Lent

The Risen Lord knows us so very intimately, calling each of us by name. In our sinfulness, imperfection and unworthiness, we are not abandoned.     In the Easter story, a meaningful and very vulnerable exchange occurs between Mary Magdalene and the Risen Lord, as depicted in the Gospel of John (20:11-18).   In the quiet solitude of a garden, Mary Magdalene stands, tears staining her cheeks, grief echoing in her heart. The tomb of Jesus looms before her, a silent witness to the profound loss that seems insurmountable. It is in this very...

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"We celebrate this Palm Sunday with the eyes of faith,"   On Sunday, March 24th, the Cathedral of Saint Patrick was filled with the faithful, gathered to commemorate Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week. The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote presided over the Mass, delivering a homily that captured the profound significance of the sacred day. He drew parallels between the disciples' initial inability to grasp the full significance of Christ's entry into Jerusalem and our celebration of Palm Sunday. He emphasized...

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Did you know that there are several ways you can gain a plenary indulgence during Lent? There are actually four ways you can receive one. Even though Lent is nearly over, there is still plenty of time for you to complete any, or all, of these.    First of all, what is a plenary indulgence? A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ to remove the temporal punishment due to sin. The indulgence cleanses a person of all temporal punishment due to sin. However, it must always be accompanied by a full detac...

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Lent is a time of reflection and prayer- and for many Catholic households, it also means switching up the menu and getting creative in the kitchen. Going meat-free doesn't have to mean boring! We're diving into some seriously tasty Lenten recipes that'll keep your taste buds happy and might just surprise you with how delicious simplicity can be. So, let's get cooking and make this Lent a time of culinary adventure as well as spiritual reflection. Trust us, your stomach (and soul) will thank you!      Halluski (Cabbage and Noodl...

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Fasting & abstinence Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.   The norms of fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.   The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.   Churches offering Friday Lenten meals Are y...

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Lent, a period of penitence and fasting, serves as an ideal time for the Sacrament of Reconcilliation due to its deep emphasis on introspection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. This season offers a profound opportunity to receive God's mercy, cleanse the soul, and renew one's relationship with God.    Lent calls us to return to God with all one's heart, making it a spiritually enriching experience that enhances the Lenten journey towards Easter's promise of redemption and new life.   A Beautiful Act of Contrition Fo...

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Ash Wednesday is the first day of the 40 days of Lent dedicated to prayer, fasting, and reflection in preparation for the great celebration of Christ’s Paschal Mystery in the Easter Triduum. We pray that this day marks the beginning of your spiritual renewal. If we can help you with prayers or resources during this Lenten Season please contact us at 860-848-2237, ext. 312 or at faithevents@norwichdiocese.net.

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Knights of Columbus Announces Partnership With Franciscan Friars of the Renewal for a Special Printing of  Born of Fire, A Lenten Daily Devotional for Men Born of Fire, by Father Innocent Montgomery, Will Engage Catholic Men in Greater Lenten Prayer and Reflection New Haven, Conn. — The Knights of Columbus announced a partnership with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs) to make for sale a special printing of Born of Fire, A Lenten Daily Devotional for Men by Father Innocent Montgomery. Born of Fire includes daily devotionals from Ash Wednesday th...

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During Lent, we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection through prayer and reflection. We contemplate the promised Second Coming of Jesus as Savior. And amid the flurry of preparations, we look for practical ways to observe the holiness of the season in our everyday lives. To help you with this preparation, we have gathered various Lent resources into one convenient online location. Here you will find several articles and videos about Lent, along with tools and links to help guide you in the understanding of this holy time.    ...

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