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 7, 2026
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is celebrated on Sunday, June 7. Eucharistic processions on or near this feast are encouraged. Please refer to the Guidelines for Preparing and Celebrating Eucharistic Exposition with a Public Procession document for more information.
St. Cecelia Retreat: Seeking Wholeness and Holiness – June 14-16, 2026
The Cecilia Retreat is for all music ministers – professional and volunteer. Speakers include radio personality and podcaster, Trapper Jack and additional speakers from around the Diocese. We will spend time immersed in the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, and prayer that encompasses our whole bodies with movement and meditation. Pastors, please encourage your music ministers to take time for their own spiritual development. Registration deadline is 5 Jun 2026. Click here for details and registration.
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.
Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
At their November 2025 Plenary Assembly, the Bishops of the United States voted to consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to mark the country’s 250thbirthday. The consecration will take place on Thursday, June 11, on the eve of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Friday, June 12). Since the solemnity of the Sacred Heart does not have a vigil per se, the Mass texts will be taken from the votive Mass for the Sacred Heart. Resources for local celebrations have now been posted on the USCCB website.
June 2026 Liturgical Calendar:
The World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, June 12, 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.
Blessing of Fathers on Father’s Day, June 21, 2026
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 Wednesday, June 24. Tuesday evening Masses after 4:00 p.m. and Evening Prayer are those of the Proper Vigil.
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, is celebrated on Monday, June 29. Sunday evening Masses after 4:00 p.m. may be celebrated, either before or after EP I of the Solemnity
Vendors of goods from the Holy Land: update
Bishop Malesic has granted permission to the following additional vendor to sell religious articles from the Holy Land at the Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Cleveland: Mr. Mousa Rishmawi of Jerusalem Gifts, 6423 Ruidoso Dr., Saginaw MI 48603.
This is in addition to the following vendors already approved through February 20, 2027: Mrs. Suhair Musleh of Holy Land Gifts, Warren, OH; Mr. Roni Salsa of Land of Peace, Inc.,, Sterling Hts., MI; Mr. Martin Samir Zablah of Three Kings Bethlehem, Oswego, NY; Mr. and Mrs. Ibrahim Abufarha of Holy Land Shepherds, Grand Blanc, MI. As always, pastors are free to choose whether or not to permit one of the above vendors to display and sell articles at your parish.
Angel Scholarship Fund
Be sure to thank your donors who claimed a 2025 tax credit. This could be done on social media, in your bulletin, or through an email. As of April 16, 2026, donors to the Angel Scholarship Fund (ASF) no longer had the option of using their donation to claim a state tax credit for the 2025 tax year. This 2026/27 contribution form can be utilized by ASF donors through April 15, 2027. While the online giving page URL has not changed, we ask that the 2026 form be uploaded to parish and school websites as soon as possible.
A new version of the contribution form will be made available in January 2027, when the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit becomes available. 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 2026/2027 school year. Almost 600 applications were received from which more than 300 scholarships will be awarded. 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 Kaitlyn Novicky at 216-696-6525, ext. 1680.
2026 Catholic Charities Appeal: ‘Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world’
Catholic Charities, in its 113th year, continues to serve the growing number of individuals and families most in need. The Appeal is blessed to have raised over $11 million dollars from nearly 22,000 donors so far this year. For the fourth time, a joint letter from Bishop Malesic and your pastor was sent the week of April 6th. This letter is hoped to urge donors to be inspired by the works of Catholic Charities and give a monetary gift to support those across our eight-county diocese who need some extra help.
Keep an eye out for 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.
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 your 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, changes must be made no later than May 8. Any changes will be effective July 1. Note that rates for all health plans increase 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 effective July 1. More 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.
April 2026 Announcements
Rev. Andrew J. Hoover will conclude his assignment as Administrator of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Parma, and has been appointed Pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Parma, effective 15 June 2026. He has also been granted permission to serve as a Catholic Chaplain for the Parma Fire Department effective immediately. These assignments are in addition to his current assignment as Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Parma, and his residence remains unchanged.
Rev. Norman K. Douglas has been granted permission to continue as Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Akron, for one additional year effective 24 March 2026.
Rev. Ronald J. Turek has been granted permission to continue as Administrator of St. Agnes Parish, Orrville, for one additional year effective 15 June 2026.
Rev. Ralph G. Hudak has resigned from the office of Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Cleveland, and has been granted Senior Priest-Retired status in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 30 June 2026.
Rev. Joseph L. Labak has resigned from the office of Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Wadsworth, and has been granted Senior Priest-Retired status in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 30 June 2026.
Rev. Philp G. Racco has resigned from the office of Pastor of St. Bernadette Parish, Westlake, and has been granted Senior Priest-Retired status in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 30 June 2026.
Rev. Ryan J. Cubera will conclude his appointment as the Diocesan AssistantModerator for the Cleveland Retrouvaille Community and has been appointed Moderator for the Cleveland Retrouvaille Community effective 1 May 2026 and continuing for an indefinite period. This appointment is in addition to his appointment as Pastor of St. Mary of the Falls, Olmsted Falls.
Rev. Ryan J. Mann concludes his appointment as Diocesan Moderator for the Cleveland Retrouvaille Community effective 1 May 2026. His current assignment as Pastor of St. Basil the Great Parish, Brecksville, and upcoming assignment as Assistant Director of the Office of Ongoing Formation for Clergy of the Diocese of Cleveland remain unchanged.
Rev. Daniel R. Fickes has been granted permission to move from his current residence at the rectory of Holy Spirit Parish, Avon Lake, to the rectory of St. Jude Parish, Elyria, effective 23 April 2026. His current assignment as Chaplain of St. John Medical Center, Westlake, remains unchanged.
Rev. Dinyuy Paul Wirsiy has been granted permission to move from his current residence at the rectory of St. Brendan Parish, North Olmsted, to the rectory of St. Richard Parish, North Olmsted, effective 15 April 2026. His current assignment as Parochial Vicar of St. Brendan Parish, North Olmsted, remains unchanged.
Rev. Finbar Ramsak, OSB, with the recommendation of the Right Rev. Gary Hoover, OSB, Abbot of St. Andrew Abbey, has been appointed Pastor of Assumption Parish, Broadview Heights, effective 1 July 2026. His residence will be at the rectory of Assumption Parish.
Rev. Justin D. Dyrwal, OSB, with the recommendation of the Right Rev. Gary Hoover, OSB, Abbot of St. Andrew Abbey, will conclude his assignment as Pastor of Assumption Parish, Broadview Heights effective 30 June 2026. He has been appointed as Chaplain at Holy Family Home Health Care and Hospice effective 1 July 2026, and his residence will be in the designated priest chaplain quarters on the grounds of Holy Family Home Health Care and Hospice.
Rev. Duckhyun “Fabian” Han, with the approval of Archbishop Thaddeus Cho Hwan-kil, Archbishop of Daegu, concludes his appointments as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish, Chardon, and Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Parish, Thompson, effective 30 June 2026. Fr. Han will be returning to his diocese of incardination, the Archdiocese of Daegu, South Korea.
Rev. Leonard Cencula, with the recommendation of the Very Reverend Bradley W. Greer, JCL, Delegate of the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Steubenville, has been granted faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 25 March 2026 for a period of one year.
Deacon Gerald Blanda has been appointed Deacon of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Parma, effective 15 April 2026. His appointment as Deacon of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Parma, remains unchanged.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT: Hospital Volunteers Needed
Several local hospitals need volunteers to bring the Eucharist to patients or to provide pastoral care. If your parish would like guidance on becoming involved in hospital ministry, please contact the Director of Chaplaincy Services, Deacon Mike Hayes.
Ecumenical/Interfaith Office
If your parish regularly hosts ecumenical or interfaith group meetings, please notify the Director of the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs, Deacon Mike Hayes. This information will assist the Office in developing a yearly schedule of recurring ecumenical and interfaith events available to clergy and the faithful, supporting ongoing dialogue and engagement.
Knights of Columbus Surveys
The Knights of Columbus have asked for assistance in sharing the surveys below to prospective members (men 18+), parish pastoral leaders, and clergy throughout the Diocese of Cleveland. Created by the Knights of Columbus Staas Agency, these surveys seek to understand how the Knights can better serve parishes and families. Each survey only takes about 5-10 minutes. Your data will not be publicized.
Please complete the survey by June 1. Feel free to share the links with others who may be interested. For more information, contact Amelia Freeman.
SAVE THE DATE: Parish Staff Day of Reflection
Friday, June 26, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | St. Basil the Great, Brecksville
Theme: Moments of Grace: From Contact to Communion
Join us for a day of exciting keynotes and breakout sessions that will address all aspects of parish leadership. We will explore how every point of contact – digital, personal, and sacramental – can become an intentional moment of evangelization that welcomes people into an authentic community. Registration coming soon. For more information, please contact Michelle Nowak, Director of Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT: Natural Family Planning (NFP) Trainer Update
The Office of Marriage and Family Ministry is updating its diocesan listing of Natural Family Planning (NFP) trainers. Anyone currently training couples in NFP is asked to complete a brief Microsoft Form by June 12. The form collects contact information, NFP method(s) taught, privacy preferences, and areas served. This information will be used to develop an NFP trainer listing that can be shared with clergy.
Please complete the form by June 12 here.
Friday, May 1, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Wine & Cheese Dinner Social | For young adults ages 18-39
St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Church, Cleveland
Tuesday, May 5, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
All Life, One Faith: Spring Regional Townhall Conversations | For all interested
St. Mary Parish, Elyria
Contact Tony Dipre with questions.
Tuesday, May 12, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
All Life, One Faith: Spring Regional Townhall Conversations | For all interested
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Contact Tony Dipre with questions.
Monday, May 18, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
All Life, One Faith: Spring Regional Townhall Conversations | For all interested
Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Solon
Contact Tony Dipre with questions.
Wednesday, May 20, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Youth Minister: Next Gen | For those interested in exploring a career in youth ministry
Cathedral Square Plaza, Cleveland
Thursday, May 21, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Oratory | For youth ministers and YM volunteers (ages 18+)
Mother of Sorrow Parish, Peninsula
Thursday, May 21, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
All Life, One Faith: Spring Regional Townhall Conversations | For all interested
Holy Martyrs Parish, Medina | Contact Tony Dipre with questions
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 2 Catechist Training | For Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechists of 6–9-year-olds
Part 1: July 16-19 and August 27-30, 2026 at St. Paul, Akron
Part 2: October 1-4, 2026 and March 4-7, 2027 at St. James, Lakewood
Register here or email Erin Miller or call 937-232-1161.
Please click here for our most updated schedule of events.
Memorial Day Masses | Monday, May 25, 2026
Catholic Cemeteries Association will celebrate Memorial Day Mass at eight of our cemetery locations on Monday, May 25, 2026. Several Cemetery Masses will be outdoors, so please let parishioners know to bring a lawn chair and an umbrella in case of inclement weather. All Mass times are at 10 a.m. (with the exception of Calvary Cemetery, Lorain, at 9:00 am) Visit the Events page 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 email Renee or call 216-930-4866.
Our new website has launched. Visit www.mmgsi.org to sign up for our monthly e-newsletter and to learn about all things MMGSI.
Mark your calendars for the following MMGSI-sponsored events and series:
American Catholic History Series — 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, May 20 at the St. Albert the Great Parish Life Center in North Royalton.
The Church & the Modern World: A Three-Night Journey Through Gaudium et Spes — Join Fr. Mark Latcovich as he explores how the Church speaks to today's challenges through one of the documents of Vatican II that speaks about human dignity, family life, society, and peace—and discover your role in bringing Christ into the modern world. This three-night event will take place at St. Ladislas Church in Westlake on the evenings of June 16, 23, and 30. Registration details coming soon.
Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, celebrating its 100th Jubilee this year, will open its outdoor season on Sunday, May 3 with the 9:30 AM Mass. Bishop Malesic will be at the Shrine on Sunday, May 31 to celebrate the 9:30 AM Mass for the Jubilee. All are welcome
Theology of the Rocks for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, May 11, 2026 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | An evening of mystical theology, with Bryan Hall, as we reflect on Bernard of Clairvaux’s “On Loving God.” | 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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