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 Campaign for Human Development National Collection: 18-19 November 2023: Many American families are struggling to make ends meet, but the struggle is even more difficult for the nearly 46.2 million Americans living in poverty. Your donation will empower local communities and strengthen families that are on the margins. Parishes and organizations in the Diocese of Cleveland are using the funds from the CCHD campaign via awarded grants to bring about real change and sustainable processes that help people in poverty break this cycle. Please help us continue this good work by supporting the collection for CCHD.
Help support the mission and work of CCHD by:
For parish resources visit the National Collections website. This year, parishioners and our community can donate online in addition to the regular second collection in our parishes. CCHD information for parish bulletins, websites and social media may be found here.
2023-2024 Solemn Annual Eucharistic Exposition
For many years the Diocese of Cleveland has published a schedule for Solemn Annual Eucharistic Exposition. The intent of this practice is rooted in the Church's recommendation that,
In churches and oratories where the Eucharist is reserved, it is recommended that solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for an extended period of time should take place once a year, [even though this period of time is not strictly continuous]. In this way, the local community may meditate on this mystery more deeply and adore.
From: Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, paragraph 86. The Rites: Volume 1(Collegeville: Liturgical Press).
The schedule for 2023-2024 by parish and by date is available on the Office for Worship website. Should you wish to make an adjustment to your scheduled time of exposition, please inform the Office for Worship of the change.
December 2023 Liturgical Calendar
The new liturgical year begins on Sunday, December 3rd, the first Sunday of Advent. The Sunday lectionary cycle is Year B, the weekday cycle for Ordinary Time is Cycle II.
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on Friday, December 8, and is a holy day of obligation. Vigil Masses for the Solemnity may be celebrated after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 7.
Christmas Mass Guide 2023
This year, the Fourth Sunday of Advent falls on the same day as Christmas Eve, with Christmas on Monday. The separate obligations to attend Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Mass for Christmas remain. The Sunday obligation may be fulfilled on Saturday evening after 4:00 p.m. or at any time on Sunday. The Christmas obligation may be fulfilled on Sunday after 4:00 p.m. or at any time on Monday, Christmas day. In order to fulfil both obligations, two Masses must be attended, i.e. it is not possible for attendance at one Mass after 4:00pm on Sunday to fulfill both obligations.
The Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene (Book of Blessings 1541-1569 or Household Blessings 82-84) may take place during the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time, during a celebration of the Word of God, during Mass, or during another service such as a service of Lessons and Carols.
On December 28, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, special prayers may be offered for the innocent who have perished through abortion, starvation and war (see Household Blessings 367).
Angel Scholarship Fund Verification Process & Timing
The distribution of ASF funds for this year depends on schools submitting/confirming its Angel Scholarship recommendations:
Please contact Fred Roberts, 216-902-1312 with any questions.
2023 Catholic Charities Appeal – more than $13.8M has been raised as of September 30. We are well on our way to our $14 million goal
During the week of November 15, 55,000 households will receive a letter from Bishop Malesic asking for support of the 2023 Appeal with a monetary gift. The letter emphasizes supporting the hungry and homeless population throughout our diocese. To make an immediate impact, parishioners can donate online.
Save the Date: The 2024 In Pew Appeal will take place in all parishes Feb. 10-11. Email Sarah Gozur or call 216-696-6525 x1910 with questions.
Year-End Giving (suggested bulletin announcement): In this season of giving, consider making a year-end gift to our parish in gratitude for all the blessings you have received in life. As you plan to make the most of your charitable donations in 2023, know that we gratefully accept gifts of cash and appreciated assets such as stocks or bonds.
#weGIVECATHOLIC - Northeast Ohio’s Online Day of Catholic Giving
More than 230 Catholic organizations are participating in Northeast Ohio’s Online Day of Catholic Giving, #weGIVECATHOLIC, on Tuesday, November 28. Powered by the Catholic Community Foundation, #weGIVECATHOLIC encourages you to support your favorite Catholic parishes, Catholic schools, Catholic Charities sites and programs, and Catholic nonprofits. NEW for 2023: Early giving: For the convenience of donors, gifts through #weGIVECATHOLIC may be made in advance starting on November 19 at 12:00 a.m.
Ohio Minimum Wage for 2024
Ohio’s minimum wage is scheduled to increase from $10.10 to $10.45 per hour for non-tipped employees on January 1, 2024. Please download the new poster and display it with your other labor law posters. Check here to make sure all of your labor law posters are up-to-date. Email Donna Speagle, Human Resources, or call (216) 696-6525, ext. 8760 or with any questions.
The Mullen Lecture, Timothy O’Malley, Ph.D. | Sunday, November 19, 2023, 6:30 p.m.| Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Click here for more information.
Use this form to share your parish Eucharistic Revival events on the diocesan website.
Eucharistic Miracles Display | November 5-18 | St. Joseph, Amherst
Find out more about the exhibition at St. Joseph by visiting the parish website.
Jesus and the Eucharist: A Small Group Series for Eucharistic Revival
Explore the story of salvation as told through Scripture, fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and lived out in the Church and the Sacraments—especially the Eucharist. Learn more
Visit dioceseofcleveland.org/synod for highlights on the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome and additional diocesan resources. One of the emerging actions from the diocesan Synod was to continue the conversation in our parish communities. On the website, you will find ten new reflections on each of the themes that emerged from the synodal listening sessions which can be used with small groups. We have also created four listening sessions for the Eucharistic Revival focused primarily on the feedback that we received on the Liturgy. If you have any questions or would like assistance with these resources, please contact Lynette Saenz.
Annual Asian Celebration | Sunday, December 3, 2-5pm | St. Clarence, N. Olmsted
During this Parish Year of Eucharistic Revival, the Asian Catholic Community will gather for a reflection on our Revival theme, “Gathered, Blessed, Broken, Shared” followed by the celebration of Holy Eucharist. For more information, please call 216-696-6525 ext. 3500.
“Called to Sainthood” Retreat | Saturday, November 25, 9:30am-1:30pm | St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Parish Center, Cleveland
Join us on retreat to hear about the lives of the six African Americans on the road to sainthood, to understand our role in the process of canonization, and to embrace our personal call to sainthood. Our presenter will be Deacon Allen Stevens of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Free lunch and handouts provided. Click here to register.
Our annual VIRTUS Facilitator training will be on Wednesday, November 15, from 9am-4pm (lunch included) at the diocesan offices in downtown Cleveland. There is no fee, all materials will be provided to you. Anyone interested should complete the facilitator application (which includes the pastor’s recommendation) and return to Sharon Minson sminson@dioceseofcleveland.org no later than November 7, 2023.
November 18 has been designated by the United Nations as World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence. We are encouraged to recognize this day by raising public awareness of the grave harm inflicted on victims/survivors. We need to prevent child sexual abuse, online and offline; and we must ensure that survivors and victims have access to remedies that promote their healing, affirm their dignity and protect their rights. To emphasize our care of victims, we will be sending out suggested petitions which could be used on that weekend or during a Sunday Mass in November, reflecting our commitment to creating safe environments throughout the Diocese
"Marriages of Hope” Retreat | Saturday, December 2, 9am-7pm & Sunday, December 3, 9am-4pm | Sacred Heard Chapel, Lorain | For more information, please contact Misael Mayorga at 216-696-6525 ext. 2530.
Conference on Gender Identity | Saturday, December 9, 9am-4:30pm | Holy Family Stow | Join us for a day of formation, discussion, and prayerful reflection on one of the most pressing issues facing our culture today. Tickets are $39 per individual and $75 per couple. Boxed lunch is included. See the registration page for more details.
YM Bootcamp: Marriage Prep & Resources for Youth & Families | Tuesday, November 21, 10am-12pm | St. Ambrose, Brunswick | Register here
Theology on Tap West | Tuesday, November 14, 7pm | Forest City Brewery, Tremont | Presenter: Fr. Mark Ott | Cost is $5. Register here.
Theology on Tap East | Wednesday, November 22, 7pm | Bar Louie, Lyndhurst
Dina Podnar, “What Can Sorority Life Teach Christians About Community?” | Cost is $5 for under 21; $7 for over 21. Register here.
Mass for the Global Celebration of Young People | Saturday, November 25, 4:30pm | Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
Join us as we celebrate the young adults in our community. Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for Military Services will preside. There will be a reception to follow in the rectory for all people in their 20s and 30s.
Lunch and Learn Book Launch
Megan Bolin's new book "Ignite! The Secret to Engaging Young Adults in the Church." | Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 11:45 a.m. | John Carroll University, Dolan O'Connell Reading Room (DA 101). Lunch will be served.
Journey to Bethlehem Mass ~ Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 10:00am
Join Catholic Charities Disability Services & Ministries for the 38thAnnual Journey to Bethlehem Liturgy on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 10:00 am, with our celebrant Bishop Roger Gries. Mass will take place at St. Ladislas Parish, 2345 Bassett Road, Westlake. This liturgy is for persons with disabilities, their families, and friends and is a beautiful Christmas celebration, with a light luncheon following. For information: 216-939-3869; email Megan Bonilla; or go to our website. All are welcome. Please let your parishioners know of this special Liturgy.
[Please visit our website for the most updated schedule of events.]
Cemetery Sunday Mass | Sunday, November 5, 2023, 3:00 p.m. | Join us in the celebration of Mass. Cemetery Sunday Mass is schedule for November 5, 2023 at 3 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at the following cemeteries. For more information please email Rhonda Abrams or call 216-930-4866
Graveside Prayer Service for Deceased Priests | Monday, November 20, 2023, 3:00 p.m. | Catholic Cemeteries Association, in collaboration with AM 1260 The Rock, invite you to attend a Graveside Prayer Service for Deceased Priests of the Diocese of Cleveland. The service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park in the priests' section (section10). Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 3:00 pm - Hour of Mercy, followed by placing flowers on the graves of the priests. Rain or shine - all are welcome. A tent will be erected in case of inclement weather.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Christine Amer Mayer, President GAR Foundation | Friday, November 3, 2023 | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information here.
Theology of the Rocks for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, November 13, 2023 | Copper Cup (Ironwood Café) 688 Dover Center in Westlake | Fr. Andy Turner, President- Rector Borromeo Seminary & St. Mary Seminary | 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.
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