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.
The Retirement Fund for Religious | December 7 – 8, 2024
The Retirement Fund for Religious is an annual collection that raises funds that are distributed to religious communities throughout the eight counties of the diocese and across the country. A gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious help provide medications and care to these communities and the immediate needs of their elder members.
+ The in-pew collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious will be December 7 – 8, 2024. Donations are also accepted online at RetiredReligious.org.
Last year, through your generosity, $318,000 was donated. Most importantly, please pray for God’s blessing onallreligious. Rest assured; they are praying for you. “Please give to those who have given a lifetime.”
2024-2025 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 Most Blessed Sacrament for an extended period of time should take place once a year, even if not strictly continuously, so that the local community may meditate on and adore this mystery more profoundly.
Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside Mass, 86
The schedule for 2024-2025 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 2024 Liturgical Calendar
The new liturgical year begins on Sunday, December 1st, the first Sunday of Advent. The Sunday lectionary cycle is Year C and the weekday cycle for Ordinary Time is Cycle I.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9 – A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION
In 2024, December 8 is the Second Sunday of Advent, so the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to Monday, December 9. Previously, it was believed that when the date of celebration was transferred, the obligation was abrogated. This was incorrect.
From the USCCB: Earlier this year, Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, wrote to the Holy See seeking clarification about the obligation to attend Mass when a holy day of obligation in Advent, Lent, or Easter falls on Sunday and the Solemnity is transferred to Monday. In a memo to the U.S. bishops dated Thursday, October 10, Bishop Paprocki communicated the Dicastery for Legislative Text’s response: “the feast must be observed as a day of obligation on the day to which it is transferred.” Therefore the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Monday, December 9, 2024 is to be observed as a holy day of obligation. The Optional Memorial of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, December 9, is omitted.
Please note that this clarification was issued after the Ordo was printed, so the printed Ordo is wrong when it states that the celebration of the Immaculate Conception on December 9, 2024 is not a holy day of obligation.
Beginning December 17, the Advent weekdays are intended to serve to prepare more directly for the Lord’s Birth (Universal Norms, 42). Advent Preface II is used at Mass; proper Invitatories, hymns, daily propers and proper antiphons at MP and EP, as well as the “O” Antiphons at the Magnificat, are used in the celebration of the Hours. The hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” based on these antiphons, may fittingly be used at the Eucharist and at the Hours.
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) is a holy day of obligation. Vigil Masses for the Nativity may be celebrated after 4:00pm on Tuesday, December 24. Masses celebrating the Solemnity are to be celebrated on Wednesday, December 25. Any set of readings from any of the Christmas Masses (Lectionary nos. 13-16) may be used on Christmas Day according to the pastoral needs of each celebration.
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. If the manger is placed in the church, it must not be placed in the presbyterium (see Book of Blessings, 1542-1544.)
The Christmas season, especially the Solemnity of the Epiphany, is a traditional time when homes may be blessed. For the Blessing of Homes during this season, see Book of Blessings 1597-1621 or Household Blessings 88-91. For the Blessing of a Christmas Tree, see Book of Blessings 1570-1596 or Household Blessings 78-81.
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).
December 29, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, marks the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Hope. Information about the Jubilee 2025 can be found on the USCCB’s website here. More information on our diocese’s celebration of the Jubilee Year will be forthcoming. At Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family, a priest may wish to make use of the Blessing of a Family as found in Book of Blessings 62-67, making the necessary adaptations or additions as needed.
October 2024 Announcements
Rev. Anthony J. Schuerger has been granted permission to reside at the rectory of Holy Name Parish, Cleveland effective 1 October 2024. His status of Awaiting Assignment remains unchanged
Rev. Joseph L. Labak, Pastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Wadsworth has been appointed Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Father Carl Anthony Council #3213 effective immediately.
Rev. Louis Carey, OSB, with the permission of the Right Reverend Gary Hoover, OSB, Abbot of St. Andrew Abbey, has been appointed Administrator, Assumption Parish, Broadview Heights effective immediately.
Rev. Jose Fifin, CSJ, with permission of the Very Reverend Jesús José Berrizbeitia Diaz, CSJ, Provincial Minister of the Congregation of St. Joseph, USA/Mexico Province, has been appointed Administrator, La Sagrada Familia Parish, Cleveland effective 15 October 2024.
Deacon Scott Cerrito concludes his diaconal assignment at St. Colette Parish, Brunswick effective immediately and his current status is Awaiting Assignment.
Graduate Study at Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology
Spring 2025 SemesterSaint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology welcomes men and women who wish to study graduate theology to consider the Master of Arts (Theology) degree program or Continuing Education courses to advance personal theological knowledge. Please consult the seminary website for information about course offerings in Spring 2025. If you are a current student, please review the Academic Bulletin for Spring 2025 and register for your spring courses. New students who are interested in more information about studying in the Graduate Program, please contact the Registrar to schedule an appointment.
Saint Mary Seminary Outreach Trust Fund
Funds are now available through the "Outreach Trust Fund" administered by Saint Mary Seminary. Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, money is available to provide assistance for projects that will aid the poor and needy of the Diocese of Cleveland; promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life, with a special concern for the needs of minority groups; or assist the foreign missions. This Fund is unrelated to the Seminary Endowment Fund, which helps finance operations at the Seminary. Fund Trustees are now accepting proposals requesting funding up to $7,500. For an application, please write to Office of the Treasurer, Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, 28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe, OH 44092 or e-mail. Completed applications must be submitted no later than November 15, 2024. Grants are scheduled to be awarded no later than January, 2025.
2024 Catholic Charities Appeal – more than $13.6M has been raised as of September 30. We are well on our way to our $15 million goal
During the week of November 18, 55,000 households will receive a letter from Pat Gareau asking for support of the 2024 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 2025 In Pew Appeal will take place in all parishes Feb. 15-16. Email Sarah Gozur or call 216-696-6525 x1910 with questions
School Disbursements- Disbursements were made in October for 2024/25 Diocesan Tuition Assistance (DTA), Fund A Dream (FAD), School Employee Fund (SEF), Special Scholarships, and Angel Scholarship Fund-Designated & Undesignated (ASF). Two checks were issued for each school, where applicable: One check included DTA, FAD, SEF, and special scholarships; and a second check included designated & undesignated ASF scholarships. [The total designated ASF scholarship amount will only be included in the ASF check if final September student recommendations were approved and signed attestations sent to the Diocese. Please email questions to asf@dioceseofcleveland.org.]
#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, December 3. 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. For the convenience of donors, gifts through #weGIVECATHOLIC may be made in advance starting on November 23 at midnight.
Below is a blurb that parishes can copy and paste into their weekly bulletin. To access more year-end giving information and resources, please click here.
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. As you plan to make the most of your charitable donations in 2023, we gratefully accept cash gifts, Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA, and appreciated assets such as stocks or bonds.
FLU VACCINES
All Diocese employees and their dependents are eligible to receive a flu vaccine at any CVS pharmacy at no cost to them. You can walk in, call, or schedule your appointment online: www.cvs.com Employees enrolled in one of our health plans need to simply show their CVS/Pharmacy card to their pharmacist. If you have misplaced your card, please call (844) 431-4882 or go to www.caremark.com to request a replacement card.
Those employees and their dependents not on our plans need to use a flu vaccine voucher. CVS is no longer providing us with generic vouchers. Please distribute the CVS Vaccine Voucher link to Eligible Participants: http://www.scrxflu.com/CVS24vrVO.aspx?ClientContractID=W26D2377
The CVS Vaccine Voucher can be printed or downloaded on the Eligible Participant’s phone. To register for a vaccination with the voucher, please make an appointment at https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/get-vaccinated. Eligible Participants will enter the CVS Vaccine Voucher information when registering online for their vaccination appointment. The voucher must be presented to the CVS immunizer at the time of vaccination. If you have any issues accessing a voucher, please email: vaccines@script-claim.com
If your parish cannot fulfill your All Souls’ Day Mass intentions, you may send them to the Diocesan Mission Office. We will be happy to forward these intentions to those priests who request Mass Stipends from us.
The Diocesan Social Action Office for Catholic Charities Cleveland is once again celebrating the month of November as Catholic Social Teaching Month. Resources for parishes and individual use have been prepared and are available here. We celebrate Dignity of the Person, Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, Solidarity and Call to Participation in Family and Community during the four weeks of November. This is the perfect follow up to Respect Life Month in October, and a great way to lead into Advent. New this year will be Monday evening webinars featuring prayer, reflection and a presentation on each of the four pillars of CST and how we are addressing needs within the Catholic Charities Cleveland system. Check the Social Action Office’s web page for zoom registration. If you have questions, please email Deacon Paul Kipfstuhl.
Eucharistic Revival
Bring “Walk with One” to Your Parish
To help your parish participate more fully in the Year of Mission, the “Walk with One” guide has been updated with practical applications that you can easily implement at the parish level. You’ll find tips and ideas to equip your parish to embrace this evangelistic initiative as a community. Imagine the exponential effect of every Catholic in your parish accompanying someone else on their journey toward Christ and his Church. In addition, spread the word with the free parish kit that features social media assets, including images and text, so all you have to do after downloading is copy, paste, and post to your parish’s accounts. Download the Walk With One Guide (UPDATED) and Parish Kit (NEW)
Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration
The 50th Jubilee celebration for marriages is scheduled for June 29, 2025. More information can be found here. Starting January 2025, all couples married in 1975 may request a letter from Bishop Malesic and a certificate to commemorate the special occasion. These will be sent out on a monthly basis. We also encourage clergy to come and concelebrate the Wedding Jubilee Mass if you are able.
Blue Christmas
Blue Christmas is a Western Christian tradition to help comfort fellow parishioners that are grieving and struggling to find joy and hope during the holiday season. Blue Christmas resources are available through the Marriage and Family Office. If you are hosting and want support with planning or graphics, please email Victoria.
Office of Youth Ministry
Youth Minister Bootcamp & Campus Minister Gathering: Retreat Planning & Models
Wednesday, November 6, 3:00-5:00pm | Holy Name High School, Parma
Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Renew and Reconnect: An Evening for Lay Ecclesial Ministers
Thursday, November 7, 7-9pm | Holy Family Parish, Stow
Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
Pre-Cana Retreat
Saturday, November 9, 8:30am-5:30pm | St. Joseph Parish, Avon Lake
Office of Hispanic Ministry
Formation Day | Día de Formación para equipos de ministerio de matrimonios
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Office for Missionary Discipleship
Alpha Holy Spirit Day Away
Saturday, November 9, 9am-3pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Catholic Renewal Ministries
Traveling Charismatic Mass
Friday, November 15, 7:00pm | St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Gates Mills
Office of Young Adult Ministry
Theology on Tap West
Tuesday, November 19, 7-9pm | Forest City Brewery, Cleveland
Office of Young Adult Ministry
Theology on Tap East
Wednesday, November 20, 7-9pm | Bar Louie, Lyndhurst
Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry
OCIA Workshops – Session 1
Saturday, November 23, 10am-Noon | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Office of Black Catholic Ministries
Eucharistic Adoration and Black Catholic Heritage
Thursday, November 7, 7pm | St. Aloysius/St. Agatha Church, Cleveland
Wednesday, November 11, 7pm | St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima, Cleveland
Monday, November 18, 7pm | Our Lady of Peace, Cleveland
Friday, November 29, 7 pm | Holy Spirit Church, Garfield Heights
Join us for one or all four prayer services as we celebrate Black Catholic History Month.
Office of Youth Ministry
Youth Minister Bootcamp: Sharing Hope with Grieving Teens
Wednesday, December 4, 10:00am-12:00pm | Cornerstone of Hope, Independence
Catholic Renewal Ministries
Advent Love: How Love Shapes Our Brains
Saturday, December 14, 10:00am-12:00pm | Holy Family, Stow
Office of Youth Ministry
CLE 2:16: Diocesan High School Youth Conference
Saturday, January 4, 10:00am-9:00pm | John Carroll University, University Heights
Tickets sales close November 20 or when sold out.
Our annual VIRTUS Facilitator training will be on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 9am-4pm (lunch included) at the diocesan offices, 1404 E. 9thStreet, 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 no later than November 11, 2024.
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 presenting petitions to be read at all parishes either on that weekend, or during a Sunday Mass in November, that reflect our commitment to creating safe environments throughout the Diocese.
[Please visit our website for the most updated schedule of events.]
Catholic Cemeteries Association (CCA) is seeking candidates to serve as substitute Grief Support Leaders at our monthly Grief Support meetings when a regular group leader is unable to serve. Qualified candidates will have previous training as a Minister of Consolation through the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved or have a desire to be trained by CCA in this capacity, have a calling to serve the bereaved in our communities, and a compassionate and listening heart. Candidates will have the ability to work with diverse groups of people with varying grief needs and be beyond any significant personal grief/loss. Our Grief Support Groups meet the 3rd Sunday of every month from 3-4 pm (Virtual Group meets at 5:00pm). Group leaders arrive a half-hour early to set-up. The grief support leaders will facilitate and guide discussions, not counsel. Support group leaders will receive a small stipend for each session led. We provide monthly agenda/handouts, meeting space at six cemetery offices (Zoom for the Virtual meeting), and NCMB-based Minister of Consolation training. All interested candidates may email Rhonda Abrams, Bereavement Coordinator, or call 216-930-4866.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Patricia Minrovic, President of the Christ Child Society of Akron | Friday, November 1, 2024 | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information here.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Dr. Frank O'Linn, Secretary for Education and Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, moderates a High School Student Panel | Thursday, October 31, 2024 | Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Registration and more information can found here.
Theology of the Rocks for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, November 11, 2024 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Fr. Damian Ference | 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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