...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...

The full text of Bishop McManus' letter can be found here.

Please visit our new website page containing a number of resources regarding the sexual abuse crisis in the Church. You will find a letter from Fr. Falco, links to letters and articles by Bishop McManus as well as videos and articles from Bishop Robert Barron.

Why am I Catholic?  Read Bishop McManus' answer to this question in this article from the Telegram & Gazette's "As I See It" column from September 24, 2018.

Religious Education for the 2018-2019 school year have begun.  Grades 1-10 will have class on Sunday, October 14th. If you have not yet registered 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.

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.  Joanie's famous Mac & Cheese is on the menu!  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.

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.

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.

New Altar Server training will begin on Sunday, October 14th from 12:30 - 2:30 PM.  Training is open to all 4th graders and beyond, who have received their First Communion.  For more information, click on the title.

The St. Bernadette Fall Open House will be held on Thursday, October 18th from 10 AM to 1 PM for those interested in enrolling for the 2019-2020 school year.  For more information, please contact the Admissions Office at bmgr@stb-school.org or 508-351-9905.

Celebrate Priesthood - Taste of the Diocese will be held on Thursday, October 18th, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at the Atrium of St. Vincent Hospital, Summer Street, Worcester. Save the date!

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.  For more information, click on the title.

On Sunday, October 21st, St. Bernadette School will be holding an event in the Charbonneau Center and lower parking lot.  There will be no parking in the lower lot all day on Sunday.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Holy Grounds Coffee Hour is back!  Join us on Sunday, October 28th at 10 AM.  Hosted by the Parish Staff.

Cursillo or "short course in Christianity" is an uplifting and educational experience. The Women's weekend for 2018 will be held October 25-28. Click on the title for more information.

The St. Bernadette/St. Rose of Lima, Knights of Columbus Council is holding a membership information weekend on October 27-28 after all Masses.  Click on the title for more information.

If you have ever considered joining the Altar Society or perhaps you have been looking for a ministry to join, the Altar Society is in need of several new members.  The Altar Society Ministry members are responsible for cleaning and preparing the church for weekend services.  No one is asked to work beyond his or her capabilities.  You can expect to work in small groups for 2 hours (usually Saturday mornings) once every 2 months.  The ministry is made up of individuals, couples, and families.  For more information or to volunteer, contact Walter Zydlewski at 508-485-7683.