... In urging us on to conversion, the Holy Father challenges us not to settle for mediocrity but to use the Lenten practices of prayer, penance and almsgiving to draw closer to Christ, detach ourselves from the false idols of this world and to accompany more closely those in our midst who are suffering, needy and vulnerable... (CLICK HEADLINE to read letter.)

About 150 local Catholics will be leaving the Cathedral of St. Paul in downtown Worcester and joining other groups from parishes and local colleges around the Diocese of Worcester for the annual March for Life on Friday, January 27 in Washington, D.C. Three buses will be leaving following the annual Respect Life Mass on Thursday, January 26 at 7:30 p.m. to which all are invited. Bishop Robert J. McManus will be the principal celebrant and homilist. CLICK TITLE FOR COMPLETE RELEASE

January 19, 2017, WORCESTER, MA -- Following a complete audit of its financial accounting, the Diocese of Worcester has issued online Financial Statements and online and printed editions of the Annual Report on Financial Activities for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2016. That report also highlights many of the accomplishments of the diocesan agencies and ministries during that timeframe. In his letter, Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, S.T.D., Bishop of Worcester, wrote that he was pleased to report a surplus of 0.8% or $210,373 “including realized and unrealized gains on investments” after total expenses of $26,002,905. By comparison, there was an operating deficit of $1,192,704 in the previous fiscal year. The Bishop attributed this in great part to “the fiscally conservative operations of our agencies and ministries, most notably Central Administration” as well as a surplus of $791,737 in the Diocesan Expansion Fund. CLICK TITLE FOR COMPLETE RELEASE

January 19, 2017, WORCESTER, MA -- Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester announced today that Delma L. Josephson, Ph.D. will retire as Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Worcester at the end of August, 2017. Bishop McManus also announced that he will establish a search committee under the direction of David Surprenant, Esq., former chair of the Catholic Schools Board. CLICK TITLE FOR COMPLETE RELEASE

This weekend is the collection in support of @CatholicUniv – learn more at: collection.cua.edu and give generously! #SupportCatholicU

Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, has appointed Paul G. Schasel of North Attleboro, MA to be the next director of fiscal affairs for the Diocese of Worcester which is canonically called the Finance Officer. He will begin working with the diocese on Monday, November 14 and assume the responsibilities as director on December 30. The current director, Carol Adams, is retiring at the end of December and will work with Mr. Schasel during the transition period. (CLICK TITLE)

Bishop Robert McManus, Bishop of Worcester, has announced that Judith Audette, L.I.C.S.W., has officially assumed the responsibilities of Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) for the Diocese of Worcester. Bishop McManus also announced that Mrs. Claire Freda is now the chairperson of the Diocesan Review Committee (DRC). CLICK FOR MORE

Each summer the Ministry sponsors a backpack donation program to equip children in Haiti with supplies, including non-perishable foods. Over the past few weeks, 617 packs were dropped off at the Haitian Ministry office at the diocesan Chancery building on Elm Street in Worcester. Each was accompanied by a donation to assist with the cost of shipping. The packs began their journey to schools in and around Les Cayes, Haiti on Tuesday, August 23.