Stewardship Reflections for Bulletins Third Sunday in Ordinary Time “He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed Him.” (MATTHEW 4:22) Just as Jesus called the...
Stewardship Reflections for Bulletins Second Sunday in Ordinary Time “Now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb...” (ISAIAH 49:5) God have given each of us different gifts...
Stewardship Reflections for Bulletins The Baptism of Our Lord “John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, yet you are coming to me?’” (MATTHEW 3:14) The Catholic Catechism...
The Diocesan DispatchPlease Cut & Paste items in your bulletin as appropriate to your parish. The Diocesan Dispatch is usually published on Monday mornings by 8 am via email. Submission must be received by the previous Friday for inclusion and should be at least 2 weeks before an event date in order to have an opportunity to be included in parish bulletins before your event. You can email submissions directly to [email protected].Have space available in your bulletin this week? Consider including one of the ongoing resources: Click HERE for ONGOING RESOURCES
For January 26, 2026
Stewardship Reflections for Bulletins
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (MATTHEW 5:3) The phrase “poor in spirit” can be confusing. Think of it in this sense – poor in spirt means depending on God’s providence and not depending on our own self-reliance. Being detached from earthy things (power, money, and comfort) and being attached to heavenly things (charity, sacrifice, and mercy). Denying ourselves from satisfying our desires and helping others obtain their basic needs.
Cuarto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Bendecidos los pobres de espíritu, porque de ellos es el reino del cielo” MATEO 5:3 La frase “pobres de espíritu” puede confundirnos. Piense de ella en este sentido - pobres de espíritu significa depender de la providencia de Dios y no de nuestra propia autosuficiencia. Desprendernos de las cosas terrenales (poder, dinero, y comodidad) y apegarnos a las cosas celestiales (caridad, sacrificio y misericordia). Negarnos a nosotros mismos la satisfacción de nuestros deseos y ayudar a otros a cubrir sus necesidades básicas.
Vocations Reflections for Bulletins
Bulletin inserts in English and Spanish for vocations awareness. For weekly Vocations Intercessions, CLICK HERE for English (en espanol)
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
The Beatitudes guide us in living holy and generous lives no matter the vocation He has placed on our heart. We are all called to embody these virtues, serving God and His people with humble hearts. Pray for discernment and openness to where God might be inviting you to follow Him. Talk to your priest or reach out to the Vocation Office at (508) 630-4473or via email: [email protected].
Cuarto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Bienaventurados los pobres en espíritu, porque de ellos es el reino de los cielos.” (Mateo 5:3) Las Bienaventuranzas nos guían para vivir vidas santas y generosas, sin importar la vocación que Él haya puesto en nuestro corazón. Todos estamos llamados a encarnar estas virtudes, sirviendo a Dios y a su pueblo con humildad. Oren por discernimiento y apertura a las oportunidades que Dios les pueda invitar a seguir. Hablen con su sacerdote o contacten con la Oficina de Vocaciones al (508) 630-4473 o por correo electrónico: [email protected].
Special Religious Development for Adults Adult SPRED (SPecial REligious Development) is now meeting the first Sunday of the month (except April 2nd) at 12:30 PM during the school year. This is for intellectually challenged adults 22 years of age and older. Location is Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Hall, 11 Day Street, Webster. Please contact Linda at [email protected] for further details
Family Dinner in Leicester
Leicester Knights of Columbus, 90 Mannville St., Leicester will have a Family Dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 6 pm. Menu is choice of Pulled-pork, Mac'cheese or Baked Fish. Cost is $15.00 and includes Salad, Dessert and Coffee. Call Don at 508-615-8434 or email at [email protected] by Monday February 9 for reservations. All are welcome.
Benefit Pancake Breakfast in Oxford Please join St. Roch's American Heritage Girls and Trail Life USA for a pancake breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 15 after the 8:30 AM Mass at St. Roch's Church, 334 Main Street, Oxford. The suggested donation is $5 per person, with a $20 cap for families. Scouts will be available to discuss their programs and will handle all cooking, setup, cleanup, and activities in the parish hall. Come enjoy breakfast and support our scouts!
Pasta Dinner to Benefit Seminarians
SERRA SOUTH will hold a Pasta dinner to benefit the seminarians of the Diocese of Worcester on Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Point Breeze Restaurant Webster. All sales in advance with check in at the event. Please mail a check to SERRA SOUTH for $10.00 to Roland Malboeuf, 36 Hillside Avenue, Webster, MA 01570..
PAST DISPATCH NOTICES
Pancake Breakfast in Worcester
Boy Scout Troop 9 will host a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 1 form 8:00 - 11:30 am at St. Christopher Parish Hall, 950 West Boylston Street in Worcester. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $12 each, the proceeds for this charitable event will benefit the Scouts' outdoor camping opportunities.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Presentation in Auburn Learn more about Saints! There will be a free presentation on St, Kateri on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at North American Martyrs Hall, 8 Wyoming Drive, Auburn. This is sponsored by Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting (DCCS). Patches for Scouts can be available on completion. Please reserve your place and/or to ask questions to: [email protected]
Pro-Life Awards Nominees Sought
The Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Worcester seeks nominations for two annual pro-life awards to be presented by Bishop McManus at the 28th annual Mass for Life on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Further information and nomination forms are available at www.worcesterdiocese.org/mass-for-life-annunciation. Completed nomination forms may be emailed to [email protected] and must be received no later than February 13.
TO: Parish Administration
Available from Grafton
There are items for sale (see pdf attached below) at St. Phillip Church in Grafton. Items include an assortment of vestments, Toomey Altar Server albs (in good condition) tables used in Faith Formation, Liturgical chairs (30) with kneelers and sanctuary furniture. Please call Adam at 774-239-0753 for more information.
Reminder to Clergy:
We hope many of you will join us for the Mass for Life with Bishop McManus on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul. If you plan to attend and have not already RSVP’d, please email [email protected] by Tuesday to assist the Office for Worship in their preparations. Please bring diocesan vesture. Thank you!
Catholic Home Mission Appeal
Attached please find the letter from Bishop McManus for the Catholic Home Mission Appeal to be announced on the weekend of Jan. 25 and taken up on the weekend of Feb. 1. Resources are also available on the diocesan website under "Bulletin Letters and Inserts" and on the Catholic Social Media Resources section.
Men’s Weekend Retreat in W. Hartford
Men’s Weekend Retreat will be held Jan, 30 to Feb, 1 at the Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford. Come quiet your mind and nourish your spirit as we explore our journey on earth as pilgrims of hope. Dynamic teaching, home-cooked meals, and uplifting music. $375. Call 860-760-9705.
Catholic Radio Fundraiser in Fitchburg
WQPH 89.3 FM will hold its Shrove Tuesday Breakfast Fundraiser at St. Bernard's Parish at St. Camillus Church, Mechanic St. Fitchburg on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Includes Mass at 7 am, recitation of the Rosary following Mass, confessions, Adoration, veneration of relics and a pancake breakfast. For more information contact Peter at [email protected].
TO: Parish Administration
Worker's Comp Census
Last week a Flocknote was sent from the Office of Fiscal Affairs requesting the employee census form be completed. If you missed the Flocknote go to worcesterdiocese.org/administration-resources and scroll down to latest Flocknotes to parishes. This is time sensitive and if you have any questions contact Stephen Sycks for assistance at [email protected] or 508-929-4321.
Looking for some IT support?
St. Anne Parish in Shrewsbury recommends for parishes in need of IT support in the areas of Worcester, Shrewsbury, Auburn, Millbury, Northborough, Boylston, and West Boylston, Awais Ishaque, an outstanding IT person, is available to help with your needs at a reasonable cost. He may be reached at 508-688-7771. Please leave a voicemail with your parish, location, and contact person.
Silent Discernment Retreat For Single Catholic Women On January 30 – February 1 (6 pm Friday to 2 pm Sunday) Little Sisters of the Poor at 1365 Enfield St., Enfield CT are holding a Silent Discernment Retreat for Single Catholic Women age 18 – 35 years old including Holy Mass, Adoration, Talks and abundant silence in which your heart may listen for the Lord’s voice. At the beginning and end of the retreat, participants will enjoy a time of conversation and sharing with the Little Sisters of the Poor and with the other young women in vocational discernment. To register contact Sr. Carolyn at [email protected] by Jan 28. Questions? (860) 402-4478 There is no charge for the retreat, but early registration is appreciated.
BEWARE of Email Scams that appear to come from the parish All too often, email scams are appearing that use the pastor's name or a parish staff name asking for gift cards or donations of some sort. BE VIGILANT and delete these. If you look closely they often use an email address that appears to be very close to the real email address of the pastor or some staff person, but is not real. Know that our parish will only seek donations through normal, announced requests, not an individual email looking for donations to be personally sent to someone. When in doubt, DELETE. Don't even open them.
Save the Date: 2026 Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference “Be Not Afraid” - The 25th Annual Catholic Men’s Conference will be held on Saturday, March 21 at the DCU Convention Center in Worcester. Adult Tickets are just $60 (through March 11) and Student Tickets are always $30. All tickets include lunch. For ticket sales or for more information regarding this years conference & speakers, please visit our website at: catholicmenworc.com.
Volunteer Opportunity
Divine Mercy Ministry to Seniors Volunteers are needed to spread Jesus’ message of Divine Mercy to seniors in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. As a volunteer prayer group leader, you would lead a weekly 30-minute Divine Mercy prayer group using a simple prepared model of readings, prayers, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. If you feel that the Lord is calling you to this ministry of mercy, please contact Mary Higgins (413) 552-7231 or email Mary at: [email protected].
Job Opportunity
Store Associate at The Little Store in Worcester We’re looking for team members who are friendly, dependable, and eager to help customers while keeping our stores running smoothly. If you enjoy providing great service, staying organized, and working as part of a team, this is the role for you! Please contact Rod Pfannenstiel 508-831-7455 [email protected].