SPRINGFIELD – Sister Patricia James Sweeney, beloved member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield died in Bethany Health Care Center, Framingham on Sept. 1. She was a former principal at St. Peter and St. Peter-Marian high schools.

Local youth were touched by trips to shrines this summer, and they touched other people – thanks to a program of St. Patrick Parish in Whitinsville called Youth In Action.

This summer, children in Blackstone got prayerful and tasty introductions to a new parish’s name. In North Brookfield, adults and older youth returned to enjoy an annual summer tradition and help younger ones.

“Embrace the Cross” is the theme of the upcoming Worcester Catholic Women’s Conference, Oct. 1 at St. Joseph School, 47 Whitcomb St., Webster.

WORCESTER – Christ the King Parish and parishioners are spreading a message Bishop McManus sent out – encouraging parents to opt their children out of the Worcester Public Schools’ controversial sex education program.