News - October 2022 RSS Feed

WORCESTER – Catholic Workers looked inward as well as outward, at their recent gathering, for ways to address human needs and societal concerns.

CLINTON – St. John, Guardian of Our Lady Parish held its All Saints Procession Oct. 30 from St. John the Evangelist Church through the streets, with hundreds of clergy, religious and laity from different parishes; banners and statues of saints; and some children dressed as saints. Back at the church, participants joined in eucharistic adoration while Father James Mazzone, pastor, gave a reflection about how the saints intercede for us and are worthy of imitation. (Photos by Tanya Connor)

WORCESTER – To participate in the National Eucharistic Revival together, St. Stephen and Holy Family parishes began a 40 Hours Devotion Oct. 28 with Mass in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French. After Mass in St. Stephen Church, Bishop McManus carried the Host in the monstrance in a candlelight procession to Holy Family’s St. Joseph Church, where worshipers knelt in adoration, and continued to do so Oct. 29 and 30, between Masses. (Photos by Tanya Connor | CFP)

At the 64th annual Red Mass sponsored by the St. Thomas More Society of Worcester County, celebrated Oct. 30 at St. Paul Cathedral, Bishop McManus conferred the Distinguished Judicial Officer Award on Charles King, assistant clerk magistrate, East Brookfield District Court; the Msgr. F. Stephen Pedone Distinguished Attorney Award on John J. Spillane, Spillane & Spillane, Worcester; the Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan Ecumenical Award on Laura Traiger, Worcester; and the Distinguished Catholic Layperson Award on Francis Rourke, assistant chief probation officer, Worcester District Court. (Photos by Tanya Connor | CFP)

St. Paul's school-wide service project during Respect Life Month help support area babies who are most in need.

WORCESTER - As the first non-Catholic president in the 118-year history of Assumption University, Greg Weiner provides a unique perspective. "Being Jewish gives me perhaps even a deeper appreciation for the kind of education that we are aspiring to offer.”

Asked their secret for a long marriage, Felicia Wilson replied, “Just love. Good communication. Be best of friends."

Celebrating priesthood involves recalling ways “priests are with us in our happy moments … and our trying moments,” Msgr. Francis D. Kelly said before offering the benediction at the Celebrate Priesthood gala, held Oct. 20 at St. Paul Diocesan Junior/Senior High School in Worcester.

FITCHBURG – St. Bernard’s Elementary School organized a symposium, which drew several dozen people, for the purpose of sharing ideas about ways to help Catholic schools to stay viable.

HARDWICK – Religious sisters and their teaching ministry featured prominently as St. Aloysius Parish celebrated the 150th anniversary of the church Sunday.

“You’re welcomed ... You’re brought in with caring, concern about the whole person. … That’s how I feel when I come here.”

WORCESTER - The Mustard Seed Catholic Worker community, named for the parable of the mustard seed (Mk 4:30-32), turned 50 years old this month. Its official birthday was Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis, the “little poor man of Assisi.”

On Nov. 1, the Diocese of Worcester will welcome a new chief financial officer to the diocese. Bishop McManus has announced that Marybeth Gilmore will replace Paul G. Schasel as director of the Office of Fiscal Affairs.

The Assumption University board of trustees Monday announced that Greg Weiner, Ph.D., has been elected the 17th president of the university. Weiner has served as Assumption’s interim president since April.

WORCESTER – Bishop McManus led prayers at the 40 Days for Life campaign to end abortion, outside the Planned Parenthood abortion facility on Pleasant Street, on Oct. 13. He was joined by more than 100 people. See photo album.

Msgr. Francis D. Kelly said he’d start his priesthood all over again if he could. “The important thing to remember is that it’s serving the people,” he said, “but it’s serving them in the name of, and with the love of, the Lord Jesus."

WORCESTER – Theresa had a problem – she didn’t want to live without her beloved dog, but couldn’t take her with her when she moved into St. Mary Health Care Center. Kristin Gorgone, a nurse there, found a solution.

Pat Reardon, a longtime member of Sacred Heart-St. Catherine of Sweden Parish who volunteers there in multiple ways, was honored Sunday for her service as manager of the parish’s St. Anthony’s Food Pantry.

FITCHBURG – Seeking to make “a Christ-centered education” available to those who desire it, St. Bernard Elementary School has organized a symposium to share ideas for how to obtain funding and increase enrollment for Catholic schools.

WEBSTER - Harriet (Krystyniak) Bomba, 100, died Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Jewish Healthcare Center of Worcester after an illness. Her son, Rev. Paul M. Bomba, is pastor of St. Joseph Church in Auburn