News - November 2022 RSS Feed

The challenge of Advent is to prioritize our spiritual preparation because the pressures of life ... can divert our attention and dampen our awareness of the deeper and enduring spiritual joys of Christ’s life and love.

“Advent is its own distinct season,” explained Msgr. Robert K. Johnson, pastor of Holy Family and St. Stephen parishes in Worcester.“The culture moves from Halloween to Christmas very quickly."

“Although we cannot change the whole world alone, as a community we can change the harsh reality of some suffering brothers and sisters ...," said Father Daniel E. Moreno, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Dudley. Parishes around the diocese are again planning acts of charity.

WORCESTER –The Mustard Seed, a Catholic Worker program which serves free meals inside and outside its building in one of the city’s lowest income areas, is marking its 50th anniversary this year and has announced a new project.

We need the assistance and support of others on our journey through life. ... Catechesis – a Greek word which means to resound or echo – refers to the whole of the efforts of the Church to make disciples.

SHREWSBURY – Eighth-grader Colin McCarthy had planned to attend St. John’s High School, but he’s glad the school opened a middle school two years ago because it gave him a head start.

Bishop McManus and Catholic Charities Worcester County want people to know that they do not need to be alone on Thanksgiving Day. They can attend the Bishop’s Holiday Dinner by taking a provided bus from Worcester area housing complexes.

WORCESTER – Our Lady of Lourdes Parish now has an indoor shrine honoring its patroness, thanks to a 98-year-old who has had a devotion to the Blessed Mother since his youth.

NORTHBOROUGH - Sister Joanne Eneguess, MPV, 85, a Religious Venerini Sister and teacher for more than 60 years, passed away Nov. 10. Her funeral Mass is Wednesday at St. Rose of Lima Church.

WORCESTER - For the 63rd year, Catholic Charities Worcester County will coordinate the Bishop’s Holiday Dinners on Thanksgiving and Christmas. As always, volunteers are needed for serving or delivering meals.

Catholic Charities Worcester County is fulfilling a need for immigration services by adding new staff to assist people in need of help.

WORCESTER – Stained glass windows from the closed St. Peter-Marian had just been installed in their new home at St. Paul's when they were used to teach students about sainthood.

LEOMINSTER – The cremated remains of six people were committed to the earth on All Souls’ Day during a Mass at St. Cecilia’s Cemetery. Msgr. James P. Moroney offered parishioners cost-free interment of any cremated remains.

LEOMINSTER – St. Leo Parish celebrated its 150th anniversary Nov. 6 with Mass and a reception characterized by appreciation for the church, its school and those who have served there.

WORCESTER – Members of different ethnic communities from St. Stephen and Holy Family parishes came together around Jesus, present in the Eucharist, last weekend – with Masses, outdoor processions and overnight adoration.

CLINTON – Bearing large statues and banners of saints, people streamed through downtown to St. John the Evangelist Church where they were urged to be proud of being Catholics.

The homilist for this year’s Red Mass explored the symbolism of red vestments and black-robes, comparing judges and priests, in light of God and law. The St. Thomas More Society honored those working in the legal field.

GRAFTON – Members of Our Lady of Hope Parish celebrated their new community with their priests and bishop Oct. 23 at the St. Mary campus.