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 and fax to parishes. 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 the week after the issue date. 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

Latest Edition:  January 18, 2021

 

3^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17)  Jesus’ call to “Follow me” is a call to all Christians!  The call is in the here and now, in our present circumstances, not when we think we are “ready” or have everything in order.  Good stewardship of our God-given gifts means that things aren’t always going to go according to our schedule and that God has a much better plan in store for each of us.

3er. Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
"Síganme y los haré pescadores de hombres”  (Marcos 1:17)  El llamado de Jesús "Síganme", ¡es un llamado a todos los Cristianos!El llamado es aquí y ahora, en nuestras circunstancias presentes, no cuando nosotros pensamos que estamos "listos" o que tenemos todo en orden.La buena corresponsabilidad de los dones que Dios nos ha dado significa que las cosas no siempre están de acuerdo con nuestrohorario, y que Dios tiene en mente un plan mucho mejor para cada uno de nosotros.

Jan. 22 Day of Prayer in Spencer
All are welcome as we observe this day of prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. To unite our prayers with the prayers of those around the country, Mary Queen of the Rosary Parish, Spencer will have Mass on Friday, Jan. 22 at 7 pm with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and we will pray the Stations of the Cross for life.  In this way our parish can pray for a respect for life from conception to natural death.

Pro-Life Morning of Reflection
Please join us for A Morning for Life with Msgr. James Moroney on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 10 am - Noon at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 38 High St., Worcester.  The mini-retreat will include a talk on “Pope Francis and the Gospel of Life”, quiet prayer time, and Mass for Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life. Pre-registration is preferred (though not required).  Email intent to attend to aledoux@worcesterdioce....  Download the flyer with more details at: worcesterdiocese.org/r.... 

Collection for Priests' Retirement.  Insert #2
On Ash Wednesday, February 17, the parishes of our diocese will take up a collection to support the retired priests of our diocese. We currently have 53 retired priests. An additional 42 priests will reach the retirement age of 75 within the next nine years. Over the last two fiscal years, the costs of priest retirement, including housing, health insurance and monthly stipends have ranged from $2.2 - 2.6 million leading to significant annual shortfalls Your support of the Ash Wednesday collection will help us meet our obligation to those priests who have faithfully served us and our families through the decades. Thank you for your support. (To Parish Bulletin editors: a document is attached to the Flocknote - see above link -  with the five weeks of bulletin announcements available in advance.)

Lenten Adult Faith Formation on Zoom or In Person
St. Mary Parish, Uxbridge will offer "The Search," an innovative video series from Augustine Institute which tackles the key questions of the human heart. Multi-disciplinary experts will address such issues as life and death, sorrow and happiness, science and faith, and the meaning and purpose of life. Whether you are a seeker, tepid in your faith or completely engaged, you will find this series enlightening. It will take place on Monday nights, February 15 through March 29, from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. There will be an in-person class at the parish and a Zoom class running at the same time. There is no cost for the class, but there is an optional workbook available for $10. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed for the in-person session. St. Mary Parish is located at 77 Mendon St. in Uxbridge. For more information or to register for The Search, please email: thesearch@stmaryuxbrid... or visit stmaryuxbridge.org.

Collection for Catholic Home Missions
Attached to the Flocknote (See above) please find the letter from Bishop McManus for the national Collection for Home Missions. Kindly announce the collection on the weekend of January 24 and take up the collection on the weekend of Jan. 31. The letter (option of text only or pdf) is also available on the diocesan website under Bulletin Inserts and Letters.

Chancery Closed Monday, Jan. 18
The Chancery Offices are closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
 

January 11, 2021

2^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’” (John 1:38) What are you looking for?  Are you wasting your time looking for the material comforts of the world?  Or, is your heart longing for something deeper that can only be found by spending time with God?  Take time, each day, in silence and ask the Lord what it is that He wants you to do.

2do. Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
"Jesús se dio la vuelta y al ver que lo seguían les preguntó, "¿Qué están buscando?" (Juan 1:38)  ¿Que está usted buscando?¿Está perdiendo su tiempo buscando las comodidades materiales del mundo? O, ¿su corazón anhela algo más profundo que puede únicamente encontrarse si pasamos tiempo con Dios?Tome tiempo, cada día, en silencio y pregúntele al Señor que es lo que Él quiere que usted haga.

Bishop Barron's "David the King" Bible Study
St. Mary & St. Philip Parishes in Grafton will soon experience how the whole Bible opens up once it’s viewed through the person of King David in Bishop Robert Barron’s Bible study. Class sessions(via Zoom): Wednesdays Jan 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 6:30-8 pm. For more info or to register, please contact Darleen Farland at:  dfarland@stmarysgrafton.org.

“A Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children” will be held at Annunciation Parish in Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols St., Gardner on Friday, Jan.22. We will begin with Mass at 9 a.m followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day and concluding with a Holy Hour at 7 p.m.  Enter the church by the ramp door. Additional details at AnnunciationGardner.org 

Life Chain Event in South Grafton
Join us on Saturday, Jan.23 for 9:00 Mass followed by Life Chain in front of the parish at 10:00. St. James Parish, 89 Main Street, South Grafton.

Divine Mercy Holy Hour for an End to Abortion 
Every Friday at 3:00 pm join us at St. James Church, 89 Main St., South Grafton.

Pork Roast Dinner
St. Peter Parish in Northbridge is having a Pork Roast “To Go” Dinner. Pick up will be on Saturday, Jan. 23 starting at 5:30 pm in the Parish Hall.  Tickets are $12 per dinner and include salad and dessert.  All orders must be purchased in advance. Please call 508-234-2156 or email parishoffice@stpeterrockdale.org  to purchase tickets or if you have any questions.

Facing Fear with Jesus: PPE for the Soul
We face many fears: sickness and death from a worldwide pandemic, job, and financial loss, loneliness, and radical changes in our society. We need PPE (personal protective equipment) for our souls and emotions. Explore eight concrete tips from the Bible, the Saints, and our Catholic Faith. The session includes prayer, reflection, small group sharing, and talks. Speakers: John and Therese Boucher, Catholic teachers of adults and authors. To be held on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 9:15-11:30 pm. FREE REGISTRATION (limited spaces available)! Register by email by Thursday, Jan. 28 with your name, email, and phone number to Esperanza Oliveras at cje21@verizon.net,  to receive the Zoom.com video session link.
(Hosted by the Parish Renewal and Evangelization Committee, Diocese of Worcester.) 

Collection for Priests' Retirement.  
Beginning this Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, the parishes of our diocese will take up an annual collection to support the retirement costs of our diocesan priests. For many years the parishes of our diocese have generously supported a collection to assist religious communities with the retirement costs of their sisters, brothers and priests. These funds have gone to religious communities like the Venerini Sisters, the Sisters of Saint Joseph, the Assumptionists and the Trappists.. These funds have not gone to support the retirement costs of the priests of the Diocese of Worcester. We will continue to support the Retirement Fund for Religious in December but please join us in taking care of our priests this Ash Wednesday as we work to find new revenues to support them in their retirement. Thank you for your support.

Job Opportunities

Parish Secretary
St. Brigid and Assumption Parishes in Millbury are looking for a secretary to work Monday through Thursday 8:30 am– 3:30. pm Must be computer literate, and familiarity with office and church responsibilities would be an asset. Salary and hours are negotiable. Call Deacon Ron Buron at 508-865-6624 if interested or with questions.

Part-time Cook
The Holy Name of Jesus House of Studies in Worcester is looking for a part-time cook to fill in for several weeks preparing dinner on Mondays-Thursdays for six people.  Salary to be negotiated based on experience.   Interested applicants should contact house director Father Donato Infante at director@worcestervocations.com or 508-630-4473.

 

January 4, 2021

Baptism of the Lord
“And a voice came from the heavens, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11) Through our baptism, we too, are daughters and sons of God.  We are disciples of Jesus.  As true disciples we are called to actively participate in our Catholic faith, not just be mere bystanders.  This means working in collaboration with the Holy Spirit and discerning how we are being asked to use our gifts.  Using our gifts for the benefit of others and not just for our own interests and comfort.

Bautizo del Señor
" y una voz vino del cielo, "Eres mi Hijo amado; en ti me complazco."  (Marcos 1:11) A través de nuestro bautismo, también nosotros somos hijos de Dios.Somos discípulos de Jesús.Como verdaderos discípulos somos llamados a participar activamente en nuestra fe Católica, no solo a ser simples espectadores.Esto significa trabajar en colaboración con el Espíritu Santo y discernir como se nos pide utilizar nuestros dones.Significa utilizar nuestros dones para el beneficio de otros y no solo para nuestro propio interés y comodidad.

Holy Hour to Pray for Priests
On January 8, 2021 from 7 - 8 pm a holy hour to pray for priests will take place at Immaculate Conception Church on 353 Grove St., Worcester. This holy hour will consist of time for silent adoration, as well as a short reflection, the rosary, and benediction. Please join us to pray for our priests.

Join the National Novena for Life 
9 Days for Life is a focused period of prayer, penance, and pilgrimage set aside to mark the tragic anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion during all nine months of pregnancy. The novena will take place nationwide from January 21 through 29, 2021. During this time, all are invited to participate by joining together with thousands of Catholics across the country in prayer for a new intention each of the nine days. Visit www.9daysforlife.com to learn more and to download a free app for your smartphone or to sign up for daily emails or text messages with each day's prayer intention. Your prayers matter! Your sacrifices make a difference!

NOTE to bulletin editors: Web graphics for the 9 Days for Life Novena for use on parish websites and social media and many more helpful parish resources can be found at https://www.respectlife.org/9-days-for-life in the leader resources section.  A reproducible flyer for use as a parish bulletin insert is available at https://www.usccb.org/resources/9-days-8.5x11-flyer-2021.pdf. 

January 22 National Day of Prayer
Did you know that in Dioceses throughout the United States, January 22 is designated as a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Human Life?  As Catholics we are called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting and/or giving alms, in a way similar to our Lenten practices.  Learn more about how you can participate at https://www.worcesterdiocese.org/jan-22-day-of-prayer. 

Pro-Life Morning of Reflection
Please join us for a Pro-Life Morning of Reflection with Monsignor James Moroney on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 38 High St., Worcester.  Additional information and registration information will be available at www.worcesterdiocese.org/respect-life. 

Mass and Holy Hour for Life
All are invited to join Bishop McManus for the annual Mass for Life on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 19 Chatham St., Worcester.  A special Holy Hour for Life will follow at 7:30 p.m.  Please join us as we remember the 48th tragic anniversary of Roe v. Wade and pray for an end to abortion and the conversion of our nation.  All are welcome!

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TO: Parish Staff

Update on Clergy Visits at Saint Vincent Hospital
Realizing that this is a unique Christmas season, due to the increased number of patients whose condition warrants isolation, please be advised that routine visitation of your parishioners is not possible at this time. Exceptions are made for parishioners who are nearing the end of their lives and would be comforted by their own parish priest. Regardless of their condition, the diocesan priests assigned to the hospital have recently been vaccinated and have always been able to visit any patient, using proper protective equipment (PPE) for those who must be isolated. If you receive a call requesting sacramental or pastoral care for a patient who is a parishioner, please call the chaplain’s office at 508-363-6246 during the daytime hours. In the event of an after-hours’ emergency, where time is essential, call 508-363-500 and ask the hospital operator to page the priest on duty. Your call will be parked in a queue and, while you will not hear anything, the on-duty chaplain will receive a unique code that will allow him to be linked up with you. This will take some time, either to excuse himself from a visit or to find a phone to dial in. Please be patient.   

Dept. of Children and Families seeking spaces for monitored child visits
The MA Dept. of Children and Families (DCF) is looking for space with a separate entrance where children, who are placed out of home, can have a supervised family visit.  These would be monitored by DCF staff and could include others such as interpreters.  The space would need to accommodate 6 ft. social distancing for between 4 and 10 people with tables and chairs.  They would like to have access on at least one day per week with 2 visits in the a.m. and 2 visits in the afternoon. They would also need dedicated restrooms and help disinfecting between the sessions. They use screening questions and provide PPE for all visits.  They can provide proper signage.  The visits are staggered so one group does no interact with another.  If your parish has a hall available during the week and you have a part time maintenance person, and are interested in helping during this difficult time, contact Daniel Arnold at daniel.r.arnold@state.ma.us or at office # 508-929-2026. Fee is negotiable.

Dec. 28, 2020

Epiphany of the Lord
“..they fell down and worshipped him.  Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh...”  (Matthew 2:11)  Notice the order of events in the Magi’s visit.  First, they knelt before Jesus and prayed to Him.  Then they presented Him with their gifts.  We, too, must take time to pray before we present our gifts to the Lord.  We never know what God may be asking us to share!

Epifanía del Señor
".. postrándose ante Él lo adoraron.Entonces, abrieron sus tesoros y le ofrecieron como regalo oro, incienso y mirra..." (Mateo 2:11) Fíjese en el orden de los eventos en la visita de los Magos.Primero, se arrodillaron ante Jesús y oraron.Entonces le presentaron sus regalos.Nosotros también debemos tomar un momento para orar antes de presentarle nuestros regalos al Señor.¡Nunca sabemos lo que Dios nos está pidiendo compartir!
 

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.

Returning to offices Training and Protocols
Even if your parish office is not open to the public, Massachusetts has a protocol for returning to work in offices which includes training and assuring that employees do not come to work if they are symptomatic. Whether you were an essential operation or just returning now to the office, please review the resources that are being used for Chancery employees regarding safety at work during this pandemic and adapting our acknowledgement form for use in your parish. visit worcesterdiocese.org/covid-related-forms.

MONTHLY AND ONGOING RESOURCES

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.

Include Text-To-Join in your Bulletin each week!
If you are one of the 60 parishes using Flocknote, remember to put your Text To Join (TTJ) number in your bulletin each week – or simply add it to the masthead next time you make changes. You can find the number and phrase when you click on Settings from your Dashboard.
Sample Bulletin notice:
Keep in touch with everything going on in our parish by signing up for our Flocknote emails. Simply text “Your Phrase” to ##### (your TTJ number) and be an informed member of our parish family. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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.

DAILY MASS ON TV AND THE INTERNET 

Tune in on Monday through Friday on Charter TV3 on channel 193 at 9 am for the local Daily Mass on cable celebrated by various priests from around our diocese. Also airs at 4:30 pm in Shrewsbury on Ch. 28, and 5 pm in Clinton area on Ch. 8. 

INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW TO HELP IN TV MINISTRY? 

Whether you like to operate a camera, or would like to learn audio controls or even how to produce, we have a place for you in TV Ministry. We will train – all you need is a desire to learn and some free time. Call Steve at 508-791-203 9 or email tvmass@charter.net for more information. Great service opportunity for high school or college students and retirees alike! 

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.