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 rdelisle@worcesterdiocese.org.

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

FOR November 28, 2022

Second Sunday of Advent
“Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3:10) Do you bear good fruit for Jesus? Do you spend time in prayer or do you waste it with mindless activity? Do you use your talent to help others or are you too busy? Do you use your treasure to support the Church or do you buy more things that go unused. Our time, talent and treasure are gifts from God. What we do with these gifts is our gift back to Him. What gifts are you planning to give to the Lord during this upcoming Christmas season?

Segundo Domingo de Adviento
“Por lo tanto, cada árbol que no de buenos frutos será cortado y tirado al fuego.” (Mateo 3:10) ¿Da bueno frutos para Jesus? ¿Pasa tiempo en oración o pierde su tiempo con actividades sin sentido? ¿Utiliza sus talentos para ayudar a los demás o está demasiado ocupado? ¿Usa sus tesoros para apoyar a la Iglesia o para comprar más cosas que no utiliza? Nuestro tiempo y nuestro talento son dones de Dios. Lo que nosotros hacemos con estos dones es nuestro regalo de vuelta a Dios. ¿Qué regalos planificas darle al Señor durante esta próxima temporada navideña?

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Vocations reflections for Bulletins

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

Second Sunday of Advent
Are you called to be “A herald’s voice in the desert” preparing the way of the Lord in the hearts of His people? If you are considering a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, contact the Vocation Office at (508)-630-4473 or email: dinfante@saintpaulknights.org.

Segundo Domingo de Adviento
¿Está llamado a ser “la voz que llame en el desierto” para preparar el camino del Señor en los corazones del mundo? ¿Está contemplando su vocación al sacerdocio o la vida consagrada? Comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508)-630-4473 o envíe un correo electrónico a: dinfante@saintpaulknights.org.

St. Joseph’s Christmas Shoppe Fair in Berlin
Join us on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9 am to Noon for the St. Joseph's Christmas Shoppe Fair in Berlin. Features Christmas Café, Gift Baskets, Raffles, Cookies, Baked Goods, Crafts, and Christmas Past. located at 52 West Street/Route 62, Berlin.

Basket Raffle in Worcester
Emmaus Ministry is having a Basket Raffle at St. George Church on 40 Brattle Street, Worcester.  All baskets will be displayed in the Church hall and tickets will be sold after Sunday Masses on Dec. 4 at 8 am and 10 am  Raffle Tickets are 3 for $5 or an Arm's Length for $10. . We have 21 fabulous baskets to choose from. Final Drawing: Sunday, Dec. 4 at Noon. If you have questions, contact JoAnn or Andrea at: emmaus.stgeorge@gmail.com or call 508-853-0183

The Feasts of Christmas Tide
Did you know that the early church didn’t place the emphasis on celebrating Christmas that we do today?  Join Annunciation Parish in Gardner on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6:30p.m. to learn why Catholics celebrate the Christmas Season as we do. Fr. Stephen Lundrigan will share with us the history and significance of the Church’s Christmas feasts and the traditions which surround them. We will begin with Evening Prayer in Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols St. then go downstairs to the church hall for his presentation.

Come to the Crib
Join Annunciation Parish in Gardner for a prayerful reflection on the infancy of Jesus led by Fr. Thiago Ibiapina on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the church hall at Holy Rosary, 135 Nichols St., Gardner.

Rorate Caeli Mass in honor of Our Lady
On Saturday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 AM, a Rorate Caeli Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester St., West Boylston. The Rorate Caeli Mass is an ancient Advent devotion wherein a Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated 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. 

Advent Evening of Reflection
St. George Church, 40 Brattle St., Worcester will hold an Advent Evening of Reflection on Monday, Dec. 19 from 6:30- 8:00 pm. This is an opportunity to take time out to remember the intention of Advent season and prepare for Christmas. Please come and join in prayer and reflection.

Family Prayer Night in Worcester
Family Prayer Night, a gathering of people who pray for all families, occurs every Thursday at 6:00 pm at St. George Church, 40 Brattle St. Worcester. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary are prayed during this time. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn to pray the Rosary. Eucharistic Adoration is also a part of this wonderful time of prayer on the Thursday before the first Friday of each month.

TO Parish Administration

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 aledoux@worcesterdiocese.org.

Retirement Fund for Religious Letter from Bishop McManus

Below please find the annual Retirement Fund for Religious (RFFR) Letter from Bishop McManus to include in your bulletins. The text is also available on the website under Bulletin Letters and Inserts.

November 21, 2022

First Sunday of Advent
“Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42) People who have had health issues or near-death experiences generally have a greater appreciation for each day being a gift from God. The rest of us usually take for granted that we will be around tomorrow. But when you start to look at each day as a gift, you realize all the little miracles that happen daily and you begin to see God’s active presence in your life. You grow in gratitude, each day, for all that we have been given.

1er. Domingo de Adviento
“ ¡Por lo tanto permanezcan despiertos! Ya que no saben que Día vendrá nuestro Señor.” (Mateo 24: 42) Las personas que tiene problemas de salud o experiencias cercanas a la muerte generalmente aprecian mejor el hecho de que cada día es un don de Dios. El resto de nosotros da por sentado que estaremos aquí el día de mañana. Sin embargo, al comenzar a ver cada día como un don, se dará cuenta de todos los pequeños milagros que suceden diariamente y comenzara a ver la presencia activa de Dios en su vida. Su gratitud crecerá cada día, por todo lo que se nos ha dado.

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Vocations reflections for Bulletins

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

First Sunday of Advent
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks….”  If you think that God is calling you to serve the Lord of the harvest as a priest, deacon, sister or brother, contact the Vocation Office at (508)-630-4473 or email: dinfante@saintpaulknights.org.

Primer Domingo de Adviento
“Golpearán sus espadas en el arado y sus lanzas en la poda de ganchos.” Si cree que Dios le llame a servir al Señor en la cosecha como sacerdote, diácono, religiosa o religioso, comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508)-630-4473 o envíe un correo electrónico a: dinfante@saintpaulknights.org.

Christmas Bazaar in Oxford
On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 8 am—2 pm, all are welcome to St. Roch Church Hall
334 Main St., Oxford for our Christmas Bazaar. Featuring Themed Baskets Raffle, Hand Crafted Items, Timeless Christmas Treasures, Bake Sale, and Delicious Lunch


Breakfast with Santa
On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 8:30 to 11:30 am, join us for Breakfast with Santa at 
St. Denis Church, 23 Manchaug Road, Douglas. Adults $8; Children under 10 are $4.Raffles too! Bring your phone/camera for photos with Santa! For more info or to purchase breakfast or raffle tickets online, please visit SaintDenisChurch.com/santa

Christmas Faire in Spencer
Mary, Queen of the Rosary Christmas Faire on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm in their Parish Hall, 7 Church Street, Spencer. Vendor Craft Tables, Second Hand “Christmas Treasures”, Baked Goods, Raffles, Hot Chocolate Bar, Poinsettias and Lunch Café. Start your Holiday Shopping!

St. Gabriel's Christmas Fair
St. Gabriel's Church, 151 Mendon St., Upton, will hold their Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec.3 from 9 am to 2 pm.   Features a wide variety of fresh balsam wreaths, cemetery baskets and table top arrangements.  Raffles on Theme Baskets, Gift Certificates, and over $450 of Lottery Scratch Tickets are available.  A New Gift Boutique featuring new and "like new" items, Olde Tyme Christmas decorations, Gems & Jewels and a Christmas Holiday decor section will have selections to interest everyone.  The Bake Table offers delectable cookies, pastries, candy, jams and jellies.  Self-serve coffee, cold drinks, sandwiches and pastries will also be offered.Due to an ongoing concern of Covid, facial masks are encouraged. Complimentary masks will be available at the door. Come by and say “Hello”.  We look forward to seeing our neighbors and friends during this festive, holiday season.

Advent Family Day in North Easton
Prayer, Pizza & Painting! Celebrate the reason for the season at Advent Family Day at the Museum of Family Prayer  Drop in any time on Saturday, Dec. 3 between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free program features prayer and pizza while everyone in the family can paint ornaments for their Christmas trees. Museum of Family Prayer, 518 Washington Street (Route 138), North Easton. web: MuseumOfFamilyPrayer.org. 

Christmas Fair in Harvard
Come to our Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. It is always a magical event filled with Christmas crafts, music, games, gifts, cookies & bakery goods, food… and great Christmas spirit! Take a leisurely walk through our display of Nativity scenes, share a favorite song at our Christmas Karaoke or just sit back and enjoy the day of festive fun! Bring your family and friends! Free parking! Free admittance! The Fair will take place at MacIsaac Hall & Gym, Saint Benedict Center, 271 Still River Road, Harvard. 

Christmas Fair in Ashburnham
St. Denis Parish,85 Main St, Ashburnham, will be holding their Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 am to 6 pm in Father Lacey Hall. Includes food booth showcasing soups, chowders, baked goods etc. There will be a scratch ticket raffle tree and other raffles and crafts. All are welcome!

Note to bulletin editors:  Please include the announcement regarding the March for Life bus trip (repeated below) in parish bulletins for the next several weeks if at all possible.  The registration deadline is Dec. 15 which is significantly earlier than in the past, so we would appreciate your promotion of the event over the next few weeks so that parishioners are aware of the earlier deadline.  Thank you!

March for Life Registration Information now available!
Plan now to attend the 50th annual March for Life in Washington, DC on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023! Buses will leave from St. Paul’s Cathedral on Thurs., Jan. 19 following the Respect Life Mass at 7:30 p.m., and will travel to the Basilica of 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 St. Paul’s at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21.  Cost is $130 per seat.  Registration deadline is December 15.  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 aledoux@worcesterdiocese.org.   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!

Promote Vocations through Serra Club
The Serra Club of the Worcester Diocese North is inviting local parishioners to consider joining their group. The Serrans who formed the first club in 1935, took as their patron, Fr. Junipero Serra, OFM, who established the chain of missions along the California coast. Serra is an international organization for lay Catholics who accept as their responsibility the promotion of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and the vowed religious life. Serrans come from all walks of life: lawyers, homemakers, doctors, business people, and retirees to name a few. They also support local diocesan priests, deacons, members of religious orders, and seminarians. This is accomplished by prayers, notes of support, holiday gifts, and visits. For more information about membership Serra Club North, please contact membership co-chairs, John Shannon, St. Leo Parish, Leominster at john_shan5@hotmail.com or Stephen Sonia, Holy Trinity Parish, Harvard/Bolton at stevesonia283@comcast.net. 

TO Parish Administration

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 aledoux@worcesterdiocese.org.

REMINDER: Enter your parish data for the Official Catholic Directory

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, the publishers of the Official Catholic Directory (Kenedy Directory) sent an email to each parish email on file from last year as the official contact. Look for an email from "ocdedits@nrpdirect.com" - this is NOT junkmail. 
If you DID NOT find it in your email or SPAM/Junkmail folder, then you need to use the link to Register and claim your parish or school. Click on ocdedits.com/login. If you DID receive the email, that will be the email address to use when you login.
Completing these online forms is mandatory in order to qualify as part of the IRS Group ruling as a non-profit. It does not take long to do and the publisher noted that Google Chrome is the best browser to use for the task. There is no cost to your parish or school to update information; the only cost incurred is if you want to purchase a copy of the directory.  If you have any questions, please contact Ray Delisle ASAP at 508-929-4313/ rdelisle@worcesterdioc.... The deadline to complete the forms on line is DECEMBER 7. There is no paper equivalent.

Advent Letter from Bishop McManus

Please find the Advent Letter from Bishop McManus to include in your bulletins on the website under Bulletin Letters and Inserts.

November 14, 2022

Holiday Fair in Otter RIver

St. Martin Church, Otter River will hold its annual Holiday Fair on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 am to 3 pm and on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9 am to 1 pm at 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 30 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.

The True Story of Santa Claus
You are cordially invited to a staged reading of the play: "The True Story of Santa Claus" on Sunday Dec. 4 from 11:30 am - 1 pm at St. Anne Parish stage, 20 Boston Rd., Southborough. A post-play party will featurs pictres with "santa"; Nativity GIngerbread house making; candle wreath making, stockings for Jesus, Jesse trees and O Antiphon ornaments. To learn more or to RSVP email rachelle@stannesouthborough.org.

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   calltoadoration@aol.com.

Volunteers Needed at Notre Dame Long Term Care
Notre Dame Long Term Care is looking for volunteer Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who would be willing to provide Communion to our residents during and after Mass.  We are blessed to have a priest celebrate Mass with us daily, including Saturday's, at 10:00 a.m.  If you are interested, please call (508) 852-3011 x3125 for the Pastoral Care office.   

TO Parish Administration

Kneelers Needed
Annunciation Parish in Gardner is in the process of opening an adoration chapel and is in search of kneelers. If your parish has some available please contact the Rectory at Annunciation at 978-632-0253.

 

October 31, 2022

Christmas Festival in Worcester
St. Christopher Parish , will hold the annual Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 am - 3 pm at 950 West Boylston St., Worcester.  Features food, raffles, flea market items, crafts, jewelry, Christmas items, baked goods 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.

Craft Fair & Carnival in Millbury
Assumption School is holding a Craft Fair & Winter Carnival on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 11 am - 3 pm at Our Lady of the Assumption Church Hall, 12 Waters Street, Millbury. Features Crafters, Vendors, Games, Face Painting, Lunch menu, Grand Raffle and Penny Social Raffles. Please join in the fun!

TO Parish Administration

Hymnal/Missalettes available for free
Saint Mary Parish in Uxbridge has 250 copies of the 2023 edition of the Breaking Bread Hymnal from OCP with readings and Daily Mass Propers that are available for FREE. If you would like them for your parish, please call Sue in the parish office at 508-278-2226. 

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.

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.

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 mary@maryverdi.com.

September 26, 2022

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

Flea Market to benefit Urban Missionaries

Doing some spring cleaning? Gain some extra cash and space by selling your unwanted household and outdoor items. Rent a table for only $15.00 at the Urban Missionaries' Saturday Flea Market (seasonal).  You will also be supporting their mission of “Just Helping, the Least, the Last, and the Left Out.” Set-up is at 7:00 am. Reservations are required one week in advance; family appropriate items only; payment due on-site, prior to set-up. Contact mailbox@urbanmissionaries.com or call 508-831-7455.

FOR PARISH ADMINISTRATION:

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 worcester@ecatholic.com 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 worcester@eCatholic.com 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 mmorales@ccworc.org.

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 fertilitycare@ymail.com.

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.