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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: June 24, 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, June 29 at 6 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sunday at 6 a.m. & Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury) Sunday, June 30 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, July 1 at 7:30 a.m. Clinton area Comcast CH 99 Sunday, June 30 at 8:30 a.m. WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194) Tuesday, July 2 at 8 p.m. Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35 Thursday, July 4 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 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather serve one another through love.” (Galatians 5:13) We like to celebrate the fact that we are free to “live the good life.” But Jesus calls us to a different kind of freedom. St. Paul reminds us that Jesus sets us free so that we can serve one another, share our gifts and promote God’s work here on earth to glorify His name and not honor ourselves.
13º domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Porque ustedes fueron llamados a la libertad, hermanos y hermanas. Pero no usen esta libertad como una oportunidad para la carne; en cambio sirvan el uno al otro a través del amor ". (GÁLATAS 5:13) Nos gusta celebrar el hecho de que somos libres de "vivir la buena vida". Pero Jesús nos llama a un tipo diferente de libertad. San Pablo nos recuerda que Jesús nos libera para que podamos servirnos unos a otros, compartir nuestros dones y promover la obra de Dios aquí en la tierra para glorificar su nombre y no para honrarnos a nosotros mismos.
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.
Chancery is on Summer Schedule
The chancery building is closed on Fridays through August 23. Normal hours are 8am to 5:15 Mon-Thursday for the summer.June 17, 2019
Faith in Action, featuring agencies and ministries supported by the Annual Partners in Charity Appeal, 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, June 22 at 6 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sunday at 6 a.m. & Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury) Sunday, June 23 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, June 24 at 7:30 a.m. Clinton area Comcast CH 99 Sunday, June 23 at 8:30 a.m. WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194) Tuesday, June 25 at 8 p.m. Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35 Thursday, June 27 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
Feast of Corpus Christi
“They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.” (Luke 9:17) The story of the Loaves and Fishes shows us that when we share what we have, even if it doesn’t seem like that much, miracles can happen! Do not think that your gift is too small or insignificant! God blesses all the gifts we offer and makes them wondrous.
Fiesta de Corpus Christi
“Todos comieron y quedaron satisfechos. Y cuando recogieron los fragmentos sobrantes, llenaron doce cestas de mimbre ". (LUCAS 9:17) La historia de Los panes y los peces nos muestra que cuando compartimos lo que tenemos, aunque parezca que no es mucho, ¡pueden ocurrir milagros! ¡No pienses que tus dones son demasiado pequeños o insignificantes! Dios bendice todos los dones que ofrecemos y los hace maravillosos.
Ordinations tot he Priesthood on June 22
Priesthood ordinations are scheduled for Saturday, June 22 at 10 am at St. Paul Cathedral. Our ordinands are Deacon Thiago Da Silva, Deacon Sagar Gundiga, and Deacon Alfredo Porras. Please contact Fr. Jim Mazzone with any questions at jmazzone@charter.net or 508-340-5788. Clergy please bring diocesan vesture.
St. Roch Festival
St. Roch Church, 332 Main St., Oxford will be holding their Annual Festival on Saturday, June 22 from 8 am – 8 pm in the church hall and on the church grounds. Activities include: A giant Adopt-A-Basket raffle, crafts, homemade baked goods, used books, huge garage sale, auction, money raffle, scratch ticket raffle, plant sale, fried dough and strawberry shortcake. Lunch will be served from 10:30-2:30.
Strawberry Festival in North Brookfield
St. Joseph Parish in North Brookfield will be having its 28 th annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 22 at 5:15 pm in the Parish Hall. The menu will offer baked ham, homemade baked beans, homemade potato salad, homemade cole slaw, rolls, coffee, iced tea, and the always delicious strawberry shortcake. Tickets can be obtained by calling the parish rectory at (508) 867-6811. Tickets: adults $12 and children, 5-10 yrs. old, $5. Take out is available at 5 pm. St. Joseph Church Hall, 296 No. Main St., North Brookfield.
Sock Hop at Leominster Parish
St. Cecilia Parish in Leominster will be having a Rockin' Sock Hop with Meat Raffles on Sunday, June 23 from 1-5 pm. Join us for a trip back to the Fabulous Fifties & Sixties with DJ Ray Richard. Come listen to the classics like Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Chuck Berry, Connie Francis, Buddy Holly, Brenda Lee (just to name a few). Tickets are $5 which includes an entry into the Grande Finale Meat Raffle. Doors open at Noon; first drawing at 1 PM. Sandwiches, snacks, drinks (including beer & wine) will be available for purchase. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the rectory during normal business hours or after Mass.
Two Night Mission in Worcester & Charlton
Our Lady of Czestochowa & St. Joseph’s Parishes are proud to be hosting a 2-Night Parish Mission on June 28 and 29 for the Diocese of Worcester with Fr. James Blount, SOLT, internationally known charismatic preacher, evangelist, and exorcist priest with extraordinary gifts of Healing, Hope, Deliverance and Renewal. This mission will begin on Friday evening, June 28 at Our Lady of Czestochowa, 34 Ward St., Worcester with celebration of Mass at 630 PM followed by a talk by Fr. Blount. On Saturday the mission will shift to St. Joseph's Church, 10 H. Putnam Rd., Charlton
beginning at 3 PM with a holy hour with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet, vigil Mass at 430 PM, (light refreshments will be served after Mass for a small fee) followed by a talk and healing service by Fr. Blount starting at 630 PM. A free-will offering will be taken both nights for Fr. Blount's travel expenses. This event is free but please RSVP to Kim @ KmHarmon111@gmail.com for tracking purposes.
Explanation of the ‘ROE ACT’
Currently before the Legislature of Massachusetts are two identical bills (House No. 3320 and Senate No. 1209) proposing the “ROE Act” (HB 3320: “An Act Removing Obstacles and Expanding access to Women’s Reproductive Health” and SB 1209: “An Act to Remove Obstacles and Expand Abortion Access”). The Legislature may very well act on these bills this summer. These acts, if passed, will: expand abortion access, including late-term abortions, during the nine months of pregnancy for virtually any reason; eliminate any requirements that late-term abortions be performed in a hospital; eliminate the requirement that provides medical care to a child who survives an abortion attempt; eliminate the requirement that a minor under the age of 18 have the consent of a parent, guardian, or the courts; and expand state funding for women who cannot afford the procedure. Mr. James Driscoll, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, will make a presentation on this important and urgent matter in the parish hall at Christ the King on Tuesday, July 9 at 7:00 pm. All are invited to come and learn what steps can be taken to oppose the passage of this legislation. The meeting is planned for all the people of Central Massachusetts and our Diocese.
Youth Outing at Aerial Adventure Park
Parish youth groups are invited to join the Diocesan Youth Ministry Office for a morning at Boundless Adventures, and aerial adventure park in Berlin on Wednesday, July 24. Cost is $40. Arrival will be at 8:30am and we will start at 9am. The day will include a 30 minute orientation and 3 hours of high ropes and zip lining! Please bring lunch with you or plan to get lunch following the climb. All participants must attend with a parish group. Groups must have at least 1 adult for every 8 youth. Youth and adult participants must fill out the Diocesan release as well as the park's waiver form. Both will be sent out once a group registers. Register at neworcester.org/other-events. Deadline to register: Wednesday, July 10.
Whitewater Rafting for Youth
The Diocesan Youth Ministry office has tickets available for whitewater rafting on Wednesday, August 7 on the Deerfield River in Charlemont, MA. Cost for the day is $65/person. We will plan to arrive around noon for an orientation and then spend a few hours on the water. The day will conclude with a picnic dinner (food provided!) and we will depart around 6pm. All youth must register with a group. Any groups attending must have at least 1 adult for every 8 youth. Youth and adult participants must fill out the Diocesan release as well as the Crabapple waiver form. Both will be sent out once a group registers. Space is very limited and will be given on a first come first serve basis. For more information or to reserve spots for your group, contact Tim Messenger at tmessenger@worcesterdiocese.org or at 508-929-4360.
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.
To: Parish Administrators
Peter’s Pence Collection Announcement
Attached please find the letter from Bishop McManus for the Peter’s Pence Collection. Please share with parishioners on the weekend of June 23 and take up the collection on the weekend of June 30. As always you can find a text file and a pdf of the letter at worcesterdiocese.org. Click on the Parish Resources Button and then choose “Bulletin Letters and Inserts” from the menu. Thank you.
June 10, 2019
Diocesan Special: Highlights of the Ordinations to the Diaconate 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, June 15 at 6 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sunday at 6 a.m. & Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury) Sunday, June 16 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, June 17 at 7:30 a.m. Clinton area Comcast CH 99 Sunday, June 16 at 8:30 a.m. WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194) Tuesday, June 18 at 8 p.m. Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35 Thursday, June 20 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 Trinity Sunday
“But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth...” (John 16:13) Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us know and live the truth. To prepare ourselves, we need to open our hearts to receive this gift before we can give it. Develop a daily prayer routine. Talk and listen to the Holy Spirit. This is best done in silence, when we can hear His response.
Solemnidad de la Santísima Trinidad
"Pero cuando venga, el Espíritu de verdad, Él te guiará a toda la verdad..." (JUAN 16:13) Jesús envió al Espíritu Santo para ayudarnos a conocer y vivir la verdad. Para prepararnos, necesitamos abrir nuestros corazones para recibir este regalo antes de que podamos darlo. Desarrolla una rutina diaria de oración. Habla y escucha al Espíritu Santo. Esto se hace mejor en silencio, cuando podemos escuchar su respuesta.
Chicken BBQ in East Brookfield
The St. John the Baptist Parish Chicken BBQ welcomes you on Saturday, June 29 at 5 pm Tickets: $12.00 adults $6.00 children Bring your families and friends for the entertainment and fun! St. John’s, 121 Blaine Ave., East Brookfield. Call for tickets at 508-867-3738.
Program about Divine Mercy in Uxbridge
St. Mary Parish, Uxbridge will be hosting the ten-part series, “The Second Greatest Story Ever Told” which chronicles the inception of the Divine Mercy beginning Monday, July 22 to Sept. 23 from 6 – 8pm. This program will be facilitated by Joan Hauge and Mary Fahey. The book, “The Second Greatest Story Ever Told” written by Fr. Michael Gaitley and the accompanying workbook are required. Cost for the program is $10.00 and an additional $22.00 for the two books. The program will be held at St. Mary Parish, 77 Mendon Street in Uxbridge. Please contact email: dmoriarty@stmaryuxbridge.org or call the parish office at 508-278-2226 to register.
Diocesan Young Adult Retreat
All young adults (ages 18-39) are invited to the Diocesan young adult retreat on August 2-3 at Immaculate Conception Retreat Center in Putnam, CT! If you are looking for a chance to relax and get spiritually recharged, then this retreat is for you. All are welcome! Cost is $50. To register for the retreat, go to www.neworcester.org/2019-young-adult-retreat . Deadline to register is July 17th.
TO: Parish Administration
Bingo System for Sale
Presidential Bingo System – Includes bingo console and 3 flash boards. Console measures approximately 5 feet wide by 3 feet tall and 2 ½ feet deep. Flash boards are approximately 6 feet wide by 2 feet tall. $100 or best offer. Must move yourself. For more information or to look at the system please call the parish office of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto parish at 508-753-5001 or e-mail lisaolmc@gmail.com.
Flocknote TIP (can also apply to other bulk email providers)
If you receive an email from Flocknote and then FORWARD it to someone else, delete the links at the bottom of the email regarding unsubscribing, etc. If the next recipient clicks those inadvertently they will remove you from the group because it contains your email address!
Flocknotes going to Junkmail or Spam?
Easy fix: add a contact to your emails – just call it “flocknote” and enter as their email address: mail@flocknote.com. Now your system will always see it as legitimate and it will appear in the future in your Inbox..June 3, 2019
Holy Hour For Priests
On Friday, June 14 from 7 to 8 pm a holy hour to pray for priests will take place at Immaculate Conception Church on 353 Grove St., Worcester. It will consist of adoration, a short reflection, the rosary, silent prayer and benediction, and will be repeated on the second Friday of each month.
Polish Festival in Webster
The 46th Annual St. Joseph Polish Festival on the St. Joseph School Grounds, Whitcomb Street in Webster, will take place on Friday, June 14 from 5 pm to 11 pm; Saturday, June 15 from Noon to 11 pm; and Sunday, June 16 from Noon to 3 pm. All raffles will be drawn after 2 pm on Sunday. Fresh homemade Polish & American Food all weekend long, including seafood specials on Friday night. Raffles, Games of Chance, Kiddie land and Kids games, and much more! Maestro’s Men Polka Band will perform Friday from 6 to 10 pm and Saturday from 5 to 8:30 pm. The Vedemecum Band will perform Saturday evening from 9 to 11 pm and Windstar will perform on Sunday from Noon to 3 pm.. For more information call 508-943-0467. Free parking and free admission. Festival benefits St. Joseph School in Webster.
Winchendon Strawberry Festival
Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Annual Strawberry Festival will be held the weekend of June 14, 15 & 16. Please join us under the BIG TENT for entertainment, fun, games, food and fellowship. Friday 5-8 PM kicks off with “Crossroads” live band playing from 6-8. Listen to classic rock, country and pop music. Saturday, 9AM-8PM we will have the bouncy house set up all day long, along with Theme Baskets, Chinese Auction, Grandma’s Attic, Strawberry Booth, Kids Alley, Muffin Tin, etc. At 4:30 PM, come take a sneak peek at our Country Auction! Bidding will begin at 6:00! Sunday 8AM- Noon, join us for Father’s Day Breakfast and take your last chances before we start calling the winners at noon! Hope to see you all!
Prayer Shawls and Rosaries
Blessed Sacrament Prayer Shawl Ministry together with Operation Ranger Rosary will meet on June 15 from 1-3pm. Phelan Center, Blessed Sacrament Parish, 551 Pleasant Street, Worcester. For further information please contact Blessed Sacrament Rectory at 508 755-5291 or Cecelia M Mason at ceceliamason@yahoo.com.
The Children’s Choir of Greater Paris
The Children’s Choir of Greater Paris will present a Free Concert at Christ the King, Worcester on Tuesday, July 16, 7:15-8:15 pm. Under the direction of Professor Francis Bardot (the President of the French Choir Directors Association) forty-five young people and their adult leaders from Greater Paris will inspire you. All are welcome. The concert will begin with the singing of two national anthems: The Star-Spangled Banner and La Marseillaise. The first part of the concert will be dedicated to sacred music and the second part, shorter, to classical pieces of composers like Debussy and Fauré. Finally, all will sing America The Beautiful and the Salve Regina will be sung. We hope that many in the greater community will join us for a wonderful evening.
Women’s Retreat in Townsend
The Daughters of Isabella (Circle #1442) would like to invite you to a faith-filled day retreat. It all begins at 8 a.m., with Mass at 8:30, continental breakfast afterwards, and some wonderful speakers. Lunch included and Confessions available. It will be held on Saturday, June 22, 8 am—3 pm at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1 School Street, Townsend. No charge but offerings will be accepted. Visit www.townsendcatholic.org for more information or to register.
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.May 27, 2019
International Festival in Southbridge
Saint John Paul II Parish is holding their annual International Festival on Saturday, June 22 from 10 am to 9 pm (rain or shine) on the grounds of Notre Dame Church, located at 446 Main Street in Southbridge. There will be lots of international cuisine, games, music, a huge community raffle and lots more! Bingo will be held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm in LaSalle Reception Center, upper hall, next door to the church at 444 Main Street in Southbridge. Doors open for the Bingo at 5:30 pm and the cost is $20. Join us for a family day of fun!
Novena to the Sacred Heart 2019
Join us at Sacred Heart-St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 596 Cambridge St., Worcester on Thursday, June 20 – Friday, June 28: 7pm to 8 pm, Novena to the Sacred Heart. Homilists in order: Fr. Richard Reidy, Fr. Ed Niccolls, Fr. Eric Asante, Fr. Dennis O’Brien, Fr. Walter Riley, Fr. Mark Rainville, and Fr. Don Ouellette. On Friday, June 28, Feast of the Sacred Heart, principal celebrant will be Bishop McManus.
Religious Freedom Week: June 22-19
Religious Freedom Week will be celebrated in dioceses nationwide from June 22 to June 29. Throughout the week we will focus on the importance of preserving the essential right of religious freedom, both now and in the future, for Catholics and all people of faith. This year’s theme is “Strength in Hope”. The significant feast days during the week (Saints Thomas More and John Fisher – June 22, Saint John the Baptist – June 24, and Saints Peter and Paul – June 29) inspire us to follow the example of these great saints who loved God above all and remained faithful in the face of adversity. Please visit www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek to download the “Pray-Reflect-Act” one-pagers for each day on various religious liberty topics. These excellent resources are intended to inspire us to learn more about religious liberty from a Catholic perspective, help us to pray about particular issues, and provide us with tools to act on what we learn. Additional information can be found at www.worcesterdiocese.org/religiousfreedomweek.May 20, 2019
Job Opportunities
Full Time Pastoral Associate
St. Mary’s in Jefferson, MA is seeking a full-time Pastoral Associate. Candidates should have a background in Pastoral Ministry. To Request a job description please contact tbrewer@stmaryjeff.com
Religious Ed Support staff
St. Mary’s in Jefferson is seeking a Religious Education Support Staff person. If you are interested, please contact Maryjane Ciesluk at maryjaneciesluk@stmaryjeff.com.
Annual Catholic Communications Campaign
A letter for the Annual Catholic Communications Campaign, which is a national collection split between national and local efforts, is included with this edition of the Diocesan Dispatch. Bulletin letters and inserts along with the Diocesn Dispatch can be found at https://worcesterdiocese.org/parish-resources.
Memorial Day Weekend Schedule
The Chancery Offices will be closed on Monday, May 27 to commemorate Memorial Day.May 13, 2019
Diocesan Youth Discipleship Team
Applications are now being accepted for the Diocesan Youth Discipleship Team for 2019-2020. The Discipleship Team is a leadership team of high school youth (grades 9-12) in the Diocese of Worcester that is designed to provide opportunities for personal spiritual growth, equip members with skills for missionary discipleship within their own parish communities, and give teens leadership opportunities in Diocesan middle school events. If you have any high school teens in your parish who are committed Catholics, looking to grow deeper in their faith, and willing to share their faith with their peers then they are perfect for this team. For more information or to nominate youth from your parish, go to neworcester.org/diocesan-youth-discipleship-team.
To Lay Employees on our Health Insurance Plan
If you have not sent in your forms for the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and are still interested in applying for it, please contact Lori Ensom ASAP at lensom@worcesterdiocese.org or 508-929-4353. The form is available to download and complete from the “Employee Benefits” link on the diocesan website. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have a balance that is being carried forward, you still need to complete the form. Just deduct $0 from your paycheck so that you don’t lose your balance carried forward.
May 6, 2019Pilgrimage to Sanctuaries of Peru
Pilgrimage to sanctuaries of Peru is beingorganized by St. Andrew Bobola Parish, Lima- Arequipa- Chapi- Cuzco- Andahuaylillas- Machu Picchu for 10 days: October 10-19, 2019. The cost - $3,190. Deadline for Reservations is June 27, 2019. More information can be find on parish website: www.standrewbobola.com.
High School Young Men’s Retreat
All high school age young men (incoming freshmen-graduating seniors) are invited to a young men’s retreat on August 20-23, 2019 at Camp Holy Cross in Goshen, MA. Join us for a few days of fun, community, prayer, and worship with other high school guys from around the Diocese. Cost for the retreat is $100 if registered by August 1st and $125 if registered by August 13th. Registration information and additional details can be found online at neworcester.org/high-school-mens-retreat or you can contact Tim Messenger in the Youth Ministry office by phone at 508-929-4360 or by email at tmessenger@worcesterdiocese.org.
St. Benedict Institute in August
St. Benedict Abbey is happy to announce its Second Annual Saint Benedict Institute, a week long intensive study program for men pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. The purpose is to share the wealth of our Catholic Tradition in a contemplative atmosphere of a living monastic community. It will take place August 18-24 at St. Benedict Abbey, Still River and is totally free of charge. The Institute focuses on the Masters of the Monastic Tradition, this year with the thought and writings of St. Jerome. Located on seventy five acres of open land overlooking the serene Nashoba Valley in central Massachusetts, the Abbey provides an ideal locus for study and spiritual renewal while also giving participants an inside perspective of monastic life. For more information and to view the brochure, please visit www.abbey.org.
Senior Community Service Employment Opportunities
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) through Catholic Charities is the nation’s oldest program to help low-income or unemployed individuals aged 55+ find work. Catholic Charities first matches eligible older job seekers who are residents of Worcester and Franklin Counties with local nonprofits and government agencies so they can increase skills and build self-confidence, while earning an income. Participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid minimum wage. Job responsibilities can include clerical and administrative functions, maintenance work, library support, etc., depending on the participant’s interests. Their SCSEP experience most often leads to permanent employment. We are currently enrolling new participants at this time.
Hire An Older Worker, Opportunity For Host Agency Partners!! SCSEP helps make connections between older job seekers and employers. For more than 45 years, SCSEP has been providing employers with pre-screened, qualified candidates to fill vacant positions with no cost or risk to the employer. SCSEP job seekers normally perform a variety of tasks that may not be accomplished because of a gap in funding! For more information on employment or becoming a host agency partner, call Susan Maedler at Catholic Charities (508) 860-2241.April 29, 2019
Job Opening:
Sacred Heart/ St Catherine of Sweden parish is looking for part time administrative Assistant (20 hr/week). Duties and responsibilities include providing administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the parish, including: Answer and direct phone calls and emails, Coordinate office procedures, manage and schedule priest appointments, Weekly Bulletin, Reply to email, telephone or face to face enquiries; receive, sort and distribute the mail, letters and faxes; prepare ministers’ schedule; Order office supplies; Provide general support to parishioners. Must handle sensitive information in a confidential manner. Contact: Rev Eric Asante, 596 Cambridge St., Worcester, MA 01610.
St. Thomas More Law School Scholarship
Each year the St. Thomas More Society of our Diocese awards a scholarship of not less than $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 Sara Smillie at 508-929-4345. Applications are due on or before June 7, 2019. Should anyone wish to contribute to the scholarship fund, donations will be greatly appreciated and you can make contact at the above address or phone number.
MONTHLY AND ONGOING RESOURCES
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.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.
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.