October, 2025 | Vol. 59, no. 10 | Prot. No. C-32/2025
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.
New Particular Legislation: Clergy Personnel
Bishop Malesic has promulgated new diocesan particular legislation regarding clergy personnel in two volumes; vol. 1 regarding priests and vol. 2 regarding permanent deacons. These documents came into effect on September 25, 2025, replacing the 2009 editions. Printed copies will no longer be provided by the Diocese. All priests and deacons were sent an electronic copy in late September. You are encouraged you to review these documents and become familiar with their content, as they contain particular law, instructions, and important information pertaining to the many aspects of the ministry of clergy serving in the Diocese of Cleveland. Particular law binds all subjects of the Bishop of Cleveland.
World Mission Sunday | October 18-19, 2025
Celebrated every year on the penultimate Sunday of October, World Mission Sunday is the day when Catholics around the world unite to support the missionary work of the Church. Established by Pope Pius XI in 1926, it remains the only annual global collection that directly supports the 1,124 mission territories where the Church is young, struggling, or persecuted. On this day, every parish, in every diocese, in every country, joins in prayer and giving to ensure that missionaries can continue their vital work—building churches, forming priests, supporting catechists, and serving communities in need.
This year, World Mission Sunday is October 19, 2025. Pastors received a packet of materials to promote World Mission Sunday; a complete preparation guide for parish staffs, including homily helps, liturgical suggestions, etc., can be found on the Mission Office website.
OCIA Workshops
The promulgation of the revised edition of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults offers an opportunity to renew our celebration and pastoral practice of this process. The Offices of Worship and Catechetical Formation are offering a 4-part series of OCIA workshops in October and November. The same content will be offered twice: mornings at the Center for Pastoral Leadership and evenings at St. Christopher Parish. Intended for OCIA team members and clergy, these workshops will delve deeper into each of the periods of the OCIA. Click here for a downloadable flier. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested. For details and registration, click here. Questions, email Mary Hrich.
Formation for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Formation sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion continue:
Priests and parish life coordinators were sent an email with the registration information on July 11. If you have registration questions, please contact Worship@dioceseofcleveland.org.
November 2025 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.
Saturday, November 1, The Solemnity of All Saints is not a holy day of obligation this year. Therefore, Masses on Friday evening, October 31, are those of the day, not the vigil of All Saints. Masses on Saturday November 1 are of All Saints, but in parish Masses on the Saturday scheduled as the regular anticipated Mass for Sunday, the All Souls Mass texts should be used.
Relics of the Saints may be exposed for veneration by the faithful. Relics may also carried in the opening procession of the All Saints Mass and placed before the altar or some other location of honor.
Since Saturday is a common day for the celebration of Marriage in the United States, it should also be noted that Ritual Masses are forbidden on All Saints Day (GIRM, 372). While the Ritual Mass for the Celebration of Marriage is forbidden, the Mass of the day with the ritual itself and the nuptial blessing could be celebrated. Alternatively, the Order of Celebrating Matrimony without Mass could also be used if the celebration of Marriage is to take place on this day. Since All Saints Day is not a holy day of obligation this year, funeral Masses may be celebrated on this day (see GIRM, 380).
Sunday, November 2 is the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day). The Gloria is not sung, but the Creed is proclaimed.
The month of November, especially All Souls’ Day, is a traditional time for visiting graves of loved ones, as is the anniversary of death. The “Order for Visiting a Cemetery,” (see 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 16 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, beginning tomorrow, the days before Thanksgiving be set aside for deeds of charity, of penance, and for prayers for economic justice.
Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 27th. 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).
New Deanery Chairs
On 10 June 2025, Bishop Malesic, on the recommendation of the Deans of each Deanery, appointed the following people to be the Deanery Chairs for their respective Deaneries:
Please keep these men and women in your prayers as they assume this role.
2024 Catholic Charities Appeal –$13.9M has been raised so far in 2025. Close to 50,000 households received a letter from Bishop Malesic asking for monetary support of the 2025 Appeal. We are fast approaching our $15.3M goal and every little bit helps support those who rely on the 160 programs throughout the diocese.
Save the Date: The 2026 In-Pew Appeal will take place in all parishes Feb. 14-15. Email Sarah Gozur or call 216-696-6525 x1910 with questions.
Spread the Faith Annual Appeal – supporting the Northeast Ohio Catholic Magazine. 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 nearly 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.
2025 Alleluia Ball
The Catholic Community Foundation will be holding the Alleluia Ball on October 25, 2025 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. With the theme "Empowering Educators, Students & Innovation, " this biennial gala gathers 1,000 guests in support of Catholic education across Northeast Ohio. Join Bishop Edward C. Malesic and special guest speaker Matthew Kelly for an elegant evening in support of Catholic education.
Tickets and Sponsorship opportunities are still available and can be found online here. A bulletin insert with more information can be found here.
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 2025, please know that we gratefully accept gifts of cash and appreciated assets, such as stocks or bonds, and grants to our parish from donor-advised funds.
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 $108,000 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.
Flu Shots
Diocese employees and their dependents who are enrolled in one of our health plans 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. You simply need to show your CVS/Pharmacy card to your pharmacist. If you have misplaced your card, please call (844) 431-4882 or go to www.caremark.com to request a replacement card. Vouchers will no longer be available. If you have any questions, contact hbo@dioceseofcleveland.org or x5040.
September 2025 Announcements
Rev. Joshua J. Cochrac has concluded his assignment as Administrator of St. Justin Martyr Parish, Eastlake, and has been appointed Pastor of St. Justin Martyr Parish, Eastlake, effective 1 September 2025.
Rev. Gregory F. Schaut has been appointed Presbyteral Moderator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Fairport Harbor effective 15 August 2025. This appointment is in addition to his responsibilities as Chaplain of Lake Health West Medical Center in Willoughby. His residence remains unchanged.
Rev. Michael J. Stalla has concluded his assignment as Presbyteral Moderator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Fairport Harbor effective 15 August 2025. His appointment as Pastor of SS. Robert & William Parish, Euclid, Pastor of St. John of the Cross Parish, Euclid, and Coordinator of Pastoral Formation for St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology and for Borromeo Seminary remains unchanged.
Rev. Martin Hien Tran, SSS, with the request and recommendation of The Very Reverend John Thomas Lane, SSS, Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Paschal Baylon Parish, in Highland Heights, effective 25 August 2025. His residence will be with the community at the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Provincial House in Highland Heights.
Rev. Jan Maturkanic, with permission of the Most Reverend Robert M. Pipta, Bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, has been granted faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland effective 2 September 2025 to exercise priestly ministry by celebrating the Divine Liturgy for the Lyceum at Sacred Heart Parish, South Euclid, every Thursday from September 2025 to June 2026.
Rev. Jan Timo Pavelka, MC, with permission from Reverend Ramon Acesor Lusterio, MC, Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity Brothers Contemplative, has been granted faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland for a period of one year effective 2 September 2025.
Rev. Isaiah Bugaku, AJ has been reassigned outside the Diocese of Cleveland. He concludes his assignment as Chaplain of Holy Family Home and residence at Holy Family Home, Parma effective 1 September 2025.
Rev. John Paul Kuzma, OFM CAP, has concluded his appointment as Chaplain to Cleveland Central High School in Cleveland effective 2 September 2025.
Deacon John V. Nelson has concluded his appointment as Deacon of Immaculate Conception Parish, Willoughby and has been appointed as Deacon of St. Gabriel Parish in Concord Township effective 2 October 2025.
DMin Program Information Night
Do you want to enhance your ministry? The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree may be the answer for you. The DMin degree is an advanced, professional, terminal degree program for experienced clergy, religious, lay ecclesial ministers, and others in formal ministry. The three-year program of study consists of 30 semester credit hours focusing on pastoral theology and its application in the ministry context. We will describe the program, answer questions and introduce you to DMin graduates. 6:30-8:00 pm Monday, November 17, 2025 | Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe, OH | Questions? Contact Dr. Carolyn Apperson
The 2025 Mullen Lecture - Reverend Michael S. Driscoll | Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 6:30p.m. | Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Click here for more information.
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 Phil Guban . Completed applications must be submitted no later than November 21, 2025. Grants are scheduled to be awarded in January 2026.
A Mass is planned on November 1st, All Saints Day, in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist to celebrate the 100thanniversary of the Diocese of Cleveland receiving the relics of St. Christina, an early Christian martyr. All are invited and children of the Diocese are encouraged to dress as favorite as their favorite saint. Following the Mass, all will have the opportunity to venerate the relics of St. Christina.
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
The Jubilee bulletin insert for October 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 October 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.
USCCB National Pastoral on the Laity
You are invited to be part of a nationwide consultation which will assist the U.S. Bishops as they discover how the People of God understand the baptismal identity and co-responsible mission of the laity within the Church and society. Please take some time to complete this survey by Friday, October 10. Click on the link to start the survey.
Respect Life Month 2025 | Office for Human Life
The Respect Life Month Toolkit is now available at dioceseofcleveland.org/humanlife under “Respect Life Month.” Each week highlights a different life-related theme and includes homily helps, sample petitions, handouts, advocacy initiatives, suggested activities, and ready-to-use social media graphics.
Coercive Control and Intimate Partner Violence Resources
In honor of Respect Life Month, the Office for Marriage and Family Ministry has also updated its resources and awareness offerings on domestic violence, including the Coercive Control and Intimate Partner Violence Advocacy Handbook. Join us on Tuesday, October 21 at 7pm for an online discussion for anyone interested in learning more about these available resources. Please email Victoria Uhase to sign up and receive the meeting link.
The Culture Project Missionaries missioned to the Diocese of Cleveland have returned and are available for presentations to middle and high school young people and young adults through May 2026. 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 missionaries' presentations here.
Strengthening Our Faith Grants
(Part of the Rooted in Faith – Forward in Hope 2025 Initiative)
The grants provide funding for innovative and effective parishfaith 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 from the Digital Academy or contact Lauren O’Hara in the Office of Catechetical Formation at Lauren O’Hara or 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.
ChristLife Webinar for Cleveland
In every parish, resources are needed for evangelization and adult formation. ChristLife is one of those proven and effective tools to support that mission. Parish leaders are invited to join a special webinar on Thursday, November 13 at 2:00pm, created for the Diocese of Cleveland to explain what ChristLife is, how it works, and offer some local testimonies to provide context. Click on this link for registration details. For questions, contact Christy Cabaniss.
Sábado, 4 de octubre | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Liturgy Workshop | Hispanic Ministry
Hispanic Senior Center, 3115 Scranton Road, Cleveland
Viernes a Domingo, 10-12 de octubre
Triduo / Jornada de Oración | Hispanic Ministry
Juan XXIII Casa de Retiro, 3395 East 53rd Street, Cleveland
Para más información por favor de comunicarse con: Josean Sanchez (216) 527-4111.
Saturday, October 4 | 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Marriage Mentor Training Day | Marriage & Family Ministry
St. Ladislas Parish, Westlake
Saturday, October 4 |
Marriage Enrichment Night | Marriage & Family Ministry
St. Justin Martyr Parish, Eastlake
Sunday, October 5 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Annual Asian Mass & Celebration | Parish Life
St. Clarence Church, North Olmsted
Saturday, October 11 | 10:00 am
Certification Liturgy | Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland
Thursday, October 23 | 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Awareness & Advocacy: An Educational Session on Intimate Partner Violence | Marriage & Family Ministry
St. Dominic Parish, Shaker Heights
This is a free session. Register soon.
Friday, October 24 | 7:00pm
Traveling Healing Mass | Catholic Renewal Ministries
St. Columbkille Parish, Parma
Viernes a Domingo, 7-9 de noviembre
Retiro de Caballeros | Hispanic Ministry
Juan XXIII Casa de Retiro, 3395 East 53rd Street, Cleveland
Para más información por favor de comunicarse con: Josean Sanchez (216) 527-4111.
Thursday, November 6 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Oratory | Youth Ministry
Mother of Sorrows Parish, Peninsula
Youth ministers and volunteers are invited to an adult evening of Adoration with speaker Angelo Rivera and worship leader Abby Randolph, both from Damascus Catholic Mission Campus.
Saturday, November 15 | 9:30am – 3:30pm
Thea Bowman Day of Retreat | Black Catholic Ministries
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Sunday, November 16 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Sesión de Formación para NUEVOS Ministros Extraordinarios de la Sagrada Comunión | Hispanic Ministry
La Sagrada Familia, Cleveland
Friday, December 5, 2025
Bereavement Leaders Advent Retreat Day | Marriage & Family Ministry
Jesuit Retreat Center, Cleveland
Saturday, January 10 | 10:00am – 8:45pm
CLE 21:6 – High School Youth Conference | Youth Ministry
John Carroll University, University Heights
Sold out.
Saturday, February 7 | 10:00am – 5:30pm
CLE: Midde – Middle School Youth Conference | Youth Ministry
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Tickets go on sale October 1. Space is limited and anticipated to sell out quickly.
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 will be mailed to each parish. Additionally, these resources are available here. We celebrate Rights and Responsibilities, Call to Participation in Community and Family, Solidarity and Dignity of the Person 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. Videos featuring prayer, reflection and a presentation on each of these four pillars of CST are addressed within the Catholic Charities Cleveland system. Check the Social Action Office’s web page for further information. If you have questions, please email Deacon Paul Kipfstuhl.
Please click here for our most updated schedule of events.
Cemetery Sunday Mass | Sunday, November 2, 2025, 3:00pm | Click here for more information.
MARY, MOTHER OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD INSTITUTE
Gathering of the Ministerium
Join us for the inaugural Diocesan Ministerium on October 24, 2025, at Cleveland Public Auditorium. As Bishop Malesic calls us in "A Flourishing Apostolic Church" to recommit to a daily entry into the Paschal Mystery, this gathering offers prayer, worship, and workshops to empower you as a missionary disciple. Keynote by Meg Hunter-Kilmer: "A God Worth Knowing, a God Worth Sharing." The $12 fee includes lunch. Registration closes on October 10.
Bring MMGSI Classes and Lectures to Your Parish
The Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Institute is an initiative of the Diocese of Cleveland to support and enhance the intellectual formation of adults. You can suggest content and recommend locations for MMGSI programming in 2026 by submitting this form. Sign up here to receive email updates on our activities, and follow us on social media: @mmgsicle
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Dr. Nicolle McGowan The Order of Malta Cleveland Section | Thursday, October 2, 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
Therese Holderbaum | Friday, October3, 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, October 13, 2025 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | : Fr. Jim Winings, Deacon Ken DeLuca, PhD, Judith Marinich, M.ED,LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, LSW and Dr. Ted Raddell, PhD | 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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