Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Be Not Afraid - Bishop's August Column

Posted on August 03, 2021 in: Reflections

Be Not Afraid - Bishop's August Column

August 2021 Four County Catholic

Be Not Afraid

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Fear is often the default state of human nature, especially when it comes to the unknown. Whether spoken by angels, or the Lord Himself, God, through His Word, assures us countless times to not be afraid.

It has been echoed throughout the history of the Church as exemplified by Pope Saint John Paul II throughout his pontificate as well as locally by my dear predecessor, Bishop Daniel Hart, whose motto was “Do Not Be Afraid.”

Most recently it was the focus of the Holy Father, Pope Francis’ message to the world when he meditated on the calming of the storm during the prayer service on the steps of Saint Peter’s Basilica in his March 2020 Urbi et Orbi address. Delivered at the beginning of the pandemic, he compared us to the disciples in the boat in Mark’s Gospel – “afraid and lost . . . caught off guard by an unexpected and turbulent storm.”

The Gospel informs us that Jesus is sleeping the entire time in the stern of the boat. He is with them, as He is with us. Upon awaking, Jesus calms the waters and then turns to the disciples and asks, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?”

Like the disciples in the boat, we may be fearful of the unknown. Last month, I announced the decision by the diocese to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. While there are still unknowns, let me assure you that the practice of our Catholic faith and our mission to serve others will continue.

Understanding that you have many questions, we are dedicating space in this issue of the Four County Catholic as well as the diocesan website, to answer them.

The Holy Father reminds us of the need to invite Jesus into the boats of our lives, handing over our fears to Him so that He can conquer them. We cannot go wrong by placing our trust and faith in Him. May God’s blessing come down upon us and help us remain united in faith, comforted by the words under the image of Divine Mercy, “Jesus, I trust in You.” You are all in my prayers.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Michael R. Cote
Bishop of Norwich


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Bishop Reidy's Pastoral on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
    June 16, 2025 My dear friends in Christ,     This weekend we observe the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).  This day reminds us in a particular way of the great gift of the Holy Eucharist.  The Eucharist has been called God’s gift par excellence because it is the gift of Jesus Himself and of His saving work.     Jesus is present to us in many ways---- in the Scriptures, in all the sacraments, in the assembly of the faithful gathered to pray at Mass, and in the prie...

Read More

Saints — Men and Women of Holiness
As we journey through Ordinary Time, the Church calendar continues to offer rich reminders of the extraordinary lives of the saints. Mid-July presents a beautiful opportunity to reflect on men and women whose holiness, courage, and devotion continue to inspire Catholics around the world. From founders of religious orders to faithful parents and servant-emperors, these saints reveal the many ways God works through every vocation and walk of life. July 11 – Saint Benedict of Nursia (c. 480 – 547; canonized 1220) Born in Nursia, Italy, Benedict sought solitud...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Bishop Reidy to Take Part in Annual Stonington Blessing of the Fleet
5 Ways to Sanctify Your Summer Vacation and Evangelize
Pope Leo Meets with Supreme Knight, Supreme Chaplain
Clergy Appointments
Parishes Need to Launch 'Revolution of Care' for the Elderly, Pope Says
The Role of Spirituality in a Caregiver’s Life
Saints — Men and Women of Holiness
Calendar of Events

 

Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294