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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Posted on February 10, 2026 in: Lent
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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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Posted on February 17, 2026 in: News, Lent
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Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to listen more closely to God and others — and to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound — in his message for Lent 2026.
In his message for Lent 2026, Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to listen more closely to God and others — and to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound.
The Lenten season begins Feb. 18 with Ash Wednesday.
In the message, released Feb. 13, the pope offers a simple definition of Lent as a time when the Church “invites us to place ...
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Posted on February 10, 2026 in: News
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Despite bitter winter temperatures outside, warmth and energy filled Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury on Saturday, February 7, as families and young people from across the Diocese of Norwich gathered for Indoor Climbing with Bishop Reidy. Braving the cold weather to attend, participants were rewarded with an afternoon of movement, encouragement, and joyful connection— both on the climbing walls and off.
Hosted at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury, the event invited climbers of all experience levels to challenge themselves in a supportive, faith-filled environment. Fro...
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Rite of Election
All parishioners are invited to attend the Rite of Election on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The liturgy will be celebrated by The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich. Your presence is a powerful sign of welcome and encouragement for those preparing to enter or be received into full communion with the Catholic Church.
The Rite of Election, celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, is one of the most moving moments in the Church’s year. During this liturgy, catechumens and candid...
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Women of the Diocese are invited to an evening of faith, reflection, and fellowship at the upcoming Women’s Conference, “Dinner with Jesus”, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 5:30–9:00 p.m. at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell.
The conference will feature guest speaker Jennifer Hubbard, a Sandy Hook mother and author of Finding Sanctuary. Her memoir was named the Catholic Media Association’s #1 Memoir and offers a powerful witness of faith and hope.
“Dinner with Jesus” is designed to give women an opportunity to step away from ...
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