News - June 2019 RSS Feed

The ordination of men from three countries brought family and friends from even more countries to the Worcester Diocese last weekend – for several Masses. 

When Father James Steuterman, pastor of St. Richard of Chichester Parish in Sterling, first learned of the Legacy of Hope campaign, he was far from enthusiastic. In the end, St. Richard’s surpassed their goal.

Father Thiago Moises Da Silva's spiritual journey takes him from Brazil to Worcester.

A Catholic doctor who actively opposed the Planned Parenthood facility in Fitchburg is rejoicing that it has closed.

A bill to legalize physician-assisted suicide in Massachusetts would allow homicide, a Massachusetts legislator said this week. Rep. Denise Provost was among many people testifying at a public hearing about two bills that are the same – HB 1926 and SB 1208 – called the “End-of-Life Options Act.” The Joint Committee on Public Health held the hearing Tuesday in Gardner Auditorium in the State House in Boston.

Putting prayer first and responding to pro-lifers’ weariness are reasons for a pro-life morning of reflection June 29 planned by the diocesan Respect Life Office.

Stephen Sullivan, a Northborough policeman, and Frankie Mueller, an ICU nurse at UMass Memorial Hospital, were married May 4 at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Northborough. The Sullivans chose Rome for their honeymoon. 

He’s expecting to be the 37th priest from his village – and the first Indian ordained for the Diocese of Worcester. The fact that he’s here has something to do with the first priest and the “untouchables” in his village, the Assumptionists in Worcester and Tibetan refugees in France.

BOSTON – Hundreds of pro-lifers descended on the State House Monday to attend the public hearing of HB 3320 and SB 1209, known as the ROE Act, which would allow expanded access to abortion, from the current 24 weeks gestation through all nine months of pregnancy. 

Men from three different countries are to be ordained priests for the Worcester Diocese at a special Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul Cathedral.

LEOMINISTER – The Hispanic community at Capilla Santisima Trinidad was celebrating its 25th anniversary on its patronal feast, the feast of the Holy Trinity, Saturday.

WORCESTER – Fathers matter to their children, and they affect their children’s lives. Pernet Family Health Service tries to communicate this year-round – not just when Father’s Day rolls around. The agency, funded in part by Partners in Charity, aims to help men be better fathers.

WORCESTER – Pentecost isn’t past. That message was sounded at the Catholic charismatic renewal prayer meeting Sunday at St. John Church.

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- During the June 11-13 spring assembly of the U.S. bishops in Baltimore, it was clear the bishops had to respond to the sexual abuse crisis in the church -- and on the last day of their gathering they approved a series of procedures to begin this process.

The annual Partners in Charity Appeal has received $4,234,357 in gifts and pledges so far, according to Michael P. Gillespie, diocesan director of the Office of Stewardship and Development. That leaves $765,643 of the $5 million goal, to be raised.

Catholics and other Massachusetts residents are being asked to oppose legislative bills that would expand abortion and legalize physician-assisted suicide in the commonwealth. A public hearing for the abortion bills is scheduled for Monday, June 17.

MILFORD – “Go forth and teach all nations.” This phrase, taken from the last page of Matthew’s Gospel, became the centerpiece Sunday at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. The parish celebrated both Pentecost and its heritage of being staffed by the Stigmatine Congregation.

FITCHBURG – Support for making St. Bernard Central Catholic High School a private Catholic school was sounded Monday at a meeting marked by faith, hope and determination. The meeting drew more than 125 people and included presentations, audience questions, suggestions and offers to help.

Financial losses and a steady decline in enrollment at St. Bernard Central Catholic High School have the diocese looking at ways to secure the long-term viability of the Fitchburg school. A meeting to discuss the future of St. Bernard’s is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 10, at the school.

Nine men ordained permanent deacons Saturday drew supporters from near and far to St. Paul Cathedral for a Mass in English and Spanish. Bishop McManus preached about the roles of deacons, which include serving others, proclaiming the Gospel, distributing the Eucharist and instructing people.