Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Current Articles | Archives | Search

Blessing of the Fleet Returns July 25th

Posted on July 21, 2021 in: Events

Blessing of the Fleet Returns July 25th

This weekend marks the return of the annual fishermen's Mass and Blessing of the Fleet at Stonington Borough. Several events are planned:

The Blessing of the Fleet 5K Road Race and 2 mile walk will be virtual this year. Run or walk in beautiful Stonington Borough or in your own neighborhood. Register at www.runreg.com/blessingofthef1eet5k
Join us on Saturday, July 24, at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a family-friendly gathering. There will be food for sale and Mama Emily's Sweet Treats will be selling ice cream for dessert. A local band will provide entertainment.
The annual Fishermen's Mass will be offered on Sunday, July 25, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Church. The Mass is offered to remember our deceased fishermen and their families and to pray for the safety and bountiful harvest of our current fishermen. After Mass, there will be a short ceremony at the Town Dock followed by the blessing of the boats by Bishop Cote.

Thank you for supporting the Blessing of the Fleet throughout the years. Look for the return of the traditional Blessing of the Fleet on July 31, 2022!

Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

‘Something’s Happening’: Catholic Converts Surge in Many U.S. Dioceses

Posted on March 30, 2026 in: News

801

‘Something’s Happening’: Catholic Converts Surge in Many U.S. Dioceses

As Catholics across the United States prepare to welcome a striking rise in new converts this Easter, the Diocese of Norwich is very much part of that larger story of renewal. The National Catholic Register reports significant growth in dioceses nationwide, and here in Norwich that same momentum is clearly visible, with the Diocese recording a 112% increase and welcoming 98 catechumens and 152 candidates this year—the highest combined total in 10 years. This article offers a timely national perspective on something we are also seeing close to home: people are searchin...

Read More

View the 2026 Chrism Mass and Inspiring Homily by Bishop Reidy

Posted on March 31, 2026 in: News, Lent

723

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

424

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

360

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

In Case You Missed It: Palm Sunday Mass Video

Posted on March 30, 2026 in: News

342

In Case You Missed It: Palm Sunday Mass Video

Watch Palm Sunday Mass with The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy from the Cathedral of Saint Patrick — his first Palm Sunday Mass and the beginning of his first Holy Week as Bishop of Norwich. What a fickle people we are. What a faithful God we have. Bishop Richard Reidy In the homily, Bishop Reidy reflects on entering more deeply into Holy Week and walking with Christ through His Passion with hearts fixed on the hope of Easter. View the bookmarked homily (40:45) or watch the full Mass.

Read More

Good Friday 2026

Posted on April 03, 2026 in: News

280

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