News - May 2020 RSS Feed

Bishop McManus was a recent guest on the WCCA TV Daily Breaking program. The program is available online and is being replayed this weekend.

Robert Pape and Ann Gibbons-Smith were met with what seemed to be an insurmountable challenge: conducting key fundraising activities for their non-profit organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

WORCESTER – Despite the coronavirus, Notre Dame Academy graduates had their graduation moment walking across the stage to receive their diploma.

Marie LaPalm went to Mass at St. Stanislaus Parish in West Warren Saturday - armed with hand sanitizer, sanitizing spray, tissues, even a spare mask, for anybody who needed it.

FITCHBURG – A drive-by recognition for graduates of St. Bernard Central Catholic High School was held Friday at the Bernardian Bowl. Even the fence bordering the field was decorated.

Father Nicholas Desimone, a Holy Name graduate, told the class of 2020 to focus on blessings, at baccalaureate Mass

We hope that “lockdowns” and “stay-at-home” orders have given you time to reassess what you are doing with your life. There is nothing like a pandemic to make space in our often-frantic lives.

“Greatness has been thrust upon you,” St. Peter-Marian high school seniors deprived of the normal graduation celebrations were told Wednesday.

Graduates of St. Bernard Central Catholic High School in Fitchburg were offered not only congratulations, but also ways to handle hard times, at their baccalaureate Mass Tuesday evening.

The permission to resume public Masses - with protective measures - is bringing joy and challenges. Some parishes postpone opening churches until next weekend.

Public celebrations of the Mass and sacraments can be held beginning Saturday, but cannot resume until a parish can comply with all of the safety standards required.

FITCHBURG – Deacon Joseph V. Clonan Jr., 81, died May 12 in the River Terrace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Lancaster with his family by his side.

Bishop McManus issued a decree stating that public Masses may resume in the diocese effective May 23. The obligation to attend Mass remains lifted at this time.

The diocesan Office of the Diaconate is there for local men who feel called to serve the Church as deacons.

Families are showing interest in the new St. Bernard’s High School in Fitchburg, which is preparing to open Sept. 2 as a private Catholic school, according to Linda D. Anderson, principal

The oldest Assumptionist in the world, beloved by many in the Worcester Diocese, and missionary to Africa in his 80s, died Monday. Father Oliver Blanchette, 104, died at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center in Worcester after a period of declining health.

During a livestreamed conferral of degrees Sunday, Assumption College President Francesco C. Cesareo acknowledged it had been a difficult semester.

GARDNER - On Saturday, Annunciation Parish held its first public Mass since the suspension of gatherings for worship due to coronavirus restrictions. However, parishioners could not yet receive Communion.

 The Catholic School Department has announced the winter and spring head coaching appointments for the new St. Paul Diocesan Junior/Senior High School.

High schools in the diocese are preparing to hold senior activities and commencement ceremonies in alternate ways during the pandemic.