The Diocesan DispatchPlease 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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For December 17, 2025

EARLY DIOCESAN DISPATCH FOR DECEMBER 28 BULLETINS

Stewardship Reflections for Bulletins

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph“
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17) Giving thanks to God and using our words and actions to give all glory to God is the foundation of living a stewardship lifestyle.  We were made in God’s image and likeness, gratitude and generosity is in our DNA.  As beloved sons and daughters of God, we are all part of God’s family.  Using our gifts to help others is our gift back to God and helps grow the Body of Christ here on earth and establishes a pathway to Heaven for each of us.

La Sagrada Familia de Jesús, María y José“
Y todo lo que hagan, de palabra o de hecho, háganlo todo en el nombre del Señor Jesús, dando gracias por medio de Él a Dios Padre.”  (COLOSENSES 3:17) Dar gracias a Dios y utilizar nuestras palabras y obras para dar toda la gloria a Dios, son la base de un estilo de vida de corresponsabilidad.  Fuimos hechos a imagen y semejanza de Dios, así que la gratitud y generosidad están en nuestro ADN.  Como amados hijos de Dios, todos somos parte de la familia de Dios.  Utilizar nuestros dones para ayudar a los demás es nuestro regalo para Dios, y nos ayuda a hacer crecer el Cuerpo de Cristo aquí en la tierra y a establecer un camino al Cielo para cada uno de nosotros.

Vocations Reflections for Bulletins

Bulletin inserts in English and Spanish for vocations awareness.
For weekly Vocations Intercessions, CLICK HERE for English  (en espanol)

Feast of the Holy Family
"Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel." (Matthew 2:20) Joseph’s obedience to God protected the Holy Family. In marriage, spouses are called to protect and nurture each other in faith. Reflect on how God might be guiding you to build a family rooted in His love. Pray and ask God how you can better serve and protect your family this week.

Fiesta de la Sagrada Familia
"Levántate, toma al niño y a su madre, y vete a la tierra de Israel." (Mateo 2:20) La obediencia de José a Dios protegió a la Sagrada Familia. En el matrimonio, los cónyuges están llamados a protegerse y nutrirse mutuamente en la fe. Reflexiona sobre cómo Dios podría guiarte para construir una familia arraigada en su amor. Ora y pídele a Dios cómo puedes servir y proteger mejor a tu familia esta semana.

Closing Mass for the Jubilee Year
Join us for Mass on the Feast on the Holy Family, Dec. 28 at 4 pm as we conclude the Jubilee Year of Hope in our diocese. The Mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. Paul, corner of Chatham and High Streets, Worcester. A light reception will follow in the Cenacle (below the church). Ample free parking available.

Ecumenical Prayer Service in West Boylston
An Ecumenical Prayer Service to begin the Week of Prayer For Christian Unity will be held on Sunday Jan. 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 111 Worcester St., West Boylston. All are Welcome. THe Theme is  "There is One Body . One Spirit,  just as you are called to the One Hope of your calling. " Ephesians 4:4

March for Life Bus Trip – limited seating still available!
There are a small number of seats still available for the bus trip to the 52nd annual March for Life in Washington, DC on Friday, Jan. 23!  Buses will leave from St. Paul’s Cathedral on Thurs., Jan. 22 following the Respect Life Mass at 7:30 p.m., and will travel to the Basilica of National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC in time for Friday morning Mass followed by the March for Life at noon. Buses will return to Worcester immediately following the March, arriving back at St. Paul’s at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24.  Cost is $150 per seat. Space is limited and registrations will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. For more details and to download registration forms visit www.worcesterdiocese.org/respect-life.
 
 Join the National Novena for Life!
Join thousands of Catholics nationwide in the annual 9 Days for Life novena, January 16 – 24.  Sign up to receive daily emails and reflections by text or email at www.9daysforlife.com! 


Pro-Life Morning of Reflection
All are invited to attend a Pro-Life Morning of Reflection and Enrichment on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 38 High St., Worcester.  The day will include reflections by Msgr. James Moroney, Mass, and light lunch.  There is no cost to attend but pre-registration is required.  To register, send your name, parish, and email address to [email protected], or contact the Respect Life Office at 508-929-4311.
 
Pro-Life Mass
All are invited to join Bishop McManus for the annual Pro-Life Mass on the eve of the March for Life on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 38 High St., Worcester.  Please join us to pray for and with our pilgrims who will be travelling to Washington, DC for the annual March for Life on Jan. 23, and to pray for an end to abortion and the conversion of our nation. All are welcome!


Open House at St. Mary School
On Saturday, Jan. 25 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Saint Mary School in Shrewsbury will be hosting a Catholic Schools Week Open House for prospective new families interested in enrolling their students in our school next fall.  Learn more at https://school.stmarysparish.org/

Save the Date: 2026 Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference 
“Be Not Afraid” - The 25th Annual Catholic Men’s Conference will be held on Saturday, March 21 at the DCU Convention Center in Worcester.  Adult Tickets are just $60 (through March 11) and Student Tickets are always $30. All tickets include lunch. For ticket sales or for more information regarding this years conference & speakers, please visit our website at: catholicmenworc.com.

Volunteer Opportunity

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].

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PAST DISPATCH NOTICES

Christmas Charity Dance in Fitchburg
All adults 21+ are invited to a Christmas Charity Dance on Saturday, Jan. 3, from 7:00–11:00 pmat Knights of Columbus Hall at 165 Electric Ave in Fitchburg. Enjoy music, dancing, festive décor, and homemade holiday treats. Tickets are $25, with all proceeds supporting a local pregnancy crisis center. Capacity is limited to 85 guests. More details and tickets available at: KofCXmasDance25.eventbrite.com 

Alpha Program starting in Sturbridge
St. Anne and St. Patrick parish will be starting another Alpha session, a program that fosters spiritual enrichment, invites people to bring friends for a conversation about faith, and serves as an exercise in community building.  It will begin on Friday, Jan. 16 from 6:30pm - 8pm and continue until March 27.  It is held at the Parish Center at St. Anne - St. Patrick in Sturbridge.  It is free. To register email Ashley C. at [email protected].  Feel free to check it out for the first few weeks but you still need to register ahead of time.

Job Opportunity

Store Associate at The Little Store in Worcester
We’re looking for team members who are friendly, dependable, and eager to help customers while keeping our stores running smoothly. If you enjoy providing great service, staying organized, and working as part of a team, this is the role for you!
Please contact Rod Pfannenstiel 508-831-7455 [email protected].