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The Diocesan DispatchPlease 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 RESOURCESLatest Edition: February 18, 2019
Conversation With Bishop McManus, will air as follows: (available on your eCatholic parish website if you use the Featured Program drag and drop icon)
Charter Communications 29 cities/towns that carry WCTR TV3 on Channel 193 Saturday, March 2 at 6 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sunday at 6 a.m. & Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury) Sunday, March 3 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, March 4 at 7:30 a.m. Clinton area Comcast CH 99 Sunday, March 3 at 8:30 a.m. WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194) Tuesday, March 5 at 8 p.m. Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35 Thursday, March 7 at 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m.; Friday at 9:30 a.m. Leominster LATV Check their bulletin board for times Athol/Orange (AOTV) Cable Access CH 13 Sunday at 11 am; Wednesday at 2:30 pm and Thursday at 2:30 am Grafton Cable Access Sundays at 10:30 a.m. ALL LOCATIONS – via the internet Watch online anytime at worcesterdiocese.org 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend without expecting anything back.” (Luke 6:35) Easier said than done, right? But, if we are to imitate Christ, most of us need to practice mercy and compassion more frequently. Start with the little daily annoyances that we experience, the unkind word or hateful glance we receive. Instead of plotting revenge on that person, try saying a quick prayer for that person. Mercy and compassion will put us on the path to holiness.
Setimo domingo del Tiempo ordinario
"Más bien, amad a vuestros enemigos; haced el bien, y prestad sin esperar nada a cambio” (Lucas 6:35) Es más fácil decirlo que hacerlo. ¿Verdad? Pero, si vamos a imitar a Cristo, la mayoría de nosotros necesitamos practicar la misericordia y la compasión con mayor frecuencia. Comienza con las pequeñas molestias diarias que experimentamos, la palabra cruel o la mirada de odio que recibimos. En lugar de planear la venganza de esa persona, intenta decir una oración rápida por esa persona. La misericordia y la compasión nos pondrán en el camino de la santidad.
Diocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) Meeting
Join Fr. Diego Buritica, new CCR Liaison, Diocese of Worcester, as we ask God for guidance, direction, and a new vision for the Worcester Diocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal! Sunday, February 24 from 2 to 4 pm at Blessed Sacrament Church (Phelan Center), 551 Pleasant St.Worcester
Interfaith Prayer – Outreach for Hope and Recovery
On Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. there will be an interfaith prayer service hosted by the Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester. This service is an important component of the Community Outreach to Hope and Recovery Program at Blessed Sacrament Church in Worcester. Following a brief prayer service, an exhibit area will be open so we can visit with representatives from support and recovery agencies in the Worcester area. All are welcome to come pray and to speak with experts in this field. Exhibitors will include the Office of the Worcester District Attorney, the Worcester Program for Addiction and Recovery, Pathways for Change, the Worcester Public Library, the National Library of Medicine (New England Region), and more. Dr. Mattie Castiel, Commissioner of Health and Human Services for Worcester, will also be available for discussion, questions and answers. This event will provide informal opportunities to ask questions about local services available in support of loved ones suffering from addiction. All are welcome. Please join us.
Fatal Flaws film and discussion at St. Andrew, Worcester
Are laws allowing assisted suicide leading society down a dangerous path? The Massachusetts legislature is currently trying to legalize it here. See the film by Kevin Dunn followed by discussion with Kris Correira of Witness for Life. Co-sponsored by Emmanuel Radio. St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 5 Spaulding St., Worcester on Sunday, March 3 from 3 to 4:30 pm. Free and open to the public.
Adult Scouting Awards Banquet
Join us on Saturday, March 30 at 1pm for the 2019 Adult Scouting Awards Banquet in the Cenacle at St. Paul Cathedral. Join Bishop McManus as we recognize scouting leaders for their distinguished service to Catholic Scouting. Cost for lunch is $22/person. Deadline is March 23rd. To purchase a ticket, go to www.neworcester.org/2019-adult-awards-lunch.
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Save the Date
Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Mark you calendars! We look forward to seeing you there.February 11, 2019
Faith in Action, featuring agencies and ministries supported by the Annual Partners in Charity Appeal, including the 2019 Appeal video, will air as follows: (available on your eCatholic parish website if you use the Featured Program drag and drop icon)
Charter Communications 29 cities/towns that carry WCTR TV3 on Channel 193 Saturday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sunday at 6 a.m. & Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury) Sunday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 a.m. Clinton area Comcast CH 99 Sunday, Feb. 24 at 8:30 a.m. WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194) Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35 Thursday, Feb. 28 at 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m.; Friday at 9:30 a.m. Leominster LATV Check their bulletin board for times Athol/Orange (AOTV) Cable Access CH 13 Sunday at 11 am; Wednesday at 2:30 pm and Thursday at 2:30 am Grafton Cable Access Sundays at 10:30 a.m. ALL LOCATIONS – via the internet Watch online anytime at worcesterdiocese.org 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Blessed are you when people hate you,…exclude and insult you, and denounce your name…on account of the Son of Man.” (Luke 6:22) All of us have been in situations when someone has made a negative comment or joke about God or our Catholic faith. How did you respond? Did you stay silent or pretend to go along with the crowd because you didn’t want to cause waves and then, later, you felt bad? Know that God is with you all the time, the Holy Spirit will put the right words in your mouth. Pray for the strength and courage to proclaim our faith to others, especially during uncomfortable situations.
Sexto domingo del Tiempo ordinario
"Bienaventurados seréis cuando los hombres os odien,…cuando os expulsen, os injurien y proscriban vuestro nombre como malo,…por causa del Hijo del hombre." (Lucas 6,22) Todos hemos estado en situaciones en las que alguien ha hecho un comentario negativo o una broma sobre Dios o nuestra fe católica. ¿Cómo respondiste? ¿Te mantuviste en silencio o fingiste estar de acuerdo con la multitud porque no querías causar olas y luego, más tarde, te sentiste mal? Haz de saber que Dios está contigo todo el tiempo, el Espíritu Santo pondrá las palabras correctas en tu boca. Ora por la fuerza y el coraje para proclamar nuestra fe a los demás, especialmente durante situaciones incómodas.
Parish Dinner in Dudley
St Andrew Bobola Parish in Dudley invites you to an evening of dinner, music, and fellowship on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 5 pm. Dinner will include: lasagna, salad, and bread. We ask that you bring a dessert to share. Tickets are available after the Masses or call to the Rectory at 508-943-5633. Cost is $10 per person. Can't wait to see you there!
Dinner-Fundraiser in Northbridge
St. Peter Parish in Northbridge will be hosting a Pork Roast dinner to help fund the Mission Trip for our High School kids in July. The dinner will be held on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 5:30 pm in the Parish Hall. Tickets are $10 adults/$8.50 seniors and kids ages 4-12/ $35 per family. Bring your family for a wonderful meal, meet some new friends & help support our Mission Trip Kids! Tickets for the dinner must be purchased in advanced. Please call 508-234-6355 or email stplifeteen@charter.net to purchase tickets or if you have any questions.
St. Patrick’s Dinner in Westminster
A St. Patrick’s Dinner will be held on Saturday, March 2 from 5 to 7 pm at St. Edward the Confessor Church Hall, 10 Church Street, Westminster. Menu: Corned Beef and Cabbage, Vegetables, Irish Soda Bread, alternate: Baked Ziti, and dessert. Cost of the dinner is $10.00 per adult, $5.00 per child under 12 and children under 6 eat free. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, please call Wendy Provencial at 978-874-0767.
Women of Faith: Morning of Prayer
Join us for “Moving out of Slumbering Winter into the ‘Greening Power’ of God’s Love with St. Hildegard of Bingen” presented by Laura Fonte on Saturday, March 9 from 9:30 am – 1 pm. It will be held at St. Anne Convent, 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough. St. Hildegard of Bingen, a visionary Doctor of the Church, believed everything and everyone hold a spark of God’s love within. Laura has been a Religious Education teacher for over 40 years in the Archdiocese of Boston. We will begin with “coffee and” followed by a brief presentation, prayer, personal reflection, and discussion. A registration fee of $10 is paid at the door. Pre-registration is required by March 1 - at WomenOfFaithSSA.org, or e-mail info@womenoffaithssa.org, or phone Ann Williams at 508-481-8176 or Sr. Yvette Bellerose, SSA at 774-239-3372.February 4, 2019
Diocesan Special, will air as follows: (available on your eCatholic parish website if you use the Featured Program drag and drop icon)
Charter Communications 29 cities/towns that carry WCTR TV3 on Channel 193 Saturday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sunday at 6 a.m. & Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury) Sunday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 a.m. Clinton area Comcast CH 99 Sunday, Feb. 17 at 8:30 a.m. WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194) Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35 Thursday, Feb. 21 at 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m.; Friday at 9:30 a.m. Leominster LATV Check their bulletin board for times Athol/Orange (AOTV) Cable Access CH 13 Sunday at 11 am; Wednesday at 2:30 pm and Thursday at 2:30 am Grafton Cable Access Sundays at 10:30 a.m. ALL LOCATIONS – via the internet Watch online anytime at worcesterdiocese.org
Divorced/Separated Catholic Support Group
A Divorced/Separated Catholic Support Group meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 7 – 9 pm at St Joseph Church, Knights of Columbus Room, 10 H Putnam Rd., Charlton. For more information please contact: Karen Lennox at (508) 373-2067 or Sue Gustafson at (508) 934-6153.
Calix Society Support Group
The first Calix Society in the Worcester Diocese (A New Hope) will meet Saturday, Feb. 16 from 1:30 to 2:45 pm (Third Saturday of each month) downstairs in the Emmaus Center across from Sacred Heart Parish, 18 E Main St, Webster. The Calix Society is a Catholic support group (supplement to AA) for those directly affected by alcohol abuse, and for family and friends who also suffer from its effects. It is open to all. Call/Text Kyle at 508-887-2225 or email at krichardmcd@gmail.com for more information.
Adult Scouting Awards Nominations
The Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting is accepting nominations for the adult scouting awards. These awards include the Bronze Pelican and St. George awards for leaders in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as well as the St. Anne and St. Elizabeth Anne Seton awards for leaders in Girl Scouts and American Heritage Girls. Nominations should be sent to Bob Ryan, CCOS Nominations Chair, 8 Colonial Drive, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Deadline to submit nominations is Feb. 20. For nomination forms and specific information on each award go to www.neworcester.org/scouting.
Follow Me: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John
Being Catholic takes more than simply believing in God or doing what he asks of us. Jesus wants you to be more than just a believer—he wants you to be his disciple and friend. To help you answer this call to deeper friendship with Christ, Sacred Heart-St. Catherine of Sweden Parish will begin Follow Me: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 6 -7:30pm (runs for 8 weeks but not on March 6th). The cost to cover the workbook is $20.00. For more information or to register, contact Lynn Lorusso at 508-752-1608, or email Lynn.sacredheart@verizon.net. You will not only benefit personally from being part of this study; you will also help us to grow in fellowship as we grow closer to Christ together.
Bereavement Support Group
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish will hold its next 6-part series of "A New Day Ministry" beginning Monday, March 4, 1-2:30 pm in the Parish Hall, 111 Worcester St., West Boylston. For more information or to register (required prior to the start of the sessions) call Renate Isbell (508) 835-3286.
Annual Vocation Discernment Retreat
The annual Vocation Discernment Retreat for men high school age and older will be directed by Bishop McManus on Friday and Saturday, April 12 & 13, 6 pm to 6 pm at the Immaculate Conception Retreat Center in Putnam, CT. There is no cost for this retreat, and transportation is provided from Worcester. Go to www.worcestervocations.com for more information. Sign up by contacting Fr. Jim Mazzone at jmazzone@charter.net or 508-340-5788.
Catholic Women’s Conference in Maine
The 8th annual Maine Catholic Women's Conference, which features dynamic speaker/singer and songwriter, music, Mass, adoration, and vendors will be held April 6 at the Portland Mariott Sable Oaks in South Portland. This year’s theme is “God will provide!” The keynote speaker/singer/songwriter will be Kitty Cleveland, who will be sharing her testimony on how Divine Mercy played a significant role in her life through the trial of her father’s unjust incarceration. She will also share how Divine providence lead her on a journey to becoming the singer/songwriter she is today. She has since written and produced 9 CDs and continues to share her experiences on her website (https://www.kittycleveland.com/) via blog. Registration for the Conference will begin on February 1, 2019. For more information about the conference please go to our Diocesan website https://portlanddiocese.org/mcwc2019.
Ignatian Volunteer Placements Needed
Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) New England is beginning to recruit nonprofit placement sites in the Worcester area for the coming (September to June) year. Ignatian Volunteers commit to two days/week of service with nonprofit agencies working with people experiencing poverty, injustice, or marginalization. They are men and women, 50 years of age and older, in a 25-year-old program combining service and spirituality, supported by Jesuits of the Northeast Province. There is a modest partnership fee.
IVC volunteers are generally retired or semi-retired professionals, and have been actively serving in the Worcester area since 2009. IVC New England volunteers work in Worcester, Boston, Providence and surrounding communities. For more information, contact IVC New England Regional Director Dave Hinchen at newengland@ivcusa.org, and check out the attachments accompanying this email.January 28, 2019
Irish Festival in Worcester
The Knights of Columbus and St. Joan of Arc Parish are having their first Irish Festival on Saturday February 23, 1 - 9 p.m at the Arc, 570 Lincoln Street, Worcester. Admission is $5.00 (Children U 12 are free) with NO food included OR $15.00 including admission and grey corned beef dinner) Tickets for this will be sold after all masses starting February 2 at St. Joan of Arc Church. Also features vendors selling crafts, Irish goods, baked goods etc. and raffles. Food will be served all day along with Live Irish music all day and Irish step dancers from the Mc Inerney school of Irish Dance preforming during the day.
19th Annual Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference at Assumption College
Men (of all ages, including teens and college students) are invited to this important annual Conference, scheduled for Assumption College on Saturday, April 6. Visit the conference website at www.firstmensconf.org for information and to purchase tickets online and elsewhere. Come and hear dynamic talks from outstanding Catholic leaders: Kevin Dunn, Francesco Cesareo, Trent Horn, Father Warren Savage, Mike Aquilina and Eric Mahl. Bishops and priests will hear confessions. Bishop McManus will offer the Conference Mass. For a Conference brochure, further information or registration, call Sara Smillie at 508-929-4345. Adult tickets are $45 until March 25, afterwards $60. Student tickets are always $30.
Does your parish use parish census/management software?
St. Denis Parish in Douglas is evaluating options for parish management software to replace a legacy system in their parish. If your parish would like to share any input, good and bad, with the product you are using, such as ParishSoft or Parish Data Systems, please contact Cindy at cmurphy@bluemoongr.com.January 21, 2019
Kerygma Prayer/Bible Study
Each Thursday at St Denis Parish in Ashburnham, we host a Bible Study that includes Music and Prayer. The music & prayer begin at 6:30 pm and bible study begins at 7:00 pm. It is a time to share your faith, and witness how God changed your life. Join us in Fr Lacy Hall, 85 Main St., Ashburnham. For information contact Andy at 978-855-2479 or andy@andrewwgage.info.
Youth Ministry 101 Courses
Are you looking to launch a parish youth ministry program, revamp the youth ministry at your parish, or just looking for some fresh ideas for youth ministry? Not sure where to start? Well fear not because we have some great news for you! The Diocesan Youth Ministry Office is offering a new and exciting program called Youth Ministry 101, a six-part series designed to help you vision, plan, build a team, and ultimately launch a comprehensive parish youth ministry program! And it’s FREE! The program begins at the end of February and consists of monthly sessions through the summer with the goal of starting up a youth ministry by the fall. For specific dates, session topics, registration information, or any other questions, contact Tim Messenger at 508-929-4360 or at tmessenger@worcesterdiocese.org or you can go to www.neworcester.org/how-to-start-a-youth-ministry-program.
Diocesan Middle School Youth Rally
All Middle School youth in grades 6-8 are invited to join us for the Diocesan Middle School Rally on Sunday, April 7 at St. Peter-Marian! Cost is $15. The event will run from 1-5pm and will include games, activities, snacks, speakers, and Mass. For more information or to register your group contact Tim Messenger at 508-929-4360 or at tmessenger@worcesterdiocese.org or you can go to www.neworcester.org/diocesan-middle-school-youth-rally.
St Anna Golf Tournament
St Anna will host its 17th Annual Tournament on Saturday, May 18 at Townsend Ridge Golf Course. Two Shot Guns 7:30am and 1pm Early Bird Rate of $99 per golfer if you register and pay by February 19, 2019. To register and for tournament details. visit www.sasgolftournament.com .January 14, 2019
Celebrate St Patrick's Day At St Roch Church
On Sunday, March 17 at 2 pm, join us at St. Roch Parish for a humorous celebration of St. Patrick’s Day with with Dave Kane & his “Jokes My Irish Father Told Me.” Located at 334 Main St, Oxford, doors open at 1:30 pm. Tickets $15in advance $18 at the door. Contact Terry Renaud for tickets at 508-987-2382.
TO: Parish Administration
Mark you Calendar for this year’s Chrism Mass
This year the Chrism Mass will be held the week BEFORE Holy Week, on Thursday, Aprl 11 at 10:30 am at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Please make note in your calendar. More details will follow from the Office for Divine Worship.Catholic Girls Club
The Catholic Girls Club meets on the third Saturday of the month from 2-3 pm between October and May. At this club, we discuss a female saint or Marian feast day and then do a corresponding craft or activity. Our location is at the Emmaus Center across from Sacred Heart Church in Webster, (please use Day Street entrance). The club is open to girls ages 6 and up. There are no fees or long-term commitments. On Jan. 19 we will meet to discuss the life of St. Agnes. You can sign up online and ask any questions to Melissa McDonald at kyleandmelissa2004@gmail.com. Please join us and meet some wonderful ladies!MONTHLY AND ONGOING RESOURCES
Grief Support Group at St. Richard, Sterling
We plan to begin a support group for people who are grieving the death of a loved one. This 10 week group will be held on Wednesday evenings, downstairs, in the chapel of St. Richard Church. It will go from 7 – 8:30 PM. The group will be facilitated by Bereavement Counselor Peggye Arcouette MSW, LCSW, BC. The group will be limited to 12. We may begin before Christmas if there is interest. For more info., call Father Steuterman at St. Richard (978-422-8881) or call Peggye at (508-735-6634).
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.
Grief Support Workshop in Uxbridge
“Grieving with Great Hope” is a five-week grief support workshop from Good Mourning Ministry, a Catholic Apostolate, that will be offered at Saint Mary Parish in Uxbridge. This workshop is open to anyone who is grieving the death of a love one, whether it is a spouse, child (including pregnancy loss), grandparent, sibling, cousin, or friend. All are welcome. Everyone mourns at their own pace and everyone experiences grief in their own way. In this workshop participants will gather together as a community of faith to become disciples of hope. This workshop will be held in St. Mary Parish Center, 77 Mendon St., Uxbridge on Oct. 11, 18, 25, Nov. 8 and 15 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The cost is $15.00 before October 2 and $20.00 after October 2 and includes a book. Please call 508-278-2226 to register. For more info please email dmoriaty@stmaryuxbridge.org.
Dementia Caregiver Support Groups
When a loved on develops Dementia, it can be difficult for everyone. Hearing how other people have walked through the journey with their loved on can be helpful. We invite you to join us for learning, sharing and support. There is no obligation to share; you are welcome to come and just listen!
Beginning in October: 1st Tuesday of the Month at 5 p.m. at Saint John’s Church – Church Hall
44 Temple St., Worcester; 3rd Thursday of the Month at 9:30 a.m. – Ducharme Center, 10 Dupont St., Worcester (behind Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph Church) For more information contact: Jeanne Pellegrino, Alzheimer Program Director, St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center 508-471-2272.Addiction Support Group in Webster
Calix is a Catholic support group (supplement to AA) for those directly affected by alcohol/addiction, and for family and friends who are also affected. It is open to all. The first Calix Society in the Worcester Diocese (A New Hope) will meet October 20 from 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm (and continue on the 3rd Saturday of each month) downstairs in the Emmaus Center across from Sacred Heart Church, 18 E Main St, Webster. Call Kyle at 508-887-2225 for more information.
Calling all Fans of G.K. Chesterton
Members of a local group are currently seeking others interested in joining them at their monthly gatherings to discuss the works of G.K. Chesterton and his contemporaries. Topics can be the Father Brown mysteries, maybe the Battle of Lepanto or eugenics. His contemporaries were G.B. Shaw, Charles Dickens and Hilaire Belloc among others. Chesterton’s relevance to today’s world is a surprising topic in itself. The group meets for a potluck supper usually on the second Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Holy Name of Jesus House of Studies, 51 Illinois St., Worcester. For further information, please contact Monica at monica.mckenna@yahoo.com.Upcoming Cursillo Weekends for 2019
Cursillo or "short course in Christianity" is an uplifting and educational experience. The weekend is facilitated by a team of laypeople and clergy who deliver organized talks and discussions. Our 2019 dates are as follows. Men: March 21-24 & Oct. 10-13; Women: May 2-5 & Nov. 14-17. All weekends will be held at the Immaculate Conception Spiritual Renewal Center in Putnam, CT. For additional information, please contact Sue Leighton at 508-278-3155 or sleighton1958@gmail.com.
Consider the Legion of Mary in your parish
Below is a testimonial message from Joseph Duggan, president of the Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Worcester:
What does the Legion of Mary mean to me? The Legion is a gift to me of love. For the past 15 years that I have been a member of the Legion of Mary, it has given me much happiness and joy, with the opportunity to share that love with my fellow members and others. Our weekly meetings bring us together to pray the Rosary, so Spiritual readings, share our works being done during the past week and work together in our Spiritual growth in our faith and devotion to Our Lady.
Visiting the sick at home, in nursing homes and prison ministry are a source of great joy to help bring Our Lord closer to whom we meet. I have learned to love Our Lady more each day and call upon her to help me spread the Good News by my actions. She is my mother and I can never do enough.
If you would like to learn more about sponsoring the Legion of Mary in your parish, contact Mr. Duggan at 508-856-7129 or email joebobduggan@outlook.com. Thank you.
ONGOING RESOURCESSenior Fraud Hotline
Looking to make a Retreat?
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.
Catholic Programming for Ham Radio Operators
Tune in on Sunday evenings at 8 pm to Saint Maximilian Kolbe Net - Net Control is K3QNT with W1HGY as alternate. Dr. Ted Figlock - W1HGY of Taunton, MA - and Lloyd Roach - K3QNT of Bedford, PA - founded the net in 1997 to commemorate the life and martyrdom of Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe – SP3RN. Father Kolbe was a Franciscan Priest who founded Niepokalanow (City of Mary), a large monastery in Poland dedicated to communications. Maximilian Kolbe was canonized by Pope John Paul II on 10 October 1982. He is considered the patron saint of the addicted and of amateur radio operators. Visit www.saintmaxnet.org for more information about this and related ham operator information.Franciscan Guest House & Retreat Facilities welcomes you to refresh & renew from the outside world and bask in the peaceful presence of the Monastery, Shrine and grounds located in Kennebunkport, ME. The Retreat House is just steps away from the radiant Shrine & Chapel of St. Anthony and offers 47 acres full of beautiful grottos and peaceful walking paths along the Kennebunk River. Open to retreat groups and individuals wishing to focus on their spirituality. Mass celebrated Daily. Special rates now through May 2016 starting midweek at just $45.00 per night! Call Marge Oliveri, toll free 844-253-2972.
Volunteer To Help With Food Distribution In Our Food Pantry
Catholic Charities Emergency Stabilization Services located on Hammond Street in Worcester is looking for volunteers who might be able to assist them with distributing food in our food pantry. Volunteers must be available once a week from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and be able to lift cases of food. Volunteer days: Monday - Friday. Thank you for your consideration. All help is much needed and appreciated! Contact: Maydeé Morales at 508-860-2206 or via e-mail to mmorales@ccworc.org.FOR CLERGY: OBTAINING INFORMATION FOR HOSPITALIZED PARISHIONERS AT SAINT VINCENT HOSPITAL
The general method of obtaining information about the hospitalized members of your parish remains the same. Weekdays, during normal business hours, call 508-363-9233 and wait for the voice prompt; then, enter extension 22241. Your call will be automatically transferred to the hospital’s patient information desk. Give the receptionist your three-digit parish code number(s). On weekends, holidays and during the evening hours, you must call the hospital operator directly at 508-363-5000 and supply her with your parish code(s). For those parishes that have been merged or renamed, you will have to use multiple code numbers in order to obtain a thorough listing of your parishioners. For patients who have invoked patient confidentiality, in accord with legal requirements, these names will not be available to you.
DAILY MASS ON TV AND THE INTERNETTune 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.