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 | 15 March 2026
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 Department of Justice, Peace, and Human Development; USCCB Migration and Refugee Services; Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.; USCCB 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 Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 15, 2026). If you are interested in learning more, please contact Diocesan Social Action Office 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. A second collection for CRS Rice Bowl is to be taken at each parish during Lent at a time to be determined by the parish. If you are interested in learning more please contact Diocesan Social Action Office Director Shawn Witmer at 216-316-9544.
Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe
A second collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe is to be taken at each parish during Lent at a time to be determined by the parish.
St. Cecilia Retreat – Save the Date
St. Cecilia Retreat, June 14-16, 2026, is for all music ministers, paid and volunteer. This year’s format will focus on our own spirituality and prayer life, immersing in Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, and other forms of prayer. We will begin on Sunday evening with Vespers and dinner, and continue through lunch on Tuesday. Come and be inspired, learn a little, and grow closer to each other and the Lord. Each day will include plenty of time for prayer, food, music, and social time with fellow music ministers. Details to follow; plan now to attend.
Formation Sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Formation Sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are being offered each month. Register via the link included in the letter that was sent out at the end of February. Refer to the Office for Worship website for the complete list of locations.
Chrism Mass
This year’s Chrism Mass will be celebrated at St. Sebastian Parish in Akron on Tuesday of Holy Week, March 31 at 5:00pm. At this special liturgy, all the holy oils that will be used in our diocese for the coming year will be blessed and 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, general seating for the Chrism Mass will be first come, first served; saving of seats for others not present will not be allowed. Doors will open at 4:00pm. Holy Oils may be collected after the Mass. The distribution process will be similar to past years.
A Liturgical Preparation Aid for Lent, the Sacred Paschal Triduum and Easter, provided by The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, is available for download free of charge here.
April 2026 Liturgical Calendar Reminders
In the Sacred Paschal Triduum, the Church solemnly celebrates the greatest mysteries of our redemption. Please be attentive to the instructions in the Ordo and the rubrics in the Roman Missal for these special celebrations of the memorial of our Lord, crucified, buried, and risen.
On Holy Thursday, April 2, 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. Holy water should be removed from all fonts immediately before the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. They are refilled with the water blessed at the Easter Vigil. The group whose feet are washed should represent a cross-section of the local community. The number is traditionally twelve, though there is no exact requirement.
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 4. The earliest start time for the Easter Vigil this year is 8:45 pm. Nine readings are assigned to the Easter Vigil: seven from the Old Testament, two from the New. If necessary, the number of readings may be reduced, but three selections from the Old Testament should be read before the Epistle and Gospel. In any case, the reading from Exodus (no. 3) must always be used.
The Office for Worship has received some inquiries about Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during the Triduum. In communities that have Perpetual Exposition, Perpetual Exposition pauses when the parish celebration of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper begins. After midnight on Holy Thursday, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament should take place without solemnity. Adoration of the Reserved Sacrament in the tabernacle is appropriate, but there is no Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance between Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday and the Easter Vigil. Under no circumstances may Perpetual Exposition take place during the Easter Triduum. (Roman Missal, pg. 168, no. 43; see also https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/adoration/perpetual-exposition-of-the-blessed-sacrament )
A special plenary indulgence may be received on Sunday, April 12, the Sunday of Divine Mercy. Please see the notation in the Ordo.
Sunday, April 26 has been designated as “World Day of Prayer for Vocations.” Prayers for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life should be inserted into the general intercessions at Mass.
2026 Catholic Charities Appeal
Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world: The 2026 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. In-Pew Weekend typically raises 20% of our $15.3 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 USPS (with the provided outer envelope from your toolkit) 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 to make your efforts easier. Visit www.CatholicCommunity.org/Impact to view the video or read the stories of those impacted by your gifts. Click here to donate online. Email Sarah Gozur, or call 216-696-6525 x1910 with questions or for additional information.
Fund A Dream
Have donors expressed interest supporting a student’s education at your school? Fund A Dream is a great way for donors to directly support a scholarship in their community. Graphics to promote this opportunity can be found here.
Angel Scholarship Fund
Encourage your donors to claim a State of Ohio Tax Credit now that they know their State of Ohio Tax Liability. Pulpit announcements, bulletin inserts, graphics and more tax time resources can be found online here.
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 or 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 Moira Wopershall of the Catholic Community Foundation at 216-696-6525 x 8070 or visit www.catholiccommunity.org/ira.
Tabor Fund Grant Awards
Tabor Fund 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. Tabor Fund awards are often used toward a variety of activities and conferences, as well as sabbaticals. Guidelines and the application for the 2026A cycle can be found at https://www.catholiccommunity.org/grants.The application deadline is March 15.
The Demkee Family Scholarship Fund
The Demkee Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 to ensure qualifying student(s) are provided scholarship assistance to aid in the financial needs of choosing the path of higher education. The Demkee family established this Fund as a lasting legacy to their commitment to providing a quality education to those in need. This scholarship is awarded to a student presently enrolled at The University of Akron or any satellite affiliated with the University and is a registered parishioner in a Catholic parish in Wayne or Summit counties. Information can be found here, and the application deadline is May 1, 2026.
Rev. Luigi C. Miola has been granted permission to continue in his current capacity as Pastor of St. Martin of Tours Parish, Maple Heights for one additional year.
Rev. Stephen L. Shields has been granted permission to continue in his current capacity as Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Sheffield Lake for a period of one additional year.
Rev. Thomas G. Elsasser has concluded his authorized Leave of Absence for Sick Leave and has been granted an early medical retirement effective 1 February 2026.
Rev. Jarod P. Orndorff has been granted permission to move from his current residence at the rectory of St. Joseph Parish, Cuyahoga Falls to the rectory of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Akron effective 1 May 2026. His current assignment as Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Cuyahoga Falls remains unchanged.
Rev. Anthony J. Marshall has been granted permission to serve as a Catholic Chaplain for the Cleveland Heights Division of Police effective immediately. This is in addition to his current assignment as Pastor of Communion of Saints Parish.
Rev. Cirilo A. Nacorda has been granted permission to serve as Chaplain for the Cleveland Chartered Guild Catholic Medical Association effective, 1 February 2026. This is in addition to his current assignment as Chaplain for the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland. His residence remains unchanged.
Rev. Elizer Tampac Mondragon, with the permission of the Most Rev. Leo M. Dalmao, Bishop-Prelate of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan, Philippines, has been appointed Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland effective 22 January 2026.
Rev. Robert Decesare, LC, with permission of Rev. Shawn Aaron, LC, Territorial Director of the Legionaries of Christ, has been granted faculties for the Diocese of Cleveland to work with the Conquest boys’ clubs that meet at Queen of Heaven Parish in Green and at St. Helen Parish in Newbury effective 10 February 2026 for a period of one year.
Rev. Ernesto Rodriguez, with permission of the Very Rev. Mons. John A. Zuraw, Vicar General for the Diocese of Youngstown, has been granted faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland to provide priestly ministry at the Sunday Spanish Mass at Saint Bernard Parish, Akron on a monthly basis, as well as provide additional priestly ministry on an as needed basis effective 1 February 2026 for a period of one year.
Rev. Thomas Wisniewski, with permission of Rev. Mons. Dariusz J. Zielonka, Chancellor for Canonical Affairs for the Archdiocese of Miami, has been granted faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland to exercise priestly ministry to the various parishes effective 7 January 2026 for a period of one year.
Deacon Richard C. Beercheck has been given permission to conclude his diaconal assignment at Blessed Trinity Parish, Cleveland and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective 31 May 2026.
Deacon Daniel J. Hancock has been given permission to conclude his diaconal assignment at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Avon, and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective 1 March 2026.
Deacon Paul R. Heise, JR. has been given permission to conclude his diaconal assignment at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Lorain, and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective 1 March 2026.
Deacon Erick N. Lupson has been given permission to conclude his diaconal assignment at St. Angela Merici Parish, Fairview Park, and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective 1 May 2026.
Deacon Thomas Sheridan has been given permission to conclude his diaconal assignment at St. Ambrose Parish, Brunswick, and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective 1 March 2026.
Deacon Epifanio Torres has been given permission to conclude his diaconal assignment at Sagrada Familia Parish, Cleveland, and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective 15 March 2026.
Deacon Frank Weglicki, JR. has been given permission to conclude his diaconal assignment at St. Ambrose Parish, Brunswick, and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective 1 March 2026.
Deacon William A. McManus, with permission of the Most Rev. Gregory W. Gordon, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Las Vegas, has been granted faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland for a period of one year to exercise diaconal ministries at St. Colette Parish in Brunswick.
KTF Groupings
It has been three years since the launch of the Keeping the Faith Strategic Plan, Bishop Malesic’s roadmap for uniting parishes and schools to ensure irresistibly Catholic, academically excellent elementary education. About half of the parish groupings have completed their work, and last year we confirmed that the remaining groups would continue. As we prepare for this next phase, we are mindful that the diocesan capital campaign, Called to Flourish, will require significant parish attention in the coming years. Therefore, instead of convening all remaining groups simultaneously, we will schedule each one individually to minimize overlap with peak campaign activity. The OCE is finalizing an updated Keeping the Faith schedule for the remaining groups and will share it in March.
Diocesan School Data System
All parish school accounts and business manager accounts (diocesan emails beginning with “sch_” and “bmr_”) have received invitations to access the new diocesan school data system, which provides comparative information on school operations, finances, and academic performance. A video tutorial for accessing and navigating the system is available here: https://vimeo.com/1159741662?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci.
Pastors are not provided direct access by default, as principals and business managers are expected to manage the information. However, any pastor who would like access may email Tracy Peters in the Office of Catholic Education.
Because user licenses are costly, accounts that remain inactive for 60 days will be automatically placed on inactive status. Reactivation is simple—users may contact the Diocese at any time to restore access.
Volunteers Needed - Diocesan Week of Service
March 22-28, 2026
The Diocesan Week of Service is almost here, and we need your help to make it a powerful witness of love in action. Hundreds of volunteers are needed across our eight-county Diocese, with meaningful service opportunities available for individuals, families, and groups of all ages. Registration is now open. Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with friends, family, and fellow parishioners. Together, let us serve our neighbors and live out our call to love one another. Download and share the Registration Info Flyer Please include the bulletin announcement below in your parish communications and have it read from the pulpit.
Bulletin Announcement
Diocesan Week of Service | March 22–28
Let us go forth in love: service opportunities are available at Catholic Charities locations across all eight counties of the Diocese, with flexible dates and times. The list of projects can be found on the registration form. Whether you have an hour or a full day, your service can make a difference.
All people of goodwill are invited to participate—join a scheduled project or serve on your own, with family and friends, or through your parish. If you’re organizing your own service activity, we would love to hear about it. Please take a moment to complete the registration form so we can celebrate all the good work happening across the Diocese and keep your efforts in our prayers. Learn more and sign up at dioceseofcleveland.org/weekofservice. #LoveInActionCLE. Don’t forget to share the Participant Reflection Guide designed to enrich the service experience through thoughtful reflection rooted in our Catholic faith.
Support through Giving
In addition to the scheduled service opportunities provided, Catholic Charities will be collecting essential items to be shared with our friends and neighbors in need this Lenten season. Consider organizing a workplace or parish donation drive to help keep our pantry shelves full. Download Fill the Pantry Flyer for the list of sites and items needed.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 Catechist Training
Offering summer 2026 and 2027 (two part training).
First location: Gesu Parish: July 27-August 1, 2026 and Summer 2027 TBD
Register here or Contact Laura McBride or 216-696-6525
Second location: St. Paul, North Canton: June 8-12, 2026 and June 14-18, 2027|
Register here or email Erin Miller or call 937-232-1161
Springs in the Desert | Ministry to those struggling with Infertility
This organization offers a variety of resources for parishes, including a monthly newsletter and a toolkit with bulletin announcements, general intercessions, and ideas for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day that are pastorally sensitive. Learn more at springsinthedesert.org.
Crisis and De-Escalation Training
Apr 28 – May 1, 8:30am-4:30pm
Tri-C, Western Campus, Public Safety Training Center, Rm 212
7029 Homewood Avenue, Parma
The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County offers free training for community partners to help develop skills for engaging and communicating with people in crisis. For more information and to register, click here.
WYD Seoul 2027: “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” (Jn.16:33)
The Young Adult Ministry Office is pleased to announce that the Diocese of Cleveland will participate in World Youth Day 2027, to be held in Seoul, South Korea. A diocese-wide pilgrimage for young adults, ages 18-35, will take place August 1–10, 2027. Bishop Malesic will accompany the group, along with several other members of the clergy. Parishes and groups planning to attend World Youth Day are asked to connect with Dr. Megan Lowes-Bolin to assist with the coordination of logistics. Individuals interested in attending World Youth Day are register their interest via this form and to join one of the upcoming virtual informational meetings:
We look forward to sharing more about this exciting opportunity to come together as a universal Church.
Tuesday, March 3, 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Justice & Mercy: A better way to Criminal Justice | for all interested
Saint Ignatius High School, Breen Center for the Performing Arts, Cleveland
Saturday, March 7, 11:30am – 3:00 pm
Women’s History Month Celebrates Sr. Juanita Shealey CSJ and Edna Duffy | for all interested
St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Church, Cleveland
Tuesday, March 10, 10:00am - 11:00am
SCI Formation: Collaborative Youth Ministry (online) | for youth ministers
Tuesday, March 10, 7:00-9:00pm
Theology on Tap West | for young adults ages 18-39
Forest City Brewery, Cleveland
Saturday, March 14, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Witnessing to the Paschal Mystery Alive in You | for certified LEMs and candidates, and pastoral leaders
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Wednesday, March 18, 7:00pm (tentative)
Capital Punishment & Catholic Social Teaching | for all interested
John Carroll University, Donahue Auditorium, University Heights
Panel discussion sponsored by the Catholic Mobilizing Network. Contact Deacon Mike Hayes for more information.
Thursday, March 19, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
African Presence in Scripture | for all interested
St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Church, Cleveland
Friday, March 20, 7:00pm - 9:00pm & Saturday March 21, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Lenten Retreat | Retiro Cuaresmal | for the Hispanic Catholic community
Hispanic Senior Center, Cleveland
Saturday, March 21, 9:30am - 3:00pm
Black Catholic Men’s Retreat | for the Black Catholic community
St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Church, Cleveland
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Called by the Spirit Retreat for Young Adults | for young adults ages 18-39
St. John Vianney Parish, Mentor
Saturday, March 21, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Behold Friendship Retreat | for mothers and adolescent daughters
Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Cleveland
All teens must be accompanied by an adult – mother, grandmother, aunt, etc.
Tuesday, March 24, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Healing, Forgiveness, and Hope: Post-Abortion | for adults only
St. Ann Shrine at St. Paschal Baylon, Highland Heights
Guest speaker: Mike Campanelli
Tuesday, March 25, 7:00-9:00pm
Theology on Tap East | for young adults ages 18-39
Pizzazz on the Circle, University Heights
Topic: May He Make of Us an Eternal Offering to You: Fertility & Redemptive Suffering
Catholic Cemeteries Association - One Year Anniversary Masses
The one-year anniversary of the death of a loved one can be an especially difficult time for grieving families. In recognition of this sacred milestone, we remember the faithful departed entrusted to our care and pray in a special way for the peace and consolation of their families through a commemorative Mass.
This Mass is celebrated annually near the March feast day of St. Joseph (March 19), our model and intercessor for the grace of a peaceful passage from this life to our eternal home. This year, we honor the faithful departed through Mass intentions offered at four local parishes, allowing families to choose the Mass location and time that is most convenient for them to attend.
For information email Renee Weese or call 216-930-4866. [Please visit our website for the most up to date schedule of events]
Winter and Spring courses are in full swing for MMGSI. Keep an eye out for information regarding Summer courses. These are for any adult who wants to go deeper in understanding our faith. No prior study is assumed. Updates will be posted at www.dioceseofcleveland.org/mmgsi.
Mark your calendars for the following MMGSI-sponsored events and series:
ChurchGPT: Challenges and Opportunities in the Era of AI — Join us on Thursday, March 12 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe for a lecture by Dr. Fernanda Psihas, a professor in the Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Computer Sciences & Physics Department. The lecture will begin at 4:30pm and will conclude with a Q & A.
Peak Middle-earth: Why Mount Doom is Not the Climax of The Lord of the Rings — Join Fr. Michael Ward, a faculty member at Oxford University and one of the world’s leading experts on C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and the Inklings, for a presentation on deeply Catholic themes in The Lord of the Rings. The lecture is scheduled for Sunday, March 15 at 2pm at St. Sebastian Parish in Akron.
Catholics and the Birth of a Nation — Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s birth with monthly lectures by Fr. Kyle Rosser. The next lecture will be at 6:30pm on Wednesday, March 18 at the St. Albert the Great Parish Life Center in North Royalton.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Dr. Kathryn LaFontana, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost, Ursuline College Thursday, March 5, 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
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 6, 2026 | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information can found here.
Akron Catholic Women’s Retreat
Women of all ages are invited to the Akron Catholic Women’s Retreat on Saturday, March 28 at St. Francis de Sales Parish. Come explore this year’s theme “Finding Beauty in the Struggle: The Joy of the Cross” with other women of faith and guest presenter Deacon Rich Michney. The day begins with Mass at 8:15 a.m. and includes adoration, opportunities for confession, talks, a morning snack, lunch, and more. Registration is $30 per person, and closes on March 21. To register or learn more, visit https://tinyurl.com/46h3exb2 or www.stfparish.com.
Theology of the Rocks for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, March 9, 2026 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Fr. Larry Ober, SJ | 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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