“When you come into this church, you want to pray.” That’s what Stigmatine Father Richard A. Scioli, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Milford, says visitors tell him.

Notre Dame Church at 446 Main St. in Southbridge is scheduled to partially close on Saturday, due to structural damage on the facade on the south elevation of the building that could pose a safety risk, according to Father Carlos F. Ardila, pastor of St. John Paul II Parish.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is the domestic anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, working to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ “... to bring good news to the poor ... release to captives ... sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free” (Luke 4:18).

At the gala, Bishop McManus announced that in the past 12 years, a total of more than $2 million has been raised for priests' retirement. This year $350,000 was raised – the most of any subsequent year – with about 1,800 gifts of support.

WORCESTER – Assumptionist Father Dennis Gallagher couldn’t believe it when Assumption University athletic director, Eric Gobiel, informed him that he was going to be inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

“... You will belong entirely to each other; you will be one in mind, one in heart, and one in affections. And whatever sacrifices you may be required to make to preserve this common life, always make them generously. There will be problems which might be difficult, but genuine love can make them easy, and perfect love can make them a joy.”

On Tuesday, Massachusetts was one of more than two dozen states that sued the Trump administration over its refusal to fund SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. The states asked a federal judge to force the administration to dip into a $5 billion contingency fund by Friday to pay for SNAP benefits in November. Approximately 42 million people rely on SNAP benefits.

WORCESTER – In a life filled with warmth, laughter, and quiet wonder, Father Messier touched the hearts of all who knew him. He saw beauty in the smallest moments, joy in simple pleasures, and love in every connection. He died Oct. 25 at Notre Dame Health Care Center.

Last Saturday, the campus of St. Paul Diocesan Jr./Sr. High School was filled with laughter, cheers, and bright fall colors as about 175 runners and walkers took part in the first-ever KnightMare 5K. What began as a modest idea grew into a moving testament to what happens when faith, family, and community come together.

(OSV News) – At the end of our earthly lives, our faith tells us there will be four last things: death, judgment, hell and heaven. Reflecting on such ominous topics in this autumn season can seem quite appropriate for both the pessimist and the optimist alike.

“It becomes, sometimes, a point of healing for people who come to Mass and rediscover the beauty of the faith and the love that God has for them,” he said. Active parishioners present set an example as faith-filled people.

Mr. DiLorenzo said he couldn’t put a percentage on how much the number of burials have decreased, but he believes it’s important for people to bury their dead in a cemetery. “It’s all part of our faith, right?” he said. “It gives you closure, it gives closure for the people who have passed away and it gives you a place to reflect, to visit.”

With the approach of the 12th annual Celebrate Priesthood! Taste of the Diocese Gala, to thank priests and raise money for their retirement needs, we offer this snapshot of the life of a newly “retired” priest. The gala will take place on October 30 at St. Paul Jr./Sr. High School in Worcester. Tickets can be purchased and donations made at worcesterdiocese.org/celebrate-priesthood. For more information call 508-929-4368.

In drafty, old churches and school buildings with inefficient heating systems, utility bills can be a problem. So Nathan Schroeder, director of the Facilities Office for the Worcester Diocese, is doing his best to help them save money.

The St. Thomas More Society of Worcester County will honor four individuals at its 67th annual Red Mass on Sunday, Oct. 26.

“My dad took me to see parts of the ceremony” for the 1950 consecration which took about three and a half hours, said Marc LePain, who was seven years old at the time.

UPTON – Jacqueline M. (Fleurant) LaBaire of Upton, died peacefully surrounded by family and friends Oct. 21. Her husband, Philip Michael LaBaire, of 56 years, died in 2017.

She pursued her health care ministry at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester where, over the course of thirty years, she served as associate director of the St. Vincent Hospital nursing school (1967), assistant director of nursing services/surgical division and instructor (1971). Other ministries included director of nursing at People’s Church Nursing Home in Worcester (1975), and assistant director of curriculum at the nursing school (1978).

Lisa Brenninkmeyer is talking about “Between Heartbreak & Hallelujah: There is Holiness in the Waiting” at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at St. Joseph Parish in Charlton.

According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, only 22% of white Catholics and 37% of Hispanic Catholics pray it “at least monthly.” So is it wishful thinking to expect the faithful will offer a calendar full of rosaries during October? And why should the rosary be a regular – or even daily – part of a believer’s prayer life?