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.
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 ssycks@worcesterdiocese.org. Thank you.
Pontifical Collection for the Holy Land
Please share the letter for the Pontifical Collection for the Holy Land to be taken up on Good Friday. Kindly share the letter on Palm Sunday weekend. A text-only version is also available on the diocesan website under Bulletin Letters and Inserts.
Seeking non-profit partners for IVC
Ignatian Volunteer Corps New England is recruiting nonprofit partners for the 2024-2025 (September to June) year. IVC service corps members, men and women 50 years of age and better, work one or two full days/week with programs addressing poverty and marginalization in the Boston, Worcester and Providence areas. There is a modest partnership fee. Contact IVC New England for further information (newengland@ivcusa.org). Check out our website at www.ivcusa.org/newengland. Please spread the word to potential interested nonprofits.
Bulletin inserts in English and Spanish for vocations awareness.
For weekly Vocations Intercessions, CLICK HERE for English (en espanol)
Fourth Sunday of Lent
“Whoever lives the truth comes to the light.” Your vocation is your sanctification in this life to lead you to sainthood in the next. Are you called to belong to Christ alone as a priest or through consecrated life? Talk to your priest or reach out to the Vocation Office at (508) 630-4473or via email: dinfante@saintpaulknights.org.
Cuarto Domingo de Cuaresma
“Quien vive la verdad llega a la luz”. Tu vocación es tu santificación en esta vida para llevarte a la santidad en la próxima. ¿Estás llamado a pertenecer a Cristo sólo como sacerdote o mediante la vida consagrada? Hable con su sacerdote o comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508) 630-4473 o por correo electrónico: dinfante@saintpaulknights.org .
Young Adult Theology on Tap
Theology on Tap is back! Join us on Tuesday, March 12 at Joey’s Bar and Grill in Worcester for food/drinks, a guest speaker, and for community and fellowship with other young adults. Doors open for food and drinks at 6:30. Our speaker will be Fr. Donato Infante. The topic will be "How to Live Lent". Joey’s Bar & Grill is located at 344 Chandler St, Worcester. The speaker will begin around 7:15. Open to all young adults ages 18-39.
Holy Hour in Worcester
Please join us for a Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady of the Angels Church, Worcester on Sunday March 24 beginning at 1:30 pm with rosary and have silent adoration time with the Lord.
Spring Cleanup at Diocesan Cemeteries Notice
On Monday March 18, weather permitting, we will begin our spring cleanup of our 14 Diocesan Cemeteries that are currently managed by the Diocesan Cemetery Group. Please have all winter baskets, wreaths and decorations removed by Sunday, March 17. Anything remaining after this date will be remove and discarded. Visit www.worcesterdiocese.org/st-john-cemetery for updates on the progress and completed cemeteries prior to placing any spring flowers. You may also call our office at 508-757-7415 for updates.
Lenten Fish Fry in North Brookfield
Saint Joseph Parish, North Brookfield will hold their Lenten Fish Fry featuring Traditional Battered Haddock, Hand Cut French Fries and Coleslaw on Friday, March 22 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Take out from church parking lot available. $15 tickets available in advance until March 18, after Mass, from a Knight, or call the Parish Office at 508-867-6469. Hosted by The Knights Of Columbus 2381. Proceeds to benefit scholarship fund.
“A Walk With Jesus” in East Brookfield
Everyone Welcome! St. John the Baptist Church,131 Blaine Ave., East Brookfield (Just off Rte. 9) will host this Good Friday experience on March 29, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. You can arrive at any time and walk through the different activities at your own pace. Try to arrive by 2:00 to give yourself enough time. Please enter through the front doors, unless you require the handicapped entrance which is in the back of the church.
Faith Sharing Program in Worcester
Eat, Pray, Share, a discussion focused on celebrating strengths, gifts, and faith in community will be held on April 6 from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm and includes a catered lunch. All men, women, and high school students are invited to attend. The program will be held in the St. George Church Hall on Brattle Street Worcester and will cost $15 per person and registration is required by April 1. To register or for more information please email or call using emmaus.stgeorge@gmail.com & 508-853-0183.
"Voices in the Hall 2025"
Calling all singers! You are invited to participate in the 2025 Voices in the Hall event February 14-17, 2025 at Carnegie Hall: “The Compassion of Christ: A Journey of Justice, Hope, and Peace". Led by Catholic Artistic Director Stephen Petrunak and liturgical artists Curtis Stephan, Janèt Sullivan Whitaker, and Jesse Manisbusan, along with the Corporate Travel Voices In The Hall choir of numerous vocalists from across the United States. The Voices in the Hall 2025 package offers a delightful experience, including a three-night stay at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel. Rehearsals will be held both in the hotel and at Carnegie Hall. The festivities continue with an After-Glow Reception at the Sheraton Times Square post-concert. Non-singing attendees receive a concert ticket. Explore the city during a half-day guided sightseeing tour on a deluxe motor coach. Taxes on services are included. It promises to be an unforgettable musical and cultural experience in the heart of New York City. For more information, and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3UVtQZH.
Bulletin inserts in English and Spanish for vocations awareness.
For weekly Vocations Intercessions, CLICK HERE for English (en espanol)
Third Sunday of Lent
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Does a life dedicated to furthering the grace of reconciliation in Christ for others appeal to you? Consider answering the call to the priesthood and serve God and His people. Talk to your priest or reach out to the Vocation Office at (508) 630-4473or via email: dinfante@saintpaulknights.org
Tercer Domingo de Cuaresma
“Destruid este templo y en tres días lo levantaré”. ¿Le atrae una vida dedicada a promover la gracia de la reconciliación en Cristo para los demás? Considere responder al llamado al sacerdocio y servir a Dios y a su pueblo. Hable con su sacerdote o comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508) 630-4473 o por correo electrónico: dinfante@saintpaulknights.org .
Holy Hour to Pray for Priests
On Friday, March 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.
Catholic Men’s Conference 2024
Saturday, March 16 at the DCU Center in Worcester - Only two weeks away from this great gathering! Join hundreds of men to pray, listen, reflect and share their faith with each other. Wonderful speakers, celebration of sacraments, and a variety of booths. Jesus said where two or three are gathered in His name, He will be there! Registration fee increases this week, register as soon as possible. For more information and to register, look for the brochures in your parish or check our website: catholicmenworc.com.
Bus Trip to Divine Mercy Shrine
St. John’s social committee is hosting a Bus trip to Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge on Sunday, April 14. $55.00 per person. Price includes round trip on coach bus, Dinner at the Golden Corral, Springfield (all you can eat buffet with tax and gratuities included). Leaves St. John Church in Worcester at 11:00 am and returns to the Church by 7:00 pm. To reserve seats, make checks payable to St. John’s Church and mail to the attention of Judy Burke, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604. Please include a note with your telephone number and first and last names of attendee(s). Checks need to be received by April 1. Any questions call Judy at 508 478-9813.
Retreat for high school-aged Young Women
Amata is a retreat for high school-aged young women with the Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth from Pennsylvania. It will be held on April 12, 13 and 14 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Hall, 11 Day St., Webster. There will be talks, music, time for prayer and time for fun! Cost is $30 to include meals and snacks. TO register or for more information contact Maureen Benoit at SHPDRE@gmails.com or call 774-289-0249. Deadline to register is April 5.
Grieving Workshop in Uxbridge
St. Mary Parish, Uxbridge will be offering a morning workshop called, “Grieving with Great HOPE” on March 6, 13, 20, 27, and April 3, from 9:30 – 11:30 am. This five-week Catholic Apostolate seeks to assist anyone who has lost a loved one including a spouse, child, sibling, cousin, etc. and will include video presentations, sharing, if comfortable, and prayer. As Catholics we are given hope for eternal life in the risen Lord for ourselves and for our loved ones. This workshop teaches practical tools for intentional mourning and participants will journey together to become disciples of hope. Cost is $18.00 and includes an accompanying workbook. To register, please call the office at 509-278-2226 or email dmoriarty@stmaryuxbridge.org. St. Mary is located at 77 Mendon Street, Uxbridge.
Diocesan Scout Sunday
A Diocesan Scout Mass will be held on Sunday, March 10 at 10:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant Street, Worcester. Catholic Scouts and Scouters from the Worcester Diocese are invited to gather together in worship in observance of the season of Lent as well as in celebration of Catholic Scouting. Those Scouts who attend the Mass in uniform will receive a Diocesan Scout Sunday patch (pictured above), and additional patches are available for sale by sending an email request to JKARL1958@gmail.com. A reception will follow with light refreshments in the parish center for all Catholic Scouts, Scouters and their families. This Mass is not meant to take the place of any Scout Sunday observance that any local unit is planning to attend, rather is intended to further the importance of the Duty to God component of Scouting which all Scouts are called to make a priority in their daily lives. It is especially timely during the Lenten season that we make an extra effort to explore and appreciate our many blessings as well as the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Questions about the Mass can be directed to Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting Chairman, John Atlas, at JKARL1958@gmail.com.
Family Dinner in Leicester
Knights of Columbus Family will hold a Family Dinner on Thursday, March 14 at 6:00 pm. Menu is Mac n cheese with Pulled Pork or Baked Fish. Cost is $15.00 and includes Salad, Entree, and Dessert. Call Don at 508-615-8434 or email at ohono7g7@yahoo.com by Friday March 8 for reservations. All are welcome.
Pray for the Intercession of St. Andrew Bobola each month
St. Andrew Bobola Parish, 54 W. Main St., Dudley has a special Mass each month asking for St. Andrew’s intercessions for the great issues of our day. Please come and pray with us for: those suffering from addiction; unity of broken families; miraculous healings of the sick; a good Catholic education for young people; the reunification of all Christian churches; and those who suffer from religious persecution. Adoration with Litany and intercessions will begin at 5:30 pm with Mass to follow at 6PM on the 15th of the month in English and the 16th of the month in Polish. Please join us in spreading devotion to this great saint!
Catholic Men’s Conference 2024
We are a month away, come and be inspired by our great speakers: Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Michael Nicholson, Msgr. Thomas Sullivan and Jim Wahlberg. Also, the opportunity to experience a variety of vendors and information booths, plus the celebration of the Eucharist with Bishop Robert McManus and the sacrament of reconciliation. All of this on Saturday, March 16 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Details at catholicmenworc.com
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, March 4 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
Discernment Retreat for Women Spring 2024
The Diocese of Massachusetts have invited Fiat Ministries to host a discernment retreat for women April 5-7, 2024. Single women, age 18-30 who are seeking to do God's will, are invited to attend an upcoming Fiat Ministries Discernment Retreat at Betania II Spiritual Retreat Center. Fiat Ministries cultivates an authentic culture of discernment for young women by inspiring them to say yes to God's call. Religious sisters from various communities assist at the retreat by giving talks, leading small groups, giving their testimonies, and providing a joyful witness of what it means to be a consecrated religious sister. Cost is $150. https://fiatministries.org/retreat-worcester/thNational Eucharist Revival Resources
eCatholic has added a series of resources you can add to your website from the National Eucharistic Revival. They are free - easy to drag and drop on a page - and ready to use. Check them out on the "Catholic" tab under Add Content.
Using your eCatholic website or Flocknote emails for selling tickets for evens or for sign-ups.
Your eCatholic website and Flocknote emails both offer the option to let parishioners or visitors buy tickets for dinners and/or sign up for events. If you want to learn how, please email Ray at rdelisle@worcesterdiocese.org. We will schedule a training class online and/or send you a simple step-by-step instruction. You never have to be limited to rectory hours to give people access to tickets again!.
Volunteer Opportunities for Adults 50+ yrs.
Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) New England is interviewing applicants now for fall openings. IVC Service Corps Members combine direct service opportunities at non-profits serving those in need in our communities with monthly spiritual reflection in the Jesuit tradition. Volunteers, 50 years of age and better, serve two full days/week from September through June. For more information and an application, contact IVC New England Director Dave Hinchen: dhinchen@ivcusa.org.
Pilgrimage to Ireland
Our Lady of Hope Parish’s Pilgrimage to Ireland will be led by Fr. Anthony Mpagi and Fr. Derek Mobilio on April 8-19, 2024. We will visit Galway, Glenstal Abbey, the Aran Islands, Our Lady of Knock Shrine, Cobh, Glendalough, and Dublin. Tour includes round trip airfare, hotel accommodations for 10 nights, 9 dinners and 11 breakfasts, transportation on a private motor coach, and admission fees as per itinerary. Double Occupancy Price per Person: $4750 For information and to sign up, please contact Fr. Derek Mobilio - fr.mobilio@gmail.com - 508-556-0553.
Promote Vocations through Serra ClubThe 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.
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.
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.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 worcester@ecatholic.com anytime.
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.