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

FCC News Desk 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. In response, we are asking parishioners, ministries, offices, churches and schools to send us a picture of the nativity scene on display at their location. The photos will be featured in a photo gallery on the NorwichDiocese.org/Advent webpage, along with other Advent resources. Please...

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advent, Catholic

“Beloved, now is the acceptable time spoken of by the Spirit, the day of salvation, peace and reconciliation: the great season of Advent. This is the time eagerly awaited by the patriarchs and prophets, the time that holy Simeon rejoiced to see.” - St. Charles Borromeo During the four weeks of Advent, we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth through prayer and reflection. We contemplate the First Coming of Jesus as Savior, and anticipate His promised Second Coming. And amid the flurry of Christmas preparations, we look for practi...

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"I wish to encourage the beautiful family tradition of preparing the nativity scene in the days before Christmas, but also, the custom of setting it up in the workplace, in schools, hospitals, prisons and town squares."  Pope Francis Holiday Greetings from the Communications Office, On the First Sunday of Advent 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. I...

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advent

On Sunday, December 8th, St. Mary Church in Coventry is delighted to host the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, for the Third Annual Diocesan Young Adult Mass & Reception. All Young Adults (ages 18 - 39, single and married) are invited and encouraged to attend!  We encourage Young Adults to invite friends to join us! Mass with the bishop will begin at 10:30am and following liturgy there will be a coffee social in the hall.

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Norwich, Mass, Catholic