The Secretary and Vicar for Clergy and Religious shares in the pastoral leadership responsibilities of the Bishop for clergy and religious of the diocese and is to represent the Bishop in interactions with or ministry to them.  He is responsible to the Bishop for encouraging the active participation of the clergy and religious in the work of the diocese.  Furthermore, it is his role to represent the Bishop to the various departments in the Secretariat for Clergy and Religious.  Additionally, he serves as the Bishop’s liaison to the Center for Pastoral Leadership. Rev. Michael K. Gurnick Eileen Fleisher, Secretary This site is maintained as a service to the Diaconate Community of the Cleveland Diocese.  We welcome any suggestions, questions, or changes which may be directed to the Webmaster. Click Any Picture To Read - “The Permanent Diaconate:  Its Identity, Functions, Prospects” The Diaconate Formation Office is responsible for the recruitment and formation of men seeking a vocation to the permanent diaconate.  It is our mission to inform and guide applicants in vocation discernment during the year of aspirancy and to provide the human, spiritual, pastoral and academic formation to candidates for possible ordination as deacons, and appropriate formation and support to their wives and families. Rev. Anthony J. Schuerger Cathy Vrabel, Secretary The Office of Continuing Education and Formation of Ministers provides deacons with the opportunities to deepen their ministerial and spiritual lives.  This office offers an annual Deacons and Wives retreat, an annual Deacon retreat, workshops, and social enrichment for the Deacons of the diocese.  This office also offers support to the wives and widows of deacons. Rev. Joseph T. Hilinski Deacon Paul Kipfstuhl Debbie Gump, Secretary The Diocesan Clergy Personnel Board is comprised of a full-time director, six priest members, and two deacon members.  The Board’s mission is to work collaboratively with the Bishop and clergy of the Diocese of Cleveland, making recommendations to the Bishop for assignments for pastors, parochial vicars, priests in special ministry, and permanent deacons.  Board members act as liaisons during the period of transfer of assignment.  Issues regarding status, job description, transfer of assignment or other personnel issues are handled by the Office of Clergy Personnel. Rev. Donald P. Oleksiak Louise Triptow, Secretary