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Archbishop Coyne Reflects on the Baptism of the Lord: "Don't Ever Apologize for Being Catholic"

Posted on January 16, 2025 in: News, Reflections

Archbishop Coyne Reflects on the Baptism of the Lord: "Don't Ever Apologize for Being Catholic"

This past Sunday, Archbishop Christopher Coyne, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich, delivered an inspiring homily at the Baptism of the Lord Mass. In his message, he urged the faithful to embrace their identity as Catholics with confidence and joy, reminding them, "Don't ever apologize for being Catholic."

Archbishop Coyne drew meaningful connections between the baptism of Jesus and our own call to live as beloved children of God. He reflected on the feast's profound significance, encouraging the community to proclaim the Good News boldly through acts of love, service, and faith.

Watch the full homily below to hear Archbishop Coyne’s reflections on this momentous occasion and how it challenges us to live out our baptismal promises courageously in today’s world.

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The Blessing of Easter Baskets: Tradition, Symbolism and Holy Saturday Schedules

Posted on March 23, 2026 in: News

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The Blessing of Easter Baskets: Tradition, Symbolism and Holy Saturday Schedules

The Blessing of the Easter baskets is a long-cherished tradition in the Catholic faith. Rooted in religious significance and cultural heritage, it has come to hold profound meaning for people of all ethnic backgrounds. Its roots date back to the early 12th century history of Poland, and is now observed by many Eastern European countries, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Many Eastern Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians, including Czechs, Croatians, Hungarians, Lithuanians, Russians, Slovaks and Ukrainians, also participate in this holy ritual. On Holy...

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Bishop Reidy Reflects on the Hope of Holy Week

Posted on March 26, 2026 in: Reflections, Lent

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Bishop Reidy Reflects on the Hope of Holy Week

Carpe diem is an old Roman expression frequently translated as “seize the day.” It reminds us to take advantage of the present moment and not to let opportunity pass us by. Whether an athlete in competition, an investor in the market, or a suitor in love, opportunities must be recognized and grasped, or they can pass away and be lost. Holy Week is one such opportunity. It is the most important week of the Church’s year because it commemorates the most important events of history. The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and our faithful acc...

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Diocesan Women's Conference Speaker's Journey Inspires

Posted on March 25, 2026 in: News, Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

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Diocesan Women's Conference Speaker's Journey Inspires

Jennifer Hubbard was the keynote speaker at this year’s Diocesan Women’s Conference. Jennifer lost her daughter in the Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown. One would think that her keynote would be inspiring while at the same time including sad recollections of a terrible low point in her life. But that could not be farther from the truth! Jennifer’s talk was filled of inspirational antidotes from her life as a cradle Catholic- sharing very frankly the ups and downs of her faith journey. She stressed that as a believer she can always count on two facts - ...

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Norwich Diocesan Cemeteries Spring Clean Up

Posted on March 25, 2026 in: News

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Norwich Diocesan Cemeteries Spring Clean Up

“A Catholic cemetery is consecrated ground, an extension of the Church.” With this understanding, our cemeteries are not simply places of burial, but sacred spaces worthy of the same reverence we give within the walls of our churches. Just as we would carefully consider what is appropriate to place at the altar, so too should we be mindful of what is placed at a gravesite. The Norwich Diocesan Cemeteries serve families throughout the region and include: St. Mary and St. Joseph Cemeteries on Boswell Avenue in Norwich; Sacred Heart Cemeteries in Norwich and Wau...

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‘Something’s Happening’: Catholic Converts Surge in Many U.S. Dioceses

Posted on March 30, 2026 in: News

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‘Something’s Happening’: Catholic Converts Surge in Many U.S. Dioceses

As Catholics across the United States prepare to welcome a striking rise in new converts this Easter, the Diocese of Norwich is very much part of that larger story of renewal. The National Catholic Register reports significant growth in dioceses nationwide, and here in Norwich that same momentum is clearly visible, with the Diocese recording a 112% increase and welcoming 98 catechumens and 152 candidates this year—the highest combined total in 10 years. This article offers a timely national perspective on something we are also seeing close to home: people are searchin...

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In Case You Missed It: Palm Sunday Mass Video

Posted on March 30, 2026 in: News

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In Case You Missed It: Palm Sunday Mass Video

Watch Palm Sunday Mass with The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy from the Cathedral of Saint Patrick — his first Palm Sunday Mass and the beginning of his first Holy Week as Bishop of Norwich. What a fickle people we are. What a faithful God we have. Bishop Richard Reidy In the homily, Bishop Reidy reflects on entering more deeply into Holy Week and walking with Christ through His Passion with hearts fixed on the hope of Easter. View the bookmarked homily (40:45) or watch the full Mass.

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