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

For July 19, 2021

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?”  (JOHN 6:9) The miracle of the Loaves and Fishes carries two important messages.  First, no matter how little we have, we always have enough to share.  Second, Christ can take our humble gifts and do great things with them if we are just willing to let Him.  Nothing is impossible with God.  All of our gifts, big or small, were given to us for a reason.  No gift is too small or insignificant! 

17o Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
 Aquí hay un muchacho que tiene cinco panes de cebada y dos pescados, pero ¿qué es esto para tanta gente?"  (JUAN 6:9) El milagro de los Peces y los Panes lleva consigo dos mensajes importantes.  Primero, no importa lo poco que tengamos, siempre tenemos suficiente para compartir.  Segundo, Cristo puede tomar nuestros humildes dones y hacer grandes cosas con ellos si simplemente se lo permitimos.  Con Dios nada es imposible. Todos nuestros dones, grandes o pequeños, nos fueron dados por una razón.  ¡Ningún don es demasiado pequeño o insignificante!
 
Volunteer Opportunity
Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) New England, a yearlong volunteer opportunity for women and men 50 years of age and better, is recruiting volunteers for the upcoming (September to June) year. Volunteers give two full days/week of service and commit to a monthly spiritual reflection program in the Jesuit tradition. IVC works with nonprofits in the Boston/Worcester/Providence areas that address problems of homelessness, education, immigration and more. Get info and application by contacting regional director Dave Hinchen: newengland@ivcusa.org, or check out the IVC New England: www.ivcusa.org/new-england. 

Evangelization Workshop Postponed
Due to circumstances beyond our control, the PRAE Zoom Workshop with Allan Wright on July 27 is postponed to a date to be determined.

Job Opportunity
Part-time Maintenance Person Needed
St. Rose of Lima, Northborough, is seeking a part-time person to handle janitorial responsibilities for the church and Family Life Center. This position is for 20 hrs per week, Monday-Thursday from 8am-1pm. If interested, please contact Linda McGarvey at the parish office: 508-393-2413.

July 13, 2021

Emmanuel Radio Book Offer
Summer greetings from 1230AM, 970 AM and 101.1 FM Emmanuel Radio! God know you deserve a summer vacation this year, but don't take a vacation FROM him. Help bring the Mass, Holy Rosary and Catholic programs to you and others in need of His word this summer by donating at 508-767-1230, online at www.1230radio.com or mail Emmanuel Radio, PO Box 20027, Worcester, MA 01602. Donors or $40 or more will receive a free copy of "Do Something Beautiful for God: The Essential Teachings of Mother Teresa." Great summer reading from Emmanuel Radio - Truth for Life.

Job Opportunities
Director of Religious Education Needed
St. Joseph-St. Pius X Parish is searching for a Director of Religious Education. Responsibilities include scheduling, recruiting teachers, registrations, etc. Required availability on Sundays and possible one other day of week. Experience not necessary but helpful. Salary negotiable.  If interested please contact the parish office at 508-859-8083 or email stjosephstpiusx759@gmail.com.

July 6, 2021

Tell Congress to save the Hyde amendment!  
The Hyde Amendment and similar laws have protected taxpayers from funding elective abortion for 45 years. Now, powerful members of Congress want to take away these laws that both Democrats and Republicans have supported for nearly half a century. Billions of federal taxpayer dollars could be used to pay for abortion. Government money would be better spent supporting women in crisis pregnancies and struggling new mothers than paying to end the lives of their children. It is critically important for Catholics to send a strong message before Congress moves forward to impose taxpayer-funded abortion.  Visit https://bit.ly/no-taxpayer-abortion-action to learn more and to send a message to Congress with just a few clicks, AND, sign the petition at www.notaxpayerabortion.com.  
NOTE TO BULLETIN EDITORS:  Helpful graphics to support this message can be found at www.usccb.org/resources/respect-life-graphics-no-taxpayer-abortion. (Link www.notaxpayerabortion.com to the graphics when posting to parish websites and social media.)  You can also find information to assist those without internet access in contacting Congress here:  https://www.usccb.org/hyde-flyer-template.  

134th Annual Novena to Saint Anne
Celebrating The First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 
July 18 – 26: 5:30 pm Confessions at St. Anne Church. 6:30 Rosary Procession from the Generations Statue in front of the Gift Shop; 7 pm Novena Mass in the Outdoor Pavilion. On the Feast of Ss. Anne and Joachim. Monday July 26 - Healing Mass at 11 am in the Pavilion and Closing Liturgy at 7 pm. Visit stannestpatrickparish.com/novena-to-st-anne for more information.

Premier of Santiago: The Camino Within July 25
Ahava Productions (ahavaproductions.com) is dedicated to creating inspiring films about the Catholic Faith. Their new film called Santiago: The Camino Within will be premiered VIRTUALLY on July 25. This film features pilgrims from around the world led by Bishop Donald Hying as they travel the ancient route of THE CAMINO founded by the apostle St. James. Parishes are able to sign up for a free pass to the virtual premier of this film at santiago-camino.com. The parish will then receive a link at the email address which they used to sign up. This link can then be forwarded to parishioners, who will be able to share in the parish's free access and view the film! Individual parishioners are also able to sign up for their own free pass to the virtual premier.

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TO: Parish Administration
Free Audio Speakers
St. Columba Parish is offering 2 Rodgers speakers, 8 ohms, 75 watt, Model FRI.7. If interested contact Fr. David Cotter at 508-755-0408

June 28, 2021

 Upcoming Cursillo Weekends
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” It’s time to learn more about your Faith. It’s time to experience what our religion can do for you. Jesus is waiting for you, personally. Cursillo weekends are a wonderful, fun way to give you a start on this journey. Two weekends are being offered in 2021. A women’s weekend running from October 14-17; and  a men’s weekend running from November 11-14. Go to www.fourthday.org and download an application today or call Pam Hamilton @ 774-239-8909 for more information. You will be glad you did!

Position Available: Minister of Faith Formation
St. Peter Parish, Northbridge is seeking a Minister of Faith Formation to direct the program serving the young people of the parish in grades kindergarten through high school. This individual will oversee all aspects of the program, including resourcing the catechists and working with them directly during program hours (Sunday mornings and evenings, Tuesday evenings), and meeting with the pastor and Faith Formation Committee at their regularly scheduled meetings. The program currently serves 28 families with approximately 50 youngsters. This is a part-time position (20 hours per week). Interested applicants should possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with relevant courses in religious education/theology, as well as experience in parish religious education. To apply, please submit a resume and three references from experiences in ministry or from those responsible for your education/formation to: Rev. Thomas Landry, Pastor, St. Peter Parish, 39 Church Avenue, P.O. Box 446, Northbridge, MA 01534 or email: parishoffice@stpeterrockdale.org

Summer Hours for Chancery Offices
The Chancery will be open Monday - Thursday from 8 am to 5:30 and closed on Fridays through August 20 inclusive. The building is open by appointment only, but closed to the general public. When visiting please use the front door and call the person you are meeting from the front vestibule to meet you. a phone and directory are conveniently located in the lobby. Visitors who are not fully vaccinated are still required o wear a mask following state and CDC guidelines.

Happy Fourth of July!
The offices are closed for the Holiday

June 21, 2021

13^h Sunday in Ordinary Time
“…as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want, so that their abundance may supply your want, that there may be equality.”  (2 CORINTHIANS 8:14)  One of the tenants of living a grateful and generous lifestyle is giving without expecting anything in return.  It is important that we not only grow, nurture and share our gifts; but that we also teach our children and encourage others to do the same.  This is the communal aspect of our Catholic faith.  We are the “Body of Christ”.  We are called to be dependent on each other and not live in isolation.

13º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“…Mi intención es que ustedes, que ahora tienen en abundancia, ayuden a otros que no tienen lo necesario. Luego, cuando a ustedes les falte, otros que tienen en abundancia los ayudarán, y así habrá igualdad para todos.” (2 CORINTIOS 8:14) Una de las condiciones de vivir un estilo de vida agradecido y generoso es dar sin esperar nada a cambio. No solo es importarte hacer crecer, cuidar y compartir nuestros dones; sino también enseñar a nuestros niños y animar a los demás a hacer lo mismo.  Este es el aspecto comunitario de nuestra fe Católica.  Nosotros somos el “Cuerpo de Cristo”.  Somos llamados a depender los unos de los otros y no a vivir en aislamiento.

Holy Hour for Religious Freedom
All are welcome to join Annunciation Parish for a Holy Hour for Religious Freedom on Monday, June 28 at 6 pm in Holy Rosary Church at 135 Nichols St., Gardner. 

Part Time Clerical Position: Fiscal Affairs Office
We are looking for a part-time person to work Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Duties include Sorting mail, filing, data entry, mailings and other financial tasks as needed. Skills: Competence in math with strong organizational skills and general computer skills.  A working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required.  Ability to work well with others is necessary. If interested please email kbarrett@worcesterdiocese.org for an application.

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Contacting the Bishop's Office
Lucina Pietrowicz retired recently and Joan DeMasi is now the secretary for the Bishop's Office and the VIcar General. Please update your contact list: Joan can be reached at 508-929-4345 and jdemasi@worcesterdiocese.org. When coming to the chancery for an appointment, dial 1345 from the vestibule.

June 14, 2021

June is Alzheimer's Awareness month
June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month and the Alzheimer's Association is here to help and share information about their free support services, educational programs, advocacy efforts and research advancements. The more people know about Alzheimer's, the more action we inspire. We are offering a virtual community educational program "Know the 10 Signs" on Wednesday, June 23 from Noon - 1 pm. Registration is required: visit act.alz.org/worcester to register. We also offer an Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at  800-272-3900. Also, you can make a difference by supporting the r Worcester County Alzheimer's Walk on Sunday, October 3. Visit alz.org for more information.

Clergy visiting Saint Vincent protocols
When familiar clergy are able to visit the hospitalized members of their parish, it offers patients spiritual support and brings faith into the healing process. While COVID-related restrictions at Saint Vincent Hospital have been relaxed, Massachusetts hospitals are still required to internally maintain some restrictions. Masks will still be required within the hospital. If you arrive without a mask, one will be provided. Currently, entry to the hospital is restricted to the 3rd level North entrance. It is recommended that you check with the unit secretary before visiting your parishioner(s) in order to be made aware of any patient who might be under restrictions or who has been hospitalized with an infectious condition. Hand hygiene is necessary and essential for your safety and preventing unnecessary spread of certain pathogens. Given the evolving nature of the current visitor policy and any accompanying restrictions, consider other options that are available to area priests to stay connected with the members of the parish: contact them by phone, video communication, or text. The SVH staff chaplains should be contacted if there is an emergency or your visitation seems unlikely due to other demands which would seriously delay your ability to visit in person. Call (508) 363-5000 to page the priest on duty or call the direct phone number for the Department of Pastoral Care: (508) 363-6246.  A priest-chaplain is always available for emergencies.

June 7, 2021

Religious Freedom Week will be celebrated in dioceses nationwide from June 22 to June 29.  Throughout the week we will focus on the importance of preserving the essential right of religious freedom, both now and in the future, for Catholics and all people of faith. This year’s theme is “Solidarity in Freedom”.  The significant feast days during the week (Saints Thomas More and John Fisher – June 22, Saint John the Baptist – June 24, and Saints Peter and Paul – June 29) inspire us to follow the example of these great saints who loved God above all and remained faithful in the face of adversity.  Please visit www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek to download the “Pray-Reflect-Act” pages for each day on various religious liberty topics.  These excellent resources are intended to inspire us to learn more about religious liberty from a Catholic perspective, help us to pray about particular issues, and provide us with tools to act on what we learn. Additional information and resources for parish and personal use can be found at www.worcesterdiocese.org/religiousfreedomweek.

Intellectual Retreat Opportunity
“Why College?” is a 3-day retreat being held at St. Mary’s Parish, Uxbridge on July 7-9, from 8:30 am-3:30 pm. Its an opportunity for young adults to address questions such as: Is higher education worth the cost? Can a reflective life lead to happiness? Are God, math, and politics related to literature, philosophy, and music? Does wisdom matter anymore? If you are a rising high school senior, currently in college, or a recent graduate, you are invited to this great conversation about the purpose, fruit, and joy of the intellectual life. There is no cost for the retreat. Questions or want more information? Contact Michael Hoye at hoye@cua.edu. Click on https://tinyurl.com/yvwhtvcj.  Mass, adoration, and confession available daily.

Young Adult Aerial Adventure Outing
All young adults (ages 18-39) are invited to join for a morning at Boundless Adventures, an aerial adventure park in Berlin MA on Saturday, July 10. Discounted tickets are available for those who register in our group at a cost of $35/person (general park admission is $50). To sign up for a spot or to get more information, go to neworcester.org/young-adult-aerial-adventure or contact Tim Messenger at tmessenger@worcesterdiocese.org. Deadline to sign up is Monday, June 28.

Youth Aerial Adventure Outing
High School and Middle School youth are invited to join the Diocesan Youth Ministry Office for an afternoon at Boundless Adventures, an aerial adventure park in Berlin MA, on Wednesday, July 21. Discounted tickets are available for our Diocesan group at a cost of $30/person (general park admission is $50). All youth must attend with a parish group. If you are interested in signing up a group from your parish or would like more information, contact Tim Messenger at tmessenger@worcesterdiocese.org or go to neworcester.org/high-ropes-and-zipline. Deadline to register is Tuesday, July 6.

Consecration to St. Joseph
St. Mary Church, Uxbridge is offering a six-part summer series entitled Consecration to St. Joseph on Monday, July 12 – August 16, 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm in the Parish Hall. It will involve Small Group Discussion and Consecration. There has been a long history of devotion to St. Joseph.  In this series, you will grow in your understanding of St. Joseph through knowledge of the saints, teachings of popes and other theological reflections. The book Consecration to St. Joseph by Donald H. Calloway, MIC will be used. This book is available for purchase through St. Mary. You may register at www.stmaryuxbridge.org or by emailing Diane at dmoriarty@stmaryuxbridge.org.

The Sanctuary Course for Catholics
The Sanctuary Course for Catholics is being presented by the CARE Ministry at St. Mary Church in Uxbridge on Thursday, July 1 – August 19, 7:00 pm – 8: 30 pm, in the Parish Hall. This timely mental health video course will explore the intersection of faith and mental illness. This eight-part series is designed to increase awareness, reduce the stigma, and initiate conversation in the faith community regarding mental health. Each topic is presented through a psychological, theological and social aspect. 
As Catholics, our mission is to love and care for all people through the message of Jesus Christ. According to the National Institute of Health, 1 in 5 people each year will deal with a mental illness with 1 in 17 having a serious illness. Due to the stigma still associated with mental illness, those suffering can be very isolated and suffer alone. How can we as a church support them? This course is designed for those suffering from mental illness, families and friends who support them, pastors and staff, and those who wish to open a dialogue on mental health in their parish.  This is not a support group, but St. Mary’s CARE Ministry comprised of mental health and medical professionals will be facilitating the sessions. There is no cost, but registration is required. You may learn more at www.stmaryuxbridge.org or by emailing Diane at dmoriarty@stmaryuxbridge.org. All are welcome.

Homemakers Wanted! Walk-in Interviews Every Tuesday from 10 am-12 pm
Catholic Charities, located at 10 Hammond St. in Worcester, is hiring homemakers and hosting walk-in interviews every Tuesday from 10 am-12 pm. Homemakers and Home Health Aides are trained by our Homecare team to provide a variety of support services, which are essential in maintaining a disabled or dependent person’s safety and wellbeing. To keep this program alive, we need to grow our Homecare team to meet the increasing demands of the areas that we serve, which consists of Amherst, Athol, Leominster, Milford, Southbridge, Greenfield, Shelburne Falls, and Worcester. Walk-ins welcome, or contact Paula, Homecare Supervisor: 508-414-9084. Those interested may also apply online at ccworc.org.

Se buscan amas de casa! Entrevistas sin cita previa todos los martes de 10 a.m. a 12 p.m.
Catholic Charities, ubicada en 10 Hammond St. en Worcester, está contratando amas de casa y organizando entrevistas sin cita todos los martes de 10 AM-a 12 PM. Nuestro equipo de atención domiciliaria capacita a las amas de casa y asistentes de salud en el hogar para brindar una variedad de servicios de apoyo, que son esenciales para mantener la seguridad y el bienestar de una persona discapacitada o dependiente. Para mantener vivo este programa, necesitamos hacer crecer nuestro equipo de atención domiciliaria para satisfacer las crecientes demandas de las áreas a las que servimos, que estan localizados en Amherst, Athol, Leominster, Milford, Southbridge, Greenfield, Shelburne Falls y Worcester. Se aceptan visitas sin cita previa, o puede comunícarse con Paula, supervisora de atención domiciliaria al 508-414-9084. Los interesados también pueden presentar su solicitud en línea en el sitio web ccworc.org.

May 24, 2021

Summer Youth Worship Nights
All high school youth are invited to attend our Diocesan summer worship nights! The first worship night will take place on Friday, June 18 from 7-9 pm at Holy Family of Nazareth in Leominster. The second will take place on Friday, July 9 from 7-9 pm at St. Luke in Westborough. These events are open to any incoming freshmen to outgoing seniors. Worship nights include icebreakers, witnesses, praise and worship music, and Eucharistic Adoration! There is NO COST to attend! To sign up a group from your parish go to www.neworcester.org/summer-worship-nights
 

May 17, 2021

Volunteers needed for Children in Homeless Shelters
Children living in more than 90 homeless shelters across Mass. count on Horizons for Homeless Children volunteers.  Can they count on you? Volunteer to play with homeless children at our Playspace in one of more than 90 family shelters.  We have a high need for volunteers in Worcester.  A commitment of 2 hours a week for 6 months and an orientation are required. Upcoming online volunteer orientation: Tuesday, May 18 or Thursday, June 17 from 6-8 pm. To find out more, view other orientation dates, or to apply, call 774.260.2612 or visit www.horizonschildren.org/playspace. 

SPRED Resumes in South County
We are resuming the southern Worcester Diocese's SPRED unit and  welcoming new members. SPRED (SPecial Religious EDucation) is a bi-monthly program for mentally challenged children (age appropriate levels) and adults to learn about their Christian faith. We meet at the Emmaus Center on the Sacred Heart of Jesus campus in Webster. For more information, please contact the coordinator Linda Brink at Lbrink2019@gmail.com

May 10, 2021

Diocesan Summer Youth Events
The Diocesan Youth Ministry Office will be offering several exciting opportunities this summer for middle and high school youth! Events include a trip to an aerial adventure course, whitewater rafting, summer worship nights, the Diocesan volleyball league, and the Diocesan Youth Discipleship Team. To get more information or to register a group for any of these opportunities go to the Diocesan Youth Ministry website at www.neworcester.org or contact Tim Messenger at tmessenger@worcesterdiocese.org or 508-929-4360.

Diocesan Summer Young Adult Events
All young adults (ages 18-39) are invited to join us for our Diocesan Young Adult Ministry events this summer! Events include weekly pick-up volleyball, hiking trips to Mt. Wachusett and Mt. Monadnock, an aerial adventure course, and whitewater rafting. Some events require registration in advance. To sign up or to get more information go to www.neworcester.org/summer-young-adult-events or contact Tim Messenger at tmessenger@worcesterdiocese.org or 508-929-4360.

St. Andrew Bobola’s NEW Family Mass
Saint Andrew Bobola Catholic Church at 54 West Main Street in Dudley will now celebrate Holy Mass on Sundays at 10:30am for children and families.  The Mass will be short, not much longer than 30 minutes.  The church seeks to provide a safe, welcoming environment where children and families can pray, worship God, learn, practice and witness to their faith.  Church pews are sanitized after each Mass.  We practice safe social distancing with every other row blocked-off.  Visitors to the church wear required facial coverings.  For more info, please call the rectory at 508-943-5633.  Please join us for this weekly family Mass as we thank God for all His blessings and give Him praise, honor and glory.  God bless you and all your loved ones and we look forward to seeing your family  there.

April 26, 2021

St. Thomas More Law School Scholarship
Each year the St. Thomas More Society of our Diocese awards a scholarship of varying amounts, usually around $3000, to a law student attending an accredited law school in the fall. Applicants or parents must be registered and active members of a parish in the Diocese of Worcester. Applicants may be in any year of law school studies. Applications may be obtained by visiting the diocesan website, www.worcesterdiocese.org/st-thomas-more-society, by mailing requests to: St. Thomas More Society, Chancery Office, 49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or by calling Joan DeMasi at 508-929-4345. Applications are due on or before June 30, 2021. Should anyone wish to contribute to the scholarship fund, donations will be greatly appreciated and you can contact us at the above address or phone number. (Please run for four weeks if possible)

TO: Parish Staff

Pews Available
Our Lady of Czestochowa Church has 12 pews, 12 feet long available for free. 
If interested please contact parish office at 508-755-5959 or rectory@olcworcester.com

Divine Mercy Holy Hour for an End to Abortion 
Every Friday at 3:00 pm join us at St. James Church, 89 Main St., South Grafton.

FOR PARISH ADMINISTRATION:

Update on Clergy Visits at Saint Vincent Hospital
Realizing that this is a unique Christmas season, due to the increased number of patients whose condition warrants isolation, please be advised that routine visitation of your parishioners is not possible at this time. Exceptions are made for parishioners who are nearing the end of their lives and would be comforted by their own parish priest. Regardless of their condition, the diocesan priests assigned to the hospital have recently been vaccinated and have always been able to visit any patient, using proper protective equipment (PPE) for those who must be isolated. If you receive a call requesting sacramental or pastoral care for a patient who is a parishioner, please call the chaplain’s office at 508-363-6246 during the daytime hours. In the event of an after-hours’ emergency, where time is essential, call 508-363-500 and ask the hospital operator to page the priest on duty. Your call will be parked in a queue and, while you will not hear anything, the on-duty chaplain will receive a unique code that will allow him to be linked up with you. This will take some time, either to excuse himself from a visit or to find a phone to dial in. Please be patient.   

Dept. of Children and Families seeking spaces for monitored child visits
The MA Dept. of Children and Families (DCF) is looking for space with a separate entrance where children, who are placed out of home, can have a supervised family visit.  These would be monitored by DCF staff and could include others such as interpreters.  The space would need to accommodate 6 ft. social distancing for between 4 and 10 people with tables and chairs.  They would like to have access on at least one day per week with 2 visits in the a.m. and 2 visits in the afternoon. They would also need dedicated restrooms and help disinfecting between the sessions. They use screening questions and provide PPE for all visits.  They can provide proper signage.  The visits are staggered so one group does no interact with another.  If your parish has a hall available during the week and you have a part time maintenance person, and are interested in helping during this difficult time, contact Daniel Arnold at daniel.r.arnold@state.ma.us or at office # 508-929-2026. Fee is negotiable.

Coming to Chancery for Appointments - Protocol
The chancery remains closed to the public except for scheduled appointments. Beginning September 1 we have made staffing changes including no longer having a receptionist at the front lobby. The front vestibule is OPEN during business hours and a phone is present to call your appointment to notify them of your arrival.
If you are dropping off material for a department (e.g., Marriage Tribunal, Partners in Charity or Finance, please call that department to let them know. Phone messages will be checked regularly and we encourage parish staff to use the direct dial numbers for each department which are listed in the Diocesan Directory.
If you are entering the building for an appointment, masks must be worn in the building and hand sanitizer is available as you enter for your use. A strict cleaning schedule is maintained for all common areas and meeting rooms are cleaned immediately after use.
 

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.

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.

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.

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.