Please Cut & Paste items in your bulletin as appropriate to your parish.
The Diocesan Dispatch is usually published on Monday mornings by 8 am via email. Submission must be received by the previous Friday for inclusion and should be at least 2 weeks before an event date in order to have an opportunity to be included in parish bulletins before your event. You can email submissions directly to [email protected]
Easter Letter
CLICK to find the Easter Letter from Bishop McManus. Please share in your bulletins or Flocknote for Easter weekend. Thank you.
Chancery Schedule for Holy Week/Easter
The Chancery offices will be closed on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Monday. Our prayers and best wishes for a Blessed and Joyous Easter!
Palm Sunday
“As they were marching out, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross.” (Matthew 27:32) The Lord calls us to love God and to love our neighbor.Every day we are presented with opportunities to love our neighbor and help him “carry his cross.”These opportunities aren’t usually big events, they are usually ordinary occurrences like helping someone carry their groceries or holding the door open for them.The key is putting the other person’s needs before our own and not expecting anything in return.
Domingo de Ramos
“Al salir encontraron a un hombre de Cirene llamado Simón y lo obligaron a cargar la cruz de Jesús”. (MATEO 27: 32) El Señor nos llama a amar a Dios y a nuestro prójimo.Cada día se nos presentan oportunidades para amar a nuestro prójimo y ayudarlo a “cargar su cruz”.Esas oportunidades no son usualmente grandes eventos, son usualmente situaciones ordinarias como ayudar a alguien a llevar las compraso mantenerles la puerta abierta.La clave es poner las necesidades de los demás antes de las nuestras y no esperar nada a cambio.
“Truly, this was the Son of God!” Are you being called to proclaim Jesus as a priest, deacon, religious brother or sister? If you think this may be so, contact the Vocation Office at (508)-630-4473 or email: [email protected]
“¡Verdaderamente, este era el Hijo de Dios!” ¿Se siente llamado a proclamar a Jesús como un sacerdote, diácono, hermano, religioso o hermana? Si cree que es así, comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508)-630-4473 o envíe un correo electrónico a: [email protected].
The Guild of Our Lady of Providence will hold its annual luncheon and fashion show on Saturday, April 15 at Fiddler's Green, 19 Temple St., Worcester. A cash bar will be at 11:30 am and lunch of stuffed chicken breast will be served at Noon. The cost is $45.00 per person. Checks payable to the Guild of Our Lady of Providence. Fashions will be offered by Azar and modeled by Guild members. The event benefits the ministries of the Guild which support families and students in need. Reserve by mail to Miss Jo-Anne Cronin at 181 Oak Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or by phone at 508-842-1569 by Monday, April 10.
On Sunday, April 16, St. Joseph, the Good Provider and St. John, Guardian of Our Lady Parishes invite you to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, at St. John's Church, 80 Union St., Clinton. Several priests will hear confessions from 2:00-3:00 pm. A Prayer Service will be held at 3:00 pm which includes: a brief talk on the Divine Mercy Devotion, Procession of the Divine Mercy Image, Eucharistic Adoration, Diary Readings, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and Benediction. To receive all the graces of this day, please go to confession before Divine Mercy Sunday.
Please remit Partners Parish Reports before Palm Sunday
Many parishes have been conducting their Partners in Charity appeals as recently as this past weekend. Kindly remit your report sometime this week and we will update records prior to Easter break. Thank you!
Update Youth Ministry Contact Information
In an effort to enhance communication, the Diocesan Youth Ministry Office is once again updating the list of youth ministry contacts in parishes, schools, or other youth ministry related groups in our Diocese. Please go to the link below (or pass this along to who it may apply to) to inform us of any youth ministry contact person(s) (youth minister, DRE, campus minister, priest, deacon, volunteer, parent, etc.). If there is not currently a youth ministry program at your parish, please at least put down the person this would most apply to. Youth Ministry Contact Information Link: neworcester.org/youth-minister-information
Good Friday Collection Letter
Please find the Letter for the Collection for the Holy Land to be taken up on Good Friday at Bulletin Letters and Inserts. Please share in your bulletins or Flocknote on Palm Sunday weekend. Thank you.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
“Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?’” (JOHN 11:40) Many of us say that we believe in God. We attend Sunday Mass and participate in parish events.But when life gets hard and the pressure is on, when things aren’t going our way, do we really believe?Do we really put our trust in the Lord?When we live a life of gratitude, recognizing all that we have been given, we really do see that God is providing for our needs.Living a grateful and generous life allows us to see God’s active presence in our daily lives and we become “partakers of the divine nature.”
Quinto Domingo de Cuaresma
“¿No te dije que si crees verás la gloria de Dios? —le contestó Jesús” (JUAN 11:40) Muchos de nosotros decimos que creemos en Dios.Atendemos a la Misa Dominical y participamos en los eventos parroquiales.Sin embargo,cuando la vida se pone difícil yaumenta la presión, cuando las cosas no van como queremos,¿Realmente creemos?¿Realmente ponemos nuestra confianza en el Señor?Cuando vivimos una vida de gratitud, reconociendo que todo lo que tenemos nos ha sido dado, realmente veremos que Dios provee para nuestras necesidades.Vivir una vida generosa y agradecida nos permite ver la presencia activa de Dios en nuestra vida cotidiana y nos hacemos “partícipes de la naturaleza divina”.
“Did I not assure you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” Do you believe Christ may be calling you to see the glory of the Blessed Trinity through a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life? Contact the Vocation Office at (508)-630-4473 or email: [email protected]
“No le aseguré que si creías verías la gloria de Dios?” ¿Cree que Cristo puede llamarlo a ver la gloria de la Santísima Trinidad a través de su vocación al sacerdocio o la vida consagrada? Comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508)-630-4473 o envíe un correo electrónico a: [email protected].
You are invited to attend the Pieta annual mass to honor and remember all of our children on Monday, May 1 at 7:00 pm at St George Church, 40 Brattle St., Worcester. This is a special time to come together with family and friends in remembrance of our children. Refreshments will be served following the Mass. Please invite any families who have lost a child. Sponsored by Pieta Support Group for Bereaved Parents For more information, please call Terry Gentile at 508-284-0796 or Sue Stevens at 508-852-4887, or email [email protected].
The application period for the 2023-2024 Diocesan Youth Discipleship Team is now OPEN! This program is open to all 9-12th grade youth (as of August 2023). If you are a high schooler or know of one in your parish or school who is interested in diving deeper into the Catholic Faith, looking to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, and interested in Christian leadership and evangelization opportunities, then this is the perfect opportunity for you! Complete details as well as the online application can be found at www.neworcester.org/diocesan-youth-discipleship-team
All high school youth and current 8th graders are invited to sign up for the Diocesan Youth Retreat on May 19-21 at Anna Maria College! The theme for the retreat is Mysterium Fidei (Mystery of Faith). Join for a relaxing and recharging weekend that will include fun & games (with prizes!), music, guest speakers, breakout sessions, ample free time, and an experience into the ultimate mystery of Christ in the Sacraments through Eucharistic Adoration, confession, and Mass! The retreat will start Friday evening and will conclude Sunday around noon. Cost is $125/person. Deadline to register is April 25th. To sign up or to get more information, go to neworcester.org/diocesan-youth-retreat. If you have any questions contact Tim Messenger at 508-929-4360 or at [email protected].
Host an Our Lady of America Holy Hour in your parish
Our Lady of America has a unique role as an intercessor for America. Her great mission is to teach all of us that we have the Holy Trinity dwelling within us and she teaches us how this awareness can turn our lives around, as well as all the people of the United States, and then in turn, all of the world. Bishop McManus has given permission to bring a 41 inch traveling statute of Our Lady of America into churches for a holy hour. This is a powerful holy hour to pray for someone addicted to drugs or alcohol, someone considering an abortion, someone, who has left the church and lost faith, someone struggling with homosexuality or gender identity and so many other struggles we face these days. Available Monday through Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons or evenings. Please contact Maryann Lindgren and Franca Martin at [email protected] to learn more or to arrange a visit to your parish.
Recycle your old paschal candles at Cathedral
If you have any old paschal candles that you no longer need or use, the Office for Divine Worship would be happy to recycle them at the Cathedral. Simply drop them off in a box that will be located in the Cenacle when you come for any of the following: Mass for Life on March 24, Talks and Dinner for Presbyterate on March 26 or Chrism Mass on April 4. Thank you.
Flocknotes and eCatholic resources for Partners in Charity
We have a few Flocknotes in English and one in Spanish to help parishes with their Partners in Charity Appeal. Simply go to the Flocknote LIBRARY (located upper right column on your dashboard) and copy the Flocknote from the Partners in Charity folder to your parish group and schedule it. Also, the video is available to drag and drop on your website from the eCatholic content SHARED folder. Just drag and drop the English and/or Spanish video to your website and it will play from your parish site.
Third Sunday of Lent
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again.” (John 4:13) Jesus reminds us that material things, even something as basic as water, can never satisfy us over the long run. When we build our lives around material possessions we will always want more and no amount will ever satisfy our desire. True joy and peace only comes when we follow Jesus - when we become more “God-centered” and less “self-centered.”
Tercer Domingo de Cuaresma
“Todo el que beba de esta agua volverá a tener sed” (JUAN 4:13) Jesús nos recuerda que las cosas materiales, aun algo tan básico como el agua, nunca pueden satisfacernos a largo plazo. Cuando construimos nuestras vidas alrededor de las posesiones materiales siempre querremos más y ninguna cantidad logrará satisfacer nuestros deseos. El verdadero gozo y la verdadera paz vienen cuando seguimos a Jesús, entonces nos volvemos más “centrados en Dios” ymenos “egocéntricos”.
Bulletin inserts in English and Spanish for vocations awareness.
For weekly Vocations Intercessions, CLICK HERE for English (en espanol)
Third Sunday of Lent
“But whoever drinks the water I shall give, will never thirst.” Are you thirsting for an understanding of your vocation? If you think Jesus may be inviting you to the priesthood or consecrated life, contact the Vocation Office at (508)-630-4473 or email: [email protected]
Tercer Domingo de Cuaresma
“Pero el que beba del agua que yo le daré, nunca tendrá sed.” ¿Está usted sediento de entender su vocación? Si usted piensa que Jesús puede estarle llamando al sacerdocio o la vida consagrada, comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508)-630-4473 o envíe un correo electrónico a: [email protected].
Lenten Opportunities at Cathedral of St. Paul
The Cathedral of Saint Paul parish invites you to join us in the chapel every Friday after the 12:10 pm Mass for Eucharistic Adoration until 5:30 pm. It will be followed by the Stations of the Cross in English (upper church) and in Spanish (chapel).
Lenten Series in West Boylston
Michelangelo, Catherine of Siena and Francis of Assisi each followed different paths. All three lived in times of "crisis" for both the church and wider culture. How might they speak to our lives today? Each gathering will consist of viewing a short film by Father Robert Barron (from the Pivotal Players series) followed by a short reflection and discussion led by Fr. LaBaire. Refreshments will be served. The gatherings will be held on Wednesday Mar. 15, 22 and 29 at 7:00 pm in the parish hall at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 111 Worcester St. in West Boylston. All are welcome.
March Vianney Dinner
The next Vianney dinner is Thursday, Mar. 16 at the Holy Name of Jesus House of Studies at 51 Illinois St., Worcester. 6:05 pm Mass, 6:30 pm dinner, and 7:00-8:30 pm social. These are nights for men, high school aged and up, interested in learning more about a priestly vocation. Don't want to come alone? Bring a friend! You are welcome to come to all or part of the evening as your schedule allows. An RSVP is not needed but it is helpful in getting an accurate count for food. Email:[email protected].
Music and Prayer Night in Worcester
Join us for a night of prayer and music on Thursday, Mar. 16 at 6:30 pm at St. George Church, 40 Brattle St., Worcester. There will be three short vignettes of prayer and reflection arranged with our spiritual growth ministry followed by music related to the scripture passage from our contemporary music group. The reading, reflection and music will be followed by a social gathering and snacks downstairs hosted by Emmaus Ministry. Take a break and come try this unique way to spend some time in prayer and song this Lent. We hope you can join us!
Lenten Day of Reflection in Northbridge
Saint Peter Parish in Northbridge is having a Lenten Day of Reflection on Saturday, Mar. 18 from 10 am - 2 pm. All are welcome. Contact the parish for more information at 508-234-2156.
Diocesan Mass for Life
The annual Mass for Life will be celebrated by Bishop Robert J. McManus on Friday, Mar. 24 at 10:00 am at the Cathedral of St. Paul. All are invited to join students from our Catholic schools who will be our special guests. The Diocese of Worcester’s annual Pro-Life Awards will also be presented at this Mass. All are welcome to attend!
Lenten Concert in Milford
The Boston Concert Artist Society will be offering "Concert for Mercy, Love & Hope: Music for Lent and Holy Week" on Sunday, Mar. 26 at 3:00 pm at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 17 Winter St. Milford. Sung works from Bach's St. Matthew Passion & Handel's Messiah, as well as contemplative works of Bach and Schubert for Flute and Piano will be performed. Admission is free. A free-will offering will be taken to support the work of the society. More details can be found at stmarymilford.org."
Catholic Moms Group in Oxford
Connect with other young moms in the area who are seeking authentic, faith-based community. Our next gathering is on Wednesday, Mar. 29 from 4:30 - 5:30 pm at St. Roch Parish Hall, 334 Main St, Oxford. Children are welcome. For more information visit bit.ly/catholic-moms-group.
Fish Fry in Gardner
A Traditional Fish Fry will be held weekly on Fridays from 5-7 pm at Holy Spirit in the Hall. Eat in or Take out. Meals will be $12.50 for adults and $ 6 for kids. Menu includes: Baked or Fried Fish, Baked potato or French Fries, Clam Chowder, Dessert and a Drink.
Call for Scouting Religious Awards
The Worcester Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting is calling upon all Cub Scout, Girl Scout and AHG leaders to report to the Committee all youth who have earned a Cub Scout, Girl Scout or AHG catholic religious award to be awarded April 29 at 10 am at St. Paul’s Cathedral at a Mass celebrated by Bishop McManus. In reporting the award please provide name, rank, town, unit, church belong to and award earned. For each award please include fee of $20 per award paid via check made out to: RC Bishop Worcester. All reports and checks should be submitted to: Deacon Eduardas V. Meilus, 16 Jones Rd., Sutton, MA 01590. Deadline is April 14.
Before you think of apply for a Federal Grant...
Some parishes have heard of federal grant money that is being made available for security systems. While this sounds tempting, please bear in mind that federal funds come with the need to follow federal mandates, including all nondiscrimination statutes. Being a religious organization does not automatically qualify your parish or school for religious exemption from some of these operationally intrusive regulations. If you want to learn more, please call Steve Sycks, our parish liaison officer, who has been researching this issue before attempting any application process.
Lenten Fish Dinners in Douglas
On most Fridays during Lent, Feb. 24, Mar. 3, 17, 24, and 31 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm (NOT on Mar. 10 or Apr. 6), dine in or Take Out . Fish Dinners include baked fish, coleslaw, tartar sauce and your choice of baked potato or white rice. For an additional cost, add a cup of homemade Clam Chowder! Order tickets online up to 7pm on the Thurs prior, or tickets are available at the door on Friday (while supplies last!) Visit SaintDenisChurch.com/fish-dinners. Cash, check or Square payments accepted on arrival.
Fish Fry in Webster
Every Friday (Feb. 24 - Mar 31) during Lent from 4:30 - 6:30 pm, St. Louis Parish will hold their Fish Fry in the Church Hall, 14 Lake St., Webster. $14 Dinner (eat-in or take-out) for either baked fish dinner or fried fish and chips. Chowder, fritters and Mac & Cheese also available. All are welcome.
Lenten Fish Fry Fridays in Dudley
The traditional Lenten Fish Dinners are back at St. Andrew Bobola this year. Each Friday during Lent, starting on Feb. 24 through March 31 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy Fried Haddock Dinner for $15 with French fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce for dine in or take out in the St. Andrew Bobola Church hall. Tea and coffee will be complimentary for dine in customers; other beverages will be available for $1.00.
Indoor Yard Sale/Bake Sale in Worcester
St. Christopher Parish will be holding an Indoor Yard Sale & Bake Sale in their church hall on Saturday, March 18 from 9 am -3 pm. Individual 8-foot tables may be reserved for a non-refundable fee of $25 – or two tables for only $40. All proceeds support the parish. Contact Liz Knott at 508-852-2348 or by email at [email protected] to reserve a table or for more info. It is located at 950 West Boylston St., Worcester (next to Stop and Shop).
Bereavement Support Group in Jefferson (Holden)
St. Mary’s Bereavement Support Group (BSG) in Jefferson is promoted and aided by leaders who are on own their grief journeys. We share experiences, offer support and fellowship to our brothers and sisters traveling through this difficult time that begins when a loved one passes. Please join us. The 6 week spring session begins March 18 and continues each Tuesday thru April 18. We meet from 1:00 to 2:30 in the Gathering Room at St. Mary’s, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. We are faith based, open to the public, and free. We require you preregister by Friday March 3. To register or for questions email Beth Cunningham [email protected] or text/call 508 272 6923.
Calendar Raffle Benefit
The Guild of Our Lady of Providence is sponsoring their second annual calendar raffle. The cost of the calendar for the month of March is $10/31 chances to win $100, $50 or a gift card worth $50. To purchase, call Jo-Anne Cronin at 508-842-1569. Proceeds assist the Guild in its mission to assist with the medical and educational needs in the Diocese of Worcester. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Job Opportunities
Urban Missionaries of Our Lady of Hope is looking for an administrative assistant to manage the administration and a pickup and delivery person to work with our Little Store team. The job descriptions is currently posted on our website at Careers – Urban Missionaries of Our Lady of Hope. (www.urbanmissionaries.com/careers-2/) These are the critical positions, but we have many other positions that have historically been filled by volunteers, and are currently vacant and need to be filled.
Multi-Parish Light of the World Retreat
Sacred Heart of Jesus, St Ann, and St Roch Parishes unite to present their Spring Light of the World Retreat at Sacred Heart of Jesus, 11 Day Street, Webster on March 17-20. Fr. Adam Reid and Father Michael Roy invite you for an experience that will change your life. For details or to register visit strochoxford.com/religious -education/adult-education.com or sacredheartwebster.org/light-of-the-world-parish-retreat call St Roch 508-987-8987, St Ann at 508-987-8892, Sacred Heart 508-943-3140 or email [email protected], [email protected], [email protected].Divine Mercy Ministry to Seniors
Volunteers are needed to spread Jesus’ message of Divine Mercy to seniors in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. As a volunteer prayer group leader, you would lead a weekly 30-minute Divine Mercy prayer group using a simple prepared model of readings, prayers, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. If you feel that the Lord is calling you to this ministry of mercy, please contact Mary Higgins at (413) 552-7231 or email Mary at [email protected] to receive an digital flyer about the program.
Pilgrimage Opportunities
Four exciting pilgrimages, scheduled for 2023, are now open for enrollment. Rev. Chris Korcz of St. Andrew Bobola Parish in Dudley will provide the spiritual guidance for the tours, which will be arranged by REK Travel from Chicago, IL. May 23-June 1, 2023 – Balkan Sanctuaries - $3195; August 21-September 1, 2023 – Poland - $3295; October 16-October 27, 2023 – Holy Land and Jordan- $3195; December 5-December 13, 2023 – Mexico and Acapulco - $1995 For more info please visit our websites: www.standrewbobola.com or www.rektravel.com.
Marriage Preparation Resources for 2023
The 2023 schedule and registration form for the God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage class are now available at www.worcesterdiocese.org/marriage-preparation. Parishes may download and print the new registration forms and add them to any marriage preparation resource packets you have on hand in your parish office. A reminder that all engaged couples preparing for marriage in the Diocese of Worcester are required to attend both the God’s Plan class and the Engaged Encounter retreat. These two formation programs should be attended in that order, and in the early months of a couple’s year of preparation. If you would like print copies of the registration forms sent to you by postal mail, please contact the Office of Marriage & Family at [email protected].
An Invitation to Eucharistic Adoration
Annunciation Parish in Gardner will be opening an Adoration Chapel in our newly renovated Parish Center (in the old convent on the Holy Rosary Campus). We are currently looking for people who can commit to a weekly hour of adoration. Please consider dedicating some time each week to spending an hour in prayer with Christ before the Blessed Sacrament. If you are interested or would like to know more please email Maryann Lindgren at 508-341-9132 or [email protected].NEVER Trust emails that just don't "feel" right!
If you see an email that SEEMS to be from someone you know that is asking for gift cards, or cash, or something that simly reads out of character. Look closely - the email is actually a scam. Don't blindly trust email requests without verifying addresses.
Looking to offer a unique praise and worship concert?
Mary Verdi of Western Massachusetts has frequently presented concerts of inspirational music in New England and has been featured on Catholic TV and Reel to Real in September. You can learn more by viewing https://youtu.be/wC72l1GSnYA or visiting her website at maryverdi.com. She is looking for a parish in the Worcester Diocese which would be interested in hosting her. Contact her directly at 413-841-1140 or by email at [email protected].Parish Referral for Clothing Collections
St. Roch Parish in Oxford would like to share their success with having a St. Pauly Textile, Inc. clothing shed on the church property for the past nine years. It has been a positive experience giving the townspeople a clean, safe and convenient way to donate clothing. They are a Western NY based, family owned for-profit company and an A+ member of the Better Business Bureau. Their goal is to get USEABLE clothing to people and organizations that can use it, here in the U.S. and in developing countries. More info can be found online at stpaulytextile.com. Alex Hillis can be reached at 585-924-7941
Coming to Chancery for Appointments - Protocol
The chancery remains closed to the public except for scheduled appointments. Beginning September 1 we have made staffing changes including no longer having a receptionist at the front lobby. The front vestibule is OPEN during business hours and a phone is present to call your appointment to notify them of your arrival.
If you are dropping off material for a department (e.g., Marriage Tribunal, Partners in Charity or Finance, please call that department to let them know. Phone messages will be checked regularly and we encourage parish staff to use the direct dial numbers for each department which are listed in the Diocesan Directory.
If you are entering the building for an appointment, masks must be worn in the building and hand sanitizer is available as you enter for your use. A strict cleaning schedule is maintained for all common areas and meeting rooms are cleaned immediately after use.
Clergy visiting Saint Vincent protocol
When familiar clergy are able to visit the hospitalized members of their parish, it offers patients spiritual support and brings faith into the healing process. While COVID-related restrictions at Saint Vincent Hospital have been relaxed, Massachusetts hospitals are still required to internally maintain some restrictions. Masks will still be required within the hospital. If you arrive without a mask, one will be provided. Currently, entry to the hospital is restricted to the 3rd level North entrance. It is recommended that you check with the unit secretary before visiting your parishioner(s) in order to be made aware of any patient who might be under restrictions or who has been hospitalized with an infectious condition. Hand hygiene is necessary and essential for your safety and preventing unnecessary spread of certain pathogens. Given the evolving nature of the current visitor policy and any accompanying restrictions, consider other options that are available to area priests to stay connected with the members of the parish: contact them by phone, video communication, or text. The SVH staff chaplains should be contacted if there is an emergency or your visitation seems unlikely due to other demands which would seriously delay your ability to visit in person. Call (508) 363-5000 to page the priest on duty or call the direct phone number for the Department of Pastoral Care: (508) 363-6246. A priest-chaplain is always available for emergencies.
Priest Coverage for Pastoral Care at UMASS Memorial in Worcester:
Message from Cathy Pimley, Manager, Pastoral Care
Since March 2021, I have been diligently trying to fill two full-time Catholic Priest positions at the Medical Center. There is hope that one full time position will be filled in mid-September to replace Fr. Roach, who retires on August 29. There will also be a few overnight per-diem positions posted, but we are greatly in need of another 32-hour Catholic priest day position. I wanted to give you a heads-up so that you know there will be days when a priest will not be in-house for the Sacrament of the Sick. Our Interfaith Chaplains are available but want to encourage you to reach out to your parishioners who may be hospitalized and need sacramental ministry. You may want to invite your parishioners to receive the Sacrament of the Sick from you prior to scheduled hospitalizations. I pray we will have full staffing soon, but as you know, we live in challenging times. You, as priests, are welcome to visit your congregants who are hospitalized, even amid visitor limits. COVID + patients may require different protocols. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 774-442-6550. Thank you for your ongoing support.
eCatholic tip: online payments and donations
The monthly fee to use eCatholic payments is waived for parishes in the diocese and transaction fees are as low as it gets in the industry. The site is very secure, and the money goes right into your parish bank account and you get a report letting you know! You can also use eCatholic Payments for one time or recurring payments and donations for offertory, religious education tuition and more! But, if you already have an online offertory platform you can use eCatholic Payments with their web forms alongside that platform for one time donations for events, etc. Questions: email [email protected] anytime.
It is EASY to set up an event announcement and registration/ticket form on your eCatholic website. If you have not yet done so, contact them for an online account to accept credit cards via your site. Not only will it make it more convenient than “come to the rectory for tickets;” you can reach more people and plan better for your event. Costs are as low as it gets in the industry, the site is very secure, and the money goes right into your parish bank account and you get a report letting you know! PLUS you can then send everyone a link by Flocknote to go to the site with one click from their phone, tablet or computer and get the tickets, make the donation or at least be aware of the event details to share with family and friends. Let your Communications Ministry tools work for you! Contact Luke at [email protected] if you need to get set up or to learn more.
EMAIL NOTICES
We often hear from pastors and parishes saying they are not getting emails from us, even when we have a correct address. No Email system is foolproof (Gmail, MSN, Outlook, aol, Charter.net, Verizon.net, etc.) and your provider may be very aggressively blocking emails from your inbox based on general algorithms. Please remember to check your junk mail regularly to see if emails from our Flocknote system or from worcesterdiocese.org or other sources are being inadvertently blocked. You can always use your email system’s rules when this happens to “always accept email from this sender.” Usually that option appears when you “Right Click’ on the email in question with your mouse.
Senior Fraud Hotline
RSVP’s Senior Fraud HelpLine is a toll-free resource for seniors and their families to call when they are concerned that they are being targeted by scammers. If they are in doubt, they should check it out by calling 1-800-297-9760. Confidential. Knowledgeable. Local. Supportive.
Volunteer To Help With Food Distribution In Our Food Pantry
Catholic Charities Emergency Stabilization Services located on Hammond Street in Worcester is looking for volunteers who might be able to assist them with distributing food in our food pantry. Volunteers must be available once a week from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and be able to lift cases of food. Volunteer days: Monday - Friday. Thank you for your consideration. All help is much needed and appreciated! Contact: Maydeé Morales at 508-860-2206 or via e-mail to [email protected]
REDUCED-FEE LEGAL SERVICES IN WORCESTER
The Worcester County Bar Association has a Reduced Fee Program where household income exceeds the requirements for free legal assistance but makes hiring an attorney unfeasible. You must be a Worcester County resident and legal services include bankruptcy, mortgage foreclosures, wills, divorces, custody and evictions. Call 800-622-9700 800-622-9700 for more information, indicating your interest in the Reduced Fee Program.
UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON ONLINE LEARNING (DIOCESAN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM)
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. If you have any questions, please call Barbara Ramian at 508-929-4308.
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.
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 609-457-0108 or [email protected]
CAR DONATION PROGRAM
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 atwww.ccworc.org or call 1-888-CAR-7308 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!
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.