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.
Eucharistic Processions
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is celebrated on Sunday, June 11. Eucharistic processions on or near this feast are encouraged. When preparing a procession route, parishes should review local community ordinances and confer with public authorities and law enforcement officials. It may be necessary to apply for local permits and provide security escorts, especially if the procession will be using city streets.
After initial preparations have been developed and a route established with local permissions, parishes must contact the Office for Worship to obtain the Bishop’s formal approval of these plans.
Formation for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Formation sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will be offered in May at parishes and schools across the diocese:
A registration link was sent to priests, deacons and Parish Life Coordinators on April 18th.
June 2023 Liturgical Calendar:
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated on Friday, June 16. Thursday evening Masses after 4:00 p.m. and Evening Prayer are that of the Proper Vigil.
The World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests takes place every year on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. On this day, the Church encourages priests to prayerfully reflect upon the gift of their vocation. The faithful are also invited to mark this celebration by praying for all priests that they may live lives of holiness and fidelity to Christ and his Church.
The Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist is celebrated on Saturday, June 24. Friday evening Masses after 4:00 p.m. and Evening Prayer are that of the Proper Vigil.
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, is celebrated on Thursday, June 29. Wednesday evening Masses after 4:00 p.m. may celebrate either the Memorial of St. Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr, or the Proper Vigil of the Solemnity.
Fund A Dream
Fund A Dream has had a banner year, and we plan to build on this success for the coming school year. Please note that a special appeal is being made by Fund A Dream Chairperson, Lorraine Dodero, to Catholic Education benefactors throughout the Diocese of Cleveland, with an invitation to sponsor a student for the upcoming 2023/2024 school year.
2023 Catholic Charities Appeal
A time to heal. A time to help – Catholic Charities continues its work on the front lines to serve the growing number of individuals and families most in need. The Appeal is blessed to have raised nearly $10 million dollars from almost 24,000 donors as of March 31st this year.
A special letter was sent the week of April 17thfrom Bishop Malesic and your pastor urging donors to be inspired by the works of Catholic Charities and give a monetary gift to support the 425,000 people Catholic Charities serves.
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 put to good use.
Facebook @CatholicCommunityCLE; Instagram @CatholicCommunityCLE; Twitter @CatholicCommCLE
Parishes can go click here for updated parish stats and bulletin announcements. Email Sarah Gozur or call 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
Health Care Open Enrollment
If your employees wish to make any changes to their coverage, Health Care Plans - Enrollment/Change forms must be received by the Health Benefits Office no later than May 12. Any changes will be effective July 1. Forms and information can be found here.
Email the Employee Benefits Office, or call (216) 696-6525, ext. 5040 with any questions.
Letters of Suitability Summer Reminder
In light of the provisions of canon 903 CIC and canon 703 §1 CCEO, Letters of Suitability are required by all clergy when performing ministerial duties outside the Diocese of Cleveland. Those in the Office of Clergy and Religious are happy to assist our priests and deacons with their Letters of Suitability. Requests can be made through the Diocese of Cleveland website, under the Office of Clergy and Religious, Letter of Suitability Request.
Due to the high amount of priests and deacons going on pilgrimage and vacation during the summer months, please submit your request as soon as you are aware of your need for a Letter of Suitability. Please note that there is a separate letter of suitability request for pilgrimages outside the United States.
Should you have any questions, feel free to contact the Office of Clergy and Religious at 216-696-6525 x2930 or x2440. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Borromeo Seminary
Borromeo Seminary’s Annual Alumni Reunion | Sunday, June 11, 2023 | Click here for more information.
We need your help!
We have translated the diocesan prayer for the Eucharistic Revival into several languages. We are seeking background extras of all ages and ethnicities for a video recording of the prayer. No experience necessary! If you are interested, please come to St. Stanislaus Church on Friday, May 5 from 1:30-3:30 pm.
Year of Parish Revival
In the parish phase of the Eucharistic Revival, all parishes are invited to dive more deeply into the mystery of the Eucharist through prayer, study, devotions and acts of service. Learn more about the diocesan resources and activities here.
We are asking each pastor to appoint a point person to oversee the Eucharistic Revival at your parish. We recommend assigning a staff member or parishioner volunteer who (i) is a faithful practicing Catholic who prays and loves our Eucharistic Lord, and (ii) has the available time and organizational skills for this work. Please use this link to submit the name of your Parish Point Person.
As we kick off the parish year, we also encourage everyone to take advantage of the following opportunities this summer:
Eucharistic Revival Merchandise
Our “online store” is open! During the Diocesan Year of Eucharistic Revival, we created a variety of items with our logo. These items are now available for parishes to order. On our website, you will find a downloadable flyer that can be distributed to parishioners so they may order merchandise. We ask parishioners to return the form with payment to the parish office where a designated person would tally up the numbers and complete the online order form. We recommend parishes provide a timeframe to parishioners for submitting their orders. If you have any questions, please contact Lynette Saenz.
National Eucharistic Congress
The National Eucharistic Congress will be held on July 17-21, 2024 in Indianapolis. Congress passes are now available for individuals, families and groups. Learn more
Information about the diocesan delegation for the National Eucharistic Congress is coming soon.
North American Final Document
We are happy to share the fruits of the Continental Stage in the United States and Canada. You will find the Final Document in English and Spanish at dioceseofcleveland.org/synod.
Prayer for the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome | Wednesday, May 31, 2023
The first session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will gather in Rome from October 4 through October 29, 2023. In preparation, Pope Francis has invited us to observe a moment of prayer at a Marian Shrine on Wednesday, May 31, the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, placing the Synod under her protection.
We invite the faithful of Cleveland to join in prayer of the Angelus and Rosary at Noon and 6 pm at Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine in Euclid and Queen of Holy Rosary Shrine in Parma Heights. The prayer at Queen of Holy Rosary Shrine in Parma Heights will be in Spanish at 6 pm. If you are not able to participate during these times, we encourage you to make your own pilgrimage to one of the Shrines and pray for the Synod of Bishops. Please help us spread the word by sharing the informational brochure from our website.
Parishes that want to organize a moment of prayer in their own communities will find a worship aid at dioceseofcleveland.org/synod. We also ask you to remember the Synod of Bishops during the general intercessions on May 31 at daily Mass.
Webinar: Mary’s Magnificat and Catholic Social Thought | Thursday, May 11, 2023, 7-8:30 PM EDT | Presenter: Dr. Valerie Lewis-Mosley, RN, Doctor of Ministry
A theological reflection through the lens of Marian devotion and practices, to address justice and peace, with emphasis on the model of Mother Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Click here for more information and to register.
Instituto Emaús / Escuela de Discípulos Misioneros | Topic: Human Development/Desarrollo Humano | Saturday, May 20, 2023, 9 am-4 pm | Our Lady of Mount Carmel West
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.
The “Protect Them Both” Campaign has just been launched in our diocese to raise the awareness of every Catholic parishioner with the message to VOTE NO on the proposed November Ohio constitutional amendment entitled, “Ohio Right to Make Reproductive Decisions Including Abortion Initiative.”
The primary goal of the initial phase of this campaign is to 1) pray ceaselessly and 2) to educate everyone within our parish communities, schools, and organizations, including all pastors and pastoral staffs, educators, catechists, all those in ministry and all the faithful in our diocese by providing multiple resources that will illuminate the issue so that we can defeat the threat to the right to life which is centrifugal to our inherent dignity as human beings made in the image and likeness of God. To this end, every parish will be receiving educational flyers (to be used as bulletin inserts, if you choose) and prayer cards for distribution by this first weekend in May. These resources are being provided by the Catholic Conference of Ohio, in collaboration with the Office for Human Life and with the support and approval of all the Bishops of Ohio.
The Catholic Conference of Ohio is currently developing a campaign microsite with materials to be distributed both directly to parishes and through the Office for Human Life. Visit our website to learn more or email the Office for Human Life.
Conference of Religions | Sunday, June 4, 2023, 2:30-4:30 pm | John Carroll University, Rm 226
World Religions respond to the invitation to reflect on the meaning of “Immortality” in their tradition. For more information and to register, visit dioceseofcleveland.org/events.
Cycle Prep Workshop | Saturday, June 10, 2023, 10am-Noon | St. Basil the Great, Brecksville
This workshop is designed for mothers and daughters as a preparatory first period course. Recommended for girls ages 9-13, this special time together will give mothers and daughters the tools to navigate puberty positively and confidently. The information covered will be comprehensive but age appropriate. Not just about periods, but about the whole menstrual cycle as a vital sign of health. Snack included. Space is limited. The workshop will be capped at 20 mother and daughter attendees. For more information and to register, visit dioceseofcleveland.org/events
Red Bird Ministries Clergy Resource
Clergy seeking training about how to support families and individuals experiencing loss of pregnancy or a child are asked to download the Red Bird App and join the group (under leaders for clergy). Click here to be taken to their website. The App is the only place with a strictly specific space for Clergy only. Also, help us spread the word that anyone who has suffered the loss of a child or pregnancy can join the community via Red Bird where they will find links to the diocesan community and beyond.
Please email Terri Yohman if you have couples that may want to assist with this powerful ministry and become flock leaders.
Training for Leaders working with Veterans and their Families
Veterans are a large portion of our population in Northeast Ohio. We are inviting parish staff and servant leaders that are interested in increasing their awareness of military culture to attend free virtual training sessions offered by Star Behavioral Health. Click here to visit their website and register. The first part on “Introduction to Military Culture and Deployment” is being offered in May and June. Contact Terri Yohman if you would like more information.
Monthly Meetings for Evangelization & Stewardship Ministry
The Parish Staff Networking Group is a gathering of those serving our parishes in the ministries of evangelization and stewardship. We are gathering online on the third Thursday of each month at 1 PM to discuss best practices and new ideas, and to support one another through prayer and sharing of resources. If you would like to be part of this meeting, please contact Christy Cabaniss at ccabaniss@dioceseofcleveland.org
YM Bootcamp: Eucharistic Revival Resources | Wednesday, May 10, 1-3pm | Holy Martyrs Parish
We are in the midst of the three-year Eucharistic Revival! On the Feast of Corpus Christi, celebrated on June 11, we launch the Parish Year of Eucharistic Revival. How is your parish or school celebrating? How can we lean into this movement to deepen our devotion to the Eucharistic Christ - both personally, and for the teens to whom we minister? Suggestions, resources, and brainstorming will be part of this gathering! Register by May 8.
National Catholic Youth Conference | November 16-19, Indianapolis, IN
Bishops Malesic and Woost will both be attending with us! NCYC is an exciting three-day experience of prayer, community, and empowerment for Catholic high school teens and chaperones. Join thousands of teens, national Catholic speakers, musicians, and hundreds of religious & clergy for workshops, large sessions, and a powerful closing Mass. Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN and Mari Pablo will be the hosts this year.
Our diocesan pilgrimage includes transportation, hotel, and conference. Learn more and buy tickets on our NCYC page. Teens must attend with a parish or school group.
Blessed Carlo Institute for Youth Ministers | August 8-11 | Center for Pastoral Leadership
Registration is now open for our second year of this adventure to form and equip youth ministers! This four-day, three-night institute will include classes on Scripture, Patristics, and Christian Spirituality, and workshops on Responding to Teens in Crisis, Seeking the Lost, and Leadership in Ministry. Learn more and register here.
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events
Theology on Tap West | Tuesday, May 16, 7:00 pm | Forest City Brewery, Cleveland
Speaker: Fr. Joe Menkhaus | Topic: “Jesus Heals: The Power of the Holy Spirit”
Theology on Tap East | Wednesday, May 24, 7:00 pm | Abo's Grill, Lyndhurst
Speaker: Patrick Warner | Topic: “The Melody of Christ: The Song in my Heart. A melodic conversion story of an artist whom God sought after.”
Click here for more information and to register.
Baptism Matters: After Baby Comes Best Practices
A workshop designed to support leaders of infant baptism preparation and the ministry of accompanying families will be hosted on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. This opportunity is funded through a Rooted in Faith Grant to support pastors, deacons, parish catechetical leaders, sacramental coordinators, and baptismal preparation coordinators in developing an evangelizing catechesis and ongoing communication between the parish and families. Registration is requested here.
For assistance, email Alicia Breeden or 216-696-6525, ext. 1920.
Please visit clecem.org for our most updated schedule of events.
Memorial Day Masses – Monday, May 29th:
Catholic Cemeteries Association will celebrate Memorial Day Mass at various cemetery locations and three parishes on Monday, May 29, 2023. Several Cemetery Masses will be outdoors so please bring a lawn chair and an umbrella in case of inclement weather. Mass times are 10 a.m. except where noted as 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m., or 9:30 a.m. Visit the “Events” tab on our website for specific locations and times of the Memorial Day Masses as well as other memorial events throughout the year. If you have further questions please contact Rhonda at 216-930-4866.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Holly Klein, Cofounder of Grace House | Friday, May 5, 2023 at Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information here.
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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.
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