The Secretariat for Parish Life and Development supports the work of the diocese and parishes by nurturing faith communities, forming missionary disciples and proclaiming the Gospel.
The Secretariat coordinates and upholds the work of our Catholic community including pastoral ministry, evangelization, spiritual growth, and outreach with other faith communities. Through its ministries, the Secretariat recognizes the rich diversity of the Church and fosters the fullest use of God’s gifts in one another and those we serve by building life-giving relationships. We embrace and reverence the dignity of each person without judgment and seek to accompany all on life’s journey, beginning with those most in need.
Inspired by the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), we develop pastoral leadership through the formation of various groups for service within the Catholic community - pastoral ministers, parish and diocesan committees, lay leaders within the various ethnic communities and groups, and volunteers - for a variety of ministries in the Church and society. Together, with missionary joy, we seek to be a caring presence of God’s loving mercy to a world longing for the unity and peace of God’s Kingdom.
Ever attuned to God’s call, we strive to find God in all things and bring Christ’s message of hope and joy to every person we encounter. Our programs and services help to build vibrant Catholic parish communities where all persons are supported in their efforts to grow in faith and proclaim the Gospel, thus becoming a community of life, peace and safety where all can come to know the love and presence of Christ.
Sr. Rita Mary Harwood, SND - Secretary for Parish Life and Development
(216) 696-6525 x 2200
The Office for the Protection of Children and Youth provides resources and training tonthose who minister, work and volunteer in parishes, schools and Catholic institutions on creating a safe environment for children and identifying signs of sexual abuse. We also provide programs, resources, and support for survivors of abuse.
The Ecumenical & Interfaith office promotes cooperation and dialogue with the Christian communities and other religions of northeast Ohio. It also offers consultation on ecumenical questions or matters of interfaith protocol.
Our ministries with the African American, Hispanic, and Asian Catholic communities provide support and resources to parishes and schools in their service to an increasingly diverse Catholic community. We also organize activities that celebrate faith and culture in partnership with the various ethnic communities in our diocese.
The LGBT Family Ministry aims to support all persons and their families in their quest for wholeness and holiness.
Our ministries focus on education, advocacy and direct assistance for those who have come to our country as immigrants, refugees, and undocumented migrants. We also provide support to Cross Bearers for Christ, a motorcycle ministry of evangelization.
Through the Diocesan Ministry to the Incarcerated and the LEAF Ministry to family and friends of the incarcerated, we care for those imprisoned.
The Office for Lay Ecclesial Ministry offers a certification program for lay ministerial leadership in parish, diocesan and other Catholic ministry settings, as well as continuing education opportunities.
The Office for Marriage and Family Ministry offers a range of services and programs that respond to the needs of couples and families and supports them as they live out their Catholic faith.
The Office of Missionary Discipleship seeks to form and empower missionary disciples who, inspired by the encounter of Christ, go out to the peripheries joyfully evangelizing in word and deed, accompanying others in faith, and rejoicing and bearing fruit in the Holy Spirit.
Our ministries with youth and young adults offer training, support, resources andnconsultation services for pastoral leaders and ministry coordinators, as well as directnministry and leadership development opportunities for young people.
Rooted in connecting young adults to Jesus and the Church, this ministry seeks out ways to live the Church’s mission in communion with peers in an engaging approach.
Catholic Lay Organizations provide the faithful of the Diocese the ability to use their gifts and talents in service to the Church.
The Secretariat for Parish Life sponsors and promotes a variety of events through the diocese for the various ministries it supports. In addition, certain parish events (i.e. fish frys, Lenten opportunities and more) are sometimes included within these listings when they have broad diocesan appeal.
The Diocese of Cleveland is dedicated to serving the mission of the Church. We welcome all questions via phone or email inquiry.
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
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