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
Early publication to meet deadlines for Fourth Sunday of Advent Bulletins.
Next Issue will be Thursday  Dec. 19 by 10 am

Stewardship Reflections for Bulletins

Fourth Sunday of Advent 
“For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.” (LUKE 1:44) When you hear the scripture readings and Gospel reading at Mass, do you “leap for joy?” If not, don’t blame the lecturer or priest, rather look inside yourself. What are you doing to grow in friendship with Jesus? How do you prepare for Mass each week? Do you just show up and expect to be entertained? As the Body of Christ, we are called to be active participants, not just passive observers. 

4o Domingo de Adviento 
“Porque he aquí, que cuando oí tu saludo, el bebé saltó de alegría en mi vientre.” (LUCAS 1:44) ¿Salta de alegría cuando escucha la lectura de las escrituras y del Evangelio en la Misa? Si no es así, no culpe al lector o al sacerdote, más bien mire dentro de sí mismo. ¿Qué está haciendo para que crezca su amistad y amor a Jesús? ¿Cόmo se prepara para la Misa cada semana? ¿Simplemente se presenta en la misa y espera ser entretenido? Como Cuerpo de Cristo, somos llamados a participar activamente, no solo a ser observadores pasivos. 
 

Vocations Reflections for Bulletins

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

Fourth Sunday of Advent
“It is by God's will that we have been sanctified.” How is God calling you to grow in holiness? If He may be inviting you to the priesthood, diaconate or consecrated life, contact the Vocation Office at (508) 630-4473 or email: [email protected].

Cuarto Domingo de Adviento 
"Es por la voluntad de Dios que hemos sido santificados." ¿Cómo te está llamando Dios a crecer en santidad? Si Él está invitándolo al sacerdocio, diaconado o la vida consagrada, comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508) 630-4473 o envíe un correo electrónico a: [email protected].

Opening Liturgy for the Jubilee Year of Hope
All are welcome to join with parishioners from around the diocese as we open the Jubilee Year of Hope on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 4:00 pm Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Chatham and High Streets. At 3:30 pm, a candlelight procession will precede the Mass beginning at St. John Church, 40 Temple Street. Shuttles will be available from the Cathedral parking lot to St. John. Our prayers will be joined with those in every Cathedral around the world as the Jubilee Year begins.

Concert in East Brookfield
The Christian Community Choir will present "Christmas is Forever", a Christmas Cantata, on Sunday Jan. 5 at 3:00 pm at St. John the Baptist Church, 131 Blaine Ave., East Brookfield. All are welcome.

Christmas Letter from Bishop McManus
Attached please find the Christmas Letter form Bishop McManus for use in your Fourth Sunday of Advent bulletins. It is also available online at Bulletin Letters and Inserts and can ALSO be found in the Resources tab on Catholic Social Media for those who have registered for CSM.

Position Available

 St. Anne St. Patrick parish is currently accepting applications for the position of Parish Secretary. This is a 30 hour position (M-F, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm). Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to) answering phones/emails; updating parish website; updating and maintaining parish database; creating parish bulletins; preparing and scheduling Daily and Sunday Mass intentions; maintaining timely communication with diocese; mailing periodic information to parishioners; scheduling sacraments (baptisms, marriages, funerals); and ordering and maintaining office supplies. A successful candidate must have an appreciation for the Catholic Faith and knowledge of various Microsoft Office applications including Publisher. Experience in Flocknote and ParishSoft is a plus. If you are interested, please submit your resume to [email protected]
 

TO: Priests

It's never too early to prepare for Holy Week! An invitation to a preaching retreat for priests
Join us March 9 and 10 at the College of the Holy Cross’s Joyce Contemplative Center, a serene refuge overlooking the beautiful Wachusett Reservoir, for an immersive retreat to prepare for Holy Week. Together, we will explore how to remain theologically authentic as Catholics while accurately portraying the historical events that underlie the Passion narrative, helping us understand the Hebrew Scriptures’ meaning and significance in both Judaism and Catholicism. The retreat is facilitated by Scripture scholars and experts in Judaism and Catholicism. The program includes shared meals, dialogue about the challenges and possibilities of preaching Scripture, conversations on how to read biblical texts, and time together in prayer. Further details, including a schedule, speaker lineup and registration link, can be found at www.holycross.edu/preaching25.


Advent Retreat in Dudley
All are welcome to an Advent Retreat  entitled "Trust Mary Like St. Andrew Bobola" on Dec. 13 - 15 led by presenter Rev. Jakub Ciolak at St. Andrew Bobola Church, 54 West Main St., Dudley. For the complete schedule of English and Polish language liturgies and talks, visit us online at www.standrewbobola.com.

Advent Service in Worcester
St. George Church on 40 Brattle Street in Worcester will be having a Night of Advent Music and Prayer: Waiting on a King on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 7:00  to 8:00 pm in the Church.  Come enjoy a night of Advent-themed contemporary music, readings, and reflection.  There will be refreshments downstairs after the music to enjoy some social time with one another.  We hope you can spare some time from your busy schedules to join us and unwind as we prepare for the birth of Christ. 

Breakfast and Photos with Santa in Worcester
Our Lady of Mercy Marontie Church invites everyone to Breakfast and Photo opportunity with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 11:30 am at their church hall on 341 June Street, Worcester. $15 per person ($8 kids to and under). Reserve your seats by Dec. 8 by calling Rony at 774-312-3447.

Blessing of Wine and Wine Tasting in Clinton
St. John, Guardian of Our Lady Parish, 80 Union St., will hold a blessing of wine on the feast day of St. John, Friday, Dec. 27 after the 6 p.m. Mass. Bring your wine to church to be blessed for consumption on special occasions throughout the year. A wine tasting event will follow in the parish hall, 6:45-8:45 p.m., accompanied by appetizers.  

New Year's Eve Party in Worcester
Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Parish will hold a New Year's Eve Party at their Church Hall on Dec. 31 beginning at 9:30 pm featuring Dinner, Music, and Card games at their hall at 341 June St., Worcester. All are welcome! RSVP by Dec 10 by calling Rony at 774-312-3447 or for more information.$50 per adult; $25 for children 12 and under.

Lessons & Carols in Clinton 
St. John, Guardian of Our Lady Parish, 80 Union St., invites you to Lessons & Carols 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, with Scripture readings, carols and sacred choral music for Christmas and Epiphany, featuring the upper school chorus of Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Still River. Donation accepted to benefit First Concern Pregnancy Resource Center.

Previous dispatch announcements

Eucharistic Adoration in Worcester
St. George Church located at 40 Brattle Street in Worcester, will have Eucharistic Exposition & Adoration on: Thursday, Dec. 5after the 5:30 PM Mass to 7:00 PM and Friday, Dec. 6 after 8:00 AM Mass until 10:00 AM.  Eucharistic Adoration is the first Thursday and Friday of every month.  

Christmas Shoppe Fair in Berlin
St. Joseph Parish, Berlin will hold their Christmas Shoppe Fair on Saturday Dec. 7 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and Sunday Dec. 8 from 9:00 am to Noon. Features Christmas Café; Gift Baskets; Raffles; Cookies & Baked Goods; Crafts; Christmas Past; and a Book Signing with Leslie Diggins of her recently published Children's book "Twas The Day Before Christmas in Bethlehem Town" on Saturday from 10:00 to 2:00 pm. Located at 52 West Street/Route 62, Berlin.

Rosary Group in Worcester
The Rosary Group at St. George Church, 40 Brattle St., Worcester meets the first Saturday of every month in the Church - All are welcome! Our next group meets on Saturday,Dec. 7 at 8:00 AM.   Contact Jim Hachey at 508-579-9623 for more information.

Breakfast with Santa in Douglas
St. Denis Parish in Douglas will host Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 8:00am to Noon. Adults $10, Children (6-12) $5. Features Christmas Movies and a Prize for best Ugly Sweater. Bring your phone or camera!

Family Advent Celebration in North Easton
Family Advent Celebration! Come for one or both parts of the celebration on Sat. Dec. 7 at the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington St., N. Easton. Christmas craft, family sing-along and pizza from 3:00 to 5:30 pm. The evening event, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, next door at St. Joseph Chapel, will be a benefit Christmas concert by Catholic musician Marie Miller. Both parts of the event are free. All donations will be forwarded to the Virika Cathedral in the Fort Portal Diocese, Uganda, for the repair of their roof. For more info, to register, or to donate, please visit hcfm.info/advent. Questions? Please call Amy Dyke at 508-238-4095.

Rorate Caeli Mass in West Boylston
A Rorate Caeli Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 6:30 amat Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester Street in West Boylston. The Rorate Coeli Mass is an ancient Advent devotion whereby a Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated by candlelight just before dawn. The interplay of light and darkness speaks to the meaning of Advent and the coming of the Light of the World. All are welcome. 
Christmas Craft and Vendor Fair in Spencer
Join us for our Christmas Craft & Vendor Faire on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8 am-2 pm at Mary, Queen of the Rosary Parish Hall in Spencer. Come start your Christmas shopping!  Featuring a variety of Craft Vendors, Secondhand Christmas Store, Bake & Candy Shop, Raffles, Poinsettias, and Lunch Café. 

Parish Bazaar in Auburn
Saint Joseph Parish will hold its annual bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 am-2 pm at the Parish Center, 68 Central St., Auburn. Featuring attic treasures, baked goods, candy, toys and so much more. Be sure to take a chance on our many raffle items as well as a $100 and a $50 Lottery Scratch Ticket Board. Something for everyone.

Holiday Bazaar in Leicester
The New 2 You Thrift Shop/Furniture Gallery will be holding its Fourth Annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9:00 am-3:00 pm at 759 Main St. Leicester.  Enjoy a full day of shopping offering amazing discounts and a chance to win a Holiday Centerpiece.  Take a chance on a variety of Raffles including $400 & $100.00 worth of scratch tickets, toy raffle table, 50/50, and more!  We will also have crafts, games, face painting and Flippo the Juggling Magician creating balloon sculptures for children.  Join us for lunch offering homemade meatball subs & french fries, chicken nuggets, popcorn and baked goods.  And don't forget your cameras for a chance to take your picture with Santa!

Christmas Fair in Upton
St. Gabriel Parish will hold its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 am to 2 pm at 151 Mendon Street, Upton. The fair has a wide variety of fresh balsam wreaths, cemetery baskets, gift and bake tables and raffles. Free admission! Come and enjoy!
 
Holiday Fair in Baldwinville
St. Martin Mission in Otter River will hold its Holiday Fair on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 am to 3 pm and on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 9 am to 1 pmat the American Legion Hall, 3 Central St., Baldwinville. Stop by to purchase wonderful hand-crafted items, home-made baked goods and fresh wreaths and other decorations. Take a chance on our fabulous theme basket raffle featuring over 40 baskets; the Chinese auction; 50/50 raffle and more. Plan to sit and enjoy lunch, or just rest with a cup of coffee and donut or pastry! Bring the kids — Say hello to Santa on Sunday!
 
Breakfast with Santa in Douglas On Sunday, Dec. 8 from  - 8:00 am to Noon, St. Denis Parish in Douglas will hold Breakfast with Santa.  Christmas Movies and a Prize for best Ugly Sweater. Bring your phone or camera!  Adults $10, Children (6-12) $5.
 
Christmas Festival in Worcester
St. Christopher Church, 950 West Boylston St., Worcester will be having their annual Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. It will feature food, raffles, games, flea market, crafts, jewelry, cookie buffet, and much more!!  No admission fee!. Come start your Christmas shopping while enjoying the festivities. For more information, call the parish office at 508-853-1492.

Vianney Dinner in Clinton
The next Vianney dinner is Thursday, Dec. 19 at Saint John Guardian of Our Lady in Clinton.  The evening begins with 6 pm Mass, followed by 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].

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!

Bereavement Support Group   
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 beginning Monday, Oct. 21 from 1-2:30 pm.  For more information or to register (required prior to the start of the sessions) call Renate Isbell (508) 835-3286

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.

Volunteering Opportunity

Volunteers needed for the Urban Missionaries of Our Lady of Hope
Since 1979 Urban Missionaries, located at 242 Canterbury Street Worcester, has been helping “the Least, the Last and the Left Out”.  We are seeking volunteers to help us meet the growing needs of our community. Help us with our multiple ongong programs, including a thrift store, food panties and special events. We welcome volunteers of all ages, individuals or groups, you set the schedule!   If interested or if you just have questions, contact us at 508-831-7455 or email at [email protected].

Volunteers Needed for Bishop's Holiday Dinners
Last year, with the incredible support of nearly 1,000 volunteers, we served over 6,500 Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to those in need. We extend our deepest thanks to our you all - our volunteers, sponsors, and donors - for making this possible. We need volunteers for Thanksgiving and Christmas meal packaging, deliveries, and the sit-down dinner events! Here’s how you can get involved on Thanksgiving and/or Christmas. Visit www.ccworc.org/bishopsdinnervolunteer/. Thank you.

Positions Available

Accounts Receivable Clerk - Diocesan Office of Fiscal Affairs
The Accounts Receivable (A/R) Clerk is responsible for managing and maintaining the accounts receivable function of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Worcester. This role includes invoicing, tracking payments, reconciling accounts, and ensuring accurate financial records. The A/R Clerk will work closely with parishes, schools, and other diocesan entities to ensure timely receipt of funds and compliance with diocesan financial procedures, while upholding the mission and values of the Catholic Church. This is Full-time position with benefits. Contact Rebecca Gordon, HR Manager for more information at 508-929-4353 or [email protected]

March for Life Registration is now open!
Plan now to attend the 52^nd annual March for Life in Washington, DC on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025!  Buses will leave from St. Paul Cathedral on Thurs., Jan. 23 following the Respect Life Mass at 7:30 p.m., and will travel to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC in time for Friday morning Mass followed by the March for Life at noon. Buses will return to Worcester immediately following the March, arriving back at Cathedral at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25.  Cost is $150 per seat.  Registration deadline is December 13.  Registrations will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.  For more details and to download registration forms, visit www.worcesterdiocese.org/respect-life or contact the Respect Life Office at 508-929-4311 or email [email protected].   Can’t attend this year but want to help?  Consider making a donation that will help defray expenses for our students who want to attend but might otherwise find it difficult to do so.  Thank you!



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.