News - December 2019 RSS Feed

WORCESTER – Bishop McManus announced Tuesday that the diocesan commitment to Haiti will refocus on its original mission to promote twinning between parishes in both dioceses. The operation of a separate Haitian ministry office and staff, which also oversaw direct fundraising programs for Catholic school students in Haiti, ended Jan. 1.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Christmas brings joy to the world and joy to our hearts as we contemplate and celebrate Christ’s birth at Bethlehem.

For some children, Christmas is the happiest day. For some elders, it’s the worst day. That’s what Santa Claus believes. So he comes to town – to the free dinner hosted by Bishop McManus and Catholic Charities Worcester County for anyone in need of Christmas company and food.

Although U.S. citizens are advised against traveling to Haiti, and getting humanitarian aid there has become increasingly difficult, there are nonprofit organizations here that persevere.

St. Peter-Marian and Holy Name Central Catholic Junior-Senior High Schools will merge for the 2020-21 academic year, in response to declining enrollment, David Perda, superintendent of schools, announced Wednesday.

We can be instruments of new spiritual birth within our families, neighborhoods, and even our country during the Advent/Christmas season. Here are some simple ways to share your Christmas faith.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – A Nativity scene is a simple reminder of something astonishing: God became human to reveal the greatness of his love “by smiling and opening his arms to all,” Pope Francis said in a letter on the meaning and importance of setting up Christmas cribs.

WEBSTER – People from All Saints Academy are aiming to evangelize with an outdoor Advent wreath the size of a large tire. It is displayed on the lawn of the Emmaus Center at 17 East Main St.

Starting an African Catholic community at St. Cecilia Parish in Leominster is a top priority for the diocesan African Ministry during its Year of Evangelization, according to Father Enoch K. Kyeremateng, chaplain.

Suicide rates, including adolescent suicide, are increasing, said Father Stephen E. Lundrigan at a workshop for catechetical leaders, “Addressing Suicide and Self-Harm."

Bishop McManus is asked: What was it like meeting with Pope Francis? I have remarked to many people that it was sometimes like talking with your grandfather .... It was a very honest and thoughtful discussion with him.

“Catholic education is a beacon of hope ...," said Deborah O’Neil, principal of St. Bernadette Elementary, Northborough. Legacy of Hope seeks grow Catholic Schools Endowment Fund by $4,000,000.

Robea Nordman is a mixed-media artist. Recently she has taken on a new project involving the saints that is expanding her understanding of both her art and her faith, and how the two work together. 

See photos of Bishop's Thanksgiving Dinner. Hundreds attended, hundreds served.