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.
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday of Holy Week, April 12, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. At this special liturgy, all the holy oils which will be used in our diocese for the coming year will be consecrated. This is also an opportunity for priests of the diocese to renew themselves in their priestly vocation. Please be advised that, in an effort to be fair and non-partisan, parishioners will not have the opportunity to reserve seating for other parishioners in advance. General seating for the Chrism Mass will be first come, first served. Holy Oils [download card] may be collected after the Mass.
Catholic Relief Services Collection | 27 March 2022
The CRS Collection is one of the twelve national collections established by the bishops of the United States so that, by combining resources, we can more effectively carry out the global mission of the Church. It offers Catholics a convenient opportunity to help more than 110 million people at home and abroad through a charitable contribution during Mass. The CRS Collection supports six Catholic organizations (Catholic Relief Services; USCCB’s Department of Justice, Peace, and Human Development; USCCB’s Migration and Refugee Services; Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.; USCCB’s Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church; and the Holy Father’s Relief Fund) that advance the international social ministry of the Catholic Church. The CRS Collection is taken up in the Diocese of Cleveland on Laetare (or ‘Rejoice’) Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Lent (March 27, 2022). If you are interested in learning more please contact DSAO Director Kelly Bon at 216-296-0062.
CRS Rice Bowl
CRS Rice Bowl is a faith-in-action program that provides resources for use in parish and school community settings, with complementary materials for families to foster their faith life at home. Through CRS Rice Bowl, US Catholics respond to Pope Francis’s invitation to ‘share the journey’ with members of our human family around the world, and commit our Lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving to deepening our faith and serving those in need. CRS Rice Bowl contributions support projects that assist the poor both overseas and here in the United States. 75% of CRS Rice Bowl contributions are sent to Catholic Relief Services and help fund development projects overseas that help increase and maintain communities’ access to food. 25% of the contributions fund local poverty and hunger alleviation programs in the Diocese of Cleveland through the Catholic Charities Emergency Hunger and Shelter Fund. CRS Rice CRS Rice Bowl begins on Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022, and ends with Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022. If you are interested in learning more please contact DSAO Director Kelly Bon at 216-296-0062.
HELEN D. SCHUBERT CONCERTS Spring 2022
Cathedral of St John the Evangelist | 1007 Superior Ave @ E 9th St. Cleveland 44114 | FREE, (no tickets, no reservations) | Free secure parking, Cathedral garage & lot, Rockwell & E. 9th St.
March 25, Friday at 7:30pm | The Kings Counterpoint (Charleston SC) & Contrapunctus Early Music (Cleveland OH) | David Acres, Musical Director | “Lenten Reflections” … Choral a cappella masterworks by Allegri (Miserere), Byrd, Tallis, Morales, Alonso Lobo, Victoria, Elgar, Tavener, and John Sanders.
April 3, Sunday at 3pm | Andrew Sords, Violinist | "Andrew Sords Goes Baroque” … Works by Bach, Biber (Rosary Sonatas), Locatelli, Tartini
May 13, Friday at 7:30pm | Quire Cleveland | Dr. Jay White, Artistic Director | Resonant Glory: Music for Grand Spaces
The New Angel Scholarship Fund is Open for Business
A new state of Ohio tax-credit scholarship program allows donors to choose where to “spend” their tax liability ($750 maximum) will provide scholarship funding for students seeking a Catholic education. Donors to Angel Scholarship Fund will be eligible to claim a 100% tax credit on their 2022 Ohio income taxes, up to a maximum amount of $750. For information and to make contributions: www.catholiccommunity.org/angel. This is a win-win-win for taxpayer donors, scholarship recipients, and our schools.
Catholic Charities Appeal
Be the Light: The 2022 Catholic Charities Appeal is in full swing and gifts are being processed as quickly as possible. A special thanks to parishes across the diocese for conducting the annual In Pew Appeal Weekend in February and utilizing the new tools to reach parishioners in the pews. This weekend historically raises nearly $4 million towards a goal of $14 million. We could not do it without the support of the pastors, staff and volunteers.
Parishes are asked to send their envelopes and completed transmittal form via UPS or FEDEX to: Agilis/Catholic Community Foundation, 2381 Crossroads Blvd, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Continue to thank your parishioners for their support of the Appeal with a message in your bulletin, on your website, and e-newsletters. Please share the impact of Catholic Charities and the Appeal with your social media followers by sharing and retweeting Facebook and Twitter posts from the Catholic Community Foundation. Use the resources available at www.CatholicCommunity.org/ParishMaterials to make your efforts easier.
Visit www.CatholicCommunity.org/2022Appeal to view the video or read the stories of those impacted by your gifts. To donate online visit www.CatholicCommunity.org/donate.
Contact Sarah Gozur, 216-696-6525 x1910, with questions or for additional information.
Parish Legacy Gift Opportunities
The Catholic Community Foundation has many different resources to assist your parish in promoting legacy gifts in support of your parish. If you are interested in these opportunities, please email Jean Ann Montagna or 216-696-6525 x8070.
Qualified Charitable Distributions
If you are 70 ½ or older, you may be able to make a gift of a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA that will help us in our ministry and reduce your taxable income. Talk to your advisors and IRA administrator for more information and to be sure that your IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution gift is made directly from an IRA to a qualified charity such as our parish. Questions? Contact XX in our parish office at XXX-XXX-XXXX or Jean Ann Montagna of the Catholic Community Foundation at 216-696-6525 x 8070 or visit www.catholiccommunity.org/ira.
Tabor Fund Grant Awards
Tabor Grant awards provide an opportunity for ministers to refresh and re-energize their spirituality and faith as well as their mental and physical well-being, fostering personal development and improving their ministry. Guidelines and the application for the 2022A cycle can be found at https://www.catholiccommunity.org/grants. The application deadline is March 15.
Stations of the Cross for Religious Vocations Booklet
Written for the Avilas of the Diocese of Cleveland these booklets are available for parish use and free of charge through the generosity of the Knights of Columbus. For more information or to place an order, please contact Mary Avenoso, 440-943-7630.
Bishop’s Seminary Brunch
The 38th Bishop’s Seminary Brunch will be held on Sunday, 20 March 2022, 12 Noon to 3:00 p.m. at Landerhaven. This is a fundraising event to benefit our seminarians. Consider filling a table of ten by inviting your parishioners and friends to attend. Individual tickets are also available. For more information, please email Mary Avenoso or call 440-943-7630. Click here to purchase a table, tickets, or donate visit.
XLT! | April 7, 2022
Join us for an evening of prayer, adoration, worship, and fellowship for youth and young adults. Each evening begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel at the Center for Pastoral Leadership.
Come and See Retreat Day | April 9, 2022
This Come and See experience at Borromeo and Saint Mary Seminaries provides a retreat day for men between 17 and 44 years of age, offering the opportunity to experience life at the seminary. Please take a few minutes to identify a few potential candidates and contact Fr. Michael McCandless, Vocation Director, at 440-943-7660. We will see that they receive a personal invitation.
Wellness Incentives and Working Spouse Verification Forms
The Annual Physical and Tobacco Attestation Form applies to all participants and spouses who are covered under our medical plans. Employees with a spouse covered under the medical plan with no current surcharge are to confirm their status by completing the Working Spouse Verification Form. A mailing was sent to all parishes and schools in late January. Please remind your employees on our health plans that the forms must be returned to the Benefits Office no later than May 1, 2020. Forms and more information can be found on the Employee Benefits website at www.MyDocBenefits.com Please contact the Employee Benefits Office, at (216) 696-6525, ext. 5040 or hbo@dioceseofcleveland.org with any questions.
Save the Date: On Saturday, June 11, 2022, we will gather delegates from across the diocese representing diverse peoples, ministries, communities, cultures and all walks of life. This will be a time for prayer, a time to reflect on what we have heard in the listening sessions, and a time to discern where the Holy Spirit is leading us as a diocese. More information coming soon.
Lenten Conversation Starters
During the Christmas season, we provided a handout with conversation starters for holidays gatherings with family and friends. We have updated the handout so that it can be used during Lent to engage family and friends in the Synod listening process, especially those who are disconnected from the Church. The handout is available in both English and Spanish.
More updates on the Synodal Process can be found here.
Lenten Day of Reflection & Resources: Continually Called to Conversion | Friday, March 11, 2022 | 10:00 a.m.—2:30 p.m. | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Aula | Fee: $10.00
A prayerful, Lenten reflection day with guest speaker Andy Philbin, whose conversion led him to ‘Sidewalk Advocates for Life.’ Similar to St. Paul, we each have a ‘road’ for our conversion. The day will include opportunities for networking and gathering of information and resources from key local service agencies. Additional information and registration are available here. This special day of reflection is a collaborative event sponsored by the Offices of Human Life, Lay Ecclesial Ministry, and Marriage & Family Ministry.
Human Trafficking Happens Here Too
On behalf of the diocese, and in collaboration with the Diocesan Social Action Office, this Office is engaged in ongoing efforts to provide powerful educational tools, trainings and resources for parishes to assist victims of human trafficking right here in Northeast Ohio. To that end, we want to share resources from the national ‘Through God’s Grace Ministry’ on behalf of the CCOAHT (Coalition of Catholic Organizations Against Human Trafficking), which is hosted by the USCCB.
Any parish/pastor/school community interested in taking action in the fight against human trafficking, please visit www.throughGodsgrace.com for resources, including a link to their 3-part YouTube series for churches that begins with ‘How to Create a Dynamic Anti-Human Trafficking Ministry.’ A downloadable e-book, How You Can Fight Human Trafficking, Over 100 Ways to Make a Difference, is offered free of charge between the 15th and 19th of April, July, and October.
Please visit our website for a host of resources and learning tools. No one organization or person can do it alone, but together we can make our community safer. If you have any questions, please contact Mary von Carlowitz or Paul Kipfstuhl.
Family Perspectives
Perspectives through May 8th are available on our website for download.
Young Adult Ministry
See the latest Young Adult Ministry Newsletter for information about
Summer Camp Employment Working with Children with Disabilities
Catholic Charities Disability Services’ Camp Happiness will be interviewing college students and young professionals to work this summer at our two camp locations at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe and at St. Thomas More in Brooklyn. This is a great opportunity to experience a job that is truly one of service and is personally fulfilling. And they have fun! Camp Happiness is from June 13 to July 29, 2022 from 9:00am to 3:00pm (includes one week of training and six weeks of camp). If you are interested in learning more about working at camp, email Lauren Mailey or call 216-334-2963. You can also find information on our website .
Catholic Charities’ sixth annual Derby for Dollars | Friday, April 29 | Portage Country Club
Father Leo Patalinghug, telvevision host of “Savoring Our Faith” and founder of platinggrace.com returns to Akron to cook live on stage. He will share the stage with Catholic Charities’ own kitchen wizard Angelique Oatman who will share her inspirational journey. Cleveland TV and radio icon Robin Swoboda will serve as MC.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with cocktail hour. Father Leo takes the stage at 7 followed by dinner crafted by Father Leo and the incredible kitchen staff at Portage CC. There will be an online silent auction and contests for best dressed and best hats so wear your Kentucky Derby finest. All proceeds benefit the Basic Needs programs of Catholic Charities of Summit County, three community hot meals per week as well as financial assistance - rent, utilities, car repairs and internet services.
To purchase tickets, visit ccdocle.org/derby4dollars or call 330.524.4196. Buy your tickets before April 1 for a discount.
[Please visit our website for the most updated schedule of events.]
Catholic Cemeteries Association One-Year Anniversary Mass | Friday, March 18, 10:00am
We remember the dearly departed entrusted to our care from the past year and we pray for the peace and consolation of their families in our special One-Year Anniversary Mass. This Mass is celebrated annually on or near the March feast day of St. Joseph, the patron saint of a happy death. This year’s One-Year Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on March 18, 2022 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4341 E 131st Street, Garfield Heights, OH 44105. The Mass will be will be live-streamed on the Holy Spirit Parish You Tube channel. For more information contact Rhonda or at 216-930-4866.
Lenten Ecumenical Mission – “Hope for the World” - from the Catholic tradition, presenters: Augie and Trena Pacetti; from the Jewish tradition, Presenter: Rabbi Enid C. Lader; from the Baptist tradition, Presenter: Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickel. | March 6, 7 and 8 – 7:00pm | St. Bernadette Parish, 2256 Clague Rd., Westlake, OH 44145
First Friday Club of Akron
A Panel of High School Students from Archbishop Hoban High School, Our Lady of the Elms High School, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, and Walsh Jesuit High School | Friday, March 4, 2022 | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information here.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Francine Costantini, Director of Youth Ministry | Thursday, March 3, 2022, 11:30 am-1:00pm | The City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Ave., Cleveland OH 44114 | Registration and more information here.
Theology on the Rocks
FORGIVENESS: Seeking God’s Grace and Forgiving Ourselves | Deacon Dave Pecot | Monday, March 14 – 7pm | La Centre 25777 Detroit Road, Westlake | Click here for more information.
St. Romero Day Prayer Service
COAR Peace Mission & El Salvador Supporters | Thursday, March 24, 2022, 7-8pm | Church of the Resurrection, 32001 Cannon Rd, Solon, OH 44139 | Inquiries to COAR: 440-943-76125 | Registration and more information here.
Jesuit Retreat Center Programs, 5629 State Road, Parma, Ohio 44134
For more information on the programs listed below, please click here or call 440-884-9300.
March Sabbath Days - a Personal Retreat Day | Monday, March 7 from 8:30am - 3:30pm | $50
Lenten Reflection: Deepen your Lenten prayer using the gift of Ignatian Spirituality | Monday, March 7 from 6:30 - 8:30pm | $25
Journaling With Teilhard - Exploring the Universal Christ in Writing (Virtual Program)| Monday Evenings, 7:00 - 8:30pm, March 7, March 14, March 28, April 4 | Michael Reiling, M.Ed. | $30
Retreat in Daily Life (Virtual Program) | Sunday, March 20, 7:00pm - Friday, March 25, 7:00pm | $175
March Morning Prayer for Women | Monday, March 21 from 9:30 - 11:00am | Sr. Mary Ann Flannery, S.C. | Free Will Offering. Registration is no longer required.
Sr. Ignatia AA Women’s Recovery Retreat - The Wisdom to Know the Difference: Sharing Our Experience, Hope, & Strength | Saturday, March 26, 8:00am - Sunday, March 27, 11:30am | $150 (financial aid is available)
Lenten Reflection: Deepen your Lenten prayer using the gift of Ignatian Spirituality | Monday, March 28 from 8:45 - 10:45am | Fr. Paul O’Connor, S.J. | $25
Cinema and Conversation: The Gospel According to Saint Matthew | Monday, March 28 from 7:00 - 9:00pm | Free Will Offering
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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 © 2024
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