Students around the diocese returned to school starting August 27th, when St. Bernard School in Uncasville opened its doors for a new year of classes. Then on Wednesday, August 28th, more than 1400 students in the 11 Catholic elementary schools throughout the diocese began the new academic year. The Academy of the Holy Family resumes classes on August 29th, with Mercy and Xavier schools doing so on Sept. 3. Teachers and staff greeted students with enthusiastic smiles, ready to embark on another fun year of learning. Henry Fiore Jr., who heads up ...

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Andrea Hoisl I saw this prayer while visiting the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. The prayer directly spoke to me because it addressed healing for everyone in the Church – the victims, those who love them and everyone who is “broken” from these unfortunate events.  It became crystal clear to me that all of us who are faithful believers are also “broken.”  We need wisdom and grace from God to heal and become whole again. For it is only in our healing that we can see the fut...

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healing, Prayer

FCC News Desk At the Angelus on Sunday, August 25, Pope Francis noted the universal concern for the “vast fires” that are raging throughout the Amazon region. The Holy Father prayed that, “with the commitment of all,” the fires “might be contained as soon as possible.” “That forest lung is vital for our planet,” the Pope said. In a statement released on August 22, the Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAM) expressed their deep concern for destructive fires burning the world’s forests. Th...

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Kolkata, India (CNA) - Hundreds of Missionaries of Charity gathered at their headquarters on Monday to commemorate the birthday of the order’s founder, Mother Teresa. Archbishop Thomas D'Souza of Calcutta, whose birthday falls on the same day, celebrated Mass on Aug. 26 to recognize what would be the 109th birthday of Saint Mother Teresa. “It was a splendid celebration. The 109th anniversary of the birth of our beloved Saint Mother Teresa was a moment of thanksgiving through prayer and joy,” said Father Dominic Gomes, vicar general of the archdio...

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Saint, MOTHER TERESA, KOLKATA, INDIA, Charity

A steak dinner fundraiser for the Diocese of Norwich’s annual Blue Mass will be held on Friday, September 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the East Great Plain Fire Department, 488 New London Turnpike in Norwich. The fundraiser helps to defray expenses associated with the annual Blue Mass honoring law enforcement personnel.  The menu will consist of steak, baked potato, salad, bread and butter, soda and water. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. The Blue Mass is celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Patrick on September 22, at 10:15 a....

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DURHAM -- Huge tag sale on Saturday, September 7 at Notre Dame Church, 272 Main St. from 8-1 p.m. Join us rain or shine. There will be more than 40 vendors in the parking lot selling antiques, tools, plants, pictures, produce, furniture, crafts, records, jewelry, yarn, greeting cards, handmade items etc. Vendor space is only $15.  Vendors do not need to register, just show up that morning. Hidden treasures in the Church Hall offer a huge assortment of clothing, toys, Christmas and holiday items, jewelry, china, a variety of linens, brass, kitchen su...

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The Legion of Mary Norwich Curia presents a Day of Recollection; Mary our Mother on October 12, at Saint Andrew Church, 128 Norwich Ave., Colchester from 8:30-2:15pm. Reverend Richard Breton will be the guest speaker. The cost is $25 and includes lunch. To register or for more information please call 631-946-2888 or send your check to Legion of Mary c/o PO Box 323 Moodus, CT 06469

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By Gina Foster This year’s ACA theme, Hand in Hand with all God’s Children, is lived every day in our Catholic schools. Our students model helping one another on a daily basis. We can thank Catholic school teachers and administrators who work very hard every day, teaching students to be kind, loving and compassionate individuals. They teach the importance of loving thy neighbor, offering a friendly smile, and being a loyal friend. Teachers encourage students to pray and talk with God, when they are having both a good day and a bad day. Teachers explain to stu...

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By Paulina Angulo The weather was perfect for the 89th Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 11, celebrated with the Saint Brendan the Navigator Community. The community, formed by four parishes -Saint Joseph Church and Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church in New London, Saint Paul Church in Waterford and Our Lady of Grace Church on Fishers Island is under the direction of their pastor, the Reverend Mark O’Donnell. Jubilant parishioners gathered at Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church to venerate Our Blessed Mother in a solemn Mass with the main...

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Archbishop Fulton Sheen, beloved American television catechist in the 1950s and 60s, has moved closer to becoming a saint. On July 12, Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to the Archbishop, making his beatification possible. The Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints promulgated the decree approving Sheen’s miracle on July 6. According to the Catholic News Agency, the miracle involves the unexplained recovery of James Fulton Engstrom, born apparently stillborn in September 2010 to Bonnie and Travis Engstrom of the Peoria- area town of Goodfield. He sh...

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Archbishop Sheen, beatification, miracle