Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

40 DAYS STRONG !

Posted on July 25, 2019 in: Events, 40DaysForLife

40 DAYS STRONG !

Are you fed up hearing in the news about radical politicians, state legislatures and governors, and new laws being proposed and implemented for late-term abortions and infanticide? Do you feel compelled to do something about it?

The Norwich 40 Days For Life Team invites you to join us in standing up for life and praying on the sidewalk outside the Planned Parenthood facility at 12 Case St. in Norwich for an end to this abomination.

Kickoff

The Norwich 40 Days For Life Campaign will begin with a Vigil Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday, September 24, at 7 PM. Bishop Michael R. Cote will be the principal celebrant and Fr. Jeffrey Ellis will be the homilist.

This year, The 40 Days for Life Campaign runs from Wednesday, September 25th through Sunday, November 3rd. It is hoped that you will join Pro-Life people of all faiths by praying, fasting, and signing-up to attend the 40 Days For Live peaceful prayer vigil held outside planned parenthood.

First Time?

There’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s not a protest. Here’s what to expect. We recommend parking at Friendly’s, 105 W. Town St. in Norwich (Norwichtown). They gave us permission to park there. (And it’s a nice treat to enjoy a lunch or ice cream after praying with family and friends).

Where is Located?

For a point of reference, Friendly’s and Case St. are best reached by Exit 14 on Rt. 395, the first exit north of Rt. 2. So after parking, one walks a few hundred yards on W. Town St. and makes a right onto Case Street, walks up another hundred yards, and crosses the street to the sidewalk between the two entrances of Planned Parenthood.

What Happens?

Now, outside the facility, we witness for life by our presence, and hold signs, if you wish, that your parish pro-life representative will provide that read “ Praying for an end to abortion.” And we Pray: To change mother’s hearts that might be arriving to consider ending their pregnancy; Praying for an end to abortion; And praying that this Planned Parenthood facility will soon close.

When?

We pray during daylight hours, and really haven’t had any problems over the last few years. You might get an occasional person gives you an unkind hand signal or word out their window, but for the most part, we get a lot of positive honks and thumbs-up! And we never confront anyone should they wish to argue. This is a peaceful, prayerful program exercising our Constitutional freedom, to stand-up for the innocent, praying for the Sanctity and Right to Life.

How Do I Sign Up?

Contact your parish and find out who your Pro-Life representative is. If you’re computer savvy, go to 40DaysForLife.com/Norwich.

Another great new option is to sign-up for the new Diocesan Weekly Newsletter by clicking here. Or if you prefer go to Norwichdiocese.org. The sign-up is at the bottom of the Home Page. There you’ll be kept abreast of 40 Days For Life Activity, as well as many upcoming Diocesan events and happenings.

Most parishes ‘Adopt-A-Day’ and parishioners come out and pray, fast, and participate in this peaceful community outreach to preserve the lives of unborn children alive in their mothers’ wombs. We encourage you to join in.

For further help about how to become involved please contact the Norwich 40 Days For Life Team at:
(860) 875-5770 or 40DaysNorwich@gmail.com

Thank you and may God bless you, your family, and your future children and grandchildren. Amen.


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Calendar of Parish Events from Around the Diocese
    Do you have an upcoming parish or school event that would be of interest to others in the Diocese? These folks do! Around the Diocese Submissions Please provide your event details to your parish administrator for submission. Email submissions are NOT accepted. Descriptions are limited to 30 words. Parish Admin Log-In   Calendar of Events Here's what's happening Around the Diocese!   Upcoming Parish Events   Classes & Formation Wednesday, September 3 – May 13 Certificate P...

Read More

In Memoriam- Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC

Posted on January 08, 2026 in: News

790

In Memoriam- Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC
Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC, entered eternal life on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following a long illness. Her final years were spent at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, where she received compassionate care. Born Jacqueline Fayre Cook in Hagerstown, Maryland, on December 18, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Garland and Anita (Willis) Cook. Her family later moved to Norwich, Connecticut. She graduated from the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic and entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church in 1958. She professed perpet...

Read More

Young Adult Retreat: Encounter the Eucharist Through Friendships
Young adults ages 18 to 39 are invited to a day of prayer, fellowship, and renewal on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Saint Michael the Archangel Church, 60 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck. Inspired by the witness of the newly canonized Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, the retreat will explore a central question: How can young adults encounter the Eucharist through friendships? Retreat Schedule 9:30 a.m. Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (Celebrant: Fr. Jeffrey Ellis, Vocation Director) Talk 1: Ethan Roberts, UConn FOCUS Missionary Small-group discussion following the first talk...

Read More

Pope Leo XIV Proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year

Posted on January 13, 2026 in: News

644

Pope Leo XIV Proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence. This Franciscan Jubilee Year, considered a gift for the entire Church and an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal, was inaugurated on Jan. 10 with a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See. Until Jan. 10 of next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under t...

Read More

9 Days for Life Novena Begins Friday, January 16th
The 9 Days for Life Novena, an annual prayer initiative for the protection of human life, will begin on Friday, January 16th, inviting Catholics across the country to unite in prayer, reflection, and action. Sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 9 Days for Life is a novena dedicated to fostering a deeper respect for the dignity of every human person, from conception to natural death. Each of the nine days includes a specific intention, a brief reflection, and suggested actions designed to help participants actively build a culture of life in thei...

Read More

Diocese of Norwich to Host Rock Climbing Event with Bishop Reidy
The Diocese of Norwich is inviting families and individuals of all ages to reach new heights— literally— at a free indoor rock climbing event on Saturday, February 7, at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury. Adding to the excitement, Bishop Richard Reidy will be in attendance, offering participants a special opportunity to share in an evening of fellowship, encouragement, and fun with the diocesan shepherd. Designed as a welcoming experience for beginners and seasoned climbers alike, the event will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and provides a safe, supervised...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Bowling with Bishop Reidy 2025
Click to view album: Ninety-Fifth Anniversary of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

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