Ways We Help

A Longstanding Commitment to Youth

1901 was the year that the McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys in Leicester came into existence.  The brainchild of the Sisters of Mercy, it continued the pastoral vision of Mother Catherine McAuley.  The Irish foundress was born in the middle of the American Revolution.

At first, in the days of high mortality for young parents, ‘Nazareth’ was an orphanage with a population of 90.  Over the years it’s evolved into a residence and school offering family oriented services to troubled youth and their families in an environment of mercy.

“The whole object of the mission is to move the boys back to natural settings, their own families or adoptive family settings,” says Sister Janet Ballentine, RSM, one-time executive director.  “A family-style lifestyle is offered and the average length of stay for the boys is two-and-a-half years.”

Community of Learners

"I really love how everyone relates to each other at St. Peter's," says Greg Patient, an 8th grader at the Catholic elementary school founded in 1921 and situated in the heart of Worcester's Main South.  "And you can practice your faith openly without any pressure.  That's really great!"

Amelya Hagearty agrees.  Greg's fellow student in classes throughout the day she says, "St. Peter's is like a big family.  We have lots of wonderful activities together and we have them all the time."

The soon-to-graduate duo come from families with a longstanding commitment to the school, families that have had excellent experiences there.  Amelya has a younger brother in the school and "a cousin is coming here too."  Her grandmother teaches in the school. 

Amelya plays on the girl's basketball and soccer teams and will travel across town next year and continue her Catholic education at Holy Name High School.

Not to be outdone, Greg says, "I'm going to Holy Name as well!"  In high school he will continue his efforts on the basketball court and add football to his extra-curricular activities.

But Greg cites his involvement in religious aspects of St. Peter's as well.  An altar server at St. Peter's Church up the street, he joins Amelya and their classmates in service activities that provide for the needy. 

The school and local parish collaborate together, with students often praying at the church and priests regularly visiting the school.  "We had a wonderful turkey drive at Thanksgiving and all of us joined together to help the poor of our area by delivering 520 Thanksgiving baskets this year, and we did this through the church," says Greg. 

Ministering with Faith and Devotion

With a warm smile and eyes gleaming he says, “My happiest experience as a priest has been offering Mass every day. What a privilege!”

He is Father Cornelius (‘Connie’) O’Leary and he’s been doing just that for 54 years. For some years now a resident of Notre Dame du Lac’s assisted living facility, his priestly ministry continues even with ongoing health issues.

Giving Thanks for Life's Blessings

Not so many years ago, Eva Holt, an elderly woman, received Holy Communion regularly in her home from the parish priests and ministers of the sick. A life-long Catholic then in her nineties, she had found inspiration in the Eucharist for nearly a century.  Since she was no longer able to attend Mass at her beloved St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Westborough, the people of the parish came to her.

Promoting Human LIfe

We promote God's priceless gift of human life with gratitude," says Allison LeDoux, director of the Diocesan Respect Life Office.  Formed decades ago, in response to the Supreme Court's catastrophic Roe v. Wade decision, the Office, which is completely funded by the Annual Partners in Charity Appeal, advocates for the protection of all human life, born and unborn. Its programs combine education, prayer, and service.