VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Thanksgiving is a "beautiful feast" that reminds everyone to be grateful for the gifts they have been given, Pope Leo XIV said. "Say thank you to someone," the pope suggested two days before the U.S. holiday when he met reporters outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo before returning to the Vatican after a day off. Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, was scheduled to spend his Thanksgiving Nov. 27 in Ankara and Istanbul, Turkey, the first stops on his first foreign trip as pope. A reporter asked the pope what he was than...

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On December 8, we celebrate one of the most beautiful truths of our faith: the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast invites us to pause in the midst of Advent and reflect not only on who Mary is, but also on what God is continually doing in the quiet of human history and within the hidden places of our own hearts. The Immaculate Conception does not refer to Jesus’ conception, but to Mary’s. It is God’s loving act of preserving her from original sin from the very first moment of her existence. This miracle is the unmistakable sign...

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Families in need of warm winter clothing are invited to attend the 2025 Free “Coats for Kids” distribution on Tuesday, December 9, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Cargill Council 64 Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 68 Providence Street in Putnam. This annual initiative, jointly organized by the Northeastern Connecticut Knights of Columbus and the Danielson Elks Lodge 1706, provides brand-new winter coats for boys and girls in a range of toddler, youth, and teen sizes. Coats are available in various colors and styles to help children stay warm during the col...

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  The permanent deacon is an ordained minister who receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders and is called to a life of service to the People of God in the ministries of the liturgy, the word, and charity. The permanent deacon is called to be a living “image of Christ” (Imago Christi), called to “serve, not to be served.” Diaconate service can only be genuine when it is rooted in humility. Colin D’Amelio is attempting to create a film illustrating the humble heart of a deacon. Colin is the son of Deacon Dan and Kathy D’Amelio, D...

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As Christmas approaches and we begin to think about gifts that enrich the spirit, we launch Bound by Faith — an occasional feature highlighting books written by authors within our own Diocese of Norwich. This first installment brings together three inspiring works by local writers whose faith and insight offer the perfect spiritual nourishment for the Advent and Christmas seasons. She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood By Suzanne Bilodeau, Christ the King Parish, Old Lyme — Published by Ascension Press I met author Suzanne Bilodeau at a side...

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This Advent and winter, the Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Norwich Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry invites teens, young adults, families, and parishioners of every age to gather with our new bishop, Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, for two grace-filled events. On Thursday, December 11, we will come together at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Norwich for a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament, an Advent reflection offered by Bishop Reidy, and a simple work of mercy as we write Christmas cards for the guests of St. Vincent de Paul Place. In Jan...

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