Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Current Articles | Archives | Search

Celebrating Our Faithful Servants: Priestly Jubilees of 2025

Posted on April 17, 2025 in: News, Vocations

Celebrating Our Faithful Servants: Priestly Jubilees of 2025

With gratitude and joy, the Diocese of Norwich extends heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to the priests celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination to the sacred priesthood in 2025. These dedicated men have faithfully answered God’s call, each offering years of devoted service to Christ and His Church.

Celebrating 65 years of priesthood are Reverend Paul F. Ramen (ordained February 2, 1960) and Reverend John E. Welch, M.S. (May 28, 1960), whose lifetime of ministry continues to inspire.

Marking 60 years, Monsignor James Carini (May 27, 1965) is recognized for his long-standing commitment to pastoral care and leadership.

Two priests celebrate 55 years: Reverend Laurence A. LaPointe and Monsignor Anthony S. Rosaforte, both ordained on June 6, 1970.

Reaching the golden milestone of 50 years are Most Reverend Michael R. Cote (June 29, 1975), Reverend Russell F. Kennedy (May 10, 1975), and Reverend Mark Curesky, OFM Conv. (May 3, 1975), whose decades of service have profoundly impacted the faithful.

Celebrating 40 years is Reverend Mark D. O’Donnell (May 25, 1985).

Four priests celebrate 35 years: Reverend Joseph F. DeCosta (November 17, 1990), Reverend Gregory C. Mullaney (May 5, 1990), Reverend Michael L. Phillippino (May 26, 1990), and Reverend Ben Vinjoe (April 29, 1990).

Celebrating 30 years are Reverend Dariusz K. Dudzik, JCL, Reverend Dennis M. Perkins, and Reverend Richard Sliwinski, all ordained in May 1995.

And marking 25 years is Reverend Francis C. Rouleau (May 27, 2000).

May God continue to bless each of these faithful servants with health, peace, and renewed joy in their ministry. Ad multos annos!

Pictured here with Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich, are:

Front Row (l–r): Fr. Joseph F. DeCosta (35), Fr. Russell F. Kennedy (50), Fr. Francis C. Rouleau (25), Fr. Mark Curesky, OFM Conv. (50), Fr. John E. Welch, M.S. (65)
Middle Row (l–r): Fr. Dennis M. Perkins (30), Fr. Michael L. Phillippino (35), Fr. Mark D. O’Donnell (40), Fr. Dariusz K. Dudzik (30), Fr. Laurence A. LaPointe (55)
Back Row (l–r): Fr. Anthony S. Rosaforte (55), Fr. Richard Sliwinski (30), Fr. Ben Vinjoe (35)
Photo Credit: Catherine Hoffman

Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

In Memoriam- Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC

Posted on January 08, 2026 in: News

794

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

Pope Leo XIV Proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year

Posted on January 13, 2026 in: News

652

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 to Host Rock Climbing Event with Bishop Reidy

Posted on January 13, 2026 in: News, Events

432

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

“I Will Give You Shepherds”- Understanding Priestly Formation Today

Posted on January 08, 2026 in: Vocations

251

“I Will Give You Shepherds”- Understanding Priestly Formation Today

When the Lord first called me to the priesthood, I had no idea how one got ready. I knew that priests studied at a seminary, but I had no concept of what that would entail. Only through searching the internet did I first learn what priestly preparation looked like. One of the most important documents to come from the Vatican in recent memory is Pastores Dabo Vobis. Pope St. John Paul II released this apostolic exhortation in 1992, at the conclusion of a synod where the bishops had been discussing the formation of priests. Recognizing that the universal Church did not hav...

Read More

Knights of Columbus Celebrate Fourth Degree Exemplification at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Posted on January 16, 2026 in: News

197

Knights of Columbus Celebrate Fourth Degree Exemplification at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

The Knights of Columbus held an Exemplification of the Fourth Degree on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Norwich, marking a significant moment in the life of the Order and the Diocese. The Fourth Degree, the highest degree within the Knights of Columbus, emphasizes the principle of Patriotism and calls members to live their Catholic faith in faithful service to God, country, and community. The day began with Mass at 10:30 a.m., which was celebrated at the cathedral and offered in prayer for the candidates and their families. Following Mass...

Read More

St. Vincent de Paul Middletown Celebrates Groundbreaking for St. Vincent’s Commons

Posted on January 16, 2026 in: News

154

St. Vincent de Paul Middletown Celebrates Groundbreaking for St. Vincent’s Commons

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, St. Vincent de Paul Middletown celebrated a major milestone with the groundbreaking of St. Vincent’s Commons at 12 Liberty Street in Middletown—a visible sign that the mission is moving forward, not just in words, but in bricks and mortar. The ceremony brought together supporters, community partners, and guests for an upbeat, hope-filled moment: prayers offered, plans shared, and then the symbolic “shovels in the ground” that officially marked the start of what will become St. Vincent’s Commons. Executive Di...

Read More