All Diocesan Articles

Prayer for the New Year (Used and recommended by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, adapted from the Roman Missal and the Liturgy of the Hours) O God of time and eternity, we thank You for all the blessings of the past year and entrust to You the days of the year to come. Grant us Your wisdom to use each moment well, Your mercy to forgive what is past, and Your grace to walk faithfully in Your will. Help us grow in love for You and for one another, to seek justice, practice charity, and place our hope always in You. May the li...

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Pope Leo XIV will solemnly conclude the Jubilee Year Jan. 6 at St. Peter's Basilica, but the holy doors at the other papal basilicas of Rome were closed over the last few days by the cardinals who serve as the basilicas' archpriests. ROME (CNS) -- The path to conversion, the door to God's mercy and the call to live in Christian hope all continue beyond the Jubilee Year, said the three cardinals who closed the Holy Doors at three major basilicas in Rome. On the feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6, Pope Leo will solemnly close the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basi...

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Pope Leo XIV meets with a group of pilgrims from St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, on Dec. 29, 2025, in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. | Credit: Vatican Media   Pope Leo XIV on Monday explained that in order to allow God’s action in our personal lives, people must “empty” themselves and cultivate a deep inner life. The pontiff made the observation during a Dec. 29 audience at the Apostolic Palace with a group of pilgrims from St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. The event took place in...

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The Diocese of Norwich is now accepting nominations for the Norwich Diocesan Our Lady, Queen of Hope Award, a new honor created to recognize a woman whose faith, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on the life of the Church. The award will be presented by Bishop Richard F. Reidy and is named in honor of Our Lady, Queen of Hope, our Blessed Mother, who serves as the perfect model of faith, trust, and humble leadership. Through her “yes” to God, Mary teaches us what it means to lead with courage, compassion, and hope—virtues that this award...

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Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC, entered eternal life on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following a long illness. Her final years were spent at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, where she received compassionate care. Born Jacqueline Fayre Cook in Hagerstown, Maryland, on December 18, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Garland and Anita (Willis) Cook. Her family later moved to Norwich, Connecticut. She graduated from the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic and entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church in 1958. She professed perpet...

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Silent Discernment Retreat for Single Catholic Women (Ages 18–35) “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) The Little Sisters of the Poor invite single Catholic women ages 18–35 to a Silent Discernment Retreat focused on prayer, listening, and openness to God’s voice. This retreat includes: Holy Mass Eucharistic Adoration Spiritual talks Abundant silence, creating space for your heart to listen to the Lord   At the beginning and end of the retreat, participants will have time for conversation and sharing ...

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