By Gina Foster This year’s ACA theme, Hand in Hand with all God’s Children, is lived every day in our Catholic schools. Our students model helping one another on a daily basis. We can thank Catholic school teachers and administrators who work very hard every day, teaching students to be kind, loving and compassionate individuals. They teach the importance of loving thy neighbor, offering a friendly smile, and being a loyal friend. Teachers encourage students to pray and talk with God, when they are having both a good day and a bad day. Teachers explain to stu...

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By Kathy Gaito Think about the feeling you have when you set goals and each day you make strides to meet those goals. Sometimes the goals we set are easier to reach with the help of others. Often, when our goals are met, they have a domino effect helping others also achieve something positive in their own lives. The Annual Catholic Appeal has a goal, and yes, it is monetary, but this monetary goal has a domino effect leading to a positive secondary outcome. The money donated to the ACA is used to help our Diocesan ministries keep their vital works flowing throughou...

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By Mary Ellen Mahoney In the past six weeks I have attended funerals and wakes for six dear people. Each service was uniquely beautiful and inspired me to reflect on how each person had impacted my life. In thinking about June being Legacy Month here in the Diocese, I couldn’t help but also consider how each of these beloved people have left their own legacies here on earth. The last funeral I attended was for Dr. Robert Miller, former president of Quinebaug Valley Community College as well as The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese, to name only two of the le...

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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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By Mary Ellen Mahoney The Red Lion Hotel in Cromwell was the site of this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal Ministry Fair on Sunday, April 7. Twenty-two of the ministries of the Diocese of Norwich were represented by their directors and staff who manned booths showcasing the good works being done by each ministry within our communities. This year, the ministry fair was “open house” style with an expanded continental breakfast being served. It was hoped that by encouraging people to stop in any time between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., more people would attend the ...

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 By Mary Ellen Mahoney Two hours before the Christopher Dinner was set to begin at the Water’s Edge Resort, in Westbrook, my staff and I were on location setting up for the event just as we had done for countless other Diocesan events. While the routine was familiar, the venue was new to us and it was my first Christopher Dinner as the Executive Director of the Office of Development. After the room was set, the microphone and video screen tested, I sat down and remembered my mother telling me on the very first day of nursery school, as I sat on the front steps of...

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By Kathy Gaito The Holiday Inn in Norwich was the setting for the Diocese of Norwich Annual Catholic Appeal Leadership Meeting on March 7. Priests, parish secretaries and parishioners from all across the diocese who volunteer their time to assist with the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) came together to begin the vital work that will make a difference in the lives of God’s children and help make this year’s appeal a success! At the meeting, the ACA leadership teams were the first group to see this year’s ACA video, “Hand in Hand with All God&rsquo...

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The Office of Development is excited to present the 2019 ACA Video, “Hand in Hand with All God’s Children”! Featuring three of our over twenty-five ministries and programs, the video will show you first-hand the ‘good works’ that are being performed by our Ministry to the Sick, Prison Ministry and FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). We hope after viewing this video, you will consider donating to the 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal.  Your support will allow you to walk hand in hand with your neighbors helping others in our Dioce...

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By Kathy Gaito Prayer, fasting and almsgiving (assisting the needy) are synonymous with the Lenten season which this year began on March 6, Ash Wednesday. While these Lenten practices are a way for us to reconnect with our spiritual relationship with God, they should also be viewed as a stepping stone for us to continue to grow in faith throughout the year. When we decide to continue on our Lenten journey even after our Easter celebrations have come to a close, we strengthen our connection to God and others. Make time in your day to pray a few minutes longer when poss...

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ACA Theme Announced By Kathy Gaito We all know someone who occasionally needs a helping hand. Whether it’s a neighbor who asks you to pick up their mail, or a family member who needs a ride to an appointment, we all do our best to accommodate them. These tasks may seem simple to the person who is helping, but the person receiving the assistance is always very grateful! There are also many issues which people face during their lives which require the assistance of others. Some people are hungry, ill or homeless. Others are in need of counseling, guidance, or p...

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