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.
Faithful Citizenship
Bishop Malesic has written a letter to the Faithful of the Diocese of Cleveland regarding participation in the upcoming elections. This letter is to be printed and distributed via all parish bulletins as soon as possible. Parishes may also wish to recall these Dos and Don’ts for Election Season. These materials and more can be found at the Faithful Citizenship page of the Diocese of Cleveland website.
World Mission Sunday Collection: 19-20 October 2024
World Mission Sunday this year is on the weekend of 19-20 October 2024. 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 for the Mission Month of October may be found at the Diocesan Mission Office website.
Jubilee Year of Hope
The Vatican has released Mass texts for the Jubilee Year of Hope. They are now available on the USCCB website here. The year begins on Christmas Eve at the Vatican and on the Feast of the Holy Family (Sunday, December 29, 2024) in dioceses around the world. More information on our diocese’s celebration of the Jubilee Year will be forthcoming.
Formation for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Formation sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion continue. Note that a Spanish session has been added in November:
A registration link was sent to priests, deacons and Parish Life Coordinators in August.
November 2024 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.
Friday, November 1, The Solemnity of All Saints, is a holy day of obligation. A Vigil Mass for All Saints may be celebrated Thursday, October 31st, after 4:00 p.m. Masses celebrating the Solemnity are to be celebrated on Friday, 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. On Friday evening, All Saints Day is celebrated at the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours, though, for pastoral reasons where it is the custom, Evening Prayer II of All Saints may be followed by Evening Prayer for the Dead.
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day, Saturday, November 2) is not a holy day of obligation. On Saturday evening, priests should anticipate the Mass of the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time at normally scheduled anticipated Masses of Sunday, though the Mass of All Souls’ Day may be used outside that usual schedule. At the Hours, Evening Prayer I of the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time is used in individual recitation, though Evening Prayer for the Dead may be used in celebrations with the people.
Ritual Masses are not permitted on the Solemnity of All Saints or 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.
November 17 is the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. In his Apostolic Letter, Misericordia et Misera, Pope Francis designated this day “World Day of the Poor.” It is suggested that, from this day, the days before Thanksgiving be set aside for deeds of charity, of penance, and for prayers for economic justice.
Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 28th. The Proper Mass is used, with white vestments. 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).
Saint Mary’s Mission and religious articles
Some parishes have been contacted by a Ms. Kimberly Walters of “Saint Mary’s Mission” in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The organization states that it works with Catholic churches, convents, schools, etc., in helping find new homes for used religious items that are no longer needed. If you choose to allow this organization to collect items from your parishioners, please ensure that parishioners are informed that the organization may sell their donated items via online auctions. Please consult with the Diocese of Cleveland archives prior to disposal, gifting or sale of relics or religious objects which have been blessed or used in worship.
September 2024 Announcements
Rev. John J. Schneider concludes his appointment as Pastor, SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Garfield Heights and as Pastor, St. Therese Parish, Garfield Heights and has been appointed Pastor, St. Thomas More Parish, Brooklyn effective 1 October 2024.
Rev. G. David Bline concludes his appointment as Administrator, St. Thomas More Parish, Brooklyn effective 1 October 2024. His appointment as Spiritual Director at St. Mary Seminary, Wickliffe remains unchanged.
Rev. Kevin J. Fox concludes his appointment as Parochial Vicar, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Parma and has been named Administrator, SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Garfield Heights and as Administrator, St. Therese Parish, Garfield Heights effective 1 October 2024.
Rev. Charles M. Butkoski has been reappointed Pastor, St. Adalbert Parish, Berea for a renewable six year term effective immediately.
Rev. Robert J. Kropac has been reappointed Pastor, St. Wendelin Parish, Cleveland for a renewable six year term effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Administrator, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Cleveland.
Rev. Eric S. Orzech has been reappointed Pastor, St. Stanislaus Parish, Cleveland and as Pastor, St. Casimir Parish, Cleveland for a renewable six year term effective immediately.
Rev. Anthony J. Suso has been reappointed Pastor, St. Columbkille Parish, Parma for a renewable six year term effective immediately.
Rev. Msgr. Richard C. Antall, Pastor, Holy Name Parish, Cleveland has been elected as a member At Large, and will serve a five year term on Presbyteral Council effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Joshua J. Cochrac, Administrator, St. Justin Martyr Parish, Eastlake has been elected as a member At Large, and will serve a five year term on Presbyteral Council effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Matthew M. Cortnik, Administrator, SS. Cosmas and Damian Parish, Twinsburg and Dean of the Suburban Southeast Deanery, has been appointed to Presbyteral Council and will serve a six year term effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Timothy W. Gareau, Pastor, St. Colette Parish, Brunswick and Dean of the Suburban Southwest Deanery, has been appointed to Presbyteral Council and will serve a six year term effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Lawrence Jurcak, Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Hudson has been elected as a member At Large, and will serve a five year term on Presbyteral Council effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. George Kusy, Pastor, St. Cyprian Parish, Perry and Dean of the Lake-Geauge Deanery, has been appointed to Presbyteral Council and will serve a six year term effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Mark A. Latcovich, Pastor, St. Ladislas Parish, Westlake and Dean of the Suburban West Deanery, has been appointed to Presbyteral Council and will serve a six year term effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Joseph D. Menkhaus, Jr., Parochial Vicar, St. Bernadette Parish, Westlake has been elected as a member At Large, and will serve a five year term on Presbyteral Council effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Jeremey D. Merzweiler, Pastor, St. Francis de Sales Parish, Akron has been elected as a member At Large, and will serve a five year term on Presbyteral Council effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Stephen P. Moran, Pastor, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Wooster and Dean of the Wayne-Ashland-Medina Deanery, has been appointed to Presbyteral Council and will serve a six year term effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Joseph Previte, Pastor, Holy Rosary Parish and Dean of the Suburban East Deanery, has been appointed to Presbyteral Council and will serve a six year term effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Robert C. Ramser, Pastor, Our Lady of Angels Parish, Cleveland and Dean of the Cleveland West Deanery, has been appointed to Presbyteral Council and will serve a six year term effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. John C. Retar, Pastor, St. Vitus Parish, Cleveland and Dean of the Cleveland East Deanery, has been appointed to Presbyteral Council and will serve a six year term effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. James M. Roach, Pastor, St. John Cantius Parish, Cleveland and Dean of the Cleveland Central Deanery, has been appointed to Presbyteral Council and will serve a six year term effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. John P. Seabold, Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Grafton and Dean of the Lorain Deanery, has been appointed to Presbyteral Council and will serve a six year term effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. John P. Singler, Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Berea has been elected as a member At Large, and will serve a five year term on Presbyteral Council effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Anthony J. Suso, Pastor, St. Columbkille Parish, Parma has been elected as a member At Large, and will serve a five year term on Presbyteral Council effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Edward F. Suszynski, Jr., Pastor, Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Litchfield has been elected as a member At Large, and will serve a five year term on Presbyteral Council effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. William A. Thaden, Pastor, Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain has been elected as a member At Large, and will serve a five year term on Presbyteral Council effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. John A. Valencheck, Pastor, St. Sebastian Parish, Akron and Dean of the Summit South Deanery, has been appointed to Presbyteral Council and will serve a six year term effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Joseph A. Warner, Pastor of Blessed Trinity Parish, Akron and Dean of the Summit North Deanery, has been appointed to Presbyteral Council and will serve a six year term effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Robert W. Wisniewski, Pastor, St. Bridget of Kildare Parish, Parma has been elected as a member At Large, and will serve a five year term on Presbyteral Council effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. John J. Mullee has been appointed to the office of Faithful Friar of the Knights of Columbus Moses Cleaveland Assembly #800 effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor, St. Monica Parish, Garfield Heights.
Rev. Robert H. Jackson, Senior Priest-Retired, has been appointed Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Fr. Carl Anthony Council #3213 and Friar of the Joseph Bender Assembly #1766 effective immediately.
Rev. Lukas Laniauskas, SJ, Pastor, Gesu Parish, University Heights has been elected to represent the Religious Communities serving in the Diocese of Cleveland, and will serve a five year term on Presbyteral Council effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. James Mayer, O DE M, Pastor, St. Rocco Parish, Cleveland has been elected to represent the Religious Communities serving in the Diocese of Cleveland, and will serve a five year term on Presbyteral Council effective 15 August 2024.
Rev. Francisco Honorato Garnica, CSJ, with permission of the Very Reverend Jesus Jose Berrizbeitia Diaz, Provincial Superior of the USA-Mexico Province of the Congregation of St. Joseph, concludes his assignment as Pastor, La Sagrada Familia, Cleveland effective 15 October 2024.
R&R (Receive and Remain)
Join us for R&R at the seminary. The event consists of a time of Adoration with praise and worship followed by Mass with the seminary community and pizza after Mass. Each evening begins with adoration at 6:45pm, followed by Mass at 7:30pm in Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Chapel at the Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe 44092. Visit clepriesthood.org or call 440-943-7631 for more details.
Upcoming 2024-2025 R&R Dates: September 26, 2024; October 24, 2024; November 21, 2024; January 23, 2025; February 20, 2025; March 27, 2025; April 24, 2025.
Discovery Days
Introduce your youth to vocational discernment with a visit to Borromeo and Saint Mary Seminaries at the Center for Pastoral Leadership. During Discovery Days your students will tour the Center for Pastoral Leadership, attend Mass with the seminary community and meet and hear the testimonies of seminarians and religious women and men from the diocese:
November 6, 2024; January 29, 2025.
Call the Vocation Office at 440-943-7631 or visit us at clepriesthood.org to register.
Diocese of Cleveland Celebration of Priesthood Sunday and Seminarian Speakers | October 26-27, 2024
Priesthood Sunday will be observed within the Diocese of Cleveland on October 27, 2024. A Priesthood Sunday Resource Order Form to help celebrate with your school and parish community was emailed in September to all priests and mailed to principals, parish catechetical leaders, and parish secretaries. Seminarian Photo Poster [17 x 22 (four-fold) and 11 x 17 (two-fold) formats] and prayer cards (Prayer for Priests and Seminarians) are available free-of-charge. Please use the form that was provided with the mailing or click on this link to place your poster and prayer card requests. You may also email your order to Mary Avenoso. As in previous years, if you would be willing to host a seminarian to offer a brief vocation reflection at the end of your weekend Masses for the weekend of October 26-27, please indicate this on your Priesthood Sunday order form or contact the Vocation Office at 440-943-7630.
Come and See
The Come and See experience at Borromeo and Saint Mary Seminaries provides a retreat weekend for men between 17 and 44 years of age, offering the opportunity to experience life at the seminary. Please take a few minutes to identify a few potential candidates and contact Fr. Eric Garris, Vocation Director, or call 440-943-7655. We will see that they receive a personal invitation.
Upcoming 2024-2025 Come and See Events: November 9, 2024; February 1-2, 2025; March 29-30,2025.
Women’s Discernment Gathering
A time for women (Ages18+) who are considering consecrated life or actively discerning, to come together in prayer and fellowship. For further details contact Maggie Zbiegien or call 440-743-7631.
Mark Your Calendars – Important Vocation Dates
For further information on any or all of the following programs, contact the Diocesan Vocation Office at 440-943-7630 or visit clepriesthood.org. Vocation Office Event Sheet is available at here.
Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology
Presents The 2024 Mullen Lecture | Jim Towey | Sunday, November 10, 2024,6:30pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH
ASF Video Production Opportunity- October Date Added
The Catholic Community Foundation is happy to announce that an additional date has been added to the ASF Video Production Day schedule: Thursday, October 3rd. Filming will be at Shape Cleveland (6229 St. Clair Avenue). Please schedule a time here or contact Kaitlyn Novicky at 216-696-6525, ext. 1680 for more information.
Year-End Giving (suggested bulletin announcement):
This season of giving is a perfect time to express your gratitude for the blessings in your life by making a year-end gift to our parish. As you plan your charitable contributions for 2024, please 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
Give Back, Give Catholic. 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 22 at midnight.
You can make a gift to our parish using your IRA
As Christian stewards, we are called to help make our Church a strong community of faith and a beacon of service to others. This includes supporting the financial needs of today while ensuring a stable foundation for the future. One way to contribute is through your IRA. If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) of up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to your parish. This gift will not be taxable income and can satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD). Looking ahead, you might also consider naming our parish as a beneficiary of your IRA. Click here for more details, consult your financial advisor or contact Mary Lou Ozimek at 216-696-6525 x4070.
2024 Catholic Charities Appeal – just under $13.5M has been raised as of August 31.
Solicitation Letter: More than 50,000 households received a letter from Bishop Malesic asking for monetary support of the 2024 Appeal. We are fast approaching our $15.0M goal and every little bit helps support the nearly 400,000 people who rely on the 160 programs throughout the diocese.
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.
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 230,000 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.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, Disability Services & Ministries
Spiritual & Wellness Retreat for adults with disabilities and their caregivers
Catholic Charities Disability Services & Ministries is hosting a Spiritual & Wellness Retreat for adults with disabilities and their caregivers on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 9:30am to 3:00pm, at Center for Pastoral Leadership – 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092. This day will provide an opportunity for all to engage in break out groups and discover a new meaning of wellness while connecting with our family in faith. To learn more and to register, email Megan Bonilla.
Strengthening Our Faith Grants
(Part of the Rooted in Faith – Forward in Hope 2024 Initiative)
Provides funding for innovative and effective parish faith formation programs. Monies awarded build capacity for sacramental preparation as well as children, young people, young adult and adult faith formation efforts. There is a limit of $15,000 on the amount that may be requested. Applications are currently available in the Digital Academy or contact Lauren O’Hara in the Office of Catechetical Formation at 216-696-6525 ext. 1920.
Catechetical Media Grants (funded by the annual Matching Funds Campaign of the Ohio Knights of Columbus) Monies awarded provide critical funding for current and media-based catechetical materials for faith formation. Parishes and Schools are encouraged to apply. There is a limit of $1,000 per parish or school each year. Media Grant Application is available here.
The Culture Project Missionaries missioned to the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland have returned and are available for presentations to middle and high school young people and young adults through May 2025. TCP Missionaries are recent college graduates who are formed in Catholic Social Teaching and give dynamic presentations on the inherit dignity of humanity, the benefits of sexual integrity, and healthy living in an online age. There is no cost to host presentations. Schedule The Culture Project presentations here.
The Culture Project is pleased to invite you to an inspiring evening of reflection and discussion on the influence of social media and technology on young people. The event, titled “Fully Alive: Pointing Young People Beyond the Digital World,” will be held on Thursday, October 17th, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Family Life Center, St. Basil the Great Parish, 8700 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, OH 44141. Click here for more information or to RSVP, or contact events@thecultureproject.org
Eucharistic Revival | Year of Mission
For ideas on how YOU can start the missionary work of the Eucharistic Revival, please check out the Parish Revival page on our diocesan website. Also check out the Parish Point Person page on the National Eucharistic Revival website, including the Year of Mission Playbook and sign up to receive regular updates.
Office for Child Protection | 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, 2024 -- June 30, 2025. When published, parishes are asked to forward an electronic copy of the bulletin to childprotection@dioceseofcleveland.org.
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.
Office of Black Catholic Ministries
An Evening with Best-Selling Author Immaculee Ilibagiza
Thursday, October 3, 6:30pm | St. Mary Church, Hudson
Office of Hispanic Ministry
Celebración de Fe y Cultura | Faith and Culture Celebration
Saturday, October 5, 7:00 pm | St. Michael the Archangel, Cleveland
Parish Life Office
Asian Catholic Community Annual Mass & Gathering
Sunday, October 6, 12:00pm-3:00pm | St. Clarence Parish, North Olmsted
Lay Ecclesial Ministry Office
Certification Liturgy
Saturday, October 12, 10:00 am | Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland
Office of Young Adult Ministry
Theology on Tap West
October 15, 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Forest City Brewery, Cleveland
Office of Youth Ministry
Night Bootcamp - Side Hustle: Youth Ministry
Wednesday, October 16, 6:30pm-8:30pm | St. Peter Parish, North Ridgeville
This evening is designed for those who lead youth ministry at their parish but cannot meet during the workday. Dinner included. Register by Oct 9.
Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
Embracing Holy Intimacy: Including God in Your Marriage
Sunday, October 19, 5:30pm-7:30pm | St. Raphael Parish, Bay Village
Office of Young Adult Ministry
Theology on Tap East
Wednesday, October 23, 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Bar Louie, Lyndhurst
Office of Youth Ministry
Middle School YM Gathering: Development of the Middle School Brain
Thursday, October 24, 10:00am-11:30am | Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Wadsworth
Office of Young Adult Ministry
Faith AND Science Conference
Saturday, November 2, 9:30am-2:00pm | MAPS Air Museum, North Canton
Office of Youth Ministry
YM Bootcamp and Campus Minister Gathering: Retreat Planning & Models
Wednesday, November 6, 3:00pm-5:00pm | Holy Name High School, Parma Heights
Join youth ministers and high school campus ministers as we discuss all things retreat related and share best practices. Register by Oct 30.
[Please visit our website for the most updated schedule of events.]
Cemetery Sunday Mass | Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
Join us in the celebration of Mass. Cemetery Sunday Mass is schedule for November 3, 2024 at 3 p.m. Click on the attached flyer to see where Mass will be celebrated. For more information, please email Rhonda Abrams or call 216-930-4866. (Note: Daylight Savings Time ends on November 3, 2024.)
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Fr. Doug Brown, Pastor Mary, Queen of Peace parish speaking on: Spiritual Warfare for Halloween | Thursday, October 3, 2024 | Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Registration and more information can found here.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Bishop Edward C. Malesic | Friday, October 4, 2024 | 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, October 14, 2024 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Fr. Neil Walters | Click here for more information.
St Malachi's Samaritan Ministry
The Problem with Alcohol & Other Drugs--Impact on the Family | Saturday, October 26, 2024| | 1:00-3:45 PM in Stella Maris Auditorium | Click here for the flyer
* * *
Submissions for the next Memorandum should be made to Ann Marie Perkins by the 15th of the preceding month. Guidelines for submissions ar
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 © 2024
Subscribe! Sign up to receive news & updates.
1 of 22