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A Prayer to Begin a School Year

Posted on August 24, 2023 in: School News

A Prayer to Begin a School Year

Blessed are you, Lord God,

Creator of body and mind and heart;

you have sent the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge

to guide your people in all their ways.

At the beginning of this new school year,

we implore your mercy:

bless the students, teachers, and staff,

that together we may grow in faith, hope, and love

as we learn from you and each other

how to follow your Son Jesus.

Expand the horizons of our minds,

that we may grow in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge;

deepen our commitment to seek the truth of your ways;

and enliven our faith to reach out to those in need.

Glory and praise to you, Lord God,

in the Church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever.

Amen

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Posted on February 25, 2026 in: Lent

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Laugh, Think, Cry, and Pray — Reconnecting with Faith This Lent

An Unforgettable Speech I had the privilege of working at ESPN for 13 years, and during that time, I witnessed some incredible moments that transcended sports. One of the most powerful was Jim Valvano—Jimmy V—delivering his unforgettable speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards. Battling cancer, he spoke about what makes a good day: “Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think, you should spend some time in thought. And number three is you should have your emotions moved to tears. Could be happiness or joy, but think about it. If you lau...

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Posted on February 25, 2026 in: News, Lent

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Joyous Rite of Election Welcomes Catechumens and Candidates to the Diocese

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Posted on February 24, 2026 in: Lent

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Palm Sunday Concert Planned at Cathedral of St. Patrick

Posted on February 26, 2026 in: Events

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Palm Sunday Concert Planned at Cathedral of St. Patrick

On Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., the Cathedral of St. Patrick will resonate with the stirring sounds of sacred music as the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus present a special Palm Sunday concert. Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada and Chorus Director Daniel McDavitt, the evening promises a moving meditation through music at the threshold of Holy Week. The concert will feature Dan Forrest’s Requiem, a profound and contemporary work known for its striking beauty and emotio...

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Praying the Way of the Cross Through New Eyes This Lent

Posted on February 24, 2026 in: Lent

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Praying the Way of the Cross Through New Eyes This Lent

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Posted on February 25, 2026 in: News

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God Offers New Possibilities, Not Prohibitions, With His Invitation to Love, Pope Says

Beginning with the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, humankind has had to face "the age-old dilemma: can I live my life to the fullest by saying 'yes' to God? Or, to be free and happy, must I free myself from Him?" Pope Leo XIV said during an early morning Mass celebrated in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome. ROME (CNS) -- While Satan tempts humanity with the lie of gaining unlimited power, God offers the gift of true freedom that leads to real love, relationships and fulfillment, Pope Leo XIV said. Beginning with the story...

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