Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

'Happy Hour for Couples' Will Enrich Relationships

Posted on September 22, 2022 in: Events

'Happy Hour for Couples' Will Enrich Relationships

Couples, are you looking for a unique date night idea that will enrich both your relationship and your spiritual lives? Grab your favorite beverage and join other couples for an uplifting Couples’ Happy Hour that will inspire you and offer different perspectives about romance, relationships and family life. 

The Diocesan Catholic Family Services Office is sponsoring a virtual Couples’ Happy Hour the second Friday every other month beginning September 9 from 7-8:30 p.m.. Each evening will include a presentation on topics relevant to today’s couples, their relationship and families. Couples will have time to share privately on questions pertinent to the evening’s topic. 

Pat and Mary-Jo McLaughlin will host the program. They have been married for 32 years and have three adult children and two granddaughters. The McLaughlins have given many marriage enrichments and are a presenting team couple for Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME), a Catholic-based marriage enrichment program. 

They have served in various leadership roles within WWME, most recently as the leadership couple for the Connecticut/Albany and Western Massachusetts area and before that as New England regional leaders. Mary-Jo is the current coordinator for Catholic Family Services and Pat is the director of public works for the City of Norwich. They are parishioners of The Holy Spirit Catholic Community at St. Mary Church, Jewett City. 

The Couples’ Happy Hour will take place online via a Webex platform. To register, call Mary-Jo at 860-848-2237, Ext. 312, or email her at mmclaughlin@norwichdiocese.net. A link to the event will be sent out a few days prior to September 9. 

There is no cost to participate, just a desire to spend time enriching your relationship and join other couples in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Don’t forget to bring your favorite beverage.

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

 


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

‘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
"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
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

In Case You Missed It: Palm Sunday Mass Video

Posted on March 30, 2026 in: News

301

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

Trail Rides with Bishop Reidy: A Day of Faith, Fellowship, and Adventure
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

A Vocation Within a Vocation

Posted on April 04, 2026 in: Vocations

201

A Vocation Within a Vocation
Sometimes, as I go around the diocese talking about the four vocations to which everyone is called (marriage, the generous single life, consecrated/religious life, priesthood), a well-meaning person will stop me after Mass and say something like, “Father, I hear what you are saying, but I have always felt that I had a vocation to be a nurse. From the time that I was little, I knew that God wanted me to do this. Isn’t that my vocation?” Yes. And no. It might be your vocation. But it is not your Vocation. The Four Primary Vocations A vocation is a call...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

 

 

 

Latest Articles
A Vocation Within a Vocation
Good Friday 2026
Mass of the Lord’s Supper 2026
Bishop Reidy’s 2026 Easter Pastoral Letter
Trail Rides with Bishop Reidy: A Day of Faith, Fellowship, and Adventure
Discerning Religious Life? Women’s Discernment Retreat in Baltic
We Can Help. Promise to Protect-Pledge to Heal.
View the 2026 Chrism Mass and Inspiring Homily by Bishop Reidy
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Chrism Mass 2026
Click to view album: 2026 CT March for Life- Hartford, CT
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
Signup for Weekly Newsletter


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