All Diocesan Articles

24 Hours for the Lord Schedule Join us for 24 Hours for the Lord, a special opportunity to encounter the boundless mercy of God. This initiative, inspired by Pope Francis, invites the faithful to set aside time for prayer, reflection, and reconciliation, deepening their relationship with Christ through the sacraments. Throughout the 24-hour period, parishes across the Diocese of Norwich will offer extended hours for Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, providing a sacred space for personal prayer and renewal. Whether you can spend a few minutes o...

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On Sunday, March 9, the First Sunday of Lent, the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich was filled with faith and anticipation as catechumens from across the diocese gathered for the Rite of Election. This significant step in their journey toward full initiation into the Catholic Church marks their formal enrollment in the Book of the Elect, bringing them one step closer to the Easter sacraments. With our diocese still awaiting the appointment of a new bishop, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Hartford presided over the celebration, offering words of encouragemen...

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On March 5, 2025, the faithful of St. Andrew Church in Colchester, Connecticut, gathered to observe Ash Wednesday, marking the commencement of the Lenten season. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Mark Masnicki.  In his homily, Fr. Masnicki emphasized the significance of Lent as a period for personal reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. He encouraged parishioners to engage in prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, aligning with the Church’s teachings during this sacred time. The imposition of ashes, a central rite of the service, saw con...

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Lent is a sacred season, a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. It mirrors Jesus' forty days in the desert, calling us to turn away from sin and deepen our relationship with God. During this time, the Church invites us to embrace three spiritual pillars—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—each offering a pathway to spiritual growth. Prayer strengthens our connection with God, fasting teaches us discipline and self-control, and almsgiving allows us to put our faith into action by caring for those in need. Of these three pillars, almsgiving is perhaps t...

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Each Lent I am reminded of what St. Peter wrote, “With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (2 Pt 3:8). St. Peter affirms that God's perspective on time is holistic and all-encompassing. God sees and acts within the entire scope of time at once. So, I thought, if God comprehends all time at once, then God sees my entire life as one event – what does He see? The Church teaches that Lent is a time for Christians to engage in deeper reflection on their faith, to repent from sin and to renew their commitment ...

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A Parish Mission led by the Sisters of Life will take place at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick next Wednesday, April 2nd at 6:30 PM.  ALL are invited to this Lenten Evening of Hope and Mercy -- come and encounter Him! WHAT WILL THE EVENING ENTAIL? A Lenten reflection offered by Sr. Antoniana Maria will be followed by time of Adoration with music led by the Sisters of Life. Priests from around the diocese will be available for confession. A social gathering in the parish hall will follow Benediction. WHO WILL BE LEADING THE MISSIO...

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