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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"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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Easter Pastoral 2026 In his 2026 Easter Pastoral, Bishop Richard F. Reidy reflects on the hope, peace, and joy of the Resurrection, reminding the faithful that Christ’s victory over sin and death remains the foundation of our hope in every trial. Bishop Richard F. Reidy’s Easter Message “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here... He has been raised” (Luke 24:5).The angelic announcement to the women at Jesus’ tomb on Easter forever changed their lives and our world. Laden with spices to anoint the body of the...

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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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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...

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The Mystery of Religious Life April 17–19 | Motherhouse, Baltic, CT Have you felt God calling you to something more? Are you a single woman, age 17–35, discerning the consecrated life? Then come and discover The Mystery of Religious Life. Take the next step on your discernment journey and join the Sisters at their Motherhouse in Baltic, Connecticut, for a weekend of prayer, reflection, and quiet listening. This retreat offers a peaceful space to ask questions, deepen your prayer, and listen more closely to where the Holy Spirit may be leading yo...

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