All Diocesan Articles

Sister Elissa Rinere, C.P.,J.C.D.

Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich will be the Keynote Speaker at 2018 Convention

Sister Elissa Rinere, C.P. is a member of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion.  She is originally from New York City, but has lived most of her religious life in New England.  In addition to an M.A. in Secondary Education from URI, Sister has a doctorate in canon law (J.C.D.) from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC
Sister Elissa taught for ten years at what was then “Prout Memorial High School” in Rhode Island.  In her second career, Sister has worked in the Church as a canonist for many years.  This includes almost 15 years on the marriage tribunal in the Archdiocese of Hartford, and seven years in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  Before coming to the Diocese of Norwich in 2005 she was on the Canon Law faculty at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, where she taught, among other courses, Matrimonial Jurisprudence. 
Currently, here in the Diocese of Norwich, Sister is on the Diocesan Tribunal, as well as the Coordinator of the Office of Pastoral Planning and the Director of the Office for Worship.  In addition to her work for the Diocese of Norwich, she conducts retreat and prayer days at our Lady of Calvary Retreat House in Farmington, CT, a retreat center owned and operated by her religious community.
On December 7, 2017, Sister Elissa was appointed Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich by the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote., D.D.

Convention Details

Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women 63rd Annual Convention                      
The Joy of the Gospel
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Saint Matthew Church, 111 Tolland Green, Tolland, CT
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline is September 25, 2018

Click Here to Download a Registration Form


 

 

 


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Why August Belongs to Mary

Posted on August 06, 2026 in: News

1059

Why August Belongs to Mary
Ask most Catholics which month belongs to Mary, and they will answer without hesitation: May. They are right. But August has a compelling claim of its own. For while May blossoms with Marian devotion, August shines with Marian glory. This month, the Church celebrates some of the most beautiful mysteries of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Together, they reveal who she is, where she is, and how she leads us to her Son. The Dedication of St. Mary Major On August 5, the Church celebrates the Dedication of St. Mary Major in Rome, the oldest and most important Marian basi...

Read More

Celebrating the Assumption: What Catholics Should Know This Year
The Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, August 15. While the Assumption is ordinarily a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States, there is no obligation to attend Mass this year because the solemnity falls on a Saturday. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) explains: “Whenever ... August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption ... falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated.” The USCCB’s 2026 liturgical guidance also confirms th...

Read More

Teresa Jorgenson to Lead NDCCW Day of Reflection
NDCCW Day of Reflection to Focus on Being “Anchored in Christ” The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will host its 2026 Day of Reflection, “Anchored in Christ,” on Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Church and Hall in Colchester. Teresa Jorgenson will serve as the guest speaker for the day. Bishop Richard Reidy will celebrate Mass and join participants for lunch. Jorgenson is a graduate of Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, where she majored in history, philosophy and theology. Following colleg...

Read More

Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry Seeking Basket Donations
The Diocese of Norwich's Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry is currently collecting donations of baskets and is inviting the community to help. Donations may include picnic baskets, wicker baskets, or laundry baskets. Individuals who have baskets they no longer need are encouraged to consider donating them. Baskets may be dropped off at either of the following locations: Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry 331 Main Street, 2nd Floor Norwich, CT 06360 Diocese of Norwich Chancery 201 Broadway Norwich, CT 06360 For more information or question...

Read More

From the Editor's Keyboard—Summertime Isn’t Over Yet
If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed something. The Fourth of July comes and goes, the school supplies appear in the stores, and before you know it, people are talking about back-to-school shopping, football season, and pumpkin spice everything. Hold on a minute. It’s only the beginning of August. Summer isn’t over yet. There’s still plenty of time for one more cookout, one more day at the beach, or at least one more excuse to put off raking leaves. We have a tendency to rush through life, always looking ahead to what&rs...

Read More

Help Lead the Mission of Outreach to Haiti
Announcement of Position Opening Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti The Diocese of Norwich seeks a full-time Executive Director for Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti. Mission As an expression of our Catholic Faith, Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti, a sponsored ministry of the Diocese of Norwich, is committed to serving the people of Haiti in the spirit and values of the Gospel. While providing sacramental and spiritual support, this ministry offers education, health care, and other services to Haitians in need. Overview of Responsibilities The Exe...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

 

 

Latest Articles
Brothers in Christ with Bishop Reidy
Join Bishop Reidy for a Special Blessing of the Farm Event August 18th
Help Lead the Mission of Outreach to Haiti
Celebrating the Assumption: What Catholics Should Know This Year
Sacred Heart on the Lake Announces Fall Retreat Days and Spiritual Offerings
Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry Seeking Basket Donations
Two New Faith Programs Invite Women and Men to Grow Closer to Christ
St. Lawrence Church Hosts “Hope Does Not Disappoint” Retreat
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: 2026 Blessing of the Fleet
Click to view album: Corpus Christi Procession 2026
Click to view album: Chrism Mass 2026
Click to view album: 2026 CT March for Life- Hartford, CT
Signup for Weekly Newsletter


    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294