This Sunday We Celebrate the Word of God
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Pope Francis has declared the third Sunday in Ordinary Time the Sunday of the Word of God. The Holy Father instituted this annual observance in his Apostolic Letter Aperuit Illis. The title, translated "Opened Them", refers to Jesus' conversation with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). The observance emphasizes the importance of the Bible in Catholic life and encourages all Catholics to read and study the Word of God. Catholics around the world are encouraged to bring their Bibles to Mass this weekend.
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Diocesan Synod Timeline Update
Because of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, we have received calls with concerns about gathering people together for listening sessions. In light of these concerns, we are extending the deadline for completing the listening sessions. Read more
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Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention
January is Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month. Please take a moment and pray with us for an end to slavery and human trafficking in our world.
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February 8th, is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, patroness of human trafficking survivors. Join the Diocesan Social Action Office at noon for a Lunch, Pray & Learn webinar on Human Trafficking. To register and receive the Zoom link, email Paul Kipfstuhl.
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African American Ministry
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National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family
February 6, 2022
The National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family was created by Fr. James Goode, OFM in 1989. It is a day set aside to give special thanks to God for our families and place our every care in the arms of Jesus. Read more
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Immigration Awareness Webinar
Wednesday, February 2, 7pm
Via Zoom
Join the Diocesan Social Action Office and Migration and Refugee Services for this informative and timely webinar. Email Paul Kipfstuhl to register and receive the Zoom link.
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The 2016 Policy for the Safety of Children in Matters of Sexual Abuse requires a repeat background check process through Selection.com. The Selection.com background check initially costs $25 per person, paid by the applicant. When an applicant has a possible criminal record, we must have Selection.com run an additional search for the county that has been flagged. Most Ohio counties have an $8 court record fee, but some state/county fees are higher. County search fees are invoiced to the parish or school the applicant listed as a primary location. Questions? Contact Sharon Minson by email or 216-696-6525 x1157.
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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Annual Lecture
“Ecumenism Today: Working toward an Ecumenical Ethics”
January 28, 1:30 pm
Center for Pastoral Leadership
All are invited to this presentation, which will emphasize the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the commitment to follow Jesus, the importance of spiritual growth, and the necessity of ethical dialogue with mutual respect. It will review recent ecumenical literature and examine some key elements for building an ecumenical moral paradigm. One such paradigm is Virtue Ethics.
Our speaker will be John W. Crossin, OSFS, former director of the office of Ecumenical and Interreligious concerns of the USCCB. Fr. Crossin also served as a Consultor to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity from 2014-2020. He is in the final year of an appointment to the Pontifical Council’s team for the Joint Working Group with the World Council of Churches.
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Navigating Uncertainty
YMs Formation Event
January 26, 10am-noon
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Macedonia
Springtide Research Institute's latest report on young people and religion has plenty of insights for youth ministry. Come be part of a discussion on the research and leave with practical tips for youth ministry that addresses the current reality of teens in America. Bring your computer / tablet, or journal for notes and ideas! Please RSVP to Francine if you can join us.
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New Podcast! Question of Faith
A weekly question of faith answered by Fr. Damian Ference, Vicar of Evangelization and Mike Hayes Director of Young Adult Ministry in the Diocese of Cleveland. Frequent guests from the diocese join in the conversation.
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Have you heard about Walking with Moms in Need?
Walking with Moms in Need is an unapologetically pro-life project, originating from the USCCB, that encourages Catholics to support and "walk in the shoes" of local pregnant and parenting women in difficult situations. If your parish might be interested in being a part of our pilot program for Walking with Moms in Need, please email Mary von Carlowitz. We are looking forward to beginning the journey this spring!
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Diocesan Trained Couple Ministers / Prepare-Enrich Marriage Ministers
Historically, marriage mentoring in the Diocese has been called Couple Ministry or Couple to Couple Ministry. We are moving away from that language due to its confusion with the national NFP organization Couple-to-Couple League. If you are currently a Prepare-Enrich trained couple or deacon, or if you were previously trained but haven’t been active in this very valuable ministry, please email Terri Yohman to be included in future communications.
National Marriage Week
Observed Annually, Feb 7-14
This year’s theme, Marriage: Called to the Joy of Love!, comes from the National Pastoral Framework for Marriage and Family Ministry.
Resources can be found at the USCCB and National Marriage Week USA. Additionally, feel free to share For Your Marriage's new Valentine’s blog post for couples, “Give the Gift of Words”.
Marriage Encounter
February 11-13
Radisson, Akron/Fairlawn
Join The Northeast Ohio Chapter of Marriage Encounter for this weekend experience. There is a $75 application fee. Scholarships are available by calling 330-305-9963. Learn more and register here.
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Called by the Spirit
Gifts Discernment Training
Thursday, February 24, 9am – 12:30pm
St. Ambrose, Brunswick
In 2020 the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland created a gifts discernment process that is accessible and adaptable, and can become a springboard for stewardship and engagement in the community. Come and learn about the resources and creative ways to use them to form missionary disciples! RSVP here by Tuesday, February 22.
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"Leading with Humility: A Journey Toward Racial Harmony" Workshop Series
Feb 12, Mar 12, Apr 23, 9am - Noon
Center for Pastoral Leadership, Aula
A three-part workshop series with Dr. Cary Dabney. Participants will receive the book Heart: A Journey Toward Cultural Humility by James Knight. Participation in all three sessions is highly recommended. Register here or call the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Office 440-943-7670 for more details.
Visit LEM Formation Night
Feb 18, Mar 18, Apr 8, 6:30-8pm
Center for Pastoral Leadership
Join us for prayer and learn about the formation process for Certification as a Lay Ecclesial Minister in our diocese. Meet some of our candidates in formation, become aware of networking and spiritual growth opportunities along with academic options. For more info or to RSVP, please email Pattie Batchman or call 440-943-7669.
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FORMED Subscription Update
The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland has concluded its 3-year partnership agreement with the Augustine Institute’s FORMED program. Parishes that consecutively opted into the 3-year arrangement can enjoy the discounted diocesan renewal price in perpetuity. The renewal fee for larger communities with greater than or equal to 350 families is $1604 or $775 for communities with less than 350 families.
FORMED is sending out renewal notices by email and direct mail with the new annual subscription for each faith community. Please note that if your faith community pays for the FORMED services using a credit card, that account will automatically renew unless you contact them prior to the renewal date.
For more information about FORMED, please contact Lynette Saenz by email or at (216) 696-6525, ext. 2550 or Denise Smithberger by email or at (216) 696-6525, ext. 8910.
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Tabor Grant Funds Available
The Tabor Fund Grant Program assists in serving the spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual needs of employees, religious and laity in pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Cleveland. Monies are made available for education, formation, sabbaticals and retreats that aid ministers in refocusing, refreshing and reenergizing their spirituality, faith, mind and/or physical well-being, fostering personal development and improving their ministry. Find the guidelines and application form here.
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Kentucky Tornado Relief
“Let us...unite in prayer as a Catholic community for all of the suffering that was caused by this disaster,” said Bishop William Medley of the Diocese of Owensboro in a Dec. 11 statement.
The Diocese of Owensboro in Western Kentucky was very severely damaged by the tornadoes that swept through the region on December 10-11. Let us pray with Bishop Medley and the people of the Owensboro Diocese for those affected. Efforts are now underway to assist in the rescue and recovery of that area. The Diocese has set up a method for providing funds for assistance. You can help provide for the people of Owensboro here.
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