Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Celebrating Our Lady Queen of Hope Award Winner

Posted on April 17, 2024 in: News, FaithSparks

Celebrating Our Lady Queen of Hope Award Winner

Bishop Michael R. Cote celebrated a special Mass to acknowledge Janet Larson as this year's recipient of the esteemed Our Lady Queen of Hope Award. The honor was bestowed upon her during a heartfelt ceremony held at Saint Columba Parish in Columbia where Bishop Cote officiated at the 11 o'clock Mass. Coincidentally, this auspicious occasion also marked the birthday of Father Michael Phillippino, adding an extra layer of joy and celebration to the parish community.

Janet Larson's dedication, service, and unwavering faith have been a beacon of inspiration for all who know her. Her contributions to the parish and the wider community exemplify the spirit of compassion, kindness, and devotion that the Our Lady Queen of Hope Award seeks to honor.

During the ceremony, Janet Larson was presented with a beautifully crafted plaque—a handmade picture of Mary and the infant Jesus. The plaque bore a special note from Bishop Cote, underscoring the significance of Janet's commitment and the profound impact of her actions on the parish family.

The entire Saint Columba parish family joined in expressing gratitude and admiration for Janet Larson's outstanding service and steadfast faith. Her humility, generosity, and selfless dedication reflect the core values of our diocese, reminding us of the enduring power of faith and community.

As we congratulate Janet Larson on this well-deserved recognition, let us also reflect on the meaningful connections and blessings that unite us as a diocesan family. May the spirit of Our Lady Queen of Hope continue to inspire and guide us all on our journey of faith and service.

To read more about Janet and her years of service
 Click Here


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Green Mass and Norwich Irish Parade to Open Irish Heritage Month
The John P. Holland Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) in New London is inviting the faithful and the broader community to help launch Irish Heritage Month with a special “Green Mass” in honor of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland and the Diocese of Norwich. The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Patrick Cathedral in Norwich, with Bishop Richard F. Reidy as celebrant. Regional Irish American organizations are invited to participate, and Bishop Reidy will then lead them in the Norwich Irish Parade&nb...

Read More

Venerable Fulton Sheen to Be Beatified

Posted on February 09, 2026 in: News

490

Venerable Fulton Sheen to Be Beatified
A portrait of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979), New York, 1964. | Credit: Bachrach/Getty Images   The Holy See informed the Diocese of Peoria that the cause for the Venerable Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen can proceed to beatification, according to the diocese. The Holy See has officially informed Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, that the cause for the Venerable Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen can proceed to beatification, according to an announcement from the diocese. “The next step in ...

Read More

Indoor Climbing with Bishop Reidy Brings Faith, Fellowship, and Fun— Despite the Cold
Despite bitter winter temperatures outside, warmth and energy filled Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury on Saturday, February 7, as families and young people from across the Diocese of Norwich gathered for Indoor Climbing with Bishop Reidy. Braving the cold weather to attend, participants were rewarded with an afternoon of movement, encouragement, and joyful connection— both on the climbing walls and off. Hosted at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury, the event invited climbers of all experience levels to challenge themselves in a supportive, faith-filled environment. Fro...

Read More

As Connecticut Prepares to March for Life, Young Voices Point the Way Forward
The 2026 Connecticut March for Life, scheduled for March 18, 2026, will once again draw people of faith and goodwill from across the state to stand as a public witness for life. Rooted in prayer, unity, and love for life at every stage, the Connecticut March for Life reflects a shared commitment to uphold the dignity of every human person. With the help of parishes, councils, schools, and volunteers statewide, organizers are confident that the 2026 Connecticut March for Life will be a strong and faith-filled success. That same spirit of prayerful witness was powerfully p...

Read More

Welcome the Elect with a Diocesan Celebration of Faith--February 22, 2026
Rite of Election All parishioners are invited to attend the Rite of Election on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The liturgy will be celebrated by The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich. Your presence is a powerful sign of welcome and encouragement for those preparing to enter or be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. The Rite of Election, celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, is one of the most moving moments in the Church’s year. During this liturgy, catechumens and candid...

Read More

Church Can Help Sports by Flexing Values, Strengthening Human Dignity, Pope Says
Pope Leo XIV, who considers himself "a decent amateur tennis player," issued a letter on the value of sport, calling on the Church to help strengthen the needed harmony between people's physical and spiritual development. He released it on the day the Winter Olympic Games begin, highlighting how the Games remind us of the need to be one human family in "a world thirsting for peace." "We need tools that can put an end to the abuse of power, displays of force and indifference to the rule of law," he wrote.   VATICAN CITY (CNS...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Lifeboat: A Radical Reorientation for Catholic Survival
Welcome the Elect with a Diocesan Celebration of Faith--February 22, 2026
Registration Open for Women’s Conference: “Dinner with Jesus”
Indoor Climbing with Bishop Reidy Brings Faith, Fellowship, and Fun— Despite the Cold
Ash Wednesday, February 18, Marks the Beginning of Lent
Father, What Is Shrove Tuesday and Why Do We Celebrate It?
Lenten Mission Invites the Faithful to Step Away from Technology and Recharge with Christ
Venerable Fulton Sheen to Be Beatified
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Adventure, Faith and Fellowship with Bishop Reidy
Click to view album: Ninety-Fifth Anniversary of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

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