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, part of the Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Institute, will be held August 5-7, 2025. Pastors, please encourage your entire music ministry to attend. Well-formed liturgical ministers are key to vibrant worship, and this year’s institute will offer high quality formation for all music ministers – paid or volunteer, singer or instrumentalist, director or volunteer. Experience presentations by both national and local speakers, a free concert with Steve Petrunak & Jaime Cortez, time away with like minds, prayer, food, inspiration, and refreshment. See the diocesan website for details and registration: St. Cecilia Institute for Pastoral Musicians | August 05, 2025 | Diocese of Cleveland
July 2024 Liturgical Calendar Reminders:
July 3 is the Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle. Proper orations for St. Thomas, Apostle are used, with red vestments. The Gloria is sung. Readings are Proper (LECT # 593).
July 4 is Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time. The Mass for Independence Day is used. For the general intercessions, one may use the adaptation of the prayer composed by Archbishop John Carroll for the inauguration of George Washington, as found in the Book of Blessings, #1965.
July 22 is the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene. Proper orations for St. Mary Magdalene are used, with white vestments. The Gloria is sung. Readings are Proper (LECT # 603).
July 25 is the Feast of St. James, Apostle. Proper orations for St. James, Apostle are used, with red vestments. The Gloria is sung. Readings are Proper (LECT # 605).
July 27 is World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. In 2021, Pope Francis established the celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on the fourth Sunday of July, near the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus (July 26).
New Case Specialist Training
To help your parishioners who are seeking an annulment or are responding to a petition, please sign up to be trained as a case specialist for sessions this September/October. All priests, deacons, and lay ecclesial ministers are invited to be trained for this ministry, and all parishes are encouraged to have at least one trained staff member. For more details and to register, click here. If you have additional questions, please contact Fr. Adam Zajac.
Fund A Dream
A total of 243 Fund A Dream Scholarships are being awarded for the 2025/2026 school year. Help us encourage your parishioners to become a Fund A Dream sponsor at your parish/school- donors may request supporting a student/students from their school of choice. For more information contact Kaitlyn Novicky.
Angel Scholarship Fund
Parents must have a completed application on file by August 15thto be eligible for an Angel Scholarship in the 2025/2026 school year. ASF application spreadsheets have been provided for schools to track their applicants. For more information contact Dené Hummon.
Making Giving Easy
Simplify your charitable giving by establishing a Donor-Advised Fund with Catholic Community Foundation and enjoy immediate tax benefits and tax-free growth. Speak with your financial advisor, visit www.catholiccommunity.org/daf, or email Moira Wopershall or call 216-696-6525 x8070 for more information.
Bishop’s Golf Classic
Tee Up & Drive “Fore” Catholic Education on Monday, August 4. Join Bishop Edward C. Malesic and enjoy a day on the course to support professional development for teachers, tuition assistance for students in need, and to empower schools with innovative technology. Together, we can drive meaningful impact — on the course and in the classroom — for the future of Catholic education. You can learn more and RSVP online.
May 2025 Announcements
The Rev. Joseph R. Mamich concludes his appointment as Administrator of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and has been appointed Pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland effective 30 June 2025. This appointment is in addition to his current duties as Secretary and Vicar for Clergy and Religious. His residence remains unchanged.
The Rev. Sean P. Ralph concludes his assignment as Rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland, and has been appointed Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Parma effective 30 June 2025.
The Rev. John Betters concludes his appointment as Pastor of SS. Robert & William Parish, Euclid and as Pastor of St. John of the Cross Parish, Euclid. He has been appointed Pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Chagrin Falls effective 15 August 2025.
The Rev. Joseph R. Brankatelli concludes his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Clare Parish, Lyndhurst and concludes his appointment as Administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, South Euclid effective 30 June 2025. He has been appointed Administrator of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Mentor. This appointment will become effective 30 June 2025.
The Rev. Kevin E. Estabrook concludes his assignment as Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Cleveland, and has been appointed Pastor of St. Clare Parish, Lyndhurst and Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, South Euclid effective 30 June 2025.
The Rev. Michael K. Gurnick concludes his appointment as Administrator of St. Malachi Parish, Cleveland, with the extinctive union of St. Malachi Parish into St. Patrick Parish on 27 April 2025. His appointment as Pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Cleveland remains unchanged.
The Rev. Thomas W. Johns concludes his appointment as Administrator of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Mentor effective 30 June 2025. His assignment as Pastor of St. John Vianney Parish remains unchanged.
The Rev. James J. Kulway concludes his assignment as Administrator of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Macedonia, and has been appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Macedonia, effective 01 April 2025. This is in addition to his assignment as Pastor of St. Barnabas Parish, Northfield. His residence remains unchanged.
The Rev. John J. Schneider has been appointed Administrator of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, in Cleveland effective 30 June 2025. This is in addition to his assignment as Pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Brooklyn. His residence remains unchanged.
The Rev. Patrick R. Schultz concludes his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Luke Parish, St. Clement Parish, and St. James Parish, Lakewood. He has been appointed Administrator of St. Bartholomew Parish, Middleburg Heights. This appointment is effective 10 June 2025.
The Rev. John P. Singler concludes his appointment as Administrator of St. Bartholomew Parish, Middleburg Heights effective 10 June 2025. His assignment as Pastor of of St. Mary Parish, Berea remains unchanged.
The Rev. Alexander C. Spenik concludes his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish, Painesville and has been appointed Administrator of Sacred Heart Chapel Parish in Lorain. This appointment is effective 30 June 2025.
The Rev. Robert W. Wisniewski has been appointed as Pastor of Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish, Brook Park effective 10 June 2025. This appointment is in addition to his appointment as Pastor of St. Bridget of Kildare, Parma. His residence remains unchanged
The Rev. Gary J. Malin concludes his term as Pastor of Joan of Arc Parish, Chagrin Falls, effective 15 August 2025 and has been appointed Senior Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish in Chardon and Senior Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Parish in Thompson, effective 15 August 2025.
The Rev. Alexander V. Clark concludes his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. John Vianney Parish, Mentor. He has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Gabriel Parish in Concord Township effective 10 June 2025.
The Rev. Curtis L. Kondik concludes his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Medina and as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Litchfield. He has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Clare Parish, Lyndhurst, and Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, South Euclid effective 10 June 2025.
The Rev. Michael A. Petkosek concludes his appointment as Administrator of Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish, Brook Park. He has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Medina, and Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, effective 10 June 2025.
The Rev. Cameron D. Popik concludes his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Hilary Parish, Fairlawn. He has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Clement Parish, St. James Parish and St. Luke Parish, Lakewood effective 10 June 2025.
The Rev. James T. Winings concludes his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village. He has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Edward Parish, Ashland, St. Stephen Parish, West Salem and St. Peter Parish, Loudonville effective 10 June 2025. His residence will be at the rectory of St. Stephen Parish, West Salem.
The Rev. Regalado V. Tiongson, with permission of the Most Rev. Bartolome Santos Jr. DD, Bishop of Iba, concludes his residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and has been appointed as Parochial Vicar of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Parma effective 1 June 2025.
The Rev. Joseph Scalco, CSJ, with permission from the Very Rev. 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.
The Rev. Ryan M. Arto was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 17 May 2025 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Raphael Parish, Bay Village effective 10 June 2025.
The Rev. Christopher L. Cotone was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 17 May 2025 and has been has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. John Vianney Parish, Mentor effective 10 June 2025.
The Rev. Anthony A. Donatelli was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 17 May 2025 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Avon and Parochial Vicar of Holy Trinity Parish, Avon effective 10 June 2025.
The Rev. James J. Hawkins was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 17 May 2025 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Holy Family Parish, Stow effective 10 June 2025.
The Rev. Jeffery L. Lindholm was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 17 May 2025 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Barnabas Parish, Northfield, and Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Macedonia effective 10 June 2025.
The Rev. James A. Parisi was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 17 May 2025 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish, Painesville effective 10 June 2025.
The Rev. Brian M. Peters was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 17 May 2025 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Hiliary Parish, Fairlawn effective 10 June 2025.
The Rev. Kyle J. Rosser was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 17 May 2025 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Albert the Great Parish, North Royalton effective 10 June 2025.
Deacon Richard A. Prayson, who was ordained a Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland on 3 May 2025, has been appointed Permanent Deacon, Communion of Saints Parish, Cleveland Heights effective 19 May 2025.
Deacon Dale C. Shafer, who was ordained a Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland on 3 May 2025, has been appointed Permanent Deacon, Holy Family Parish, Parma effective 19 May 2025.
Deacon Jeffrey E. Stutzman, who was ordained a Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland on 3 May 2025, has been appointed Permanent Deacon, St. Bernadette Parish, Westlake effective 19 May 2025.
Deacon James J. Armstrong has been appointed as Deacon of Mary Queen of the Apostle Parish, Brook Park effective 10 June 2025. His appointment as Deacon of St. Bridget of Kildare Parish, Parma remains unchanged.
Deacon Robert K. Walling concludes his diaconal assignment at Holy Spirit Parish, Avon Lake and has been granted permission to retire from active diaconal ministry effective immediately.
The Rev. Philp Bernier, OFM CAP, with permission from the Very Rev. Robert Marva, OFM Cap., Provincial Superior of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, Province of St. Augustine, has concluded his assignment as Parochial Vicar of St. Malachi Parish, Cleveland effective immediately. His assignment as Pastor of St. Peter Parish, Cleveland, as Administrator, Conversion of St. Paul Shrine, Cleveland, and current residence remains unchanged.
Borromeo Seminary will be hosting its Annual Alumni Reunion on Sunday, June 8, 2025. This is open to all alumni of Borromeo High School, Borromeo College, and Borromeo Seminary. Spouses are invited as well. Gathering is 4:00 p.m., followed by 4:30 Vespers and 5:00 social and dinner. There is no cost for this event. Please RSVP to Terri Zakraysek or 440-943-7651.
JOIN OUR TEAM
We are currently hiring for two positions. The Director of the Office of Human Life will assist parishes and other diocesan organizations to carry out efforts that support a Consistent Ethic of Life. Requirements include a master's degree in pastoral theology or related field, and at least five years previous work experience in a parish or institutional/organizational setting.
We are also seeking a Marriage & Family Ministry Specialist to organize, develop, and support ministry programs that respond to the needs of couples and families as they live out their Catholic faith. Requirements include a bachelor's degree in theology or related field, and at least 3-5 years of experience in ministry experience/training.
For more information, visit dioceseofcleveland.org/jobs.
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
The Jubilee bulletin insert for June 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 June is that the world might grow in compassion. Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world. working conditions.
Lourdes in CLE: Teen Jubilee Pilgrimage
Saturday, June 14, 3:30 pm | St. John of the Cross, Euclid
Bring teens and join us during this Jubilee Year of Hope. The day starts at 3:30pm with prayer at St. John of the Cross Parish, followed by a procession to Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine where we will celebrate the 5pm Vigil Mass with Fr. Damian Ference, Vicar for Evangelization. It ends with a gathering featuring burgers, hotdogs, and Jubilee Ice Cream.
Jubilee Pilgrimage for Young Adults
Saturday, July 19, 4 pm | St. John Bosco, Parma
Join young adults in the Diocese for a pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Shrine following the 4:00pm Vigil Mass at St. John Bosco Parish. Stay for food trucks, beer, jubilee ice cream, and a movie on the lawn.
Intergenerational Jubilee Pilgrimage
Saturday, July 26, 4:30 pm | St. Paschal Baylon, Highland Heights
Join us for a day of faith, family, and fellowship as we celebrate grandparenting ministry and families of all ages. Day begins with the 4:30pm Vigil Mass at St. Paschal Baylon Parish, followed by a pilgrimage to St. Ann Shrine for prayers and devotions. Ice cream social with special flavors made for the Jubilee will close the night.
Eucharistic Revival Closing Mass
Saturday, June 28, 4:30pm | Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
Join Bishop Malesic and Bishop Woost as we celebrate the past three years of National Eucharistic Revival. This is a public Mass, open to all, as we give thanks for the Eucharist and the hope it brings.
Thank you for all that you are doing to keep the safety of our children a priority in the Diocese. This is the time of year when we process the Annual Compliance Forms indicating our compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. We must have on file documentation of our efforts over the past audit year (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025) to keep kids safe.
The forms will be mailed out to the parishes in the last week of June. Please return the form by July 21, 2025 to Bridget O’Hara or childprotection@dioceseofcleveland.org; or mail it to Diocese of Cleveland, Office for Protection of Children & Youth, 1404 E. 9th St. 5th Floor, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. The forms will also be posted on our website at the end of June.
Sábado, 21 de junio, 8:30am-3:30pm
Retiro la Quinceañera | Office of Hispanic Ministry
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Viernes a Domingo, 6-8 de junio
Retiro de Pentecostes | Office of Hispanic Ministry
St. Leonard Youth Retreat Center | 4076 Case Rd., Avon
Viernes a Domingo, 25-27 de julio
Retiro de Juan XXIII para hombres | Office of Hispanic Ministry
Casa de Retiro, East 53rdStreet, Cleveland
Para más información por favor de comunicarse con Josean al (216) 527-4111.
July 25-26, 2025
LEM Retreat: A Future Full of Hope | Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Thursday, August 7, 9:00am-4:30pm
Parish Staff Day of Recollection | Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Institute
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
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
November 20-23, 2025
National Catholic Youth Conference | Office of Youth Ministry
Indianapolis, IN
Bulletin Announcement
“My Daily Prayers” is a free daily recording of prayers led by the bishops and priests of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and delivered each day directly to you through your email. Lasting about 7 minutes, “My Daily Prayers” invites you into prayer, sharing information about each specific day and offers encouragement to enter into deeper personal relationship with our living God. Sign up at dioceseofcleveland.org/mydailyprayers.
Promotional Materials - 3x4 PDF or JPG | 7.5 x 5 PDF or JPG
Diocesan Social Action Office
In honor of the 60th anniversary of the promulgation of Gaudium et Spes in December, 2025, the Diocesan Social Action Office has produced a video discussing the document’s influence on Catholic Social Teaching. The video can be shared during the Jubilee Year of Hope as its title translates to Our Joys and Our Hopes. The video can also be shared or used as a piece of the requirements for a plenary indulgence for pilgrims traveling through the Diocese this year. The video can be accessed at this link: https://youtu.be/FVGupFJVyBg
Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Institute
Academic programs listed below are taught by instructors who have been granted the academic mandatum, in accordance with Ex corde Ecclesiae and the USCCB. For events requiring a registration fee, discounts or waivers may be available: contact mmgsi@dioceseofcleveland.org with questions.
Veritas Seminars: Fatih & Reason, Philosophy & God
On June 11, Fr. Damian Ference will lead a Veritas Seminar titled Faith, Reason & the Intellectual Life. On June 25, Dr. Matthew Carey Jordan will lead a session on Reasons to Believe in God. Both of these are open to anyone who wants to explore philosophical questions related to the Catholic faith. For more details or to register, click here.
Biweekly on Wednesday evenings, beginning May 28 | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Moral Theology: Happiness and The Good Life
Offered in partnership with the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Office, this summerlong course is for anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of Catholic morality. Accommodations will be made for students who are not able to attend all course meetings. For more details or to register, click here.
Monday evenings, beginning June 2 | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
First Friday Club of Cleveland
John Czarnetzky, Dean & CEO, Ave Maria School of Law | Thursday, June 5, 2025 | Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Registration and more information can found here.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Sr. Joanne Caniglia, a Dominican Sister of Peace | Friday, June 6, 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, June 9, 2025 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Dr. Andrew Staron, Assoc. Prof. of Systematic Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & published scholar on the works of St. Augustine | Click here for more information.
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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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