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Former Parishioner of Bishop Reidy Moves Closer to Sainthood

Posted on November 13, 2025 in: News, ProLife

Former Parishioner of Bishop Reidy Moves Closer to Sainthood

A beloved Worcester “Block Mom,” a Harvard-educated convert, and one of the most compelling pro-life voices of her generation — could she also be a future saint? The Vatican has now approved the next step in the cause of Ruth Pakaluk, a former parishioner of Bishop Richard F. Reidy when he served as rector of the Cathedral of St. Paul in Worcester. In this article by Matt McDonald for the National Catholic Register, you’ll discover how her remarkable journey from atheism to Catholicism, her tireless pro-life witness, and her heroic serenity in suffering reveal a woman who lived ordinary life with extraordinary faith.

Read the full story here.

You may also be interested in a website dedicated to the life of this remarkable woman, Ruth Pakaluk.

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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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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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View the 2026 Chrism Mass and Inspiring Homily by Bishop Reidy

Posted on March 31, 2026 in: News, Lent

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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 ...

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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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