Please submit Calendar Entries to calendar@diospringfield.org
April 2024
April 2024
Future Full of Hope Mission, including Parish Family Concert with Vince Ambrosetti and Special Guests, The Singing Priests Family Concert is April 21, beginning @ 6:00 p.m. Future full of Hope Parish Mission to follow April 22 & 23, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. St. Joseph Parish Pittsfield. 414 North St, Pittsfield. Call (413) 445-5789 for more information.
Friday April 26, 2024
In commemoration of Child Abuse Prevention Month Bishop William Byrne will offer a Mass for child abuse survivors on Friday April 26, 10am at St. Michael’s State Street Springfield. This special liturgy is open to all survivors of child abuse, as well as for their families and loved ones, and for those who support and advocate for them. A light reception will follow in the Bishop Marshall Center, adjacent to the Cathedral church. For more information contact Michael Collins, director of the Office of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance at (413) 452-0624
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Catholic Parishes of the Berkshires and the Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry present the Spring Swing. Students between grades 7 and 12 cwill enjoy pizza, games and dancing for grades from 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. at St. Charles Parish, Pittsfield. More information and to registration information is available here
Saturday, April 27, 2024
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Michael’s Parish, 128 Maple Street, will hold its Spring Clothing Drive to benefit the Community survival center in Indian Orchard on Saturday, April 27th @ 3:30 – 5:30 PM, and on Sunday, April 28th @ 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM at the garage behind the church. We need clean clothing in good condition including shoes, ties, and accessories for men, women, children, and infants. As for household items, we are taking only microwaveable/ dishwasher safe dinnerware, utensils, and small kitchen appliances. We will help you with your items and provide you with a tax receipt. Community Survival Executive Director Mary Cassidy and your St. Michael SVdP thank you for your continuing participation.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Please join us for 2024 Pro‐Life breakfast Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Wyckoff Country Club, in Holyoke. Those who have chosen life over abortion will be sharing their stories. Tickets are $30 per person. Please send checks to George Wilson, 279 Morgan St, South Hadley, MA, 01075. Your tickets will be held at the door. Attendees are encouraged to bring donation items to support Bethlehem House.
Saturdays, April 27 – June 22, 2024
Bible Basics For Catholics Join us at St. Johns Parish in Agawam for coffee, a lively, informative video and discussion that will lead us through Salvation History. Saturday Mornings April 27th to June 22nd. (9 sessions) from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Fr. Joyce Rm. in the Pastoral Ctr., Cost materials $16; Registration:
Call the office @ 786-8105 or see Mikie Cook or Dale Breault
Saturday, April 27, 2024
St. Joan of Arc School PTO is hosting Savers FunDrive in the Trilby Street Parking lot. It’s that time again for our annual Savers FUNDrive event! This is a perfect opportunity to donate some of that gently used clothing you’ve been looking to get rid of, and it’s a great opportunity for the PTO to raise some funds for upcoming events. Bring your clothing and textiles to the St. Joan of Arc Parking Lot on the morning of the 27th. NO Household Items please. Drop off is from 9:00 AM to 11:55 AM on 4/27. All proceeds go towards raising funds for the St. Joan of Arc PTO.
We Are Collecting: Clothes; men’s, women’s, & children’s clothes, coats, shoes, scarves, handbags, wallets, fashion accessories, belts, backpacks, etc. Household Textiles; bedding, comforters, blankets, sheets, towels, linen, tablecloths, curtains, pillows, etc. Please gather clothes and household textiles in bags. All items must be clean and in sellable condition.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
St. Patrick’s Church South Hadley will host a Prayer Service and Rosary for Addiction Recovery. Addiction is not only a physical or psychological disease, but a Spiritual disease. Join us on Sunday April 28th at 12:00 p.m. as we pray for those who struggle with the disease of addiction and those who love them. All are welcome!
April 28 & April 29, 2024
Our Lady of The Cross Easter Season Mission – “Igniting the Light of Christ Within You”
This parish mission will be given by Catholic Speaker Paul Koleske, a contemporary Catholic Christian Inspirational Speaker, Musician, Composer & Recording Artist from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Paul’s ministry teaches the listeners how and why they are already wired to succeed in building themselves and the church while discovering God’s purpose for their lives. He shares practical techniques people can use to increase their connection with the Presence of the Holy Spirit, the Risen Christ’s gift to His disciples. Sunday April 28th at 6:30 pm: “Connecting with the Light of Christ” Paul will tell us his story, his conversion from lukewarm-ness as a Catholic to a believer in miracles. He’ll discuss the True Presence! He’ll discuss the necessity of Mass attendance for your life. Bringing your fallen-away loved ones back to the church! Then he’ll teach you about the miracle of You! Monday April 29th at 6:30 pm: “Experiencing the Light of Christ” Paul will teach us as Catholics to trust in God. He’ll share practical ideas on what we can do to break the mental cycles of anxiety, fear, doubt, worry, and guilt! He’ll discuss the importance of prayer in a busy world. Paul has been booked and shared his ministry from the East Coast to Hawaii in all 50 states and 122 dioceses. He has appeared on EWTN with his music. This mission will empower you to live a more successful spiritual life. Paul will speak and sing at all Masses the weekend before the Mission. All are invited and this Mission is free.
May 2024
May 2024
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Mass Citizens for Life Mothers Day Dinner Celebrate moms & honor the vocation of motherhood at the annual Massachusetts Citizens for Life Mother’s Day Dinner! Thursday, May 2 at the Springfield Sheraton. Free parking. Steven Mosher, President of the Population Research Institute, will deliver the keynote address: “Why America Needs More Babies.” $75 pp. Visit MAProLife.org/
May 3 -4, 2024
Blessed Trinity Rosary Society will hold it’s annual Spring Tag, Jewelry, Raffle and Bake Sale Friday – 9 am – 1 pm & Saturday 9 am – 1 pm in the
Father Casey Hall, Holy Trinity Church, Greenfield. No Early Birds, please! Bag Sale 12 noon – Saturday Only!
All proceeds go to the various parish and community events/ ministries that the Rosary Society sponsors. Clothing. Books. Dishware. Linens. Raffles. Home Baked Cookies & Desserts.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Become Dementia Friendly – Did you know that people living with dementia are active in your community every day? Would you know how to recognize if someone with dementia is having difficulty? Would you know how to approach them to help them over that issue so they could continue on with their day? This upcoming Dementia Friends information session will raise your awareness and knowledge of Alzheimer’s and dementia and give you tips for interacting with someone who is living with dementia when you encounter them, at home and in your community. Join us at St. Mary’s Parish in Westfield, 30 Bartlett St, on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 2:00pm – 3:15pm. RSVP with Angela Roy at (413) 568-1127 or aroy@stmsaints.org.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Mater Dolorosa School, Holyoke will host a family-friendly fundraising Kentucky Derby Party with a Cinco de Mayo flair for parents, students, friends, and the community! Tickets will include catering by Seth Mias Catering, Free Merry-Go-Round Rides, watching the Kentucky Derby, Derby Games, Hot Dogs & Cotton Candy for kids, Photo Booth, Best Hat Contests, Best Dressed Contest, Pinatas, Cash Bar & Raffles! We are selling tickets for a year of FULLY PAID tuition to Mater Dolorosa. Proceeds benefit Mater Dolorosa School’s Student Experience and Enrichment. PURCHASE TICKETS: https://
Thursday, May 16, 2024
The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA cordially invites you and your families and friends to a special presentation on Eucharistic Miracles given by Mr. Michael O’Neill from EWTN. 7:00 p.m. Admission is free. (Free Will Offerings would be welcome.) Refreshments will be provided.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Our Lady of the Cross Church in Holyoke will be holding a Tag Sale from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and May 19 th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Rain or Shine. It will be held in our Parish Hall at 1140 Dwight St. Holyoke. Tons of treasure for all ages! For more information please call 413-532-5661.
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Come join our Interfaith gathering “Cry Out For Peace Concert” Sunday, May 19 at 3:00 p.m. @ Our Lady of Peace Church,90 7th Street-Turners Falls, MA
Featuring music by the Our Lady of Peace Singers and Eventide Singers and Inspirational readings from well-known champions of peace and justice. Admission is Free. For information, call 413 863-5397
Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Rain date May 27)
Motorcycle Blessing at National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Stockbridge. Food is available for purchase starting at 11 a.m. Blessing will take place after the 2 p.m. Mass. . Call for more information (413) 298-3931.
May 31 – June 2, 2024
Rachel’s Vineyard invites you to a weekend of healing from May 31 – June 2, 2024. The retreat is a confidential, safe and supportive weekend open to all women and men suffering after abortion. This retreat is available in Spanish only. To register, call 413 452-0661. All calls are confidential.
Retiro del Vinedo de Raquel te invita a un fin de semana de curación del de 31 de Maio – 2 de Junio , 2024. El retiro es un fin de semana confidencial, seguro y de apoyo, abierto a todas las mujeres y hombres que sufren después del aborto. Este retiro está disponible solo en español. Para registrarse, llame al 413 452-0661. Todas las llamadas son confidenciales.
June 2024
June 2024
Friday, June 7, 2024
Newman will be presenting “Summer Sips” on Friday, June 7th from 6 to 8 pm. This tasting will include wines, non-alcoholic beverages, a signature drink, raffle gifts, light fare and presentations from wine connoisseurs. The event will be held at the new Center at 111 Thatcher Rd. in Amherst on the campus of UMass Amherst. The cost per ticket is $35 pp and $60 per couple. To register or for more information please contact Virginia Webb at 413-549-0300 or email her at v.webb@diospringfield.org.
July 2024
July 2024
Monday, July 29, 2024
The 11th Annual Newman Golf Tournament, Monday, July 29th, 2024 at the Springfield Country Club. $200 per golfers and $35 pp for dinner guests. Registration opens at 10:30 am. Lunch is served at 12noon. Tee time is 1:30 pm and dinner is served at 6 pm. Registrations may be made by contacting Virginia Webb, Director of Development at 413-549-0300 or by emailing at v.webb@diospringfield.org.
Ongoing Events
Ongoing Events
Are you looking to grow in your faith or for Community and Connection this year? Gather with other mom’s in our parish community to play and pray together! The Catholic Mom’s Group of St Michael’s Parish in East Longmeadow exists to encourage each other in the beautiful mess of motherhood and grow in faith and spiritual friendship. We would love for you to join us if you’re looking to connect with other women of faith whether you just found out you’re pregnant or a seasoned mother, if you’re staying home with littles, doing home education or working outside the home this group is for you. Join us for: Daytime Play Dates Homeschool Outings Afterschool Meet Ups Evenings of fun, fellowship or study For more information and details of upcoming events contact Grace, Megan & Natalie at catholicmomsofsmp@gmail.com.
All moms and young children are invited to a Catholic Mom’s Group on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 10 AM for a short devotional, social time, and play. Meetings are held in the Pine Room at the St. Francis Parish Center located at 10 Park Street in Belchertown. Contact: Maria Sheehan – maria.shhn24@gmail.com
Saint Patrick’s Parish on Main Street in South Hadley hosts a weekly toddler playgroup at their Social Center (please use the School Street entrance). The playgroup is held each Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and all are welcome. The group is open year-round and snack time is provided. This is a free event but donations are appreciated. Any questions? Contact the rectory at 413-532-2850 or stpatrickssh@outlook.com
Timothy O’Keefe of The Fullness of Truth Apostolate is offering talks on the Catholic faith at Holy Trinity Parish in Westfield. The ongoing series is called “The Essentials of Catholicism,” and is a blend of catechesis and apologetics. The talks are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7 PM, from October to June. The parish is located at 331 Elm Street, Westfield, MA. Please call (413) 568-2195 for more information.
African Mass & Potluck Dinner – Celebrate African culture every 1st Sunday of the month at St. Brigid’s Parish, 122 N Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002. Everyone is welcome – All nationalities. Mass at 4:30 pm, followed by a potluck international dinner, dance, fellowship, and more. For more information, contact the Parish office at 413-256-6181 or saintbrigidsamherst@gmail.com.
Bible Study with Sr. Maryann Cantlon, CSJ. 2nd Thursday of each month, 6:30 – 7:45 pm in the Club Room at St. Thomas the Apostle School. (Use the Route 20 Parking Lot across from Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home). Sign up by contacting Sr. Maryann at csjmaryann@gmail.com or (831) 594-1667.
The St Michael Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order meets monthly on the 3rd Sunday at 2 p.m. at St. Stanislaus Basilica, Front Street, Chicopee, MA. All are welcome to join us for community prayer, ongoing formation and socialization. Please contact Ellen Donahue at 413-594-6861 for more information.
Charismatic Prayer Group meets every Thursday night at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Stockbridge. Prayer & Praise 7-7:30; Scripture & Prophecy 7:30-8, Mass at 8p.m. All are welcome!
Lectio Divina – Bible Sharing: Takes place on Monday’s at 6pm in the social center classroom of St. Patrick’s Church in South Hadley. We read, meditate and share our experiences of the Gospel reading for the next Sunday’s Mass. No preparation is needed!
There is a free Weekly Grief Support Group for people who have experienced the loss of a spouse, partner, family member or friend at the Saint Rose de Lima Pastoral Center, 15 Chapel Street in Chicopee. This group will meet every Monday (except on major holidays) from 6-7:30p.m. Moderators are Madelyn Korytko, formerly of Mercy Medical Center Grief Group and Peggy Constant, Pastoral Minister at this parish. All are welcome!
The St. Joseph’s Chapter of the Discalced Carmelites, Secular meets every fourth Saturday of the month at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish in Turners Falls. For more information call Judith Nero, community president, at 802.254.4818.
TEEN Group – Be Not Afraid – Follow Me, gathers every 2nd Sunday. This group meets at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown in the Tovet room. For more information call Pat Hegarty 413.687.7870.
The Roses for Mary Prayer Group meets every Monday at 6:30p.m. in the Adoration Chapel at Blessed Sacrament in Greenfield.
The Mother of God Community of Lay Carmelites meets at the Jericho Pastoral Education Center in Holyoke on the first Sunday of the month. For more information contact Mary Bart, community director, at 413.268.7201 or mabart129@verizon.net
The St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Community of Discalced Carmelites, Secular meets monthly at St. Mary Church and Parish Center, Longmeadow. Secular Discalced Carmelites from the region pray and serve in the spirit of the order founded by Sts. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. For more information, call Trish Regan, community president, at 413.567.6816.
The St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina Prayer Group meets the first Saturday of each month at St. Stanislaus Basilica, 556 Front St., Chicopee beginning with confessions from 9-10a.m. The rosary is prayed at 10:30a.m., followed by Mass at 11. The regular monthly meeting is held after the Mass. All are welcome! For more information, contact Frances at 413.736.0853.
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 you would lead a 30-minute, weekly 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.
Please join Catholics for the Unborn for a PRO-LIFE VIGIL starting at 10:00a.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel in Springfield. The vigil opens with Exposition, followed by Recitation of the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Adoration, and Benediction at 12:00p.m. followed by daily Mass at 12:10p.m. For more information email Carolee McGrath at c.mcgrath@diospringfield.org. All are welcome.
Men of St. Joseph – Meet every Wednesday 7:30-8:30p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Belchertown. Meetings consist of Bible readings, reflection and prayer. Meetings are held in the office conference room. For more information, email John Rakouskas at john5star@hotmail.com or Steve Corbin at gmsteve512@gmail.com.
Prayer Shawl Ministry If you are interested in learning to knit or crochet for this ministry, join us! Meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 11a.m. Meetings are held in the Tovet Room of St. Francis of Assisi in Belchertown. For more information call Bonnie Miller 413.253.2293 or Diane Plante 413.237.3001.
Women of Grace – Current program uses the book “What Would Monica Do? – Consolation, hope, and inspiration in the spirit of St. Monica for those bearing the cross of a loved one who is away from the Faith.” Book is available through Amazon for $20 and Barnes & Nobles for $18. Women of all ages are invited to join us! Meetings are held on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m. in the Tovet Room of St. Francis of Assisi in Belchertown. For information call Rita Lee 774.200.6464 or Anne Werbicki 413.301.3409.
Order of Franciscan Seculars – The St. Pio OFS is a religious order of lay brothers and sisters who share in the Gospel way of life in the footprints of St. Francis Assisi and St. Clare. Meets 2nd Thursday of every month at 6p.m. St. Francis of Assisi Belchertown in the Tovet Room. For more information call Lynn Carney OFS 413.323.5537 or Mary Carey 413.888.7009.
Mats for the Homeless Ministry Use recycled plastic shopping bags to make hats for the homeless! Meets on the 4th Monday of the month from 5:30-7p.m. in the Pine Room at St. Francis of Assisi in Belchertown. For more information call Becky Walton 413.345.1757.
Knights of Columbus – St. Francis of Assisi Council, meets on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month. For more information email KofC10698@gmail.com or call PGK Tom Curto 413.537.3031.
That Man Is You! (TMIY) Men’s Group – Gain a Scriptural vision of authentic manhood, especially in his relationship to his family and society through practical means to become a man after God’s own heart. Join on Saturdays 7:15 – 8:45a.m. in the Pine Room at St. Francis of Assisi Belchertown. For more information contact Dcn. John Murray via email at DcnJLMurray@gmail.com.
St. Patrick’s Prayer Shawl Ministry– Attention Knitters & Crocheters! Use your skills to give beauty, joy and comfort to the ill and homebound! Knit at home or join other knitters on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday mornings in the Chapel from 10:00am – 12:00pm. Use yarn of your choice. If you would like more information, please contact Mary Ann Lowe at 413.231.2416.
Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Italy Join Fr. David Darcy of St Francis Parish Belchertown as we tour the shrines of Italy. Come with us as we celebrate the 2025 Jubilee year September 28 – October 7 th . Be in Assisi on St Francis’ feast day October 4 th . On this 10 day tour we will visit Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo, Lanciano, Loreto and Assisi. The all inclusive price of $5399 includes airfare, breakfast and dinner each day with wine and mineral water with dinner. To see all of the details of what this tour includes and the day to day itinerary go to: www.206tours.com/cms/frdarcy/italy/. If you have any questions contact Anne Werbicki at 413-301-3409 or amwerbicki@yahoo.com. Due to the high popularityof the Jubilee year you are highly encouraged to sign up early to secure your space!
St Francis of Assisi Parish, Belchertown, will sponsor the following trips: April 4, Luncheon and Mystery Theater at Storrowtown; April 17, Classic Country Show and Luncheon at Log Cabin; May 7, Debby Boone at Aqua Turf, Conn.; June 6, Narragansett Bay, R.I. Contact: Roseann Montefusco, (413) 364-8161 or rmonte61@yahoo.com.
Franciscan Pilgrimage to Ireland led by Franciscan Friars Conventual, Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. and Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. July 8 – 19, 2024. For Pilgrimage flyer call: (413)747-7702. Franciscan Conventual Friars invite everyone to join their annual pilgrimage, this time, to the Emerald Isle known as “the land of saints and scholars.” In 11 days we will follow in the footsteps of the Irish Christian tradition from Dublin to Glendalough to Cashel to the counties of Cork and Kerry, Clare and Galway culminating in a final glorious day at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Knock.
Pilgrimage to Greece and Greek Isle Cruise with Spiritual Director: Fr. David Darcy; October 4 – 15, 2024; Flyer with Day by Day Itinerary and registration information Visit pilgrimage website here
Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Chicopee, MA invites all people of good will from everywhere to join a Marian Pilgrimage 2024 (August 1 -18). We call all people to be part of this unforgettable pilgrimage with the Blessed Virgin Mary. This pilgrimage will take you across five countries (Portugal, France, Spain, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina), five languages, two-three climate zones… and the six most popular Marian Shrines!
A journey to three “wells of spiritual healing,” is a journey to places where the Divine touched the Earth! If you want to know more about this pilgrimage, you can visit the website of our Marian Pilgrimage 2024 https://tri.ps/DASxi (English) or https://tri.ps/EmIYZ (Spanish). If you are interested in traveling with us, do not hesitate to contact our parish or send us your registration form (you can also do so from our website).
Bulletin Announcement / Registration Form / Program (English) / Flyer (English & Spanish)
Holy Family Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT offers weekend retreats for men, women, and couples. Just before he departs this earth, Jesus says to his friends: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you…Let not your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27). This season at Holy Family, we’ll explore the theme, A Missing Peace, in the hope that together, through prayer, presentations and discussions, we can come closer to understanding how to achieve the peace Jesus meant for us to have, and equally important, to share in our families and in our world. Each retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00 – 7:30pm on Friday evening and concludes Sunday with the celebration of Mass at 10:45am followed by a hot brunch at noon. For dates and more details see http://www.holyfamilyretreat.org/themed-retreats, or contact Pat Branch, Retreat Promoter, at 860.749.4207.