News - March 2023 RSS Feed

WORCESTER - The first Jewish president of a Catholic college or university in the United States, Greg Weiner, talked about the importance of diversity, inclusion and pursuing truth with friends in his inaugural address March 23 at Assumption University.

Bishop McManus announced to diocesan clergy this week that he has promulgated particular law in the Diocese of Worcester, supplementing the existing Ministerial Code of Conduct as it pertains to clergy and their dealings with any adult.

WORCESTER – People at the Massachusetts Citizens for Life 50th anniversary convention were Democrats, Republicans and those with no party affiliation. But they shared a conviction for the right to life. The convention called “Left. Right. Centered on Life” was held Saturday at Assumption University.

Bishop McManus attended an interfaith film-viewing of “Au revoir les enfants,” a French film about Père Jacques, a French priest and headmaster who tried to shield Jewish children from Nazi occupiers during the Holocaust, hosted by the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts.

Despite war, life goes on in Ukraine – with the help of priests and religious sisters, including Capuchin Father Blazej Suska, a parish priest and a chaplain to Ukrainian servicemen, and. Sister Beata Wilk ,regional superior of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in Ukraine.

On March 17 Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary finished moving from Presentation Convent behind St. Leo Church and School on Main Street in Leominster into the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur unit at Notre Dame du Lac assisted living residence on Plantation Street in Worcester.

On April 25 supporters of Catholic schools will gather in person once again at a recognition reception and fundraiser for Adopt-a-Student. But this year will feature a new format at a new venue, Saint Paul Diocesan Jr./Sr. High School.

Seven retirees repainted the church hall for their parish, Mary, Queen of the Rosary in Spencer.  “The majority of the crew are 80-years-plus, but yet you find them on ladders, scaffolding and down on the floor getting the baseboards,” marveled Kelly Sullivan, the parish’s director of religious education.

This winter, Avery Marzo led the Notre Dame Academy girls basketball team to the Central Mass. Athletic Directors Association Class C championship and to the Division 4 state semifinals. "We made history at NDA ...," she said.

The distribution of Communion under both species, which had been suspended during the pandemic, may resume beginning Easter Sunday.

The diocesan Mass for Life will be celebrated by Bishop McManus on March 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Cathedral. Two couples, a student and a priest will be honored for their pro-life work.

The pre-confession talk “Readiness for Reconciliation” will be given by Msgr. James P. Moroney, the pastor of St. Cecilia Parish in Leominster, at the Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference, March 25, at Assumption University.

The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day with a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner is allowable this year, even though the day falls on a Friday in Lent. Bishop McManus has granted a dispensation.

​​​​​​​WORCESTER – Participating in the 100th annual St. Francis Xavier Novena at St. John Parish was a privilege for preachers and people in the pews. For many, making the Novena of Grace through the years has been special, enhanced by family connections.

Stewardship and Development Office reported it has received $1,148,823 from 2,103 gifts and pledges for this year’s Partners in Charity appeal, which is more than $54,000 ahead of last year at this time.

Ignatian Volunteer Corps provides men and women aged 50 and older the opportunity to volunteer to help those in need and to grow deeper in their faith by reflecting and praying in the Ignatian tradition.

Jeff Joaquin, owner of JMJ Site Development Inc., will speak at the Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference, March 25, at Assumption University. His talk is titled, “The Journey Away from God and the Journey back.”

The Massachusetts bishops support a proposed $86 million expenditure in the state supplemental budget to expand emergency costs related to a growing migrant population in the state, the Massachusetts Catholic Conference announced today.

WORCESTER – Father Norman A. Meiklejohn, A.A., 94, died Sunday in the Rose Monahan Hospice Home. He was a former pastor of St. Anne-St. Patrick Parish in Sturbridge. His funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in the Assumption University Chapel of the Holy Spirit, 512 Salisbury St.