Good morning, Worcester.

The Worcester Diocese announced that St. Mary Church in Brookfield and St. John the Baptist Church in East Brookfield will close while three parishes—St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph, and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart—will merge into a new parish that will hold services at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and St. Joseph. The changes will take effect July 1 and follow recommendations to better manage resources and strengthen ministry.

Dan Hawkins of Man & Cat Candle Company makes 100% soy candles inspired by his rescue cat Boo Boo—whose image is on his labels—with proceeds partly going to Community Cat Connection.

He produces his candles in his basement in Millbury and sells them at local events like Worcester Punk Rock Flea Market and Pride Worcester.

Tess Lukey, who grew up in Worcester and is a citizen of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, is curating the first Boston Public Art Triennial that opens today—featuring art installations in public spaces to highlight Native art and community culture.

UMass Chan Medical School will hold its 52nd Commencement on Sunday, June 1 when class speakers medical student Christopher Zaro, PhD candidate Clevanne Julce, and advanced practice nursing student Jennifer Konjoian will address graduates.

Zaro will speak about how courage drives tough decisions — Julce aims to foster hope while Konjoian shares her gratitude for her education.

District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj deposited $3,691 into her campaign funds—nearly three times the $1,161 raised in April—after confronting ICE agents and police on Eureka Street during the arrest of a Brazilian mother of three.

A deposit report from May 11 shows her fundraising surged right after the incident.

Worcester School Committee candidate Ashley Spring (they use they/them pronouns) was arrested during an ICE raid on May 8 and has now been ruled ineligible for the November ballot after a complaint showed they split residency between Worcester and Bolton.

The Board of Elections said Spring did not meet the one-year Worcester residency requirement despite owning a Worcester home since May.

Buffumville Lake Park in Charlton will now operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Tuesday with closures on Wednesday and Thursday due to a federal hiring freeze that stopped the seasonal staff hires—this change will also delay maintenance, sanitation, and invasive species removal while America the Beautiful passes are offered by appointment only.

Nekrogoblikon Concert

6-10 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique sound of Nekrogoblikon as they bring their high-energy performance to Worcester.

Monthly Craft, Color, and Chat

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Morse Institute Library — Free entry — Enjoy crafts and connect with an accepting community for socializing and support.

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

3:30 a.m. — The Mercantile — Cheap tickets available — Experience the stunning artistry of Van Gogh in an immersive setting.

Informed Investor Mastermind Conference

5-9 p.m. — Off The Rails — $35 entry — Network, learn, and connect with real estate pros and industry experts in a collaborative environment.

May Fiesta: Boodle Fight!

4-9 p.m. — Loft 266 — Tickets required — Experience a Filipino cultural celebration with delicious food and vibrant entertainment.

Tesla Concert

1-5 p.m. — Indian Ranch — General Admission — Experience the electrifying sounds of Tesla at the Summer Kickoff Concert with a rich history of rock music.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Concert

5-8 PM — Tree House Brewing Company — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy psychedelic funk of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong live.

Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo' Concert

7 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy an evening of roots music from iconic blues artists Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo'.

Gin Blossoms Concert in Charlton

7 PM — Tree House Brewing Company — Ticket prices vary — Catch the iconic alternative rock band as they perform their hits live.

Worcester Women's Leadership Conference 2025

8 AM – 4 PM — DCU Center — Registration required — The largest women’s leadership conference in Central Massachusetts, showcasing innovative female leaders.