News
48 Healthcare Grants Awarded
October 15, 2008, Worcester, Mass.-- On Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. the Diocese of Worcester will hold the Eleventh Annual White Mass at the Chapel of Our Lady of Providence, St. Vincent Hospital, 123 Summer Street, Worcester. The public is invited to participate in prayer for those who work in healthcare and its related fields, including parish nursing. Following the Mass, the St. Vincent Healthcare Grants totaling $75,775 will be awarded at a reception in the Atrium at St. Vincent Hospital. READ COMPLETE RELEASE
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. 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