The Diocesan Dispatch

Please Cut & Paste items in your bulletin as appropriate to your parish.     
The Diocesan Dispatch is usually published on Monday mornings by 8 am via email and fax to parishes. Submission must be received by the previous Friday for inclusion and should be at least 2 weeks before an event date in order to have an opportunity to be included in parish bulletins the week after the issue date. You can email submissions directly to rdelisle@worcesterdiocese.org.

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Have space available in your bulletin this week? Consider including one of the ongoing resources:  Click HERE for ONGOING RESOURCES

Latest Edition: January 27, 2020

Come Follow Me will air as follows: (available on your eCatholic parish website if you use the Featured Program drag and drop icon)
Charter TV3 on Channel 193:  Sunday, Feb. 9 at 6 a.m. NEW TIMES Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. following the Daily Mass
SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury): Sunday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 a.m.
Clinton area Comcast CH 99: Sunday, Feb. 9 at 8:30 a.m.
WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194): Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m.
Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35: Thursday, Feb. 13 at 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m.; Friday at 9:30 a.m.
Leominster LATV: Check their bulletin board for times
Athol/Orange (AOTV) Cable Access CH 13: Sundays at 11 am; Wednesdays at 2:30 pm and Thursdays at 2:30 am
Grafton Cable Access: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
ALL LOCATIONS – via the internet: Watch online anytime at worcesterdiocese.org

The Presentation of the Lord
“…they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord...” (Luke 2:22) How seriously do you take being a Catholic?  Is “being Catholic” something I just do when I attend Sunday Mass or attend one of my parish functions?  It’s easy to be Catholic then, it’s harder to be Catholic when I am out in the world.  Would someone recognize you as a Catholic by the way you act, dress, and talk?  How do you present yourself to the Lord and to others?

Presentación del Señor
 "... lo llevaron a Jerusalén para presentarlo al Señor ..." (LUCAS 2:22)  ¿Qué tan en serio te tomas ser católico? ¿Es “ser católico” algo que hago cuando asisto a la misa dominical o asisto a una de mis funciones parroquiales? Es fácil ser católico entonces, es más difícil ser católico cuando estoy en el mundo. ¿Te reconocería alguien como católico por tu forma de actuar, vestirte y hablar? ¿Cómo te presentas al Señor y a los demás?

Saints Patch Workshop
Saints' Patch Workshop for youth for St. Damian and Blessed Mother Marianne Cope on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9 - 11:30 am at House of Studies, 51 Illinois Street, Worcester. There is a cost of $8 to cover the patches and material. Please contact Linda Brink at LBrink2019@gmail.com or Deacon Ed Meilus at deacon.ed02@gmail.com for further information.

Adult Valentine's Dance
On Saturday, Feb 8 from 6 - 10 pm, join us for an Adult Valentine's Dance at the LaSalle Reception Center, 444 Main St., Southbridge. Features DJ Pho Ketnouvong, Cash Bar, Hors D'oeuvres, desserts and dancing! $20 per person. all proceeds to assist with Puerto Rican Earthquake Relief. Tickets available from Trinity Catholic Academy or St John Paul II Parish, organizers of the event or by calling Matt Hart at 508-723-4875.

Taize Prayer in Worcester
All are welcome for Taize prayer- Sacred Music for Vespers  on Sunday, Feb. 9 from 7 - 7:45 pm. Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox musicians come to together in sacred choir to sing simple, pure music to support peace and respect between all Christians and Non-Christians. Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester. Social to follow with Mulled Cider and light refreshments.Free to people of all faiths and walks of life. Free will offering gratefully received. Please call or text Will Raymond if you have any questions. Cell/Text 978-368-3294.

Novena & Mass in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes
St. Ann Parish will hold a Novena and Mass in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6 pm at 652 Main St., North Oxford.  Mass will include the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and Novena prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes.

Family Dinner in Leicester
Family Dinner to be held at Leicester Knights of Columbus, 91 Manville St., Leicester on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6 pm.  Choices are Stuffed Chicken or Baked Fish.  Cost is $12.00 and includes Salad, Rolls, Entree, Dessert, and Coffee.  Please call for reservations by  Wednesday February 12 at 508-892-4528. 

Holy Hour for Lay People to Pray for Priests
On Friday, Feb. 14 from 7 - 8 pm, a Holy Hour for lay people to pray for priests will take place at Immaculate Conception Church on 353 Grove St., Worcester. This holy hour will consist of time for silent adoration, as well as a short reflection, the rosary, and benediction. It takes place on the second Friday of every month. Please join us for this important act of service and prayer for our priests. 

Nominations for Scouting Awards
The Worcester Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting is calling for nominations for Adult Catholic Religious Awards due by Friday, Feb. 14. The awards are to recognize those adults in Scouting who have participated in promoting and teaching Catholic Faith Formation in Scouting through religious emblem programs, Scout Sunday observance, and various other activities relating to the Faith. The Bronze Pelican and the St. George Emblemare for those adults involved in the Cub and/or Boy Scout programs. The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award and the St. Anne Adult Award are for those adults involved in Girl Scouts and/or American Heritage Girls programs. Forms for nominations are available online at neworcester.org/scouting.

Classes for Boy Scouts in Westminster
Calling all Boy Scouts, age 13 and up, interested in earning the Catholic Scouting Award, Ad Altare Dei. We will be starting classes on Sunday afternoons at St. Edward Parish, Westminster if we get 10 or more interested Scouts. Please email Linda, office@stedwardconf.org or call 978-874-2362.
Praying for Our Adult Sons and Daughters (Sharing the Faith that We Love)
Frustrated by adult sons/daughters & nieces/nephews walking away from the church? Discover positive faith-based ideas on what to do and not do.Saturday, Feb. 29 from 9 am to 2 pm (w/Mass).  St. Roch Parish, Oxford. (Snow date: March 14) Leaders: John and Therese Boucher, speakers and authors of many religious articles and books including: Praying for Our Adult Sons and Daughters (Word Among Us Press). Registration (Due by Feb. 21): $20/person (refreshments, lunch, & materials). Send name/address/phone/email and fee to: St. Roch Parish,  332 Main St.,Oxford or register online: stjosephscharlton.com/day-of-spiritual-renewal-2-29-2020.

January 20, 2020

Conversation with Bishop McManus will air as follows: (available on your eCatholic parish website if you use the Featured Program drag and drop icon)
Charter TV3 on Channel 193:  Sunday, Feb. 2 at 6 a.m. NEW TIMES Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. following the Daily Mass
SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury): Sunday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 a.m.
Clinton area Comcast CH 99: Sunday, Feb. 2 at 8:30 a.m.
WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194): Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 8 p.m.
Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35: Thursday, Feb. 6 at 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m.; Friday at 9:30 a.m.
Leominster LATV: Check their bulletin board for times
Athol/Orange (AOTV) Cable Access CH 13: Sundays at 11 am; Wednesdays at 2:30 pm and Thursdays at 2:30 am
Grafton Cable Access: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
ALL LOCATIONS – via the internet: Watch online anytime at worcesterdiocese.org

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed Him.” (Matthew 4:22)  Just as Jesus called the first apostles, He calls each of us to follow Him, too. Not everyone is called to leave their business or family behind, but we are expected to put God first in everything. Everything from our time in daily prayer, our talent in participating in one of our parish ministries, and our treasure to support the financial needs of our parish mission.

3er domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Los llamó e inmediatamente dejaron su bote y a su padre y lo siguieron”. (MATEO 4:22)  Así como Jesús llamó a los primeros apóstoles, también nos llama a cada uno de nosotros a seguirlo. No todos están llamados a dejar atrás su negocio o familia, pero se espera que pongamos a Dios primero en todo. Todo, desde nuestro tiempo en la oración diaria, nuestro talento para participar en uno de nuestros ministerios parroquiales y nuestro tesoro para apoyar las necesidades financieras de nuestra misión parroquial.

Holy Hour for life, Forgiveness and Healing 
Have you or someone you know suffered a loss? Join us in a prayerful evening in front of the Holy Eucharist on Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 7- 8:30 pm with Fr. Michael Roy at St. Roch Church, 332 Main St., Oxford.  All are welcome. 

Valentine Dinner in Westminster
A Valentine Dinner will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 5 to 7 pm at St. Edward the Confessor Church Hall, 10 Church St., Westminster . Menu: Peach glazed chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, peas, soup, cranberry sauce, rolls and dessert. Cost of the dinner is $10.00 per adult, $5.00 per child under 12 and children under 6 eat free. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, please call Wendy Provencial at 978-874-0767.

Benefit for St. Mary School, Shrewsbury
Join us for Irish Pub Night and support St. Mary School in Shrewsbury while sampling local wine and beer on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 7 - 10 pm at the St. Mary CHurch Hall. $40 per person with appetizers, Raffles and silent auction. register at www.tinyurl.com/stmaryirishpub. FOr more info email marty at mkelly@holycross.edu.

Do you have assistance for Hearing Impaired Parishioners?
We received a call from someone looking for a system to assist with hearing impaired relative to attend Mass, ideally in the Milford area.They do not read sign language. If you have anything at your Masses, including captioning if you use a projector, please let Ray Delisle know at rdelisle@worcesterdiocese.org. 

Need a Shallow Well Pump?
A parishioner in the Upton area would like to donate a (new) shallow water pump to a church that may need it for a fountain, or shallow well, or even emergencies. If interested, contact Ray Delisle for a name and telephone number. 

Catholic Home Missions Appeal
A letter is being included for the annual Catholic Home Missions Appeal to be announced on January 26 and taken up on February 2. It is also posted on the diocesan website under Bulletin Letters and Inserts. Thank you.

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TIME SENSITIVE: FY2019 Annual Report for the Diocese
Please watch for a package arriving on Thursday or Friday with bulletin inserts of the Annual Report for FY2019 from the Diocese of Worcester. They are being sent to all parishes and released to media for the weekend of Jan 25/26 so everyone has them at the same time. Thank you for assisting us with keeping people informed.

January 13, 2020

Faith in Action will air as follows: (available on your eCatholic parish website if you use the Featured Program drag and drop icon)
Charter TV3 on Channel 193: NEW TIMES Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. following the Daily Mass Rebroadcast on the following Sunday at 6 a.m. 
SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury): Sunday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 a.m.
Clinton area Comcast CH 99: Sunday, Jan. 26 at 8:30 a.m.
WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194): Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 8 p.m.
Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35: Thursday, Jan 30 at 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m.; Friday at 9:30 a.m.
Leominster LATV: Check their bulletin board for times
Athol/Orange (AOTV) Cable Access CH 13: Sundays at 11 am; Wednesdays at 2:30 pm and Thursdays at 2:30 am
Grafton Cable Access: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
ALL LOCATIONS – via the internet: Watch online anytime at worcesterdiocese.org

Join the National Novena for Life 
9 Days for Life is a focused period of prayer, penance, and pilgrimage set aside to mark the tragic anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion during all nine months of pregnancy. The novena will take place nationwide from Jan. 21 through 29. During this time, all are invited to participate by joining together with thousands of Catholics across the country in prayer for a new intention each of the nine days. Visit www.9daysforlife.com to learn more and to download a free app for your smartphone or to sign up for daily emails or text messages with each day's prayer intention. Your prayers matter! Your sacrifices make a difference!
NOTE to bulletin editors: Web graphics for the 9 Days for Life Novena for use on parish websites and social media and many more helpful parish resources can be found at /www.respectlife.org/9-days-for-life in the leader resources section.  A reproducible flyer for use as a parish bulletin insert is attached.

Creation Series continues in Auburn
The Creation documentary series will continue this month at North American Martyrs Church on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7 pm with the episode “Respect.”  Each 30-minute episode will be presented in the parish hall on six Friday evenings throughout the year with discussion to follow.   You can find more information about Creation at www.saltandlighttv.org.  No RSVP is necessary. For more information, please call 508-798-0612 or e-mail namparish@namparish.com.  We hope you will be able to join us for this important series!

Indoor Yard Sale
St. Ann Parish,  652 Main Street,  North Oxford is holding an Indoor Yard Sale on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9 to 2 pm. Furniture, lamps and pictures are featured. All proceeds to benefit St. Ann Parish.

Job Opportunity
St. John Cemetery is looking to hire (1) possibly (2) full time Cemetery Field Maintenance Staff Workers with overtime. Candidate(s) must be a minimum 18 years of age and have a valid Massachusetts Driver's license and pass a CORI check. Position will perform a multitude of tasks required for use of equipment used in the process of burial, maintenance of the cemeteries with a lifting weight restriction of up to 50 pounds. Candidate(s) will be required within a determined time frame of (1) one year to have a Massachusetts DOT physical, licensure for Hoisting/Hydraulics backhoe operator and a (CDL—A) license to operate a dump truck with a transport trailer and backhoe for our (13) parish cemeteries. Starting hourly rate is commensurate with experience with a benefits package. If interested, please contact St. John's Cemetery Office at 508-757-7415 Monday through Friday 8 am — 4 pm and Saturday 8 am — 12 noon to arrange an interview. No walk-ins considered without an appointment.

January 6, 2020

Diocesan Special will air as follows: (available on your eCatholic parish website if you use the Featured Program drag and drop icon)
Charter TV3 on Channel 193: NEW TIMES Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. following the Daily Mass Rebroadcast on the following Sunday at 6 a.m. 
SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury): Sunday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 a.m.
Clinton area Comcast CH 99: Sunday, Jan. 19 at 8:30 a.m.
WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194): Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 8 p.m.
Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35: Thursday, Jan 23 at 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m.; Friday at 9:30 a.m.
Leominster LATV: Check their bulletin board for times
Athol/Orange (AOTV) Cable Access CH 13: Sundays at 11 am; Wednesdays at 2:30 pm and Thursdays at 2:30 am
Grafton Cable Access: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
ALL LOCATIONS – via the internet: Watch online anytime at worcesterdiocese.org
 
Admission Events at Venerini Academy
For students in Preschool through Grade 8, Venerini Academy provides a rigorous, innovative, Catholic, student-centered education that develops the whole child -- academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. We will be hosting an Early Childhood Information Night on Thursday, Jan.16 from 6:30-8:00 pm for families looking for Preschool (ages 2.9 - 4) and Kindergarten. Presentations begin at 6:30 and guests should be advised that this event is for parents only. We will also be hosting our all-school Open House on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 11 am- 2 pm for families looking for PreK - Grade 8. This event is open to parents and students. Registration for both of these events is online at www.veneriniacademy.com/admissions. Questions? Contact us at katie.obrien@veneriniacademy.com or 508-753-3210.

Hockey, Hockey, Hockey! 
Join us for our 3rd Annual Diocese of Worcester and Catholic Schools Night at the Worcester Railers on Saturday, Jan. 25 presented by Assumption College!   Our Lady of the Angels School will lead the National Anthem; Assumption School in Millbury will sing God Bless America;  and All Saints Academy in Webster will sing America the Beautiful.  The puck drop with Bishop McManus and Superintendent Perda is at 7:05 P.M.  Proceeds from the  "Chuck A Puck " 50/50 Raffle will benefit   Catholic Charities. For school tickets visit www.railershc.com/catholicschools. For parish/agency tickets visit www.railershc.com/diocese.  At checkout confirm your school/parish/agency. Share the link with friends and family! All purchasers will get their tickets electronically delivered within 48 hours of the puck drop. School related questions?  Contact Connor Haynes at connorh@railershc.com. For Parish/Agency related questions contact Matt DaSilva at mattd@railershc.com.

Upcoming Cursillo dates
Cursillo or “short course in Christianity” is an uplifting and educational experience.  The weekend is facilitated by a team of laypeople and clergy who deliver organized talks and discussions.  Our 2020 weekend dates are: Men – February 6-9 & September 10-13; and Women May 28-31 & October 22-25.  All Weekends will be held at the Immaculate Conception Spiritual Renewal Center in Putnam, CT.  For additional information, please contact Pam Hamilton at 774.239.8909 or phamilton1284@gmail.com.
                     
Upcoming Adult Confirmation
Notice for Pastors: 
The annual diocesan celebration of Confirmation for adults will be held at the Cathedral of St. Paul on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. This celebration is intended for catechized adults, age 18 and up, who have not been confirmed. The Office of Religious Education will offer a retreat for those preparing to be confirmed at the diocesan celebration. The retreat will be held at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 555 Pleasant Street, Worcester, on Sunday, January 26, 2020, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. For further information, or to register candidates for the Confirmation celebration or the retreat, please contact the Office of Religious Education at (508) 929-4303. More information can be found on the diocesan website www.worcesterdiocese.org/religiouseducation. 

For inclusion in parish bulletins:
Are you a baptized, catechized Roman Catholic adult (18 or older) who has never been confirmed? The Diocese of Worcester will celebrate a diocesan-wide adult Confirmation on Sunday, Feb. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Paul.  A retreat to prepare for Confirmation will be offered on Sunday, January 26 at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 555 Pleasant Street in Worcester. If interested, please contact your pastor for more information.

20th Anniversary Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference
Men (of all ages, including teens and college students) are invited to this important 20th Anniversary Conference, scheduled for Assumption College on Saturday, March 28. Visit the conference website at www.firstmensconf.org for information and to purchase tickets online and elsewhere. Come and hear dynamic talks from outstanding Catholic leaders: Dr. Scott Hahn (two presentations), Luis Soto (in English and Spanish) and with Bishop Robert Reed of Boston speaking on the need for confession. Bishops and priests will hear confessions.  Bishop McManus will offer the Conference Mass. For a Conference brochure, further information or registration, call Joan DeMasi at 508-929-4345. Adult tickets are $45 until March 11th, afterwards $60. Student tickets are always $30.

December 30, 2019

Environmental Stewardship Roundtable
All are welcome on Jan. 22 at 7 -8:30 pm at St Denis Parish, 23 Manchaug St., Douglas for the next Environmental Stewardship Roundtable. The Environmental Stewardship Ministry for the Diocese of Worcester will be hosting a meeting for anyone interested in learning more about Catholic teaching on the environment and how to put this into action in your parish.  The objective of these roundtable meetings is to engage people interested in finding a role in Environmental Stewardship that fits within their busy lives. Register at environment.worcesterdiocese.org/south-region-roundtable

Faith & Reason Series in Gardner
As part of Annunciation Parish's Faith and Reason Series, Fr. Stephen Lundrigan will give a talk entitled "Searching for the Ever-Present God" on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Holy Rosary Church Hall, 135 Nichols St., Gardner. This presentation will explore the hidden and not-so-hidden evidence for God’s action in the universe and is open to all. 

Scouting Religious Patch Workshops
The scouting workshops scheduled for the Winter/Spring 2020 will be as follows: St. Damian and Blessed Mather Marianne Cope Patches - February 1 with a snow date of Feb. 8. Our Lady of Fatima and Pope St. John Paul II Patches - April 4.   These are all Saturdays and the time will be from 9 - 11:30 am at the Holy Name of Jesus House of Studies, Illinois Street, Worcester.  Cost is to be determined. Pizza will be included. Please RSVP to Linda Brink at  LBrink2019@gmail.com

Pilgrimage to Greece in the Footsteps of St. Paul
From Oct. 28 through Nov. 7, 2020, join Fr. William Schipper and Ray Delisle as we Discover Greece: in the Footsteps of St. Paul the Apostle. Information sessions with Collette Tours and featuring Greek foods to taste will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 2:30 and 5:30 pm at the Chancery, 49 Elm St, Worcester. Follow the path of Paul the Apostle as you discover bucolic beauty and ancient history on this Grecian sojourn. Enjoy a 3-night cruise of the magical Greek islands of Mykonos, Patmos and Santorini. Visit the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, Turkey. Explore the Acropolis in Athens and seek ancient wisdom at the ruins of Delphi. Discover the biblical town of Corinth and see the Agora and the Bema, where Paul was brought before the tribunal. Stop in Philippi, where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe and baptized Lydia, the first Christian. On your journey, feel the spirit of the New Testament as you visit the places where the great apostle lived and preached. Call Ray Delisle at 508-929-4313 to register for the information session or for more information or visit /worcesterdiocese.org/greece-pilgrimage.

Why should we care for the environment?   
This is the question that Salt and Light Television Network attempts to answer with the brilliant documentary series Creation.  Creation seeks to answer the deeper questions about ecology and the environment within God’s revelation as found in his creation and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Each 30 minute episode will be presented at North American Martyrs Church hall on 6 Friday evenings throughout the year beginning at 7 pm with discussion to follow.   The first episode titled Sense of Wonder will be held on Oct. 18 at 7 pm.    Other dates will be Nov. 22, Jan. 31, Feb. 28, March 27, and May 15.  You can find more information  about Creation at www.saltandlighttv.org. Please RSVP if you plan to attend any or all of the dates by calling 508-798-0612 or emailing namparish@namparish.com.  We hope you will be able to join us for this important series!

MONTHLY AND ONGOING RESOURCES

Men's Group at Gardner Parish
The Annunciation Parish Men's Group is a place for men from High School and older to come together to have some time to share their faith, to get perspectives from different generations and to support each other living out our lives as Catholic men and fathers. The group will provide regular meetings, planned social events, and service activities for members to participate in from time to time.  Fathers and sons may find this a good way to spend time together, and men of all ages will find a place where they can connect with others who share similar values. Regular meetings will be held on the third Monday of the month at 6:30 pm in the Rectory. on 135 Nichols Street, Gardner. Call 978-632-0253 for more information.

Divine Mercy Cenacle
All are welcome at St. Luke Parish Center in Westboro every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm for prayer, discussion of Scripture, Catechism and the Diary of St. Faustina.

eCatholic tip: online payments and donations
The monthly fee to use eCatholic payments is waived for parishes in the diocese and transaction fees are as low as it gets in the industry.  The site is very secure, and the money goes right into your parish bank account and you get a report letting you know! You can also use eCatholic Payments for one time or recurring payments and donations for offertory, religious education tuition and more! But, if you already have an online offertory platform you can use eCatholic Payments with their web forms alongside that platform for one time donations for events, etc. Questions: email worcester@ecatholic.com anytime.

Promoting events? Use your eCatholic and Flocknote Resources!
It is EASY to set up an event announcement and registration/ticket form on your eCatholic website. If you have not yet done so, contact them for an online account to accept credit cards via your site. Not only will it make it more convenient than “come to the rectory for tickets;” you can reach more people and plan better for your event. Costs are as low as it gets in the industry, the site is very secure, and the money goes right into your parish bank account and you get a report letting you know! PLUS you can then send everyone a link by Flocknote to go to the site with one click from their phone, tablet or computer and get the tickets, make the donation or at least be aware of the event details to share with family and friends. Let your Communications Ministry tools work for you! Contact Luke at worcester@eCatholic.com if you need to get set up or to learn more.

Include Text-To-Join in your Bulletin each week!
If you are one of the 60 parishes using Flocknote, remember to put your Text To Join (TTJ) number in your bulletin each week – or simply add it to the masthead next time you make changes. You can find the number and phrase when you click on Settings from your Dashboard.
Sample Bulletin notice:
Keep in touch with everything going on in our parish by signing up for our Flocknote emails. Simply text “Your Phrase” to ##### (your TTJ number) and be an informed member of our parish family. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Senior Community Service Employment Opportunities
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) through Catholic Charities is the nation’s oldest program to help low-income or unemployed individuals aged 55+ find work. Catholic Charities first matches eligible older job seekers who are residents of Worcester and Franklin Counties with local nonprofits and government agencies so they can increase skills and build self-confidence, while earning an income. Participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid minimum wage. Job responsibilities can include clerical and administrative functions, maintenance work, library support, etc., depending on the participant’s interests.  Their SCSEP experience most often leads to permanent employment. We are currently enrolling new participants at this time.
Hire An Older Worker, Opportunity For Host Agency Partners!! SCSEP helps make connections between older job seekers and employers. For more than 45 years, SCSEP has been providing employers with pre-screened, qualified candidates to fill vacant positions with no cost or risk to the employer. SCSEP job seekers normally perform a variety of tasks that may not be accomplished because of a gap in funding! For more information on employment or becoming a host agency partner, call Susan Maedler at Catholic Charities (508) 860-2241. 

EMAIL NOTICES
We often hear from pastors and parishes saying they are not getting emails from us, even when we have a correct address. No Email system is foolproof (Gmail, MSN, Outlook, aol, Charter.net, Verizon.net,  etc.) and your provider may be very aggressively blocking emails from your inbox based on general algorithms. Please remember to check your junk mail regularly to see if emails from our Flocknote system or from worcesterdiocese.org or other sources are being inadvertently blocked. You can always use your email system’s rules when this happens to “always accept email from this sender.” Usually that option appears when you “Right Click’ on the email in question with your mouse.

Senior Fraud Hotline
RSVP’s Senior Fraud HelpLine is a toll-free resource for seniors and their families to call when they are concerned that they are being targeted by scammers.  If they are in doubt, they should check it out by calling 1-800-297-9760. Confidential. Knowledgeable. Local. Supportive.

Looking to make a Retreat?

Franciscan Guest House & Retreat Facilities welcomes you to refresh & renew from the outside world and bask in the peaceful presence of the Monastery, Shrine and grounds located in Kennebunkport, ME.  The Retreat House is just steps away from the radiant Shrine & Chapel of St. Anthony and offers 47 acres full of beautiful grottos and peaceful walking paths along the Kennebunk River. Open to retreat groups and individuals wishing to focus on their spirituality. Mass celebrated Daily. Special rates now through May 2016 starting midweek at just $45.00 per night! Call Marge Oliveri, toll free 844-253-2972.

Volunteer To Help With Food Distribution In Our Food Pantry
Catholic Charities Emergency Stabilization Services located on Hammond Street in Worcester is looking for volunteers who might be able to assist them with distributing food in our food pantry. Volunteers must be available once a week from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and be able to lift cases of food. Volunteer days: Monday - Friday. Thank you for your consideration. All help is much needed and appreciated! Contact: Maydeé Morales at 508-860-2206 or via e-mail to mmorales@ccworc.org.

FOR CLERGY: OBTAINING INFORMATION FOR HOSPITALIZED PARISHIONERS AT SAINT VINCENT HOSPITAL 

The general method of obtaining information about the hospitalized members of your parish remains the same. Weekdays, during normal business hours, call 508-363-9233 and wait for the voice prompt; then, enter extension 22241. Your call will be automatically transferred to the hospital’s patient information desk. Give the receptionist your three-digit parish code number(s). On weekends, holidays and during the evening hours, you must call the hospital operator directly at 508-363-5000 and supply her with your parish code(s). For those parishes that have been merged or renamed, you will have to use multiple code numbers in order to obtain a thorough listing of your parishioners. For patients who have invoked patient confidentiality, in accord with legal requirements, these names will not be available to you.

DAILY MASS ON TV AND THE INTERNET 

Tune in on Monday through Friday on Charter TV3 on channel 193 at 9 am for the local Daily Mass on cable celebrated by various priests from around our diocese. Also airs at 4:30 pm in Shrewsbury on Ch. 28, and 5 pm in Clinton area on Ch. 8. 

INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW TO HELP IN TV MINISTRY? 

Whether you like to operate a camera, or would like to learn audio controls or even how to produce, we have a place for you in TV Ministry. We will train – all you need is a desire to learn and some free time. Call Steve at 508-791-203 9 or email tvmass@charter.net for more information. Great service opportunity for high school or college students and retirees alike! 

REDUCED-FEE LEGAL SERVICES IN WORCESTER 
The Worcester County Bar Association has a Reduced Fee Program where household income exceeds the requirements for free legal assistance but makes hiring an attorney unfeasible. You must be a Worcester County resident and legal services include bankruptcy, mortgage foreclosures, wills, divorces, custody and evictions. Call 800-622-9700 800-622-9700 for more information, indicating your interest in the Reduced Fee Program. 

UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON ONLINE LEARNING (DIOCESAN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM) 
Have you ever had a desire to expand your knowledge of the faith in areas such as Scripture, Liturgy and Worship, Prayer and Spirituality, Sacraments, Creed, or Church History? Check out the on-line courses available to adults through our Diocesan Partnership Program with U Dayton and the Virtual Community for Faith Formation. You can receive a substantial discount while learning in your own space during your personal hours of availability. If you have any questions, please call Barbara Ramian at 508-929-4308.

PROJECT RACHEL CAN HELP WITH THE PAIN OF A PAST ABORTION 
Hurting from a past abortion? We can help. Project Rachel is the Catholic Church’s ministry of healing and reconciliation to those who have been wounded by abortion. Our services are free and strictly confidential. Call Project Rachel at (508) 791-HOPE. 

FERTILITY CARE PROGRAM 
There is an alternative to artificial methods of birth control and IVF. Learn about The Creighton Model System of FertilityCare, the reproductive science that is 99% effective to avoid pregnancy, highly effective to achieve pregnancy and offers couples who are experiencing infertility hope to achieve their dream of pregnancy without artificial reproductive technologies. This is accomplished while following the teachings of the church. To learn more about the program contact Barbara Meier, RN, FertilityCare Practitioner at 609-457-0108 609-457-0108 or fertilitycare@ymail.com.

CAR DONATION PROGRAM
Did you know you can donate your car, truck, motorcycle or boat to Catholic Charities and help us help your Worcester County neighbors?  It’s quick and easy to do.  Just visit our website to donate your vehicle online atwww.ccworc.org or call 1-888-CAR-7308 1-888-CAR-7308 to arrange a convenient pickup time and confirmation of your donation from Catholic Charities Donation Angel Program.  The car in your driveway can help us to continue to offer many services to children, families and elders in our community so that they may regain home for a brighter future.  Thank you!

Mental Health Providers Directory
An extensive directory of mental health providers in Worcester who serve children and families, as well as bilingual providers, is available from the Worcester Community Action Council, Main St. Worcester.

Employees or Independent Contractors?
The Office of the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has issued new guidance on the classification of hired personnel as employees or independent contractors. Hired personnel are considered employees unless: (1) the individual is free from the employers direction and control in connection with the performance of the service, both under his or her contract for the performance of service and in fact; (2) the service the individual performs is outside the usual course of business of the employer; and (3) the individual is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, profession, or business of the same nature as that involved in the service performed.