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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 crèche 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 crèche 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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Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Archdiocese of Hartford Priest in Race Against Time for Liver Donor
A Race Against Time: Father Joshua Wilbur Awaits a Lifesaving Liver Transplant Story by Karen A. Avitabile Following his ordination in 2018, Father Joshua Wilbur celebrates his first Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova Church in Goshen. PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH Father Joshua Wilbur remains optimistic, though he has acknowledged the reality of his situation. “I’m hopeful for the future but accepting what God has in store,” the Catholic priest says. “I’m very thankful for this feeling, and I am not afraid to die.” Father Jos...

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Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer Intention for the Month of June
“In times of war and extreme polarization, sport is one of the few things that bring us closer together,” the pope said in a video released on X on June 2. Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of June is for the value of sports. “In times of war and extreme polarization, sport is one of the few things that bring us closer together,” the pope said in a video released on X on June 2. He added: “Let us pray this June that sport may be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that it ma...

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Summer Math Tutoring Sessions Offered at Academy of the Holy Family
Summer Math Tutoring Sessions Monday to Friday July 6–August 12 except July 12–18 Academy of the Holy Family — Baltic, CT Families looking to strengthen their children’s math skills over the summer are invited to take part in personalized tutoring sessions at the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic. Tutoring will be led by Sister Mary Jane Vo, who brings 21 years of teaching experience at the Academy of the Holy Family. Session Times 9:30–10:30 a.m. 10:45–11:45 a.m. 1:30–2:30 p.m. Tutoring Service...

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Cherish What is Simple; Be in Awe of What Is Great
In a recent homily, my pastor said something that made an impression on me and which I have tried to remember as I go about my daily life – ‘Joy is our response to God’s love!’ With so much turmoil in the world, rising costs of everything, and depressing news cycles, it is easy to lose sight of the ordinary sparks of joy that surround us daily and succumb to negativity and pessimism. In doing so, we also miss the chance to respond to the goodness of God’s love for us. I recall a book I discovered during the height of the pandemic by Christop...

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We Can Help. Promise to Protect-Pledge to Heal.
We Can Help To report inappropriate conduct of any kind by a Diocesan Bishop please contact ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1-800-276-1562 To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance for victims, please call The Diocesan Reporting Line @ 1-800-624-7407 If the incident involves a minor (persons under the age of 18), you must also call: State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families Care Line 1-800-842-2288 –OR– State of New York Child Protective Services 1-800-63...

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Latest Articles
Cherish What is Simple; Be in Awe of What Is Great
Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer Intention for the Month of June
Archdiocese of Hartford Priest in Race Against Time for Liver Donor
We Can Help. Promise to Protect-Pledge to Heal.
Summer Math Tutoring Sessions Offered at Academy of the Holy Family
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    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294