Churches open doors for Thanksgiving Dinner

The annual Thanksgiving dinner, hosted by Bishop McManus and Catholic Charities, will be served Nov. 26 in the St. Paul Cathedral Cenacle in the cathedral basement. Dinners also will be delivered to those who are homebound.
At Thanksgiving last year, about 180 people sat down with Bishop McManus in the Cenacle to enjoy turkey and all the fixings, according to Robert Cronin, dinner coordinator. That was one of the largest groups ever to attend the dinner.
Some 1,692 meals were home-delivered last year, also one of the largest ever, he said.
Buses will again provide transportation to and from the cathedral for those who want to dine with Bishop McManus, the host along with Catholic Charities. (Bus routes are at left.)
Catholic Charities is looking for more volunteers to deliver the meals to the homebound this year, Mr. Cronin said. Volunteers who want to help with home deliveries of dinners should report by 9:30 a.m. to the Catholic Charities main office at 10 Hammond St. Volunteers to help serve the dinners at the cathedral should report to the cathedral by 11:30 a.m. Volunteers who want more information may call 508-860-2232.
Those who wish to make donations to help defray the cost of the dinner may do so by sending contributions to Catholic Charities, 10 Hammond St., Worcester, MA 01610.
Outside the city, Mary, Queen of the Rosary Parish in Spencer will again serve Thanksgiving dinner at noon in its parish hall and deliver Thanksgiving meals to homes in town.
Volunteers set up the hall and prepare, cook and serve meals there. Other volunteers deliver meals to homes.
About 30 people have signed up to receive home-delivered meals, a parish spokesperson said. About 40 people, including volunteers, are expected to eat at the parish hall, 5 Church St.
Donations and, if necessary, some parish funds pay for the meals, she said.
Father James F. Hoey, pastor, said all in the community are welcome. He said there will be a Thanksgiving Mass at 8 a.m.
Those wishing a meal delivered and those wishing to attend the Thanksgiving meal are asked to call the parish office at 508-885-3111.