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Jennifer Harding named new Executive Director of Outreach to Haiti
Outreach to Haiti has welcomed Jennifer “Jen” Harding as its new Executive Director, succeeding Susan Wallace, who served the ministry since June 2019.   Jen brings extensive experience in international development and a strong commitment to compassionate, community-driven...

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Pope Leo XIV asked Catholics to reflect on the meaning behind Nativity scenes and brightly lit Christmas trees, and to ask God offer the gift of peace and fraternity. He also called for prayers for all those who suffer because of war and violence, saying, "We must eliminate hatred from our hearts."   VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Nativity scene and the Christmas tree are signs of ...

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Advent Hope and Haiti’s Faithful Journey- A Season of Waiting and Witness
As we journey through these days of Advent, we are reminded that this is a season filled with hope and expectation—and that our road to the fullness of God’s Kingdom has mountains to climb and valleys to descend before we reach our destination. In this season of preparation, we rememb...

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Blessing of the Christmas Manger

Posted on December 16, 2025 in: ADVENT

Blessing of the Christmas Manger
The beloved custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ began with St. Francis of Assisi, who created the first Christmas crĆØche on Christmas Eve in 1223. The blessing of the manger or nativity scene may take place on the Vigil of Christmas—that is, Christmas Eve—...

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A Question of Faith — What Makes the Star of Bethlehem So Significant To Our Advent Journey?
Father Richard, when I look at the Star of Bethlehem on Christmas cards and crĆØche displays, I can’t help but wonder—what makes that star so significant to our Advent journey? Advent, from the Latin adventus meaning “coming” or “arrival,” begins the Church&rsqu...

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Faith, Friendship, and Forever: UConn Missionaries Discern Vocation Together
Ethan and Julie Roberts are two of the FOCUS missionaries at UConn, bringing students on campus to Christ through evangelization, outreach, and discipleship. In August, they united in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. I recently sat down with them to discuss their discernment of their vocation to mar...

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A Diocesan Night of Unity: Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass in Norwich
On Friday evening, December 12, 2025, hundreds of Catholics filled the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich for the diocesan celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and Star of the New Evangelization. Beginning with the recitation of the Holy Rosary and an oppo...

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A Festive Autumn Atmosphere at the 15th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner
The trees surrounding the Lake of Isles provided brilliant colors of red, orange, yellow, and gold on October 26, 2025, at the 15th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner. Dr. Gail Kingston, Superintendent of Schools, Bishop Reidy, and the Office of Development hosted nearly 160 people on this glorious fal...

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Blessing of a Christmas Tree

Posted on December 09, 2025 in: ADVENT

Blessing of a Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree, a newer custom rooted in the “tree of paradise” from medieval plays, reminds us that Christ is the Light of the World. It is set up before Christmas and remains until Epiphany, with lights illuminated after the blessing.A parent or family member may lead the blessing,...

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Unwrapping the Stories Behind Our Favorite Carols
  When my children were in grade school, we hosted several caroling parties in December. Family and friends would pile into the house, and I’d hand out little songbooks I had put together. After a short practice session in the living room, where I could see the Cathedral from the windo...

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The Ascension of the Lord and the Promise of What Is to Come
As Catholics around the world prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension on Thursday, May 14, the Church reflects on the moment Christ returned to the Father in glory, completing His earthly mission while entrusting His followers with the mission of continuing His work in the world. Celebrated 40 days after Easter, the Ascension commemorates Jesus’ return to the Father after His Resurrection. Far from marking an ending, however, the feast points toward a beginning: the commissioning of the apostles, the birth of the Church’s mission, and the promise that...

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May 13 Marks the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima
Feast of Our Lady of Fatima: A Call to Prayer, Penance and Peace On May 13, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary’s first appearance to three shepherd children— Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto— in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. Appearing during a time of war, unrest and uncertainty, Our Lady brought a message that remains deeply relevant today: prayer, repentance and trust in God. During the apparitions, Mary urged the children to pray the Rosary daily for peace in the w...

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In Memoriam: Sister M. Charles Marie (Patricia) Gwiazdowski (1943-2026)
Sister M. Charles Marie Gwiazdowski Enters Eternal Life The Diocese of Norwich mourns the passing of Sister M. Charles Marie (Patricia) Gwiazdowski, Sister of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, who entered into eternal life early Thursday morning, May 7, 2026, after a long illness. Born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1943, she was the daughter of Lillian (Arabik) and Frank Gwiazdowski, both of whom predeceased her. Sister attended school in Norwich and at the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic before entering the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Ch...

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St. Bridget’s Ladies Guild Celebrates 70 Years of Faith, Friendship and Service
For 70 years, the women of St. Bridget’s Ladies Guild have served their parish and community with quiet dedication, deep faith and generous hearts. What began in 1956 with 37 members and annual dues of $1.25 has grown into a lasting ministry of prayer, fellowship, scholarship and service within St. John Paul II Parish. A Legacy Begins The St. Bridget’s Ladies Guild was formed in May 1956 under the pastorate of Reverend George F. X. Reilly. The following month, the Guild held its first meeting with 37 paying members. That same year, the women contributed $4...

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48th Annual Layette Event to Support Families in Need
48th Annual Layette Event to Support Local Families The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women invites women throughout the Diocese of Norwich to help provide essential items for babies and families in need. The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will host its 48th Annual Layette Event on Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, located at 1650 Route 12 in Gales Ferry. Women throughout the Diocese of Norwich are invited to participate by donating essential items for babies and young children. Requested donations include diapers,...

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Memorial Day Cemetery Masses to Be Celebrated Across the Diocese of Norwich
Memorial Day Cemetery Masses Monday, May 25, 2026 The Diocese of Norwich will celebrate Memorial Day Masses in diocesan cemeteries on Monday, May 25, 2026. All are invited to attend and pray for those who gave their lives in service to our country. Norwich Deanery Saint Joseph Cemetery Boswell Avenue, Norwich Bishop Richard Reidy will celebrate Mass at 9:00 a.m. In case of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich. Sacred Heart Cemetery Harland Road, Taftville Rev. Christopher Zmuda will c...

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Latest Articles
Saint Bernard Commencement to Be Livestreamed from the Cathedral
Padre Pio Birthday Mass & Celebration Set for May 22
A Prayer for Memorial Day
Memorial Day Cemetery Masses to Be Celebrated Across the Diocese of Norwich
Bishop Reidy and Diocese Pilgrims Journey to National Shrine of Divine Mercy
End of the Year Catechetical Leaders and Catechists
Newly Married Meet and Greet with Bishop Reidy
The Ascension of the Lord and the Promise of What Is to Come
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Click to view album: Chrism Mass 2026
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Click to view album: Adventure, Faith and Fellowship with Bishop Reidy
Click to view album: Ninety-Fifth Anniversary of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community
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    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294