St. Bernadette Parish

. . . I do not know what tomorrow will bring as more stories of past abuse from around the world come to light, but there is one thing that I can assure you, my dear people of the Diocese of Worcester. We have been and continue to be committed to responding to victims of past abuse and to the protection of children in our midst today as well as to the reporting of any cases brought to our attention to law enforcement, no matter how many years ago they occurred. . . . CLICK TITLE TO READ LETTER

Bishop Barron has produced a number of resources regarding the sexual abuse crisis in the Church.  There are several videos and articles available in which Bishop addresses the scandals and suggests a way forward.  You can find all of these resources on his website by clicking here.

Religious Education for the 2018-2019 school year will begin in October for Pre-K through Grade 11.  We ask that all children be registered by September 5th.  Please complete the online registration form which can be found  here.  Online registrations are payable by credit card, debit card, or electronic check (bank transfer).  Please contact the Religious Education Office at 508-393-7445 if you have any questions.

If you are interested in being a Catechist for our Religious Education program, please contact Ginny Boland in the parish office at 508-393-7445.  Thank You!

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based Catholic faith formation program where children can come to know Jesus, the Good Shepherd.  We are building a Level 1 Atrium for children ages 3-6 years old. The Atrium is prepared with materials children work with as a way of meditating upon the essentials of our faith as found in Scripture.  For more information,  visit the CGS website.  If you would like more information, or would like to help us in any way, please contact Ginny Boland at 508-393-2838 or email ginnyboland@stb-parish.net.

On the weekend of September 29 & 30, we will have a second collection for the Annual Catholic Schools Appeal.  Thank you for your generosity!

The Knights of Columbus is conducting its annual Charity Fund Tootsie Roll Drive at St. Bernadette Church on the weekend of September 29-30.  All proceeds benefit Massachusetts children and young adults  with physical disabilities under age 20 and individuals with intellectual disabilities regardless of age.  Many families have benefited from this annual state-wide campaign including several from our area.

The Senior Luncheon is back!  Join us on Tuesday, October 2nd at noon in the Pastoral Center Hall for a delicious fall meal.  Please sign up in the gathering space if you wish to attend, and call the Parish Office at 508-393-2838 if you need help with transportation.

The members of the Secular Franciscan Order of St. Ann's Fraternity will come together to commemorate the passing of St. Francis on Wednesday, October 3rd, at 7:00 PM in the church.  All are most welcome to join us for this prayer service.

St. Bernadette/St. Rose of Lima Knights of Columbus invite you to a presentation by Fr. Ron Falco on our fraternal patron St. Augustine. Please join us on Wednesday, October 3rd at 7 PM in the St. Bernadette Parish Hall for a discussion on the life and times of St. Augustine. All are welcome! Light refreshments will be available. Any questions? Please call Tom Lowe at 774-258-1877.

During the month of October, St. Bernadette Parish is participating in a Baby Bottle Fundraiser to benefit Visitation House, a Catholic home for homeless pregnant women in crisis. Please click on the title for more information.

On Saturday, October 20th from 7 AM to 7 PM, St. Bernadette Parish Respect for Life Ministry is participating in the national 40 Days for Life fall campaign by holding a peaceful prayer vigil outside Planned Parenthood in Worcester.  You can make a life-saving impact by joining us in prayer and fasting or by signing up for an hour or two at the vigil.  We pray that, with God's help, this will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in Worcester - and throughout America.

40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life effort that consists of:
40 days of prayer and fasting'
40 days of peaceful vigil
40 days of community outreach

For more information, contact Russ Lindquist at 505-277-5719 or russlindquist1@gmail.com.  Or visit www.40daysfor life.com/worcester.