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

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

Posted on March 23, 2026 in: News

937

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...

Read More

Diocesan Women's Conference Speaker's Journey Inspires

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

354

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 - ...

Read More

Norwich Diocesan Cemeteries Spring Clean Up

Posted on March 25, 2026 in: News

273

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...

Read More

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

Posted on March 30, 2026 in: News

241

‘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...

Read More

View the 2026 Chrism Mass and Inspiring Homily by Bishop Reidy

Posted on March 31, 2026 in: News, Lent

186

View the 2026 Chrism Mass and Inspiring Homily by Bishop Reidy

"The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me." (Is 61:1) The 2026 Chrism Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, March 31, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich, presided over the sacred liturgy, which marks a highlight of Holy Week. This special Mass featured the bishop's blessing of the holy oils — used throughout the year for sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders — and the Renewal of Priestly Promises by the clergy ...

Read More

A Vocation Within a Vocation

Posted on March 31, 2026 in: Vocations

146

Sometimes, as I go around the diocese talking about the four vocations to which everyone is called (marriage, the generous single life, consecrated/religious life, priesthood), a well-meaning person will stop me after Mass and say something like, “Father, I hear what you are saying, but I have always felt that I had a vocation to be a nurse. From the time that I was little, I knew that God wanted me to do this. Isn’t that my vocation?” Yes. And no. It might be your vocation. But it is not your Vocation. The Four Primary Vocations A vocation is a call...

Read More