News - March 2020 RSS Feed

Teachers and administrators at two Worcester Catholic schools sensed early on that something serious was unfolding that would drastically change how their students would receive their instruction.

Catholic educators throughout the Diocese of Worcester are demonstrating a creative response to teaching their students during the COVID-19 crisis.

The liturgical life of the Diocese of Worcester continues in these extraordinary times, albeit in unusual ways. Plans are made for Holy Week liturgies in the event churches are still closed.

Since parishioners couldn’t come to church for Mass because of coronavirus restrictions, the priests went out to them. Some met in the parish cemetery others at their church window.

St. Mary in Uxbridge, was one of the parishes in the diocese that offered people the chance to receive the sacrament of penance from their vehicles.

Praying at six churches Wednesday, Bishop McManus traveled around the diocese entrusting it to the Blessed Mother’s protection.

Many adoration chapels in the diocese are closed for now. Some churches are open for private prayer and adoration.

Father Robert A. Grattaroti, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Charlton, imparted special blessings on parishioners who lined up in their cars outside the church Saturday.

Drive-up confessions are to be offered at St. Mary Parish in Uxbridge. From 4-6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting March 21, people can go to confession behind the church at 77 Mendon St.

Since you are unable to attend Mass, you may wish to read commentary on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent by our diocesan priests, Father Conrad Pecevich and Father Michael Lavallee.

The Guild of St. Agnes Early Education and Child Care closed it facilities throughout the Diocese. But then they offered help to the city of Worcester.

Ministry to the sick is changing rapidly because of the coronavirus. Hospitals are changing visitor policies. A church-based free medical program has been suspended. And some places are not allowing the religious sister who cares for retired priests to visit.

Talking with congressmen about the coronavirus and the Church’s outreach. Ministering to friends in need – despite political differences. Standing where the pope has stood. It was all in a week’s work for Father Jonathan J. Slavinskas.

The coronavirus presents a special challenge for people who rely upon food banks. On Wednesday, food was still being distributed, by parish food banks and soup kitchens. But special precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of the virus.

During the suspension of public liturgies, Bishop McManus has given permission for funeral Masses and weddings to be celebrated, with restrictions on the number of people attending.

The Sunday Mass will now be broadcast LIVE at 10 a.m. in English, with Bishop McManus as the celebrant, followed by a Mass in Spanish at 10:45 a.m.

The coronavirus didn’t stop some Catholics – within and beyond the Worcester Diocese – from attending Masses here last weekend. But that will change for the coming weekend.

The Chancery offices located at 49 Elm St. in Worcester will be closed to the public until further notice.

Bishop McManus has suspended all public celebrations of Mass until further notice in the hope of slowing and, God willing, halting the spread of the coronavirus.

A prayer in the time of pandemic