Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

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 Rev. Victor Chaker (1934–2026)
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

Green Mass and Norwich Irish Parade to Open Irish Heritage Month
The John P. Holland Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) in New London is inviting the faithful and the broader community to help launch Irish Heritage Month with a special “Green Mass” in honor of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland and the Diocese of Norwich. The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Patrick Cathedral in Norwich, with Bishop Richard F. Reidy as celebrant. Regional Irish American organizations are invited to participate, and Bishop Reidy will then lead them in the Norwich Irish Parade&nb...

Read More

Young Adults Celebrate Mass with Bishop Reidy at UConn
“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

Venerable Fulton Sheen to Be Beatified

Posted on February 09, 2026 in: News

461

Venerable Fulton Sheen to Be Beatified
A portrait of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979), New York, 1964. | Credit: Bachrach/Getty Images   The Holy See informed the Diocese of Peoria that the cause for the Venerable Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen can proceed to beatification, according to the diocese. The Holy See has officially informed Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, that the cause for the Venerable Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen can proceed to beatification, according to an announcement from the diocese. “The next step in ...

Read More

Indoor Climbing with Bishop Reidy Brings Faith, Fellowship, and Fun— Despite the Cold
Despite bitter winter temperatures outside, warmth and energy filled Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury on Saturday, February 7, as families and young people from across the Diocese of Norwich gathered for Indoor Climbing with Bishop Reidy. Braving the cold weather to attend, participants were rewarded with an afternoon of movement, encouragement, and joyful connection— both on the climbing walls and off. Hosted at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury, the event invited climbers of all experience levels to challenge themselves in a supportive, faith-filled environment. Fro...

Read More

As Connecticut Prepares to March for Life, Young Voices Point the Way Forward
The 2026 Connecticut March for Life, scheduled for March 18, 2026, will once again draw people of faith and goodwill from across the state to stand as a public witness for life. Rooted in prayer, unity, and love for life at every stage, the Connecticut March for Life reflects a shared commitment to uphold the dignity of every human person. With the help of parishes, councils, schools, and volunteers statewide, organizers are confident that the 2026 Connecticut March for Life will be a strong and faith-filled success. That same spirit of prayerful witness was powerfully p...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Lifeboat: A Radical Reorientation for Catholic Survival
Welcome the Elect with a Diocesan Celebration of Faith--February 22, 2026
Registration Open for Women’s Conference: “Dinner with Jesus”
Indoor Climbing with Bishop Reidy Brings Faith, Fellowship, and Fun— Despite the Cold
Ash Wednesday, February 18, Marks the Beginning of Lent
Father, What Is Shrove Tuesday and Why Do We Celebrate It?
Lenten Mission Invites the Faithful to Step Away from Technology and Recharge with Christ
Venerable Fulton Sheen to Be Beatified
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Adventure, Faith and Fellowship with Bishop Reidy
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