News
Partners in Charity Sets New Record at $4,893,101
September 12, 2008, WORCESTER, MA -- The Annual Partners in Charity Appeal has surpassed the $4.7 million goal by 104% as the 124 parishes and missions in the diocese completed their appeals on August 31, 2008. As of the final report, the appeal raised $4,893,101, the largest amount in the annual appeal’s 47 year history. Last year’s appeal set the previous record, during which $4,788,265 was raised on a goal of $4.6 million.
This year, 111 parishes exceeded their goals, 63 of which raised more donations than last year’s record setting appeal.
“Surpassing our diocesan goal by so great an amount is such a testimony by many members of our diocesan family to the commitment to the work of the Catholic Church in our communities and parishes. I thank God for the generosity of the donors who participated with a pledge or gift to this vital annual appeal which impacts tens of thousands of people in Worcester County,” said Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, S.T.D., Bishop of Worcester.
A complete list by parish with this week’s updated figure is available online at www.partners-charity.net. (Read full release)
Bishop's Statement regarding Community of Teresian Carmelites
“In light of the fact that they have not met necessary criteria, official recognition has ceased for the group know as the Community of Teresian Carmelites. They may not refer to themselves as a Private Association of the Christian Faithful, or as a religious community, or any such term that implies that they represent the Catholic Church in any official capacity. Although they may pursue establishment as some other form of non-profit organization, they are not canonically recognized by the Catholic Church.”
“In the past they enjoyed a spiritual bond with the Order of Discalced Carmelites who allowed them to wear their habit in private and in public settings. Since that non-juridical association was dependent upon local recognition by the diocesan bishop, the General Definitor of the order has notified them that any association with the Order of Discalced Carmelites has ended as well. Therefore, I ask that they not present themselves in the habit of the Carmelite Order so as to avoid confusion among the faithful.”
“We are all called by virtue of our common baptism to be people of prayer. May they, like all the faithful, find ways to witness to the power of God’s mercy in response to our prayerful intercession.”
August 15, 2008, WORCESTER, MA