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 2015 on the Diocese of Worcester
As compiled for the Official Catholic Directory (Kenedy)
Infant and Minor Baptisms |
2,281 |
Adult Baptisms |
71 |
Received into Communion |
377 |
Total Confirmations |
2,628 |
Catholic Marriages |
354 |
Interfaith Marriages |
78 |
Households |
106,857 |
Individuals |
286,149 |
Total deaths |
2,858 |
Religious Education:
Elementary school age |
14,696 |
High School age |
5,163 |
|
|
|
|
Catholic Schools
Total Enrollment at 3 Catholic Colleges |
8,757 |
Diocesan and Parochial elementary schools: |
19 |
Diocesan and Parochial high schools | 4 |
Private elementary schools |
3 |
Private high schools and middle schools |
5 |
Total enrollment |
7,151 |
Paid religious sisters in parish assignment |
12 |
Pad Lay Ministers in Parish Assignment |
106 |
Priests in active ministry |
119 |
Retired Priests |
49 |
Priests ministering elsewhere |
10 |
Deacons |
112 |
Religious order priests (85), brothers (56) and sisters (217) |