The Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, August 15. While the Assumption is ordinarily a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States, there is no obligation to attend Mass this year because the solemnity falls on a Saturday. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) explains: “Whenever ... August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption ... falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated.” The USCCB’s 2026 liturgical guidance also confirms th...

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Announcement of Position Opening Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti The Diocese of Norwich seeks a full-time Executive Director for Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti. Mission As an expression of our Catholic Faith, Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti, a sponsored ministry of the Diocese of Norwich, is committed to serving the people of Haiti in the spirit and values of the Gospel. While providing sacramental and spiritual support, this ministry offers education, health care, and other services to Haitians in need. Overview of Responsibilities The Exe...

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The World Needs God’s Love and Mercy More Than Ever               The world's need for God's love and mercy may explain why the Divine Mercy Ministry to Seniors, a new ministry introduced by the Office of Evangelization & Discipleship, has quickly become one of the most popular new ministries in the Diocese. When the announcement about an informational meeting was released a month ago, the Office of Evangelization & Discipleship was flooded with inquiries about the new ministry and its implementation.  The ...

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Rising to a height of over 180 feet from ground level, the statue of Our Lady of Mercy exceeds in height the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil and the Christ the King statue in Poland.   On Saturday, Aug. 15, the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Catholic Church in Poland dedicated the largest statue of the Virgin Mary in Europe during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Krzysztof Wętkowski of Włocławek. The monument stands 55.6 meters (182 feet) tall from ground level to its highest point. It was built in the town of Konotopie and funded ...

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Discovering the Meaning Behind the Symbols That Tell the Story of Our Catholic Faith The San Damiano Cross Few symbols are more closely associated with St. Francis of Assisi than the San Damiano Cross. More than a beautiful crucifix, it was before this cross that Francis received the call that would shape the rest of his life. While praying in the small, weathered church of San Damiano near Assisi, Francis heard Christ speak the now-famous words: "Francis, go and rebuild My Church, which, as you can see, is falling into ruin." At first, Francis und...

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