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.

---

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

June 27, 2022

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“He said to them, ‘The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few…’”  Luke 10:2  As Catholics we are all called to serve.  Each of us has been given “charisms” otherwise known as gifts from the Holy Spirit to help build God’s Church.  Our charisms can only be used for good.  We know that we are using them in the right ministry when we are filled with joy and we want to share stories about our charitable works.  Discern how God is calling you to use your charisms.  Say “yes” to what God is calling you to do and then do it!  Share your joy and invite others to do the same.

14^o Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario 
Él les dijo, “La cosecha es abundante, pero los trabajadores son pocos...”  Lucas 10:2  Como Católicos todos estamos llamados a servir.  A cada uno de nosotros se nos han otorgado “carismas”, también conocidos como dones del Espíritu Santo, para ayudarnos a construir la Iglesia de Dios.  Nuestros carismas solamente pueden utilizarse para bien.  Sabemos que los estamos utilizando en el ministerio correcto cuando nos sentimos llenos de alegría y queremos compartir las historias acerca de nuestras obras de caridad.  Descifre como Dios lo llama a utilizar sus carismas.  ¡Dígale “sí” al llamado de Dios y luego póngalo en práctica!  Comparta su alegría e invite a los demás a hacer lo mismo.
 

---

Vocations reflections for Bulletins

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

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”   Are you being called by the Lord of the harvest to proclaim His kingdom as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? Contact the Vocation Office at (508)630-4473or email: donato.infante@gmail.com.

Decimocuarto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
"La mies es mucha, pero los obreros pocos." ¿Está siendo llamado por el Señor de la mies para proclamar su reino como sacerdote, diácono o en la vida consagrada? Comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508) 630-4473 o envíe un correo electrónico a: donato.infante@gmail.com.

---

Holy Hour to Pray for Priests
On Friday, July 8 from 7 - 8 pm a holy hour to pray for priests will take place at Immaculate Conception Church on 353 Grove St., Worcester. The holy hour consists of time for silent adoration, a short reflection, the rosary, and benediction. Please join us to pray for our priests. Repeats every second Friday of the month.

Local Evangelization Workshop via Zoom
6 Evangelizing Approaches for Reaching Inactive Catholics - Missionary evangelizing goes beyond programs. No single program or “magic pill” will bring all inactive Catholics in our area back to Jesus and the Mass. Discover the six most dynamic approaches and tools that successful evangelizing individuals, groups, and parishes use. Instructors: John and Therese Boucher. To be held on Saturday, July 30 from 9:30 AM to Noon. NO COST registration. This is a Zoom workshop. Email your name & phone number to boucherjohn@hotmail.com by Wednesday, July 27.

Celebrate the Feast of Saint Anne & St. Joachim in Southboro
Relic Veneration & Tea Party in Southborough - In honor of the grandparent saints of our Lord Jesus Christ, and all biological & spiritual grandparents with whom the Lord has blessed us. To be held on Sunday, July 24 beginning with Mass at 10:30 am concluding with veneration of a first class relic of St. Anne; followed by 11:30 am Tea Party in the Parish Hall. St. Anne Parish is located at 20 Boston Rd., Southborough. To RSVP or to volunteer as a youth waiter, please contact: rachelle@stannesouthborough.org

Summer Theatre Opportunity in Southboro
Join the St. Anne Youth Theater Performance Troupe! Open to ages 12-18. Musical, comedy, historical & dramatic performances will be held at St. Anne’s Stage in Southborough throughout the year. Meetings will be held beginning July 30 after the 5:00 pm vigil Mass at St. Anne Church, 20 Boston Rd., Southborough. For more information, or to sign up, please contact: theodramaclass@gmail.com.

TO: Parish Administration

OVERDUE: Safe Environment Audit Forms from parishes and schools - 
Maria will be calling parishes TODAY to follow-up on missing Self Assessment forms. THANK YOU to those who have submitted their forms The Self-Assessment Forms were sent by Flocknote to all parishes and schools in mid-May. June 14 was the deadline to return the forms to TINA ROMEO by fax 508-753-7180), US Mail to the chancery or email (tromeo@worcesterdiocese.org). CLICK HERE for a link to the page on our website where you can download the forms if you cannot find them (scroll down to near the bottom of the page). All parishes and schools are required to fill out the forms as part of our national audit compliance process. Thank you.

****Summer Chancery Schedule***
Beginning this Friday, June 24, the Chancery Offices will be CLOSED on Fridays until after Labor Day. The building continues to be open by appointment only. Offices are generally staffed Monday though Thursday from 8 am to 5:15 pm for the summer. Please enter by the front lobby for appointments and call the person you are meeting with to let them know you have arrived. Thank you.

June 20, 2022

 

---

33 Days to Morning Glory! A Consecration to Our Blessed Mother -in Charlton

Come to St. Joseph Parish in Charlton for this six-week retreat as a way of developing a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through his mother, Mary. To be held on Mondays, July 11 through August 15 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at the parish in the "cornerstone". The book and video program are part of the Hearts Afire series by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, director of evangelization for the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception in Stockbridge. Together we will prepare our hearts for a total consecration to Mary. Four major saints who had a deep devotion to Mary will be highlighted: St. Maximillian Kolbe, St. Teresa, St. John Paul II and St. Louis de Montfort. Cost for the materials is $29.95 and includes a book and workbook. Please sign-up on our website: www.stjosephscharlton.com/33-days-to-morning-glory and you can order the books online from that site (copies available for those in financial need). For questions, please call Susan Montville at 508-735-3269. 

 

June 13, 2022

Catholic Women’s Retreat in Putnam CT
A Catholic Women's Retreat will take place on Friday, June 24 to Sunday, June 26 at the Immaculate Conception Center in Putnam, CT. Cost $160.00. All meals included except for Friday night. This retreat will provide opportunities for learning about the depth and wisdom of Mary, our Blessed Mother, as she draws us closer to her son, Jesus. There will be time for contemplation and community with each other as women living out our Catholic faith in these challenging times. In this silent retreat we will find greater peace through the graces of Mary, Queen of Heaven, and with each other as sisters in Christ, reflecting that harmony to our families and the world around us. You may register online at stmaryuxbridge.org/womens-retreat or call the parish office at 508-278-2226. Please indicate special dietary restrictions or any other accommodations. For more information, please contact Mary Fahey at 508-353-5272.

33 Days to Morning Glory! A Consecration to Our Blessed Mother.
Join us in this six-week retreat as a way of developing a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through his mother, Mary. To be held on Mondays, July 11 through August 15 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at St. Mary Parish Hall, Uxbridge. Presenter: Mary Fahey. The book and video program is part of the Hearts Afire series by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC who is director of evangelization for the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception in Stockbridge. Together we will prepare our hearts for a total consecration to Mary. Four major saints who had a deep devotion to Mary will be highlighted: St. Maximillian Kolbe, Mother St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. John Paul II and St. Louis de Montfort. Cost for the program cost $30.00 and includes a book and workbook. Please sign-up on our website: stmaryuxbridge.org/33-days-to-morning-gloryand we will order the books for you. For questions, please call the office at: 508-278-2226 ext. 23.

Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching
On Wednesdays, July 27, August 3, 10, 24, and 31 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at St. Mary Parish Hall, Uxbridge. Presenter: Peter Fritz, Associate Professor, Department of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross. Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is the church’s best-kept secret. We are all aware that God loves us and asks us to love our neighbors. But fewer people know that the church gives us principles and guidelines to help us love God and neighbor not just in private, but also in public; not just in our homes and neighborhoods, but also in politics and society. CST is this body of principles and guidelines. In this five-week course we will survey modern CST, how it advocates Christ-centered living, the biblical and traditional roots of CST, and also discuss three of the main principles of CST: solidarity, subsidiarity, and the universal destination of goods. No prior knowledge of CST or theology is needed. Brief weekly readings will be provided. Please register on our website: stmaryuxbridge.org/st-mary-university-of-uxbridge or call the office at: 509-278-2226 ext. 23.

Volunteer Opportunity
Little Audrey Santo Foundation is welcoming volunteers. For more information call 508-755-8712.

June 6, 2022

Religious Freedom Week will be celebrated in dioceses nationwide from June 22 to June 29. Throughout the week we will focus on the importance of preserving the essential right of religious freedom, both now and in the future, for Catholics and all people of faith. This year’s theme is “Life and Dignity for All”. The significant feast days during the week (Saints Thomas More and John Fisher – June 22, Saint John the Baptist – June 24, and Saints Peter and Paul – June 29) inspire us to follow the example of these great saints who loved God above all and remained faithful in the face of adversity. Please visit www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek to download the “Pray-Reflect-Act” pages for each day on various religious liberty topics. These excellent resources are intended to inspire us to learn more about religious liberty from a Catholic perspective, help us to pray about particular issues, and provide us with tools to act on what we learn. Additional information and resources for parish and personal use can be found at worcesterdiocese.org/religiousfreedomweek.

Diocesan Youth Discipleship Team

Registration is now open for the 2022-23 Diocesan Youth Discipleship Team. The Discipleship Team is a program for high school age youth (in August 2022) that focuses on helping young people grow deeper in their relationship with God, equips them with skills for evangelization with their peers, and provides opportunities to lead various Diocesan events for middle school youth. The program begins in August with a retreat followed by monthly meetings from September – May. To accommodate for distance, participants have the option to choose between one of two meeting locations – Auburn and Leominster. For complete details or to sign up, go to neworcester.org/diocesan-youth-discipleship-team. Deadline to sign up is July 1. 

Young Adult Weekly Pick-up Volleyball & Hangout

All young adults (ages 18+) are invited to join us for weekly pick-up volleyball at Saint Christopher in Worcester! Join us every Friday at 6 pm beginning on June 10 through the end of August. These gatherings are very laid back and open to any young adult (regardless of skill level!). If you are looking for a fun way to meet up with other young adults in the area, then this is perfect for you! There is no commitment or formal sign-ups but if you would like to receive text or email updates during the summer, feel free to sign up at the following link: www.neworcester.org/young-adult-summer-volleyball

Men’s Golf League

Join us for a men’s golf league at Pakachoag Golf Course in Auburn for six consecutive Wednesdays from July 6 through August 13, beginning at 5:00 pm. High school students, college students, and men of all ages are invited to sign up in teams of two for the league, which will be played in the two-man scramble format. This is a great opportunity for Catholic men to meet other men who are striving for holiness and for a better golf swing. Before each round, Holy Mass will be offered for any players who wish to attend. Players will be responsible for paying the weekly greens fee at the course, which is $16 to walk and $28 to ride. To sign up, go to neworcester.org/summer-golf-league. Questions? Contact Deacon Derek Mobilio at derek.mobilio@gmail.com

Job Opportunity

Youth Minister Job Position

Our parish is looking for an innovative Youth Minister to bring the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to life for our middle and high school students. Responsibilities include: organizing and encouraging youth to participate in a variety of parish activities including retreats, social events, service opportunities and the celebration of Sunday Eucharist; promote a faith based approach to life for parish youth; oversee the existing catechetical formation and sacramental programs for youth in grades 9-12; recruit and train adult volunteers. The candidate must be a practicing Catholic with a solid knowledge of Catholic doctrine and skilled in social media. This is a full-time position. Most importantly, the candidate must love working with teens and sharing his/her faith in a creative and collaborative manner. Send resume to: St. Rose of Lima, PO Box 685, Northborough, MA 01532 or email: jescudero@saintroseoflima.com

 

May 9, 2022

Volunteer Opportunity
Little Audrey Santo Foundation is welcoming volunteers. For more information call 508-755-8712.

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.