Celebrate Priesthood

* Important News About This Year's Event Due To The Pandemic!*   
Celebrate Priesthood is an annual event to honor and celebrate the dedication of our retired diocesan priests. Traditionally, the event is held every October in the Atrium at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. This year, due to the pandemic, the celebration will be a livestream virtual event. We invite you to write a tribute to any priest(s) who have made a difference in your life by visiting the Donate Now page in the navigation at the left. There is an optional "Comments" section on the form to write your tribute. 

Monday, October 26, 2020 – We will livestream a
Virtual Celebrate Priesthood Gala

A Benefit Evening hosted by Bishop McManus to recognize diocesan priests and support the
Priest Retirement Fund.

For the past six years, the Diocese of Worcester has hosted a wonderful gala called “Celebrate Priesthood- Taste of the Diocese” as a benefit for Retired Priest’s Care. Given the many restrictions for our wellbeing with regard to the Coronavirus pandemic, we are planning a Virtual Celebrate Priesthood event for October 26, 2020.

We cannot let a year go by without pausing to reflect on the gift of the priesthood in the lives of all Catholics. So our Virtual event will nonetheless be a celebration.

On Monday, October 26 at 6 pm we will livestream an evening hosted by Bishop McManus featuring interviews with some of our priests ranging from recently ordained to retired. And we will invite you into the celebration that evening by sharing your memories that day by email and/or social media to be part of this special night.

Although we cannot gather that night for the delectable tastings from area restaurants and parishes, “tickets” as donations will be available up to and including that night to receive a gift of coupons from area restaurants to enjoy tastings at their facilities. 

Individual donations, advertising in the commemorative book and sponsorships have all been necessary elements to the success of this annual event in support of on average 55 retired priests in our diocese who have committed more than 2,000 years of service as a group to our spiritual wellbeing! Over the past six years the cost of their care has exceeded resources by an average of over $500,000.

Everyone who participates will receive a book in the mail along with restaurant coupons for those who donate $100 or more for “tickets” or general donations. Sponsors, donors and advertisers will also be posted on the Celebrate Priesthood webpage and social media. If you have any questions, feel free to call Michael Gillespie at 508-929-4368.