By Ryan Blessing A perfect backdrop of sunny skies, a light breeze and singing birds provided a tranquil setting May 27 at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Norwich for the annual Memorial Day Mass, which honors the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.   Bishop Michael R. Cote, D.D., concelebrated Mass, along with priests of the Norwich Deanery, at the cemetery's outdoor altar, before a large statue of Jesus Christ. "As a nation, we honor our military men and women who have given their lives in service to our great cou...

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God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons       and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord. R/. Amen   —from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers Saint Joseph Church Occum CT

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By Ryan Blessing Mr. Michael Bovino was ordained to the Diaconate in a Mass of Ordination on Thursday, May 23, at St. Mary Church, in Stonington Borough. Deacon Michael Castiblanco, who was ordained last year, called the Elect, Michael Bovino, forward during the Rite of Ordination before the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich. “Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ,” Bishop Cote said, “We choose this man, our brother, for the Order of the Diaconate.” During the Promise of the Elect, Mr. Bovino was q...

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By Mezalus Emil Kenley Richard’s story is proof that education is the road out of poverty for Haitian youth. The Outreach to Haiti Education Sponsorship recipient, Kenley now works to support his family and send his sister to college. For most of his life, Kenley’s family has faced economic challenges. He was born in Port-Au- Prince in 1989, the third of seven children of Jean Bossuet Richard and Keteline Noel. His mother, Keteline, has provided for Kenley’s family through her small trading business. His father was a cabinet maker who found occasiona...

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By Kathy Gaito Our Catholic schools certainly know the meaning of this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) theme, “Hand in Hand with All God’s Children.” The education of each student involves various school personnel working together, putting the child’s best interests first and making the school experience the best it can be. Similarly, the ACA works with donors, pastors and ACA leadership throughout the Diocese so that our ministries and programs are able to have the biggest impact possible. Recognizing the exemplary work of our educat...

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You are cordially invited to attend the Mass of Ordination to the Diaconate of Mr. Michael Bovino on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. St. Mary Church 95 Main Street, Stonington. 

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Saint Vincent de Paul Place will hold a 'Clean the Streets' cleanup from 9 to 11 a.m. on May  25 at Ellis Ruley Memorial Park, at 28 Hammond Ave. in Norwich. Last year the group kicked off the year by clearing brush and trees to make way for the park, which was dedicated July 27, 2018. The group encourages new volunteers to join in the effort, and has all the tools, gloves and equipment that you will need.

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Several Masses are planned to take place within the Diocese on Memorial Day, May 27.   Norwich In Saint Joseph Cemetery, Boswell Avenue, Norwich, the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich will celebrate Mass on Memorial Day on Monday at 9:00 a.m. Should there be inclement weather, this Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich.   Taftville In Sacred Heart Cemetery, 260 Harland Road, Taftville, Reverend Christopher Zmuda will celebrate Mass at 9:00 a.m. on Monday. In case of inclement weathe...

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It was a beautiful evening at the Mystic Yachting Center as friends, supporters, staff, volunteers and board members of Catholic Charities gathered to celebrate its 98th anniversary at the Hope Anchors the Soul Spring Gala. Overlooking the Mystic River, guests were entertained by the Hot Cat Jazz Band while enjoying cocktails and impressive views from the wrap-around covered porch. Guests had the opportunity to bid on many exciting silent auction items, including; tickets to Barrett Jackson Northeast collector car auction at Mohegan Sun; a Cape Cod weekend getaway; a pri...

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By Ryan Blessing Parishioners and friends of St. Mary Church honored Our Lady of Fatima on the evening of Saturday, May 18 during a Mass and candlelit procession through the streets of Stonington Borough. A group of men dressed in white ceremonial capes carried the church’s statue of Our Lady of Fatima from its place in the sanctuary, out the front doors of the church, while parishioners lit candles. The image of Our Lady of Fatima, a life-sized statue of Mary, was positioned on a bed of white carnations atop a wooden platform, which the men held high while the ...

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