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: Advance for July 6, 2020

15th Sunday of Ordinary Time
“The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word but then the cares of the world and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” (Matthew 13:22) Does the lure of riches and material goods choke God out of your life? Are you so caught up in earthly activities that you have no time for God? Gratitude and generosity are virtues that we should strive to do on a daily basis.  Every decision we make either takes us one step closer to God or one step further away. What we receive at Mass every Sunday should be shared with others all the other days of the week as well.

15º domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
"La semilla sembrada entre espinas es la que escucha la palabra, pero luego las preocupaciones del mundo y el atractivo de las riquezas ahogan la palabra y no da fruto". - (MATEO 13:22) ¿Ahogan a Dios en tu vida el atractivo de las riquezas y los bienes materiales? ¿Estás tan atrapado en actividades terrenales que no tienes tiempo para Dios? La gratitud y la generosidad son virtudes que debemos esforzarnos en practicar a diario. Cada decisión que tomamos nos lleva un paso más cerca de Dios o un paso más lejos. Lo que recibimos en la misa todos los domingos también se debe compartir con los demás durante la semana.

Daily Mass, Sunday Mass, Family Rosary all continue to stream on worcesterdiocese.org, can be uploaded for automatic updating on eCatholic websites, and are available for viewing on Spectrum/Charter Ch 193. Come Follow Me  is playing next week.

Holy Hour for Lay People to Pray for Priests
On July 10 at 7 pm, a holy hour for lay people to pray for priests will take place at Immaculate Conception Church on 353 Grove St., Worcester. It takes place every second Friday of the month. This holy hour will consist of time for silent adoration, as well as a short reflection, the rosary, and benediction. Please join us for this important act of service and prayer for our priests.

Need a Copier in your parish or school?
St. Stephen School has a leased copy machine that is available to anyone that might be looking for a new copy machine lease. It is a Xerox AltaLink B8065.  The copy machine is Black & White only, 25,000 copies per month, network compatible, scanning  & emailing capability.  The lease includes service and toner replacement. The lease is assumable and runs until October 2024. For more information contact email arthur.pelletier@worcesterdiocesek12.org.

June 29, 2020

14th Sunday of Ordinary Time
““For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:30)  When we think of being good stewards, we may think that God is asking too much of us when He calls us to generously share our time, talent, and treasure. However, we must remember that we are not “owners” of anything, we are merely “stewards” of the gifts God has given us. All He is asking is that we give back a small portion, in gratitude, of what He has already given to us.

14º domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
"Porque mi yugo es suave, y mi carga ligera". - (MATEO 11:30)  Cuando pensamos en ser buenos administradores, podemos pensar que Dios nos está pidiendo demasiado cuando nos llama a compartir generosamente nuestro tiempo, talento y tesoro. Sin embargo, debemos recordar que no somos "dueños" de nada, somos simplemente "administradores" de los dones que Dios nos ha dado. Todo lo que está pidiendo es que le devolvamos una pequeña porción, en agradecimiento, de lo que ya nos ha dado.

Daily Mass, Sunday Mass, Family Rosary all continue to stream on worcesterdiocese.org, can be uploaded for automatic updating on eCatholic websites, and are available for viewing on Spectrum/Charter Ch 193.
Diocesan Special  is playing next week.

Drive Thru Polish Dinner Sale
On Saturday, July 11 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.,  St. Andrew Bobola Parish, Main St., Dudley will be holding a drive thru sale of Polish Dinners. This will take place in the church parking lot. Food will be packaged for take out, but several tables will be set up outside for people to eat on site, appropriately social distanced, should they choose.  Price will be $15 per “Plate” which will include Kielbasa, Kapusta, a goląbek (stuffed cabbage),and 2 homemade pierogi (one cheese, one cabbage). Please swing by to  pick up some fresh Polish food!!

June 22, 2020

Daily Mass, Sunday Mass, Family Rosary all continue to stream on worcesterdiocese.org, can be uploaded for automatic updating on eCatholic websites, and are available for viewing on Spectrum/Charter Ch 193.
Come Follow Me is playing next week.

13th Sunday of Ordinary Time
“…whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38) Pope Benedict XVI said, “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort, you were made for greatness.” “Comfort” puts me first. “Picking up your cross and following Jesus” puts God and others first. Why settle for comfort when you can achieve greatness! Pick up your cross, ask Jesus for guidance on using your gifts and live the life God intended for you!   

13º domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
"... el que no toma su cruz y me sigue no es digno de mí". (MATEO 10:38) El Papa Benedicto XVI dijo: "El mundo te ofrece consuelo. Pero no fuiste hecho para la comodidad, fuiste hecho para la grandeza ”. La "comodidad" me pone a mí de primero. "Recoger tu cruz y seguir a Jesús" pone a Dios y a los demás primero. ¡Por qué conformarse con la comodidad cuando puede alcanzar la grandeza! ¡Levanta tu cruz, pídele a Jesús que te guíe en el uso de sus dones y vive la vida que Dios planeó para ti!

North County Parish Seeking Bookkeeper/Secretary Position
Seeking to fill bookkeeping/secretary position. Must know QuickBooks, Excel, Microsoft Word and have the ability to multi task and good communication skills. This is a full time position at 32 to 40 hours per week with benefits. Experience in a church environment is appreciated. Applicants can apply via email at office@stceciliachurch.net and include a current resume.

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FOR PARISH ADMINISTRATION:

Returning to offices Training and Protocols
Please see the separate Flocknote sent to all parishes on Wednesday, June 17 or. visit worcesterdiocese.org/covid-related-forms.

Guidelines for Visiting Patients by Clergy at UMass Memorial Medical Center
Thank you for your support during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  While clergy have always been welcome to visit, many denominations have wisely contacted our Pastoral Care Team to visit patients or utilized technology.  Currently, patients are allowed one visitor at a time.  Masks must be worn at all times, and access is through both main entrances.  Masks are required at all times, and visitors must check in at the lobby check-in station, have their temperature taken and let attendants know who they are visiting. You will be given a visitor tag to wear, which allows us to know you have been cleared.  COVID-19 rooms and rule-out rooms do not have visitors, unless a rare exception is made through the Unit Manager.  If you have any questions, or we can be of assistance, please call the Pastoral Care Department at 508-774-6550 or call the main number 508-334-1000 and ask them to page the chaplain on-call.  

June 15, 2020

Daily Mass, Sunday Mass, Family Rosary all continue to stream on worcesterdiocese.org, can be uploaded for automatic updating on eCatholic websites, and are available for viewing on Spectrum/Charter Ch 193.
Conversation with Bishop McManus is playing next week.

12th Sunday of Ordinary Time
“Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 10:32)  Would others know that you are Catholic by the way you act and speak? Do you share your Catholic faith with others? Do you defend your Catholic faith when the situation arises or do you remain silent? Do you pray in public before meals? Pray for the strength and courage to be a joyful witness of our Catholic faith when the opportunity presents itself. Let us become the radiant light and bold witness that we are called to be!

12º domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
"Al que me reconozca delante de los demás, lo reconoceré ante mi Padre celestial". (MATEO 10:32)  ¿Sabrían otros que eres católico por la forma en que actúas y hablas? ¿Compartes tu fe católica con los demás? ¿Defiendes tu fe católica cuando surge la situación o permaneces en silencio? ¿Oras en público antes de las comidas? Ora por la fuerza y el coraje para ser un testigo alegre de nuestra fe católica cuando se presente la oportunidad. ¡Convirtámonos en la luz radiante y el audaz testigo que estamos llamados a ser!

Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Last week the Physician Assisted Suicide bills were reported “favorably” by the Joint Committee on Public Health. This is the first time the bills have received a favorable recommendation from a committee. The two bills were also amended slightly and merged into one bill. It has now been assigned to the Health Care Finance Committee for its review. We must do what we can to prevent it from going any further than the committee level. Efforts by the Mass. Catholic Conference and other like-minded groups and individuals to defeat these bills are ongoing. You can also help by letting your senator and representative know where you stand on this issue. Learn more and find out legislative contact info at www.macatholic.org. 

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FOR PARISH ADMINISTRATION:

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

Guidelines for Visiting Patients by Clergy at Saint Vincent Hospital
As the public health situation has improved, clergy may visit parishioners at the hospital from 10 am until 7 pm. One visitor per patient is allowed at any given time. All visitors—clergy included—must abide by the following: screening process, answer a series of questions, temperature check, adherence to hand hygiene guidelines, and face covering required at all times. Some areas of the hospital are even more restricted. Upon arrival at the hospital, the information desk will inform you if the parishioner you want to visit is subject to the following additional precautions: only one visitor allowed per day, gown and gloves are required throughout the duration of the visit which for quarantined patients is limited to 30 minutes. Hospital staff will assist you with the proper disposal of gown and gloves. REMINDER: A priest-chaplain is always available to provide pastoral and/or sacramental care 24x7 and can be reached through the hospital operator at (508) 363-5000 then asking the operator to “page the priest on duty.” Please stay on the line because those calls are parked calls and it takes some time for the priest to locate a phone and to be linked with the caller. 

Peter's Pence Collection Resource
Attached please find the Bishop's letter for the Peter's Pence collection to be announced on the weekend of June 21 and taken up the following week. It is available on the website  to copy and paste the text as well. Consider attaching the pdf of the letter in your weekly Flocknote to parishioners along with your bulletin!

Summer Chancery Hours
Although the chancery is not yet open to the public, employees have been working in various departments throughout the crisis, both in office and at home. Beginning this Friday, June 19 through August 21 we will be CLOSED on Fridays.  

June 8, 2020

Daily Mass, Sunday Mass, Family Rosary all continue to stream on worcesterdiocese.org, can be uploaded for automatic updating on eCatholic websites, and are available for viewing on Spectrum/Charter Ch 193.
Faith in Action, featuring Partners in Charity Agencies and this year's Appeal video is playing next week.

Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:17)  As disciples of Jesus, we are called to lead holy lives and invite others to join us. Living a stewardship lifestyle, being grateful and generous with our gifts, serves a twofold purpose. One, it helps build God’s kingdom here on earth. Two, it helps us strengthen each other’s relationship with God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It becomes our road map to Heaven. Let’s help each other get there!

Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo (Corpus Christi)
"Como hay un pan, nosotros, que somos muchos, pasamos a ser un solo cuerpo, porque todos participamos del único pan". (1 CORINTIOS 10:17)  Como discípulos de Jesús, estamos llamados a llevar vidas santas e invitar a otros a unirse a nosotros. Vivir un estilo de vida de mayordomía, ser agradecidos y generosos con nuestros dones, tiene un doble propósito. Primero, ayuda a construir el reino de Dios aquí en la tierra. Segundo, nos ayuda a fortalecer la relación de cada uno con Dios Padre, con Jesús y con el Espíritu Santo. Se convierte en nuestra hoja de ruta hacia el cielo. ¡Ayudémonos unos a otros a llegar allí!

Holy Hour for Lay People to Pray for Priests
On Friday, June 12 from 7 - 8 pm, a holy hour for lay people to pray for priests will take place at Immaculate Conception Church on 353 Grove St., Worcester. This holy hour will consist of time for silent adoration, as well as a short reflection, the rosary, and benediction. Please join us for this important act of service and prayer for our priests. It is held every second Friday of the month.

TO: Parishes:
Are you using the Daily Prayer in Flocknote Library?
Each week we post Daily Prayer for the following week in the Flocknote Library, prepared by the Office for Worship from the readings of the day. Are you sharing it with your parishioners who are homebound and/or not yet able to come to Mass in person? It's as simple as copying it form the Library to your parishioner group each Friday and it will automatically schedule itself for the coming week (sends on Saturday through Friday). If you use it, or are interested in learning more, email Ray at rdelisle@worcesterdiocese.org. 

June 1, 2020

Daily Mass, Sunday Mass, Family Rosary all continue to stream on worcesterdiocese.org, can be uploaded for automatic updating on eCatholic websites, and are available for viewing on Spectrum/Charter Ch 193.
Faith in Action, featuring Partners in Charity Agencies and this year's Appeal video is playing next week.

The Most Holy Trinity
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” (John 3:16)  Is your love conditional? Is there a price others have to pay to receive your love and forgiveness? Are you generous with your time, skills, money, and possessions? If you give someone something, do you expect something in return? Do you give your time freely or do you “fit it in” when it’s convenient for you? God desires a personal relationship with us so much that He gave us His Son, unconditionally! Pray for a grateful and generous heart.

Santísima Trinidad
"Porque tanto amó Dios al mundo que le dio a su único Hijo ..." (JUAN 3:16)
¿Es tu amor condicional? ¿Hay algún precio que otros tengan que pagar para recibir tu amor y perdón? ¿Eres generoso con tu tiempo, habilidades, dinero y posesiones? Si le das algo a alguien, ¿esperas algo a cambio? ¿Dedicas tu tiempo libremente o lo "encajas" cuando es conveniente para ti? ¡Dios desea tanto una relación personal con nosotros que nos dio a su Hijo incondicionalmente! Ora por un corazón agradecido y generoso.

Free Online Event: The Catholic Marriage Summit
On June 11-13, The Catholic Marriage Summit is a FREE online conference hosted by Damon Owens, renowned Theology of the Body expert and founder of Joyful Ever After.  This conference will share numerous presentations by Catholic marital experts, including Scott Hahn, Edward Sri, John Grabowski, Christopher West and many more.  Visit www.joyfuleverafter.org  to register for this FREE event.

Restorative Justice Workshop with Lesley Univ.
Applying Restorative Justice: Workshop I-Using Circles will be held on June 18, 25, July 2, 9 from 4:00 -6:30 pm. Learn the principles and skills of Circle Practice and understand how to apply them in different contexts.  For parents, caregivers, K-12 educators, social workers, counselors, and those engaged in community, organizational, or religious spaces. Workshop will be conducted using  Zoom and Blackboard Collaborate. Technical support will be provided.  Cost $200 (15 PDPs or CEUs). For info contact madams@lesley.edu. 

3rd Reminder: Safe Environment Audit 
On Monday, May 11, self-reporting audit forms were sent to all parish leadership and catechetical leaders by Flocknote. This is our annual audit preparation in order to us to respond to the national auditors hired by the USCCB. The Coronavirus has NOT stopped the audit from taking place. Please check and make sure you have the forms and have people working on them in time for the deadline of May 26. If you do NOT have them, contact Ray Delisle asap by email at rdelisle@worcesterdiocese.org - so that I can reply with the forms to whatever email you use. There has been a great response since last week but still many more are due. Thank you to all the parishes which have sent in their forms - keep them coming!

 

MONTHLY AND ONGOING RESOURCES

eCatholic tip: online payments and donations
The monthly fee to use eCatholic payments is waived for parishes in the diocese and transaction fees are as low as it gets in the industry.  The site is very secure, and the money goes right into your parish bank account and you get a report letting you know! You can also use eCatholic Payments for one time or recurring payments and donations for offertory, religious education tuition and more! But, if you already have an online offertory platform you can use eCatholic Payments with their web forms alongside that platform for one time donations for events, etc. Questions: email worcester@ecatholic.com anytime.

Promoting events? Use your eCatholic and Flocknote Resources!
It is EASY to set up an event announcement and registration/ticket form on your eCatholic website. If you have not yet done so, contact them for an online account to accept credit cards via your site. Not only will it make it more convenient than “come to the rectory for tickets;” you can reach more people and plan better for your event. Costs are as low as it gets in the industry, the site is very secure, and the money goes right into your parish bank account and you get a report letting you know! PLUS you can then send everyone a link by Flocknote to go to the site with one click from their phone, tablet or computer and get the tickets, make the donation or at least be aware of the event details to share with family and friends. Let your Communications Ministry tools work for you! Contact Luke at worcester@eCatholic.com if you need to get set up or to learn more.

Include Text-To-Join in your Bulletin each week!
If you are one of the 60 parishes using Flocknote, remember to put your Text To Join (TTJ) number in your bulletin each week – or simply add it to the masthead next time you make changes. You can find the number and phrase when you click on Settings from your Dashboard.
Sample Bulletin notice:
Keep in touch with everything going on in our parish by signing up for our Flocknote emails. Simply text “Your Phrase” to ##### (your TTJ number) and be an informed member of our parish family. You can unsubscribe at any time.

EMAIL NOTICES
We often hear from pastors and parishes saying they are not getting emails from us, even when we have a correct address. No Email system is foolproof (Gmail, MSN, Outlook, aol, Charter.net, Verizon.net,  etc.) and your provider may be very aggressively blocking emails from your inbox based on general algorithms. Please remember to check your junk mail regularly to see if emails from our Flocknote system or from worcesterdiocese.org or other sources are being inadvertently blocked. You can always use your email system’s rules when this happens to “always accept email from this sender.” Usually that option appears when you “Right Click’ on the email in question with your mouse.

Senior Fraud Hotline
RSVP’s Senior Fraud HelpLine is a toll-free resource for seniors and their families to call when they are concerned that they are being targeted by scammers.  If they are in doubt, they should check it out by calling 1-800-297-9760. Confidential. Knowledgeable. Local. Supportive.

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.

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.