History of the Diocese of Worcester

The Diocese of Worcester is a religious and civil entity encompassing the Worcester County. It operates under the direction of the Bishop in his role as local shepherd, teacher and sanctifier of the people of God and its entities assist him in his obligation to foster the Church’s mission to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The diocese provides an organizational structure through its chancery, departments, agencies, ministries and boards, as well as the resources needed to insure communication, coordination, cooperation and assistance in the public, educational, social and religious needs of the Church throughout Worcester County.

Diocese established: January 14, 1950 (During the Holy Year) by Pope Pius XII.

Where: Worcester County (same boundaries)
Territory: taken from the Diocese of Springfield, MA
Cathedral: St. Paul, 15 Chatham Street, Worcester
Chancery: 49 Elm St., Worcester, MA 01609
Bishop's Residence: 2 High Ridge Road, Worcester

Chronology of Diocesan Bishops (or Ordinaries)

First Bishop: Bishop (later Cardinal) John J. Wright, D.D. Formerly Auxiliary to Cardinal Cushing
Installed: March 7, 1950 by Archbishop Richard Cushing

Second Bishop: Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan, D.D.
Formerly Bishop of Norwich, CT
Installed: September 24, 1959 by Richard Cardinal Cushing

Third Bishop: Bishop Timothy J. Harrington, D.D.
Formerly Auxiliary Bishop of Worcester
Installed: October 13, 1983

Fourth Bishop: Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, D.D.
Formerly Bishop of Norwich, CT
Installed: December 8, 1994

Fifth Bishop: Bishop Robert J. McManus, STD
Formerly Auxiliary Bishop of Providence, RI
Installed: May 14, 2004

Auxiliary (Helper) Bishops:

First Auxiliary Bishop Timothy J. Harrington, D.D.
Ordained Bishop: July 2, 1968
Served as Auxiliary until Oct. 13, 1983

Second Auxiliary: Bishop George E. Rueger, D.D.
Ordained Bishop: February 25, 1987
Retired as Auxiliary in 2005

Statistical Information for 2003 on the Diocese of Worcester

As compiled in December 2003 for the Kenedy Directory

Infant Baptisms	4,160
Adult Baptisms	117
Received into Communion	314
Total Confirmations	2,907
Catholic Marriages	749
Interfaith Marriages	170
Households	106,857
Individuals	350,000
Total deaths	3,777

Religious Education:

Elementary school age	24,208
High School age	8,166
Adult	1,925
RCIA	2,38

Catholic Schools

Diocesan and Parochial elementary schools:	21
Diocesan and Parochial high schools	4
School for Developmentally Disabled	1
Private elementary schools	2
Private high schools	3
Total enrollment approximately 10,500

Paid religious sisters in parish assignment	32
Pad Lay Ministers in Parish Assignment	88

Priests in active ministry*	159
Retired Priests*	42
Priests ministering elsewhere	16
Deacons in active ministry	64
Retired deacons	10

(*as of March 1, 2004)