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
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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