Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Catholic Charities holds Hope Anchors the Soul Spring Gala

Posted on May 21, 2019 in: News, Catholic Charities News

Catholic Charities holds Hope Anchors the Soul Spring Gala

It was a beautiful evening at the Mystic Yachting Center as friends, supporters, staff, volunteers and board members of Catholic Charities gathered to celebrate its 98th anniversary at the Hope Anchors the Soul Spring Gala.

Overlooking the Mystic River, guests were entertained by the Hot Cat Jazz Band while enjoying cocktails and impressive views from the wrap-around covered porch. Guests had the opportunity to bid on many exciting silent auction items, including; tickets to Barrett Jackson Northeast collector car auction at Mohegan Sun; a Cape Cod weekend getaway; a private wine class and tasting for 20; golf lessons from a PGA professional; golf for four at Clinton Country Club; golf for four at Fox Hopyard; and two hand-made Adirondack Chairs, to mention a few.

After enjoying dinner and music on the upper floor, Executive Director Ed Tessman began the evening’s program by welcoming guests and taking them on a journey showing how everyone present affects those who walk through the doors of Catholic Charities in their time of crisis, seeking help and hope.

The theme of this year’s event was Hope Anchors the Soul, taken from Hebrews 6:19.

When asked what makes Catholic Charities so special, Ed answered, “It is each and every one of you. You make Catholic Charities special.”

Catholic Charities is an institutional response of the Church to answer Christ’s call to help and advocate for the poor, the needy and the oppressed regardless of faith, he said. Catholic values, teachings and traditions of the Church provide the foundation for its mission and work.

“Being there for our brothers and sisters in need is the essence of Catholic faith and tradition,” Ed said. “The ministry of Catholic Charities is deeply committed to providing charitable and compassionate assistance to those individuals and families who need a hand to help them through a crisis or difficult situation. It is your unselfish generosity, care for others and your commitment to Catholic Charities that makes us so special.”

During his remarks, Ed shared greater insight into the work that Catholic Charities does and the impact that those in attendance have on their work. “Catholic Charities stands with those who are considered disposable,” he said. “Catholic Charities stands with those whose dignity has been denied. Catholic Charities stands with those whose burdens are more than they can bear. Catholic Charities stands with the poor, the powerless and the voiceless.”

Through the personal stories and letters from clients, guests were drawn closer to understanding and participating in the Christian vocation of exercising charity to provide help and create hope for those most in need. Each letter shared throughout the evening was heartbreaking. Each story had a common and consistent characteristic, which was hope.

Pope Francis has said, “Hope is not an idea, it is an encounter.” Ed reiterated that. “It is through hope and the encounters that we have with those who walk through our doors that Catholic Charities has the ability to change people’s lives,” he said. “It is hope that carries those who walk through our doors during their times of despair.” Hope is more valuable than we give it credit for, Ed said. “It is the foundation of the work that we do each and every day. Hope is that soft-burning flame, unable to be extinguished and capable of enduring any conditions. Hope is why each of you are here tonight. We collectively hope for a better world and one for our brothers and sisters here in eastern Connecticut. Hope anchors the soul.”


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Join Bishop Reidy for a Youth Hike!

Posted on June 17, 2025 in: News, Events

1583

Join Bishop Reidy for a Youth Hike!
Middle School and High School youth are invited to a special hike with Bishop Reidy on Saturday, July 19th at 10:00 A.M. at Hurd State Park in East Hampton. Hurd State Park provides the perfect backdrop for a meaningful outdoor adventure, blending fun, exercise, scenic views, and moments of spiritual reflection. The park's flexible trails, peaceful riverside spots, and stunning overlooks make it an ideal place to connect with nature and one another. What to bring: Comfortable shoes, water, and a picnic lunch. Parents are welcome, and Youth Groups are encoura...

Read More

Now Hiring: Faith Filled Educators

Posted on June 17, 2025 in: News, School News

1177

Now Hiring: Faith Filled Educators
There are several current job openings for educators in our diocese.  The positions are updated weekly, so be sure to bookmark this page in your browser-  NorwichDiocese.org/Employment Click Here to See the Current Open Positions  All candidates must complete the official professional application to be considered for a teaching position or principal position and submit it to the Diocesan School Office. Applications are available on the employment page of the website. Visit NorwichDiocese.org/Employment to view all of the open jobs in the di...

Read More

Pray for the Pope: Join the Sacred Heart Novena June 19–27
Knights of Columbus Launches Sacred Heart Novena for Pope Leo XIV New Haven, Conn. — The Knights of Columbus have announced a special novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the intention of Pope Leo XIV, beginning June 19—his anniversary of priestly ordination—and concluding June 27, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly is encouraging Knights, their families, and all people of goodwill to participate in the novena and to submit personal prayer intentions, which he will personally bring to Rome later this Jubilee Year. P...

Read More

Prayer for Our Nation

Posted on July 03, 2025 in: News

1015

Prayer for Our Nation
  Prayer for Our Nation   God our Father, Giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to Your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for Your glory and dwell among Your people. Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation’s leaders. Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Remind Your people that true happiness is r...

Read More

Clergy Appointments

Posted on July 09, 2025 in: News, Vocations

677

Clergy Appointments
July 3, 2025 The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, has made the following clergy and diocesan appointments in the Diocese of Norwich   DIOCESAN APPOINTMENT Rev. Msgr. Leszek T. Janik, JCL, Vicar General of the Diocese of Norwich, while continuing as Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Norwichtown, and Saint Joseph Church, Norwich. Effective: June 5, 2025. Very Rev. Ted Tumicki, STL, JCL, Judicial Vicar for the Tribunal Office of the Diocese of Norwich. Effective: June 5, 2025.   CLERGY APPOINTMENT Reverend Francis Gi...

Read More

Public Policy Office of Catholic Church Scores Wins in State’s Legislative Session
The Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference achieved “successes we were happy about” during the 2025 Connecticut Legislative Session, according to Deacon David Reynolds, the Conference’s associate director for public policy.  “Legislation dealing with abortion, transgender rights and immigration reflected the conflict between existing state law and the recently revised federal laws and regulations,” he says. “The good news is the Conference’s efforts to stop harmful legislation in the areas of abortion and gender-affi...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Bishop Reidy to Take Part in Annual Stonington Blessing of the Fleet
5 Ways to Sanctify Your Summer Vacation and Evangelize
Pope Leo Meets with Supreme Knight, Supreme Chaplain
Clergy Appointments
Parishes Need to Launch 'Revolution of Care' for the Elderly, Pope Says
The Role of Spirituality in a Caregiver’s Life
Saints — Men and Women of Holiness
Calendar of Events

 

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