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].

---

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

June 16, 2025

Stewardship Reflections for Bulletins

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
“They all ate and were satisfied.  And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.”  (Luke 9:17)  The story of the Loaves and Fishes shows us that when you share what you have, even if it doesn’t seem like that much, miracles can happen!  Do not think that your gift is too small or insignificant!  Each of us has a role in God’s plan; you just need to place your trust in the Lord.  Nothing is impossible with God.  You just may be the answer to someone else’s prayer.

El Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo
“Todos comieron y se saciaron; y se recogieron doce cestas llenas con los pedazos que sobraron.” (Lucas 9:17)  La historia de los Panes y los Peces nos muestra que cuando compartimos lo que tenemos, aunque no parezca mucho, ¡los milagros suceden!  ¡No piense que su don es demasiado pequeño o insignificante!  Cada uno de nosotros tiene un rol en el plan de Dios; ¡usted solo necesita poner su confianza en el Señor!  Nada es imposible con Dios.  Usted puede ser la respuesta a las oraciones de alguien más.

Vocations Reflections for Bulletins

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

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
“You give them something to eat.” Do these words of Christ challenge you to give your all for Him as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? Contact the Vocation Office at (508)630-4473or email: [email protected].

El Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo
"Les das algo de comer." ¿Te desafían estas palabras de Cristo a dar todo por Él como sacerdote, diácono o en la vida consagrada? Comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508)630-4473 o envíe un correo electrónico a: [email protected].

Jubilee Pilgrimage - ECUMENICAL VESPERS in Worcester
All are welcome to join Bishop McManus, Metropolitan Methodios of the Greek Orthodox Church and visiting clergy for Ecumenical Vespers in Commemoration of the Jubilee of Hope and the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (which resulted in the Nicene Creed) on Sunday, June 29 at 4:00 pm at St. Paul Cathedral, Chatham and High Streets, Worcester at 4 pm. Multiple confessors will be available for the Sacrament of Penance from 3 - 4 pm. A public reception will follow in the Cenacle.

TO: Parish Administration
Safe Environment - Parish Self-Assessments Due
If you are one of the dozen remaining parishes which has not sent in the Parish Self-Assessment for Child Safety, please do so asap. Contact Ray Delisle by email at [email protected] if you need another copy of the form. Thank you.

Peter's Pence Collection - announce June 22
Attached please find a letter from Bishop McManus in support of the global Peter's Pence Collection to be taken on the weekend of June 29 (Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul.) It can also be found at bulletin letters and inserts on the Diocese website and the CSM resources section

PAST DISPATCH NOTICES

Relics of Padre Pio Coming to our Diocese
St Anne’s Shrine in Sturbridge is blessed to be the ONLY host of Padre Pio’s Relics in the Worcester Diocese. All events and Masses are open to the public.  Monday June 16, 7:00 pm Mass followed by 8:00 pm Conference by Mr. Joseph Santoro of the National Centre for Padre Pio, Barto, PA. Tuesday, June 17: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Viewing of the Relics ending with 4:00 pm Mass with Bishop McManus. You can learn more about Padre Pio’s life at www.padrepio.org. St. Anne Shrine is located at16 Church Street, Sturbridge. 

Italian Festa in Fitchburg
Join us for the annual St. Anthony's Italian Festa on Saturday, June 21 from 11-6 pm! Enjoy delicious food, pastry, drinks, music, games, raffles, and craft marketplace. Don't miss out on the fun! Tickets are still available for our Grand Raffle. $100 for a chance to win $5,000; $1,250; or $750. Please call the office 978-342-4706 for information. Hope to see you! St. Anthony Church, 84 Salem St, Fitchburg.

Jubilee Guest Speaker in Blackstone
The next "Jubilee Guest Speaker Series" at Divine Mercy Parish in Blackstone will take place on Thursday, June 26 at 6:30 pm.  Fr. Jamie Callahan, from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Barre, will present "The Saints and How They Impact Our Lives".  He will be the Homilist for the Mass, followed by his talk.  For more information, contact Toni at Divine Mercy Parish 508-883-6726 x3 or [email protected].

TO: Parish Administration

Do you have any liturgical furnishings available?
St. Andrew Bobola Parish in Dudley is in need of some updated furniture in the sanctuary (chairs and kneelers). If you have any available in good condition to sell or donate please email Kim at [email protected].

Do you NEED any liturgical or rectory furnishings?
Any priests who are interested in purchasing any items from the former St. Anne’s Parish in North Oxford this Friday, June 13 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm should contact Adam at 774-239-0753.   There are liturgical items, rectory items and many miscellaneous items.  There is a nice pulpit as well as votive candle stands that are available. You may contact Adam in advance in regards to items and pictures.

Parish Evangelization Grants – Now Accepting Applications        
The Diocese is now accepting applications for parishes to apply for evangelization grants. Through Legacy of Hope funding, we are able to offer 25 parishes up to $1,000 to be used for initiatives that focus on developing missionary disciples, that is, a program or event that ignites the spirit of parishioners. The application period ends on July 31, 2025. Grants will be reviewed and awarded in August and the funds released in quarter 1 of next fiscal year.  CLICK for details and application.  Contact Stephen Sycks 508-929-4321 or [email protected]  with any questions as well as to submit the application.            

Job Opportunities

Catechetical Leader in Northbridge
St. Peter Parish, Northbridge is seeking a creative and energetic catechetical leader to direct the program serving the young people of the parish in grades pre-school through high school. This individual will oversee all aspects of the program, including resourcing the catechists, working with them directly during program hours, and meeting with the pastor. As this is a small religious education program, this is a part-time position. To apply, please submit a resume and three references from experiences in ministry or from those responsible for your education/formation to: Rev. Michael Lavallee, Pastor, St. Peter Parish, 39 Church Avenue, P.O. Box 446, Northbridge, MA 01534 or email to [email protected].  

Religious Freedom Week 2025 – “Witnesses to Hope”
Religious Freedom Week 2025 takes place June 22–29. This year’s theme is “Witnesses to Hope.” The week begins with the Memorial of Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More, ends with the Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul, and includes the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Resources are available at usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek and www.worcesterdiocese.org/religiousfreedomweek to help the faithful pray, reflect on, and take action for religious liberty, both here in this country and abroad.

Business Networking in Worcester
Andy Olewinski and Geoff Boucher (Our Lady of Czestochowa, Worcester) are launching a business group within the church. The group would be filled with like-minded business professionals who are trying to expand their business while connecting and engaging the community. If you are interested and want to learn more then please call either Geoff at 774-641-3326 or Andy (508) 414-7893 for more details.  

Job Opportunities

Parish Secretary - Part-Time (15 hrs/week) M/W/F - 8:30 am to 1:30pm (*lots of flexibility) St. Andrew Bobola Shrine in Dudley is seeking a PT Parish Secretary with opportunity for increased hours as the Shrine grows. Key Responsibilities: Greeting visitors, answering phones, managing emails and files, recording Mass intentions, preparing bulletins, registering new parishioners, scheduling pilgrim and bus visitors, and supporting the pastor/parish committees.Ideal candidate is organized, friendly, able to work independently and desires more than a job - this candidate is ready for a ministry of service.
Confidentiality and fluency in English & Polish (written/spoken) required.Please send resume and cover letter to: [email protected].

Part Time Outreach Minister in Holden/Jefferson
St. Mary Parish in Jefferson is seeking a compassionate, faith-filled Outreach Minister to assist the Pastor with Pastoral Care for the sick, homebound and bereaved. Responsibilities include volunteer coordination, home and hospital visits, funeral planning,  and overseeing outreach efforts like Thanksgiving Baskets and Giving Tree Appeals.

Director of Religious Education in Clinton
Saint John Guardian of Our Lady Parish in Clinton is seeking a Director of Religious Education for its Religious Education Program, Grades K-10.  This could also be divided up into two positions, grades K through 6, and 7 through 10.  For more information, please contact Fr. Jim Mazzone at 978-368-0366 or by email at [email protected]

Upcoming Events from St. Peter Parish in Northbridge
Saint Peter’s Parish is located at 39 Church Avenue, Northbridge. For more information or to register for any of our upcoming events, please call the parish office at 508-234-2156 or email: [email protected].
Stuffed Chicken Dinner is taking place on Saturday, June 21 starting at 5:30 pm in the parish hall. Bring you family and friends for a wonderful meal and meet some new friends. Tickets are $17 per dinner and include salad and dessert. To go meals will be available for pick up at 5:00pm. All orders must be purchased in advance by Tuesday, June 16th.
Basic Life Support and First Aid Class is being offered on Saturday, June 28 starting at 8:00 am in the parish hall. If you need recertification or have never done this before. These are necessary lifesaving skills to have. Training is by the American Heart Association. The cost of the class is $89 per person and must be paid in advance when you register. Class size is limited. Please register by Monday, June 23.

Outdoor Masses in Sturbridge Pavilion
St. Anne-St. Patrick Parish, 16 Church St., will hold outdoor weekend Masses beginning Sunday, May 25. Masses will be celebrated in the parish’s spacious, covered pavilion—rain or shine: 4 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m. and noon Sundays. The parish is home to St. Anne’s Shrine, Hall of Saints, a Russian icon exhibit, a Memorial for the Unborn and a gift shop. Visit stannestpatrickparish.com/  

Learn how we can help our priests and religious serving us with Religious Worker Visa
Let your US Senators and Reps know we need our priests and nuns!
We need your help. An increasing number of priests, religious sisters and brothers, and others serving our local parishes and throughout the United States will be forced to abandon their ministries and leave the country for a lengthy period of time due to the backlog in the system under the terms of their Religious Worker Visa if policymakers do not act soon. Learn more about the issue and what you can do by visiting worcesterdiocese.org/religious-visa including an interview with one of our local pastors and his experience. (NOTE: Parishes can share this video below on your eCatholic website - go to Add SHARED content and drag the icon for "featured program onto your web page)

Include our video in your Flocknote ! Just add the "play" icon and paste the following code: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1082627245

TO: Parishes

Schedule of Collections for 2026
Click for the Schedule of Collections for 2026. Please share with your envelope company.

Avoid Being Scammed!
You will never receive an email or text from our parish, our pastor, or anyone associate with us looking to "reach out to you personally" for gift cards or cash - other than the official programs we administer for our charitable giving programs. DO NOT RESPOND TO EMAIL OR TEXT REQUESTS. Either delete them or call the parish office to check. Hint: if you look at the actual email address it often looks "close" but it is not the actual parish email address! 

Medjugorje & Croatia Pilgrimage
On October 5-13, 2025, join us for a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje & Croatia. Sponsored by the Worcester Catholic Men’s Conference. Please consider joining this remarkable and spiritual pilgrimage which is open to ALL pilgrims: Men, Women, Couples and Single Travelers as well. Visit Medjugorje, which the Church has officially authorized as a Pilgrimage site, and beautiful, Catholic Croatia, located on the Adriatic Sea. Please visit canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/wmc or call (800) 653-0017 for details.

Annual St. Anthony Novena in Fitchburg
Come join us at St. Anthony Parish, 84 Salem St., Fitchburg for Nine Tuesdays from April 29 - June 24 at 7:00 PM. Novena prayers, sermon and Benediction with veneration of the relic of Saint Anthony of Padua. Nine preachers including Deacon Sal Tantillo, Fr. Juan Ramirez, Fr. Javier Julio, Fr. Ronald Falco, Fr. James Mazzone, Deacon Mark Carrier, Fr. Jose Carvajal, Fr. Stephen Mullaney, Fr. Thiago Ibiapina. Saint Anthony’s intercession is best known for helping find lost items. However, his intercession is also sought for many other reasons. The novena can be prayed for any intention. Saint Anthony will listen! Spread the word and plan to join us.

Volunteers needed for Problem Pregnancy
Problem Pregnancy of Worcester is seeking volunteers to assist them in their pro-life mission of helping women in crisis pregnancies to choose life. Types of volunteer opportunities include distributing clothing and diapers to young mothers and providing counselling to women needing direction and assistance (training provided). Problem Pregnancy also welcomes donations of layette clothing and diapers. Your compassionate response truly makes a difference for vulnerable young women. For more information, contact Kathy Callahan at 508-308-1664.

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].

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.

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.