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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

Family Hike with Bishop Reidy at Wachusett Mountain
  Looking for a fun way to enjoy the outdoors while spending time with family and fellow Catholics?   Bishop Richard Reidy invites individuals and families from across the Diocese of Norwich to join him for a Family Hike at Wachusett Mountain on Saturday, Aug. 8.   The moderate hike offers participants an opportunity to experience the beauty of God's creation while enjoying fellowship with Bishop Reidy and others from around the diocese. Featuring scenic views and approximately 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the hike is well-suited for thos...

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Discover the Gift of the Liturgy of the Hours at Upcoming Workshop in Baltic
Discovering the Gift of the Liturgy of the Hours With the new translation of the Liturgy of the Hours arriving next year, this workshop invites our lay brothers and sisters to discover — or rediscover — the gift and beauty of this prayer of the Church. Presenter Sister Rosemary Esseff, O.P. Sister Rosemary, a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia in Nashville, Tennessee, holds a Ph.D. in Composition from the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome. Since entering the community in 1993, she has continued her musical studies, earning advanced degrees in...

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Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer Intention for the Month of July
Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of July is for respect for human life in all circumstances.   “Both you and I have received the most beautiful gift of life — your breath, your heartbeat, your smile, all that you are is God’s work of love,” Pope Leo said in a video shared on Instagram.   The Holy Father asked the faithful: “Will you help me protect this precious gift?”   “This month I invite you to pray for our commitment to respecting and protecting human life in all circumstances...

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Remembering Father Terry Kristofak, A Friend to Thousands of Retreatants
Beloved Passionist Father Terry Kristofak, C.P., Remembered WEST HARTFORD — Father Terence “Terry” Kristofak, C.P., a beloved Passionist priest at Holy Family Monastery in West Hartford, died unexpectedly on July 1, 2026, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was 85. For many Catholics in the Diocese of Norwich, Father Terry’s death will be deeply personal. Over the years, countless parishioners from eastern Connecticut attended retreats, parish missions, days of reflection and spiritual programs at Holy Family Passion...

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Knights of Columbus Invite Community to Support Scholarship Program at Inishmor Fundraiser
  The Knights of Columbus Cardinal Spellman Council 6107 of Guardian Angels Parish in Colchester is inviting parishioners, families, and friends to enjoy a meal while supporting Catholic education during a special fundraiser at The Inishmor Restaurant on Thursday, July 23rd. From noon until closing time, community members are encouraged to dine at the popular Colchester restaurant, where 10 percent of the day's profits will be donated to the council's parochial school scholarship program. The scholarship program assists local families with the cost of ...

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Let Freedom Ring: Bells Mark 250th Independence Day in Norwich
The ringing of dozens of small handbells in the Norwich City Hall on July 4th united members of the community, including Bishop Reidy, in marking not only Independence Day, but the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The celebration culminated in the ringing of the Freedom Bell in front of City Hall. Girl Scouts from Troops 63226 and 63227 performed the honor of ringing the bell. The girls rang the bell 13 times — once for each of the 13 original states.  The city's 250th celebration program featured a visit by Abraham Lincoln &mdash...

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