By Ryan Blessing Photos by Annette Hanrahan Men and women in uniform, from battle-tested veterans with decades of service to new cadets in the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and ROTC programs, lined the pews at the Cathedral of St. Patrick during the 28th annual Red, White and Blue Mass on Sunday, November 3. The Mass honored members of the Armed Services under the Department of Defense, as well as active, reserve and retired members of all the uniformed services. This year’s celebration also paid tribute to “Old Glory,” the popular moniker for the Americ...

Read More

Norwich, Mass, Catholic

Executive Summary 12th Annual State of Abortion Report   The Connecticut Catholic Conference continues to monitor the issue of abortion in Connecticut with the publication of its 12th annual The State of Abortion in Connecticut report. Throughout the years, this report has provided a concise overview of abortion trends in the state. The Conference hopes the information presented in this report will be informative and shape the public debate on this issue within Connecticut. CT Taxpayers Pay for 75% of Abortions in the State!     In 2018, the ...

Read More

Pro-Life, Catholic, Catholic, ProLife, CCC, CTPublicAffairs

The Return “The Return,” an emotional depiction of a World War I soldier kneeling before a crucifix inside the Church of the Holy Innocents on West 37th and Broadway in lower Manhattan built in 1866. Both the crucifix and the church are still in place today. God of peace, we pray for those who have served our nation and have laid down their lives to protect and defend our freedom. We pray for those who have fought, whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war, whose nights are haunted by memories too painful for the light of day. We pray for those who se...

Read More

  U.S. Bishops to Meet Nov. 11-13 in Baltimore; Will Elect New USCCB President, Vice President, Committee Chairs, and Vote on Seven Action Items; Assembly to Be Live Streamed, Live Tweeted, Carried Via Satellite   WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2019 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 11-13. During the assembly, the bishops will elect a new president, vice president, and six committee chairs. They will also discuss and vote on seven action items. The assembly will begin with ...

Read More

November 1, 2019 WASHINGTON - One year ahead of the 2020 national elections, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is launching a year-long initiative that invites Catholics to model civility, love for neighbor, and respectful dialogue. Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate will ask Catholics to pledge civility, clarity, and compassion in their families, communities, and parishes, and call on others to do the same.  The initiative, which many dioceses are launching in parishes this weekend (November 2-3), is built on the recognition that every...

Read More

The Feast of Saint Francis occurs each October and commemorates the life of Saint Francis, who was born in the 12th century and is the patron saint of all animals. Many churches celebrate and honor Saint Francis by offering services in which animals are blessed and prayed for. It is a day to give thanks to God for His wonderful works, Father Richard Brenton, Pastor of St. Andrews Colcehester, blessing the animals.

Read More

November 2 is the Commemoration of All of the Faithful Departed or All Souls. On this day, we pray that all those who have died— our loved ones, and also those people around the world — that through the mercy of God, will rest in peace. Merciful Father, On this day, we are called to remember those who have died, Particularly those who have died in the past year, And pray for their joyful reunion with you, their loving creator. As your son taught us to call the stranger neighbor, our fallen are many— Names we will never know, Voices...

Read More

Love, Prayer, AllSouls

The ‘Memento Mori’ Youth Group Denver, Colo. (CNA) - When Eddie Cotter Jr. was a youth minister in the diocese of Orlando, Florida, he had his students watch the 1989 film “Dead Poets Society.” The movie stars the late and widely beloved Robin Williams, who plays an eccentric and unorthodox teacher that inspires his students to re-found a clandestine club called the “Dead Poets Society.” Members of the club meet in a cave to read and discuss poetry, including their own poems. In 1997, the film inspired Cotter’s youth group to ...

Read More

youth, AllSouls, Saints, AllSaints

Use the Handy List Below to See Where All the Best Church Bazaars and Craft Fairs are Being Held Throughout the Diocese. You Can Also Add Events to Your Google Calendar from Ours.      November 2 Holiday Bazaar St. Patrick Church, East Hampton 9am-2pm Knick-knacks, china, holiday decor, stocking stuffers, linens, children’s books, toys, homemade goodies and jewelry.  St. Theresa Guild - Harvest Fair St. Sebastian Church, Middletown 9am-2pm Handmade items and so much more Don’t miss our famous Italian cookie walk....

Read More

CraftFairs

By Ryan Blessing Loving husbands and wives married for 25, 50 and even 63 years joined hands with their spouse and renewed their commitment to each other before the Lord at the special Anniversary Mass on Sunday, October 27. John and Jane Sterry, married on June 30, 1956, stood with other couples in the Cathedral of St. Patrick and praised God for accompanying them during good times and bad. The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D said that “faithful marriage is a re-creation in time and space of Jesus’ love for His people, the Church. We believe that se...

Read More

Marriage, Norwich, Mass, Catholic