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 Relief Services Collection | 19 March 2023
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 Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 19, 2023). If you are interested in learning more please contact DSAO Director Shawn Witmer at 216-316-9544.
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, February 22, 2023, and ends with Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. If you are interested in learning more please contact DSAO Director Shawn Witmer at 216-316-9544.
Pontifical Good Friday Collection | 7 April 2023
Bulletin Announcement:
Pope Francis has asked our parish to support the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, which helps Christians in the Holy Land, where they are now less than 2% of the population. Your support is essential to help the Church minister in parishes, provide Catholic schools, and offer religious education. The Pontifical Good Friday Collection also helps to preserve the sacred shrines of Christianity, including in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem, to name only a few. The pandemic hit Christians in the Holy Land particularly hard. Most of them depend on pilgrimages for work. In these times of crisis, the Pontifical Good Friday Collection is necessary to meet the basic needs of the People of God still living in this Land and to maintain a Christian presence where the Church was born. When you contribute to the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, you join with Catholics around the world in solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land. Please be generous. For more information about Christians in the Holy Land, visit www.myfranciscan.org
Eucharistic Processions
To kick off the Parish Year of the Eucharistic Revival, we are inviting all parishes in the diocese to organize a Eucharistic Procession. A virtual orientation to discuss the logistics for organizing a procession, as well as other initiatives for the Parish Year of the Eucharistic Revival are available here.
April 2023 Liturgical Calendar Reminders
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday of Holy Week, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. At this special liturgy, all the holy oils that 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. General seating for the Chrism Mass will be first come, first served. Holy Oils may be collected after the Mass. Thank you for your freewill offering when you collect the Holy Oils for your parish.
On Holy Thursday, April 6, the tabernacle should be entirely emptied before Mass begins. The Rite of the Reception of the Holy Oils may be done in conjunction with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, or it may be done at another time. The old oils are burned or buried.
On Good Friday, Adoration of the Holy Cross may take place in either of the two forms provided in the Roman Missal. If, because of the large number of people or arrangement of the church, it is not possible for all to approach the cross in procession, the individual adoration may be done by only the priest and a few of the faithful, with the majority of the assembly adoring the cross in silence from their seats. (Roman Missal, pg. 185, no. 19)
Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 8. The earliest start time for the Easter Vigil this year is 8:45 pm.
A special plenary indulgence may be received on Sunday, April 16, the Sunday of Divine Mercy. Please see the notation in the Ordo.
April 30 is World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Prayers for vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life and permanent diaconate should be inserted into the general intercessions at Mass
Angel Scholarship Fund
The Catholic Community Foundation will be hosting a 2023 Fundraising “Best Practices” webinar on March 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. for parish and school staff, volunteers and other interested leaders. We will be sharing ideas, suggestions and examples of fundraising techniques utilized by successful schools and parishes for the Angel Scholarship Fund in 2022 and recommendations for 2023. Click here to register.
2023 Catholic Charities Appeal
A time to heal. A time to help: The 2023 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 Weekend in February and utilizing all the avenues possible to reach parishioners. This weekend makes a significant dent in our $14 million goal. 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 Facebook posts from the Catholic Community Foundation. Use the resources available at www.CatholicCommunity.org/ParishMaterials to make your efforts easier.
Visit www.CatholicCommunity.org/2023Appeal 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 Mary Lou Ozimek or call 216-696-6525 x4070.
Qualified Charitable Distributions bulletin announcement
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
The Andrew Gregory Rodgers and Pauline Rodgers College Scholarship Fund
Who is eligible: students of Sacred Heart Chapel in Lorain. Guidelines and the application can be found at https://www.catholiccommunity.org/grants. The application deadline is April 15th.
The Martin T. Galvin Memorial Scholarship
Who is eligible: high school students pursuing a Catholic education with a parent or relative who is a practicing attorney. Guidelines and the application can be found on Digital Academy or at https://www.catholiccommunity.org/lawyers. The application deadline is March 15.
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.
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, 2023.
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.
Leave Accruals Feature in Paycor
Paycor has communicated that Diocesan parishes and churches should not migrate to the newer version of the leave time accruals that may have recently appeared within client’s Paycor features in recent months. If you use the leave accruals features in Paycor and have experienced unintended or inaccurate changes to your employee leave accruals, please contact Paycor Support at 855-565-3285.
Paycor Support Services
Paycor has also created new channels for payroll administrators seeking support with payroll. There is a link to a slide on the dioceseofcleveland.org site within the Human Resources tabs that clarify when you may want to call Support, when you may wish to communicate via Live Chat Support, and when you should submit a web case via Paycor’s Web Case Creation channel.
The support email address at support@paycor.com will eventually be deactivated. For most efficient service, Paycor recommends using the support options listed on the slide based on your level of urgency.
New Diocesan Vocation Director
Reminder: Fr. Eric Garris has taken over the role of Vocation Director within the Diocese of Cleveland. Please review bulletins and parish websites regarding contacting the Vocation Director. An example of text that could be included in your parish bulletin or on your parish website’s Sacramental Contact tab could be:
Come and See Weekend | March 31 - April 2, 2023
The Come and See experience at Borromeo and Saint Mary Seminaries provides a retreat weekend 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. Eric Garris, Vocation Director, 440-943-7655. We will see that they receive a personal invitation.
XLT! - April 20, 2023
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.
Poster Available - Women and Men in Formation
Our new poster for 2023 featuring the women and men in formation for consecrated life from or within the Diocese of Cleveland were mailed to all parishes and schools. To request additional posters and also posters of our seminarians contact the Diocesan Vocation Office at 440-943-7630 or mavenoso@dioceseofcleveland.org.
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.
Video Testimonies of the Eucharist
Starting on Ash Wednesday, you will find video testimonies on all our diocesan social media pages from staff at Cathedral Square Plaza and the Center for Pastoral Leadership answering the question, “What does the Eucharist mean to me?” As you watch these videos, we hope you are inspired by the testimonies, and that they will help you fall more deeply in love with Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist. Please follow us and share using the hashtag #EucharistCLE.
Billboard Campaign
Following the success of our billboard campaign during Advent, we have again rented 33 billboards in all 8 counties that reside within the Diocese of Cleveland. The new billboards will feature quotes about the Eucharist from Catholics around the diocese. The billboards will be up through the entire season of Lent. Please use them as conversation starters to invite people back to church, or to consider becoming Catholic for the first time.
When you see the signs, we encourage you to share pictures of them through social media and tag us at #EucharistCLE. Please do not try to take pictures while you're driving. Do so safely; by pulling over first or asking one of your passengers to take the photo.
Eucharistic Miracles Display
The Eucharistic Miracles Display is currently being hosted at Holy Rosary Church in Little Italy. The Display will be available until Sunday, March 5. Visit their website here to find more info about their exhibition hours.
The exhibit will travel next to St. Edward’s in Ashland and be displayed during the week of March 19-26.
All are encouraged to pray the Novena to Blessed Carlo Acutis as a supplement to visiting the Display.
Interested in hosting the Eucharistic Miracles Display? Click here for more information and to sign up. Spots are available beginning in Fall 2023. This is a great opportunity for parishes and schools to offer in their communities, especially within PSR or Campus Ministry. Email Mary Boneno with any further questions.
Evening of Confession | March 8, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
We encourage parishes to consider exposing the Blessed Sacrament during the Evening of Confession on Wednesday, March 8. Please be sure to identify a few parishioners who could sign up for adoration during this time period so that Our Eucharistic Lord isn’t left alone. Also, please know that our Eucharistic Revival team has composed a beautiful prayer intended to be prayed in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord. This prayer has been translated into thirteen languages to date, and you can find it here. Make as many copies as you need.
Each month Pope Francis requests for prayers for a chosen intention. The prayer intention for the month of March is for the victims of abuse. Please pray this intention with others of the world.
We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering.
Days of Lenten Renewal | March 14-15, 6:30 – 8:00 pm | Holy Spirit Church, Garfield Heights
Two days of Lenten Renewal will be held at Holy Spirit Church. The Diocesan Gospel Choir and Praise Dancers will gather under the theme of “This Is My Story.” Sr. Jane will deliver reflections highlighting that God wants all of us to have life more abundantly and calls us to share the Good News.
St. Anne & Joachim Grandparent Workshops | March 4, 12:00 - 6:00 pm | Sagrada Familia Parish, Cleveland, OH | Download flyer
March 18, 12:00 - 6:00 pm | Sagrado Corazon Chapel, Lorain, OH | Download flyer
Join us for one of these workshops being offered in Spanish for older adults interested in learning more about how to share their Catholic faith with their grandchildren of all ages. Brunch will be provided. Register online
Instituto Emaús / Escuela de Discípulos Misioneros | Emmaus Institute / School of Missionary Disciples | Saturday, March 25, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Center For Pastoral Leadership
En este curso se vera las etapas de desarrollo del ser humano desde una perspectiva cristiana. || During this course we will discuss the stages of human development from a Christian perspective.
Catholic-Jewish Colloquium | Immigrants and Refugees in Light of Religious Traditions
April 27, 2023, 7:00 pm | The Temple-Tifereth Israel
Keynoter: Rabbi Victor Urecki, Congregation B’nai Jacob, Charleston, West Virginia
Respondent: Sr. Rita Mary Harwood, SND, Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
Rabbi Victor Urecki, representing the Anti-Defamation League, will speak of his experiences of working with immigrants and refugees in light of Judaism. Sr. Rita Mary Harwood will make a response from the Catholic tradition. The evening allows interchange from the audience and the program concludes with a dessert reception. To reserve a spot for the reception, please register here. Sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League, St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, and the Interfaith Office of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.
CST 103: Catholic Social Teaching in Action | Saturday, March 11, 9 am – 12 pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Participants of this training will be offered “real world” scenarios and analyze the situation and their possible response options, based on CST principles. Registration is required.
The Information Night for those interested in seeking certification as a Lay Ecclesial Minister was well-attended by laypersons from parishes throughout the diocese. For those who missed the meeting but would like information about the formation process, please contact the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Office at 440-943-7670 or email Michelle Nowak.
Marriage Mentor Training | Saturday, March 18, 9 am – 1 pm | St. Francis de Sales, Akron
This training is designed for married couples interested in mentoring engaged couples as they prepare for marriage. The training covers a basic understanding of the Prepare-Enrich Inventory, how it is implemented and used in the diocese, and how to use the Catholic Couples Workbook. The training is $45 per couple and covers the cost for lunch and the Marriage Mentoring Manual. Register online. If finances are a concern, please reach out to Terri Yohman.
Parish Young Family / Mom’s Groups
We are currently scheduling a Zoom Meeting for the end of March with parish leaders of young family or mom’s groups to discuss and schedule a summer gathering. Email Maria Wancata by March 10 if you or someone you know would like to be included.
Natural Family Planning
We will be gathering local NFP trainers in April via Zoom to discuss the variety of new resources currently available. Please email Maria Wancata by March 28 if interested.
NFP vs. Contraception Webinar
On Wednesday, February 1, Dr. Les Ruppersberger hosted a webinar through Couple-to-Couple League covering the latest information regarding natural family planning and contraception. The video recording of the webinar can be viewed here: Watch Recording. The handouts from the webinar can be downloaded here: http://bit.ly/3wT39Yb
Save the Dates:
Please Note: The LGBT faith sharing group at Blessed Trinity will take place on the second Tuesday and fourth Wednesday in March. For more information, please visit our website.
EUCHARIST: Forming Intentional Disciples | Sherry Weddell, Presenter | Monday, April 24, 2023
Session 1: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm | St. Albert the Great, North Royalton
Session 2: 7:00 – 8:30 pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Aula Room
Join us for one of two sessions with Sherry Weddell, co-founder and co-director of the Catherine Sienna Institute and author of several books, including Forming Intentional Disciples. The first session will include break-out discussions. In addition to her talk, Sherry will have an open audience Q&A. Refreshments will follow.
Both events are open to pastors, clergy, seminarians, lay ecclesial ministers, parish staffs and volunteers. Registration is free, but necessary for seating and catering information. Please register online.
YM Bootcamp: All About Volunteers | March 15, 1pm | St. Barnabas Parish | Optional Lunch at 12:15pm
Recruiting, Hiring, Firing, Training, Forming... What are some best practices when it comes to creating a team of adults to serve teens? Please join us for this Youth Minister Bootcamp formation event. While this was initially conceived for newer youth ministers, 5+ year veterans can certainly benefit from new information, and the collective wisdom of the group as we discuss these important topics. Register by March 13.
National Catholic Youth Conference | November 16-19, Indianapolis, IN
NCYC is an exciting three-day experience of prayer, community, and empowerment for Catholic high school teens and adult chaperones. They enjoy some of the best Catholic speakers, workshops, live music, electrifying large sessions, an amazing closing liturgy, and exploring faith in a supportive environment. Perhaps best of all, teens are part of an enormous community of peers who love Jesus, who embrace their Catholic faith and aren't afraid to show it. Teens and youth leaders can together harness the experience and bring it back to their parishes. Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN and Mari Pablo will be the hosts this year.
Tickets are on sale now for our diocesan pilgrimage, which includes the transportation, hotel, and the conference. Details available on our NCYC page. Teens must attend with a parish or school group. Early bird package discount ends March 15.
Theology on Tap West | Tuesday, March 21, 7 pm | Forest City Brewery, Cleveland
“To Nazareth in Lent: A Pilgrimage with Mary and Joseph” with Fr. Andrew Hoover
How can we journey in the desert with purpose? Why is the journey as important as the destination? Register here. Parking available on the street or at St. Wendelin.
Theology on Tap East | Wednesday, March 22, 7 pm | Abo’s Grill, Lyndhurst
Join TOT East as they welcome Kaitlyn Ripplinger from the Culture Project | Register here.
$7.00 | For Young Adults 21 and over / $5.00 | For Young Adults younger than 21
Pre-Palm Sunday Pilgrimage | Saturday, April 1, 9:30 am | St. Luke the Evangelist, Transfiguration, St. Clement & St. James, Lakewood
Join us in Lakewood for a Walking Pilgrimage of the four churches of Lakewood. The Pilgrimage begins at St. Luke’s (1212 Bunts Ave.) at 9:30 am and concludes with a free luncheon at St Luke’s. Each parish will note a brief history of the parish and we will offer a five-minute reflection on the Passion of Christ at each church by the pastors or their representative. We’ll spend a few more minutes in prayer together before walking to the next church. No tickets, no fees; just show up. Contact Mike Hayes with any questions.
Diocesan Social Action Office virtual Lenten Series
“One Planet, One Family”: Catholic Responses to Climate Change and Poverty
Online Zoom Series, Alternating Wednesdays | March 1, 15 and 29 – 7:00-8:00 PM |
SERIES FOCUS: Responding in faith to our global neighbors facing increasing poverty and climate impacts.
FEATURED SESSION TOPICS AND GUEST SPEAKERS:
All are welcome. Series flyer is available online. For Zoom link, RSVP to Jeff Campbell or Shawn Witmer
[Please visit our website for the most updated schedule of events.]
Catholic Cemeteries Association One-Year Anniversary Mass | Monday, March 20, 10:00am
The one-year anniversary of the death of a loved one can be a very difficult time for grieving families. For this reason, we remember the dearly departed entrusted to our care and we pray for the peace and consolation of their families in our special One-Year Anniversary Mass. This Mass is celebrated annually near the March feast day of St. Joseph, our model, and intercessor for the grace of a peaceful passage from this life to our eternal home. This year’s One-Year Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on March 20, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4341 E 131st Street, Garfield Heights, OH 44105. All are welcome to attend. 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.
First Friday Club of Akron
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 3, 2023 at Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information here.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Fr. Ryan Mann – Pastor, Saint Basil the Great Parish | Thursday, March 2, 2023 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm | The City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Ave., 2nd Floor, Cleveland OH 44114 | Registration and more information click here.
Theology on the Rocks
Fr. Kevin Klonowski | Monday, March 13, 2023 | Copper Cup (Ironwood Café) at 680 Dover Center in Westlake | Click here for more information.
COAR Peace Mission | St. Romero Day Prayer Service | March 24, 2023, 7:00pm | St. Joseph Church, 12700 Pearl Road, Strongsville, OH 44136 | Click here for more information or to register.
“Lamb of God,” by Rob Gardner | Friday, April 21, 2023 & Saturday, April 22, 7:30pm; Sunday, April 23, 2pm | SS Robert & William parish; 367 E 260 St, Euclid 44132 | Freewill offering
Diocesan-wide Women’s Retreat Day - Christ is Our Hope | Saturday, April 1, 2023, 8:15am--3:00 pm | St. Francis de Sales Parish, 4019 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44319 | Register online and click on the Women’s Retreat link or click here for direct link. | For questions or more information, call St. Francis Parish Office (330) 644-2225
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.
The Gift of Pilgrimage | Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30pm, March 6, 13, 27 and April 3 | Presented by Liz Nau | $60.
Way of the Cross for Those in Recovery | Tuesday, March 7, 7:00 - 8:30pm | Presented by Fr. Bob Kraig | Free Will Offering
Abide in Me: Discipleship in John 13-17 – A Virtual Program | Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30pm. March 7, 14, 21, 28 | Presented by Michael Reiling, M.Ed. | $40.
Lenten Weekend Preached Retreat. Encounter Lent, Deepen your Prayer, Ignatian Spirituality | Friday, March 10, 5:30pm - Sunday, March 12, 1:00pm | Presented by Fr. Paul O’Connor, SJ | $250.
March Morning Prayer for Women | Monday, March 13, 9:30- 11:00am | Presented by Sr. Mary Ann Flannery, S.C. | Free Will Offering (walk-ins welcome, registration not required).
March Sabbath Days - a Personal Retreat Day | Monday, March 27, 8:30am - 3:30pm | $50
Cinema & Conversation: Herself | Monday, March 27, 7:00 - 9:00pm | Free Will Offering (walk-ins welcome, registration not required).
* * *
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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