Ask most Catholics which month belongs to Mary, and they will answer without hesitation: May. They are right. But August has a compelling claim of its own. For while May blossoms with Marian devotion, August shines with Marian glory. This month, the Church celebrates some of the most beautiful mysteries of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Together, they reveal who she is, where she is, and how she leads us to her Son. The Dedication of St. Mary Major On August 5, the Church celebrates the Dedication of St. Mary Major in Rome, the oldest and most important Marian basi...

Read More

Parishioners, families, friends, and the entire community are warmly invited to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with two special celebrations in Pawcatuck and New London. These annual celebrations honor Mary's Assumption into Heaven and bring the community together in prayer, worship, and fellowship. Maria Assunta Society Celebration at St. Michael Church, Pawcatuck Friday, August 14, 2026 7:00 p.m. – Rosary and Benediction The celebration begins with the praying of the Rosary followed by Benediction of the Blessed S...

Read More

The Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, August 15. While the Assumption is ordinarily a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States, there is no obligation to attend Mass this year because the solemnity falls on a Saturday. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) explains: “Whenever ... August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption ... falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated.” The USCCB’s 2026 liturgical guidance also confirms th...

Read More

Hope Does Not Disappoint: Retreat Day at St. Lawrence Church The Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes at St. Lawrence Church in Killingworth invite all to a special day of prayer, reflection and fellowship on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The retreat theme, “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” comes from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans: “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5). Throughout salvation history, even in the darkest of times, God has remained faithful to His people. He never leaves us lost or alone. Yet we are call...

Read More

The Diocese of Norwich's Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry is currently collecting donations of baskets and is inviting the community to help. Donations may include picnic baskets, wicker baskets, or laundry baskets. Individuals who have baskets they no longer need are encouraged to consider donating them. Baskets may be dropped off at either of the following locations: Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry 331 Main Street, 2nd Floor Norwich, CT 06360 Diocese of Norwich Chancery 201 Broadway Norwich, CT 06360 For more information or question...

Read More

Are you interested in accompanying others through their journey of grief? The Diocese of Norwich is offering New Day Journal Facilitator Training for parish volunteers who wish to facilitate a bereavement ministry in their parish. Participants will explore the many faces of loss and grief, learn how to guide group discussions, and receive practical guidance for creating a supportive and confidential group environment. The training will also provide instruction on using The New Day Journal by Maureen O’Brien, O.P., a structured program incorporating prayer, Scriptur...

Read More