The Diocesan Dispatch

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

August 4, 2025

Stewardship Reflections for Bulletins

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”  (Luke 12:34)  Jesus encourages us to build up our treasure in heaven.  The world encourages us to build up our treasure in real estate, investments, and material goods.  How much time are you investing in building up a worldly treasure?  How much time are you investing in building up a heavenly treasure?  To invest more in the things of heaven, you must let go of some of the things of this world. 

Domingo 19^o del Tiempo Ordinario
“Porque donde esté su tesoro, allí también estará su corazón.”  (Lucas 12:34) Jesús nos anima a construir nuestros tesoros en el cielo.  El mundo nos anima a construir nuestros tesoros en bienes raíces, inversiones y cosas materiales.  ¿Cuánto tiempo invierte en construir un tesoro terrenal?  ¿Cuánto tiempo invierte en construir su tesoro celestial?  Para invertir más en las cosas del cielo, debe dejar ir algunas de las cosas de este mundo.  

Vocations Reflections for Bulletins

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

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Faith is the assurance of that which is hoped for.” If you believe in the Giver of the call, you can hope to be true to it. Will you follow Christ as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? Contact the Vocation Office at (508) 630-4473 or email: [email protected].

Decimnoveno Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
"La fe es la certeza de lo que se espera." Si cree en el Dador de la llamada, puede esperar ser fiel a ella. ¿Seguirás a Cristo como sacerdote, diácono o en la vida consagrada? Comuníquese con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508) 630-4473 o envíe un correo electrónico a: [email protected].

Middle Eastern Picnic in Worcester
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Melkite Catholic Church  in holding a Middle Eastern Picnic on Sunday, Sept. 7 from Noon - 6;00 pm. featuring a wide variety of middles eastern food, along with entertainment for all ages and raffles. Located at 2656 Hamilton St., Worcester.
 
Dinner-Show in Sept. in Worcester
St. John's Social Committee is Sponsoring a Dinner and Show on Saturday, Sept. 13 after the 4:15 pm Mass at the St. Francis Xavier Center, 44 Temple Street. Worcester.  The Dinner includes a Buffet of Fresh Garden Salad, Rolls &Butter, Pot Roast, Seasonal Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes, Stuffed Chicken Breast & Vegetable Lasagna, Coffee, Tea and Ice Cream for Dessert.  The Show is a Neil Diamond Tribute featuring Charlie Lask.  Charlie doesn't consider himself an impersonator, but a tribute artist who adds a twist of Charlie Lask to every song. Great Dinner and Show all for $35.00 per person.  Also, there will be Raffle Baskets and a 50/50 Raffle.  All proceeds will benefit St. John's Food for The Poor.  Tickets will be sold at some Masses or by calling Judy Burke (508) 478-9813.  Get your tickets early; there is limited seating.

Fall Mini-Retreat for Women
The Commission for Women of the Diocese of Worcester will be having a Mini-Retreat for Women with Kitty Cleveland on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Anne Parish, Shrewsbury.    Kitty is a singer/songwriter, inspirational speaker, and artist from New Orleans. Kitty leads hundreds of people in praying the rosary each weekday morning at 5:45 a.m. (CT). VIsit www.kittycleveland.com.     For more information, please email [email protected].

Looking for a great place to meet other single Catholics who share a love for Christ? Join hundreds of single Catholics of all ages from the U.S. and beyond August 22-24, 2025 at the 24th National Conference for Single Catholics (NCSC) in Denver, CO. The NCSC is one of a kind. It has all the best things fit into ONE event - faith, fellowship, formation - and fun! The conference includes Mass with Archbishop Aquila, adoration, music, meals together, and dynamic talks on topics relevant for single Catholics today. This year’s theme is “Rejoicing in Hope!” There will be social events: mixers, a comedy show, a dance, cocktail receptions and more! A savings of $50 is available to the first 30 people who use the code YA2025 when they register to attend in-person. If you can’t make it in-person, join us online to get access to the talks and participate in discussions and socials. For more information and to register visit: NationalCatholicSingles.com. 

St. Vincent Healthcare Gran Applications available
Grant applications are now available for the annual St. Vincent Community Healthcare Fund. Forms can be obtained by contacting Ray Delisle by email at [email protected] or by mailing to his attention at the Diocese of Worcester, 49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 01609. Completed forms must be received by September 5, 2025 for consideration.

St. Thomas More Society Law School Scholarships
The St. Thomas More Society of the Diocese of Worcester is offering a scholarship
of varying amounts to a law student attending an accredited law school in the fall.
Applicants or parents must be registered and active members of a parish in the
Diocese of Worcester. Applicants may be in any year of law school studies.
Applications and qualification requirements may can be found by visiting the
diocesan website, www.worcesterdiocese.org/st-thomas-more-society, by mailing
requests to: St. Thomas More Society, Chancery Office, 49 Elm Street, Worcester,
MA 01609 or by calling 508-929-4345. Applications are due on or before October
1, 2025

PAST DISPATCH NOTICES

Feast of La Madonna della Cava - Fitchburg
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 84 Salem Street, Fitchburg will honor La Madonna della Cava's on Sunday, August 10  starting at 10:15 am with the banner being raised by entering the rear of the church with the Roma Band from Boston to the start of Mass at 10:30 am. The band will also be in the church hall after Mass providing Italian music where food and refreshments will be served. A rosary will be recited in the church to the Madonna at the close of the festivities.

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TO: Parish Administration

SCAM ALERT
If you receive a call from someone asking to make a payment for a new meter from National Grid before they can begin the job - it is a SCAM looking to steal your money. Do not fall for it! You are not charged for meters. These scammers are taking advantage of the notice from NGrid that meters are being updated to a new style. 

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe
Please share a letter from Bishop McManus for the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe (CCEE) to be announced on the weekend of Aug. 3 and taken up on the weekend of Aug. 10. The text file and the letter can be found at worcesterdiocese.org/bulletin-inserts-letters and on the Catholic Social Media Resources tab.

Email scam detection hint
There have been other recent nefarious attempts at theft through emails and text messages (best example is supposedly from the Fastlane -Mass DOT). Sometimes the easiest thing to do is CAREFULLY look at the spelling of the sender's domain name (ours is [email protected]). Very slightly mis-spelled names (like two nn's instead of an m) or names that don't look familiar are good indicators - as well as requests for actions that are out of the ordinary (like the fake emails from Bishop McManus or a pastor looking for gift cards.) Question things to sort the legitimate emails from the fake ones. In this digital world we cannot just ignore all emails as if they were junk -- and scammers know that.

Italian Festival 2025
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish invites you to our Italian Festival at 37 Massasoit Rd., Worcester.  Hours of operation are: Thursday, Aug. 14 (5-10 pm), Friday, Aug. 15 (5-10 pm), Saturday, Aug. 16 (Noon-10 pm), and Sunday, Aug. 17 (Noon - 6 pm).  Come and enjoy Fried Dough, Sausage Sandwiches, Hamburgers & Hot Dogs, Beer & Wine, and, of course, ITALIAN COOKIES!!  There will also be participation by Boulevard Diner, a Cannoli Truck, an Ice Cream Truck, and other great vendors.  For entertainment we will have Boom Box, XS Band, Decades by Dezyne for the adults, Bouncy Houses for the kids, and Italian Novelties, as well as a Money Raffle.  We will also honor Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto at our shrine.  Mark your calendars now. Check our website, MTCARMELFESTIVAL.ORG for more information. 

Pernet 70th Anniversary
Please join us as we celebrate 70 years of strengthening Worcester area families! The Little Sisters of the Assumption and Pernet Family Health Service invite you to a Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Assumption University. A brunch reception will follow.  Kindly respond with the number of brunch attendees to [email protected] or (508) 755-1228 no later than August 1.

Summer Camp at Our Lady of Mercy Worcester
Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church presents: Summertime Blast - K4J Summer Day Camp from August 18 - 22. The camp is for 1st - 8th graders as day campers, 9th -12th graders as team leaders. For more information please check the attached flyer BELOW) and register with the QR code. 

Indoor Yard Sale in Spencer
Mary, Queen of the Rosary Parish, Spencer is having an Indoor Yard Sale
Saturday, Aug. 23 in the parish hall located at 7 Church Street, Spencer. Featuring; Kitchen Housewares, Small Furniture, Textiles, Home & Seasonal Décor, Jewelry, Books, Children’s Toys & Games, Raffles & Lunch Café. Free Admission
Cash Sales Only, Doors open at 8 am and close at 2pm. Ample parking.
Pre-Sale Night Friday, Aug. 22 $10 Entry Fee -  Beat the crowds and shop from 5:30pm-7:30pm

Volunteer Opportunity
Notre Dame Adult Hospice and Pedi Pal Program is seeking compassionate volunteers to provide comfort and companionship to individuals in their final stages of life. Your presence can bring peace to patients and much-needed support to their families—especially if you are a male veteran or feel called to serve. To learn more or get involved, please contact Brunni Clarkson, Volunteer Coordinator, at 508-852-5505 or [email protected].

Outdoor Mass at new Marian Grotto in Worcester
On the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, Friday, Aug 15  at 6 pm, outdoor Mass will be celebrated at the Marian Grotto at St. Joan of Arc Church, Worcester. We shall pray the rosary at 5: 30 pm. There will be a special offertory to help with our two major projects (air-conditioning in the Church and pavers). There will be ice cream immediately after the Mass. Please come with your portable lawn chairs if you can. A few chairs will be available for those who don't have one.

Learn how we can help our priests and religious serving us with Religious Worker Visa
Let your US Senators and Reps know we need our priests and nuns!
We need your help. An increasing number of priests, religious sisters and brothers, and others serving our local parishes and throughout the United States will be forced to abandon their ministries and leave the country for a lengthy period of time due to the backlog in the system under the terms of their Religious Worker Visa if policymakers do not act soon. Learn more about the issue and what you can do by visiting worcesterdiocese.org/religious-visa including an interview with one of our local pastors and his experience. (NOTE: Parishes can share this video below on your eCatholic website - go to Add SHARED content and drag the icon for "featured program onto your web page)

Include our video in your Flocknote ! Just add the "play" icon and paste the following code: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1082627245

TO: Parish Administration

Parish Evangelization Grants – Now Accepting Applications       
The Diocese is now accepting applications for parishes to apply for evangelization grants. Through Legacy of Hope funding, we are able to offer 25 parishes up to $1,000 to be used for initiatives that focus on developing missionary disciples, that is, a program or event that ignites the spirit of parishioners. The application period ends on July 31, 2025. Grants will be reviewed and awarded in August and the funds released in quarter 1 of next fiscal year.  CLICK for details and application.  Contact Stephen Sycks 508-929-4321 or [email protected]  with any questions as well as to submit the application.            

Schedule of Collections for 2026
Click for the Schedule of Collections for 2026. Please share with your envelope company.

Avoid Being Scammed!
You will never receive an email or text from our parish, our pastor, or anyone associate with us looking to "reach out to you personally" for gift cards or cash - other than the official programs we administer for our charitable giving programs. DO NOT RESPOND TO EMAIL OR TEXT REQUESTS. Either delete them or call the parish office to check. Hint: if you look at the actual email address it often looks "close" but it is not the actual parish email address! 

Medjugorje & Croatia Pilgrimage
On October 5-13, 2025, join us for a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje & Croatia. Sponsored by the Worcester Catholic Men’s Conference. Please consider joining this remarkable and spiritual pilgrimage which is open to ALL pilgrims: Men, Women, Couples and Single Travelers as well. Visit Medjugorje, which the Church has officially authorized as a Pilgrimage site, and beautiful, Catholic Croatia, located on the Adriatic Sea. Please visit canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/wmc or call (800) 653-0017 for details.

Volunteers needed for Problem Pregnancy
Problem Pregnancy of Worcester is seeking volunteers to assist them in their pro-life mission of helping women in crisis pregnancies to choose life. Types of volunteer opportunities include distributing clothing and diapers to young mothers and providing counselling to women needing direction and assistance (training provided). Problem Pregnancy also welcomes donations of layette clothing and diapers. Your compassionate response truly makes a difference for vulnerable young women. For more information, contact Kathy Callahan at 508-308-1664.

ESL Classes in Worcester
ESL Classes are offered on Monday & Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 pm at St. Bernard’s Church, 228 Lincoln St., Worcester. Second Semester runs January 20 -April 23. $40 Registration for adults; Free for teenagers. For more information, contact Meaghan O'Sadnick at [email protected].

TO: Parishes

Additional Jubilee Pilgrimage Booklets and Prayer Cards
If you need MORE Pilgrimage Booklets or Prayer cards, please EMAIL Ray Delisle at [email protected]. We printed a limited additional amount given that some parishes were looking for more.
If you have NOT picked up your materials, please do so this week from the Cathedral Office - call 508-799-4193 to find out when the office is open.
If you serve a Hispanic Community in your parish, Pilgrimage booklets are now available for them in Spanish. Please EMAIL Ray Delisle to arrange for pickup from the Chancery.

Volunteer Opportunity

Help Advocate for Seniors!   
At Senior Connection, we are looking for dedicated individuals to become Advocates for Nursing Home Residents (we call this an Ombudsman volunteer). If you have a passion for helping senior citizens and want to make a positive impact on their lives, we invite you to join our mission. Help is needed throughout the central Massachusetts area.  Call 508-853-1373 and press 2 for the Ombudsman program, then 2 again.  Or email [email protected] for more information. Thank you!

Resources 

Free online Videos to Strengthen Families
Men and women, young and old, strengthen and grow in your faith for your families with five short videos produced by the Knights of Columbus called the “Mission of The Family”.  The videos can be found on the Knights of Columbus website for free!  Use the QR Code (artwork below)  to find “The Mission of The Family” videos:  https://www.kofc.org/en/campaigns/into-the-breach.html  The five videos are less than 14 minutes in length.  You can also find the original “Into The Breach” video series by rolling down on this webpage and under CATEGORIES click on “Into The Breach”.  This series is also free of charge and is sure to help you grow in your faith."

Catholic Moms Group
Are you looking to connect with other Catholic moms?  If you’d be interested in a Catholic moms’ group in your area, please let us know by emailing [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

EMAIL NOTICES
We often hear from pastors and parishes saying they are not getting emails from us, even when we have a correct address. No Email system is foolproof (Gmail, MSN, Outlook, aol, Charter.net, Verizon.net,  etc.) and your provider may be very aggressively blocking emails from your inbox based on general algorithms. Please remember to check your junk mail regularly to see if emails from our Flocknote system or from worcesterdiocese.org or other sources are being inadvertently blocked. You can always use your email system’s rules when this happens to “always accept email from this sender.” Usually that option appears when you “Right Click’ on the email in question with your mouse.

TO: Pastors & Administrators

Third Party Usage of Parish Property
As a reminder, any and all third parties who are using Parish property, whether for a fee or not, are required to sign the Catholic Mutual Facility Usage/ Indemnity Agreement and provide proper insurance. (see attached) This agreement provides a level protection from liability by having indemnification language as well as requiring the 3rd party user to provide the parish with general liability coverage, naming the Parish as additional insured, in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence. This policy applies to all third parties that use Parish property. This includes such things as: civic groups, parishioner and non-parishioner families that rent or use parish facilities for wedding receptions, family reunions, anniversary parties or other similar activities; as well as any other organization, municipality or county organization that uses parish facilities for a meeting or function that is non-parish sponsored. Parish ministries or parish affiliated events/groups are generally covered under the Diocesan insurance coverage with Catholic Mutual and do not need to sign the form or provide additional insurance.  However, there are clear guidelines of what constitutes a “parish entity”.  Generally, the parish has to have control of the group, both financial control and organizational control; lead by parish staff or Priest designated volunteers; must be open to all parishioners; and promote a mission of the church. Groups that do not fit the definition of a parish controlled group are required to sign the 3rd party agreement and provide proper insurance.
Please keep a file of these 3rd party documents for a period of time greater than a year, but less than 7 years from the event date. In the unlikely event of a claim made by the 3rd party, the parish may be asked for the signed Facility Usage Agreement and and insurance document.      
For full definitions, insurance requirements and details, as well as the document itself, please see the Diocesan website, under Finance, Facility Usage Forms. For additional information or further assistance, including a cursory review of any related documents,  please contact Parish Liaison Officer, Stephen Sycks.  [email protected]   

Department of Unemployment Letters & Notices 
Many parishes have been receiving letters from the State Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) informing them of a delinquency in submitting quarterly DUA forms. Please do not ignore these.  While the Diocese and all parishes are exempt from paying for State DUA, as we are self-insured through our transitional assistance program, we ARE required to submit quarterly payroll reports. As all known 3rd party payroll companies provide this as a routine service, it appears that the parishes who are self-producing payroll (either through a bookkeeping system or bookkeeper) have been contacted by the DUA.
If you have received a letter, please:

1. Register your parish on the DUA website. 
2. Complete all required forms.
3. If you have been levied a fine, you may dispute it or may consider paying it as you file the delinquent forms.
4. Please confirm with your payroll person all quarterly DUA forms have been filed.
5. Please let Stephen Sycks at the Diocese know, as he will assemble a master list.     

Here is the State DUA website:  www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-for-employers. For additional information or further assistance, please contact Parish Liaison Officer, Stephen Sycks at [email protected]. Thank you.

Young Adult Prayer Group in Gardner
Join with other young adults age 18 - 35 and pray the St. Michael Chaplet!Greater Gardner Young Adult Group meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday at 7 pm at Annunciation Parish Center located just behind Holy Rosary Church in Gardner. For more information about this event and/or about the greater Gardner Young Adult Group, please reach out to Jonah Kattau at [email protected].

Vigilance against Fraud
A parish shared with us how someone tried to redirect an employee's paycheck via an alternate direct deposit account. ALWAYS BE CIRCUMSPECT! Before even considering such a change, never act just from an email. Consider the following:

1. Have the employee complete a properly signed form along with the bank information Routing # , account  etc 
2. Provide a voided check to be kept on record which matches that information
3. Process the request thru the payroll service.  
4. Keep the information in the employee's personnel file

Coming to Chancery for Appointments - Protocol
The chancery remains closed to the public except for scheduled appointments. The front vestibule is OPEN during business hours and a phone is present to call your appointment to notify them of your arrival. If you are dropping off material for a department (e.g., Marriage Tribunal, Partners in Charity or Finance, please call that department to let them know. Phone messages will be checked regularly and we encourage parish staff to use the direct dial numbers for each department which are listed in the Diocesan Directory.

eCatholic tip: online payments and donations
The monthly fee to use eCatholic payments is waived for parishes in the diocese and transaction fees are as low as it gets in the industry.  The site is very secure, and the money goes right into your parish bank account and you get a report letting you know! You can also use eCatholic Payments for one time or recurring payments and donations for offertory, religious education tuition and more! But, if you already have an online offertory platform you can use eCatholic Payments with their web forms alongside that platform for one time donations for events, etc. Questions: email [email protected] anytime.

Promoting events? Use your eCatholic and Flocknote Resources!
It is EASY to set up an event announcement and registration/ticket form on your eCatholic website. If you have not yet done so, contact them for an online account to accept credit cards via your site. Not only will it make it more convenient than “come to the rectory for tickets;” you can reach more people and plan better for your event. Costs are as low as it gets in the industry, the site is very secure, and the money goes right into your parish bank account and you get a report letting you know! PLUS you can then send everyone a link by Flocknote to go to the site with one click from their phone, tablet or computer and get the tickets, make the donation or at least be aware of the event details to share with family and friends. Let your Communications Ministry tools work for you! Contact Luke at [email protected] if you need to get set up or to learn more.

Senior Fraud Hotline
RSVP’s Senior Fraud HelpLine is a toll-free resource for seniors and their families to call when they are concerned that they are being targeted by scammers.  If they are in doubt, they should check it out by calling 1-800-297-9760. Confidential. Knowledgeable. Local. Supportive.

REDUCED-FEE LEGAL SERVICES IN WORCESTER 
The Worcester County Bar Association has a Reduced Fee Program where household income exceeds the requirements for free legal assistance but makes hiring an attorney unfeasible. You must be a Worcester County resident and legal services include bankruptcy, mortgage foreclosures, wills, divorces, custody and evictions. Call 800-622-9700 800-622-9700 for more information, indicating your interest in the Reduced Fee Program.

UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON ONLINE LEARNING (DIOCESAN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM) 
Have you ever had a desire to expand your knowledge of the faith in areas such as Scripture, Liturgy and Worship, Prayer and Spirituality, Sacraments, Creed, or Church History? Check out the on-line courses available to adults through our Diocesan Partnership Program with U Dayton and the Virtual Community for Faith Formation. You can receive a substantial discount while learning in your own space during your personal hours of availability. If you have any questions, please call Barbara Ramian at 508-929-4308.

PROJECT RACHEL CAN HELP WITH THE PAIN OF A PAST ABORTION 
Hurting from a past abortion? We can help. Project Rachel is the Catholic Church’s ministry of healing and reconciliation to those who have been wounded by abortion. Our services are free and strictly confidential. Call Project Rachel at (508) 791-HOPE.

FERTILITY CARE PROGRAM 
There is an alternative to artificial methods of birth control and IVF. Learn about The Creighton Model System of FertilityCare, the reproductive science that is 99% effective to avoid pregnancy, highly effective to achieve pregnancy and offers couples who are experiencing infertility hope to achieve their dream of pregnancy without artificial reproductive technologies. This is accomplished while following the teachings of the church. To learn more about the program contact Barbara Meier, RN, FertilityCare Practitioner at 609-457-0108 609-457-0108 or [email protected].

CAR DONATION PROGRAM
Did you know you can donate your car, truck, motorcycle or boat to Catholic Charities and help us help your Worcester County neighbors?  It’s quick and easy to do.  Just visit our website to donate your vehicle online atwww.ccworc.org or call 1-888-CAR-7308 1-888-CAR-7308 to arrange a convenient pickup time and confirmation of your donation from Catholic Charities Donation Angel Program.  The car in your driveway can help us to continue to offer many services to children, families and elders in our community so that they may regain home for a brighter future.  Thank you!

Employees or Independent Contractors?
The Office of the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has issued new guidance on the classification of hired personnel as employees or independent contractors. Hired personnel are considered employees unless: (1) the individual is free from the employers direction and control in connection with the performance of the service, both under his or her contract for the performance of service and in fact; (2) the service the individual performs is outside the usual course of business of the employer; and (3) the individual is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, profession, or business of the same nature as that involved in the service performed.