will visit Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology during the weeks of September 22 and October 6, 2025, as part of the school’s regular accreditation process. The Seminary is fully accredited by the State of Ohio Department of Higher Education and both ATS and HLC and is in good standing with its accreditors. The site visits are the culmination of a multi-year self-study that provided Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology the opportunity to reflect on its educational mission and how it realizes its ongoing commitment to the accreditation standards. In preparation for the visits, public comment is invited. If you wish to make a comment, please complete the form below. Click on “Submit” to record your responses. All responses will be made available to the visiting teams. Thank you. (Click here or enter: https://stmarysem.edu/2025/06/02/invitation-for-public-comment/ .)
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
The Jubilee bulletin insert for July is currently available in English and Spanish.
One of the normal conditions for obtaining a plenary indulgence is to pray for the Pope and his intentions. The Pope’s monthly intention for July is for formation in discernment.
Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life, and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
Natural Family Planning: A Gift for Your Marriage and Your Health
Couples are invited to attend a four-part series of Natural Family Planning classes at Holy Family Parish in Stow. These classes will be offered on July 1, July 22, August 12, and August 26, and will provide the essential knowledge and resources to successfully and confidently practice NFP. For more information or to register, please email Leo and Toni Doty or call (330) 689-0632.
Deacons and Wives are invited to St. Lawrence Institute on August 6th
The Marriage and Family Office has been working to update and develop pastoral training in the area of Intimate Partner Violence and Coercive Control. The interactive presentation will include guest speakers from The Cuyahoga County Family Justice Center and Lorain County Safe Harbors. This will include hands-on skills and resources to share with parish staff that can support their abilities to respond in these delicate situations. The presentation is being developed to also be available for a parish to host as an awareness session. Please contact Victoria Uhase for more information.
Office for the Protection of Children & Youth
Be on the lookout for the Annual Audit Compliance Form. If you haven’t seen it in the mail, feel free to check our website to download the form. The Compliance Form should be returned by July 21, 2025 to childprotection@dioceseofcleveland.org; or Bridget O’Hara; or mail to diocesan offices downtown. Call or email Sharon Minson with questions: 216-696-6525 x1157. THANK YOU for your efforts to keep our kids safe.
EVENTS
Saturday, July 19, 4:00-10:00pm
July Jubilee – A Pilgrimage for Young Adults
St. John Bosco, Parma Heights
Saturday, July 26, 8:30am-5:00pm
Catholic Renewal Ministries’ 42nd Annual Conference
St. Albert the Great Parish, North Royalton
July 25-27, 2025
Juan XXIII Retiro para Caballeros | Office of Hispanic Ministry
Casa de Retiro, Our Lady of Lourdes, Cleveland
Para más información por favor de comunicarse con Josean al (216) 527-4111.
July 31 – August 1-3, 2025
Cursillo de Cursillos | Office of Hispanic Ministry
St. Leonard Youth Retreat Center, Avon
Para más información por favor de comunicarse con Miguel Figueroa al (216) 526-3935.
August 5-8, 2025
Blessed Carlo Institute for Youth Ministers | Office of Youth Ministry
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
August 15-16, 2025
Fostering a Heart for Teens | Office of Youth Ministry
St. Leonard Youth Retreat Center, Avon
Saturday, September 20, 9:30am-3:30pm
Fe y Cultura 2025 | Office of Hispanic Ministry
Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain
October 4, 12:00 – 5 pm
Marriage Mentor Training | Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
St. Ladislas Parish, Westlake
To learn more and register new marriage mentor couples for the training, please contact Terri Yohman. Cost is $50 per couple.
November 20-23, 2025
National Catholic Youth Conference | Office of Youth Ministry
Indianapolis, IN
2025 CCHD Local Grant Applications Available
The 2025 Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Local Grant applications, and the Local Community Grant are now available. The local grants include awards of up to $5,000. We are also accepting nominations for the Fr. David Fallon awards, which include awards of up to $500.
CCHD grants are awarded to parishes and organizations that are working to empower people who are poor and low-income to build better communities and alleviate poverty while promoting the values of Catholic Social Teaching. These groups work to change social structures and policies which undermine life and dignity, especially for the poor and powerless.
Any organization within the Diocese of Cleveland that complies with the CCHD application criteria and guidelines may apply. Organizations do not have to be Catholic or affiliated with the Catholic Church but must be in union with all CCHD criteria and guidelines.
The 2025 Local Grant Cycle Forms can be found here:
For more information, please email Jason Lewis, Diocesan CCHD Director or call 440-943-7612.
VERITAS SEMINARS: The Problem of Evil; Virtue & Happiness
On July 9, Dr. Matthew Carey Jordan will lead a Veritas Seminar explaining how the existence of evil and suffering is compatible with reasonable belief in God. On July 23, Fr. Damian Ference will lead a Veritas Seminar titled "Happiness, Virtue, and the Classical/Christian Tradition." Both of these are open to anyone who wants to explore philosophical questions related to the Catholic faith. Fee waivers may be available. For more details or to register, click here. 6-9 p.m., July 9 & July 23 | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Dr. Thomas Fielding, Music Director, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
| Thursday, July 10, 2025 | Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Registration and more information can be found here.
Theology of the Rocks for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, July 14, 2025 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Dr. Georges Nakhoul | Click here for more information.
Ursuline Sisters Celebrate 175 Years of Service!
Join the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland as they celebrate 175 years of joyful service in Northeast Ohio! This anniversary year will kick off with an outdoor open house on Saturday, August 10, hosted on the campus of Ursuline College. This free, family-friendly event is open to all, and the sisters warmly invite you to be part of the festivities. To learn more about this and other anniversary events, visit: www.ursulinesisters.org/175th-anniversary
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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.
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
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