All Diocesan Articles

The 2025 Chrism Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, April 16th, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Norwich, presided over the sacred liturgy, which marks a highlight of Holy Week. This special Mass featured the 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 of the Diocese. We invite you to watch the video of the full Mass, especiall...

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The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy was ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich, Connecticut at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. The gathering filled the cathedral for the Mass of Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Reidy, who comes to Norwich from the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was vicar general. Pope Francis appointed Reidy as Sixth Bishop of Norwich in February.   Click here to see a photo gallery of the Ordination   Click here for more information about Bishop Reidy   Video of the compl...

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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 ...

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On Friday, May 9—just one day after the election of Pope Leo XIV and ten days after his ordination as the sixth Bishop of Norwich—the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy quietly marked the occasion with a noon Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. Though it was a regularly scheduled daily liturgy with organ accompaniment, the timing made it anything but ordinary. With the election of the first American pope and the recent ordination of their new bishop, those gathered were united in prayer and gratitude. In his homily, Bishop Reidy reflected o...

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When a pope dies or resigns, the governance of the Catholic Church passes to the College of Cardinals. Cardinals are bishops and Vatican officials from all over the world, personally chosen by the pope, recognizable by their distinctive red vestments.  Following a vacancy in the papacy, the cardinals hold a series of meetings at the Vatican called general congregations. They discuss the needs and the challenges facing the Catholic Church globally. They will also prepare for the upcoming papal election, called a conclave. Decisions that only the pope can make, such a...

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