Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC, entered eternal life on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following a long illness. Her final years were spent at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, where she received compassionate care. Born Jacqueline Fayre Cook in Hagerstown, Maryland, on December 18, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Garland and Anita (Willis) Cook. Her family later moved to Norwich, Connecticut. She graduated from the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic and entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church in 1958. She professed perpet...

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Young adults ages 18 to 39 are invited to a day of prayer, fellowship, and renewal on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Saint Michael the Archangel Church, 60 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck. Inspired by the witness of the newly canonized Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, the retreat will explore a central question: How can young adults encounter the Eucharist through friendships? Retreat Schedule 9:30 a.m. Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (Celebrant: Fr. Jeffrey Ellis, Vocation Director) Talk 1: Ethan Roberts, UConn FOCUS Missionary Small-group discussion following the first talk...

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A Parish Without Boundaries When is a picture truly worth a thousand words? According to Father Edmund Nadolny, it’s when the picture is on a highway.   Father Nadolny has been sponsoring bold highway billboards that mix spiritual encouragement with pro-life messages for over 43 years. These signs – funded through his “Good News Fund” – have dotted Connecticut’s roads, carrying religious slogans, calls to prayer, and pleas on behalf of the unborn.  Born in 1933 in New Britain, the priesthood was not on Father Edmun...

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Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence. This Franciscan Jubilee Year, considered a gift for the entire Church and an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal, was inaugurated on Jan. 10 with a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See. Until Jan. 10 of next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under t...

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Bishop Reidy Awards Catholic Campaign for Human Development Grants to Local Organizations Serving Those in Need Bishop Richard F. Reidy distributed Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) grants to several local organizations dedicated to serving those in need across the region. Funded through the generosity of parishioners throughout the Diocese of Norwich, these grants help alleviate poverty and support life-changing programs in our communities. The following organizations were awarded CCHD grants for their exceptional service: Birthright of Greater Nor...

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The Diocese of Norwich is inviting families and individuals of all ages to reach new heights— literally— at a free indoor rock climbing event on Saturday, February 7, at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury. Adding to the excitement, Bishop Richard Reidy will be in attendance, offering participants a special opportunity to share in an evening of fellowship, encouragement, and fun with the diocesan shepherd. Designed as a welcoming experience for beginners and seasoned climbers alike, the event will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and provides a safe, supervised...

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