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Tis the Season!

Posted on November 17, 2024 in: Events, Around the Diocese

Tis the Season!

Discover an array of unique and handcrafted gifts at one of the many fairs happening throughout the Diocese.

Each one is unique and showcases the talents of local artisans, offering everything from beautifully crafted ornaments and decorations to delectable holiday treats. You'll also find a wide selection of hand-knit scarves, cozy winter wear, and stunning jewelry – perfect for finding something special for your loved ones or treating yourself.

Your presence makes our holiday season brighter, and your support of our churches helps us spread love and warmth during this time of preparation for the upcoming Christmas season. Hope to see you there!

Friday & Saturday, November 22-23
Frosty Village Bazaar
St. Matthew Church Hall, Tolland
Friday, Nov. 22, 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hand-crafted items, baked goods, knit/crochet apparel, doll clothes, pet gifts, jewelry, Attic treasures, raffles, photos with Santa. Serving sandwiches, homemade soup, apple pies.

Saturday, November 23
Sleigh Bells Ring Christmas Fair
St. Maurice Church, Bolton
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Country store with homemade treats, stocking stuffers, fresh evergreen baskets, Take-A-Chance booth; homemade apple pies; many crafters; hot lunch; handicapped accessible.

Saturday, November 23
Saint Peter Church Christmas Fair
St. Peter Church, Higganum
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cash Raffle, Basket Raffle, Christmas Items, Attic Treasures, Bake Sale and a Café Kitchen.

Saturday, November 23
Angels and Elves Christmas Fair

St. John School, Old Saybrook
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Fair features local artisans and crafters, silent auction and penny cup raffles, baked goods, food court, fresh Christmas Wreaths and the return of our Nearly New Shoppe.

Saturday, November 23
Columbiettes Annual Christmas Bazaar

Saint Mary Church, Jewett City
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Displaying large variety of vendors. Serving breakfast and lunch. Join us for all your shopping needs!

Saturday, November 23
Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Guild Christmas Bazaar

St. John the Apostle Church, Plainfield
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Explore a variety of booths, including "Attic Treasures," "Santa Surprise," "Bake Booth," "Café Noel," and more!

Saturday, November 23 & Sunday, November 24
Snowflake Fair
Sacred Heart Church, Norwich
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM to Noon (Raffle Drawing)
Annual Fair with crafts, baked goods, theme baskets, silent auction, raffle, and so much more.  Come join the fun, search for treasures and meet and greet friends and family
.

Saturday, November 30
Annual Christmas Craft Fair
St. Philip Parish Center, Ashford
9 00 AM to 3 00 PM
40 vendors with hand-crafted items, baked goods, raffles, Santa Claus with candy canes and lunch will be available with sandwiches, soup, and pierogies.  


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Posted on December 09, 2025 in: ADVENT

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Blessing of a Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree, a newer custom rooted in the “tree of paradise” from medieval plays, reminds us that Christ is the Light of the World. It is set up before Christmas and remains until Epiphany, with lights illuminated after the blessing.A parent or family member may lead the blessing, perhaps during the evening meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Opening: Leader: ✝ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen. Leader: Let us glorify Christ our light, who brings salvation and peace. All: Amen. Leader: As Christ was...

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Posted on December 09, 2025 in: News

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Unwrapping the Stories Behind Our Favorite Carols
  When my children were in grade school, we hosted several caroling parties in December. Family and friends would pile into the house, and I’d hand out little songbooks I had put together. After a short practice session in the living room, where I could see the Cathedral from the window, we would set out into the neighborhood. We stopped at houses along the way, including the rectory and the bishop’s house, before ending at Sheltering Arms, a senior residence in Norwich. The night always ended back at home with mugs of hot chocolate and slow cookers f...

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A Festive Autumn Atmosphere at the 15th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner
The trees surrounding the Lake of Isles provided brilliant colors of red, orange, yellow, and gold on October 26, 2025, at the 15th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner. Dr. Gail Kingston, Superintendent of Schools, Bishop Reidy, and the Office of Development hosted nearly 160 people on this glorious fall day. This year we honored the commitment of three people who have spent their careers dedicated to our diocesan Catholic school system while enjoying the melodious voices of the Saint Patrick Cathedral Choir as they filled the room singing “God Bless America” and &l...

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