In December, 1965, Interim Guidelines for the Practice of Ecumenism in the Diocese of Worcester were promulgated to help "our priests and people foster the spirit of ecumenism and to apply the norms of the documents of the 2nd Vatican Council to the situation as we find it in Worcester.
The intervening years have brought about developments both in the discipline of the Church and in our experience in ecumenical activity which make it imperative that we update our Directory to conform to these changes. Hence, this new Directory.
It is understood, however, that even these directives cannot be considered as final. The ecumenical movement depends so much on its spirit that future events and demands of charity may call for further revisions from time to time.
For the present, any synodal statutes or previous directives which are in conflict with the norms set forth in this Directory are to be considered abrogated and the new legislation is to prevail.
It is my fervent hope and prayer that this new Directory will serve as a helpful instrument for our priests and people in our continuing efforts to foster the works of Christian unity, adding luster to what has already become a hallmark of the Diocese of Worcester.
(Former Bishop Timothy J. Harrington, now deceased)