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Watch the Replay: Festival of Lessons & Carols at Saint Patrick Cathedral
The Diocese of Norwich invites you to watch the replay of the Festival of Lessons and Carols, held Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy presided over this cherished Advent tradition that weaves together Sacred Scripture and sacre...

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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 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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Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Calendar of Parish Events from Around the Diocese
      Do you have an upcoming parish or school event that would be of interest to others in the Diocese? These folks do! Around the Diocese Submissions Please provide your event details to your parish administrator for submission. Email submissions are NOT accepted. Descriptions are limited to 30 words. Parish Admin Log-In   Calendar of Events Here's what's happening Around the Diocese!   Upcoming Events Saturday, June 20 Knights of Columbus Pasta Dinner The Knights of Columbus Cardina...

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Eagle Scout Candidate Seeks Community Support in Effort to Collect One Ton of Food for Catholic Charities
A local Scout’s commitment to serving others is already making a meaningful impact—and there is still time to help.   Anthony DePaola, a member of Boy Scout Troop 13 in Colchester, has launched a food drive benefiting Catholic Charities of Norwich as his Eagle Scout service project. His ambitious goal is to collect one ton (2,000 pounds) of non-perishable food to help support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout the Diocese of Norwich. Thanks to the generosity of parishioners and community members, the first collection d...

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A Prayer for Father's Day

Posted on June 17, 2026 in: News

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A Prayer for Father's Day
Dear God, Thank you for loving us with your perfect heart of a father. We ask you this Father's Day and always to guide and protect the hearts of all men in fatherly roles who are striving to love with your heart and do your work. Give them pure, chaste, courageous, and creative hearts like Saint Joseph. Give them hearts that never tire of serving those they are called to love. Give them hearts that seek out their loved ones and gently turn their gaze to see You, who is Love.  And we ask you, Father, to bless them abundantly today....

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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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U.S. Bishops Consecrate Nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Thursday, June 11, 2026 As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the nation's Catholic bishops are inviting the faithful to participate in a historic act of faith and renewal. On June 11, 2026, the United States was formally consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, entrusting our country, families, communities, and future to Christ's loving care. Through prayer, reflection, and devotion to the Sacred Heart—a symbol of Jesus'...

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In Memoriam: Sr. Patricia Blais, DHS

Posted on June 17, 2026 in: News

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In Memoriam: Sr. Patricia Blais, DHS
Sr. Patricia Blais, DHS, 100, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Thursday, June 11, 2026, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham. Born Fleurette Patricia Marie Blais on March 17, 1926, in Lewiston, Maine, she was the daughter of Joseph Stanislas Blais and Marie Stella Goulette Blais. At 19, she attended the Boston Ritter School of Floral Design in preparation to manage her family’s flower shop. In 1961, she entered the Daughters of the Holy Spirit and was known as Sr. Marie Stella. Sr. Patricia began teaching first grade in Burlington, Vermont, w...

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Latest Articles
Pope Leo XIV Prays for Parents Who Have Suffered the Loss of a Baby
Rediscover the Gift of “Us”: Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience Coming to West Hartford
In Memoriam: Sr. Patricia Blais, DHS
A Prayer for Father's Day
Eagle Scout Candidate Nears One-Ton Goal, Seeks Final Push for Catholic Charities
Patriotic Sing-A-Long to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary
Pasta with a Purpose: An Evening of Food, Fellowship and Charity Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus
Calendar of Parish Events from Around the Diocese
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Corpus Christi Procession 2026
Click to view album: Chrism Mass 2026
Click to view album: 2026 CT March for Life- Hartford, CT
Click to view album: Adventure, Faith and Fellowship with Bishop Reidy
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    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294