News - January 2024 RSS Feed

Father James J. Caldarella Jr., 80, formerly of Worcester, died Thursday, Jan. 25. He retired on July 1, 2018, and moved to Old Saybrook, Connecticut. His funeral is scheduled for Friday in Old Saybrook.

St. Paul Diocesan Jr./Sr. High School kicked off Catholic Schools Week a little early with a Jan. 25 Mass for the school’s feast day. Bishop McManus, preaching at Mass for Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, connected listeners to the school’s patron. So did Michael Clark, head of school, who presented Wendy Yakstis, admissions coordinator, with the 2024 Saint Paul Service Award.

Massachusetts Citizens for Life (MCFL) has announced the launch of APRScience.org, the first and only website dedicated to the analysis and dissemination of Abortion Pill Rescue (APR) medical evidence, according to a press release from Myrna Maloney Flynn, president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life.

Life in the womb, described with wonder by a developing baby and illustrated with Scripture and watercolor paintings, is the subject of a book started years ago. Prayers, experiences and ministry helped form this work titled, In My Mother’s Womb, published by Our Sunday Visitor last November.

Father Michael J. Sheridan, 75, died Tuesday, Jan.16 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston.

Home-schooled students stood with adults on the sidewalk in Webster Jan. 19, waving their hands and respect life signs at motorists. Their prayer and public witness were ways of being in solidarity with people who were participating in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. that day.

James Kelly plays football, basketball and baseball for St. Paul Diocesan Jr./Sr. High School and he’s known for giving total effort all the time. However, when you ask him what is more important to him, sports or religion, his immediate answer is religion.

For, ultimately, what Mary teaches us is that our work for life is not an essentially political act. ... It is an intimate question of human relationships, motivated not only by our love for the unborn child, but for the mother who carries that child as the fruit of her womb. It is a work of seeing other human beings as opportunities to love.

As National Catholic Schools Week approaches, David Perda, superintendent for the Worcester Diocese, reported that “the state of the schools is very good.” The theme of the week (Jan. 28 - Feb. 3 this year) is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.”

The diocesan African Ministry is to focus on the Eucharist and unity in preparation for celebrations of the ministry’s 25th anniversary, which culminate in June 2025, according to Father Enoch K. Kyeremateng, chaplain. The theme for 2024 is: “We, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf” (1 Cor 10:17).

Family and friends have helped college students embrace and share pro-life beliefs. These students are among members of Worcester college pro-life groups who planned to attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C., tomorrow.

Many Catholics have a passion for sharing the presence of Jesus with others, especially those who have drifted away from the Church. However, we face some major personal obstacles to reaching out.

When people donate to Partners in Charity’s annual appeal, they realize that they’re supporting thousands of families and individuals in more than 25 charitable, educational and pastoral ministries in the Worcester Diocese. Some, however, wonder exactly how their contributions affect these ministries. Now they’ll get their chance to find out.

A struggling parish is praying and discerning the establishment of a shrine in honor of its patron, in an effort to survive, grow and promote Christian unity and perseverance.

Bishop McManus has announced transfers and one retirement affecting five diocesan priests and one deacon. All transfers are in effect.

An attempt to show children the importance of the Wise Men brought bright smiles, delighted screams, and lively action to St. Paul Cathedral on Jan. 6.

What are our attitudes toward inactive Catholics? A resource of to reflect on our attitudes toward inactive Catholics.