Bishop of the Diocese of Worcester Robert McManus shakes hands with Judy Romatelli after a service in the Cronin Auditorium. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Over 500 people gathered in Cronin auditorium last Sunday to celebrate mass with Bishop Robert McManus in a new twist on tradition. St. Theresa’s members, who usually celebrate the start of school with a Labor Day weekend picnic after Sunday services, hosted the members of St. Francis Xavier of Bolton. St. Theresa’s Father Dennis O’Brien said members of both churches participated in music, readings, and potluck dishes. He noted that parish generosity extended beyond the groaning tables in the Bromfield cafeteria, though, with church members also contributing bags of food to the Loaves and Fishes food pantry in Ayer. “It was a great event,” he said. “It showed all the best gifts we have.”