News - March 2020 RSS Feed

Schools sensed early on that something serious was unfolding that would drastically change how their students would receive their instruction.

Catholic educators throughout the Diocese of Worcester are demonstrating a creative response to teaching their students during the COVID-19 crisis.

Since parishioners couldn’t come to church for Mass because of coronavirus restrictions, the priests went out to them.

St. Mary in Uxbridge, was one of the parishes that offered people the chance to receive the sacrament of penance from their vehicles.

Praying at six churches Wednesday, Bishop McManus entrusted the Diocese to the Blessed Mother’s protection.

Pray with Pope Francis on Friday, March 27 at 1 pm EDT at www.vaticannews.va/en. #PrayTogether

Father Robert A. Grattaroti, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Charlton, blessed parishioners who lined up in their cars outside the church Saturday.

Drive-up confessions are to be offered at St. Mary Parish in Uxbridge. From 4-6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting March 21.

Here are commentaries on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent by our diocesan priests, Father Conrad Pecevich and Father Michael Lavallee.

The Guild of St. Agnes Early Education and Child Care closed it facilities due to the coronavirus. But then they offered help to the city of Worcester.

Some adoration chapels in the diocese remain open with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, despite the coronavirus. Others are closed for now.

Ministry to the sick is changing rapidly. The coronavirus is affecting visitor policies, a free medical program and a sister who cares for retired priests.

The coronavirus didn’t stop Catholics – within and beyond the Worcester Diocese – from attending Masses here last weekend. That will change.

The Sunday Mass will now be broadcast LIVE at 10 am in English, with Bishop McManus as  the celebrant, followed by a Mass in Spanish at 10:45 said by different priests from the Diocese who serve the Hispanic and Latino Catholic population in the area. Those Masses will repeat on Sunday eenings at 6 pm and 6:45 pm. MORE

On Wednesday, food was still being distributed by parish food banks and soup kitchens in the Diocese of Worcester, but with special precautions.

Beginning on Tuesday, March 17, the Chancery offices located at 49 Elm St. in Worcester will be closed to the public.

"After carefully reviewing the sound advice of medical professionals and the recent order by Governor Baker to limit gatherings to 25 participants, I have decided to suspend all public celebrations of Mass until further notice in the hope of slowing and, God willing, halting the spread of this disease. The obligation to take part in the Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is thereby lifted."

Since the State House is severely curtailing public events because of the coronavirus, the Mass. Family Institute Annual Lobby Day has been postponed.

Anna Maria will extend the college break through March 22. It will prepare for remote instruction, if necessary.

The state Knights of Columbus is cancelling all State run functions until further notice, with the exception of the State Convention which is set for May.