Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Current Articles | Archives | Search

Celebrating Our Faithful Servants: Priestly Jubilees of 2025

Posted on April 17, 2025 in: News, Vocations

Celebrating Our Faithful Servants: Priestly Jubilees of 2025

With gratitude and joy, the Diocese of Norwich extends heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to the priests celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination to the sacred priesthood in 2025. These dedicated men have faithfully answered God’s call, each offering years of devoted service to Christ and His Church.

Celebrating 65 years of priesthood are Reverend Paul F. Ramen (ordained February 2, 1960) and Reverend John E. Welch, M.S. (May 28, 1960), whose lifetime of ministry continues to inspire.

Marking 60 years, Monsignor James Carini (May 27, 1965) is recognized for his long-standing commitment to pastoral care and leadership.

Two priests celebrate 55 years: Reverend Laurence A. LaPointe and Monsignor Anthony S. Rosaforte, both ordained on June 6, 1970.

Reaching the golden milestone of 50 years are Most Reverend Michael R. Cote (June 29, 1975), Reverend Russell F. Kennedy (May 10, 1975), and Reverend Mark Curesky, OFM Conv. (May 3, 1975), whose decades of service have profoundly impacted the faithful.

Celebrating 40 years is Reverend Mark D. O’Donnell (May 25, 1985).

Four priests celebrate 35 years: Reverend Joseph F. DeCosta (November 17, 1990), Reverend Gregory C. Mullaney (May 5, 1990), Reverend Michael L. Phillippino (May 26, 1990), and Reverend Ben Vinjoe (April 29, 1990).

Celebrating 30 years are Reverend Dariusz K. Dudzik, JCL, Reverend Dennis M. Perkins, and Reverend Richard Sliwinski, all ordained in May 1995.

And marking 25 years is Reverend Francis C. Rouleau (May 27, 2000).

May God continue to bless each of these faithful servants with health, peace, and renewed joy in their ministry. Ad multos annos!

Pictured here with Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich, are:

Front Row (l–r): Fr. Joseph F. DeCosta (35), Fr. Russell F. Kennedy (50), Fr. Francis C. Rouleau (25), Fr. Mark Curesky, OFM Conv. (50), Fr. John E. Welch, M.S. (65)
Middle Row (l–r): Fr. Dennis M. Perkins (30), Fr. Michael L. Phillippino (35), Fr. Mark D. O’Donnell (40), Fr. Dariusz K. Dudzik (30), Fr. Laurence A. LaPointe (55)
Back Row (l–r): Fr. Anthony S. Rosaforte (55), Fr. Richard Sliwinski (30), Fr. Ben Vinjoe (35)
Photo Credit: Catherine Hoffman

Our Advertisers Support Our Ministries

Please Support Our Advertisers

Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Relic of Christ’s Tunic to be Displayed for Pope Leo in France

Posted on September 24, 2026 in: News

509

Relic of Christ’s Tunic to be Displayed for Pope Leo in France

The Holy Tunic will travel almost four miles from Argenteuil, France, to the pope’s youth vigil at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. For the first time, a pope will witness an exposition of the Holy Tunic, the garment worn by Christ during his passion, which is preserved in the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Argenteuil, France. The special relic is put on display during regular expositions every 50 years, as well as on extraordinary occasions — the most recent being in 2023 — but it has never before been brought before a pope. Pope Leo XIV...

Read More

Connecticut Catholic Conference Promotes Federal Tax Credit Scholarship

Posted on September 24, 2026 in: News

488

Connecticut Catholic Conference Promotes Federal Tax Credit Scholarship

Your voice matters. Let it be heard. Beginning in January, a donation to an eligible scholarship-granting organization could help more students access the education that their families choose and that they deserve. The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit can help fund tuition assistance, tutoring, and other educational expenses for public and private school students—but only if the Governor opts in. These are supplemental, private funds that do not replace federal, state, or local funding. This week, the Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference ...

Read More

40 Days for Life Sidewalk Vigil Comes to New London

Posted on September 24, 2026 in: 40DaysForLife, ProLife

458

40 Days for Life Sidewalk Vigil Comes to New London

It was a momentous day September 23rd, as we prayed our 40 Days For Life sidewalk vigil for the first time at the new Planned Parenthood in New London on 467 Ocean Ave. I was joined by Pat Coventry, Parish pro-life rep from St. Patrick’s in Mystic, and Carolyn Nelson, Parish pro-life rep from Our Lady of Lourdes in Gales Ferry. We prayed Rosaries as we walked back and forth on the sidewalk like we’ve always done in Norwich. But it was much different. As opposed to being a sleepy sidestreet, Ocean Avenue has a tremendous amount of traffic. And the response was...

Read More

Vigil Mass Opens Diocese of Norwich 40 Days for Life Campaign

Posted on September 23, 2026 in: News, 40DaysForLife, ProLife

382

Vigil Mass Opens Diocese of Norwich 40 Days for Life Campaign

A Peaceful Witness for Life The Diocese of Norwich began its 2026 observance of 40 Days for Life with a Vigil Mass on September 22 at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich, opening 40 days of prayer, fasting and peaceful witness for the protection of unborn life. In his homily, Bishop Richard F. Reidy called Catholics to continue building a “culture of life,” in which every person, born and unborn, is recognized as a unique gift from God. Bishop Reidy acknowledged that unexpected pregnancies can bring fear, uncertainty, sacrifice and even abandonment....

Read More

A Day of Pure Joy: Witnessing the Beatification of Fulton Sheen

Posted on September 28, 2026 in: News

345

A Day of Pure Joy: Witnessing the Beatification of Fulton Sheen

Beatification of Fulton Sheen: A Day When There Were No Words, Just Pure Joy! By Father Richard D. Breton Jr. Diocesan Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies Diocese of Norwich Every once in a while, God allows us to experience a moment that touches the soul so deeply that words seem inadequate. The beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on September 24, 2026, was one of those moments for me. As I sat inside the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, surrounded by thousands of Catholics, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the gift of ...

Read More

Join Today: NDCCW Membership Drive for the Month of October

Posted on September 23, 2026 in: Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

257

Join Today: NDCCW Membership Drive for the Month of October

All women in the Diocese of Norwich are invited to join the Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (NDCCW). Membership is only $5 per year. The Membership Drive runs through the month of October. NDCCW was started in 1955 by Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan, the first Bishop of Norwich. Bishop Flanagan designated the NDCCW as the official women’s organization of the Diocese. The money collected through the Membership Drive is divided up as follows: 60% of all dues collected is given to Catholic Charities; 15% of what is collected in each deanery is k...

Read More