The Diocesan Dispatch

The Diocesan Dispatch

Please Cut & Paste items in your bulletin as appropriate to your parish.

Current Edition: January 30, 2012

COME FOLLOW ME, featuring interviews of local priests with host Fr. Fred Fraini, will air as follows: (Also airs each Sunday afternoon at 3 pm on Charter TV3 and is available online at worcestercatholictv.org)

Charter Communications 29 cities/towns that carry WCTR TV3 on their system: Saturday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sundays at 6 a.m. & Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. after the Daily Mass

SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury): Sunday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 a.m.

Clinton area Community Cable TV 8: Sunday, Feb. 11 at 8:30 a.m.

WCCA TV13 (Worcester only): Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m.

Fitchburg TV 8: Thursday, Feb. 16 at 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m.

Leominster LATV: Mondays at 2 am; Wednesdays at 6 pm; Thursdays at 4 pm; Sundays at 9 am

Athol/Orange Cable Access: Mondays at 1 pm; Tuesdays at 1 am

Grafton Cable Access: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

STEWARDSHIP NOTE FOR FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
“Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed…He told them, ‘Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.’” (Mark 1:35, 38) Through today’s Gospel reading we see a perfect example of stewardship. Jesus gives His time to doing all that God wishes - healing the sick and preaching. Yet Jesus also makes time to be alone in prayer. It is only through prayer, through spending time with God, that any of us can find the strength to do all that God wishes us to do. Be sure to find time this week to be with God.

PREVIEW FR. ROBERT BARRON’S CATHOLICISM SERIES THIS TUESDAY
Come and get a preview of the Catholicism series at a diocesan-wide showing at St. Bernadette, 266 Main St. (Rt. 20), Northborough on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. For more information call 508-393-2838.
Weekly episode showings: Thursdays beginning Feb. 23 at St. Luke the Evangelist, 70 W. Main St., Westborough. Visit www.stlukes-parish.org for times and to register or call 508-366-5502. Fridays beginning Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at St. John Church, 44 Temple St., Worcester. For more info call 508-756-7165. Tuesdays beginning Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. at St. Peter Church, 929 Main St., Worcester. For more info call 508-752-4674. Ongoing showing and discussions: Christ the King, Worcester and St. Joseph, Charlton. For more info call Msgr. Sullivan at 508-752-5514.

FR. WORCESTER TO SPEAK AT ASSUMPTION COLLEGE
On Feb. 2, from 4-5 pm, Rev. Thomas Worcester, S.J will present “Saints as Cultural History” at La Maison Francaise Salon. Fr. Worcester is a specialist in the religious and cultural history of early modern France and Italy and a professor of History at Holy Cross. For more information, contact gcolvert@assumption.edu or call (508) 767-7027.

GUEST SPEAKER IN WEBSTER
The Holy Rosary Sodality of St. Joseph Basilica, Webster will host Marge Oliveri of “The Angel Connection” to speak on Our Mother of Mercy on Sunday, February 12 at 3 p.m. at St. Joseph School Hall. Light buffet to follow. Donations accepted. RSVP to Betty Sabaj (508) 943-8570 or Sylvia Kitka (508) 943-0201 by February 8.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE KICK OFF EVENT
40 Days for Life will host a potluck dinner to kick off the spring campaign on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 5 -8:30 p.m. at St. Mary Parish, 17 Waterville St., No. Grafton. The speaker will be Catherine Adair, former Planned Parenthood clinic worker, now pro-life advocate. All are invited to enjoy this evening of food and fellowship. The 40 Days for Life Spring Campaign runs February 22-April 1.

BACH B MINOR MASS AT MECHANICS HALL
The Worcester Chorus and the College of Holy Cross Choir, together with the Arcadia Players of Worcester, are performing Bach B-Minor Mass in Mechanics Hall, Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $34, $37; students $20; 10% discount for groups of 10 or more. Order on-line at www.musicworcester.org or call 508-754-3231. The $2 processing fee per ticket is waived when ordering through a chorus member. If interested, call Susanne Blatt at 508-792-2823.

AVAILABLE IN THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION BOOKSTORE
2013 Liturgical Desk Calendar -- Attendance Registers -- New American Bibles (Revised) -- 2011-2012 Children’s Liturgy of the Word–A Weekly Resource.

January 23, 2012

CONVERSATION WITH BISHOP MCMANUS, “Challenges of 2012” will air as follows:

Charter Communications 29 cities/towns that carry WCTR TV3 on their system: Saturday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sundays at 6 a.m. & Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. after the Daily Mass

SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury): Sunday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 a.m.

Clinton area Community Cable TV 8: Sunday, Feb. 4 at 8:30 a.m.

WCCA TV13 (Worcester only): Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m.

Fitchburg TV 8 : Thursday, Feb. 9 at 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m.

Leominster LATV: Mondays at 2 am; Wednesdays at 6 pm; Thursdays at 4 pm; Sundays at 9 am

Athol/Orange Cable Access: Mondays at 1 pm; Tuesdays at 1 am

Grafton Cable Access: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

STEWARDSHIP NOTE FOR FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
“Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties.” (1 Corinthians 7:32) How many anxieties do we bring upon ourselves by constantly worrying about attaining ever more material possessions? Yet, God tells us that only the hand that is open to give can also be open to receive His peace and joy. A heart or a hand clenched in anxiety and greed can never truly receive anything.

THRIFT SHOP SALE IN WORCESTER
On Saturday, February 11, 10 AM - 3 PM Saint Stephen Thrift Shop, 4 Caroline St., Worcester is holding a $1.00 Clothing Sale (excludes coats, shoes & accessories). Come early for best selections

POSITION AVAILABLE
Business & Operations Manager at Our Lady of the Lake, Leominster
Full time position with benefits. Candidate’s responsibilities will include the day-to-day stewardship of the financial and physical resources of the parish. Applicant must have Bachelor’s Degree in Administration/Finance or related field or equivalent experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Quickbooks. Supervisory experience preferred. Skill set should include leadership qualities and abilities to problem-solve, organize and provide direction. For a complete job description, please go to: www.ourladylake.org. Contact: Send letter of interest (and) resume (and salary requirements) to:
Reverend Timothy M. Brewer, Our Lady of the Lake, 1400 Main Street, Leominster, MA 01453

TO: PASTORS
NEED TO BE HEARD?
If your parish is in need of wireless microphones, Tri-Tronic Electronics in Worcester has some microphone kits that they are selling for below cost (last year’s demo models). These microphone kits include a standard handheld microphone and a clip-on lavaliere microphone. If interested, please call Paul Tringuk at 508-756-0511. Paul has also done some audio systems for many of the churches in this diocese.

AVAILABLE IN THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION BOOKSTORE
The New Edition of “Together for Life” -- Roman Missal Altar and Chapel Editions -- 2013 Daily Mass Record

LAST WEEK'S EDITION: January 16, 2012

FAITH IN ACTION featuring agencies and ministries supported by Partners in Charity Appeal, will air as follows:

Charter Communications: 29 cities/towns that carry WCTR TV3 on their system: Saturday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. Rebroadcast on the following: Sundays at 6 a.m. & Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. after the Daily Mass

SPAC TV28 (Shrewsbury): Sunday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and on Monday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 a.m.

Clinton area Community Cable TV 8: Sunday, Jan. 29 at 8:30 a.m.

WCCA TV13 (Worcester only): Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m.

Fitchburg TV 8: Thursday, Feb. 2 at 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m.

Leominster LATV: Mondays at 2 am; Wednesdays at 6 pm; Thursdays at 4 pm; Sundays at 9 am

Athol/Orange Cable Access: Mondays at 1 pm; Tuesdays at 1 am

Grafton Cable Access: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

BIBLE STUDY IN LEOMINSTER
All are welcome to a Bible Study Course on the Book of Revelation. This 8-week study course will run on Wednesdays, Feb. 1 – March 21 at 7 – 8:30 pm at St. Cecilia Parish Center, Mechanic and Third Streets, Leominster. Msgr. Francis Goguen will teach the course.

ALL ABOARD! SWEETHEART’S CUPCAKE WALK
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, enjoy Key West Key Lime, Espresso Chocolate Kiss, and Where’s My Berry Daiquiri. These are just a few stops on the St. Anna Parish Sweetheart’s Cupcake Walk on Saturday, February 11, 1 to 5 pm and Sunday, February 12, 9 am to 1 pm in the Church Hall at 199 Lancaster St., Leominster. Try St. Anna’s PTO Chocolate Ganache Cupcake and the St. Anna’s 75th Anniversary Signature Yummy Rum Cupcake as well as classic Vanilla or Chocolate. There will be Gluten and Sugar Free, along with Vegan cupcakes. For those casual travelers who just want is to sit with a cup of coffee and a cupcake, bistro style, we will have that too. Save money and pre-order cupcakes. Cupcakes are $10 Dozen, Pre-ordered, $7.50. $7.50 for ½ dozen, Pre-ordered $5, $1 for a single cupcake. To pre-order online, send an email to stacupcakewalk@gmail.com, or visit www.stannaparish.org , or drop by the St. Anna Rectory to fill out a form, and then pick them up that weekend.

RECYCLABLE PAPER FUNDRAISER FOR ST. MARY SCHOOL, WORCESTER
St. Mary Elementary School, 50 Richland St. Worcester is holding an ongoing recycling fundraiser. We have 2 bins in the parking lot of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 34 Ward St. One bin is for all paper and the other bin is cardboard. All you need to do is drop it off in the bin. If you have a large amount please call Corey Maloney 508-753-0484 and we will help you with that. Thank you for all your help!

HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS WELCOME
Overlook Hospice Services is seeking caring, compassionate volunteers for their non-profit hospice program. Learn more by calling Chris Flagg at 508-434-2200.

January 9, 2012

NOMINATE A HERO
The American Red Cross Central Mass Chapter is currently seeking nominations for community heroes to be honored March 22. These heroes are individuals that have acted selflessly or gone to extraordinary measures to help another person in our area in 2011. Our nomination window closes January 14. Visit the website at: www.redcrosscwm.org Nomination forms are available online, along with more information.

January 3, 2012

December 19, 2011

FREE CITIZENSHIP CLASSES WITH CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Catholic Charities announces Free Citizenship Classes available now throughout Worcester County thanks to a national capacity building grant through Homeland Securities’ Office of Citizenship. Registration is available now for classes starting in January at Catholic Charities 10 Hammond Street Worcester, 508 860 2261, Catholic Charities 196 Mechanic Street Leominster, 978 840 0696, and at Catholic Charities 126 Main Street Milford, 508 478 9632. Additional naturalization- application services will also be available. Volunteers to assist with individual tutoring are also needed. Orientation and training for volunteers will be provided throughout the program. For additional information please contact Maddy Hennessy at 508 860 2261 or mhennessy@ccworc.org.

UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON ONLINE LEARNING (DIOCESAN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM)
Did you know that during the coming New Year the Church will begin celebrating a “Year of Faith?” (beginning October 2012) 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. Cycle 1 for 2012 will be from January 8 – February 11. Registration is open now and closes on January 4. Go to vlc.udayton.edu . If you have any questions, please call LaVerne Bertin at 508-929-4305.

TO: PARISH ADMINISTRATION

HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS AVAILABLE TO SPEAK IN PARISHES IN FEBRUARY 2012
Two women who survived the Holocaust as children will be in our area to speak in February 2012.
Inge Auerbacher, a German Jew and Bozenna Urbanowicz Gilbride, a Polish Catholic met in the US in 1993 and discovered they were born in the same year, 1934, and both survived the concentration and labor camps of the Holocaust. They wrote a book a few years ago telling about their experiences. These women now travel the world to spread their message. Although they are passionate about teaching other people about the reality of that period of history, their message is appropriate for any age, child or adult. Theirs is a message of compassion and human decency, and about the power of the human spirit to work to build a better future. These women visited our diocese last May and we are very fortunate that they are coming to this area to talk again to people about their experiences. They will be here to speak and sign books February 15, 16 and 17, 2012. (available from Amazon – search on Auerbacher) If you are interested in scheduling a presentation, please contact Stacy Trasancos at stacytrasancos@msn.com. There is no cost, but they accept honorariums and they will be selling ($12) signed copies of their book after the talk.

November 28, 2011

TALENT SHOW IN WORCESTER
Come join in the fun on February 19, 2012 at Saint George Church, 38 Brattle St., Worcester for the Saint George Women's Guild first Talent Show and Dinner with a Mardi Gras t heme. Trophies will be awarded. Space is limited so register soon. For more information or questions or to register, please call Brenda 508-853-4547.

November 21, 2011

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO PLAY WITH CHILDREN IN SHELTERS
Did you know that 1 in every 50 children in the U.S will go to sleep without a home this year? Horizons for Homeless Children is seeking fun-loving, dependable people to interact and play with children living in family homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters throughout Central Massachusetts. A commitment of 2 hours a week is required for at least 6 months. Day and evening hours are available. Trainings are held regularly and are listed on our website. Our next training in Worcester for the Central Region is scheduled for December 7 & 8, 2011 from 6-9 pm both nights (Must attend both nights). For more information about the program, or to register for training, please visit www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org, email us at central@horizonsforhomelesschildren.org or contact our office directly at (508) 755-2615. This is a fantastic experience that benefits everyone involved!!

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.

STEWARDSHIP CONFERENCE MATERIALS AVAILABLE
Forms were sent to parishes last week if you are interested in DVDs, CDs or the books referred to in the presentations. If you need copies of the forms, please email delisle@worcesterdiocese.org or leave an email address or fax number at 508-929-4313.

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 or fertilitycare@ymail.com.

IGNATIAN VOLUNTEER CORPS
New England is still accepting applications for service in the Worcester diocese. Current openings exist at Dismas House, Urban Missionaries of Our Lady of Hope, Worcester Youth Center, and St. Joseph's Parish in Fitchburg. Ignatian Volunteers donate two days per week of service to local non-profits and commit to monthly spiritual reflection in the tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Apply now! If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about the IVC, contact IVC New England Regional Director Dave Hinchen at dhinchen@ivcusa.org, or 617-571-3838.

ABANDONED PROPERTY
The Office of Fiscal Affairs has been informed that the State Treasurer has unclaimed property in the name of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Worcester listed in the municipalities of Clinton, Leominster, Webster, and Worcester. In each instance the value is listed as less than $100. Parishes may search at https://abpweb.tre.state.ma.us/abp/frmNewSrch.aspx to locate the property and initiate a claim. In most instances the property is the balance of a bank account that has been dormant for several years. All parishes should research their accounts to verify the need or to close them. Call Jerome D. Jussaume, Co-Director, Fiscal Affairs at 508-929-4344 with questions.

CELEBRANTS WANTED!
TV Ministry, which broadcasts the Mass each day to serve homebound parishioners from all over the diocese, is looking for celebrants for the 9 am Daily Mass broadcast from the Chapel in the lower level of the Cathedral. We currently have openings for the Third Monday of every month and are also looking for priests who can assist in the event of cancellations. If you are interested, please contact Steve Kaufman at 508-791-2039 or tvmass@charter.net. The Mass is broadcast M-F on Charter TV3 LIVE, as well as delayed broadcast in Shrewsbury and Clinton, and is viewed globally on the internet at worcestercatholictv.org and catholic.net.

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO AVOID HOME FORECLOSURE
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in conjunction with NeighborWorks® America announced the launch of the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP), to help homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure in Massachusetts. Eligible homeowners can qualify for an interest free loan which pays a portion of their monthly mortgage for up to two years, or up to $50,000, whichever comes first. EHLP is expected to aid up to 30,000 distressed borrowers, with an average loan of approximately $35,000. Contact information for participating agencies, the Pre-Applicant Screening Worksheet and more information on the EHLP program and its eligibility requirements can be found at www.FindEHLP.org or by calling toll free at 855-FIND-EHLP (346-3345).

ARTICLE REPRINT AVAILABLE
At the request of the Presbyteral Council to have a bulletin insert about the John Jay Report and how the diocese is handling the issue of child safety, Bishop McManus has asked that the attached reprint of an article by Judith Audette, chair of our Diocesan Review Committee, be inserted at your next available bulletin. The file is available on the website under Bulletin Letters and Inserts (under Bishop’s Office.)

TO ALL PRIESTS: PRISON PRIESTS STILL NEEDED TO HELP AT DEVENS
There is a need for priests for Sunday and Holy Day Masses and hearing confessions by Catholic inmates at the Federal Medical Center, 42 Patton Road, Devens, MA. References and local ecclesiastical endorsement required. For more information contact Chaplain Robert Werner, Religious Services Dept., Federal Medical Center Devens, Post Office Box 880, Ayer, MA 01432-0880. tel: 978-796-1201; email:

rwerner@bop.gov.

ONGOING RESOURCES

Inviting Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Adorers
Please consider committing one hour per week at the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel located at St. George Parish, 40 Brattle St., in Worcester. Or perhaps you can serve as a substitute or to do any part of the following times: Sunday 6 to 7 am and 8 to 9 am; Monday 7 to 8 am, 8 to 9 am, 10 to 11 am - Tuesday 3 to 4 am, 4 to 5 am, 8 to 9 am, and 4 to 5 pm; Wednesday 2 to 3 am; Thursday 3 to 4 am, 5 to 6 am, 11 am to noon for the summer; Friday 2 to 3 am; Saturday 10 to 11 am for the summer and 3 to 4 pm. Please call Deacon Norbert Archibald at 508-853- 0183 Ex.27 or 508-847-3710.

Support Group for Catholics Experiencing Separation or Divorce
There will be a support group for Catholics experiencing separation or divorce beginning Tuesday, May 3 from 7 to 8:30pm in the parish center at St. Bernadette Parish in Northborough. The group will meet for 8-10 sessions depending on group interest and the availability of speakers. For more information or to register, contact Betty at 508-614-8235 or St. Bernadette parish office at 508-393-2838.

Be An Angel For Catholic Charities
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 at www.ccworc.org or call 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!

Looking for items for your bulletin this week?
Let parishioners know of the local Daily Mass online or on cable TV if they can’t get out this winter, or cut and paste from the many “ongoing” listings in the online Diocesan Dispatch at www.worcesterdiocese.org. Want to get this and other faxes by email? Email rdelisle@worcesterdiocese.org with the current email address for the parish or pastor, appropriate to receive faxes as attachments or for other informative links.

Can’t get out to Mass?
If you are homebound or caring for someone at home and don’t want to miss Mass, tune in to WCTR TV3 on Monday through Friday at 9 am for Daily Mass LIVE from the Chapel at the Cathedral of St. Paul or Sunday at 6 pm for delayed broadcast of the 10:15 Mass. Many priests from around our diocese volunteer to say Mass each month to help those who cannot attend. It is also available 24 hours a day at www.worcestercatholictv.org to watch from your computer!

Family Bingo at Holy Trinity Evangelization Center
Join us for Family Bingo in Leominster on the first Saturday of every month at 7:00 p.m. (immediately after Mass). Good friendship, good food and good prices. The Holy Trinity Evangelization Center is located at 69 Lincoln Terrace, Leominster.

Retreat/Meeting Space in Leominster
The Holy Trinity Evangelization Center (located at 69 Lincoln Terrace, Leominster) offers its facilities for any parish or ecclesial group for day retreats and parish or ecclesial group meetings. There is a chapel for Mass and the Blessed Sacrament is in repose in the tabernacle for quiet prayer time or for exposition. There is a lower hall with a kitchen that can be used for talks and/or dining. There is no prescribed fee. Voluntary donations are appreciated. Note: Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons are reserved for the Pastoral care of the St. Leo Spanish Apostolate. If interested, please contact: Richard Boudreau, at (978) 407-7790.

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.