Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Current Articles | Archives | Search

Continuing a Journey of Faith - The Rite of Election

Posted on February 27, 2023 in: News, Events

Continuing a Journey of Faith - The Rite of Election

The Rite of Election, held Feb. 26 at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, takes place each year on the first Sunday of Lent in churches and cathedrals throughout the world. During this rite, upon the witness of Godparents, sponsors and catechists, those gathered affirm their intention to join the Church as well as become full members of the Church.

Bishop Michel Cote accepts the elect on behalf of the whole diocese and affirms their desire to be members of the Church.

A celebration of faith in word and song took place to support the newest members of our Church on their spiritual journey.

Click Here to be taken to a photo gallery of the 2023 Rite of Election

Photos by Catherine Hoffman

Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

View the 2026 Chrism Mass and Inspiring Homily by Bishop Reidy

Posted on March 31, 2026 in: News, Lent

756

View the 2026 Chrism Mass and Inspiring Homily by Bishop Reidy

"The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me." (Is 61:1) The 2026 Chrism Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, March 31, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich, presided over the sacred liturgy, which marks a highlight of Holy Week. This special Mass featured the bishop's blessing of the holy oils — used throughout the year for sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders — and the Renewal of Priestly Promises by the clergy ...

Read More

Bishop Reidy’s 2026 Easter Pastoral Letter

Posted on April 02, 2026 in: News, Vocations

446

Bishop Reidy’s 2026 Easter Pastoral Letter

Easter Pastoral 2026 In his 2026 Easter Pastoral, Bishop Richard F. Reidy reflects on the hope, peace, and joy of the Resurrection, reminding the faithful that Christ’s victory over sin and death remains the foundation of our hope in every trial. Bishop Richard F. Reidy’s Easter Message “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here... He has been raised” (Luke 24:5).The angelic announcement to the women at Jesus’ tomb on Easter forever changed their lives and our world. Laden with spices to anoint the body of the...

Read More

Trail Rides with Bishop Reidy: A Day of Faith, Fellowship, and Adventure

Posted on April 02, 2026 in: Events

386

Trail Rides with Bishop Reidy: A Day of Faith, Fellowship, and Adventure This spring, young people across the Diocese of Norwich are invited to step into the great outdoors for a truly memorable experience: Trail Rides on Horses with Bishop Reidy. On Saturday, April 18, youth ages 13–18 are invited to join Bishop Richard F. Reidy at C & L Stables in Goddard Park, East Greenwich, Rhode Island, for a day that promises not only adventure, but connection—both with one another and with the Lord. Set against the scenic backdrop of coastal Rhode Island, pa...

Read More

Good Friday 2026

Posted on April 03, 2026 in: News

297

The faithful gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich at 3 p.m. on Good Friday for one of the most solemn liturgies of the Church year, commemorating the Passion and death of the Lord. Presided over by Bishop Richard F. Reidy, the service offered a prayerful and moving reflection on Christ’s sacrifice and the hope found in the Cross. See it below.

Read More

Discerning Religious Life? Women’s Discernment Retreat in Baltic

Posted on April 02, 2026 in: Vocations

267

Discerning Religious Life? Women’s Discernment Retreat in Baltic

The Mystery of Religious Life April 17–19 | Motherhouse, Baltic, CT Have you felt God calling you to something more? Are you a single woman, age 17–35, discerning the consecrated life? Then come and discover The Mystery of Religious Life. Take the next step on your discernment journey and join the Sisters at their Motherhouse in Baltic, Connecticut, for a weekend of prayer, reflection, and quiet listening. This retreat offers a peaceful space to ask questions, deepen your prayer, and listen more closely to where the Holy Spirit may be leading yo...

Read More

A Vocation Within a Vocation

Posted on April 04, 2026 in: Vocations

264

Sometimes, as I go around the diocese talking about the four vocations to which everyone is called (marriage, the generous single life, consecrated/religious life, priesthood), a well-meaning person will stop me after Mass and say something like, “Father, I hear what you are saying, but I have always felt that I had a vocation to be a nurse. From the time that I was little, I knew that God wanted me to do this. Isn’t that my vocation?” Yes. And no. It might be your vocation. But it is not your Vocation. The Four Primary Vocations A vocation is a call...

Read More