News - February 2018 RSS Feed

William T. Clew, contributing editor of The Catholic Free Press since 1991, has been inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame. Mr. Clew began his newspaper career at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette in 1954. The CFP and T&G jointly nominated Mr. Clew for the honor and many former colleagues offered testimonials to his influence on their career.

Emmanuel Radio will be heard on two new FM frequencies later this year, expanding its coverage in the Worcester radio market. The two new FM Catholic radio stations are to broadcast both EWTN and local programs, Cindy R. Dorsey, general manager of Emmanuel Radio, said this week.

WORCESTER – Hundreds of people gathered at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Worcester on Sunday, Feb. 18, when 216 catechumens and candidates along with their sponsors and families participated in various rites leading to completing their initiation into the Catholic Church.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, We have begun the 40-day Lenten season of prayer, penance and almsgiving that precedes the re-birth of Easter. You and I need Lent because we are sinners called to repentance. ...

The theme of Partners in Charity this year is “Faith in Action – Loving God by Serving Others.” Its patroness, Servant of God Dorothy Day, is quoted as saying that she didn’t know how to love God, except by loving the poor, or how to serve God, expect by serving the poor. The goal again this year is $5 million.

Sister Mary Sullivan, 85, a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, formerly known as Sister Mary Pius, died Dec. 29, 2017, at Long Beach Memorial Hospital in Long Beach, California. She taught in Fitchburg and was guidance director at St. Bernard High School.

Hispanic Catholics told Bishop McManus what they think is needed for evangelization and ministry locally, as they gathered at their Diocesan Encuentro Saturday at St. Paul Cathedral. Their requests included education, outreach to youth, and a full-time director of Hispanic ministry to design a pastoral plan, promote vocations and help with immigration, those involved said.

In an effort to combat the pervasive negativity of our world, St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish in Upton is taking on a simple and gentle message this Lent: Let us be instruments of peace.

The Diocese of Worcester has hired a consulting firm to conduct a feasibility study for a diocesan capital campaign, Bishop McManus said in a letter to the people of the diocese. After interviews and discussions, the bishop chose Guidance in Giving Inc., of Bayport, N.Y., to conduct the study.

The longest running diocesan men’s conference promises to inspire, educate and entertain more than 1,000 men this year with a lineup of speakers that includes a Super Bowl winning quarterback. Msgr. Thomas J. Sullivan and Angelo Guadagno, who co-chair the Worcester Catholic Men’s Conference, have announced that the 18th annual conference is scheduled for Saturday, March 17, at Assumption College

As the New England Patriots head to the Super Bowl Sunday, a Worcester Diocesan priest is thinking about the team as good men he’s come to know, and spiritual lessons he’s gained – and shared – as a result. “I’ve been with them 27 years,” Msgr. Michael G. Foley told The Catholic Free Press during an impromptu visit to the office recently.

WEBSTER – Education and migration, Olympics and ethnic foods, all mixed together Sunday to provide a festive opening to Catholic Schools Week for St. Joseph Elementary School. Schools around the diocese held special activities all week.

Bishop McManus’ decision to relegate Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church to profane but not sordid use has been upheld by the Congregation for the Clergy in the Vatican, the diocese has announced.