The John P. Holland Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) in New London is inviting the faithful and the broader community to help launch Irish Heritage Month with a special “Green Mass” in honor of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland and the Diocese of Norwich. The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Patrick Cathedral in Norwich, with Bishop Richard F. Reidy as celebrant. Regional Irish American organizations are invited to participate, and Bishop Reidy will then lead them in the Norwich Irish Parade&nb...

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Each year, as Lent approaches, Catholics around the world prepare their hearts for the sacred journey toward Easter. Yet before we enter the solemn beauty of Ash Wednesday, the Church gives us a final day of joyful anticipation— Shrove Tuesday, often known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras. Although the day is popularly associated with parades, colorful beads, and festive foods, its true meaning is deeply rooted in our Catholic faith and in our desire for ongoing conversion. The word shrove comes from the Old English word shriven, meaning “to be absolved of one&rs...

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On February 18, the Church enters the sacred season of Lent with the observance of Ash Wednesday, a day marked by humility, repentance, and hope. As ashes are placed on our foreheads, we are reminded of both our human frailty and God’s enduring mercy— an invitation to turn our hearts back to Him. Ash Wednesday begins forty days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, calling us to slow down, examine our lives honestly, and prepare our hearts more intentionally for the joy of Easter.   Lenten Prayer from the USCCB Loving God, As we enter into these day...

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As the Church enters the sacred season of Lent, the Diocese of Norwich is offering a unique virtual Lenten Mission that invites participants to step away from constant technology and rediscover deeper communion with Christ. Beginning Thursday, February 26, the five-week mission will center on a guided book discussion of Media Fasting: Six Weeks to Recharge with Christ by Sister Nancy Usselmann, with a foreword by actor Jonathan Roumie. Participants will gather virtually each Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., reflecting together on how intentional fasting from medi...

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