Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Advent Resources to Help You Prepare for Christmas

Posted on December 02, 2020 in: News, Advent

Advent Resources to Help You Prepare for Christmas

“Beloved, now is the acceptable time spoken of by the Spirit, the day of salvation, peace and reconciliation: the great season of Advent. This is the time eagerly awaited by the patriarchs and prophets, the time that holy Simeon rejoiced to see.”
- St. Charles Borromeo

During the four weeks of Advent, we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth through prayer and reflection. We contemplate the First Coming of Jesus as Savior and anticipate His promised Second Coming. Amid the flurry of Christmas preparations, we look for practical ways to observe the holiness of the season in our everyday lives.

To help you with this preparation we have gathered various Advent resources into one convenient location. There you will find Pope Francis's apostolic letter, Admirabile signum, on the meaning and importance of nativity scenes, a blessing prayer for an Advent wreath or manger, an Advent calendar, and weekly videos and reflections from ministry staff and clergy of the Diocese of Norwich.

Are you looking to go deeper into your faith-if so, you will find Commentary on the Proper Prayers of Advent from the Roman Missal as well as Lectio Divina for Advent.

The photo gallery of Christmas creches from around the diocese can also be viewed here. You can read more on this here.

Bookmark the link below and visit it often as you prepare for the wonderful season of Christmas.

NorwichDiocese.org/Advent

 


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

In Memoriam: Father Rene L. Parent, M.S.

Posted on June 22, 2026 in: News

5089

In Memoriam: Father Rene L. Parent, M.S.
Father Rene L. Parent, M.S., 76, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, died on Sunday, June 21, 2026. He was born on July 2, 1949, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. In 2023, he was assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. James Parish in Danielson, Connecticut, where he ministered until his passing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at St. James Church in Danielson at 11:00 a.m. The main celebrant will be Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich. Calling hours will be held at St. James Church on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 9:...

Read More

Bishop Reidy Announces Clergy Appointments for the Diocese of Norwich
June 22, 2026 The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, has announced the following clergy appointments for the Diocese of Norwich. These appointments are made in response to the pastoral needs of the Diocese and are effective on the dates indicated below.   Reverend Lawrence Barile, from Parochial Vicar, St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Putnam, Pomfret, Quinebaug, and North Grosvenordale, to Administrator, St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Putnam, Pomfret, Quinebaug, and North Grosvenordale. Effective: July 1, 2026. Reverend Richard Breton, from P...

Read More

Catholic School Employment Opportunities Now Available
There are several current education-related employment opportunities available in Catholic schools across the diocese. These openings include classroom teaching, subject-area teaching, early childhood education and classroom support positions. Current school postings include opportunities at St. Michael School in Pawcatuck, St. Joseph School in New London, Saint Patrick Cathedral School in Norwich, St. James School in Danielson and Saint John Paul II School in Middletown. Recently posted openings include: Part-Time Music Teacher — St. Michael School, Pawcatuc...

Read More

Padre Pio Statue Appears to Weep Blood in Italian Parish
Santa Maria delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace) parish in the small Italian town of Casalba has found itself in the media spotlight after a statue of St. Padre Pio appeared to show a tear of blood trickling down its face. The discovery was made in April, when a parishioner noticed an unusual detail on the face of the saint from Pietrelcina: A reddish tear, resembling blood, appeared to be falling from its left eye. The news quickly reached the parish priest, Father Girolamo Capuano, who went to the church to verify what had happened and attempt, without success, to clean...

Read More

Bishop Reidy Joins Norwich July 4 Freedom Bell Ceremony — Public is Invited to the Free celebration at City Hall.
Bishop Reidy to Offer Prayer at Norwich Freedom Bell Ceremony Public is Invited to the free celebration at City Hall NORWICH, Conn. — The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, will offer a prayer during the City of Norwich’s Ringing of the Freedom Bell ceremony on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The event will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard, adjacent to Norwich City Hall, 100 Broadway, Norwich. The ceremony is part of Norwich’s observance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independ...

Read More

Pope Leo XIV: Writing Is an Act of Humanity That Leads to God
The pope met with authors to mark the 100th anniversary of the Vatican Publishing House. Pope Leo XIV this week emphasized the importance of writing, describing it as a human expression of truth that ultimately leads to God. In an audience with a group of authors on June 24, Leo discussed the enduring value of literature amid rapid digitalization. In his remarks, he urged authors to inspire readers to seek truth through their work. The encounter between the pope and writers marked the 100th anniversary of the Vatican Publishing House, also known as Librer...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

 

 

Latest Articles
Catholic School Employment Opportunities Now Available
Catholic Public Policy Office Celebrates Legislative Wins
Bishop Reidy Joins Norwich July 4 Freedom Bell Ceremony — Public is Invited to the Free celebration at City Hall.
Pope Leo XIV: Writing Is an Act of Humanity That Leads to God
Monthly Pro-Life Mass to be Held July 4
Padre Pio Statue Appears to Weep Blood in Italian Parish
In Memoriam: Father Rene L. Parent, M.S.
Bishop Reidy Announces Clergy Appointments for the Diocese of Norwich
Recently Added Galleries
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
Click to view album: Adventure, Faith and Fellowship with Bishop Reidy
Signup for Weekly Newsletter


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