Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

24 Hours for the Lord

Posted on March 07, 2025 in: Events, Lent, Around the Diocese

24 Hours for the Lord

24 Hours for the Lord Schedule

Join us for 24 Hours for the Lord, a special opportunity to encounter the boundless mercy of God. This initiative, inspired by Pope Francis, invites the faithful to set aside time for prayer, reflection, and reconciliation, deepening their relationship with Christ through the sacraments.

Throughout the 24-hour period, parishes across the Diocese of Norwich will offer extended hours for Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, providing a sacred space for personal prayer and renewal. Whether you can spend a few minutes or several hours in prayer, all are welcome to experience the healing grace of God’s mercy.

What to Expect:

  • Eucharistic Adoration – Spend silent reflection before the Blessed Sacrament, drawing closer to Christ in the Eucharist.
  • Sacrament of Reconciliation – Priests will be available for confession at designated times, offering the faithful the opportunity to receive God’s forgiveness and grace.
  • Communal Prayer & Devotions – Some parishes may also offer guided prayers, Rosaries, or reflections to enrich your time of spiritual renewal.

Participating Parishes & Schedule:

Middletown Deanery

📍 St. Francis of Assisi Church, 10 Elm St., Middletown

  • Friday, March 28: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 29: 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

New London Deanery

📍 St. Brendan the Navigator Parish – St. Joseph Church, 37 Squire St., New London

  • Friday, March 28: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

📍 Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry

  • Friday, March 28: 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

📍 St. Michael Parish, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck

  • Saturday, March 29: 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Norwich Deanery

📍 SS. Peter & Paul Church, 181 Elizabeth St., Norwich

  • Friday, March 28: 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 29: 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Old Saybrook Deanery

📍 Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme

  • Friday, March 28: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Stations of the Cross at 7:00 p.m.

Putnam Deanery

📍 Please check individual parish bulletins for details.

Participating parishes:

  • Our Lady of La Salette (Brooklyn),
  • Our Lady of Lourdes (Hampton),
  • St. Andre Bessette Parish (Plainfield, Canterbury, Moosup),
  • St. James (Danielson),
  • St. Therese of Lisieux Parish (N. Grosvenordale, Pomfret, Putnam, Quinebaug).

Vernon Deanery

📍 Blessed Sacrament Parish – St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard’s Terrace, Rockville

  • Friday, March 28: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Willimantic Deanery

📍 Guardian Angels Parish – St. Andrew Church, 128 Norwich Ave., Colchester

  • Friday, March 28: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 29: 1:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

📍 Guardian Angels Parish – St. Francis of Assisi Church, 67 West Town St., Lebanon

  • Friday, March 28: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 29: 2:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

📍 The Good Shepherd Parish – St. Columba Church, Rtes 66 & 87, Columbia

  • Friday, March 28:
    • 7:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
    • 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    • 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

📍 The Good Shepherd Parish – Church of the Holy Family, 185 Church St., Hebron

  • Friday, March 28: 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 29: 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

📍 Corpus Christi Parish – St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic

  • Friday, March 28: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 29: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

📍 Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish – St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 46 N. Eagleville Rd., Storrs

  • Friday, March 28:
    • 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
    • After the 12:30 p.m. Mass
    • 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
    • After Stations of the Cross
  • Saturday, March 29:
    • After the 8:30 a.m. Mass
    • 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
    • 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
    • 7:30 p.m. until all confessions are heard

📍 St. Mary Church, 1600 Main St., Coventry

  • Friday, March 28:
    • After the 9:00 a.m. Mass
    • 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    • 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
    • After Stations of the Cross
  • Saturday, March 29:
    • 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
    • 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
    • 7:30 p.m. until all confessions are heard

This is a unique opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life and enter into the presence of the Lord. Whether you are seeking forgiveness, peace, or simply time to be with Christ, 24 Hours for the Lord is a powerful way to experience God’s love and mercy.

Come, spend time with the Lord—He is waiting for you!

Bookmark the link below and visit it often as you observe the wonderful season of Lent! 
Feel free to share this link on social media.

NorwichDiocese.org/Lent


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Pope Proposes Lenten ‘Fast’ from Hurtful Words
Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to listen more closely to God and others — and to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound — in his message for Lent 2026. In his message for Lent 2026, Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to listen more closely to God and others — and to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound. The Lenten season begins Feb. 18 with Ash Wednesday. In the message, released Feb. 13, the pope offers a simple definition of Lent as a time when the Church “invites us to place ...

Read More

Ash Wednesday at the Cathedral: “Return to Me… It Is Not Too Late.”
The Diocese of Norwich entered the holy season of Lent with the celebration of Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, with the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy as celebrant, concelebrated by Father Ted Tumicki and Father Brian Romanowski. In his homily, Bishop Reidy set the tone for Lent with words that were both direct and deeply hopeful. He began by drawing attention to the opening call of the prophet Joel—words the Church places on our lips at the start of the season: “Return to me.” Bishop Reidy reminded the faithful that those words ar...

Read More

Roots of Reverence: Observing Lent as a Family

Posted on February 17, 2026 in: Lent

410

Roots of Reverence: Observing Lent as a Family
In the tapestry of Catholic traditions, Lent stands as a profound thread weaving through the fabric of faith, calling families to embark on a transformative journey. It is not merely a season marked by abstinence; rather, Lent is a pilgrimage of the heart, an opportunity for introspection and renewal. At its core, Lent invites families to mirror the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, a period of self-examination, prayer and penance. It serves as a reminder that amid the hustle of contemporary life, there exists a sacred space for reflection and spiritual growth. ...

Read More

Lifeboat: A Radical Reorientation for Catholic Survival
The Cathedral of St. Patrick’s in Norwich, CT is pleased to welcome Fr. Herald Joseph Brock, CFR (Franciscan Friars of the Renewal), for the 2026 Lenten Mission, on March 9–11, 2026, at 6:30 PM each evening. The Mission is open to all—please save the dates and help spread the word. A Lenten Mission is an invitation to “put out into the deep,” embrace deeper conversion, anchor ourselves more firmly in Christ, and rediscover our mission in Him. We look forward to gathering as a diocesan Church for these grace-filled evenings of clarity, e...

Read More

Diocesan Catholic School Basketball Tournament

Posted on February 17, 2026 in: Events

269

Diocesan Catholic School Basketball Tournament
Excitement is building as St. Bernard School prepares to host the highly anticipated Diocesan Catholic School Basketball Tournament on Friday, February 27th and Saturday, February 28th. This action-packed weekend promises spirited competition, sportsmanship, and a celebration of faith-centered athletics. All Catholic School Teams Invited All Catholic school basketball teams throughout the diocese are invited to compete for the coveted title of Diocesan Champion. Student-athletes will take to the court showcasing their talent, teamwork, and dedication in a tournament t...

Read More

Bishop Reidy to Celebrate Mass for Life and Lead Bus Trip to Connecticut March for Life
All are invited to take part in a day of prayer and public witness at the Connecticut March for Life on Wednesday, March 18. Mass for Life The day will begin with a Mass for Life at 8:30 a.m. celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Reidy at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich. Cathedral students will be attending, and all parishioners are encouraged to join them in praying for the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. Bus Trip and Schedule Following Mass, participants will depart at 9:30 a.m. on a deluxe DATTCO motorcoach for Har...

Read More

 

 

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

 

Latest Articles
Lifeboat: A Radical Reorientation for Catholic Survival
Ash Wednesday at the Cathedral: “Return to Me… It Is Not Too Late.”
Bishop Reidy to Celebrate Mass for Life and Lead Bus Trip to Connecticut March for Life
Pope Proposes Lenten ‘Fast’ from Hurtful Words
Diocesan Catholic School Basketball Tournament
Roots of Reverence: Observing Lent as a Family
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Adventure, Faith and Fellowship with Bishop Reidy
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