January 1, 2020 is One of Seven Holy Days of Obligation. The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God The title “Mother of God” goes back to the third or fourth century, but the Greek term Theotokos (“The God-bearer”) was officially consecrated as Catholic doctrine at the Council of Ephesus in 431, thus becoming the first Marian dogma. At the end of the Council of Ephesus, crowds of people marched through the streets shouting: “Praised be the Theotokos!” This Catholic doctrine is based on the doctrine of Incarnation, as ex...

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FCC News Desk New Christmas crèche photos continue to come in to the Communications Office from readers and visitors to the website.  This Christmas season, Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter, Admirabile signum, on the meaning and importance of nativity scenes, calling for this “wonderful sign” to be more widely displayed in family homes and public places throughout the world. The photos are featured in a photo gallery on the NorwichDiocese.org/Advent webpage, along with other Advent resources. Please name your photo with your family n...

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advent

Bishop Michael R. Cote shares a childhood memory to remind us that "Christ is the Light of the World". Wishing all of you a blessed Christmas Season. Wishing you and your family have a blessed Christmas! May the light of Christ, shine brightly during this holy season and throughout the year. We hope you enjoy this reflection from Bishop Cote. Click here to read Bishop Cote's Christmas Message as published in the Four County Catholic

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Father Gregory Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations Happy Advent to all. We are a few weeks away from the Christmas season and time to transition into 2020! It seems like just a few weeks ago our seminarians were all heading back to seminary for their continued formation and academic work. They will shortly be arriving home for the holidays; either down in Colombia or spread across Eastern Connecticut. Our annual Advent Gift Card drive for seminarians is going on across the diocese. An early thank you to all who have picked up a name of a seminarian from your parish...

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Vocations, Norwich, Catholic

January 1, 2020 is One of Seven Holy Days of Obligation. The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God The title “Mother of God” goes back to the third or fourth century, but the Greek term Theotokos (“The God-bearer”) was officially consecrated as Catholic doctrine at the Council of Ephesus in 431, thus becoming the first Marian dogma. At the end of the Council of Ephesus, crowds of people marched through the streets shouting: “Praised be the Theotokos!” This Catholic doctrine is based on the doctrine of Incarnation, as ex...

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By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City (CNA) - Pope Francis Wednesday called Christmas nativity scenes a “domestic Gospel,” which helps to make the Holy Family present in one’s home. He also encouraged every family to have one in their home at Christmas time. During his last general audience of 2019, Francis said Dec. 18 that gazing at the nativity, with the baby Jesus, Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph “we can imagine the thoughts they had while the Child was born in poverty: joy but also shock.” “And we can also invite the Hol...

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advent, Catholic, Pope

Christmas Eve Midnight Mass You are invited to experience the beauty, the wonder, and the inspiration of Christmas at the Mass at Midnight in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. If you’ve never been before, know that all your senses will be engaged. Upon walking up to the center doors of the cathedral, your eyes will be greeted by two large wreaths. This visual beauty spills out from the inside, where you will see the beautifully restored cathedral resplendent with the decorations that tell the glory of this day. It is a gift, given to us by the gener...

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By Saint Vincent De Paul Place, Norwich For the past several weeks, our good friends from Lowe's Home Improvement in Lisbon coordinated a toy collection at their store. Employees, contractors and customers donated these awesome toys for our Santa's workshop. When the Lowe's team came to drop off the gifts, we showed them how nice the place looks all decorated for the holidays with the freshly painted walls that they painted in October. We love you Lowes!  

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St. Vincent de Paul Place

Prayer for Pope Francis who will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on Friday, December 13, 2019: Father of mercy, we come before you with gratitude for the fifty years of priesthood of Pope Francis, whom you have made Peter’s successor. Support him with the Spirit’s gifts, so that he can continue to preach the Gospel with priestly zeal and lead the Church with wisdom and strength and courage. May his example of long and faithful service be an inspiration to your priests and to all your faithful. We ask th...

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Pope

FCC News Desk Parishioners are invited to a celebration by the St. Joseph Church Religious Eduucation at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 17th at St. Joseph Church in Rockville. "Lights for Christ" will celebrate Jesus' birth with a light procession to the outdoor creche, with a Gospel reading and carols. It's followed by meals and beverages in the church hall, along with more Christmas carols.

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Norwich, Catholic