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.
Sixth Sunday of Easter
“…Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (JOHN 14:27) Our limited human understanding cannot begin to understand the immense power of God. Instead of trusting in God, we often think we can control every outcome. Do you want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans. The next time worry, anxiety or fear creeps in, thank God for all He has given you and trust that He has a better plan for you. Make God your first choice and not your last resort.
Sexto Domingo de Pascua
“No dejen que sus corazones se turben o teman”. (Juan 14:27) Nuestra limitada comprensión humana no puede comenzar a entender el inmenso poder de Dios. En lugar de confiar en Dios, a menudo pensamos que podemos controlarlo todo. ¿Quiere hacer reír a Dios? Cuéntele sus planes. La próxima vez que sienta que lo embarga la preocupación, la ansiedad o el temor, dele gracias a Dios por todo lo que Él le ha dado, y confíe que Él tiene un mejor plan para usted. Haga de Dios su primera escogencia y no su último recurso.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." (JOHN 13:34) “As I have loved you,” this is the hard part – Jesus’s love is unconditional; our love usually comes with strings attached. It is easy to love someone when they love you back. But it takes mercy and compassion to love someone when you feel unappreciated, feel used or feel like your opinion doesn’t matter. It takes courage and the grace of God to “love my neighbor” when they may be someone you don’t like, someone you don’t know or someone that doesn’t look like you.
Quinto Domingo de Pascua
«Les doy un nuevo mandamiento, que se amen los unos a los otros. Como yo los he amado, así ustedes deben amarse los unos a los otros.» (Juan 13:34) “Como yo los he amado”, esa es la parte difícil- el amor de Jesús es incondicional: nuestro amor usualmente viene con ataduras. Es fácil amar a alguien que te ama. Sin embargo, requiere misericordia y compasión para amar a alguien cuando usted no se siente apreciado, o se siente utilizado o que su opinión no importa. Se requiere valentía y la gracia de Dios para “amar a mis vecinos” cuando pueden ser personas que a usted no le gusten, que no conoce o que no se parecen a usted.
Carnival in Oxford
Spring Carnival to benefit St. Roch Parish will be held on May 19-22: Thurs & Fri 6-10 pm, Sat 12-10, Sun 12-6 pm at St. Roch Field next to Town Common. Amusements, Rides & Games for All Ages!
Gateway to Jesus and the Mass: The Art of Accompaniment
Keys to Reaching Inactive Catholics Training. Deepen your capacity to be present and attentive to inactive Catholics on their journeys to discover or rediscover Jesus in daily life and the sacraments. Instructors: John and Therese Boucher. Saturday, May 28 from 9:30 am to Noon. . NO COST registration. Zoom.com workshop. Send name, email, & phone to: boucherjohn@hotmail.com by Wednesday, May 25.
St. Paul Golf Tournament
It’s TEE TIME! The Saint Paul Jr/Sr High School is hosting its first annual golf classic on Monday, June 27.The tournament, for all levels, will be held on the greens of the Shining Rock Golf Club in Northbridge. Funds raised from this event will go directly to meeting student and programming needs for both present and future generations of Catholic school learners. To register or for sponsorship opportunities visit the Saint Paul web site at: Golf Classic - Saint Paul Diocesan Jr. Sr. High School (saintpaulknights.org) or contact Sherry Leger Callahan, Director of Institutional Advancement at scallahan@saintpaulknights.org.
Canonization of Blessed Marie Rivier
On May 15, Pope Francis will canonize 10 saints including the foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, Blessed Marie Rivier, the “Woman Apostle”. Through her, the Holy Spirit has traced a new path of holiness in the Church, a Gospel path that 875 of her Sisters nurture in the 19 countries where they teach. In this Diocese, these sisters taught in many of our parish schools. Many might remember praying for this gift as a student, in doing the Rivier Retreat or as a Rivier Associate. Others may know Rivier University in Nashua, NH and Marie-Joseph Spiritual Center in Biddeford, ME. Today, we invite you to rejoice with the Sisters as we celebrate this important event in the life of the Congregation and of the Church. Hereafter, invoke her powerful intercession. Her path is sown with miracles, favors, and blessings. Let her bless you! Saint Marie Rivier, pray for me!
Volunteer Opportunity
Little Audrey Santo Foundation is welcoming volunteers. For more information call 508-755-8712.
Fourth Sunday of Easter
“The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” (ACTS 13:52) The disciples heard Our Lord’s call and were able to spread the Gospel message with strength and vitality. We, too, can experience that same joy if we make room for the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts. When we use our gifts in the way that God intends, He fills us with supernatural joy. A joy that others notice and are attracted to!
Cuarto Domingo de Pascua
“Los discípulos se llenaron de júbilo y del Espíritu Santo”. (Hechos 13:52) Los discípulos escucharon la llamada de Nuestro Señor y fueron capaces de predicar el mensaje del Evangelio con fuerza y vitalidad. Nosotros también, podemos experimentar ese mismo jubilo si hacemos espacio para que el Espíritu Santo llene nuestros corazones. Cuando utilizamos nuestros dones en la forma que Dios pretende, Él nos llena con una alegría sobrenatural. ¡Una alegría que los demás notan y que los atrae!
“The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” Does a life of joy in knowing you are following the Lord as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life inspire you? Contact the Vocation Office at (508)630-4473or email: donato.infante@gmail.com.
"Los discípulos estaban llenos de gozo y del Espíritu Santo." ¿Te inspira una vida de alegría al saber que estás siguiendo al Señor como sacerdote, diácono o en la vida consagrada? Comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508)630-4473o envíe un correo electrónico a: donato.infante@gmail.com.
On Friday, May 13 from 7 - 8 pm a holy hour to pray for priests will take place at Immaculate Conception Church on 353 Grove St., Worcester. The holy hour consists of time for silent adoration, a short reflection, the rosary, and benediction. Please join us to pray for our priests. Repeats every second Friday of the month.
Saint Peter Parish in Northbridge will be holding a Trivia Night, Friday, May 13 at the Knights of Columbus, 77 Prescott Road in Whitinsville. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the Trivia Game starts at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $20 per person and should be purchased in advance. Get your tickets early seating is limited! There will be a cash bar, food for purchase and raffles. Teams must be four players and individuals wanting to play will be placed in teams of four. There will be a cash prize for the winning team. Come with your family & friends for a night of fun and to see who will be Saint Peter’s first Trivia Champions! To purchase your tickets please call the parish office 508-234-2156 or email: parishoffice@stpeterrockdale.org
Parish Referral for Clothing Collections
St. Roch Parish in Oxford would like to share their success with having a St. Pauly Textile, Inc. clothing shed on the church property for the past nine years. It has been a positive experience giving the townspeople a clean, safe and convenient way to donate clothing. They are a Western NY based, family owned for-profit company and an A+ member of the Better Business Bureau. Their goal is to get USEABLE clothing to people and organizations that can use it, here in the U.S. and in developing countries. More info can be found online at stpaulytextile.com. Alex Hillis can be reached at 585-924-7941
Third Sunday of Easter
“…Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’” (JOHN 21:17)
How often do you actually say the words “I love you” to Jesus, to family members, or to friends? We are made to be in relationship with God and each other. Sincerely telling someone that you love them is the best gift you can give them because it comes from your heart. You are giving them the gift of yourself. We all crave love. Tell someone you love them every day.
Tercer Domingo de Pascua
“...Pedro estaba afligido porque Jesús le dijo por tercera vez, ‘tú me amas’? y le contestó, ‘Señor, tú lo sabes todo, tú sabes que yo te amo’. Jesús le dijo, ‘Alimenta mis ovejas’.” (Juan 21:17) ¿Qué tan a menudo le dice actualmente las palabras “te amo” a Jesús, a los miembros de la familia, o a los amigos? Estamos hechos para estar en relación con Dios y con cada uno de nosotros. Decirle a los demás sinceramente que los amamos es el mejor regalo que puede darles porque sale de su corazón. Usted les está dando el don de sí mismo. Todos anhelamos el amor. Todos los días dígale a alguien que lo ama.
“Feed My lambs, tend My sheep.” If you think you may have a vocation to follow the Risen Lord as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life, contact the Vocation Office at (508)630-4473or email: donato.infante@gmail.com.
"Apacienta mis corderos, cuida mis ovejas." Si cree que puede tener una vocación para seguir al Señor Resucitado como sacerdote, diácono o en la vida consagrada, comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508)630-4473o envíe un correo electrónico a: donato.infante@gmail.com.
ANNUAL ROSE DRIVE: The annual Mother’s Day Rose Drive campaign will be held in a virtual format this year. A GoFundMe donation page can be accessed at https://gofund.me/7a9dd779. All proceeds support Problem Pregnancy, a pregnancy help centerassisting women in crisis pregnancies to choose life. As an all-volunteer organization, Problem Pregnancy of Worcester provides women a real choice by removing the barriers that often block them from keeping their babies. They support women and their families with housing, medical care, ultrasound tests, baby clothes, cribs, car seats, legal help, immigration aid, maternity clothes, life skills counseling, spiritual counseling, and vocational help. For information contact Paul DeBeasi, paul.debeasi@gmail.com.
You are invited to attend the Pieta Annual Mass to honor and remember all of our children on Monday, May 2 at 7:00 pm at St George Church, 40 Brattle St., Worcester. This is a special time to come together with family and friends in remembrance of our children. Refreshments will be served following the Mass. Please invite any families who have lost a child. For more information, please call Terry Gentile at 508-284-0796 or Sue Stevens at 508-852-4887, or email pieta3@gmail.com. Sponsored by Pieta Support Group for Bereaved Parents
Ham Dinner “To Go”St. Peter Parish in Northbridge is having a Ham Dinner “To Go”. Pick up will be on Saturday, May 7 starting at 5:30 pm in the Parish Hall. Tickets are $15 per dinner and include salad and dessert. All orders must be purchased in advance. “Pay It Forward” purchase an extra dinner and we will deliver it to someone in need in our local community. Please call 508-234-2156 or email parishoffice@stpeterrockdale.org to purchase tickets or if you have any questions.
A One-Day Retreat for Grieving ParentsThe Emmaus Ministry for grieving parents will offer a one-day retreat at St. John’s Church in Clinton on Saturday, May 21 from 9 am to 6:30 pm. This is a spiritual retreat for parents who have experienced a death of a child of any age, by any cause, no matter how long ago. Fred & Carole Zupicich, who lost their daughter, Jennifer, will lead this retreat, and Fr. Mazzone will serve as a spiritual advisor. Questions: carolezup@yahoo.com or 978-302-4202. Registration at: www.emfgp.org
Flea Market to benefit Urban MissionariesDoing some spring cleaning? Gain some extra cash and space by selling your unwanted household and outdoor items. Rent a table for only $15.00 at the Urban Missionaries' Saturday Flea Market (seasonal). You will also be supporting their mission of “Just Helping, the Least, the Last, and the Left Out.” Set-up is at 7:00 am. Reservations are required one week in advance; family appropriate items only; payment due on-site, prior to set-up. Contact mailbox@urbanmissionaries.com or call 508-831-7455.
Diocese Night at the BraveheartsCalling all Worcester Bravehearts fans – come cheer our Bravehearts for their opening night on Friday, May 27. Tickets are only $9.00 per person and don’t forget it is Fireworks night!!!! Gates open at 5:30PM – First Pitch at 6:30pm. For online ticket information, visit www.worcesterbraveheartsgroups.com Password is DIOCESENIGHT (all caps). If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Nate Gonelli at 508-438-3773 or email him Nate@worcesterbravehearts.com.
Quo Vadis RetreatThe annual Quo Vadis Retreat sponsored by the Archdiocese of Boston and Diocese of Worcester is being held June 23-26 at Anna Maria College. Quo Vadis is a camp for high school aged boys focused on learning more about all vocations and virtue. The days include ample time for prayer and fun. For more information, please go to https://www.quovadisboston.com
Need a Baptismal Font?
If you are in need of a baptismal font, please call Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish office at 508-753-5001 or email lisaolmc@gmail.com. Marble baptismal font 32 inches wide at the top and 36” tall. Pictures can be sent upon request.
Date Change for Engaged Couple's Seminar
Please note the change of date for the spring God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage seminar for engaged couples. The original date of May 28 has been re-scheduled to June 4. Please make sure any couples you are currently working with who are planning to register soon are aware of this change. Also please write in the new date on any existing registration forms in marriage resource packets you may have on hand (or print out the new revised registration form which is now posted at www.worcesterdiocese.org/marriage-preparation). Thank you!
Flyer to Distribute on April 30/May 1
The Massachusetts Catholic Conference is calling on parishioners across the state to voice their opposition to proposed legislation which would legalize assisted suicide. We are hoping to generate hundreds of telephone calls and/or emails to members of the legislature. CLICK an insert for all bulletins to be distributed on the weekend of April 30/May 1. It is very important that all four dioceses distribute this material on the same weekend. Thank you for your assistance.
Wondering about a priestly Vocation?
The next Vianney dinner is Thursday May 5 at the Holy Name of Jesus House of Studies at 51 Illinois St., Worcester. These are nights for men, high school aged and up, interested in learning more about a priestly vocation. You are welcome to come to all or part of the evening as your schedule allows. 6:05 PM Mass, 6:30 dinner, and 7 PM social. An RSVP is not needed but it is helpful in getting an accurate count for food. Email: director@worcestervocations.com.
Huge Book Sale in Blackstone
Join us on April 29, 30 and May 1 from 8 am to 1 pm in the upper hall of the Parish Center at the Church of St. Paul, 48 Saint Paul St., Blackstone.. Many beautiful hard cover books, art, history, geography and much, much more. We are not pricing the books, we are asking for donations. Please stop in, browse, and buy!
Divine Mercy Holy Hour for an End to Abortion
Every Friday at 3:00 pm join us at St. James Church, 89 Main St., South Grafton.
Coming to Chancery for Appointments - Protocol
The chancery remains closed to the public except for scheduled appointments. Beginning September 1 we have made staffing changes including no longer having a receptionist at the front lobby. The front vestibule is OPEN during business hours and a phone is present to call your appointment to notify them of your arrival.
If you are dropping off material for a department (e.g., Marriage Tribunal, Partners in Charity or Finance, please call that department to let them know. Phone messages will be checked regularly and we encourage parish staff to use the direct dial numbers for each department which are listed in the Diocesan Directory.
If you are entering the building for an appointment, masks must be worn in the building and hand sanitizer is available as you enter for your use. A strict cleaning schedule is maintained for all common areas and meeting rooms are cleaned immediately after use.
Clergy visiting Saint Vincent protocol
When familiar clergy are able to visit the hospitalized members of their parish, it offers patients spiritual support and brings faith into the healing process. While COVID-related restrictions at Saint Vincent Hospital have been relaxed, Massachusetts hospitals are still required to internally maintain some restrictions. Masks will still be required within the hospital. If you arrive without a mask, one will be provided. Currently, entry to the hospital is restricted to the 3rd level North entrance. It is recommended that you check with the unit secretary before visiting your parishioner(s) in order to be made aware of any patient who might be under restrictions or who has been hospitalized with an infectious condition. Hand hygiene is necessary and essential for your safety and preventing unnecessary spread of certain pathogens. Given the evolving nature of the current visitor policy and any accompanying restrictions, consider other options that are available to area priests to stay connected with the members of the parish: contact them by phone, video communication, or text. The SVH staff chaplains should be contacted if there is an emergency or your visitation seems unlikely due to other demands which would seriously delay your ability to visit in person. Call (508) 363-5000 to page the priest on duty or call the direct phone number for the Department of Pastoral Care: (508) 363-6246. A priest-chaplain is always available for emergencies.
Priest Coverage for Pastoral Care at UMASS Memorial in Worcester:
Message from Cathy Pimley, Manager, Pastoral Care
Since March 2021, I have been diligently trying to fill two full-time Catholic Priest positions at the Medical Center. There is hope that one full time position will be filled in mid-September to replace Fr. Roach, who retires on August 29. There will also be a few overnight per-diem positions posted, but we are greatly in need of another 32-hour Catholic priest day position. I wanted to give you a heads-up so that you know there will be days when a priest will not be in-house for the Sacrament of the Sick. Our Interfaith Chaplains are available but want to encourage you to reach out to your parishioners who may be hospitalized and need sacramental ministry. You may want to invite your parishioners to receive the Sacrament of the Sick from you prior to scheduled hospitalizations. I pray we will have full staffing soon, but as you know, we live in challenging times. You, as priests, are welcome to visit your congregants who are hospitalized, even amid visitor limits. COVID + patients may require different protocols. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 774-442-6550. Thank you for your ongoing support.
eCatholic tip: online payments and donations
The monthly fee to use eCatholic payments is waived for parishes in the diocese and transaction fees are as low as it gets in the industry. The site is very secure, and the money goes right into your parish bank account and you get a report letting you know! You can also use eCatholic Payments for one time or recurring payments and donations for offertory, religious education tuition and more! But, if you already have an online offertory platform you can use eCatholic Payments with their web forms alongside that platform for one time donations for events, etc. Questions: email worcester@ecatholic.com anytime.
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.
EMAIL NOTICES
We often hear from pastors and parishes saying they are not getting emails from us, even when we have a correct address. No Email system is foolproof (Gmail, MSN, Outlook, aol, Charter.net, Verizon.net, etc.) and your provider may be very aggressively blocking emails from your inbox based on general algorithms. Please remember to check your junk mail regularly to see if emails from our Flocknote system or from worcesterdiocese.org or other sources are being inadvertently blocked. You can always use your email system’s rules when this happens to “always accept email from this sender.” Usually that option appears when you “Right Click’ on the email in question with your mouse.
Senior Fraud Hotline
RSVP’s Senior Fraud HelpLine is a toll-free resource for seniors and their families to call when they are concerned that they are being targeted by scammers. If they are in doubt, they should check it out by calling 1-800-297-9760. Confidential. Knowledgeable. Local. Supportive.
Volunteer To Help With Food Distribution In Our Food Pantry
Catholic Charities Emergency Stabilization Services located on Hammond Street in Worcester is looking for volunteers who might be able to assist them with distributing food in our food pantry. Volunteers must be available once a week from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and be able to lift cases of food. Volunteer days: Monday - Friday. Thank you for your consideration. All help is much needed and appreciated! Contact: Maydeé Morales at 508-860-2206 or via e-mail to mmorales@ccworc.org.
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.