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The Chair: A Conversation with Bishop Cote

Posted on December 28, 2022 in: News, Vocations

The Chair: A Conversation with Bishop Cote

Bishop Michael R. Cote was born in Sanford, ME. He first attended Our Lady of Lourdes Seminary in Cassadaga, NY, then went to Assumption College in Worcester, MA, later graduated from St. Mary's Seminary College in Baltimore, MD, where he received a Bachelor of Philosophy. Bishop Cote was ordained a priest in 1975 and installed as Bishop of Norwich in 2003.

Bishop Cote and the Cathedral of Saint Patrick were featured in 'The Chair,' a television series that highlights 85 of America's cathedrals. Each episode captures the unique beauty and characteristics of a diocese.

Watch the entire series of The Chair on Roku, Crackle,

or for FREE by clicking the box below.

The entire series is free to watch at thechair.com/watchnow.

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Special Report on Pope Leo’s Apostolic Exhortation

Posted on October 28, 2025 in: News

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Special Report on Pope Leo’s Apostolic Exhortation

In his first major document as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV has released a powerful call to action for the universal Church. His apostolic exhortation, Dilexi Te (“On Love for the Poor”), promulgated on October 4, 2025, the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, and released in English five days later, sets forth a vision of the Church centered on compassion, humility, and solidarity with the poor. Building upon the unfinished work of Pope Francis, Dilexi Te weaves together the pastoral wisdom of two shepherds whose lives and ministries have been deeply shaped by Latin Ame...

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Meet Our New Youth & Young Adult Minister

Posted on November 05, 2025 in: News

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Meet Our New Youth & Young Adult Minister

Maria Sweeney Joins Evangelization & Discipleship as Youth and Young Adult Minister The Diocese of Norwich is pleased to welcome Maria Sweeney as our new Youth and Young Adult Minister in the Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry. Maria, a wife and mother of four, and her family are parishioners of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich. Before moving to Connecticut in 2020, she served for many years in parish youth ministry in both the Diocese of Rockville Centre and the Archdiocese of New York, where she led retreats, youth pilgrimages, and parish-based cate...

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CNA Explains: What Does it Mean to Be a Doctor of the Church?

Posted on November 03, 2025 in: News

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CNA Explains: What Does it Mean to Be a Doctor of the Church?

The Vatican on Saturday named St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the Church. The 19th-century English saint — a former Anglican priest who converted to Catholicism — joined 37 other saints who have been given the same honor. Born in London and baptized into the Church of England in 1801, Newman was a popular and respected Anglican priest, theologian, and writer among his peers prior to his conversion to Catholicism in 1845. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1847 and later made a cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in 1879. As a Catholic, Newman deepened and contri...

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Honoring a Faithful Steward

Posted on October 31, 2025 in: News

Karen Huffer Retires as Diocesan Finance Officer With deep gratitude, the Diocese of Norwich announces the retirement of Karen Huffer, Finance Officer. Known for her professionalism, steady leadership, and deep commitment to the mission of the Church, Karen’s work has touched nearly every aspect of diocesan life—quietly ensuring that the financial foundation of our ministries remains sound and transparent. As Finance Officer, Karen oversaw the budgeting, reporting, and compliance functions that support parishes, schools, and ministries throughout eastern C...

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Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer Intention for the Month of November

Posted on November 02, 2025 in: News

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of November is for the prevention of suicide. “Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community and be open to the beauty of life,” the pope said in a video released Nov. 4. According to a press release, this month’s video was made in collaboration with the Diocese of Phoenix. In the video, Pope Leo recites an original prayer written specifically for this month’s prayer intention...

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Saint Vincent de Paul Place Norwich Grateful for Mashantucket Pequot Tribe's Gift

Posted on November 05, 2025 in: News

The St. Vincent de Paul Place food pantry and kitchen in Norwich was the recipient this week of a generous donation from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe during a visit by tribal and city officials. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation for their generous donation to help us provide food to our most vulnerable community members through our pantry," St. Vincent de Paul Place Norwich posted online. The donation of $25,000, part of an annual giving campaign, comes during an ongoing disruption to SNAP benefits.&n...

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