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 13 – 14, 2025
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 13-14, 2025. 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 on all religious. Rest assured, they are praying for you. “Please give to those who have given a lifetime.”
2025-2024 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 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 2025-2026 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.
Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion 2026
The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will be celebrated on Sunday, 22 February 2026 at Cleveland Public Auditorium, beginning at 2pm. Participation in the Rite of Election is not optional for adult catechumens journeying to the Paschal Sacraments at this year’s Easter Vigil. Families and parishioners are encouraged to attend this powerful witness of faith, whether or not your parish has catechumens or candidates. More information will be forthcoming.
St. Christina Hymn Contest
The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist’s crypt chapel holds the skeletal remains of a 3rd century martyr, St. Christina. She was martyred as a young teen and initially laid to rest in the catacombs of St. Pontianus outside Rome. Pope Pius XI gifted the relic to Bishop Schrembs in 1925. To celebrate the centenary of her presence and patronage here, the Diocese of Cleveland is proud to accept submissions for a new hymn in her honor from 1 Nov 2025 to 1 May 2026. Click here for the contest rules.
December 2025 Liturgical Calendar
The new liturgical year begins on Sunday, November 30th, the first Sunday of Advent. The Sunday lectionary cycle is Year A, the weekday cycle for Ordinary Time is Cycle II.
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday, December 8 is a Holy Day of Obligation, as it is the Patronal Feast Day of the United States. Because the Sundays of Advent are of higher precedence on the Table of Liturgical Days than Solemnities of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Masses at any time on Sunday, December 7 are of the Second Sunday of Advent. Masses at any time on Monday, December 8 are of the Immaculate Conception.
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 morning prayer and evening prayer, 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 celebration of 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 Wednesday, December 24. Masses celebrating the Solemnity are to be celebrated on Thursday, 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. Prior to the opening procession, the Mass during the Night may begin with the announcement by a deacon, a lector, or some other minister of The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ from the Roman Martyrology, reprinted in the Roman Missal, appendix I, 1293—1295.
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 Book of Household Blessings and Prayers 88-91. For the Blessing of a Christmas Tree, see Book of Blessings 1570-1596 or Book of Household Blessings and Prayers 78-81.
On December 28, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, 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. Though the Feast of the Holy Innocents is omitted this year, special prayers may be offered for the innocent who have perished through abortion, starvation, and war might be offered today in the Universal Prayer at Mass.
On December 28, at the 5:30pm Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, we will celebrate the Closing of the Jubilee Year of Hope. All are invited to attend.
School Disbursements: Three checks were issued for each school, where applicable: one check for designated ASF; a second check which includes DTA, FAD, SEF, and special scholarships; a final third check for undesignated ASF scholarships. The designated ASF checks were prepared in early October and should have arrived in mid-October. The two subsequent checks were prepared in mid-October and should arrive by early November. Please email questions to dhummon@dioceseofcleveland.org.
2025 Catholic Charities Appeal
More than $14M has been raised as of September 30. We are getting closer to our goal of $15.3M. During the week of November 17, 55,000 households will receive a letter from Bishop Malesic asking for support of the 2025 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.
#weGIVECATHOLIC - Tuesday, December 2!
More than 240 Catholic organizations are participating in Northeast Ohio’s Online Day of Catholic Giving, #weGIVECATHOLIC, on Tuesday, December 2. Powered by the Catholic Community Foundation, #weGIVECATHOLIC celebrates 10 years of generosity, with donors helping to raise more than $21 million since 2016 to strengthen our Catholic community. Support your favorite parishes, schools, Catholic Charities sites and programs, and Catholic nonprofits—and remember, early giving begins November 22 at midnight.
October 2025 Announcements
Rev. Andrew J. Hoover has been appointed Administrator of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Parma, effective 1 October 2025. This assignment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Parma. His residence remains unchanged.
Rev. Mark J. Peyton has been granted Senior Priest-Retired status in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 1 October 2025.
Rev. John J. Schneider concludes his appointment as Administrator of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Cleveland effective 1 October 2025. He remains Pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Brooklyn.
Rev. Philip Bernier, OFM CAP, with the recommendation of the Very Reverend Robert Marva, OFM Cap., Provincial Superior of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, Province of St. Augustine, has been appointed Presbyteral Moderator of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Cleveland, effective 1 October 2025. This appointment is in addition to his appointment as Pastor of St. St. Peter Parish, Cleveland and Administrator of Conversion of St. Paul Shrine, Cleveland. His residence remains unchanged.
Rev. William G. Bouhall has been appointed to serve as Bishop Malesic’s designee as a member of the Board of Directors of the Incarnate Word Academy. The term is effective from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028. This appointment is in addition to his current appointment as Director of Spiritual Formation/Spiritual Director of Borromeo Seminary.
Rev. John S. Mulhollan concludes his assignment as Parochial Vicar of St. Francis Xavier Parish and has been granted an authorized Leave of Absence for Personal Leave effective 1 November 2025 for a period of one year in order to attend to his family's medical care.
Rev. Anthony A. Donatelli has been appointed to serve as Chaplain to Oberlin College effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Parochial Vicar of Holy Trinity Parish, Avon and Parochial Vicar of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Avon.
Rev. Alexander C. Spenik has been granted permission to serve as a Catholic Chaplain for the Lorain County Sheriff Office effective immediately.
Rev. Stephen M. Spisak has been appointed to the office of Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Archbishop Hallinan Assembly Council 1767 effective immediately.
Rev. Msgr. Thomas A. Laczko, with permission from the Very Reverend Monsignor George E. Stuart, Vice Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Washington, has been granted faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 22 September 2025 for a period of one year to exercise ministry at Jennings at Brecksville.
Deacon Ramon J. Dimascio concludes his diaconal assignment at St. Bernard Parish, Akron and St. Mary Parish, Akron and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective 1 November 2025.
Mr. Anthony Camino concludes his assignment as Parish Life Coordinator of St. Augustine Parish, Cleveland effective 15 September 2025.
Mr. Robert Duda has been appointed Parish Life Coordinator of St. Augustine Parish, Cleveland effective 15 September 2025
Mr. Jason Lewis has been appointed Parish Life Coordinator of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Cleveland effective 1 October 2025.
Welcome to the team: Megan Lowes-Bolin
The Secretariat for Catechetical Formation and Parish Life is pleased to welcome Megan Lowes-Bolin to our staff. Megan is our new Director of Young Adult Ministry. With more than a decade of experience in parish ministry, higher education, and Catholic consulting, Megan brings a unique blend of pastoral insight, program development expertise, and leadership formation to the role. We are so excited that Megan has joined our team.
Office for Protection of Children & Youth
Reporting abuse is critical to the safety of our children. Please remind everyone in your parish/school community to report any suspected inappropriate behavior as noted below. The OPCY asks parishes to publish the bulletin announcement below at least twice during the Audit period of July 1, 2025 -June 30, 2026. When published, parishes are asked to forward an electronic copy of the bulletin to childprotection@dioceseofcleveland.org. Thank you for helping to keep all kids safe.
Bulletin announcement to comply with the requirements of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People:
Protecting God’s Children
The Diocese of Cleveland’s “Protecting God’s Children” program is a continuing effort to instruct and inform everyone about the protection of children from sexual abuse. To report any past or present suspected inappropriate behavior toward children by priests, deacons, religious, lay ecclesial ministers or personnel associated with the Church, immediately inform local authorities about inappropriate behavior. Also, please contact the Diocesan Response Service Office at 216-334-2999 or via email at response_services@dioceseofcleveland.org.
Digital Encounter with Pope Leo XIV at NCYC
November 21, 10:15am, Online
Pope Leo XIV will hold a 45-minute digital dialogue with young people from across the United States during the National Catholic Youth Conference. This marks the first time in history that a Pope will directly engage U.S. youth in a live digital encounter—a conversation broadcast worldwide from Lucas Oil Stadium through EWTN. All are invited to register here to be a part of this global moment of faith, dialogue, and unity. Please share this invitation with others. By registering you will receive:
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
The Jubilee bulletin insert for November 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. The Pope’s monthly intention for November is for collaboration between different religious traditions. Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice, and human fraternity.
Save the Date: 2026 Week of Service
The Diocesan Week of Service is an initiative that brings together people to serve across Northeast Ohio from March 22-29, 2026. Throughout the week, volunteers will partner with Catholic Charities, parish groups, and community organizations. Together we will participate in organized service projects that reflect our shared mission of compassion, dignity, and justice. Volunteer sign-ups will begin in early January. All are welcome. Contact Kim Kocuba with questions.
Young Adult Townhall Meetings
The Office for Young Adult Ministry is currently scheduling Young Adult Townhall Meetings at parishes across the Diocese. These gatherings are a chance to hear directly from priests, parish leaders, and young adults about how the office can best support efforts to welcome young adults into active parish life and foster missionary discipleship in the local Church. If you’re interested in hosting a Townhall at your parish, please contact Dr. Megan Lowes-Bolin, Director of Young Adult Ministry.
Catholic Social Teaching Month – November 2025
Throughout November, Catholic Charities’ Diocesan Social Action Office invites parishes and families to celebrate Catholic Social Teaching Month by deepening their understanding of the Church’s rich social tradition. The Office for Human Life is promoting this as a natural follow-up to Respect Life Month, continuing reflection on the dignity of the human person and our shared call to the common good. The DSAO webpage features weekly video presentations highlighting each CST theme through the lens of local Catholic Charities programs, along with liturgical and educational resources for parish use. Social media posts for each week are also available on the webpage.
National Marriage Week is February 7-14 with World Marriage Day being celebrated on Sunday, February 8. The year’s theme is “Man and Woman He Created them: Together with Purpose.” Homily helps, take-home retreats, and signage will be available in the coming months. We will again celebrate marriage in Cleveland on January 24, 2026 at St. Noel with a night of Adoration, Dinner and Dancing. We know this is early, but it allows parishes to offer their own celebration in February. Parishes that might be interested in sending a group to the event can reach out to Victoria Uhase for details.
We are also currently scheduling marriage mentor training dates for 2026 around the Diocese. The office has developed some helpful resources for discernment for clergy, as well as for couples that might be interested in becoming marriage mentors. If you are interested in learning more or if you would like to host a training for your deanery, please email Joe Mikolajczyk for information.
Saturday, November 8, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Co-Workers as the Family of God | Lay Ecclesial Ministry Office
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Thursday, November 13
Prayerful Witness for Immigrants | Office for Human Life & DSAO—Catholic Charities
Various locations and times; virtual option available at 12:00 pm
Parishes can host their own parish service. For more information and resources, contact Tony Dipre.
Thursday, November 13, 2:00 pm
ChristLife Webinar for Cleveland | Office of Missionary Discipleship
For questions, contact Christy Cabaniss.
November 14 & 15, 2025
Eastern Church Seminar: 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea | Ecumenical & Interfaith Affairs
Great Vespers | Friday, November 14, 7:00 pm - 8:30pm | St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, Cleveland
Public Lecture | Saturday, November 15, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm | John Carroll University, Lombardo Student Center, Jardine Room
Presenter: Very Rev. Dr. Bogdan G. Bucket, Assistant Professor of Patristics, St. Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary
Saturday, November 15, various sessions from 9:00am - 2:00pm
Religious Recognition Training for Girl Scout Leaders | Youth Ministry Office
St. Ambrose Parish, Brunswick
Please share this with the Girl Scout leaders in your parish to encourage them to facilitate the Catholic Religious Medal Programs for their troops.
Saturday, November 15, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Retreat Based on the Spirituality modeled by the Life of Servant of God, Sr. Thea Bowman | Office of Black Catholic Ministries
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Wednesday, November 19, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Theology on Tap East for Young Adults - Fr. Alex Clark, "He Loved Us: The Sacred Heart of Jesus in Scripture." | Young Adult Ministry
Pizzazz on the Circle, University Heights
Saturday, November 22, 4:30pm
Annual Global Celebration of Youth & Young Adults | Young Adult Ministry
The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland
Wednesday, December 3, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Middle School Youth Minister Gathering | Youth Ministry Office
St. Gabriel Parish, Concord Twp
Gathering for those who minister to grades 6-8.
Friday, December 5, 2025
Walking with Hope: An Advent Day of Reflection | Marriage & Family Ministry
Jesuit Retreat Center, Cleveland
Saturday, December 13, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Staff Dynamics/Working Genius | Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Disability Services & Ministries
Journey to Bethlehem Mass | Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11:30am
Join Catholic Charities Disability Services & Ministries for the 40thAnnual Journey to Bethlehem Liturgy on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:30 am, with our celebrant Bishop Michael Woost. Mass will take place at St. John Bosco, 6480 Pearl Rd, Parma Hts. where Fr. Matthew Byrne is the Pastor. This liturgy is for persons with disabilities, their families, and friends and is a beautiful Christmas celebration, with a light luncheon following. For information email megan.bonilla@ccdocle.org All are welcome! Please let your parishioners know of this special Liturgy.
Please click here for our most updated schedule of events.
Graveside Prayer Service for Deceased Priests of the Diocese of Cleveland | Monday, November 17, 2025, 3:00pm | Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park | Click here for more information.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Bishop Neal J. Buckon, Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Registration and more information can be found here.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
David Eich | Friday, November 7, 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, November 10, 2025 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Fr. Dan Schlegel, Pastor, St. Raphael | Click here for more information.
"Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God's Favor"
Presentation by Dr. John Bergsma from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology | December 4, 2025 | St. Francis de Sales Parish, 4019 Manchester Road, Akron, OH 44319 | This is a free event. Registration and more information may be found 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.
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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