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.
World Mission Sunday Collection: 21-22 October 2023
World Mission Sunday this year is on the weekend of 21-22 October 2023. This is the primary weekend that awareness of the worldwide missions is communicated to the Faithful of our parishes. Awareness of the worldwide missions and the World Mission Sunday Collection are promoted in the materials that have been sent to the parishes. This is the principal collection benefiting the almost 1,100 missionary dioceses of the world.
A packet of materials, including posters, General Intercessions, and bulletin announcements, was mailed to each pastor. Homily Hints and other additional materials may be found at the Diocesan Mission Office website.
November 2023 Liturgical Calendar
During November, we are called in a special way to remember “our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection” (Eucharistic Prayer II). A book might be made available in a convenient location in which the faithful may inscribe the names of their beloved dead who would be remembered in prayer during this month.
The Solemnity of All Saints is a holy day of obligation. A Vigil Mass for All Saints may be celebrated Tuesday, October 31st, after 4:00 p.m. Masses celebrating the Solemnity are to be celebrated on Wednesday, November 1st. Relics of the Saints may be carried in the opening procession of the Mass and placed before the altar or some other location of honor.
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) is not a holy day of obligation. Masses celebrating All Souls are to be celebrated on Thursday, November 2. Ritual Masses are not permitted on All Souls’ Day. Weddings within the Mass of the Day may be celebrated.
The “Order for Visiting a Cemetery on All Souls’ Day” (Book of Blessings #1734-1754) may be used by a priest, deacon, lay minister, or a family, either immediately following Mass or apart from Mass. If this is done immediately following Mass, the blessing and dismissal of Mass are omitted. The priest may wear either a chasuble or cope for the procession to the cemetery, and a suitable psalm/song may be sung. If this service is used by a family, a family member takes the minister’s parts.
Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 23rd. The Proper Mass is used, with white vestments. Thanksgiving Day is a holiday with special religious significance. Individuals or families may bring food to Mass to be blessed for their Thanksgiving dinner or for distribution to the poor. The blessing may take place outside of Mass (Book of Blessings #1755-1780).
Helen D. Schubert Concerts Fall 2023
1007 Superior Ave @ E 9th St. Cleveland 44114 | FREE, (no tickets, no reservations)
Free secure parking, Cathedral garage & lot, Rockwell & E. 9th St.
October 18, Wednesday at 7:30pm | Choir of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France | Henri Chalet, Director; Yves Castagnet, Organist | FAURÉ Requiem, plus additional works by Vierne, Poulenc, & Castagnet | https://saintjohncathedral.com/concerts
Parish and School Policy on Gender and Sexuality
After careful study and thoughtful review, a team of experts chosen by the Bishop and representing relevant disciplines throughout the diocese has developed a formal policy on sexuality and gender identity. This team included a moral theologian, leaders of the Office of Parish Life and Marriage and Family Ministry, the Legal Office, the Office of Catholic Education, and the Presbyteral Council. They have spent a great deal of time researching, documenting, discussing, and finalizing the policy, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to this process.
The policy can be found on our website, along with pastoral and theological resources that we hope will present the fullness of Church teaching on these matters and share the goodness of our human nature as a unity of body and soul. The pastoral and theological resources will be updated and supplemented over time.
If you have any questions about the policy or the resources or need guidance on matters you may be dealing with, please contact Maria Wancata in the Office of Marriage and Family Ministry, at 216-696-6525, X2323.
Angel Scholarship Fund & DTA Enrollment Verification Process and Timing
Because of changes to the EdChoice Scholarship program and timing of awards from the State of Ohio, there will now two phases of Diocesan Tuition Assistance (DTA) funding distributions and Angel Scholarship Fund awards. The timing of DTA distributions will depend on when schools complete the enrollment/scholarship verifications on FACTS. The same timing will also apply to the distribution of Angel Scholarship awards. For more information please click here. Please contact Dené Hummon, 520-784-4600 or Fred Roberts, 216-902-1312 with any questions.
2023 Catholic Charities Appeal – just over $13.5M has been raised as of August 31.
Solicitation Letter: Starting September 13, 50,000 households received a letter from Bishop Malesic asking for monetary support of the 2023 Appeal. We are fast approaching our $14.0M goal and every little bit helps support the 425,000 who rely on the 160 programs throughout the diocese.
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.
Spread the Faith Annual Appeal – supporting the Northeast Ohio Catholic Magazine
Solicitation Letter: 25,000 households across our diocese will receive a letter from Bishop Malesic the week of October 11 asking their support to help us “Spread the Faith” and share the Gospel message with the faithful throughout Northeast Ohio. Funds from this appeal will allow the diocese to send the magazine free of charge to more than 235,000 households, deliver the latest news of our diocese to thousands through our weekly digital newsletter, allow us to acquire new technology to increase our broadcasting and live-streaming efforts, and increase our social media reach. Donors should click here to give online, or contact Debra Sudy at 216-696-6525 x3670.
National Estate Planning Awareness Week
National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 16th-22nd. The Catholic Community Foundation has a number of customizable resources to help you promote legacy gifts in your parish community. For more information, please email Mary Lou Ozimek or call 216-696-6525 x4070.
Flu Shots
All Diocese employees and their dependents are eligible to receive a flu vaccine at any CVS Pharmacy at no cost to them. Employees enrolled in one of our health plans need to simply show their CVS/Pharmacy card to their pharmacist. Those not on our plans need to use a flu vaccine voucher. Parishes and schools can obtain vouchers for those employees from the Benefits Office by calling (216) 696-6525, ext. 5040 or by e-mail. Please let us know how many vouchers you need for your site and we will mail them to you. Vaccinations can be scheduled here .
Traveling Vocation Monstrance
“There can be no Eucharist without the priesthood, just as there can be no priesthood without the Eucharist.” -Pope St. John Paul II on the 50thanniversary of his priesthood
As we continue the Eucharistic Revival the Vocation Office will begin circulating their vocation monstrance to parishes around the diocese. This monstrance, which was blessed by Pope St. John Paul II, was gifted to the Office to promote prayer before our Eucharistic Lord for vocations.
Our hope is that parishes will welcome the monstrance for a week and invite their parishioners to pray a Eucharistic holy hour for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for our seminarians and religious in formation, and for our priests and life professed religious.
Many priests and religious will testify that their vocations were born in front of our Eucharistic Lord in Adoration. Only in heaven will they know how they were devotedly prayed for by the faithful in Adoration as well. We invite you to be a part of the army of intercessors supporting the culture of vocations in our diocese.
Your parish can sign up for a week using this link. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Vocation Office at 440.943.7631.
Eucharistic Revival Art Contest
The Diocese of Cleveland Eucharistic Revival Art Contest, for students in grades 2-12, begins October 1, 2023 and submissions will be accepted until January 12, 2024. The theme of the contest is “Eucharist: Bread of Life.” Click here for guidelines and directions to submit artwork.
Eucharistic Miracles Display | October 8-21, 2023 | St. Columbkille Parish, Parma
The exhibition highlights an extensive collection of photographs and records of Eucharistic miracles throughout the world and through history. For more information, please visit the parish website.
VIRTUS Facilitator Training | November 2023 (Date TBD) | Notice to all Pastors and Administrators.
The Office for Protection of Children & Youth will be conducting a VIRTUS facilitator training session in November 2023 (date to be determined). Facilitators are needed to train employees and volunteers on the best practices to create safe environments and prevent child sexual abuse. Please consider recommending someone from your parish to become a facilitator. We currently have some areas lacking available VIRTUS sessions, including the eastern counties and southern counties of the diocese. Reach out to Sharon Minson with any questions about qualifications or duties. Facilitator applications can be found here.
USCCB Charter Requirement
In our continued effort to comply with the requirements of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Office for Protection of Children & Youth is asking parishes to publish the bulletin announcement below at least twice during the Audit period of July 1, 2023 -- June 30, 2024. When published, parishes are asked to forward an electronic copy of the bulletin to Debbie Morris.
Bulletin announcement
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.
The marriage retreat on Oct 14-15 has been rescheduled for December 2-3, 2023.
Ohio March for Life | Friday, October 6, 2023 | Ohio Statehouse 1 Capitol Square, Columbus
Invite your family/friends to join pro-life Ohioans from across the state to worship together, listen to phenomenal speakers, and march through the streets of downtown Columbus. After marching, lunch and learn about the dangers of Issue 1 at the Sheraton Columbus Hotel. RSVP here.
Weekend Healing Retreat 2023 | October 20-22, 2023 | Loyola Retreat House (just north of Canton)
A private, annual, healing retreat hosted by Bethesda House of Mercy. All women who are suffering after an abortion are invited. Come and encounter the mercy of the Lord through the sacraments, prayer, and scripture. For more information, call 1-800-482-4100 or email at reachout@bethesdahouseofmercy.org
Role of Religions in Relation to Environment | Sunday, October 22, 2:30-5pm | John Carroll University, University Heights
What guidance do we find in religious teachings for protection and care of the earth with all the animal and vegetative life on which we humans depend and interact? Please join us as the Cleveland Conference of Religions offers insights into a pressing question for humanity. Find more information and register here.
Catholic Leadership Institute: Parish Life in America | Monday, October 9, 2-5pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Aula Room
Catholic Leadership Institute is conducting what might be the largest study on parish life in America. Dan Cellucci will share insights about what this might mean for lay ecclesial ministry and parish life in the decade ahead. This event is not limited to Lay Ecclesial Ministry. Please promote this to your parish staff members. Register here.
An Evening of Adoration, Fellowship, and Reflection for Couples | Saturday, November 4, 5-9:30pm | Church of the Holy Angels, Chagrin Falls
Couples are invited to attend an evening of adoration with a reflection by Deacon Michael and his wife Francine Costantini. Registration is $25 and includes heavy appetizers. Please note in the registration of any food allergies and the need for babysitting. Deadline is October 25. Tickets are nonrefundable. Register here.
Mass of Remembrance | Monday, October 16, 7:30pm | Ss. Cosmas & Damian, Twinsburg
A Mass of Remembrance for those that have experienced the loss of a child, especially pre-born.
50th Wedding Anniversary Mass Information
Save the Date: On Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 2pm, we will celebrate with all couples married in 1974. Contact the Marriage and Family Office if you have any questions. This year we will also be printing anniversary certificates once a month so that couples can request them early and have them for their anniversary parties. Please encourage couple to visit our website to request a certificate, dioceseofcleveland.org/50th.
Gender Identity Theory: A Loving Catholic Response
Our presenter, Dr. Abigail Favale, is a writer and professor at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame with an academic background in gender studies.
(for Ministers) Saturday, October 28, 1pm, Center for Pastoral Leadership. Please note this event is specifically intended for those who work in a parish ministry program. Register here.
(for Parents) Saturday, October 28, 6pm, Hofbrauhaus Cleveland. This event is co-sponsored by Marriages of Grace. Tickets are $25 per couple. Register on the Marriages of Grace website.
CLE 2:16 | Saturday, January 6, 10am-9pm | John Carroll University
CLE 2:16 is our diocesan youth conference for high school teens to gather in fellowship as the young Church, sponsored by the Office of Youth Ministry. Exploring Luke 2:16, CLE 2:16 will celebrate the parish year of Eucharistic Revival, with a focus on the connection between the incarnation and the Eucharist. Tickets can ONLY be purchased by youth ministers, campus ministers, or parish group leaders. Spots are limited. Register here.
YM Award
The Jan Tyranowski Outstanding Youth Minister Award has been created to recognize an outstanding youth minister in the diocese who, like Jan, has left a lasting impact on the lives of the teens of their parish and helped them to grow deeper in their faith. Please see our webpage to learn who is Jan Tyranowski, what the qualifications are for the recipient of the award, and to nominate someone. Nominations close on October 22. Find out more here.
YM Bootcamp
Mark your calendar for this upcoming year. Registration opens 1-2 months in advance on our events webpage.
For Young Adult Leaders Only: Welcoming New Faces in Advent and Lent | Tuesday, October 3, 7-9:30pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Come together with other young adult leaders to discuss welcoming new faces during Advent. Dinner is included. For the first 25 registrants, both of Paul’s books will be given to you absolutely free. Register at dioceseofcleveland.org/hope. For questions, contact Mike Hayes.
Theology on Tap West | Tuesday, October 17, 7-9pm | Forest City Brewery, Cleveland | Fr. James Watson, OFM, “Returning to the Father”
What can we do to better receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation? How do we overcome fears and anxieties that prevent us from fully receiving Christ’s mercy? Cost is $5. Register here.
Theology on Tap East | Wednesday, October 25, 7-9p | Bar Louie, Lyndhurst
Fr. Tom Woost, “To the Heights: The Life and Impact of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati”
Who is Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati? How is he the “man of the eight beatitudes”?
Cost: $5 for age under 21; $7 for age 21 and over. Register here.
Theology of the Rocks for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, October 9, 2023 | Copper Cup (Ironwood Café)688 Dover Center in Westlake | Fr. Bob Franco, Pastor of both St. Peter N. Ridgeville & St. Julie Billiart | Click here for more information.
All are invited to A Mile for Mary sponsored by The Cleveland Division of the World Apostolate of Fatima on Saturday October 28th. The day begins with holy Mass at Our Lady of Angels at 9:00am followed by the Eucharist Procession in reparation for the sins against the Immaculate Heart of Mary ending at St. Mark's Church. There will be time for Eucharistic Adoration ending with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament followed by a light lunch at St. Mark's. Transportation will be provided for those who cannot walk in the procession."
St. Malachi’s Samaritan Ministry
Abuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs: The Impact on the Family | Saturday, November 4, 2023--from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. virtually via Zoom| Click here for bulletin insert.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
A Father & Son Journey of Faith: Rick Schultz & Fr. Pat Schultz | Thursday, October 5, 2023 | Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary Center for Pastoral Leadership | Registration and more information 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 © 2023
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