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. 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 before your event. You can email submissions directly to [email protected]

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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 January 23, 2023

Stewardship reflections for Bulletins

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (MATTHEW 5:3)  The phrase “poor in spirit” can be confusing.Think of it in this sense – poor in spirt means depending on God’s providence and not depending on our own self-reliance.Being detached from earthy things (power, money, and comfort) and being attached to heavenly things (charity, sacrifice, and mercy).Denying ourselves from satisfying our desires and helping others obtain their basic needs.

Cuarto Domingo de Tiempo Ordinario
“Bendecidos los pobres de espíritu, porque de ellos es el reino del cielo” (MATEO 5:3) La frase “pobres de espíritu” puede confundirnos.Piense de ella en este sentido - pobres de espíritu significa depender de la providencia de Dios y no de nuestra propia autosuficiencia.Desprendernos de las cosas terrenales (poder, dinero, y comodidad) y apegarnos a las cosas celestiales (caridad, sacrificio y misericordia).Negarnos a nosotros mismos la satisfacción de nuestros deseos y ayudar a otros a cubrir sus necesidades básicas.

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Vocations reflections for Bulletins

Bulletin inserts in English and Spanish for vocations awareness.
For weekly Vocations Intercessions, CLICK HERE for English  (en espanol)

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters…” We are all called to bear witness to Christ in our lives. Could you be called to do so as a priest, deacon, or consecrated religious? Contact the Vocation Office at (508)-630-4473 or email: [email protected]

Cuarto Domingo de Tiempo Ordinario
“Consideren su propio llamado, hermanos y hermanas…” Todos estamos llamados a ser testigos de Cristo en nuestras vidas. ¿Podría ser llamado a ser sacerdote, diácono o religioso consagrado? Comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508)-630-4473 o envíe un correo electrónico a: [email protected].

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Rosary and Mass on Feast of the Presentation in Worcester
Please join us to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and Candlemas at Our Lady of the Angels Church, Worcester on Thursday, Feb. 2. We will begin by praying the Flame of Love Rosary at 6:30 pm and Holy Mass at 7 pm. The formal devotion of the “Passing of the Flame of Love” will be observed. All are welcome.

ASCEND – Praise & Worship and Adoration
Join us for the next Ascend night on Friday, Feb. 3 at 7 pm at Mary Queen of the Rosary Parish in Spencer. Start your weekend off with Jesus with praise & worship music, Eucharistic Adoration, and the opportunity for Reconciliation. Mary Queen of the Rosary is located at 46 Maple Street, Spencer.

Pro-Life Reflections in Leominster 
Msgr. James P. Moroney will present a reflection on Proclaiming the Gospel of Life in a Post-Roe World, Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 am-noon at St. Cecilia Parish, 180 Mechanic St.. Leominster. It will be followed by an hour of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in intercession for all life from birth to natural death.

Amplify – Diocesan High School Youth Night
Mark your calendars for the next Amplify night which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11 at St. Bernard Parish at St. Camillus Church in Fitchburg! All high school youth are invited to join us for pizza, a trivia night (with prizes!), followed by some time of Eucharistic Adoration and confession! We will begin around 5:15 pm following the parish's 4:15 pm vigil Mass and conclude at 8 pm. There is NO COST to attend. However, to give us an estimated headcount for food, please sign up (group sign-up or individual) using the following link: neworcester.org/amplify-2-11 Please sign up by February 9.

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To Pastors and Administration:

Have you sent in your Retirement Fund for Religious donations?
If you have not done so already, please forward the donations from the December Collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious to the Finance Office. We will be remitting the total diocesan collection to the national office soon.

Still looking for a few more Catholic School Appeal reports
The Development Office is still looking for a number of parish reports for the Catholic School Appeal that took place last September. Please let Michael Gillespie know know or call him with questions at 508-929-4368. Thank you.

Looking for a pipe organ for your church?
The Casavant organ that is still in the former Good Shepherd Church in Linwood is being offered for free to any parish in our diocese by Fr. Raphael Seif, the pastor of St. Shenouda & St. Karas Coptic Orthodox Church is now there. If you are interested in learning more, please email him at [email protected]. It is from the 1950s and would need some work before being reinstalled.

January 17, 2023

Stewardship reflections for Bulletins

Third 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. In gratitude to God, we should give our first and best of everything to Him: 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.

Tercer Domingo de Tiempo Ordinario
“El los llamó e inmediatamente dejaron su barca y a su padre y lo siguieron” (MATEO 4:22)  Así como Jesús llamó a los primeros apóstoles, tambiénnos llama a cada uno de nosotros a seguirlo. No todo el mundo es llamado a dejar atrás a su familia o a sus negocios, pero se espera de nosotros que pongamos a Dios en primer lugar en todo. En agradecimiento a Dios, debemos darle lo primero y lo mejor de todo: nuestro tiempo en la oración diaria, nuestro talento para participar en uno de nuestros ministerios parroquiales y nuestros tesoros para apoyar las necesidades financieras de la misión de nuestra parroquia.

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Vocations reflections for Bulletins

Bulletin inserts in English and Spanish for vocations awareness.
For weekly Vocations Intercessions, CLICK HERE for English  (en espanol)

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
For all men and women called by Jesus to teach the Gospel as priests, deacons, sisters and brothers, that the joy of the Lord will remain their strength during their discernment, formation and mission, we pray to the Lord. 

Tercer Domingo de Tiempo Ordinario
“¡Arrepentirse! El reino de cielo está a mano.” ¿Está llamado a proclamar la venida del reino como un sacerdote, el diácono, hermana religiosa o hermano? Comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508)-630-4473 o envíe un correo electrónico a: [email protected].

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Pro-Life Mass 
All are invited to attend the annual Mass for Life on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 pm at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 38 High St., Worcester.  Fr. Richard Reidy will be the celebrant.  Please join us to pray for and with our pilgrims who will be travelling to Washington, DC for the annual March for Life on Jan. 20, and to pray for an end to abortion and the conversion of our nation. All are welcome!

Join the National Novena for Life! 
Join thousands of Catholics nationwide in the annual Respect Life novena, 9 Days for Life, Thursday, January 19 – Friday, January 27. Get daily intentions, brief reflections, and more. Sign up at www.9daysforlife.com! 

Documentary Film Screening in North Easton
Couples – listen up – want a free, fun, date night? Popcorn and beverages provided! Film screening on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7pm. Enjoy and be inspired by a documentary about an unlikely hero who had an extraordinary mission! PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON (see trailer at PrayTheFilm.com) is a film about a poor Irish immigrant who came to America in 1927 with dreams of becoming a millionaire. But God and the Blessed Virgin Mary had other plans for Patrick. His ministry drew more than 28 million people to their global events and his films drew stars, like Bing Crosby. Block your calendar and join us -- at the Museum of Family Prayer, 518 Washington St., North Easton, MA. MuseumofFamilyPrayer.org

January 23 Mass for Life in Webster 
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 18 E. Main St., Webster will offer Mass on Monday, Jan. 23 at 7:00 pm in observance of the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.  All are welcome!  Parking available on the Granite St. entrance and is handicap accessible.  For more information contact Linda at 508-949-1218 or [email protected].

Why Catholics Believe in the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist
(and why it's not such a crazy idea)
Join Annunciation Parish on  Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 6:30 pm for a presentation by Fr. Stephen Lundrigan on the biblical, historical and practical foundation of our belief in the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. We will be meeting in the Great Room in the Parish Center on the Holy Rosary Campus. The Parish Center is located at 142 Regan St.in Gardner. Parking is available behind Holy Rosary Church. 

Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Exposition & Adoration at St. George Church on 40 Brattle Street in Worcester, will be Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6:00-7:00 pm and  Friday, Feb. 3 after 8:00 Mass until 10:00 am.  We hope you can come to join us in prayer and spend time in the presence of Jesus Christ.   

Saturday Rosary Group
You are invited to attend our once-a-month Saturday Rosary Group at St. George Church on 40 Brattle Street in Worcester.  First Saturday of every month at 8 am. The next morning rosary will meet in the Church on Feb. 4.  If interested, please contact Jim Hachey at 508-579-9623.

Ham Dinner in Northbridge
St. Peter Parish in Northbridge is having a Ham Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 11 starting at 5:30 pm in the Parish Hall.  Bring you family and friends for a wonderful meal and meet some new friends!  Tickets are $17 per dinner and include salad and dessert. To go meals will be available for pick up at 5:00pm and all orders must be purchased in advance. “Pay It Forward” purchase an extra dinner and we will deliver it to someone in need in our local community. Please call the parish office at 508-234-2156 or email [email protected] to purchase tickets or if you have any questions.

Family Prayer Night
Family Prayer Night is every Thursday at 6:00 pm at St. George Church on 40 Brattle Street in Worcester. In the Church, there is a gathering of people who pray for all families. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary are prayed. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn to pray the Rosary. Eucharistic Adoration is also a part of this wonderful time of prayer on the Thursday before the first Friday of each month.

22nd Annual Catholic Men's Conference 
Come and join us on Saturday, March 25 at Assumption University, Worcester.  For information check the new website: catholicmenworc.com. Looking forward to seeing you in person this year!

January 10, 2023

Stewardship reflections for Bulletins

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb...” (Isaiah 49:5)  God have given each of us different gifts.In order for God’s plan to work, you have to do what God is calling you to do and I have to do what God is calling me to do.And guess what?God has given each of us a different plan!So, stop comparing yourself to others.Don’t let envy and jealousy enter your life.Be thankful for the gifts God has given you and become the saint that God is calling you to be.

Segundo Domingo de Tiempo Ordinario
“Y ahora dice el Señor, que desde el seno materno me formó para que fuera yo su siervo...”  (ISAÍAS 49:5)  Dios nos da diferentes dones a cada uno de nosotros.Para que el plan de Dios funcione, usted tiene que hacer lo que Dios lo llamó a hacer y yo tengo que hacer lo que Dios me llamó a hacer a mí.¿Y adivina qué?¡Dios tiene un plan diferente para cada uno de nosotros!Así que deje de compararse con los demás.No deje que la envidia y los celos entren en su vida.De gracias por los dones que Dios le ha dado y transfórmese en el santo que Dios lo está llamando a ser.

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Vocations reflections for Bulletins

Bulletin inserts in English and Spanish for vocations awareness.
For weekly Vocations Intercessions, CLICK HERE for English  (en espanol)

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
“To you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be a holy people.” Could it be that you or someone in your family is being called to consider priesthood or consecrated life? Contact the Vocation Office at (508)-630-4473 or email: [email protected]

Segundo Domingo de Tiempo Ordinario
“A ustedes que han sido santificados en Cristo Jesús y llamados a ser un pueblo santo.” ¿Puede ser usted o alguien en tu familia está llamado al contemplar el sacerdocio o la vida consagrada? Comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508)-630-4473 o envíe un correo electrónico a: [email protected].

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Men's Conference Kick-Off Breakfast
The Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference will be holding a Kickoff Breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St. Worcester,  beginning with a Mass celebrated by Bishop McManus at 8:00 AM. Breakfast and a very brief overview of the 2023 Men’s Conference will follow. All current Parish Contacts, or anyone who would like to volunteer as a Parish Contact this year, are encouraged to attend. Pre-registration is required. Please RSVP by email: [email protected]
 
Adult Confirmation
The 2023 Adult Confirmation Celebration will be held on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 3pm at the Cathedral of St. Paul. This ceremony is for baptized, already catechized Roman Catholic adults—18 years old and older—who have not previously been confirmed. Registration deadline for confirmation is February 3. 
An adult confirmation retreat is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2 pm at Our Lady of Hope Parish, North Grafton. This is an optional retreat which invites the candidates to reflect prayerfully on their experience as people of faith and the meaning of the sacrament of confirmation. Registration deadline for the retreat is January 27. For further information and registration visit our website: worcesterdiocese.org/confirmation.

January 3, 2023

Adult Education Series: The Creed
Join Bishop Barron as we explore the meaning of “belief” and whether it contradicts reason; the creative love of God the Father, the shocking mystery of his Son’s Incarnation, and the great drama of his Crucifixion and Resurrection; the life-giving power of the Spiritus Sanctus, or “holy breath,” shared between them; and the mystical reality of the Church, which calls all of humanity out of the world of sin to receive forgiveness and participate in Christ’s divinity — not only in the next world but here and now. Begins Tuesday Jan. 10 from 6:30-8:00pm and continuing on Jan.17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21 at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 17 Waterville St., North Grafton. To register, email Darleen at: [email protected].

Vianney Dinner
The next Vianney dinner is Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Holy Name of Jesus House of Studies at 51 Illinois St., Worcester.  6:05 pm Mass, 6:30 pm dinner, and 7:00 pm social. Please note the change of date.  These are nights for men, high school aged and up, interested in learning more about a priestly vocation.  Don't want to come alone?  Bring a friend!  You are welcome to come to all or part of the evening as your schedule allows. An RSVP is not needed but it is helpful in getting an accurate count for food. Email:[email protected].

Spaghetti Dinner/Comedy Night in Webster
Friends of St. Louis in Webster are holding a Spaghetti Dinner/Comedy Night featuring Dwayne Hill on Saturday, Feb. 4  beginning at 6pm for Beer & Wine and 6:30 pm Dinner in the St. Louis Church Hall. Dinner is $25.00 per person for Spaghetti, Meatballs, Salad, Bread & Dessert. At 7:45 pm we will welcome Comedian Dwayne Hill. For tickets please call the St. Louis Rectory Office at 508-943-0240. Thank you!

Adoration Regional Chapel - Adorers Needed
Our Lady of Guadalupe Adoration Chapel, at St. John the Evangelist Church in Clinton, was established as a Regional Chapel, supported by Clinton and the surrounding towns. We are in need of Adorers to commit to spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Adorers are needed for the following hours: Mondays, at 3 pm, Tuesdays at 4 pm, Thursdays at 4 pm, and Fridays at 3 pm. For more information, please contact Sue Belfield at 508-869-0508.

Calendar Raffle Benefit

The Guild of Our Lady of Providence is sponsoring their second annual calendar raffle. The cost of the calendar for the month of March is $10/31 chances to win $100, $50 or a gift card worth $50. To purchase, call Jo-Anne Cronin at 508-842-1569. Proceeds assist the Guild in its mission to assist with the medical and educational needs in the Diocese of Worcester. Your support is greatly appreciated.  

Divine Mercy Ministry to Seniors

Volunteers are needed to spread Jesus’ message of Divine Mercy to seniors in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. As a volunteer prayer group leader, you would lead a weekly 30-minute Divine Mercy prayer group using a simple prepared model of readings, prayers, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  If you feel that the Lord is calling you to this ministry of mercy, please contact Mary Higgins at (413) 552-7231 or email Mary at [email protected] to receive an digital flyer about the program.

Pilgrimage Opportunities
Four exciting pilgrimages, scheduled for 2023, are now open for enrollment.  Rev. Chris Korcz of St. Andrew Bobola Parish in Dudley will provide the spiritual guidance for the tours, which will be arranged by REK Travel from Chicago, IL.  May 23-June 1, 2023 – Balkan Sanctuaries - $3195; August 21-September 1, 2023 – Poland - $3295; October 16-October 27, 2023 – Holy Land and Jordan- $3195; December 5-December 13, 2023 – Mexico and Acapulco - $1995 For more info please visit our websites:  www.standrewbobola.com or  www.rektravel.com.

Position Available

Youth Minister Job Position
St. Rose of Lima Parish is looking for an innovative Youth Minister to bring the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to life for our middle and high school students. Responsibilities include: organizing and encouraging youth to participate in a variety of parish activities including retreats, social events, service opportunities and the celebration of Sunday Eucharist; promote a faith based approach to life for parish youth; oversee the existing catechetical formation and sacramental programs for youth in grades 9-12; recruit and train adult volunteers. The candidate must be a practicing Catholic with a solid knowledge of Catholic doctrine and skilled in social media. This  is a full-time position. Most importantly, the candidate must love working with teens and sharing his/her faith in a creative and collaborative manner. Send resume to: St. Rose of Lima, PO Box 685, Northborough, MA 01532 or email: [email protected].

Marriage Preparation Resources for 2023

The 2023 schedule and registration form for the God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage class are now available at www.worcesterdiocese.org/marriage-preparation. Parishes may download and print the new registration forms and add them to any marriage preparation resource packets you have on hand in your parish office.  A reminder that all engaged couples preparing for marriage in the Diocese of Worcester are required to attend both the God’s Plan class and the Engaged Encounter retreat.  These two formation programs should be attended in that order, and in the early months of a couple’s year of preparation.  If you would like print copies of the registration forms sent to you by postal mail, please contact the Office of Marriage & Family at [email protected].

Promote Vocations through Serra Club

The Serra Club of the Worcester Diocese North is inviting local parishioners to consider joining their group. The Serrans who formed the first club in 1935, took as their patron, Fr. Junipero Serra, OFM, who established the chain of missions along the California coast. Serra is an international organization for lay Catholics who accept as their responsibility the promotion of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and the vowed religious life. Serrans come from all walks of life: lawyers, homemakers, doctors, business people, and retirees to name a few. They also support local diocesan priests, deacons, members of religious orders, and seminarians. This is accomplished by prayers, notes of support, holiday gifts, and visits. For more information about membership Serra Club North, please contact membership co-chairs, John Shannon, St. Leo Parish, Leominster at [email protected] or Stephen Sonia, Holy Trinity Parish, Harvard/Bolton at [email protected]. 

An Invitation to Eucharistic Adoration

Annunciation Parish in Gardner will be opening an Adoration Chapel in our newly renovated Parish Center (in the old convent on the Holy Rosary Campus). We are currently looking for people who can commit to a weekly hour of adoration. Please consider dedicating some time each week to spending an hour in prayer with Christ before the Blessed Sacrament. If you are interested or would like to know more please email Maryann Lindgren at 508-341-9132 or   [email protected].

Volunteers Needed at Notre Dame Long Term Care
Notre Dame Long Term Care is looking for volunteer Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who would be willing to provide Communion to our residents during and after Mass.  We are blessed to have a priest celebrate Mass with us daily, including Saturday's, at 10:00 a.m.  If you are interested, please call (508) 852-3011 x3125 for the Pastoral Care office.   

TO Parish Administration

NEVER Trust emails that just don't "feel" right!
If you see an email that SEEMS to be from someone you know that is asking for gift cards, or cash, or something that simly reads out of character. Look closely - the email is actually a scam. Don't blindly trust email requests without verifying addresses.

Vigilance against Fraud
A parish shared with us how someone tried to redirect an employee's paycheck via an alternate direct deposit account. ALWAYS BE CIRCUMSPECT! Before even considering such a change, never act just from an email. Consider the following:

1. Have the employee complete a properly signed form along with the bank information Routing # , account  etc 
2. Provide a voided check to be kept on record which matches that information
3. Process the request thru the payroll service.  
4. Keep the information in the employee's personnel file.

Looking to offer a unique praise and worship concert?

Mary Verdi of Western Massachusetts has frequently presented concerts of inspirational music in New England and has been featured on Catholic TV and Reel to Real in September. You can learn more by viewing https://youtu.be/wC72l1GSnYA or visiting her website at maryverdi.com. She is looking for a parish in the Worcester Diocese which would be interested in hosting her. Contact her directly at 413-841-1140 or by email at [email protected].

Parish Referral for Clothing Collections
St. Roch Parish in Oxford would like to share their success with having a St. Pauly Textile, Inc. clothing shed on the church property for the past nine years.  It has been a positive experience giving the townspeople a clean, safe and convenient way to donate clothing. They are a Western NY based, family owned for-profit company and an A+ member of the Better Business Bureau. Their goal is to get USEABLE clothing to people and organizations that can use it, here in the U.S. and in developing countries. More info can be found online at stpaulytextile.com. Alex Hillis can be reached at 585-924-7941

Flea Market to benefit Urban Missionaries

Doing some spring cleaning? Gain some extra cash and space by selling your unwanted household and outdoor items. Rent a table for only $15.00 at the Urban Missionaries' Saturday Flea Market (seasonal).  You will also be supporting their mission of “Just Helping, the Least, the Last, and the Left Out.” Set-up is at 7:00 am. Reservations are required one week in advance; family appropriate items only; payment due on-site, prior to set-up. Contact [email protected] or call 508-831-7455.

FOR PARISH ADMINISTRATION:

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.

Clergy visiting Saint Vincent protocol
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.

Priest Coverage for Pastoral Care at UMASS Memorial in Worcester:
Message from Cathy Pimley, Manager, Pastoral Care
Since March 2021, I have been diligently trying to fill two full-time Catholic Priest positions at the Medical Center.  There is hope that one full time position will be filled in mid-September to replace Fr. Roach, who retires on August 29.  There will also be a few overnight per-diem positions posted, but we are greatly in need of another 32-hour Catholic priest day position.   I wanted to give you a heads-up so that you know there will be days when a priest will not be in-house for the Sacrament of the Sick.   Our Interfaith Chaplains are available but want to encourage you to reach out to your parishioners who may be hospitalized and need sacramental ministry.  You may want to invite your parishioners to receive the Sacrament of the Sick from you prior to scheduled hospitalizations.  I pray we will have full staffing soon, but as you know, we live in challenging times.  You, as priests, are welcome to visit your congregants who are hospitalized, even amid visitor limits.  COVID + patients may require different protocols.   If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 774-442-6550.   Thank you for your ongoing support. 

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] if you need to get set up or to learn more.

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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.