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 for Corpus Christi, June 22, 2025
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is celebrated on Sunday, June 22. Eucharistic processions on or near this feast are encouraged. Permission of the local Ordinary is required. Please refer to the Guidelines for Preparing and Celebrating Eucharistic Exposition with a Public Procession document for more information.
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 January. Refer to the Office for Worship website for the complete list of locations.
June 2025 Liturgical Calendar:
Solemnity of Pentecost, June 8, 2025
Masses after 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, celebrate the Vigil of Pentecost, either extended form or simple form. The extended form of the Pentecost Vigil resembles the Easter Vigil, in that four Scripture readings, psalms, and corresponding prayers are proclaimed prior to the singing of the Glory to God. The Collect follows the Gloria, and the Epistle reading follows the Collect. After this, the extended Vigil Mass proceeds as the simple Pentecost Vigil. Masses on June 8 should celebrate the Pentecost Mass during the Day.
The Easter candle is lit at all Masses on the Solemnity of Pentecost and, if possible, at Evening Prayer. The Easter season ends with the conclusion of Vespers. If Vespers is not celebrated publicly, the Easter candle might be borne in procession at the end of each Sunday Mass as a sign that the Easter season has come to an end.
Blessing of Fathers on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025
The secular observance of Father’s Day must in no way diminish the primary focus of this Sunday as the celebration of the paschal mystery. However, to provide recognition of this holiday, intercessions and a prayer over the people may be used, and are provided in the Book of Blessings. (BB 1729-1733).
The Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist is celebrated on Tuesday, June 24. Monday evening Masses after 4:00 p.m. and Evening Prayer are that of the Proper Vigil.
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated on Friday, June 27. 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 Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, is celebrated on Sunday, June 29.
Angel Scholarship Fund
Be sure to thank your donors who claimed a 2024 tax credit. This could be done on social media, in your bulletin, or through an email. As of April 16, 2025, donors to the Angel Scholarship Fund (ASF) no longer had the option of using their donation to claim a state tax credit for the 2024 tax year. This 2025 ASF Contribution Form should be utilized by ASF donors until April 15, 2026. While the online giving page URL has not changed, we ask that the 2025 form be uploaded to parish and school websites as soon as possible. Contact Fred Roberts at 216-902-1312 with any questions.
Fund A Dream
Thank you to all those who applied for a Fund A Dream scholarship for the 2025/2026 school year. Almost 700 applications were received, from which around 245 scholarships are being awarded. A record number of schools (68) are slated to participate in FAD. Schools will receive their preliminary list of students who will be awarded a scholarship in early May. Questions about Fund A Dream, including how to sponsor a student, should be directed to Fred Roberts at 216-902-1312.
2025 Catholic Charities Appeal: ‘Make Me a Channel of Your Peace’
Catholic Charities, in its 112th year, continues to serve the growing number of individuals and families most in need. The Appeal is blessed to have raised over $10.5 million dollars from more than 24,000 donors so far this year. For the third time, a joint letter from Bishop Malesic and your pastor was sent the week of April 21st. This letter is hoped to urge donors to be inspired by the works of Catholic Charities and give a monetary gift to support the nearly 400,000 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. 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. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @CatholicCommCLE
Planned Giving
Many Catholics prayerfully consider remembering their parish with a planned gift in gratitude for a lifetime abundance of God’s blessings. Planned gifts are made through wills or through life-income gifts and often have favorable tax benefits. These gifts derive from the donor’s accumulated assets, unlike annual gifts or pledges that derive from annual income.
By including ((insert parish name)) in your will or estate plan, you elevate the parish to the level of family. Estate gifts are important because they help ensure our children, and future generations, will have similar opportunities for ministry and spiritual life that current parishioners enjoy. All these gifts enhance the vitality of our parish for future generations and continually renew our ministries. Email Moira Wopershall of the Catholic Community Foundation or call 216-696-6525 x8070 with questions or for additional information.
Health Care Open Enrollment
If you wish to make any changes to your health coverage, Health Care Plans - Enrollment/Change forms must be received by the Health Benefits Office no later than May 9. Any changes will be effective July 1. Also, a reminder that Annual Physical and Tobacco Attestation Forms and Working Spouse Employer Verification forms must be received by us no later than May 1 to receive the incentives and not be charged the spousal surcharge. Forms and plan information can be found at www.MyDocBenefits.com
Contact the Employee Benefits Office, at (216) 696-6525, ext. 5040 or hbo@dioceseofcleveland.org with any questions.
March/April 2024 Announcements
The Reverend Edward F. Suszynski concludes his assignment as Presbyteral Moderator of St. Stephen Parish, West Salem, effective 01 June 2025. His appointment as Pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Lichfield, remains unchanged.
The Reverend Timothy J. Gareau has been appointed as Administrator to St. John Neumann Parish in Strongsville effective immediately. This is in addition to his assignment as Pastor of St. Colette Parish, Brunswick. His residence remains unchanged.
The Reverend Alexander C. Spenik concludes his appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish, Painesville and has been appointed Administrator of Sacred Heart Chapel Parish in Lorain effective 30 June 2025.
The Reverend William A. Thaden concludes his assignment as Pastor of Sacred Heart Chapel Parish, Lorain, and has been appointed as Pastor of St. Martin of Tours Parish, Valley City, effective 30 June 2025.
The Reverend Rodney A. Kreidler has been appointed Presbyteral Moderator of St. Stephen Parish, West Salem, effective 01 June 2025. This is in addition to his appointment as Pastor of St. Edward Parish, Ashland, and his responsibilities as Presbyteral Moderator of St. Peter Parish in Loudonville.
The Reverend Paul J. Rosing has been appointed Presbyteral Moderator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Akron, effective immediately.
The Reverend Damian Ference has been appointed Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland, effective 01 April 2025. This is in addition to his current assignment as Vicar for Evangelization for the Diocese of Cleveland. His residence remains unchanged.
The Reverend Barry T. Gearing, Pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Strongsville, has been granted an authorized Leave of Absence for Sick Leave, effective immediately.
The Reverend Dennis M. Mc Neil, Senior Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish, Willoughby, has received permission to retire effective 05 June 2025. His residence remains unchanged.
The Reverend Daniel J. Reed concludes his appointment as Pastor of St. Martin of Tours Parish, Valley City, and has been granted senior retirement status effective 30 June 2025.
The Reverend Joseph P. O’Donnell, Senior Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Wickliffe, has resigned from active ministry and granted retirement status effective 30 June 2025.
The Reverend John T. Carlin, Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Parma has received permission to retire effective 30 June 2025.
The Reverend Joshua J. Cochrac has been appointed to serve as a Catholic Chaplain for the Eastlake Division of Police. This is in addition to his current assignment as Administrator for St. Justin Martyr Parish, Eastlake.
Deacon Robert J. Stegmaier has been appointed Parish Life Coordinator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Akron, effective immediately.
Deacon Joseph P. Litke concludes his diaconal assignment at Holy Family Parish, Parma, and has been granted retirement status effective immediately.
The Reverend Reg Tiongson, with permission of the Most Reverend Bartolome Santos, Jr., Bishop of the Diocese of Iba (Philippines), has been granted faculties of the Diocese of Cleveland effective 05 March 2025. He has been granted residence at the Cathedral of St. John Evangelist, Cleveland.
Canon Brian Bovee, ICRSS, with permission of the Reverend Canon Matthew Talarico, ICRSS, US Provincial Superior of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, has been granted faculties of the Diocese of Cleveland for one year effective 12 March 2025.
Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Institute
Academic programs listed below are taught by instructors who have been granted the academic mandatum, in accordance with Ex corde Ecclesiae and the USCCB guidelines.
Veritas Seminars
These three-hour workshops are open to anyone interested in engaging with the big ideas that shape our world and affect how people think about religion, morality, and the meaning of life. Sessions in May and June will focus on philosophy in the contemporary world, the relationship between faith and reason, and arguments for belief in God. For more details or to register, click here. Biweekly on Wednesday evenings, beginning May 28 | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Moral Theology Course
Offered in partnership with the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Office, this course is for anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of the Church's moral teachings and the Catholic perspective on contentious social issues. For more details or to register, click here. Monday evenings, beginning June 2 | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Summer Session
Formerly known as the Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Academy, the MMGSI Summer Session brings together parish employees and leaders from throughout the diocese to develop and fortify their pastoral leadership skills. Tracks are offered for youth ministers, "front line" workers (secretaries, hospitality ministers, etc.), pastors and others involved in parish administration, parish catechetical leaders, music ministers, maintenance and facilities employees, and deacons and their wives. In addition, an intensive course on prayer will be offered by Fr. Ryan Mann. For more details, click here.
First week of August | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Gathering of the Ministerium
Save the date: On Friday, October 24, at Cleveland Public Auditorium, clergy, teachers, school administrators, parish staff, volunteers, and diocesan ministers of all kinds will gather for a day of worship and workshops designed to enhance our ministry skills and advance the work of evangelization in an apostolic age.
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
The Jubilee bulletin insert for May is currently available in English and Spanish.
One of the normal conditions for obtaining a plenary indulgence is to pray for the Pope and his intentions. Pope Francis’ monthly intention for May is for working conditions.
Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.
Eucharistic Revival Closing Mass
Saturday, June 28, 4:30pm-6:00pm | Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland
Join us to celebrate the closing of our three-year journey of Eucharistic Revival. Bishop Edward Malesic will preside, and Bishop Michael Woost will concelebrate at the 4:30 PM closing liturgy in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
New Resources: Eucharistic Revival Year of Mission
The National Eucharistic Revival team has provided a new resource for training Eucharistic Missionaries. Individuals and parish groups are encouraged to begin on Pentecost and end with a commissioning held at the parish on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This new resource is a follow-up to Jesus and the Eucharist study and is designed to be completed in a weekly small group setting.
Also, registration is now open for a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage that begins on May 18 from Indianapolis, Indiana traveling west and arrives in Los Angeles, California on June 20.
The Culture Project Missionaries missioned to the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland are available for vital and engaging presentations to middle and high school young people and young adults from September 2025 – May 2026. TCP Missionaries are recent college graduates who are formed in Catholic Social Teaching and give dynamic presentations on the inherit dignity of humanity, the benefits of sexual integrity, and healthy living in an online age. There is no cost to host presentations for parishes or schools. Schedule The Culture Project presentations here.
Diocesan Young Adult Softball League
Join our Diocesan Softball League. This is an opportunity to play softball with other Catholic Young Adults, enjoy one another’s company and pray together before and after the game. Games will be held on Sunday afternoons between the hours of 12:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. throughout June and July and finish with a championship in August. Deadline for registration is May 10, 2025.
Hiring a Youth Minister?
The Office of Youth Ministry would like to help. Check out our webpage with some suggestions on hiring, and our webpage for new youth ministers. Please reach out to Francine Costantini, Director of Youth Ministry if you would like to schedule a conversation.
Viernes a domingo, Mayo 2-4
Retiro de Mujeres | Movimiento Juan XXIII
Juan XXIII Retreat House, 3395 E. 53rd St., Cleveland
Wednesday, May 7, 12:45-3:00 pm
YM Bootcamp: Intentional Planning in Ministry | Office of Youth Ministry
St. John Vianney Parish, Mentor
Friday, May 16, 7:00-9:00 pm
XLT – An Evening of Healing Praise | Catholic Renewal Ministries
St. Justin Martyr Parish, Eastlake
Domingo, 25 de mayo | 2:00-5:00 pm
Jubileo 2025: Peregrinos de Esperanza | Office of Hispanic Ministry
St. Agnes Church, 541 Spring St., Orrville
Mayo 29, 20, 31 & 1o. de junio
Retiro para Mujeres | Movimiento de Cursillos de Cristiandad
St. Leonard Youth Retreat Center, 4076 Case Rd., Avon
Saturday, May 31, 10:00 am
Asian Catholic Family Day | Office of Parish Life
Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Euclid
Saturday, June 7, 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Called by the Spirit Retreat | Office of Missionary Discipleship
St. Ignatius of Antioch, 10205 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
RSVP at 216-251-0300 or development@sioaparish.org by Friday, May 30th
Sunday, June 8, 2:00 pm
Pentecost Mass Celebration | Catholic Renewal Ministries
St. Julie Billiart Church, North Ridgeville
Thursday, June 19, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom | Office of Black Catholic Ministries
St. Agnes / Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Cleveland
Sábado, 21 de junio, 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Retiro la Quinceañera | Office of Hispanic Ministry
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Saturday, July 26, 8:30 am
42nd Annual Conference | Catholic Renewal Ministries
Theme: “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength”
St. Albert the Great Parish, North Royalton
2025 Second Annual Pilgrimage For Justice: June 8-14, 2025 With Diocesan Social Action Office
Travel in the footsteps of those who sacrificed so much to achieve civil rights. We will stop in Cincinnati, Memphis, Jackson and Montgomery to learn, reflect, and pray as we remember the courage of people who sacrificed much to address racism and to uphold the dignity of all members of God’s human family. Each day will include times for prayer and reflection.
We will visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Museum in Cincinnati; the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis; the Civil Rights Museum and statue of Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA in Jackson as well as the National Memorial for Peace & Justice in Montgomery. We will return to Cleveland on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Cost will be $1195 for double occupancy rooms and $1495 for single occupancy rooms.
Price includes transportation, all accommodations, all admission fees and most meals.
We will have some limited scholarships available from the Rosa Parks Scholarship Fund, on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information: Pilgrimage Coordinator Shawn Witmer or by cell or text at 216-316-9544.
Please click here for our most updated schedule of events.
Memorial Day Masses | Monday, May 26, 2025
Catholic Cemeteries Association will celebrate Memorial Day Mass at various cemetery locations and three parishes on Monday, May 26, 2025. Several Cemetery Masses will be outdoors so please advise parishioners to bring a lawn chair and an umbrella in case of inclement weather. Mass times are 10 a.m. except where noted as 8:30am, 9:00 am, or 9:30 am. Visit ‘Events’ 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
Brian Polian, Vice President for Athletics and National Engagement at John Carroll University | Friday, May 2, 2025 | 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, May 12, 2025 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Mary Beth Garvin, Dir. & Mike Ragon, Asst. Dir. of Encounter School of Ministry | 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 © 2025
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