News - February 2024 RSS Feed

As the Israel and Hamas war rages in the Middle East, the Jewish president of a local Catholic liberal arts university talked about recent incidents of antisemitism on the campuses of elite colleges and universities.

Sister Lumen Gloriae, who lives with the community of sisters in Denver, Colorado, gave a talk about bringing God all of one’s desires in prayer. She and other sisters then took questions, some of which addressed their community’s pro-life work.

Msgr. Assad N. Awad, 91, died Feb. 24 in Lebanon. Msgr. Awad was pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Catholic Parish in Worcester from 2000-2009.

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, known internationally as “The Dynamic Deacon,” is a sought-after speaker in the Church today.

Bishop McManus tells the story of what happened when he learned of his appointment by Pope John Paul II as if it was yesterday.

The St. Anthony Food Pantry at the Sacred Heart-St. Catherine of Sweden Parish on Cambridge Street didn’t have a lot of food left when a woman in need entered one day.

Young adults in the diocese have resurrected – with a new twist – a way they observed Lent together during COVID. They’re calling it “Young Adult Stations of the Cross on Tour” and inviting peers to meet at a different church each Friday to join in that parish’s scheduled prayers about Christ’s Passion.

At the Rite of Election there were people from 41 parishes, the College of the Holy Cross and Worcester Polytechnic Institute who are to receive sacraments at the Easter Vigil in their respective parishes. There were 145 catechumens (unbaptized people), 114 candidates who were baptized Catholic and are completing their initiation, and 20 candidates who were baptized in other Christian traditions and are becoming Catholics.

“This is bread,” the catechist told the child with special needs preparing for first Communion. “Do you know what it will become after the priest blesses it?” In response, the non-verbal girl pointed to Jesus on the crucifix, that catechist, Linda Brink, recalled.

The Knights are scheduled to play their first of two games in the Central Mass. Athletic Directors Association hockey tournament at 11:40 a.m. Monday against Nashoba at the Worcester Ice Center. Then they’ll play in the Division 3 state tournament.

We have begun our forty-day journey of deepened prayer, more frequent penance, and greater charity.

Whether it was a confirmation class game or an unexpected sick call, Father Walter J. Riley was there for people, those who knew him recalled. ... “So, what will it be like to stand before God at the moment of our death?” Father Riley’s Feb. 4 letter begins.

Remember retired priests – with financial support and continued contact. After all, they’ve served their people well – in an around-the-clock vocation. A retired religious education director made those points – and raved about one of her pastors, as the Ash Wednesday collection approached.

Father Walter J. Riley passed away suddenly this morning (Feb. 9).

The new head of the diocese’s cemetery system started the job on Monday, bringing with him experience from his parish, St. John, Guardian of Our Lady in Clinton.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, there is a focus on marriage around the globe and at home in the Worcester diocese. The Marriage Mentors group is for socializing, but also for support and spiritual opportunities.

Being a principal is fun, a big responsibility and involves helping people, working with teachers and the priest, paying bills and being a role model, students said in their “applications” for the job. Essays with such perceptions were among entries in the “Principal for the Day” contest that St. Bernard Elementary School in Fitchburg held for Catholic Schools Week.

A seventh grader from All Saints Academy in Webster, Matthew Monticelli, was recognized at a Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Celebration Jan. 13.

Catholic schools have long served as a vital ministry of the Church. In 2024, Catholic schools continue to provide young people with an academically rigorous education while at the same time cultivating Catholic values and sharing the traditions of our faith.

Father Escudero, Sister Rosemarie and the Beltrans spoke about their callings at the vocation assembly attended by about 50 students in grades 5-8 Tuesday morning at the St. Mary church hall.