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Ride for Haiti Stops at Norwich Cathedral: Bishop Reidy and Students Cheer Cyclists

Posted on October 08, 2025 in: News, School News, Outreach to Haiti

Ride for Haiti Stops at Norwich Cathedral: Bishop Reidy and Students Cheer Cyclists


Bishop Richard F. Reidy greets Ride for Haiti cyclists at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich
Bishop Richard F. Reidy welcomes cyclists Tom Campbell and Ron Paine at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich while eighth graders from the Saint Patrick School cheer them on. (Photo: Wayne Gignac)

Part of the 11th Annual Ride for Haiti (approx. 337 miles across CT & MA)

On a drizzling, seasonably cold October morning, the 2025 Ride for Haiti made a heartfelt stop at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich, where Bishop Richard F. Reidy and a lively group of eighth graders from Saint Patrick School greeted riders Tom Campbell and Ron Paine. Despite the chill in the air, the welcome was warm — filled with smiles, applause, and prayers for the cyclists continuing their 337-mile journey across New England.

Faith, Friendship, and a Purpose Bigger Than the Miles

Now in its eleventh year, the ride symbolizes the distance from one end of Haiti to the other—about 337 miles—and raises awareness and support for vital programs serving communities in and around Port-au-Prince. The Norwich stop connected our diocesan family directly to that larger mission, reminding all of us that faith in action travels far: from a bike trail in Connecticut to parish clinics, school programs, and nutrition initiatives in Haiti.

Bishop Reidy welcomed Campbell and Paine at the cathedral steps, offering encouragement and a blessing for the journey ahead. The Cathedral School’s eighth graders lined up with posters and smiles, turning the moment into a living lesson on Catholic social teaching, solidarity, and the power of small sacrifices offered with great love. Even as mist dotted the riders’ jackets and helmets, the students’ cheers cut through the gray sky with bright energy.

Why the Stop Matters

Each planned stop along the route strengthens ties between local communities and our brothers and sisters in Haiti. These encounters amplify the ride’s message: when we accompany one another—through prayer, friendship, and practical help—hope grows. For the riders, the Cathedral welcome provided a boost of energy; for the students, it offered a concrete way to see faith lived out in real time.

About Outreach to Haiti & How to Support

Proceeds from the Ride for Haiti support Outreach to Haiti’s long-standing work: healthcare, education, nutrition, and parish twinning that connects communities in Connecticut with partners in Haiti. If you’d like to follow the daily ride updates, learn about the route, or make a donation, visit the event page below.

See Ride Updates & Support the Mission

Event overview and mileage from Outreach to Haiti’s official ride page.

A joyful group photo with Bishop Reidy, Tom Campbell, Ron Paine, and the Cathedral School students. (Photo: Wayne Gignac)


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