Copy
View this email in your browser

Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future 

Join the Secretariat for Parish Life and Development in a virtual book discussion for Lent. We will offer discussion groups for clergy and pastoral leaders on Pope Francis’ Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future. In this book, Pope Francis explores what the COVID crisis can teach us about how to handle upheaval of any kind in our own lives and the world at large. Discussion groups will be held weekly on two days. Register here for either Tuesdays from 3-4pm beginning February 16 or Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30pm beginning February 17.

Year of St. Joseph

In proclaiming 2021 the Year of St. Joseph, Pope Francis reflected, "Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble." Throughout the year, Catholics will honor St. Joseph as the guardian and protector of the Church and her faithful with prayer and devotion. St. Joseph is a model for all as we seek to know and serve the Lord and his Church in our personal vocations. Learn more and find resources here. 

“If you have two coats,
give one to him who has none."
 

 ~ Luke 3:11

Did You Know?

When a person is released from jail, they leave with only the clothes they had on when they were detained. Men and women who entered jail in shorts and t-shirts last summer are leaving without the coats, hats, and gloves we all reach for before venturing out on a cold Northeast Ohio winter day. Many have no one to meet them with warm clothes and no means to buy them. 
     Would your parish community consider sharing the love of Christ with our brothers and sisters leaving incarceration by collecting new or gently used coats? Please contact Judy Liederbach by email or 216-696-6525 ext. 3500. Thank you!
Like our newsletter? Share with a friend.
Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Forward Forward

Current Happenings

African American Ministry

Lenten Revival

For just over 15 years, a collaborative of African-American parishes across the Diocese have annually held a 3-day Lenten Revival. Due to the continuing restrictions of COVID-19, the celebration will not be held in the traditional setting this year. The Office of Ministry to African American Catholics will offer an alternative way to observe the annual celebration. Details will be available in the coming weeks on our website. For more info, contact Mr. Cary Dabney by email or 216-696-6525 ext. 3020.

Lay Ecclesial Ministry

2021 Canon Law Summer Course Information Meeting
Friday, April 9, 5-6:30pm
Anyone interested in future Procurator Training is encouraged to participate in the upcoming summer 2021 course in Canon Law. An information meeting will be held at the Center for Pastoral Leadership, with instructor Lynette Tait, JCL, who serves as a Judge on the Diocesan Tribunal. To sign up for the information session, contact Pattie Batchman by email or 440-943-7669.
     Questions about this course? Contact Lynette by email or 216-696-6525, ext. 4000.

Missionary Discipleship

Please join us for Livestream Prayer and Meditation on the Parish Life Facebook page, @DOCParishLife:

  • Daily Morning Prayer - using Shorter Christian Prayer, Monday through Friday at 8:45am, during Lent.
  • First Friday Rosary Meditation - every first Friday at 12:30pm

Youth Ministry

Desert Day Youth Minister Retreat
February 16, 9am-5:30pm
Jesuit Retreat Center

It is hard to keep giving from an empty cup, so spend time with the Lord and be filled. This will be a quiet day of prayer. We will start with an inspiring talk and then go on our own to read, reflect, respond, and pray in solitude with God. Mass, adoration, confession, and spiritual direction will be available. This event is geared for youth ministers, campus ministers, and those who work with high school teens. Spots are limited, so sign up soon!

Child Protection

For all of us who are interested in and committed to keeping our kids safe and helping victims / survivors thrive in the Catholic Church, the USCCB's Child and Youth Protection Office has recently recorded a podcast with theologian Dr. John Sheveland from Gonzaga University.  Dr. Sheveland provides ideas for healing in a post-traumatic Church. Listen on Soundcloud or Apple.

Marriage & Family

National Marriage Week and World Marriage Day
Celebrate National Marriage Week beginning February 7 and ending with World Marriage Day on February 14. This year’s theme “To Have, To Hold, To Honor" focuses on building a culture of life and love. Find resources including homily suggestions, flyers, prayers for those who are married and prayers of the faithful here.

Hispanic Ministry

In addition to the general resources available to celebrate National Marriage Week and World Marriage Day, be sure to check out these resources in Spanish:      The Office of Hispanic Ministry also offers the Matrimonios Exitosos (Successful Marriages) program. This program is a comprehensive resource for marriages in crisis and for strengthening healthy marriages and families. Contact Misael Mayorga for more information.
     Looking for more resources to strengthen your marriage or advice for dating and engaged couples? Visit Por Tu Matrimonio for additional tips and tools.
Young Adults
Connect with the New Office of Young Adult Ministry!
The Office of Young Adult Ministry would like to connect with parishes that have active young adult ministry groups. Mike Hayes is calling identified young adult ministers to connect with them and to begin the process of connecting them with one another. Feel free to reach out to Mike to discuss how your parish is already ministering to young adults and what additional support the diocese can provide by email or cell 646-671-3671.
Interested in learning more about Lay Ecclesial Ministry? 
If you seek to deepen your relationship with Christ, have a desire to know more about our Catholic teachings and traditions, and desire to work for, with, and in the name of the Church you may be called to lay ecclesial ministry. For more information about becoming a certified Lay Ecclesial Minister, contact Pattie Batchman at 440-943-7669 or by email - or refer a friend!
Marriage & Family Ministry Survey
In October 2020, the Office of Marriage and Family Ministry conducted a survey of clergy and ministry leaders to assess and prioritize aspects of the work of the office in the following pastoral areas: 
  • Leadership Development and Training
  • Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage
  • Marriage Enrichment
  • Family Enrichment
  • Pastoral Care
  • Ministry with Diverse Cultural Families
  • Family Planning Education and Support 
The response to the survey was very positive with 169 surveys completed.
Download Report

Follow us

Facebook Facebook
Website Website

Whoops, 264677510257338 is not a valid id for a Fan Page. Please use either the Vanity URL or the Page Id

 

Copyright © 2021 Secretariat for Parish Life, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp