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.
October 2025 Liturgical Calendar:
October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. On or near the day, the community or a household may join in the blessing of pets and other animals. For the order of Blessing of Animals, see Book of Blessings, #942-965 or Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, #154-157.
October 18 is the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. A Health Care Mass may be celebrated on or near the day to honor doctors, nurses, medical technicians, hospital administrators, and emergency personnel in appreciation for their services. The suggested Mass formulary, when permitted, is For Giving Thanks to God, #49B.
October 19, is World Mission Sunday. Communities are encouraged to assist in the mission of the Church in spreading the gospel. The Mass for The Evangelization of Peoples (#18A, alt: B) may be used as found in the Roman Missal. See the note in the Ordo for readings.
FDLC National Meeting and Study Day
The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions National Meeting will be held in Baltimore, September 29 – October 2, 2025. The meeting will focus on “The Church at Prayer: The Liturgy of the Hours.” Study Day, Wednesday, October 1, will include a wealth of information shared and networking with other like-minded individuals. A “recordings-only” option is also available. Click here for more information.
FDLC Webinar Series
From May 7 to June 4, 2025, over nine hundred people participated in the weekly FDLC series on “Ars Celebrandi: Something More is Required.” The FDLC is now making this series available to view on demand. This series might be helpful for providing ongoing formation for liturgical ministries or parish commissions. Topics include the ars celebrandi, the role of the assembly, artful presiding, lay liturgical ministers, and the art of liturgical music. Each video is 75 minutes long. All of the videos and handouts are now posted here.
OCIA Workshops
The Office for Worship is developing a follow-up series of workshops to continue our commitment to the celebration and pastoral practice of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. More information will be forthcoming when the details are finalized.
Formation for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Formation sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion continue to be offered:
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.
Angel Scholarship Fund (ASF)
All parish and school staff members are invited to join an ASF marketing workshop and learn about effective strategies for incorporating ASF into your marketing and communications plan. Claim Your Share of the 2025 Tax Credit.
2025 Catholic Charities Appeal: Make me a channel of your peace
Catholic Charities continues its work on the front lines to serve the growing number of individuals and families most in need. As of mid-August, more than 29,000 faithful donors from across the diocese have pledged more than $13.5 million to the 2025 Appeal. Our third mailer of the year will come in September and the fundraising calls will continue through mid-September.
Women’s Giving Circle
Join us for our next Women’s Giving Circle event at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Valley Overlook, a family-run lodging and camping retreat nestled on 62 wooded acres surrounded by Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We’ll hear from Dr. Andy Staron, professor at St. Mary Seminary, who will speak about the Augustinian Order and share insight into our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. You’ll also hear powerful stories from some of our 2025 grant recipients and celebrate the difference your generosity is making across our community. For more information and to RSVP for the October 9 event, please visit: www.catholiccommunity.org/givingcircle or contact Mary Lou Ozimek at 216-696-6525 x4070. You may include this graphic in your parish bulletin.
#weGIVECATHOLIC|
We’re thrilled to kick off the tenth year of #weGIVECATHOLIC. Thanks to your dedication, our Catholic parishes, schools, and ministries have raised more than $20 million over the past decade. To get ready for another record-breaking Giving Tuesday, we’re asking all organizations to re-register for the 2025 campaign. This helps us update your contact information, improve communication, and make sure you have everything you need to succeed. Registrater here. Sign up for our upcoming training webinars and in-person roadshows.
Professional Advisors’ Seminar
Join fellow professional advisors from the legal, tax, trust, insurance, and wealth management disciplines on Tuesday, October 7th(12:15-4:30 p.m. followed by cocktails/networking) at the Diocesan offices, 1404 E. Ninth St. Seminar topics include panel discussion on healthcare directives from the Catholic, legal and medical perspectives, year-end tax update, overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and Medicare planning. Continuing education credit available. $50 registration; $25 for Catholic Lawyers Guild members. Click here for details and to register or contact Jessica DiSalvatore at 216-696-6525 x4080.
August 2025 Announcements
Rev. Michael J. Stalla has been appointed Pastor of Ss. Robert & William Parish, Euclid and Pastor of St. John of the Cross Parish, Euclid with residence at St. John of the Cross Parish rectory, effective 15 August 2025. This assignment is in addition to his assignment as Coordinator of Pastoral Formation for St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology and for Borromeo Seminary.
Rev. Peter A. Morris concludes his assignments as Pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Doylestown and Pastor of St. Anne Parish, Rittman, effective 1 September 2025, and has been appointed Pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Mentor effective 2 September 2025.
Rev. Joseph P. Robinson has been appointed Administrator of SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Doylestown and Administrator of St. Anne Parish, Rittman effective 2 September 2025. This new assignment is in addition to his assignment as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Wadsworth. His residence remains unchanged.
Rev. Timothy J. Roth has been appointed Adjunct Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Cleveland for a term of five years, effective 1 July 2025. He has also been delegated the power to grant matrimonial permissions and dispensations from impediments. He will reside at the rectory of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, effective 1 July 2025.
Rev. Barry T. Gearing has concluded his authorized Leave of Absence for Sick Leave and has been granted permission to return to his assignment as Pastor of St. John Neumann Parish, Strongsville effective 8 August 2025.
Rev. Timothy W. Gareau has concluded his appointment as Administrator of St. John Neumann Parish, in Strongsville effective immediately.
Rev. Terrence M. Grachanin, Pastor of St. Noel Parish, Willoughby Hills, has had his appointment as Pastor of St. Noel Parish renewed for a six-year period.
Rev. Ian W. Kelly has been appointed to serve as Chaplain to Lake Catholic High School, Mentor, effective 1 September 2025. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Parochial Vicar of St. John Vianney Parish, Mentor.
Rev. Joshua F. Trefney concludes his appointment as Chaplain to Lake Catholic High School, Mentor, effective 1 September 2025.
Rev. Joseph R. Brankatelli has been granted an authorized Leave of Absence for Personal Reasons for a period of one year effective 30 June 2025.
Rev. John D. Betters has been granted permission to take up residence in the rectory at Ss. Cosmas & Damian, Twinsburg, effective 15 August 2025, during the relocation and/or remodeling of St. Joan of Arc Parish rectory.
Rev. James McGivney, S.J., with permission of the Very Reverend Karl J. Kiser, S.J., Provincial of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, was appointed as Parochial Vicar at Gesu Parish, University Heights for the period of 20 June 2025 to 31 July 2025. On 1 August 2025 he concluded his ministry at Gesu Parish, University Heights and has been assigned to ministry on the faculty and staff of Walsh Jesuit High School. His residence is with the Walsh Jesuit Community, Cuyahoga Falls.
Rev. William McIntyre, OFM, with permission from the Very Reverend Lawrence Hayes, OFM, Provincial Minister of Franciscan Friars, Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, has been granted faculties of the Diocese of Cleveland for one year effective 30 June 2025.
Rev. Almachius Mushumbusi Rwejuna, with permission of the Right Reverend Jovitus Francis Mwijage, Bishop of Bukoba [Tanzania], has received faculties in the Diocese of Cleveland. This is effective 1 August 2025 for a period of one year, renewable each year, while he continues his studies at Kent State University and retains faculties with the Diocese of Youngstown.
Deacon Michael Hayes, Jr. concludes his duties as Director of Young Adult Ministry and has been appointed to serve as Director of Chaplaincy Services and Outreach to active Permanent Deacons effective 1 July 2025. This appointment is in addition to his appointment as Delegate for Ecumenical and Interfaith Activities and his pastoral appointment as Deacon at St. Christopher Parish, Rocky River.
Deacon Robert J. Lester concludes his diaconal assignment at St. Joseph Parish, Strongsville and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective 1 August 2025.
Deacon Peter M. Travalik concludes his diaconal assignment at St. Jerome Parish, Cleveland and has been granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective 31 July 2025.
Deacon Gregory P. Hoefler concludes his authorized Leave of Absence for Sickness/Family Leave from his assignment as Permanent Deacon of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Cuyahoga Falls effective, 1 July 2025.
New team members
The Secretariat for Catechetical Formation and Parish Life is pleased to welcome Tony Dipre and Joe Mikolajczyk to our staff. Tony has been appointed director of the Office for Human Life. He has recently joined us from Walsh Jesuit High School where he was a Theology Teacher with a focus on Catholic Social Teaching. Joe is our new Marriage & Family Ministry Specialist. He comes to us from St. Matthias Parish, Parma, where he was a Pastoral Minister.
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
The Jubilee bulletin insert for September 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 September is for our relationship with all of creation.
Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
The U.S. bishops have approved the transfer of the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the U.S. to the first weekend after Labor Day (September 6 and 7, 2025) to coincide with National Grandparents (and the Elderly) Day in the United States as many local communities, schools, and parishes have celebrated for some time.
Click here to view and download a planning resource packet from the Catholic Grandparents Association.
Peer support group for abuse victims opens Cleveland chapter
The Maria Goretti Network, a peer support group for those affected by any type of abuse, is launching a chapter in the Diocese of Cleveland. The group provides support for victims and their family and friends by helping them journey toward recovery and forgiveness through dialogue and prayer.
Meetings will take place on the first Monday of each month in Room 103 (the Fr. Kaminski Center) at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Willowick from 7:30-9 p.m., beginning October 6, 2025. Both men and women are welcome. Two lay leaders will facilitate the sessions. Spiritual advisors for the group are Fr. Damian Ference, Vicar for Evangelization, and Fr. Steven Breck, Pastor of St. Mary Magdalene Parish. For more information, please visit: www.mgoretti.org or email: smmcle@mgoretti.org
Friday, September 12 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Pastoral Care Continuing Education with Edward Luersman, MA, LPCC | Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
For clergy, pastoral care leaders, bereavement ministers, and certified lay ecclesial ministers. This session will also be offered at the same time on Saturday, September 13. Attendees are invited to register for one of the two offerings.
Friday, September 12 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
An Evening of Healing: Infertility, Pregnancy Loss & Child Loss (for individuals & couples) | Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Wednesday, September 17 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Pastor & Youth Minister Gathering | Office of Youth Ministry
St. Basil the Great Parish, Brecksville
The annual gathering of youth ministers and clergy includes keynote speaker Fr Andrew Turner.
Monday, September 29 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
First Things in Youth Ministry Orientation Day | Office of Youth Ministry
Cathedral Square Plaza, Cleveland
This day launches the seven-part cohort for new youth ministers.
Sunday, October 5 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Annual Asian Celebration
St. Clarence Church, North Olmsted
Saturday, October 11 | 10:00am
Certification Liturgy of Lay Ecclesial Ministers | Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry
St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, Cleveland
Monday, October 13 | 10:30am – 3:00pm
The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World with Fr. Aaron Wessman | Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Thursday, October 23 | 8:30am – 12:30pm
High School Rally & Mass | Office of Youth Ministry
Cleveland Public Auditorium, Cleveland
Catholic high schools and parish youth minsters and invited to bring their teens to this event with keynote speaker Meg Hunter-Kilmer and presider Bishop Malesic. Register your group by September 15.
Saturday, January 10 | 10:00am – 8:45pm
CLE 21:6 – High School Youth Conference | Office of Youth Ministry
John Carroll University, University Heights
Tickets go on sale September 1. Tickets sell out every year.
Saturday, February 7 | 10:00am – 5:30pm
CLE: Midde – Middle School Youth Conference | Office of Youth Ministry
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Tickets go on sale October 1. Space is limited for this inaugural gathering, and we anticipate selling out quickly.
Please click here for our most updated schedule of events.
A Walk to Remember | Sunday, October 5, 2025, 1:00-2:00pm | Click here for more information.
MARY, MOTHER OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD INSTITUTE
GATHERING OF THE MINISTERIUM
Registration now open. On Friday, October 24, at Cleveland Public Auditorium, clergy, teachers, school administrators, parish staff, volunteers, and diocesan ministers of all kinds will gather for a day of worship and workshops designed to enhance our ministry skills and advance the work of evangelization in an apostolic age. Our plenary speaker will be the popular author Meg Hunter-Kilmer, and Bishop Woost will preside at the Eucharistic Liturgy.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Mr. Mike Winsor. President, Incarnate Word Academy | Thursday, September 4, 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
Bishop Edward C. Malesic | Friday, September 5, 2025 | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information can found here.
A Mile for Mary – Mass and Eucharistic Procession of Reparation and Hope
Sponsored by Our Lady’s Blue Army - The World Apostolate of Fatima – Cleveland | October 25, 2025, 9:00 AM | St. Therese Parish (5276 E 105th St, Garfield Heights, OH 44125) Concluding at: Ss. Peter and Paul (4750 Turney Rd., Garfield Heights, OH 44125) | Light lunch provided afterwards. Shuttle will be available between parishes.
Join us for Mass and a Eucharistic procession answering Our Lady of Fatima’s call to console her Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, interceding for our world through prayerful reparation and public witness. We process to console her Immaculate Heart, intercede for forgotten souls, and restore the true spirit of Christian witness.
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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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