Please Cut & Paste items in your bulletin as appropriate to your parish.    
The Diocesan Dispatch is usually published on Monday mornings by 8 am via email. Submission must be received by the previous Friday for inclusion and should be at least 2 weeks before an event date in order to have an opportunity to be included in parish bulletins before your event. You can email submissions directly to [email protected].

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Have space available in your bulletin this week? Consider including one of the ongoing resources: Click HERE for ONGOING RESOURCES

Diocesan Dispatch for Sept. 14, 2026

Stewardship Reflections for Bulletins

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Vocations Reflections for Bulletins

Grief Support Group in Sturbridge
St. Anne-St. Patrick Parish is holding a faith-based grief support workshop this fall to help those who have experienced a loss. “Grieving with Great Hope,” a bereavement resource from Good Mourning Ministry, is dedicated to accompanying those who are grieving on their healing journey through prayerful, practical and personal grief support. The workshop is open to those grieving a loss of any type, regardless of faith, age, or when the loss occurred. The next series of workshops is scheduled for Saturdays, Sept. 12 through Oct. 10 at 9:00 am in the Rendezvous inside St. Joachim’s Chapel at St. Anne-St. Patrick church. pace is limited and registration is necessary. For more information or to register, please call the parish office at 508-347-7338 or email Chris Williams at [email protected]. Visit www.goodmourningministry.net to learn more about this grief resource.

Musical Bingo in West Brookfield
The Mary and Martha Sodality invites you to an evening of fun, food, and fellowship! Join us on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 6:00 - 8:30 pm in Dugan Hall at Sacred Heart Church, 22 West Main Street, West Brookfield.  Pizza and beverages available beginning at 6:00 pm.  Musical Bingo starts at 6:30 with music spanning the decades. Prizes awarded.  Amazing silent auction items!  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling the office at (508) 867-6469 or emailing [email protected]. Proceeds help support parish and community needs/activities. Note: This is a 21 and over event.

Lebanese Festival in Worcester
All are welcome to Our Lady of Mercy Festival which takes place Sept. 26–27. Join us for a wonderful weekend of Lebanese food, music, games for kids, face painting, vendors, and family fun.  For more information, visit ourladyofmercymaronite.org/

Marian Tea in Worcester
The Cathedral Women's Guild will hold a Marian Tea on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 3:00 - 5:00 pm beginning with Benediction in the chapel followed by afternoon tea and fellowship in the cenacle. Bring your favorite tea cup! for more information email Cathy at [email protected]. Paul Cathedral is located at Chatham and High Sts., Worcester.

Fall Bazaar and Yard Sale in Still River
Immaculate Heart of Mary School Fall Bazaar and Giant Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Come prepared to snatch up one of the Sisters' homemade apple pies at the huge bakery table! Stay for lunch (or eat all day!) at our variety of ethnic food booths! Enter raffles and play games – all at 271 Still River Road. Then head across the street to 282 Still River Road where you can browse for treasures in the Giant Yard Sale! Bring your family, tell your friends and come join the fun at the IHM Bazaar at Saint Benedict Center / IHM School Rain or shine! Free parking!

Explore Life, Faith, and Meaning at Alpha in Paxton
There’s more to life. Whether you have deep faith, no faith, or are just curious about life's big questions, there is a seat for YOU at the table. Come explore the basic Christian message with others in an open, friendly, and informal environment. Each week at Alpha we will enjoy a complimentary meal; watch a short, engaging video and share your thoughts in a relaxed, honest conversation. There is no pressure and no charge. We will meet on Sundays starting Oct. 18 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at St. Columba Church, 10 Richards Ave, Paxton. Contact Terry Nummelin at 508-755-0601 with questions or register today at stcolumbapax.org/alpha.

Adult Women's Retreat in Medway
The BeLoved Young Adult Women's Retreat is a unique opportunity for women to discover their true identity, worth, and beauty as the beloved daughter of God. It will be held on Oct. 23-25 at Betania II Retreat Center, 154 Summer St., Medway. Register at www.pureinheartamerica.com/events/2026/5/29/beloved-womens-retreat-rpl89. Questions?  Call MJ Kriz at 508-341-1843 or email [email protected].

Registration Open for November Catholic Women's Conference
This year's Worcester Catholic Women's Conference will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7 at St. Joseph School, Webster. The theme is "Strength and Dignity are Her Clothing." For more information or to register visit www.wcwconference.com.

Holiday Fair in Douglas
St. Denis Church’s Annual Holiday Fair will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Includes Crafts, Raffles, Baked Goods,abd aKids’ Table. Luncheon Served from 11:00am to 1:00pm - Vendor spaces are still available.
Visit SaintDenisChurch.com for more info and updates. Located at 23 Manchaug Street, Douglas.

Support Pro-Life with a Choose Life License Plate
Support life every time you drive. The Massachusetts Choose Life specialty license plate offers a simple and visible way to affirm the dignity of human life while supporting services for women, children, and families. The plate is available through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. To learn more and find ordering information, visit chooselifemassachusetts.org.

Job Opportunities

Part-Time Parish Maintenance Manager
St. Anne, Southborough is seeking a reliable and organized Maintenance Manager to oversee daily facility operations. Responsibilities include cleaning, maintenance, light repairs/handywork, overall general upkeep and the opening and closing of our buildings. Qualifications include strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, robust organizational skills and carpentry experience is a plus. 24 hours per week, 8 AM-1 PM, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Salary is negotiable depending upon experience. For more information and to apply, contact the parish office at (508) 485-0141 or [email protected].

Administrative Assistant in Westboro Parish
St. Luke the Evangelist in Westborough is looking for a friendly and dependable Administrative Assistant for 24 hours a week, Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am -3:00 pm, to join our parish team. Please send a letter of interest and/or resume to Fr. Diego at [email protected].
 

PAST DISPATCH NOTICES

Mass and Lunch in Hardwick
St. Aloysius Church, Gilbertville and St. Augustine Mission, Wheelwright will hold a Mass, Lunch and Social on Sunday, Sept. 20 with Mass beginning at 11:00 am.
Raffles, too ! All 3 events at Hardwick Winery Pavilion at 3305 Greenwich Rd. Hardwick. Donation $25 to benefit Parish Renovation Funds. For tickets call Karen at 413-477-6452.

Bereavement Support Group in West Boylston
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, 111 Worcester Street, West Boylston will hold its next 6-part series of "A New Day" bereavement support group starting on Monday, Sept. 28 from 1-2:30 p.m. and ending on Nov. 2. For more information or to register (required prior to the start of the sessions) call Renate Isbell (508) 835-3286.
 
Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass
Bishop Robert J. McManus will celebrate the Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 3:00 pm at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Worcester. This liturgy of thanksgiving to God for many years of faithful witness to the sacredness of Christian marriage honors couples who are marking significant anniversaries (25th, 40th, 50th, etc.) this year. A light reception will follow downstairs in the Cenacle.  Family and friends are welcome! Couples wishing to attend should pre-register no later than October 8 so that commemorative certificates may be issued.  To register, complete the registration form at www.worcesterdiocese.org/wedding-anniversary-mass or contact the Office of Marriage and Family at 508-929-4311 or [email protected].
NOTE TO BULLETIN EDITORS:  Please include the Anniversary Mass announcement in your bulletin weekly through Oct.4 to ensure people can register prior to 10/8 deadline. You are also invited to utilize this information as a pulpit announcement if customary in your parish.

Bereaved Parents Support Group in Worcester
Pieta Support Group at St. George Church, 40 Brattle Street in Worcester, is a support group for bereaved parents. Anyone who has experienced the death of a child is welcome to attend. We meet on the second Monday of every month.  Our next support group is on Monday, Sept. 14 at 7:00 PM in the Church Hall.  For more information call Terry Gentile at 508-284-0796 or send an email to either Terry or Sue at [email protected].  

Job Opportunities

Facility & Human Resources Manager
St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer is seeking a reliable and organized Facility & Human Resources Manager to oversee daily facility operations and support human resources functions. Responsibilities include supervision of maintenance personnel, coordinating maintenance and repairs to buildings, employee relations, compliance to applicable laws, and administrative duties. Qualifications: Strong communication and organizational skills, leadership experience, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Construction experience a plus. This is a full-time position with health & life insurance, paid time off, and other benefits available. For more information and to apply, contact Wally Connor at (508) 885-8700 Ext. 550 or [email protected].

SECRETARY/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT NEEDED
Immaculate Conception Church in Worcester is seeking a part-time Parish Secretary, 15-18 Hours a week. Skills required: Good communication and computer skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and Canva. Excellent organizational skills. Bookkeeping knowledge is beneficial but not mandatory. A successful candidate must have an appreciation for the Catholic Faith. To apply, please submit a resume to [email protected].

Part-time Custodial Position
St. Joseph the Good Provider in Berlin is looking for an energetic & dedicated individual to maintain the church & property. Hours are parttime and flexible. Position includes basic cleaning in the church and hall and seasonal projects/maintenance outside. Contact the office by email: [email protected] or phone: 978-838-9922
 
Financial Secretary
St. Joseph the Good Provider in Berlin is looking for a parttime Financial Secretary. The Financial secretary will receive, record, and deposit all funds received by the congregation in a timely, thorough, confidential manner. Useful skills/experience for this position are in financial record keeping; ability to keep detailed, accurate records, using QuickBooks, Excel, and maintain confidentiality. The financial secretary deposits cash/checks in the bank, issues payments. Contact the office by email: [email protected] or phone: 978-838-9922

Mini-Retreat for Women in Shrewsbury
The Commission for Women of the Diocese of Worcester is sponsoring our annual Mini-Retreat for Women. The theme is "Come to the Water" and will be led by Liz Cotrupi and Liz Cotrupi Pfunder. The retreat will be held on Saturday, October 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Mass at 8 a.m.) at St. Anne's Parish, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. The Retreat will focus on how Jesus invites us to meet him at the well of his grace. Registration is $25 and includes a light lunch. For more information, please visit our website at worcesterdiocese.org/mini-retreat-for-women  or contact Susan Zybert at [email protected] or the Commission at [email protected].
 
Young Adult Group in Worcester
Are you between the ages of 20-35 looking to grow in faith and make new friends? You are invited to join St. George Parish NEW Young Adult Ministry. We are a local community focused on spiritual growth, friendship, and fellowship. We will meet the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 -9:00 pm in the Church. Our first event will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7:00 pm with Eucharistic Adoration followed by light refreshments in the Church Hall. Questions or to Get Connected: contact Amber LaBonte by calling the Parish Office at 508-853-0183 x 110, or scan the QR code to join our GroupMe chat! (Note: Please be sure to include your full name and profile photo when joining.) St. George Church is at 40 Brattle Street in Worcester.

Recovery Program looking for donation of Bibles
If your parish has any old bibles no longer being used (regardless of edition or number of copies) a recovery program in Worcester could use about 30 copies for their residents. Please let Ray Delisle know: [email protected]. Thank you.


COMING THIS FALL: “Introducing the Roman Catholic Faith”
A 15-session program to be held on Tuesday evenings this fall and early winter at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester. This program will introduce learners to all the major beliefs held by the Roman Catholic Church. It is designed especially for those inquirers unfamiliar with the belief of Catholics and/or who may be considering receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Mass (March 27, 2027). However, all interested parties can join in, especially if they would like a “refresher.” The program will be held from 7:15 to 8:30 pm, on the following Tuesdays: September 1, 15, & 29; October 6, 13, 20 & 27; November 3 & 17; December 1, 8 &15; January 12, 19 & 26. Thereafter, from mid-January through Lent those wishing to pursue joining the Church will be offered the support customarily offered to “catechumens.” For further information, please contact Monsignor Thomas J. Sullivan by calling him at 508-754-5361 or emailing him at [email protected]. There is no cost to participate. Each participant will be given a free copy of United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.

Volunteers Welcome at the Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed Catholic Worker in Worcester serves a free dinner to neighbors in need every weeknight. Volunteers help set up, serve, and clean up — no experience needed, and it's easy to come with a friend or two. Sign up at mustardseedcw.org or email [email protected]. All are welcome.

Volunteer with Ignatian Volunteer Corps
Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) New England is interviewing applicants now for fall openings. IVC Service Corps Members combine direct service opportunities at non-profits serving those in need in our communities with monthly spiritual reflection in the Jesuit tradition. Volunteers, 50 years of age and better, serve one or two full days/week from September through June. For more information and an application, contact IVC New England Director Dave Hinchen: [email protected].

Volunteer Pianists Needed – Share Your Gift of Music
Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester is seeking volunteer pianists to bring live music back to their atrium lobby. They are looking for individuals who would be willing to play for about an hour on a weekday. These informal performances will help create a calming, comforting, and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff. It’s a meaningful way to share your talent and brighten someone’s day! If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact Leslie Harper at [email protected] or call 508-370-2631.

Special Religious Development
SPRED (SPecial RELigious Development) has concluded the monthly meetings for the academic year 2025 - 2026 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Hall, 11 Day Street, Webster. They will commence again in October 2026. Please contact Linda at [email protected].

Mass with ASL interpreter
St. Rose of Lima Parish in Northborough is offering a Mass with an ASL interpreter every fourth Sunday of the month at 10 am. Anyone in the deaf community is invited to attend.

Cancer Support Rosary Group in Auburn
The Cancer Support Rosary Group is a gentle and welcoming space for individuals living with cancer to come together in faith, fellowship, and hope. It provides a prayerful community where no one walks alone, and where faith can be a source of courage, healing, and light. Gatherings will be facilitated by Carlene Sherbourne, a parishioner of North American Martyrs who brings both personal experience and deep faith to this ministry. It will meet weekly beginning Wednesday, March 18 from 4:30–5:30 p.m. and will be offered in a hybrid format: virtually via Zoom and in person at North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Drive, Auburn.  Please contact Carlene at 774-696-4812 or [email protected] for more information about the group or to register.

BEWARE of Email Scams that appear to come from the parish
All too often, email scams are appearing that use the pastor's name or a parish staff name asking for gift cards or donations of some sort. BE VIGILANT and delete these. If you look closely they often use an email address that appears to be very close to the real email address of the pastor or some staff person, but is not real. Know that our parish will only seek donations through normal, announced requests, not an individual email looking for donations to be personally sent to someone. When in doubt, DELETE. Don't even open them.

Divine Mercy Ministry to Seniors
Volunteers are needed to spread Jesus’ message of Divine Mercy to seniors in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. As a volunteer prayer group leader, you would lead a weekly 30-minute Divine Mercy prayer group using a simple prepared model of readings, prayers, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. If you feel that the Lord is calling you to this ministry of mercy, please contact Mary Higgins (413) 552-7231 or email Mary at: [email protected].