Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

In Memoriam Rev. Victor Chaker (1934–2026)

Posted on February 05, 2026 in: News, Vocations

In Memoriam Rev. Victor Chaker (1934–2026)

The Diocese of Norwich mourns the passing of Rev. Victor Chaker, who died on February 3, 2026, at Bayview Nursing Home in Waterford, Connecticut, at the age of 91. Born September 15, 1934, in Port Said, Egypt, Father Chaker pursued advanced studies in science and engineering before answering God’s call to the priesthood later in life.

Father Chaker studied at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Norwich on May 31, 2003, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. He served the faithful of St. Mary Parish in Coventry as a summer parochial vicar, parochial vicar, and pastor, and later retired from active ministry. He also served the Legion of Mary as Diocesan Spiritual Director.

Visitation and Funeral Arrangements

Reception of the Body will take place at Saint Mary, Star of the Sea Church, 10 Huntington Street, New London, Connecticut, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Following the Reception of the Body, Father Chaker’s body will lie in state until 7:00 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Mary, Star of the Sea Church, 10 Huntington Street, New London, Connecticut, celebrated by the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Thomas Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, New London, is in charge of the arrangements.

Please pray for the repose of Father Chaker’s soul and for the consolation of all who mourn his death.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Bereavement Facilitator Training - New Day Journal
Are you interested in accompanying others through their journey of grief? The Diocese of Norwich is offering New Day Journal Facilitator Training for parish volunteers who wish to facilitate a bereavement ministry in their parish. Participants will explore the many faces of loss and grief, learn how to guide group discussions, and receive practical guidance for creating a supportive and confidential group environment. The training will also provide instruction on using The New Day Journal by Maureen O’Brien, O.P., a structured program incorporating prayer, Scriptur...

Read More

Hike at Wolf Den at Mashamoquet Brook State Park with Bishop Reidy
A Youth and Family Event with Bishop Reidy hosted by Deanery I: A Hike to the Wolf Den at Mashamoquet Brook State Park, 276 Mashamoquet Road, Pomfret, CT. Friday, September 11th 2026, from 4-8pm: Families are invited to pack a picnic dinner to enjoy in the stone pavilion and any lawn games they enjoy. The Bishop arrives for 5 p.m., and around 5:30 p.m., we will then be read the story of Israel Putnam hunting the last she-wolf in CT by a LaSalette parishioner. The group will next embark on a hike to the wolf den completing a loop about 3 miles (some moderately challenging...

Read More

⛳ Tee Up “For the Love of a Child” – Charity Golf Tournament
Join us Friday, September 18, 2026, at Wintonbury Hills Golf Course in Bloomfield, CT — ranked #4 in Connecticut by Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play 2026!   The Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti’s 11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament is a day of fellowship, fresh air, and purpose. Your $200 registration includes golf, lunch, and dinner — and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping provide medical care, nutrition programs for malnourished children, and education sponsorships for families in some of the most impoverished neigh...

Read More

Taking the Light Out From Under the Bushel Basket
Taking the Light Out From Under the Bushel Basket Every parish has people living just beyond its doors who may never think of the Church until they need it—when a loved one dies, when life raises a question they cannot answer, when loneliness settles in, or when they simply begin wondering whether faith has anything to say to the life they are living. The challenge is reaching them before that moment passes. That is the opportunity Father Brian Converse sees in the Tri-Parish Community’s renewed Evangelization Program, sponsored by St. Mary, Mother of t...

Read More

Faith For The Future: Annual Catholic Elementary School Collection Set for Sept. 12–13
The Diocese of Norwich will hold its annual Faith For The Future collection on the weekend of September 12th and 13th, 2026, supporting Catholic elementary education throughout the diocese. Faith For The Future is the diocese's dedicated in-pew collection benefiting Catholic elementary schools, helping ensure these schools can continue to provide an education rooted in high academic standards and Catholic faith-based values. Why Catholic Elementary Education Matters Our diocesan Catholic elementary schools are committed to: - Meeting high academic standards,...

Read More

Pope Leo appoints Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly to Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
NEW HAVEN — Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly was honored to be appointed by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as a member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. Formed by Pope Francis, the Dicastery’s mission is “the promotion of life, the apostolate of the lay faithful, the pastoral care of the family and its mission according to God’s plan and for the safeguard and support of human life.” “I am deeply grateful to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for appointing me as a member of the Dicastery for Laity, Family a...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

 

 

Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: 2026 Blessing of the Fleet
Click to view album: Corpus Christi Procession 2026
Click to view album: Chrism Mass 2026
Click to view album: 2026 CT March for Life- Hartford, CT
Signup for Weekly Newsletter


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