The Diocesan Dispatch

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].

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Have space available in your bulletin this week? Consider including one of the ongoing resources: Click HERE for ONGOING RESOURCES

March 17, 2024

Stewardship Reflections for Bulletins

3rd Sunday of Lent
“He said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none.’”  (Luke 13:7) We can all be like the barren fig tree at times.  Do you cling to what you have, or do you generously share with others?   How will you respond when God asks you what you have done with all the gifts He has given you?  Remember, not only are we called to be generous; we are called to develop and nurture our gifts; and return them with increase.  We are called to be generous with all of gifts; especially the one that means the most to you.

3er Domingo de Cuaresma
“Y dijo al viñador: ‘Mira, hace tres años que vengo a buscar fruto en esta higuera, y no lo hallo.’” (Lucas 13:7) Todos podemos ser algunas veces como el árbol estéril que no produce frutos.  ¿Se aferra a lo que tiene, o comparte generosamente con otros?   ¿Cόmo responde cuando Dios le pregunta que ha hecho con los dones que Él le ha dado?  Recuerde, no solo somos llamados a ser generosos, somos llamados a desarrollar y nutrir nuestros dones, y a devolverlos con creces.  Somos llamados a ser generosos con todos los dones; especialmente con los que tienen un mayor significado para nosotros.

Vocations Reflections for Bulletins

Bulletin inserts in English and Spanish for vocations awareness.
For weekly Vocations Intercessions, CLICK HERE for English  (en espanol)

Third Sunday of Lent
“I AM has sent me to you.”  Could the Lord be calling you to proclaim His name as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? Contact the Vocation Office at (508)630-4473or email: [email protected].

Tercer Domingo de Cuaresma 
"YO SOY me ha enviado a ti." ¿Podría el Señor estar llamándote a proclamar Su nombre como sacerdote, diácono o en la vida consagrada? Comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508)630-4473o envíe un correo electrónico a: [email protected].

Triduum in honor of Blessed Carlo Acutis
 Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish is inviting you to a Triduum in honor of Blessed Carlo Acutis, on three consecutive Sundays - March 16, 23, and 30 at, 1:00 PM, at 37 Massasoit Rd., Worcester.  Please come and join us.  Young people are urged to attend. 

Jubilee Year Lenten Observances in Milford
Join us at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Milford for the following Lenten observances as you visit us as a local pilgrimage Church: Tuesdays from 7 - 8 pm: Confessions and Adoration; Fridays at 7 pm: Stations of the Cross with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament; Laetare Sunday, March 30 at 4 pm: Solemn Vespers and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Diocesan Pilgrimage - Vespers in Webster
All are welcome to join Bishop McManus as he continues to lead our local diocesan pilgrimage at St. Joseph Basilica on Sunday, March 23 at 4:00 pm with Confessions beginning at 3 pm. Ask for a Diocesan Jubilee Pilgrim's Guide at your parish if you want to follow along at the various local designated churches. Located at 53 Whitcomb St., Webster. Visit saintjosephwebster.com to learn more about the Basilica.

Diaconate Information Night 
Do you feel Christ is calling you to serve Him in some way? Perhaps, he is calling you to serve His Church as a Permanent Deacon. To learn more about this important ministry please come to our information session on Wednesday March 26 at  6:00 pm at Our Lady of Loretto Parish Hall, 37A Massasoit Road, Worcester. We are currently seeking men between the ages of 30 and 59 to join our next class beginning in the Fall of 2025.

Fish Fry in North Brookfield 
The Knights of Columbus Council 2381 will hold its take-out Lenten fish fry on Friday, April 11 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. from the St. Joseph Church parking lot, 296 Main St., North Brookfield including batter fried haddock, French fries and coleslaw. Call 508-867-6469 for tickets at $15/meal.   

Mass & Prayer for Men Discerning a Priestly Vocation
Women from the Seven Sister’s Apostolate invite you to join us for our 5^th annual Morning of Prayer to support the men attending this year’s diocesan priestly discernment retreat. This year the Lord has blessed us with a wonderful opportunity to implore the intercession of a beloved Polish saint, and holy martyr, who had zeal for his priestly vocation. Saint Andrew Bobola is a pious example of Christian bravery! All are welcome to pray for priestly vocations with us on Saturday, April 12 at 8:30am for holy Mass at the Diocesan Shrine of St. Andrew Bobola, 54 W. Main St, Dudley. A Eucharistic Holy Hour will follow from 9am – 10am with a blessing of a 1st class relic of St. Andrew Bobola. Priests will be available for confessions. Fellowship, coffee and Polish pastries will follow in the parish hall. For questions, contact Kimberly Harmon at: [email protected].

Recording of the Diocesan 75th Anniversary Mass
The March 2 Anniversary Mass is available for viewing online. a Commemorative DVD with a copy of the program is available for a $20 donation by emailing [email protected] or by post to TV Ministry, Diocese of Worcester, 49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 01609.

Speaker series at "St. Mary University"
St. Mary Church, Uxbridge, is offering a speaker series through Saint Mary University entitled, “One Night Stands.” Ten different presenters will present on eleven different topics throughout the spring. Attached is the flyer with the schedule. The series begins on March 24 and will be held in the Parish Hall. St. Mary Church is located at: 77 Mendon Street, Uxbridge. For questions, please contact Diane Moriarty in the office at: 508-278-2226.

Diocesan Cemetery System Notice
St. John Cemetery System / Diocesan Cemeteries request the removal of all winter baskets and decorations by Sunday, March 30. Items remaining after this date will be removed and discarded.  Visit worcesterdiocese.org/st-john-cemetery or call 508-757-7415, before placing your spring flowers.

Women's Retreat in Douglas
FINDING YOUR LIGHT is a Women’s Retreat sponsored by St. Denis Church Catholic Women’s Council to be held on Saturday April 5 from 9 am to 3 pm.
Join us for a day of fellowship, prayer & renewal. Guest speaker: Sister Inge from Immaculate Conception Center, Putnam CT. Continental breakfast, lunch, snacks and other goodies provided. Confession available at 3pm; Mass at 4pm. Visit SaintDenisChurch.com for more information or to register (deadline March 28).

PAST DISPATCH NOTICES

Lenten Fish Fry in Milford
St. Mary of the Assumption in Milford is hosting annual Lenten Fish Fry on Fridays during Lent from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. All proceeds will be directed toward our upper church renovations. Fish & chips $15; Clam chowder $5; Mac’n’cheese $5; extra fries $3; Clam Fritters $5 for 6; Pre-orders only before 5 pm Thursday; on line at stmarymilford.org/fish-fry; or by phone: 508-570-5778; Eat-in or Pick-up options. Located at 17 Winter St., Milford.

Note to Bulletin Editors:  We greatly appreciate if  you can continue to put this in your bulletin through March 22/23. Thank you!
Annual Mass for Life
 The annual Mass for Life will be celebrated by Bishop Robert J. McManus on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, Tuesday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m. 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!

24 hours with the Lord  - in Gardner
As part of our Jubilee Celebration we will be spending 24 Hours with the Lord in Adoration. Annunciation parish welcomes all to make a visit at Holy Rosary Church,135 Nichols St. Gardner. Adoration will begin on Friday, March 28 at 4:00 pm and conclude on Saturday, March 29 with the 4:00 pm Mass. Those interested in committing to spend an hour with the Lord may contact Maura Sweeney at 978-632-0253.

Join the Sisters of Life on April 12 for the first Feminine Genius Brunch in Worcester!
St. John Paul II’s 1995 Letter to Women, emphasized the important role women play in society and the Church. The Pope spoke of the distinct attributes of women—receptivity, sensitivity, generosity, and maternity—all of which make up the feminine genius. This brunch borrows its name after those amazing God-given attributes endowed to you as women! Why? Because it is our hope that the talks and experience of this brunch will reveal to you your amazing gifts as women and open your heart to the Holy Spirit who longs to spark these gifts to life!  Come join the Sisters of Life for a beautiful morning set aside to marvel at the mystery of God and His plan for each of us on Saturday, April 12 at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Catholic Church, 341 June St., Worcester. Cost is $30 per person. Register by April 6 at www.cedaroflebanonfcc.com/fgb.

Save the date: Pro-Life League Dinner in Harvard
The Pro-Life League's Second Annual Dinner at the Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Harvard will take place on April 26. This year's speaker is Jim Havens, Founder of the Men's March! Visit their website to learn more about what this faith-filled group of students have been doing: www.prolifeleague.com/. Come enjoy a great meal with good company and support their efforts.

Wednesday Lenten Soups in Leominster
Join us at St. Cecilia’s Parish Center, 188 Mechanic St., Leominster for our Wednesday Night Lenten Soup Suppers on Wednesdays, March 5 through April 9 from 4:00-7:00 pm. Dessert and Beverage Included. Free will donations are accepted. All proceeds go to the St. Vincent de Paul Society who throughout the year assist those in need in our area with emergency shelter, rent, utilities, food, etc.  All donations are much appreciated.

Soup & Stations in Northborough
St. Rose of Lima, 244 W. Main St., Northborough, is offering Soup & Stations every Friday during Lent. Soup: 6pm in the parish hall. Stations 7pm in the church. All are welcome.

Fish Dinner in Webster
St. Louis Parish is holding a Lenten Fish Dinner on Fridays, March 7 through April 11 from 4:30-6:30 pm. Choice of Baked Fish & Baked Potato with Coleslaw or Fried Fish & Chips with Coleslaw. Clam Chowder, Clam Fritters, and Mac & Cheese, hand cut fries also available! Baked fish or fish & chips (hand-cut) are $15.00 each.

Grief Support Workshop in Uxbridge
St. Mary Parish in Uxbridge will be offering a workshop entitled, “Grieving with Great HOPE" on Wednesday Morning, March 19, 26, April 2, 9, & 16, 9:30-11:00 am. This five-week Catholic Apostolate seeks to assist those mourning the loss of a loved one. As Catholics we are given hope for eternal life in the risen Lord for ourselves and for our loved ones. The workshop is for anyone who has lost a loved one including a spouse, child, sibling, cousin, etc. and will include video presentations, sharing, and prayer.  This updated workshop teaches practical tools for intentional mourning and participants will journey together to become disciples of hope. Cost is $12.00 and includes an accompanying workbook. To register, please call the office at 508-278-2226,or visit www.stmaryuxbridge.org/grieving-with-great-hope , or email [email protected]. Located at 77 Mendon Street, Uxbridge.

Lenten Mission in Blackstone
Divine Mercy Parish in Blackstone is hosting a 2-Night Lenten Mission "We Are Pilgrims of Hope: Lenten Reflections for the Jubilee Year."  Thursday, March 20 Hope in Divine Mercy, and Friday, March 21 Hope in the Cross of Christ.  Both evenings begin at 6:30pm in the church.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be made available from 5:30pm until 6:15pm each evening.  Our Jubilee Guest Speaker for this 2-Night Mission is Rev. Robert E. Lacombe, from the Providence Diocese. Fr. Lacombe was ordained in1991.  He has served as a parish priest, hospital chaplain, and Special Lecturer in Theology at Providence College. He currently serves in several local parishes, including St. Joan of Arc in Cumberland and the Cathedral of SS. Peter & Paul in Providence. For more information, please contact Toni Harvey at 508-883-6726 X3 or email: [email protected].  

Chowder Fest in Leominster
Our Lady of the Lake, 1400 Main St., Leominster will hold its annual chowder fest is on Friday, March 21 from 5:00 - 7:30pm. Tickets are adults $10, children 6-12 $5. Menu includes: clam, fish, and corn chowder, macaroni and cheese, corn bread, crackers, bread, water, soda, coffee & tea, and desserts.

Lenten Discussion Series in Gardner
Annunciation Parish in Gardner welcomes you to join us  during Lent on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm in the Parish Center on the Holy Rosary Campus as we watch and discuss the series Metanoia: A Journey with Christ into Conversion featuring Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR. Topics will include: Who do you say that Jesus is?, What must we do to inherit eternal life?, Sin and Mercy, and more. 

Fish Dinners in Dudley
St. Andrew Bobola Parish, 54 W. Main St., Dudley will hold Lenten Fish Dinners on Friday, March 7 - April 11, at 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., and 4:00-6:00 p.m., eat-in or take-out.  $15 for Fried haddock, fries, cole slaw and tartar sauce.

Lenten Fish Dinners in Leominster
Join us at St. Anna Parish, Leominster on Fridays, March 7 - April 11 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm (or until sold out). Fish Dinner includes Baked Haddock, Cole Slaw, Potato, Vegetable, Mac & Cheese or Pasta with Marinara Sauce, Dessert and Beverage. Adults $14.00; without Haddock $6.00. Bowl of Chowder $7.00; Wine available for $4.00 per glass. Take-out available for all items except wine and soda. New this year: For every full dinner purchase, you will be entered into a drawing at the end of Lent with chance to win a $200 Visa Gift Card.

Women's Morning of Reflection in Worcester
The Guild of Our Lady of Providence will hold its annual Morning of Reflection, Saturday, March 29 from 9:00 a.m.-Noon, at Blessed Sacrament Church's Phelan Center, 551 Pleasant St., Worcester. Sr. Francis Murphy, SNDdeN will present "Inspirational Women Transforming Others Through Their Love of God." To reserve, send $10 (checks made out to Guild of OL of Providence) by March 21 to Patricia Matthews, 144 Moreland St., Worcester, MA 01609.

ESL Classes in Worcester
ESL Classes are offered on Monday & Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 pm at St. Bernard’s Church, 228 Lincoln St., Worcester. Second Semester runs January 20 -April 23. $40 Registration for adults; Free for teenagers. For more information, contact Meaghan O'Sadnick at [email protected].

Lenten Retreat for Young Adults in West Hartford
On Sunday, March 9, 3:00-8:15 p.m., Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford, will host "Lenten Retreat for Young Adults: Praying the Examen of St. Ignatius of Loyola-A Lenten Journey, with Brenda McLaughlin." The Examen is a prayer that—like the season of Lent—invites us to reflect on our lives and draw closer to God. It helps us to recall and explore personal experiences that lead us to gratitude and repentance, both of which are experiences of grace. The retreat includes time for personal reflection, small group sharing, community building, and Sunday Mass with our regular 7:00 p.m. worshipping community. $50, includes dinner. 860-760-9705.

Annual Mass for Life – March 25
The annual Mass for Life will be celebrated by Bishop Robert J. McManus on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, Tuesday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m. 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!

Register Early for the Worcester Catholic Men's Conference April 5
The Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men's Conference will be held Saturday, April 5 at the DCU Convention Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester. Registration begins at 7:30 AM with the first speaker beginning at 9:00 AM. Men of all ages are invited to hear inspiring talks from Fr. Donald Callaway, MIC; Retired US Navy SEAL Sam Blair; Fr. Derek Mobilio; Dr. Edward Sri; and Mr. Artie Boyle. The day will feature an all day adoration chapel; dozens of priests will be available for confessions at the lunch break; and over 50 relevant vendors will be present. The closing Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Robert McManus at 4:00 PM. Tickets (which include lunch) are $50 for adults through March 26; $60 thereafter and at the door. Student tickets are always just $30. Tickets and further information are available at: www.catholicmenworc.com Any questions may be directed to [email protected].

Lenten Fish Dinners in Douglas
St. Denis Church, Douglas  will hold Lenten Fish Fries on Friday March 7 and April 11 ONLY! $15/adult, $5/child - includes baked fish, cole slaw, tartar sauce and your choice of baked potato or rice. Also available - Clam Chowder ($5/cup, $8/bowl) and Mac & Cheese for children ($5). Order tickets in advance online at SaintDenisChurch.com/fish-dinners or at the door while supplies last!

Bereavement Support Group in Jefferson
As you travel along on your grief journey, know there are others who are experiencing the same confusion, despair, and loneliness as they navigate through a different life without their loved one. You are invited to be with others who also share similar losses, feelings and difficulties. Through listening and sharing we explore and learn how to live again and find that joy is possible. We are faith based, open to the public, and free. We meet on 6 consecutive Tuesdays, March 11 through April 15 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm in the Gathering Room of St. Mary Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. RSVP please by March 5 to Beth. Call or text 508-272-6923 or email [email protected].

TO: Parishes

Additional Jubilee Pilgrimage Booklets and Prayer Cards
If you need MORE Pilgrimage Booklets or Prayer cards, please EMAIL Ray Delisle at [email protected]. We printed a limited additional amount given that some parishes were looking for more.
If you have NOT picked up your materials, please do so this week from the Cathedral Office - call 508-799-4193 to find out when the office is open.
If you serve a Hispanic Community in your parish, Pilgrimage booklets are now available for them in Spanish. Please EMAIL Ray Delisle to arrange for pickup from the Chancery.

Bereavement Support Group in West Boylston
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, 111 Worcester Street, West Boylston will hold its next 6-part series of "A New Day" bereavement support group starting on Monday, March 3 from 1-2:30 pm and ending on April 7.  For more information or to register (required prior to the start of the sessions) call Renate Isbell (508) 835-3286.

Job Opportunities

The Resident Care Facility at Saint Joseph’s Abbey, 167 North Spencer Road, Spencer has openings for part-time and full-time CNA’s and a part time facility cook. Flexible and permanent hours available. Hourly wage negotiable depending on experience and related skills. Requirements: High School Diploma or GED. Ability to speak and read English required. Must be able to understand written policies and procedures. Must be able to work unsupervised at times while following food safety protocols and resident care procedure guidelines in a variety of
tasks. For more information and to apply, contact Wally Connor, Facility/HR Manager at (508) 885-8700 Ext. 550 or by email: [email protected].

Volunteer Opportunity

Help Advocate for Seniors!   
At Senior Connection, we are looking for dedicated individuals to become Advocates for Nursing Home Residents (we call this an Ombudsman volunteer). If you have a passion for helping senior citizens and want to make a positive impact on their lives, we invite you to join our mission. Help is needed throughout the central Massachusetts area.  Call 508-853-1373 and press 2 for the Ombudsman program, then 2 again.  Or email [email protected] for more information. Thank you!

Resources 

Free online Videos to Strengthen Families
Men and women, young and old, strengthen and grow in your faith for your families with five short videos produced by the Knights of Columbus called the “Mission of The Family”.  The videos can be found on the Knights of Columbus website for free!  Use the QR Code (artwork below)  to find “The Mission of The Family” videos:  https://www.kofc.org/en/campaigns/into-the-breach.html  The five videos are less than 14 minutes in length.  You can also find the original “Into The Breach” video series by rolling down on this webpage and under CATEGORIES click on “Into The Breach”.  This series is also free of charge and is sure to help you grow in your faith."

Catholic Moms Group
Are you looking to connect with other Catholic moms?  If you’d be interested in a Catholic moms’ group in your area, please let us know by emailing [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

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.

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.

TO: Pastors & Administrators

Third Party Usage of Parish Property
As a reminder, any and all third parties who are using Parish property, whether for a fee or not, are required to sign the Catholic Mutual Facility Usage/ Indemnity Agreement and provide proper insurance. (see attached) This agreement provides a level protection from liability by having indemnification language as well as requiring the 3rd party user to provide the parish with general liability coverage, naming the Parish as additional insured, in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence. This policy applies to all third parties that use Parish property. This includes such things as: civic groups, parishioner and non-parishioner families that rent or use parish facilities for wedding receptions, family reunions, anniversary parties or other similar activities; as well as any other organization, municipality or county organization that uses parish facilities for a meeting or function that is non-parish sponsored. Parish ministries or parish affiliated events/groups are generally covered under the Diocesan insurance coverage with Catholic Mutual and do not need to sign the form or provide additional insurance.  However, there are clear guidelines of what constitutes a “parish entity”.  Generally, the parish has to have control of the group, both financial control and organizational control; lead by parish staff or Priest designated volunteers; must be open to all parishioners; and promote a mission of the church. Groups that do not fit the definition of a parish controlled group are required to sign the 3rd party agreement and provide proper insurance. 
Please keep a file of these 3rd party documents for a period of time greater than a year, but less than 7 years from the event date. In the unlikely event of a claim made by the 3rd party, the parish may be asked for the signed Facility Usage Agreement and and insurance document.       
For full definitions, insurance requirements and details, as well as the document itself, please see the Diocesan website, under Finance, Facility Usage Forms. For additional information or further assistance, including a cursory review of any related documents,  please contact Parish Liaison Officer, Stephen Sycks.  [email protected]    

Department of Unemployment Letters & Notices 
Many parishes have been receiving letters from the State Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) informing them of a delinquency in submitting quarterly DUA forms. Please do not ignore these.  While the Diocese and all parishes are exempt from paying for State DUA, as we are self-insured through our transitional assistance program, we ARE required to submit quarterly payroll reports. As all known 3rd party payroll companies provide this as a routine service, it appears that the parishes who are self-producing payroll (either through a bookkeeping system or bookkeeper) have been contacted by the DUA.
If you have received a letter, please:

1. Register your parish on the DUA website. 
2. Complete all required forms.
3. If you have been levied a fine, you may dispute it or may consider paying it as you file the delinquent forms.
4. Please confirm with your payroll person all quarterly DUA forms have been filed.
5. Please let Stephen Sycks at the Diocese know, as he will assemble a master list.     

Here is the State DUA website:  www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-for-employers. For additional information or further assistance, please contact Parish Liaison Officer, Stephen Sycks at [email protected]. Thank you.

Young Adult Prayer Group in Gardner
Join with other young adults age 18 - 35 and pray the St. Michael Chaplet!Greater Gardner Young Adult Group meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday at 7 pm at Annunciation Parish Center located just behind Holy Rosary Church in Gardner. For more information about this event and/or about the greater Gardner Young Adult Group, please reach out to Jonah Kattau at [email protected].

Vigilance against Fraud
A parish shared with us how someone tried to redirect an employee's paycheck via an alternate direct deposit account. ALWAYS BE CIRCUMSPECT! Before even considering such a change, never act just from an email. Consider the following:

1. Have the employee complete a properly signed form along with the bank information Routing # , account  etc 
2. Provide a voided check to be kept on record which matches that information
3. Process the request thru the payroll service.  
4. Keep the information in the employee's personnel file

Coming to Chancery for Appointments - Protocol
The chancery remains closed to the public except for scheduled appointments. 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.

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.

Promoting events? Use your eCatholic and Flocknote Resources!
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.

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.

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!

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.