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.
“Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel,” Chenoweth Road, Akron
It has come to the attention of Bishop Malesic that concern and confusion continues to arise regarding the Traditional Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel located at 2957 Chenoweth Rd., Akron, OH. For many years the Reverend Leo M. Carley, recently deceased, presented himself as a Catholic Priest in good standing when in fact he was never permitted to exercise priestly ministry in the Diocese of Cleveland. Bishop Malesic was informed by Fr. Daniel Powers, FSSP, Provincial Secretary of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter-North American Province, that the Reverend Carlos Casavantes, FSSP, has abandoned his priestly assignment and informed the FSSP of his intentions to leave the Society. It has also been discovered that he has taken up residence at the Traditional Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, located at 2957 Chenoweth Rd., Akron, OH, and is ministering as Fr. Carley's replacement. Fr. Casavantes does not have faculties of the Diocese of Cleveland. Bishop Kevin Rhodes, Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend, informed Bishop Malesic that he has revoked Fr. Casavantes’s faculties effective immediately.
Bishop Malesic wishes to communicate to the people of Summit County that the “Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel” in Akron is not in full communion with the Catholic Church. Because Fr. Casavantes lacks the requisite faculties, any attempt on his part to administer the sacraments of Confirmation or Marriage would be invalid. With respect to the sacrament of Penance, however, he could validly absolve a Catholic who is truly in danger of death. In light of the above, anyone aware of these circumstances should refrain from attending a Mass he celebrates since it would be illicit. If you have concerns about the validity of sacraments received at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, please contact the Secretariat for Canonical Services at 216-696-6525 ext. 4000.
Collection for the Holy Father
Each year, the annual Peter’s Pence Collection in support of the works of the Holy Father is held in parishes across the country. The proceeds from this collection fund emergency financial assistance to those throughout the world who suffer from war, oppression, and natural disasters. This year’s Collection is scheduled for the weekend of 27-28 June 2026. Bulletin inserts and announcements can be found here.
July 2026 Liturgical Calendar Reminders:
Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle, July 3, 2026
Proper orations for St. Thomas, Apostle are used, with red vestments. The Gloria is sung. Readings are proper (LECT # 593).
Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time, July 4, 2026
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.
Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, July 22, 2026
Proper orations for St. Mary Magdalene are used, with white vestments. The Gloria is sung. Readings are proper (LECT # 603).
Feast of St. James, Apostle, July 25, 2026
Proper orations for St. James, Apostle are used, with red vestments. The Gloria is sung. Readings are proper (LECT # 605).
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, July 26, 2026
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).
Fund A Dream
Schools have been provided with a preliminary list of their Fund A Dream Scholarship awardees for the 2026/2027 school year. Awards will be confirmed when awardees successfully enroll in the Fall. 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 15th to be eligible for an Angel Scholarship in the 2026/2027 school year. ASF application spreadsheets have been provided for schools to track their applicants. For questions regarding ASF applications please contact John Reynolds. For questions regarding distribution of ASF awards please contact Dené Hummon.
Bishop’s Golf Classic
Tee Up & Drive “Fore” Catholic Education on Monday, August 3. Join Bishop Edward C. Malesic and enjoy a day on the course to support our teachers, students, and schools. Together, we can drive meaningful impact — on the course and in the classroom — for the future of Catholic education. More information is available online.
2026 Catholic Charities Appeal: ‘Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world.’|
Catholic Charities, in its 113th year, continues to serve the growing number of individuals and families most in need. The Appeal has raised over $12.5 million from more than 26,000 generous donors so far this year. But the need is great, so on June 6-7 we will be conducting an in-pew weekend raising funds to support Catholic Charities Emergency Services. Your gift on June 6-7 will help stock our food pantries and hot meal programs, as well as provide services and supplies to our homeless shelters.
Keep an eye on our social media posts and please like and share so you have more access to news, events, and see how your donations are used to help our neighbors in need. 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. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @CatholicCommCLE
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.
May 2026 Announcements
Rev. Alexander V. Clark will conclude his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Gabriel Parish, Concord Township, and has been appointed Administrator of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wickliffe, and Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish, Willoughby, effective 9 June 2026.
Rev. Joseph D. Menkhaus, Jr. will conclude his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Bernadette Parish, Westlake, and has been appointed Administrator of St. Bernadette Parish, Westlake, effective 1 July 2026.
Rev. Cameron D. Popik has concluded his appointment as temporary Administrator of St. Luke Parish, St. Clement Parish, and St. James Parish in Lakewood, and has been appointed Administrator of the St. Luke Parish, St. Clement Parish, and St. James Parish in Lakewood, effective 1 May 2026.
Rev. Joshua J. Cochrac will conclude his appointment as Administrator of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wickliffe, and as Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish, Willoughby, effective 9 June 2026. In addition, he has been appointed Coordinator of Pastoral Formation for St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology and for Borromeo Seminary effective 1 July 2026. His residence will be at the Center for Pastoral Leadership, effective that same date. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor of St. Justin Martyr, Eastlake.
Rev. Michael J. Stalla will conclude his appointment as Coordinator of Pastoral Formation for Saint Mary Seminary effective 1 July 2026. He remains pastor of St. John of the Cross, Euclid, and Ss. Robert and William, Euclid, and an adjunct faculty member for the Seminary.
Rev. Timothy J. Plavac has been appointed as Director of Spiritual Formation for the Permanent Diaconate Formation Office effective 1 June 2026. This appointment is in addition to his appointment as Pastor of St. Bede the Venerable Parish, Mentor.
Rev. Thomas P. Kowatch will conclude his appointment as Parochial Vicar of SS. Robert and William Parish, Euclid, and has been appointed Senior Parochial Vicar of SS. Robert and William Parish, Euclid, and Senior Parochial Vicar of St. John of the Cross Parish, Euclid, effective 9 June 2026.
Rev. Patrick A. Spicer will conclude his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Columbkille Parish, Parma, and has been appointed for a four-year assignment as Parochial Vicar of Holy Family Parish, Parma, effective 9 June 2026.
Rev. Scott E. Swinerton has concluded his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish, Hudson, and has been appointed for a four-year term as Parochial Vicar of St. Luke Parish, St. Clement Parish, and St. James Parish in Lakewood effective 9 June 2026.
Rev. David M. Verbsky will conclude his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Akron, and has been appointed for a four-year assignment as Parochial Vicar of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Medina, and as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Help of Christians, Litchfield, effective 9 June 2026.
Rev. Frank G. Godic has resigned from the office of pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Cleveland, and has been granted Senior Priest-Retired status in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 24 May 2026.
Rev. Joseph R. Spolny will conclude his appointment as Parochial Vicar of Holy Family Parish, Parma, and has been granted Senior Priest-Retired status in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 9 June 2026.
Rev. Ralph G. Hudak has been granted permission to take up residence as a Senior-Retired Priest in the rectory at St. Francis de Sales Parish, Parma, effective 30 June 2026.
Rev. Philip G. Racco has been granted permission to take up residence as a Senior-Retired Priest at the rectory of St. Basil the Great Parish, Brecksville, effective 1 July 2026.
Rev. Thomas M. Dragga, Pastor of Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Solon, has been re-elected to represent Priest Group II (those ordained 1982-1985) on the Clergy Personnel Board. The three-year term of office begins 1 June 2026.
Rev. John J. Schneider, Pastor of St. Thomas More, Brooklyn, has been elected to represent Priest Group V (those ordained 2006-2014) on the Clergy Personnel Board. The three-year term of office begins 1 June 2026.
Rev. Kenneth F. Wallace will conclude his appointment as Director of Spiritual Formation for the Permanent Diaconate Formation Office effective 1 June 2026.
Rev. Charles R. Cairnie was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 16 May 2026 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Parma, and Parochial Vicar of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Parma effective 9 June 2026.
Rev. Mitchell T. Carson was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 16 May 2026 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Avon Lake, effective 9 June 2026.
Rev. Cameron M. Ferrell was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 16 May 2026 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Akron, effective 9 June 2026.
Rev. Nathan M. Frankart was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 16 May 2026 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish, Hudson, effective 9 June 2026.
Rev. Truong “Joseph” Viet Ho was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 16 May 2026 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Sebastian Parish, Akron, effective 9 June 2026.
Rev. Sean P. Neville was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on 16 May 2026 and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish, Chardon, and Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Parish, Thompson, effective 9 June 2026.
Dcn. Bruce H. Tennant will conclude his diaconal assignment at St. Agnes Parish, Elyria, and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland effective 31 May 2026.
Dcn. Zakary I. Jester, who was ordained a Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland on 2 May 2026, has been appointed to serve as Deacon at St. Raphael Parish, Bay Village, effective 18 May 2026.
Dcn. Jerald M. Joyce, who was ordained a Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland on 2 May 2026, has been appointed to serve as Deacon at St. Anselm Parish, Chesterland, effective 18 May 2026.
Dcn. William M. Prebel, who was ordained a Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland on 2 May 2026, has been appointed to serve as Deacon at Ss. Cosmas and Damian Parish, Twinsburg, effective 18 May 2026.
Dcn. Jon G. Woost, who was ordained a Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland on 2 May 2026, has been appointed to serve as Deacon at St. Bernard Parish, Akron, and as Deacon at St. Mary Parish, Akron, effective 18 May 2026.
Rev. Michael Marcelli, with the permission of the Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will conclude his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Sebastian Parish, Akron, and has been appointed to a four-year assignment as Parochial Vicar of St. Gabriel Parish, Concord Township, effective 9 June 2026.
Rev. Elizer Tampac Mondragon, with the recommendation of the Most Rev. Leo M. Dalmao, Bishop-Prelate of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan, Philippines, will conclude his appointment as Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland, and has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Columbkille Parish, Parma, effective 9 June 2026. His residence will be at the St. Columbkille Parish rectory.
Keeping the Fatih Strategic Plan for Catholic Elementary Schools Update, Spring 2026
The Keeping the Faith Strategic Plan for Elementary Education (KTF) is now entering a new phase of implementation. Focused on what Bishop Edward Malesic calls “the responsibility of the entire Catholic community,” this stage seeks to more fully embrace Catholic elementary education as a ministry of the entire diocese, whether or not an individual parish operates a school.
To fulfill this vision and better foster this mission, every parish is to be connected to a school. Over the past three years, the KTF process has brought together 103 parishes and 23 elementary schools to explore and articulate new forms of collaboration. With many parish and school groupings still to be completed and with what we have learned over the past few years, we will facilitate the formation of future groupings based on emerging local needs among parishes and schools in each area.
Since the launch of the KTF plan, Catholic elementary school enrollment in the diocese has reached a seven-year high, with 24,950 students in the 2025/26 school year. In addition, it has brought about many system-level innovations and achievements:
Click here to learn more about the Keeping the Faith Strategic Plan and the ways it is impacting Catholic elementary schools in the diocese.
Consecration of the USA to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart. Link to Parish Resources. Join the U.S. Church from June 3-11 in praying this Novena to the Sacred Heart, which will conclude with the consecration of the U.S. to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pray the Novena.
Reporting abuse is critical to the safety of our children. Please remind everyone in your parish / school community to report any suspected inappropriate behavior as noted below.
The OPCY asks parishes to publish the following bulletin announcement at least twice during the Audit period of July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026. When published, parishes are asked to forward an electronic copy of the bulletin to childprotection@dioceseofcleveland.org. Thank you for helping to keep all children safe.
Bulletin announcement (to comply with the requirements of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People):
Protecting God’s Children
The Diocese of Cleveland’s “Protecting God’s Children” program is a continuing effort to instruct and inform everyone about the protection of children from sexual abuse. To report any past or present suspected inappropriate behavior toward children by priests, deacons, religious, lay ecclesial ministers or personnel associated with the Church, immediately inform local authorities about inappropriate behavior. Also, please contact the Diocesan Response Service Office at 216-334-2999 or via email response_services@dioceseofcleveland.org.
Marriage Mentoring Training Opportunities
The Diocese of Cleveland Marriage and Family Office is offering the following training sessions:
Saturday, June 13, 9:00am - 3:00pm
St. Martin of Tours Parish, Valley City
Monday, June 22 & Tuesday, June 23, 6:00pm - 9:00pm (both evenings)
St. Colette Parish, Brunswick
Resources are available to help clergy invite and discern couples called to serve as Marriage Mentors. Clergy are strongly encouraged to have prospective mentor couples complete the Prepare-Enrich Inventory prior to training to ensure readiness (i.e., not in a conflicted or devitalized stage). To request forms or submit names and email addresses of potential Marriage Mentors, please contact: jmikolajczyk@dioceseofcleveland.org.
Registration Cost: Approximately $125 per couple. Parishes may be invoiced after the event. Final cost may vary based on Prepare-Enrich fees and hospitality needs.
World Youth Day 2027 – Seoul, South Korea
Young adults (18 years or older) are invited to join the Diocese of Cleveland pilgrimage to World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, August 3–8, 2027. Experience prayer, catechesis, fellowship, and celebration with the Holy Father alongside millions of Catholics from around the world in this once-in-a-lifetime event. The pilgrimage, coordinated through Verso Ministries, includes participation in WYD events, lodging, transportation, spiritual preparation resources, and visits to important Catholic holy sites in Korea. Registration deadline is June 30, 2026. For more information and to register, visit dioceseofcleveland.org/wyd2027
West-Side Wednesdays – Young Adult Summer Series
This summer, Theology on Tap West is taking a brief break from its regular monthly gatherings – but the mission continues! Join young adults across Cleveland’s west side for West-Side Wednesdays. Each evening begins with Mass at a different parish, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. It’s a simple way to stay connected, meet new people, and continue growing in faith throughout the summer months. All young adults are welcome.
Project Rachel Ministry – Follow-up to Clergy
Clergy who recently participated in the USCCB’s Project Rachel Ministry webinar on May 20 and/or are interested in learning more about supporting or becoming involved in our diocesan Project Rachel Ministry are invited to contact Tony Dipre, Director of the Office for Human Life. The Office for Human Life is currently working to strengthen awareness, accompaniment, and healing resources for those impacted by abortion throughout the Diocese of Cleveland.
Juneteenth Celebration | for all interested
Friday, June 19, 10:00am - 4:00pm
St. Dominic Parish, Shaker Heights
The celebration begins with Mass followed by luncheon festivities.
Parish Staff Day of Reflection | for all pastoral leaders
Friday, June 26, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
St. Basil the Great, Brecksville
Saint Carlo Institute – Summer Session | for all who work with youth in grades 6-12
Monday, August 3 - Thursday, August 6
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
A four-day, three-night experience of formation that includes classes, ministry workshops, off-campus excursions, daily Mass, and more. Find class and workshop details and register here.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Fr. Jacob Bearer, Pastor, St. Edward, Parkman and St. Lucy, Middlefield | Thursday, June 4, 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
Tania Nemer, Local attorney and immigration advocate | Friday, June 5, 2026 | 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 8, 2026 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Mindfulness, Faith & Mental Health -Deacon Andy Davis | 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 © 2026
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