All Diocesan Articles

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God On January 1, Catholics honor Mary’s unique role in salvation history with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a Holy Day of Obligation. This feast underscores Mary’s title as Theotokos, or “God-bearer,” a doctrine officially declared at the Council of Ephesus in 431. At the close of the council, the faithful filled the streets, joyfully proclaiming, “Praised be the Theotokos!” Mary’s title as “Mother of God” is rooted in the Incarnation, where, as St. Paul teaches: “...

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Diocese Welcomes All to Midnight Mass There is something unforgettable about a church filled in the quiet hours of Christmas Eve, when the city has gone still and the only sound is familiar carols rising into the rafters. This year, the Diocese of Norwich invites you to experience that moment again as Mass at Midnight returns to the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Christmas Eve. The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy will be the celebrant. Plan to arrive early, as the Cathedral choir will begin singing Christmas carols about 30 minutes before Mass begins, helping to prepare...

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Outreach to Haiti has welcomed Jennifer “Jen” Harding as its new Executive Director, succeeding Susan Wallace, who served the ministry since June 2019.   Jen brings extensive experience in international development and a strong commitment to compassionate, community-driven service. “At the heart of this work is walking alongside Haitian communities with humility and hope, listening first and building together,” Jen shared.   Jen joins Outreach to Haiti with 20 years of experience leading health and community programs in Afri...

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Join the Diocese of Norwich for an overnight pilgrimage to the 2026 March for Life in Washington, D.C., January 22–24. The cost is $55 for transportation only ($2 additional fee when paying through VANCO). Our pilgrimage will begin with Mass with our Bishop at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Thursday, January 22, at 7:30 PM, with bus departure immediately following. We will begin our return to Norwich in the early evening on Friday, January 23, following the March. To register, visit https://bit.ly/VANCO or email atejada@norwichdiocese.net to speak with Alv...

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Pope Leo XIV asked Catholics to reflect on the meaning behind Nativity scenes and brightly lit Christmas trees, and to ask God offer the gift of peace and fraternity. He also called for prayers for all those who suffer because of war and violence, saying, "We must eliminate hatred from our hearts."   VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Nativity scene and the Christmas tree are signs of faith and hope, Pope Leo XIV said. "As we contemplate them in our homes, parishes and town squares, let us ask the Lord to renew in us the gift of peace and fraternity,&quo...

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The Diocese of Norwich invites you to watch the replay of the Festival of Lessons and Carols, held Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy presided over this cherished Advent tradition that weaves together Sacred Scripture and sacred music as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Throughout the service, Cathedral lectors proclaimed the readings that trace God’s saving plan, leading to the joyful proclamation of Christ’s birth. The Cathedral was filled with choral selections, organ...

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