Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

All Saints Day: Celebrating Everyday Holiness

Posted on October 30, 2024 in: News

All Saints Day: Celebrating Everyday Holiness

With the arrival of November, All Saints Day invites us to pause and reflect on those who have gone before us in faith. This feast on November 1st isn’t just about the famous saints in our stained glass windows but honors all who have reached heaven, known and unknown. It’s a reminder that sainthood isn’t reserved for a select few.

God calls each of us to holiness, and the saints show us that it’s possible— one step, one act of love, one prayer at a time.

The saints were regular people with daily struggles, families, dreams, and doubts. They weren’t perfect, but they kept trying, allowing God’s love to shape their lives, even in tough times.

Their stories show us that holiness doesn’t mean being flawless; it means surrendering our hearts to God and letting His grace lead us.

As we honor the saints, we find hope in their examples. In a world that sometimes feels divided and uncertain, their lives remind us that God’s light can shine through anyone willing to share His love. The saints encourage us to keep going, to find joy in everyday acts of kindness and moments of quiet prayer, trusting that these small steps lead us closer to God.

This All Saints Day, let’s remember we’re part of a communion of saints— a spiritual family reaching across time and space. As we look to the saints, may we find inspiration to follow our unique paths to holiness, knowing that God walks with us every step of the way.

By Andrea DePaola


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

In Memoriam- Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC

Posted on January 08, 2026 in: News

781

In Memoriam- Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC
Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC, entered eternal life on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following a long illness. Her final years were spent at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, where she received compassionate care. Born Jacqueline Fayre Cook in Hagerstown, Maryland, on December 18, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Garland and Anita (Willis) Cook. Her family later moved to Norwich, Connecticut. She graduated from the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic and entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church in 1958. She professed perpet...

Read More

Young Adult Retreat: Encounter the Eucharist Through Friendships
Young adults ages 18 to 39 are invited to a day of prayer, fellowship, and renewal on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Saint Michael the Archangel Church, 60 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck. Inspired by the witness of the newly canonized Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, the retreat will explore a central question: How can young adults encounter the Eucharist through friendships? Retreat Schedule 9:30 a.m. Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (Celebrant: Fr. Jeffrey Ellis, Vocation Director) Talk 1: Ethan Roberts, UConn FOCUS Missionary Small-group discussion following the first talk...

Read More

Pope Leo XIV Proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year

Posted on January 13, 2026 in: News

589

Pope Leo XIV Proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence. This Franciscan Jubilee Year, considered a gift for the entire Church and an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal, was inaugurated on Jan. 10 with a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See. Until Jan. 10 of next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under t...

Read More

Diocese of Norwich Helps Neighbors in Need Through CCHD Grants
Bishop Reidy Awards Catholic Campaign for Human Development Grants to Local Organizations Serving Those in Need Bishop Richard F. Reidy distributed Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) grants to several local organizations dedicated to serving those in need across the region. Funded through the generosity of parishioners throughout the Diocese of Norwich, these grants help alleviate poverty and support life-changing programs in our communities. The following organizations were awarded CCHD grants for their exceptional service: Birthright of Greater Nor...

Read More

Diocese of Norwich to Host Rock Climbing Event with Bishop Reidy
The Diocese of Norwich is inviting families and individuals of all ages to reach new heights— literally— at a free indoor rock climbing event on Saturday, February 7, at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury. Adding to the excitement, Bishop Richard Reidy will be in attendance, offering participants a special opportunity to share in an evening of fellowship, encouragement, and fun with the diocesan shepherd. Designed as a welcoming experience for beginners and seasoned climbers alike, the event will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and provides a safe, supervised...

Read More

Connecting with God through Prayer and Community

Posted on January 10, 2026 in: News

145

Connecting with God through Prayer and Community
On Saturday, November 2, Holy Family Church in Hebron hosted Catholic Youth and Family Day — a joyful celebration of faith, friendship, and community for families across the region. The day was filled with music, games, prayer, and fellowship — a time for all generations to come together and grow in faith. The event opened with a special welcome and prayer, inviting everyone to pause and reconnect with God in the busyness of daily life. “Prayer is more than words,” said Liza Roach. “It’s a friendship with God — a way to open our ...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Bowling with Bishop Reidy 2025
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