The Hispanic and the African communities were active in 2018, growing, sharing and evangelizing. Three bishops celebrated significant anniversaries, and so did the diaconate program. Both men and women hosted conventions this year and youth met at rallies, all to build up the faith. The Catholic faithful continued their financial and prayerful support of diocesan ministries. Looking at the highlights for 2018, one can easily see that the people of the Diocese of Worcester are doing their part to transform the culture. (Amory Navarro Photography)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (CNS) -- Retired Bishop Robert E. Mulvee of Providence died Dec. 28 at the St. Antoine Residence in North Smithfield, following a brief illness. He was 88.

WORCESTER, MA -- Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester has announced the appointment of Monsignor James P. Moroney as Interim Rector of the Cathedral of St. Paul and the Office for Divine Worship, effective January 1, 2019. Monsignor Robert Johnson, current rector of the Cathedral, will be assigned to studies in Rome according to the officials in today’s Catholic Free Press.

WORCESTER – Children of all ages at St. Stephen Elementary School have the answer. When Santa Claus came to town – a bit early (Dec. 21) – he asked the students what we celebrate at this time of year. No matter their grade, their answer was the same: “Jesus’ birthday.”

By Tanya Connor | The Catholic Free Press FITCHBURG – You could have heard a pin drop. Middle schoolers and high schoolers were waiting for a 93-year-old to speak. And speak he did – with grief, humor and romance. Holocaust survivor Israel “Izzy” Arbeiter was telling his story Dec. 13 at St. Bernard Central Catholic High School.

Bishop McManus offers this reflection on Christmas and his wishes: "The same Jesus, born at Bethlehem, and laid in the manger by Mary comes to us to nourish our souls, to bring us His love, healing and peace. Like Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and the Magi, may that encounter give you and your loved ones joy and peace on Christmas and each week at Mass."

During a routine audit review, which takes place when there is a change in parish leadership, auditors identified an unauthorized bank account at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Winchendon, according to Raymond L. Delisle, spokesman for the diocese.

Saturday, Dec. 15 at St. Paul Cathedral Bishop McManus ordained Juan-Sebastian Sanchez Guzman, from Colombia, a priest. Thiago Moises Da Silva, from Brazil, and Vijaya Sagar Gundiga, from India, were ordained transitional deacons, preparing for priesthood.

Michael Grenon has delivered meals for the Bishop’s Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to homes for years. He said he started when he was about 7 or 8. Of course, he didn’t do it alone then. His father, David, did the driving and the whole family came along. Besides the delivered meals, Catholic Charities and Bishop McManus host sit-down dinners. On Christmas Day dinner will be served at noon in the Cenacle of St. Paul Cathedral.

There’s no doubt that the Christmas season is upon us. One gift that we can give Jesus is the gift of our heartfelt participation in the Corporal Works of Mercy, which Jesus calls us to perform. Fortunately, in the Worcester Diocese, there are many ministries that offer us the opportunity to fulfill that call.

Peter Dunbeck, chairman of the Worcester Diocese’s Environmental Stewardship Ministry, suggests that our way of Christmas gift-giving can serve the precepts of “Laudato Si’,” protecting the environment while taking care of those we love, and better providing for the needy.

“Mary is on the move,” says Kimberly Harmon. “Mary wants to be so close” to her children, “especially during this trying time in our Church. Mary’s giving us so much hope.”

Men from three different countries are scheduled to be ordained at a special Mass at 10 a.m. Dec. 15 at Cathedral of St. Paul. Deacon Juan-Sebastian Sanchez Guzman, from Colombia, is to be ordained a priest. Vijaya Sagar Gundiga, expected to be the first person from India to be ordained for the Worcester Diocese, is becoming a transitional deacon, preparing for priesthood. Also to become a transitional deacon is Thiago Moises Da Silva, the second Brazilian to be ordained for the Diocese of Worcester.

Given the continuing questions about sexual abuse of minors by members of the Church and issues which arose before and during the November meeting in Baltimore of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, we sat down with Bishop Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, to ask what is happening in the Diocese of Worcester. (CLICK HEADLINE) Conversation with Bishop McManus on this topic is the Featured Program above

When Maryknoll Father Robert Jalbert - a Southbridge native - went to East Africa in 1976 as a young missionary-in-training, he was excited about all he could offer to the poor. He never dreamed that the poor had something to offer him.

WHITINSVILLE – St. Patrick Parish has been helping its people deal with the turmoil caused by the recent revelations about sexual abuse in the Church. Monday it hosted Francesco Cesareo, president of Assumption College in Worcester and president of the National Review Board, to give people a broader picture of the issue and how to respond to it.

Anna Maria College is restarting its master’s degree in pastoral ministry, starting two certificate programs as part of this graduate program, and adding a bachelor’s degree in theology, according to Marc Tumeinski, director of the graduate program in theology.

Bishop McManus and Catholic Charities host annual Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Paul Cathedral Cenacle. See photos of the holiday.

Jesse Trees used to be a popular Advent custom, according to Linda Brink, religious education coordinator at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Dudley. And some people are making them again with their own creative touches.

Students and faculty and guests shared a Thanksgiving feast Tuesday at St. Mary School in Worcester. Others around the diocese packed food baskets for those in need. See photo album.