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.

---

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

Latest Edition: for May 17, 2021

Pentecost Sunday
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.”  (I CORINTHIANS 12:4-6)  All of us are blessed, regardless of our own individual circumstances.  God has given each of us many gifts.  How we use those gifts is our gift back to God.  For God’s plan to work, each must do what we are called to do.  Guess what?  We are not all called to do the same thing!  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.

Domingo de Pentecostés
“Ahora bien, hay diversidad de dones, pero el Espíritu es el mismo. Hay diversidad de ministerios, pero el Señor es el mismo. Hay diversidad de actividades, pero Dios, que hace todo en todos, es el mismo.” (1 CORINTIOS 12:4-6)  Todos somos bendecidos, independientemente de nuestras propias circunstancias individuales.  Dios ha concedido muchos dones a cada uno de nosotros.  La manera en la que utilizamos esos dones es nuestro regalo de vuelta a Dios.  Para que el plan de Dios funcione, cada uno debe hacer lo que estamos llamados a hacer.  ¿Adivine qué?  ¡No todos estamos llamados a hacer las mismas cosas!  Para que el plan de Dios funcione usted tiene que hacer lo que Dios lo ha llamado a hacer y yo tengo que hacer lo que Dios me llama a hacer a mí.

Liturgical Ministry Workshops in Sturbridge
Calling all Liturgical Ministers and those who are interested in becoming a Minister - join us for a series of workshops to be held at St. Anne and St. Patrick Parish, Fiskdale. Msgr. James Moroney, Director of Diocesan Office of Worship
will conduct a series of formation sessions for all Liturgical Ministers on Thursday evenings in the Pavilion (or St. Joachim Chapel in the event of bad weather) May 20 at 6:00 pm—Lectors, Music Ministers, & Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion; May 27 at 6:00 pm —Altar Servers (both daily and weekend Altar Servers); June 3 at 6:00 pm—Ushers and Ministers of Liturgical Environment

Training Webinar for Parish Respect Life Ministries
The Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Worcester will offer “Respect Life Ministry in the Parish: The Church’s Vision” on Wednesday, May 26 at 3:00 p.m.  Whether you have been involved in Respect Life Ministry for many years, are considering starting or joining a ministry in your parish, or would simply like to learn more, there is something for everyone in this basic training session for parish volunteers.  Pre-registration is required to receive a login link.  To register, send an email to aledoux@worcesterdiocese.org with your name, parish, and email address, and include the words “Webinar Registration” in the subject line.  

Novena to the Sacred Heart 2021 in Worcester
All are welcome to Sacred Heart-St. Catherine of Sweden Parish for a Novena to the Sacred Heart on Thursday, June 3 through Friday, June 11 from 7-8 pm
Mass for the feast will be celebrated by Bishop McManus on June 11 at 7 pm.
On each of these nine days, we will build a deeper relationship with God and with those around us. The church is located at 596 Cambridge St., Worcester.

Italian Dinner to goKnights of Columbus Council 11080 is sponsoring a Take-Out Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, June 5 at 5:30 pm at Sacred Heart Church in West Brookfield. The menu consists of pasta fagioli, spaghetti & sauce, meatballs, sausage, garden salad, and Italian bread. Tickets for a take-out dinner are $10.00 each. Proceeds from this event will benefit local charitable needs. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended as ticket sales at the door will be very limited. For tickets call (413) 813-8100 or email connor122@charter.net 

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.

Adult Scouting Awards Dinner Tickets Available
The Worcester Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Adult Catholic Scouting Religious Awards of St. George Emblem, Bronze Pelican Medal and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal. 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 Awards will be awarded at a luncheon by Rev. Richard Reidy, Vicar General of the Diocese of Worcester, on June 12 beginning at 1:00 PM at the St. Joseph Parish Center, 68 Central Street in Auburn, . Guests are welcome to attend the Award Ceremony at the cost of $20 per person. To purchase tickets go to this link: neworcester.org/adult-awards-gathering. Final deadline to register is Friday, June 4. Questions can be directed to John Atlas, Chairman of the Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Worcester Diocese, via email at Scoutmaster.Troop9@gmail.com

May 3, 2021

Support the Virtual Walk for the Homeless this May
The Virtual Walk for the Homeless, sponsored by the Central Mass Housing Alliance (CMHA), benefits the Catholic Charities Family Shelter and Emergency Services, CMHA Homeless Prevention Programs, The Interfaith Hospitality Network a program of Friendly House, and St. John's Food for the Poor. Help those who have been particularly impacted by the pandemic due to job loss and food insecurity. Learn more or make a donation at www.walkforthehomeless.org or watch the diocesan streaming video at worcesterdiocese.org.

April 26, 2021

Understanding the Trinity Series
St. Mary's Parish, Jefferson is offering a Understanding the Trinity, a 3-part series beginning Friday, May 7 from 10 - 11 am in the Gathering Room at the Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. The 30-minute sessions will be followed by open sharing. For more information contact Sindy Collazo at scollazo@stmaryjeff.com.

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)

JOB OPENINGS
Part-Time Secretary          
St. Ann’s Parish, North Oxford is seeking a part-time secretary, Monday-Wednesday. Applicants ideally should have prior experience in parish office work, computer skills, some accounting background, organizational abilities and flexibility. Resumes may be sent electronically or through the mail to stannsrectory@hotmail.com or to Fr. Michael Lavallee, St. Ann’s Rectory P.O Box 488 Main Street, North Oxford, MA 01537.

Pastoral Associate at Sudbury Parish
St. Anselm Parish in Sudbury is seeking a Pastoral Associate. Inquiries can be sent to Caroline Llewellyn at stanselm@verizon.net or call 978- 443-8981. 
 

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

Good Shepherd Parish to Hold Virtual May Basket Raffle
Good Shepherd Parish (Linwood/Uxbridge) will be holding a virtual basket raffle throughout the month of May as an annual fundraiser to support the parish. The raffle will include over 27 themed baskets and additional gift certificates to local merchants and establishments. Details for each basket can be found on the parish website at goodshepherdlinwood.org/may-raffle-baskets, along with a Ticket Distribution Sheet. Tickets will be available for $1 a piece or 6 for $5. To comply with State and Diocesan guidelines there are two options for purchase: Tickets can be purchased by printing the Ticket Distribution sheet from the link above. The distribution sheet and check can then be mailed to Good Shepherd Parish, PO Box 517, Linwood, MA 01525. Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Parish and include “Attention May Raffle Baskets” on the front of the envelope. All drawings will take place on Monday, May 31 and winners will be contacted by phone.  all contributions are greatly appreciated.  If you have any questions, please contact May Basket Committee chairs Linda Roberts by phone (774) 280-6602 or Ann Wagstaff by email at wagstaffa473@gmail.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.

Returning to offices Training and Protocols
Even if your parish office is not open to the public, Massachusetts has a protocol for returning to work in offices which includes training and assuring that employees do not come to work if they are symptomatic. Whether you were an essential operation or just returning now to the office, please review the resources that are being used for Chancery employees regarding safety at work during this pandemic and adapting our acknowledgement form for use in your parish. visit worcesterdiocese.org/covid-related-forms.

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.