Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Collecting and Caring: St. Bernard Girls Help New Moms, Babies

Posted on December 13, 2022 in: School News

Collecting and Caring:  St. Bernard Girls Help New Moms, Babies

Three students at St. Bernard School in Uncasville are on a mission to change the lives of new mothers and their babies. 

Olivia Gionet, Anna Kate O’Donnell and Sarah O’Donnell collected supplies this summer to benefit the Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center in New London. 

“We’ve all been to Catholic schools our whole lives and they’ve always taught us to live like Christ did. We thought, ‘What better way than to help mothers and babies and the entire community by giving back,’” Anna Kate said. 

The girls recently were featured on WTNH News 8’s segment called “Wednesday Warriors.” 

Following her passion to work in the medical field with women and children, Olivia spearheaded the community service project to collect supplies for pregnant women in need and their babies. She recruited friends Anna Kate, a freshman, and Sarah, a seventh grader, to help hand out flyers at Sts. Agnes and Mathias churches. They then collected supplies and monetary donations for the cause. 

“I’ve always just really enjoyed helping others,” Olivia said.  

More than 40 boxes of diapers, 180 packs of wipes, 45 outfits, blankets and hundreds of personal care products were collected and placed into 50 care packs for moms and babies. The girls also received more than $1,500 in cash, which was used to buy 14 car seats and four pack-and-play cribs.   

The girls delivered the supplies to Care Net, where the director was overwhelmed with emotion. She spoke of how this group of teenage girls took time over the summer to support those who are choosing life in these tough times.


 


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Calendar of Parish Events from Around the Diocese
    Do you have an upcoming parish or school event that would be of interest to others in the Diocese? These folks do! Around the Diocese Submissions Please provide your event details to your parish administrator for submission. Email submissions are NOT accepted. Descriptions are limited to 30 words. Parish Admin Log-In   Calendar of Events Here's what's happening Around the Diocese!   Upcoming Parish Events   Classes & Formation Wednesday, September 3 – May 13 Certificate P...

Read More

In Memoriam- Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC

Posted on January 08, 2026 in: News

801

In Memoriam- Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC
Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC, entered eternal life on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following a long illness. Her final years were spent at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, where she received compassionate care. Born Jacqueline Fayre Cook in Hagerstown, Maryland, on December 18, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Garland and Anita (Willis) Cook. Her family later moved to Norwich, Connecticut. She graduated from the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic and entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church in 1958. She professed perpet...

Read More

Pope Leo XIV Proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year

Posted on January 13, 2026 in: News

676

Pope Leo XIV Proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence. This Franciscan Jubilee Year, considered a gift for the entire Church and an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal, was inaugurated on Jan. 10 with a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See. Until Jan. 10 of next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under t...

Read More

9 Days for Life Novena Begins Friday, January 16th
The 9 Days for Life Novena, an annual prayer initiative for the protection of human life, will begin on Friday, January 16th, inviting Catholics across the country to unite in prayer, reflection, and action. Sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 9 Days for Life is a novena dedicated to fostering a deeper respect for the dignity of every human person, from conception to natural death. Each of the nine days includes a specific intention, a brief reflection, and suggested actions designed to help participants actively build a culture of life in thei...

Read More

Diocese of Norwich to Host Rock Climbing Event with Bishop Reidy
The Diocese of Norwich is inviting families and individuals of all ages to reach new heights— literally— at a free indoor rock climbing event on Saturday, February 7, at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury. Adding to the excitement, Bishop Richard Reidy will be in attendance, offering participants a special opportunity to share in an evening of fellowship, encouragement, and fun with the diocesan shepherd. Designed as a welcoming experience for beginners and seasoned climbers alike, the event will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and provides a safe, supervised...

Read More

Join Us Jan. 22: Cathedral Mass on the Eve of the March for Life
The Diocese of Norwich invites you to join us for Mass on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich, as we prepare in prayer for the March for Life in Washington, D.C. All are welcome—whether you are traveling to Washington or remaining here at home. Let us unite around the Eucharist and entrust this witness to the Lord. Bus Departure (Registered Pilgrims) For those who are registered for the bus trip, the bus will depart for Washington, D.C. immediately following Mass. Please plan to arrive early to allow for an on-...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
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