All Diocesan Articles

Reverend John Stanley Gwudz, a retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, died on Monday, January 26, 2026, in San Diego, California, following a lengthy illness. Funeral arrangements are pending in California, where he resided for many years, with burial to follow at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego. Father John was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on July 1, 1946. He attended Falls School and St. Joseph School, and graduated from St. Bernard High School. He continued his priestly formation at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and at Our Lady of the ...

Read More

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”   On a frigid evening, the Catholic community of the University of Connecticut at Storrs gave Bishop of Norwich Richard F. Reidy a warm welcome at the annual Young Adult Mass held on Sunday, February 1.  It was the bishop’s first time celebrating the Norwich diocese’s Young Adult Mass, and the Saint Thomas Aquinas Chapel on the UConn campus was almost filled to capacity for the occasion.  In his homily, Bishop Reidy acknowledged the challenges we all fac...

Read More

The Diocese of Norwich mourns the passing of Rev. Victor Chaker, who died on February 3, 2026, at Bayview Nursing Home in Waterford, Connecticut, at the age of 91. Born September 15, 1934, in Port Said, Egypt, Father Chaker pursued advanced studies in science and engineering before answering God’s call to the priesthood later in life. Father Chaker studied at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Norwich on May 31, 2003, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. He served the faithful of St. Mary Parish in C...

Read More

   On Monday-January 19, families from across the diocese gathered at the Rose Garden Ice Arena in Norwich for Ice Skating with Bishop Richard Reidy, an afternoon filled with laughter, fellowship, and winter fun. More than 150 adults and young people attended, transforming the rink into a joyful scene of community and connection as people of all ages took to the ice together. Skaters of every skill level were welcomed and encouraged. Those new to ice skating especially enjoyed using skating “seals,” which helped learners stay upright while buildi...

Read More

Save the Date: Annual Priests’ Dinner Join us for the Annual Priests’ Dinner on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Mount Sacred Heart in Hamden. Vespers begin at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “The Love of Christ Impels Us: Shepherding Vocations Together.” More details to come.

Read More

  People of all ages are invited to join Bishop Richard Reidy for an evening of skiing and fellowship at Wachusett Mountain on Saturday, March 7. Hosted by the Diocese of Norwich, this special gathering offers families and individuals a chance to come together for wholesome recreation, faith-filled community, and winter fun. The event is free to attend, with participants responsible only for the cost of ski or snowboard rentals if needed. Families and individuals will meet at the mountain at 4:00 p.m., when skiing will begin. Please note that no transportation wi...

Read More