The Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, August 15. While the Assumption is ordinarily a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States, there is no obligation to attend Mass this year because the solemnity falls on a Saturday. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) explains: “Whenever ... August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption ... falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated.” The USCCB’s 2026 liturgical guidance also confirms th...

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As summer begins to wind down, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Norwich is inviting the community to help local children start the new school year with confidence by donating new school supplies.   Each year, many families throughout eastern Connecticut struggle to afford the basic supplies students need for a successful school year. Through this annual Back-to-School School Supply Drive, Catholic Charities hopes to ease that burden by providing children with the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive in the classroom.   Donations of new school...

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Sacred Heart on the Lake Retreat Center in Higganum invites the faithful to step away from the busyness of daily life this fall and make time for prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal through several upcoming programs.   The fall schedule begins with “Jesus’ Divine Mercy & His Sacred Heart of Unconditional Love” Retreat Day on Saturday, September 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Led by Sr. Lany Jo Smith, ASCJ, the retreat is being offered for the fourth time by popular request. The day will include a continental breakfast and full lunch. A don...

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Announcement of Position Opening Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti The Diocese of Norwich seeks a full-time Executive Director for Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti. Mission As an expression of our Catholic Faith, Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti, a sponsored ministry of the Diocese of Norwich, is committed to serving the people of Haiti in the spirit and values of the Gospel. While providing sacramental and spiritual support, this ministry offers education, health care, and other services to Haitians in need. Overview of Responsibilities The Exe...

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Bishop Richard F. Reidy opens the Blessing of the Farm near the barn at Wehpittituck Farm, its loft doors draped with an American flag. As farmers moved into the heart of the growing and harvest season, members of the Catholic community gathered under a clear summer sky on Tuesday, Aug. 18, for a Blessing of the Farm at Wehpittituck Farm on Cove Road in Stonington. Bishop Richard F. Reidy led the outdoor rite in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and animals, giving thanks for the land and asking God's continued protection over the farm, its ...

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A Tradition Continues in Pawcatuck Hosted by the St. Michael Maria Assunta Society, this tradition was brought here by the Sicilian Tusani who migrated and settled in Pawcatuck. The beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother was carved in Genoa from wood and shipped from Palermo, Sicily, in 1935. Over the years, the celebration has centered around the tradition of a special Sunday Mass and a procession with the statue of the Blessed Mother through the streets of Pawcatuck, accompanied by a band playing traditional music. Along the route, people stop the procession to ...

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