2023 in the Diocese of Worcester

The new year began on a somber note with the news of the death of Pope Benedict XVI on the last day of 2022. The retired pope will be remembered as the first pope to retire in 600 years, but more importantly, he will be remembered as a teacher and defender of the Catholic faith. The 95-year-old pontiff died in the morning and hours earlier spoke his last words, “Jesus, I love you.”
He was a close collaborator of St. John Paul II and the theological expert behind many of his major teachings and gestures. Pope Benedict’s papacy began when he was 78, and after 24 years heading the doctrinal congregation’s work of safeguarding Catholic teaching on faith and morals, he corrected the work of some Catholic theologians and ensured the theological solidity of the documents issued by other Vatican offices.
As Pope he continued writing as a theologian, but also made historically important gestures to Catholics who had difficulty accepting all of the teachings of the second Vatican council, particularly about the liturgy. In 2007, he widened permission to use the “extraordinary” or pre-Vatican II form of the Mass.
 
JANUARY

• Bishop McManus reflected on the life and papacy of Pope Benedict XVI, who died Dec. 31, 2022, saying the late pope, Cardinal Josef Ratzinger, was “a man who is doing theology on his knees.” The bishop remembered Pope Benedict “as a theologian, a pastor, and a pope who adhered completely to the preaching of the truth of the Gospel no matter the consequences.”
The Bishop celebrated a Mass for Pope Benedict at St. Paul Cathedral where he prayed that our last words before death might echo Pope Benedict’s last words – “Jesus, I love you.”
Msgr. Francis D. Kelly remembered how he regularly talked and even dined with then Cardinal Ratzinger. In 1990 he was a member, with the then Cardinal, of the Redaction Committee that worked on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Then Cardinal Ratzinger was prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and chaired the committee.
The papal nuncio to Hungary, Archbishop Michael W. Banach, a priest of the Worcester Diocese, reflected on the pope’s death as “father” and said “the death of any father, especially the Holy Father, leaves a void in the family.”

• The Diocese dedicated $54,000 in Partners in Charity funds to help pay utility bills for those in need. Twenty-six parishes each received at least $2,000 to be distributed to parishioners in need.

• St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury named a new varsity head football coach. John Vassar, a Worcester native and 2011 St. John’s graduate, replaced John Andreoli, who stepped down after 19 seasons.
 
• After attending the national March for Life, students from Trivium School in Lancaster said states should unite in abolishing abortion. “If we have different laws, that doesn’t show that there’s one answer,” said senior Viola Townsend. “I would say that answer is: Every child has the right to life from the moment of conception.”
Following a Mass, buses left St. Paul Cathedral to transport people from the diocese for the 50th annual March for Life in the nation’s capital.
 
• The African Ministry set a 2023 goal to focus on the Eucharist in the new year by offering eucharistic adoration, a Corpus Christi procession, revised instruction for youth and a regional Ghanaian convention. The theme was a response to the three-year National Eucharistic Revival that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops began, said Father Enoch K. Kyeremateng, chaplain of the ministry.
 
FEBRUARY

• The annual Partners in Charity appeal kicked off at St. Mary of the Hills Parish in Boylston. Again, the goal was $5 million. 
 
• On Ash Wednesday a collection was taken to support retired priests. Many of the priests served parishes until they were at least 75. Some remained as pastors into their 80s and many continue to serve. In 2022, the cost for priests in retirement was $2,414,764.

• Bishop McManus kicked off Catholic Schools Week at St. Joseph Elementary School in Webster. Stressing the importance of Catholic schools, the bishop told students, “Jesus is the reason for the school.” The schools are where students are introduced to Jesus daily. He noted that “the Catholic Church is under attack” as legislation is passed limiting Catholics’ ability to run their schools and other institutions.
 Vocations were highlighted during Catholic Schools Week at Venerini Academy. “You’re here because God wants you to be here in a Catholic school,” Father Edwin Montana told students in his homily at Mass Feb. 2. “We give thanks to God for the gift of a Catholic education.”
 
• Bishop McManus published an updated report following the review of all cases of sexual abuse of minors since the Worcester Diocese was established in 1950. The report was an update to the 2004 report by then Bishop Daniel P. Reilly. It recognized the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report notes that there was one allegation of abuse reported to have occurred in the Worcester Diocese since 1998.
 
MARCH

• The St. Francis Xavier novena marked its 100th anniversary in 2023. The novena draws many worshippers to St. John Church on Temple Street.

• The Diocese released its annual report for the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, 2022. The diocese ran an operational deficit of $1,257,626 prior to allowing for investments, bequests, and the sales of diocesan properties. The year ended with a deficit of $2,328,649.

• More than 700 men attended the annual Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference at Assumption University. Father José A. Rodríguez, pastor of Holy Family of Nazareth Parish in Leominster, and a member of the planning committee, thanked Msgr. Thomas J. Sullivan and Angelo Guadagno, previous conference organizers, for their many years of service. They retired from that ministry.
 
• Bishop McManus told Catholic school students who filled St. Paul Cathedral March 24 about the power of prayer – and the need for it. He was preaching at the Mass for Life that is celebrated on the feast of the Annunciation. The Mother Teresa Pro-Life Award weas given to Deacon Robert and Irene Connor of St. Cecilia Parish in Leominster and Ralph and Claire Weirich of Christ the King Parish in Worcester.

• Greg Weiner was installed as the 17th president of Assumption University March 23. He is the first Jewish president of a Catholic college or university in the United States. He spoke about the importance of diversity, inclusion, and pursuing truth in his inaugural address.
 
• Bishop McManus announced to diocesan clergy a “particular law” that supplements the existing Ministerial Code of Conduct for clergy in their dealings with any adult. The new law reminds the clerics to cultivate and preserve the virtue of chastity as well as the promise of celibacy for priests and single or widowed deacons.
 
•  The distribution of Communion under both species, which had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, was allowed to resume on Easter.

APRIL

• Two men who helped Adopt-A-Student raise millions of dollars and change lives were honored at this year’s 34th recognition event. Robert R. Pape, who died Aug. 21, 2022, was honored posthumously and a scholarship fund was created in his memory. Robert J. Kenney, who worked alongside Mr. Pape, received a diocesan award for his dedication. Since the program began, more than $4.2 million has been raised to assist families to send their children to diocesan Catholic schools.
 
• Divine Mercy Parish in Blackstone observed its first feast day having been formed from St. Paul and St. Theresa parishes in Blackstone and St. Augustine Parish in Millville. Bishop McManus celebrated Mass for the Second Sunday of Easter, the Sunday of Divine Mercy.
 
• Setting people free was a theme that Bishop McManus sounded at the Chrism Mass in a nearly full St. Paul Cathedral. He spoke especially to priests, who renewed their commitment to priestly service at the annual Holy Week Mass. Priests celebrating significant jubilees were recognized; this year that included Bishop McManus, 45 years a priest, and retired Bishop Reilly, 70 years since his ordination.
 
MAY

• Four men were ordained deacons by Bishop McManus at St. Paul Cathedral. He ordained Luke Andrew Johnson and Stephen James Mullaney transitional deacons for the Worcester Diocese, and Assumptionist Brother Elmer Lagman Vergara a transitional deacon for the Augustinians of the Assumption. All are preparing for the priesthood. Jerry Miranda was ordained a permanent deacon for the diocese. He belongs to St. John Paul II Parish in Southbridge and is assigned there.
 
• St. John’s High School announced that Headmaster Alex Zequeira will leave in June 2024. In November, the Board of Trustees named Benjamin P. Horgan as the new head of school to succeed Mr. Zequeira. He is a 2005 graduate of St. John’s.
 
• Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Webster sold the former St. Anne Elementary School for $550,000. The building will be converted into rental apartments, according to Ray Guerin, parish finance administrator. The school, at 12 Day St., closed in 2016 after merging with St. Louis Elementary School to form All Saints Academy.
 
JUNE

• A human sexuality and identity policy was sent to Catholic school leaders and pastors in a letter from Bishop McManus. The policy was in effect at St. Paul Diocesan Junior/Senior High School in the 2022-2023 academic year. The policy reminds people of “eternal truths.” In December, the Bishop expanded the policy and made it particular law so that it applies to parishes, religious education and youth ministry programs.
 
• St. Joseph Basilica Parish in Webster held its 50th annual festival to raise money for St. Joseph Elementary School. The festival was live for the first time in three years. During the pandemic, it had been scaled down and was held virtually.

• Africans took the presence of Christ to the streets in Fitchburg and shared their own presence, faith and culture. They participated in a Corpus Christi procession from St. Anthony of Padua Church. The procession brought Africans from different countries and communities together.
 
• Father James S. Mazzone was sworn in as a member of the Massachusetts State Police Chaplain Corps. Father Mazzone is pastor of St. John, Guardian of Our Lady Parish in Clinton.
 
• Bishop McManus ordained Fathers Peter Bui and Gustavo Correa to the priesthood at St. Paul Cathedral. Father Bui is the first Vietnamese-American ordained for the Diocese of Worcester. Father Correa is one several men who came from Colombia to serve here.
 
JULY

• The bishops of the four Catholic dioceses of Massachusetts were among the more than 350 people who signed a petition for the U.S. Congress to pass a national ban on so-called assault weapons.

• St. Anne and St. Patrick Parish took up a collection for a former pastor who is aiding migrants at the U.S. border. Assumptionist Father Peter R. Precourt is now pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in El Paso, Texas which houses the Immigrant and Refugee Project sponsored by the Augustinians of the Assumption religious order.
 
AUGUST

• The merger of Holy Family and St. Stephen parishes was announced. The parishes are within walking distance of each other. The new parish is called St. Joseph and St. Stephen Parish. Masses continue to be celebrated in both churches on Grafton and Hamilton streets.
 
• The Massachusetts Catholic bishops expressed concern about proposed sex education in the state’s public schools. Bishop McManus and the other three Roman Catholic bishops objected to parts of the proposed Framework in a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Schools.
 
• The 16th annual Ghanaian Catholic Laity Convention drew more than 800 people from around the country to Worcester, according to Father Enoch K. Kyeremateng, chaplain of the diocese’s African Ministry. The theme, “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us,” reflected the National Eucharistic Revival.
 
• Local Catholics attended World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, Aug. 1-6. Members of the Brazilian community in Worcester and Milford attended along with the Assumptionist Youth Pilgrimage, Assumptionists and Assumption University students.
 
• The city of Worcester and The Hanover Theatre held a rededication ceremony for the newly constructed Francis R. Carroll Plaza and Bank of America stage. Originally dedicated to Mr. Carroll in 2008, the plaza was rededicated to the Worcester native in celebration of his decades of philanthropic work and service to the city. He played an essential role in opening the St. Francis Xavier Center soup kitchen and food pantry, at St. John Parish.
 
• Father Richard F. Reidy was named a “Chaplain to His Holiness,” with the title  of Reverend Monsignor by Pope Francis on Aug. 30. The Bishop called Msgr. Reidy his “closest collaborator” as vicar general and moderator of the curia’s offices since 2013. Msgr. Reidy said the honorary title will not change his job but rather is an inspiration to try to be better. In November, hundreds of people attended a vespers service at St. Paul Cathedral for the reading of the Vatican document naming him a monsignor.

SEPTEMBER

• Catholic Charities’ Crozier House, a men’s substance abuse recovery home, expanded at 10 Hammond St. following a move of the Catholic Charities Worcester County offices from that building to the Mercy Centre on West Chester Street. Timothy J. McMahon, executive director of Catholic Charities, said Crozier House will be able to accommodate 24 more beds for a total of 60.
 
• Bishop McManus decreed that St. Paul Church in Warren is now an oratory in which the extraordinary form of the Mass will be celebrated. A religious community committed to the traditional Latin Mass will serve the pastoral needs of parishioners, according to the decree dated Sept. 14. The decree also changed the status of St. Stanislaus Parish in West Warren to a territorial parish to serve the needs of the Catholic community of Warren. St. Paul Oratory is at 1060 Main St., Warren.
 
• Partners in Charity reached 93 percent of its $5 million goal, bringing in $4,637,869 from 11,961 gifts. Of those, 487 were new gifts equaling $88,460. The 1,146 online gifts totaled $572,813. This year there were more new gifts than last year.  
 
• The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur convent chapel, a legacy that spans more than seven decades and five bishops, closed. Bishop McManus celebrated the final Mass, Aug. 24, in the chapel at Notre Dame Academy, 425 Salisbury St., Worcester. The sisters who lived there moved to  Notre Dame du Lac, on Pleasant Street.
 
• Raymond J. Lauring, 97, died Sept. 1. Mr. Lauring started Lauring Construction Co. in 1948 and worked there until retirement. He later started the first Catholic radio station in Worcester, Emmanuel Communications, which is now operated by The Station of the Cross Catholic Media Network.

OCTOBER

• The 65th annual Red Mass of the St. Thomas More Society of Worcester County was held Sunday, Oct. 29 at St. Paul Cathedral. Bishop McManus presented the awards to Attorney Paul E. Mullan III,  Attorney John P. Donohue, Attorney Rhonda L. Bachrach,  and, posthumously, to Timothy J. Connolly.
 
• More than 400 people attended the 10th annual “Celebrate Priesthood – Taste of the Diocese” gala for the priests of the Diocese.  Nearly $1.5 million has been raised through the gala over the past nine years for the care of retired priests. This year more than $226,000 was raised.
 
• The St. Vincent Community Healthcare Fund awarded 23 grants totaling $68,500. This is the 25th year that the grants have been awarded since its establishment in 1998. The fund is overseen by the Diocese and has distributed more than $1.32 million for a variety of uses.

• The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Health held hearings Oct. 20 on bills to legalize physician-assisted suicide. This was the fifth time since 2017 that hearings on assisted suicide legislation have been held. As of the end of the year, no action had been taken.
 
• Echoing the call of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Bishop McManus joined other bishops in the U.S. and called for a day of fasting, abstinence and prayer on Oct. 17, for peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land amid an escalating war between Israel and Hamas. The conflict was continuing through the end of the year.
 
• Patricia Sandoval, a pro-life and chastity speaker, spoke about her journey of healing from abortions, what it was like to work at Planned Parenthood and overcoming addiction, at this year’s Worcester Catholic Women’s Conference, Oct. 7.  The conference drew about 375 participants to St. Joseph Elementary School in Webster.
 
NOVEMBER

• Hundreds venerated a relic of St. Jude the Apostle at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Webster. That was the only place in the Diocese where the relic was scheduled to stop during a nine-month U.S. pilgrimage.
 
• Bishop McManus awarded $21,000 in grants to help fight poverty. The money represented the local portion of the annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development collection taken in 2022. There were 17 programs that received funding.
 
• Young and old whose cremated remains were never given a proper burial were interred at Notre Dame Mausoleum. Some 167 people, whose remains were left at funeral homes, were interred on All Souls’ Day, at the mausoleum, which is a part of the diocesan cemetery system. Bishop McManus is considering making this an annual offering.
 
• About 200 teens attended the 2023 Diocesan High School Youth Rally Nov. 5 at Anna Maria College in Paxton. Youth reacted positively to Bishop McManus’ talk about the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who was born in 1991 in Italy, was diagnosed with leukemia and died as a teenager.

DECEMBER

• In accordance with the Church’s commitment to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Bishop McManus announced that James D. Champion has been dismissed from the clerical state by Pope Francis.

• The former St. Casimir School building on Waverly Street has been sold for $1.1 million. The building became part of St. John Parish in Worcester in 2009 when St. Casimir Parish was closed.

• Catholic Charities Worcester County’s Senior Community Service Employment program received a federal grant worth $638,961. The program provides temporary employment to low-income adults aged 55 and older.