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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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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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Join Bishop Reidy on a Pilgrimage of Faith

Posted on June 09, 2026 in: Events

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Join Bishop Reidy on a Pilgrimage of Faith
Pilgrimage to the Shrines of St. Kateri Tekakwitha and the North American Martyrs Planned for July 14   The Diocese of Norwich invites the faithful to join Bishop Reidy for a special one-day pilgrimage to two of New York’s most beloved Catholic shrines on Tuesday, July 14, the Feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Pilgrims will travel by deluxe motorcoach to the National Shrine of St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Fonda, New York, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, where they will have the opportunity to pray, attend Mass, explore the grounds, and le...

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Let's Roll! A Family Bike Ride with Bishop Reidy
Families Invited for a Summer Bike Ride on the Hop River Trail   Families from across the Diocese of Norwich are invited to enjoy a morning of fellowship, fresh air, and outdoor recreation with Bishop Reidy during a special family bike ride on Saturday, June 27.   The event will take place along the scenic Hop River State Park Trail’s “Rockville Spur,” a crushed stone and dirt trail that stretches approximately 10 miles round-trip. Participants will gather at St. Joseph Church, located at 33 West Street in Vernon, before heading to th...

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Newlywed Couples Gather with Bishop Reidy for an Evening of Fellowship
On Friday evening, May 29, sixteen newly married Catholic couples from across the Diocese of Norwich gathered at the home of Bishop Richard Reidy for a special Meet and Greet that proved to be a tremendous success. The evening provided an opportunity for couples to meet the Bishop in a relaxed and welcoming setting while also connecting with other newlyweds from around the diocese. Throughout the gathering, couples enthusiastically shared stories, made new friendships, and began building a stronger sense of community with one another. Guests enjoyed a casual picnic-st...

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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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    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294