Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Calling Upon the Faithful: Prayers to Nurture Vocations

Posted on October 16, 2023 in: Vocations

Calling Upon the Faithful: Prayers to Nurture Vocations

                 

 

I would like to begin by thanking you for your prayers. I have spoken to many of you who have taken up the challenge of praying for your pastors daily so that they might be strengthened by God's grace in times of increasing responsibilities. I know that those I have heard from are representative of a much larger group. I would ask that you all continue this important work of imploring Our Lord’s grace and mercy for those He has called to be shepherds of His beloved children. 

Similarly, I would ask that you pray fervently for the sanctification of our families and communities from whom God calls His sons and daughters to serve His church as priests and religious. A noisy, worldy culture makes it difficult for us to hear God’s whisper and prevents us from discerning well the path we should follow. Ask Our Lord how you should be praying for this sanctification.

We may be called to different devotions and practices for this sacred work, but all of our efforts are so necessary. 

Please offer your prayers and sacrifices for those discerning a religious life and seek opportunities to encourage those who may be called. Friends and family can often see the potential before the individual themselves. 

May God richly reward your efforts and continue to bless our families, our parishes, our Diocese and our world.

 

Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles, Pray for us!  

 

By Fr. Kevin Reilly


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Watch the 2025 Chrism Mass and Homily by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne
The 2025 Chrism Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, April 16th, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Norwich, presided over the sacred liturgy, which marks a highlight of Holy Week. This special Mass featured the blessing of the holy oils—used throughout the year for sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders—and the Renewal of Priestly Promises by the clergy of the Diocese. We invite you to watch the video of the full Mass, especiall...

Read More

Photos & Video: The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy Ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich
The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy was ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich, Connecticut at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. The gathering filled the cathedral for the Mass of Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Reidy, who comes to Norwich from the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was vicar general. Pope Francis appointed Reidy as Sixth Bishop of Norwich in February.   Click here to see a photo gallery of the Ordination   Click here for more information about Bishop Reidy   Video of the compl...

Read More

Faithful Invited to Witness a Joyous Moment in Diocesan History — Parish Tickets and Livestream Offered
The Diocese of Norwich joyfully awaits the ordination and installation of Bishop-elect Richard F. Reidy as the sixth bishop of Norwich, to be held on Tuesday, April 29, at 2:00 p.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich. Due to the limited capacity of the Cathedral, each parish in the diocese has received an allotment of just four tickets per church to distribute. Anyone interested in attending in person must contact their parish office directly. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate ticket requests through the diocesan office. The ordination and installati...

Read More

Celebrating Our Faithful Servants: Priestly Jubilees of 2025
With gratitude and joy, the Diocese of Norwich extends heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to the priests celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination to the sacred priesthood in 2025. These dedicated men have faithfully answered God’s call, each offering years of devoted service to Christ and His Church. Celebrating 65 years of priesthood are Reverend Paul F. Ramen (ordained February 2, 1960) and Reverend John E. Welch, M.S. (May 28, 1960), whose lifetime of ministry continues to inspire. Marking 60 years, Monsignor James Carini (May ...

Read More

How is a New Pope Chosen?

Posted on May 06, 2025 in: News, Vocations

55

How is a New Pope Chosen?
When a pope dies or resigns, the governance of the Catholic Church passes to the College of Cardinals. Cardinals are bishops and Vatican officials from all over the world, personally chosen by the pope, recognizable by their distinctive red vestments.  Following a vacancy in the papacy, the cardinals hold a series of meetings at the Vatican called general congregations. They discuss the needs and the challenges facing the Catholic Church globally. They will also prepare for the upcoming papal election, called a conclave. Decisions that only the pope can make, such a...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Pope Francis’ Last Gift to Gaza: A Popemobile Converted into a Mobile Clinic
How is a New Pope Chosen?
Memorial Display About the Papacy of Pope Francis on View at McGivney Pilgrimage Center
Who Are the Cardinals Who Will Choose the Next Pope?
Prayer for the Election of a New Pope
Photos & Video: The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy Ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich
Memorial Day Cemetery Mass Schedule
We Can Help. Promise to Protect-Pledge to Heal.
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

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