Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Outreach to Haiti Bike Ride: '80 for Haiti'

Posted on September 07, 2022 in: Events, Outreach to Haiti

Outreach to Haiti Bike Ride: '80 for Haiti'

On Monday, October 10th, a team of cyclists from Outreach to Haiti will begin the 8th Annual Bike Ride to Rebuild. The team will ride 337 miles over 5 days and the course planned is a “virtual trip” across the country of Haiti. The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness and funds to support the mission of the Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti. 

As in past years, Jim Hubert of East Hampton will join the team of riders. Jim turns 80 years old in October and plans to cover 80 miles of the course over 2 days. We are calling his legs of the ride “80 for Haiti.” Jim is busy preparing and sometimes adds—  25-mile rides with one of his 11 grandchildren—to his training schedule.

When asked why this event is important to him, without hesitation Jim says “The Haitian people inspire me with their perseverance and trust in God. Raising funds to support Outreach programs is my small way to help."

We are grateful to all of our friends and supporters. Please keep Haiti and its people in your prayers. For more information, please visit our website www.outreachtohaiti.org or call us at 860-800-3601.

By Dennis Petruzzi


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

January 1: A Holy Day of Obligation

Posted on December 23, 2025 in: News, Events

8466

January 1: A Holy Day of Obligation
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God On January 1, Catholics honor Mary’s unique role in salvation history with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a Holy Day of Obligation. This feast underscores Mary’s title as Theotokos, or “God-bearer,” a doctrine officially declared at the Council of Ephesus in 431. At the close of the council, the faithful filled the streets, joyfully proclaiming, “Praised be the Theotokos!” Mary’s title as “Mother of God” is rooted in the Incarnation, where, as St. Paul teaches: “...

Read More

Mass at Midnight Returns to Saint Patrick Cathedral This Christmas Eve
Diocese Welcomes All to Midnight Mass There is something unforgettable about a church filled in the quiet hours of Christmas Eve, when the city has gone still and the only sound is familiar carols rising into the rafters. This year, the Diocese of Norwich invites you to experience that moment again as Mass at Midnight returns to the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Christmas Eve. The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy will be the celebrant. Plan to arrive early, as the Cathedral choir will begin singing Christmas carols about 30 minutes before Mass begins, helping to prepare...

Read More

Jennifer Harding named new Executive Director of Outreach to Haiti
Outreach to Haiti has welcomed Jennifer “Jen” Harding as its new Executive Director, succeeding Susan Wallace, who served the ministry since June 2019.   Jen brings extensive experience in international development and a strong commitment to compassionate, community-driven service. “At the heart of this work is walking alongside Haitian communities with humility and hope, listening first and building together,” Jen shared.   Jen joins Outreach to Haiti with 20 years of experience leading health and community programs in Afri...

Read More

Blessing of the Christmas Manger

Posted on December 16, 2025 in: ADVENT

472

Blessing of the Christmas Manger
The beloved custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ began with St. Francis of Assisi, who created the first Christmas crĆØche on Christmas Eve in 1223. The blessing of the manger or nativity scene may take place on the Vigil of Christmas—that is, Christmas Eve—or at another suitable time. Many families and parishes set up their mangers earlier in Advent. It is perfectly appropriate to bless the nativity scene when it is first displayed, even if the figure of the Infant Jesus has not yet been placed. When the Baby Jesus is added—t...

Read More

Advent Hope and Haiti’s Faithful Journey- A Season of Waiting and Witness
As we journey through these days of Advent, we are reminded that this is a season filled with hope and expectation—and that our road to the fullness of God’s Kingdom has mountains to climb and valleys to descend before we reach our destination. In this season of preparation, we remember not only Christ’s coming, but also those who still wait for redemption in the midst of suffering—like our brothers and sisters in Haiti. The people of Haiti know well the twists and turns of an arduous journey as they travel a rugged road, trusting it will lead to ...

Read More

Faith, Friendship, and Forever: UConn Missionaries Discern Vocation Together
Ethan and Julie Roberts are two of the FOCUS missionaries at UConn, bringing students on campus to Christ through evangelization, outreach, and discipleship. In August, they united in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. I recently sat down with them to discuss their discernment of their vocation to marriage. Both Julie and Ethan had transformative experiences with the Lord while in college themselves. Their earlier relationships had not been oriented toward vocational discernment. Neither had understood that the Lord had a vocational call for them—that He had a defini...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

EspaƱol

 

Latest Articles
Bishop Richard Reidy's Christmas Message to the Diocese of Norwich
Celebrate the Closing of the Jubilee Year of 2025
January 1: A Holy Day of Obligation
Monthly Pro-Life Mass to be Held January 3rd
Watch the Replay: Festival of Lessons & Carols at Saint Patrick Cathedral
Jennifer Harding named new Executive Director of Outreach to Haiti
Mass at Midnight Returns to Saint Patrick Cathedral This Christmas Eve
Christmas Creche, Tree Are Signs of Hope, Pope Says
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