All Diocesan Articles

Each year, on November 2nd, Catholics observe All Souls Day— a day set aside to remember and pray for our loved ones who have passed away. While we celebrate those already in heaven on All Saints Day, All Souls Day focuses on those who may still be in purgatory, undergoing final purification before entering the fullness of God’s presence. In Catholic tradition, purgatory is a place of hope and mercy. It’s where souls receive the purification needed to be with God, and our prayers, sacrifices, and Masses offered on their behalf can help. This belief is r...

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The Evangelization & Discipleship Ministry includes the End of Life Ministry, which facilitates the production of cremation boxes made by retired carpenters, cabinet makers and shop teachers in our diocese. These retired craftsmen are using their gift and talents (and donating their time and treasure) to craft a cremation box that is available to anyone in need of one, free of charge. Some boxes come unpainted and unstatined which allows a person or family to personalize it themselves. Other boxes are stained a dark mahogoney or painted brown for a “class...

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Judith (Judy) Hughes — Funeral arrangements are included at the end of this tribute. — It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Judith (Judy) Hughes, whose nearly five decades of faithful service and dedication to spiritual renewal touched countless lives throughout the Diocese of Norwich. Judy began her ministry in the late 1970s working alongside Father Ray Introvigne at the Spiritual Renewal Center in Norwich. She later became associate director and, in 1994, was appointed co-director. Together, they led parish missions, retreats...

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The Diocese of Norwich mourns the passing of Reverend Edward J. Wisneski, a retired priest of the Diocese, who died Friday, October 30, 2026, at Saint Joseph Living Center in Windham. He was 86 years old. Father Wisneski was born December 7, 1939, in Middletown, Connecticut. He attended St. John School and Middletown High School before continuing his education at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and Fairfield University. He pursued his priestly formation at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, where he studied philosophy and theology. He was ...

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ST. VINCENT DE PAUL PLACE food | care | advocacy St. Vincent de Paul Place will prepare and deliver more than 700 Thanksgiving meals on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and it is asking the community to help stock the kitchen. Volunteers will cook and deliver the meals with the goal that every plate brings warmth, comfort, and hope to neighbors in need. The organization is inviting local residents, families, parishes, and businesses to donate the ingredients that will make each plate a celebration. What’s Needed Main Ingredients Turkey – purc...

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Pope Leo XIV and Bob Dylan conversing at the Vatican on Nov. 4, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV welcomed legendary American singer-songwriter and 2016 Nobel Prize in literature laureate Bob Dylan to the Vatican on Wednesday, Nov. 4. During the meeting, for which Dylan wore a black-hooded jacket, the Holy Father presented him with a rosary, while the 85-year-old singer gifted the pontiff a copy of his autobiography, “Chronicles: Volume One,” according to Vatican News. Dylan is in Rome for a Thursday, Nov. 5, concert at the Palazzo dello Spor...

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