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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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Mary, Full of Grace: Honoring the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
On December 8, we celebrate one of the most beautiful truths of our faith: the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast invites us to pause in the midst of Advent and reflect not only on who Mary is, but also on what God is continually doing in the quiet of human history and with...

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Bound by Faith: Three Books to Lift the Heart this Christmas Season
As Christmas approaches and we begin to think about gifts that enrich the spirit, we launch Bound by Faith — an occasional feature highlighting books written by authors within our own Diocese of Norwich. This first installment brings together three inspiring works by local writers whose faith ...

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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 Around the Diocese For events with additional information, click the blue event title...

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Catholic Scholar Says Classical Learning Can Help Renew America
Author and professor calls on Catholics to revive American culture through faith and classical learning. ANN ARBOR, Michigan — Catholics should be proud of their contributions to the United States, especially for the intellectual tradition inherited from philosophers, theologians, and saints who contributed to the ideas leading to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, author and Hillsdale College Professor Matthew Mehan told EWTN News leading up to the 250th anniversary of the nation. Mehan is associate dean and professor of government ...

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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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Faith, Friends & Bonfires: Summer Evenings for Teens and Young Adults
Teen & Young Adult Series on Discipleship Join us this summer for THREE evenings of faith, fellowship, and prayer. Teens (ages 13–17) and young adults (ages 18–30) are invited to the Marian Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe for evenings that will include Dinner, a series Talk, Eucharistic adoration, and fellowship around a bonfire. The series will be offered by various priests, Religious, and lay speakers from the dioceses of Norwich and Bridgeport. All are welcome and encouraged to come and receive all that the Father wishes to give! Dates: July 14, July ...

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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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Latest Articles
Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer Intention for the Month of July
Family Hike with Bishop Reidy at Wachusett Mountain
Discover the Gift of the Liturgy of the Hours at Upcoming Workshop in Baltic
Let Freedom Ring: Bells Mark 250th Independence Day in Norwich
Knights of Columbus Invite Community to Support Scholarship Program at Inishmor Fundraiser
Remembering Father Terry Kristofak, A Friend to Thousands of Retreatants
Faith, Friends & Bonfires: Summer Evenings for Teens and Young Adults
Calendar of Parish Events from Around the Diocese
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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