All Diocesan Articles

Knights of Columbus to Continue Annual Coats for Kids Program on Black Friday

Posted on November 24, 2022 in: News, Events

Knights of Columbus to Continue Annual Coats for Kids Program on Black Friday

Knights of Columbus councils in Connecticut will continue their signature Coats for Kids program on Black Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, providing thousands of children with new winter coats at eight distribution sites throughout the state. Launched in 2009, the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program, through the efforts of 8,000 Knights of Columbus councils throughout the United States and Canada, has provided more than 949,000 coats to children in need.


Coats for Kids distributions in Connecticut will take place on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (unless otherwise indicated) at the following locations (Norwich Diocese locations in bold):


• Bridgeport – 391 Ogden Street, McGivney Center – Saint Charles Borromeo Church
• Columbia – 328 Route 66, Saint Columba Church Hall
• Hartford – 140 Farmington Avenue, Cathedral of Saint Joseph
• Middletown – 155 Washington Street, Saint Sebastian Church
• New Haven – 397 Ferry Street, Saint Francis Church
• Plainfield – 10 Railroad Avenue, Saint John’s Church
• Waterbury – 515 South Main Street, All Saints Parish – Todos Los Santos Parish
• Stamford – 507 Shippan Avenue, Knights of Columbus (Note: Distribution in Stamford will
occur from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

In recent years, Knights of Columbus councils have expanded their efforts by supplying local police officers and firefighters with coats to distribute within their communities as they go about their day-to-day duties.

In 2021, Knights of Columbus councils distributed more than 149,000 new winter coats to children in need throughout the United States and Canada, a total which includes over 5,000 provided in Connecticut. This year, Connecticut councils have already distributed over 6,000 coats to children in need.

About the Knights of Columbus
In 1882, Blessed Michael McGivney, a young parish priest in New Haven, Connecticut, founded the Knights of Columbus to serve the needs of a largely immigrant Catholic community. What began as a small fraternal benefit society has since grown into one of the world’s leading international charitable organizations, with more than 2 million members in over 16,000 local councils. Last year, Knights around the world donated nearly 48 million service hours and nearly $154 million for worthy causes in their communities. Based on the founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus is committed to strengthening Catholic families and parishes and to practicing faith in action through service to all in need. To learn more or to join the Knights of Columbus, please visit kofc.org/join.


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

In Memoriam: Father Rene L. Parent, M.S.

Posted on June 22, 2026 in: News

3115

In Memoriam: Father Rene L. Parent, M.S.
Father Rene L. Parent, M.S., 76, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, died on Sunday, June 21, 2026. He was born on July 2, 1949, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. In 2023, he was assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. James Parish in Danielson, Connecticut, where he ministered until his passing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at St. James Church in Danielson at 11:00 a.m. The main celebrant will be Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich. Calling hours will be held at St. James Church on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 9:...

Read More

A Prayer for Father's Day

Posted on June 17, 2026 in: News

523

A Prayer for Father's Day
Dear God, Thank you for loving us with your perfect heart of a father. We ask you this Father's Day and always to guide and protect the hearts of all men in fatherly roles who are striving to love with your heart and do your work. Give them pure, chaste, courageous, and creative hearts like Saint Joseph. Give them hearts that never tire of serving those they are called to love. Give them hearts that seek out their loved ones and gently turn their gaze to see You, who is Love.  And we ask you, Father, to bless them abundantly today....

Read More

Eagle Scout Candidate Nears One-Ton Goal, Seeks Final Push for Catholic Charities
A local Scout’s commitment to serving others is making a remarkable impact— and there is still one final opportunity to help!   Anthony DePaola, a member of Boy Scout Troop 13 in Colchester, launched a food drive benefiting Catholic Charities of Norwich as his Eagle Scout service project. His ambitious goal is to collect one ton (2,000 pounds) of non-perishable food to help support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout eastern Connecticut. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of parishioners and community members, the p...

Read More

In Memoriam: Sr. Patricia Blais, DHS

Posted on June 17, 2026 in: News

377

In Memoriam: Sr. Patricia Blais, DHS
Sr. Patricia Blais, DHS, 100, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Thursday, June 11, 2026, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham. Born Fleurette Patricia Marie Blais on March 17, 1926, in Lewiston, Maine, she was the daughter of Joseph Stanislas Blais and Marie Stella Goulette Blais. At 19, she attended the Boston Ritter School of Floral Design in preparation to manage her family’s flower shop. In 1961, she entered the Daughters of the Holy Spirit and was known as Sr. Marie Stella. Sr. Patricia began teaching first grade in Burlington, Vermont, w...

Read More

Patriotic Sing-A-Long to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary
As our nation commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the United States, the Cathedral of Saint Patrick invites the community to gather for an evening of music, patriotism, and unity on Friday, July 3, at 6:30 p.m.   The special Patriotic Sing-A-Long will feature Cathedral organist Michael Steven Lianos leading attendees through beloved American hymns and patriotic favorites that have inspired generations of Americans. Selections will include My Country 'Tis of Thee, The Star-Spangled Banner, Eternal Father, Strong to Save (commonly known as the Navy Hymn), Bat...

Read More

Rediscover the Gift of “Us”: Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience Coming to West Hartford
This summer, couples are invited to step away from the distractions of everyday life and invest in their relationship by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) Experience at the Holy Family Retreat Center in West Hartford, Connecticut, August 28–30.   More than simply a retreat, the Worldwide Marriage Encounter experience provides a welcoming space for couples to pause, reflect, and reconnect with one another. Through guided presentations, personal reflection, and private dialogue, husbands and wives are given the opportunity to deepen their commun...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

 

 

Latest Articles
In Memoriam: Father Rene L. Parent, M.S.
Pope Leo XIV Prays for Parents Who Have Suffered the Loss of a Baby
Rediscover the Gift of “Us”: Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience Coming to West Hartford
In Memoriam: Sr. Patricia Blais, DHS
A Prayer for Father's Day
Eagle Scout Candidate Nears One-Ton Goal, Seeks Final Push for Catholic Charities
Patriotic Sing-A-Long to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Corpus Christi Procession 2026
Click to view album: Chrism Mass 2026
Click to view album: 2026 CT March for Life- Hartford, CT
Click to view album: Adventure, Faith and Fellowship with Bishop Reidy
Signup for Weekly Newsletter


    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294