WORCESTER - When Deacon Walter F. Doyle attended a party at Leo’s Ristorante about 10 years ago, a woman told him that she recognized him. “You’re Santa Claus,” she said. Then the woman called over her son and told him, “This is the guy that gave you all the Christmas presents when you were a little kid.”

That message was proclaimed at the women’s retreat that the Commission for Women of the Diocese of Worcester hosted at St. Anne Parish in Shrewsbury Nov. 15. Pamela Ashmankas, one of the organizers, said 80 people from 36 parishes in four states attended.

Mr. Wallen said Pernet expects to distribute more than 10,000 pounds of food for Thanksgiving to 300-350 families.

"Your principal concern was for those who were sick, as well as their family members,” Msgr. Sullivan continued, noting that Jesus loved the sick and “laid out a pattern … for us.” He thanked Guild members for all they and their predecessors have done and all they will do.

The St. Vincent Community Healthcare Fund Committee announced that it has awarded 29 grants totaling $104,459.

The granting of this “nihil obstat” means that nothing stands in the way of the Worcester diocese moving forward on the cause. Ruth can now be called a Servant of God, the first step in a long process that could result in her being canonized a saint someday.

Bishop Mark J. Seitz, bishop of the Diocese of El Paso, Texas, and chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, spoke Nov. 6 at the College of the Holy Cross about “God, Migration and the Struggle for Human Dignity.”

Mr. Messenger said the rally, which also included music and games, drew approximately 250 teenagers and 50 adult leaders from more than 30 parishes.

JEFFERSON – Peter Gerardi planned to retire as music director at St. Mary Parish at the end of 2023 after spending more than 40 years on the job, but he thanks God that he didn’t.

“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.

Volunteers are needed to pack, deliver and serve the annual Bishop’s Holiday Dinners. Catholic Charities Worcester County collaborates with Bishop McManus in hosting the dinners

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.