The Diocesan Dispatch

Please Cut & Paste items in your bulletin as appropriate to your parish.     
The Diocesan Dispatch is usually published on Monday mornings by 8 am via email and fax to parishes. Submission must be received by the previous Friday for inclusion and should be at least 2 weeks before an event date in order to have an opportunity to be included in parish bulletins the week after the issue date. You can email submissions directly to rdelisle@worcesterdiocese.org.

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

Latest Edition: August 19, 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 - WCTR TV3 on Channel 193: Saturday, Aug. 31 at 5:30 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sunday at 6 a.m. 
SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury): Sunday, Sept. 1 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 a.m.
Clinton area Comcast CH 99: Sunday, Sept. 1 at 8:30 a.m.
WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194): Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 8 p.m.
Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35: Thursday, Aug. 29 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: Sundays at 11 am; Wednesdays at 2:30 pm and Thursdays at 2:30 am
Grafton Cable Access: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
ALL LOCATIONS – via the internet: Watch online anytime at worcesterdiocese.org

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
“For behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last.” (Luke 13:30)  Our standards in society are different from God’s standards. We often rank people by what they have, how powerful they are, or how successful they are. Jesus reminds us that God will not judge us by the same earthly standards. When God asks you, “what have you done with the gifts I have given you?” How will you respond?

21º domingo de Tiempo Ordinario
"Porque, los últimos serán los primeros, y los primeros serán los últimos". (LUCAS 13:30) Nuestros estándares en la sociedad son diferentes de los estándares de Dios. A menudo clasificamos a las personas por lo que tienen, lo poderosos que son o lo exitosos que son. Jesús nos recuerda que Dios no nos juzgará por los mismos estándares terrenales. Cuando Dios te pregunta, “¿qué has hecho con los dones que te he dado?” ¿Cómo responderás?

Parish Barbecue in Worcester
Our Lady of Lourdes Church and Knights of Columbus Pope John XXIII Annual Barbecue will be held on Sunday, Sept. 8 with Outdoor Mass at 10:30 AM and BBQ at Noon.  Hamburgers, Hot dogs and Chicken prepared by Paula Jacevicius and her special secret sauce.  There will be 50/50 Raffle, Raffle Baskets, OLOL cookbooks, tote bags and Christmas ornaments for sale.  Pinatas, face painting, whiffle ball and corn hole/bean bag toss for entertainment.  Come join the fun!!

Family Picnic in Worcester
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Melkite Catholic Church will hold their Annual Family Picnic on Sunday, Sept. 8, Noon to 5 pm at 256 Hamilton St., Worcester. Entertainment, food and fun for the whole family: inflatables, activities and more! Middle Eastern Food will be available for sale (kabobs, pies, hummus, and so much more). Admission is FREE and All are welcome! call 508-752-4174 with questions.

Come Behold The Beauty Of God In Art
Fr. Leo LeBlanc, pastor of St. Mary & St. Philip Parishes in North Grafton and Grafton Center, is offering an evening of reflection and meditation at the Worcester Art Museum, Thursday, Sept. 12 from 6-9 pm (pre-registration required).  The presentations include the Cistercian Chapter Room at the lower level, the angel who stirs the waters at the pool of Siloam, a 15th century Venetian Madonna & Child. In the European Gallery we will mediate on paintings of John the Baptist, St. Bartholomew, the Betrayal of Christ and more. The cost is $20 because this is a private event. For registration or for more information please email Fr. Leo LeBlanc at fathrleb@gmail.com or 508-450-0281. Open to all in the Worcester Diocese. The deadline for registration is Friday, Sept. 6 at 5 PM.  

Festival in Westminster
On Saturday, Sept.14 from 10 am-6 pm, St. Edward the Confessor Fall Festival ill take place at 10 Church St. Westminster.  Join us for a day of bargains in attic treasures, resurrected books, jewelry/gems room, baked goods, 10-15 craft/boutique vendors, games of chance, grocery wheel, Eddie’s Auction(100+ items), Theme Baskets, raffles and a Kids Karnival. Full food court all day and Chicken BBQ at noon. Visit www.stedwardconf.org for details.

Religious Awards for Girl Schouts
Religious Awards are being offered this coming year for girls in Grades 4 and up. Grades 4-5: I Live My Faith - Helps girls find her place in the parish through a look at Eucharist, Reconciliation, and   Baptism.  Program meets monthly.   Grades 6-8: Marian Medal - Girls will look at Mary as a Disciple and friend through an extensive study of the rosary and service.  Program meets monthly. Grades 9 & 10:  Spirit Alive - Girls will explore the role the Holy Spirit plays in their lives through a look at Scripture and a service project.  They will determine how often they meet. Grade 11:  Missio  - A New program where the girls explore the role of discipleship and how they will fit into the world once they leave High School.  They will determine how often they meet. All meetings will be held at the new Girl Scout Leadership Center on Century Drive. For more information please contact: Jo-Ann Bafaro at jab7680@gmail.com.

Marble Altar and other items available
Mary Queen of the Rosary Parish has an altar, 4 candle sticks, hanging sanctuary cross (without corpus) and pulpit available for a parish in need.  These items are from the former St. Mary's Church in Spencer.  These items are of large scale and would fit well in a large church environment.  The altar is red and white marble and measures 77 inches in length and 53 inches depth with 4 legs.  The 4 candle sticks have a red marble base and are 38 inches high with removable candle holders for processions.  The tabernacle is 19 inches deep, 31" long and 42" high.  The pulpit is dark wood laminate.  Please call 774-239-0753 for more information.  These items will need to be picked up.

August 12, 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 - WCTR TV3 on Channel 193: Saturday, Aug. 24 at 5:30 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sunday at 6 a.m. 
SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury): Sunday, Aug. 25 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, Aug. 19 at 7:30 a.m.
Clinton area Comcast CH 99: Sunday, Aug. 25 at 8:30 a.m.
WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194): Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 8 p.m.
Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35: Thursday, Aug. 29 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: Sundays at 11 am; Wednesdays at 2:30 pm and Thursdays at 2:30 am
Grafton Cable Access: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
ALL LOCATIONS – via the internet: Watch online anytime at worcesterdiocese.org

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Do you think I have come to give you peace on Earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” (Luke 12:51)  Living a stewardship lifestyle means stepping out of our comfort zone when needed. Many of us like to play it safe, not cause waves, stay in the middle of the road. In today’s world we are called to be informed and take a stance for life, marriage and religious liberty.

20º domingo de Tiempo Ordinario
“¿Crees que he venido a darte paz en la Tierra? No, te lo digo, sino división." (LUCAS 12:51)  Vivir un estilo de vida de corresponsabilidad significa salir de nuestra zona de confort cuando sea necesario. A muchos de nosotros nos gusta jugar a lo seguro, no hacer olas, permanecer en el medio del camino. En el mundo de hoy estamos llamados a estar informados y a tomar una posición por la vida, el matrimonio y la libertad religiosa.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Assistant Training and Day of Discovery
Interested in learning more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd? Catechists, assistants, parents, clergy  and parishioners are invited to attend a special workshop on August 24 from 10 am to 3 pm at St. John, Guardian of our Lady in Clinton. Sponsored by the Office of Religious Education. For only $15, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a working atrium where children ages 3 to 5 gather to learn about Jesus and how CGS helps the very young child enter into a personal relationship with Him.  The cost includes all materials and lunch. For more information, email Mary Pat at mheelan@worcesterdiocese.org , call Tina at (508) 929-4303, or visit our website worcesterdiocese.org/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd.

Bingo at St. Joan of Arc
St. Joan of Arc Parish will hold a Bingo night on August 31 from 3 - 9 pm at the Arc (hall behind the church), 570 Lincoln Street, Worcester. Features extra prizes at each game including a UHD TV, Keurig Machine and wireless earbuds. Food, soft drinks, and more available.  Proceeds to benefit the parish.

Miraculous Medal Novena OL of Mt Carmel at OL of Loreto
All are welcome to the Miraculous Medal Novena for nine consecutive nights, beginning Sept. 3 through Sept. 11. Our speakers include Bishop Robert McManus, Msgr. Stephen Pedone. Fr. Nick Desimone, Msgr. Francis Scollen, Fr. Dennis O’Brien, Fr. Jim Mazzone, Deacon Paul Audette, and Deacon John Barton. The Church is located at 37 Massasoit Road, Worcester.

Novena to St. Joseph in Worcester
The 8th Annual Novena to St. Joseph will take place at Christ the King Parish on Monday evenings this fall. There will be prayer for the seriously ill, for improvements in palliative care, and prayer to raise awareness about all attempts to end human life unnaturally as in the case of physician assisted suicide or euthanasia. The Novena will be celebrated for nine consecutive Mondays beginning Sept. 9 from 7:15 pm to 8 pm. This year’s homilists/speakers are Bishop Robert J. McManus, Msgr. James Moroney, Msgr. F. Stephen Pedone, Mrs. Kris Correira, Rev. Walter Riley, Rev. John Gavin, SJ, Joanne Massarelli, Dr. Lynda Young and Msgr. Thomas Sullivan. As always, all are welcome to participate in this annual Novena especially as the proponents of physician assisted suicide are attempting to make PAS legal in Massachusetts as just happened in the State  of Maine.

The Pivotal Players comes to Worcester
Christ the King Parish this Fall! For Catholics who wish to know more about their faith, we announce... Our parish will offer ‘Pivotal Players,’ the highly acclaimed ‘New Evangelization’ program on Thursday evenings this fall. All are welcome and be sure to invite your friends. The program was produced by Bishop Robert Barron and the Word on Fire initiative. We’ll offer special DVD presentations of the highest quality and have discussion groups. The program begins on Thursday, September 12 at 7 pm (with dinner). Each Thursday we will begin with dinner (free will offerings accepted).  The program concludes by 9:00 p.m. each evening.

Worcester Prison Ministries Benefit
Join us for an evening of music with Genesis, Heartstrings, Josh Dougherty, and ShellTheory on Saturday, Sept. 14 at  7 pm at Curtis Performance Hall at Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester.. The Benefit Concert will help build "Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel" at Worcester County House of Correction. To purchase tickets at $25.00 each visit our Facebook page: WorcesterPrisonMinistries or eventbrite.com: Worcester-prison-ministries

Grief Support Workshop
St. Mary Parish, Uxbridge will be hosting “Grieving with Great HOPE,” a five-week grief support workshop. This program was created by Good Mourning Ministry a Catholic Apostolate. As Catholics we are given hope for eternal life in the risen Lord for ourselves and for our loved ones. In this workshop we will be taught practical tools for intentional mourning. We will also pray and journey together to become disciples of hope.  This workshop will include video presentations, sharing and prayer. If you have lost a spouse, parent, child (including pregnancy loss), sibling, etc. you may benefit from this workshop. Meeting dates are September 19, 26 and October 3, 10, and 17 6:30 PM - 8:30 pm in the parish hall. Cost is $18.00 and includes the accompanying workbook. To register please call the office at 509-278-2226 or email dmoriarty@stmaryuxbridge.org.

Job Opportunity
Caretaker for Cemetery & Church 
Full-time cemetery & church caretaker sought for St. John Guardian of Our Lady Parish in Clinton.  Apprentice to the present superintendent.  40 hour work-week plus benefits.  Qualifications: Strong work ethic, valid driver’s license, 6+ months of general labor or grounds keeping experience.  Contact the parish secretary, Mrs. Tammy Van Buren, to schedule an interview: 978-368-0366.

Have old hymnals to donate?
St. Paul Parish in Warren and St. Stanislaus in West Warren are in need of hymnals. If you have old hymnals to donate, please contact Fr. John Hamm at frjohnhamm@gmail.com.

Chancery is on Summer Schedule
The chancery building is closed on Fridays through August 23. Normal hours are 8 am to 5:15 Mon-Thursday for the summer.

August 5, 2019

Diocesan Special: Ordinations to the Priesthood 2019, will air as follows: (available on your eCatholic parish website if you use the Featured Program drag and drop icon)
Charter Communications - WCTR TV3 on Channel 193: Saturday, Aug. 17 at 5:30 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sunday at 6 a.m. & Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury): Sunday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, Aug. 19 at 7:30 a.m.
Clinton area Comcast CH 99: Sunday, Aug. 18 at 8:30 a.m.
WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194): Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 8 p.m.
Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35: Thursday, Aug. 22 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: Sundays at 11 am; Wednesdays at 2:30 pm and Thursdays at 2:30 am
Grafton Cable Access: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
ALL LOCATIONS – via the internet: Watch online anytime at worcesterdiocese.org

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” (Luke 12:34) Jesus encourages us to build up our treasure in heaven. The world encourages us to build up our treasure in real estate, investments, and material goods. How much time are you investing in building up a worldly treasure? How much time are you investing in building up a heavenly treasure? To invest more time in the things of heaven, you must let go of some of the things of this world.

19°  domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Porque donde está tu tesoro, también estará tu corazón”. (LUCAS 12:34)
Jesús nos anima a edificar nuestro tesoro en el cielo. El mundo nos alienta a construir nuestro tesoro en bienes raíces, inversiones y bienes materiales. ¿Cuánto tiempo estás invirtiendo en construir un tesoro mundano? ¿Cuánto tiempo estás invirtiendo en construir un tesoro celestial? Para invertir más tiempo en las cosas del cielo, debes soltar algunas de las cosas de este mundo.

Bible Study Sessions in Webster
Join us at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Webster for a Bible study “The Bible and the Sacraments.”  on either Tuesdays at 7 pm or Wednesdays at 10 am in the Emmaus Center lower level, 17 Day Street, Webster (across East Main Street from the church) from September 3 to November 13.  Participants can register for their preference of session, but are welcome to attend either one. To register contact Fran Kittridge at 508-671-0127 or fransafetyguru@aol.com. Study workbook for sale at: JourneyThroughScripture.com or the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

Dynamic Catholic Event in Hopedale
Come and discover how four life-changing habits can point you towards discovering incredible possibilities for your life. You will leave the event with a personal plan to help you become the best version of yourself. Please join Dynamic Catholic and speaker Jonathan Fanning on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 1-5 pm at Sacred Heart Church in Hopedale. Visit DynamicCatholic.com/events or call 859-980-7900 for tickets.

Parish Cook seeking employment
A former parish cook is seeking part-time employment in the Worcester area.  She has 27 years of professional culinary experience and is state certified for therapeutic dietary cooking.  She spent 16 years as a food service director whose responsibilities included staffing, training, and supervising a department of twelve employees.   She is also experienced in putting on a variety of functions and buffets. For more information contact Fr. Reidy at 508-929-4345.

July 29, 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 - WCTR TV3 on Channel 193: Saturday, Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sunday at 6 a.m. & Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury): Sunday, Aug. 4 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, July 22 at 7:30 a.m.
Clinton area Comcast CH 99: Sunday, Aug. 4 at 8:30 a.m.
WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194): Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 8 p.m.
Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35: Thursday, Aug. 8 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: Sundays at 11 am; Wednesdays at 2:30 pm and Thursdays at 2:30 am
Grafton Cable Access: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
ALL LOCATIONS – via the internet: Watch online anytime at worcesterdiocese.org

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” (Luke 12:15)  The Gospel message today is contrary to our modern culture where advertising continually tries to convince us that our value lies in the things we possess. Jesus showed us that our true value lies in the way we live our lives. He challenges us to not hoard material possessions, but rather to live a grateful and generous lifestyle and become more “other-centered” and less “self-centered.”

18°  domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
"Cuídense de protegerse contra toda codicia, porque aunque uno sea rico, su vida no consiste en posesiones". (LUCAS 12:15)  El mensaje del evangelio de hoy es contrario a nuestra cultura moderna, donde la publicidad trata continuamente de convencernos de que nuestro valor está en las cosas que poseemos. Jesús nos mostró que nuestro verdadero valor radica en la forma en que vivimos nuestras vidas. Nos desafía a no acumular posesiones materiales, sino a vivir un estilo de vida agradecido y generoso y a ser más "centrado en el otro" y menos "egocéntrico".

Little Audrey Event
Christ the King Parish, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester, will host Bishop McManus, Friday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m., for Mass on the anniversary of Audrey Santo’s accident. Following the Mass, a nine-hour novena will be held at the Santo home, 64 S.Flagg St., Worcester, from 11:03 a.m.-8 p.m. Each hour will have a specific intention and include the praying of the chaplet to Audrey. The novena ends with Benediction and offering of all prayer intentions.

Madonna della Cava in Fitchburg
The Madonna della Cava annual celebration will be held on Sunday, Aug. 11, at St. Anthony Church of Padua, 18 Salem St., Fitchburg.  The procession starts at 10 a.m. with the Roma Marching Band from Boston, Knights of Columbus, parishioners and friends. Following Mass there will be food and refreshments in the air-conditioned church hall. A rosary to the Madonna will be recited in closing. All are welcome. Contact Elena Morizzo Valeri at 978-413-2137 or Patricia Vacca Martin at 978-602-4919 for information.

St. Andrew Bobola Polish Festival
St. Andrew Bobola Church will hold it's fifth annual Polish Festival - on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23 and 24 on the church grounds at 54 West Main St, Dudley.     There will be Polish and American food, grand prize money raffle, gift basket raffles, hourly 50/50 money raffles, games of chance, pastry booth, quilt raffle,and kids games!  Festivities start Friday at 4:30 pm. with music for dancing provided by Maestro’s Men, starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday's festivities begin at 1 p.m.  An outdoor Mass will be held at 4 p.m., followed by entertainment and dancing to The Eddie Foreman Orchestra. Polish food (made by parishioners) includes cheese pierogi, cabbage pierogi, kielbasa, kapusta, golabki, and a Polish platter; there will also be hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers and french fries.  Frozen pierogis, by the half or dozen, will also be available for take out.  

Flea Market/Fair in Oxford
St. Roch Parish will hold a Flea Market & Vendor Fair on Saturday, Aug 24 and  Sunday, August 25 from 8 am - 3 pm.   St. Roch Church Lot is located next to Oxford Common, 342 Main Street, Rt. 12, Oxford. Lots of Shopping! Vendors wanted! $25 for 10’ x 20’ space – both days! Call 508-820-6878 or 508-987-8987.

The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life
A 30-week directed prayer experience in the tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola is being offered by a team of Jesuits and parishioners experienced in Ignatian prayer. Weekly sessions will begin Oct. 1. Each session will be approximately 90 minutes on Tuesday evenings at St. Peter Church, 931 Main St., Worcester, and will include reflection, direction and a presentation. Information nights will be held at St. Pius/St. Joseph Parish, 1161 Main St., Leicester, on Aug. 4 and at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 1400 Main St., Leominster, on Aug. 25, each at 6:30 p.m. Information and applications are available at https://www.findinggodindailylife.com/worcesterspex-home. Or contact the team by email at worcspex19@gmail.com or by calling Dick Kirk at 508-885-4462.

Religious items for sale
Religious statues, stained glass windows, books, pictures, etc., are available for sale from St. Hedwig Church in Southbridge. The church is being sold, and these items need to be removed. Smaller items will be sold for whatever donation you may want to make. Larger items, such as the tabernacle, altar, pulpit and baptismal font may be available as well and a price can be discussed. If you are interested, please contact Father Ken Cardinale at 508-523-9234.

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe is scheduled to be taken on the weekend of August 11. Please announce on the weekend of August 4. A letter from Bishop McManus is attached to this issue of the Diocesan Dispatch and it available for download at worcesterdiocese or by clicking HERE.

July 22, 2019

Faith in Action,  featuring agencies and ministires 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 - WCTR TV3 on Channel 193: Saturday, July 27 at 6 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sunday at 6 a.m. & Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury): Sunday, July 28 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, July 29 at 7:30 a.m.
Clinton area Comcast CH 99: Sunday, July 28 at 8:30 a.m.
WCCA TV13 (Worcester Ch. 194): Tuesday, July 30 at 8 p.m.
Fitchburg Comcast CH 8 and Verizon CH 35: Thursday, Aug. 1 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]worcesterdiocese.org

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9)  Jesus assures us that if we ask, God will take care of what we need. The problem is that our culture often confuses what we really need with what we simply want. Many people need very little. However, we usually want so much more. A good steward only asks God for what he needs.

17°  domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Pide y recibirás, busca y encontrarás, llama y la puerta se te abrirá.” (LUCAS 11: 9) Jesús nos asegura que si pedimos, Dios cuidará de lo que necesitamos. El problema es que nuestra cultura a menudo confunde lo que realmente necesitamos con lo que simplemente queremos. Muchas personas necesitan muy poco. Sin embargo, solemos querer mucho más. Un buen administrador solo le pide a Dios lo que necesita.

Fatal Flaws Showing in Uxbridge
Should medical professionals have the legal right to end human lives? Are laws allowing assisted suicide leading society down a dangerous path? Filmmaker Kevin Dunn (2019 Catholic Men’s Conference speaker) travels to the Netherlands, Belgium, the U.S.A., and Canada to ask these questions. The Massachusetts legislature is currently trying to legalize it here. See this important film on Wednesday, August 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mary Parish, 77 Mendon Street, Uxbridge.

Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) New England, a yearlong volunteer opportunity for women and men 50 years of age and better, is recruiting volunteers for the upcoming (September to June) year. Volunteers give two full days/week of service and commit to a monthly spiritual reflection program in the Jesuit tradition. IVC works with nonprofits in the Boston/Worcester/Providence areas that address problems of homelessness, education, immigration and more. Get info and application by contacting regional director  Dave Hinchen at newengland@ivcusa.org, or check out the IVC New England website atwww.ivcusa.org/new-england. This year the Ignatian Volunteer Corps is celebrating 25 years of service to non-profits and those whom they serve.

Theology on Tap
All young adults, ages 18 - 30s, are welcome to Theology on Tap, Saturday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m. at Williams Restaurant, 184 Pearson Blvd, Gardner, for drinks and dinner and lively conversation in good company. Guest speakers will be Steve and Kim Brown who will be discussing Why Marriage Matters: the blessings of the sacrament of marriage.  You don’t need to be dating or married to join us!

Italian Festival
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish Italian Festival - August 8-11.   Great Italian food, live entertainment, rides for the kids, Italian cookies, ice cream, beer and wine garden and more!!!  37 Massasoit Rd., Worcester.

Reminder: Chancery is on Summer Schedule
 The chancery building is closed on Fridays through August 23. Normal hours are 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday for the summer.

Women’s Mini-Retreat - October 19
Save the Date! The Commission for Women of the Diocese of Worcester will be having a Mini-Retreat for Women entitled “A Spiritual Path for Healing our Woundedness” on Saturday, October 19 at St. Mary Parish Hall, Main Street, Shrewsbury. Our speaker will be Sr. Kathryn Hermes, FSP, MTS.   She is a Daughter of St. Paul and currently directs the Acquisitions Office for Pauline Book and Media Centers.   
 
Divine Mercy Cenacle
All are welcome at St. Luke Parish Center in Westboro every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm for prayer, discussion of Scripture, Catechism and the Diary of St. Faustina.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Looking to make a Retreat?

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 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.