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Volume 7, Number 3 November 21, 2025
2026 ORE CALENDAR
Jan 6 ADMINISTRATOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COURSE (ARE)
Tues 6 - 8 pm; continued on Jan 13, 20, 27, Feb 3
Our Lady of Hope Parish, Grafton
Jan 17 ADMINISTRATOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COURSE (ARE)
Sat 10 am -Noon; continued of January 24, 31, Feb 7, Feb 14
Online -- Zoom
Jan 18 ADULT CONFIRMATION RETREAT
Sun 2 - 8 pm Christ the King Parish, Worcester
Jan 31 INTRODUCTION TO THE MINISTRY OF THE CATECHIST
(Parts 1-3)
Sat 8 am - 3 pm Our Lady of Vilna Parish, Worcester
Feb 5 INTRODUCTION TO THE MINISTRY OF THE CATECHIST
Thurs 6-9 pm; continued on Feb 12, 19, 6-8 pm
Location: TBD
Feb 6 CIRLE OF GRACE reports due February 6th
Feb 14-16 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)
CGS, Level I Part 1a
Sat-Mon 9-5 pm; Our Lady of the Lake, Leominster
Feb 15 Adult Confirmation
Sun 3 pm
Cathedral of St. Paul, Worcester
Feb 22 Rite of Election
Sun 3 pm
Cathedral of St. Paul, Worcester
Feb 27- Mar 1 CGS, Level I Part 2a
Fri-Sun 9 am - 5 pm
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Milford
Mar 7 CGS -- DAY OF DISCOVERY
Sat 9 AM - 1 PM
St. Joseph & St. Stephen Parish, Worcester
Mar 8 LENTEN RETREAT
Sun 2 - 8 pm
Location: TBD
Mar 25 Mass for Life
Wed 10 am
Cathedral of St. Paul, Worcester
Mar 31 Chrism Mass
10:30 am
Cathedral of St. Paul, Worcester
Apr 14 CREED--Basic Level
Tues 6 - 8 pm; continued on April 21, 28, and May 5
Location: TBD
April 18 - 20 CGS, Leve I Part 1b
Sat - Mon; 9 am - 5 pm
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Leominster
May 15 - 17 CGS Level I Part 2b
Fri - Sun; 9 am - 5 pm
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Milford
May 29 INVENTORY REPORTS DUE
Jun 1-6 CGS Leve I, Part 1
Mon-Sat; 9 am - 5 pm
St. Joseph & St. Stephen Parish
AUG 8 - 10 CGS, Level I Part 2a
Sat - Mon; 9 am - 5 pm
St. Rose of Lima Parish, Northborough
Nov 7 - 9 CGS Level I Part 2b
Sat - Mon; 9 am - 5 pm
St. Rose of Lima, Northborough
For more information and registration forms visit the ORE website for
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, (CGS),
Adult Confirmation - retreat and ceremony,
Introduction to the Ministry of the Catechist, go to
Please note: The ORE website is being edited---please check back again next week.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Darleen Farland, Maura Sweeney and I just returned from the NCCL Conference held just outside Baltimore. We wish that many more of you could have joined us. The presentations, slides and handouts are being edited and will be available at: ncclcatholic.org (go to “Gathers” tab). Membership in this organization is free.
Explore what they have to offer!
Explore what they have to offer!
Circle of Grace
IMPORTANT! Circle of Grace has started a Newsletter with further resources – videos, worksheets, suggestions/directions on how to use Parents First . . .
N.B. When logging into the website, you may have to click on the “Update” button. If you cannot find your login information, please call us. Circle of Grace reports are due in February.
The Pastoral Center
Resources available in both English and Spanish. Cost effective downloads. https://pastoral.center/advent-christmas
Scroll down for eResources.
- Reflections and prompts for bulletins, emails, texts, and social media.
- Faithsharing for small groups or to start your parish meetings.
- Object lessons for children's Liturgy of the Word or faith formation gatherings.
- A tool to help families discuss the readings on their way to/from Mass.
- Reflections on parenting, social justice, and care of creation.
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Catholic Apostolate Center
Advent - Catholic Apostolate Center – this is a collection of free resources for all ages. It is worthwhile just to scroll and browse their offerings.
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Loyola Press
Receive a daily Advent reflection -- free email
https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/advent-year-in-our-church/
https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/advent-year-in-our-church/
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Sadlier
Free, downloadable Advent calendar in both English and Spanish.
https://www.sadlier.com/religion/advent-resources?hsCtaTracking=4f574404-7232-46b6-a701-b5cf858572e9%7Cfc59e4cd-25f8-4e13-a6bf-07e189cdcbf7
https://www.sadlier.com/religion/advent-resources?hsCtaTracking=4f574404-7232-46b6-a701-b5cf858572e9%7Cfc59e4cd-25f8-4e13-a6bf-07e189cdcbf7
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Four Advent Sunday Reflections
This pdf includes four Sunday reflections – one page each -- by Dennis Sardella, a longtime friend of Fr. James Flynn, St. Matthew Parish, Southborough. They are born out of our own contemporary context, thought provoking, yet delightful. Please share them, especially with parents and catechists. We thank Fr. Flynn for thinking of us.
