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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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Why August Belongs to Mary

Posted on August 06, 2026 in: News

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Why August Belongs to Mary
Ask most Catholics which month belongs to Mary, and they will answer without hesitation: May. They are right. But August has a compelling claim of its own. For while May blossoms with Marian devotion, August shines with Marian glory. This month, the Church celebrates some of the most beautiful mysteries of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Together, they reveal who she is, where she is, and how she leads us to her Son. The Dedication of St. Mary Major On August 5, the Church celebrates the Dedication of St. Mary Major in Rome, the oldest and most important Marian basi...

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Join in Celebrations of the 2026 Feast of the Assumption Celebration
Parishioners, families, friends, and the entire community are warmly invited to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with two special celebrations in Pawcatuck and New London. These annual celebrations honor Mary's Assumption into Heaven and bring the community together in prayer, worship, and fellowship. Maria Assunta Society Celebration at St. Michael Church, Pawcatuck Friday, August 14, 2026 7:00 p.m. – Rosary and Benediction The celebration begins with the praying of the Rosary followed by Benediction of the Blessed S...

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Final Summer Discipleship Night Set for August 11
Final Teen and Young Adult Summer Gathering Set for August 11 Teens and young adults are invited to close out the summer with an evening of faith, friendship and fellowship at the Marian Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold. The final gathering in the Teen and Young Adult Summer Series on Discipleship will take place Tuesday, August 11, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The evening is open to teens ages 13–17 and young adults ages 18–30, with separate tracks offered for each group. RSVP with QR code located at the bottom of the article.   D...

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Teresa Jorgenson to Lead NDCCW Day of Reflection
NDCCW Day of Reflection to Focus on Being “Anchored in Christ” The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will host its 2026 Day of Reflection, “Anchored in Christ,” on Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Church and Hall in Colchester. Teresa Jorgenson will serve as the guest speaker for the day. Bishop Richard Reidy will celebrate Mass and join participants for lunch. Jorgenson is a graduate of Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, where she majored in history, philosophy and theology. Following colleg...

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Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry Seeking Basket Donations
The Diocese of Norwich's Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry is currently collecting donations of baskets and is inviting the community to help. Donations may include picnic baskets, wicker baskets, or laundry baskets. Individuals who have baskets they no longer need are encouraged to consider donating them. Baskets may be dropped off at either of the following locations: Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry 331 Main Street, 2nd Floor Norwich, CT 06360 Diocese of Norwich Chancery 201 Broadway Norwich, CT 06360 For more information or question...

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Bereavement Facilitator Training - New Day Journal
Are you interested in accompanying others through their journey of grief? The Diocese of Norwich is offering New Day Journal Facilitator Training for parish volunteers who wish to facilitate a bereavement ministry in their parish. Participants will explore the many faces of loss and grief, learn how to guide group discussions, and receive practical guidance for creating a supportive and confidential group environment. The training will also provide instruction on using The New Day Journal by Maureen O’Brien, O.P., a structured program incorporating prayer, Scriptur...

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Latest Articles
Brothers in Christ with Bishop Reidy
Celebrating the Assumption: What Catholics Should Know This Year
Sacred Heart on the Lake Announces Fall Retreat Days and Spiritual Offerings
Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry Seeking Basket Donations
Two New Faith Programs Invite Women and Men to Grow Closer to Christ
St. Lawrence Church Hosts “Hope Does Not Disappoint” Retreat
From the Editor's Keyboard—Summertime Isn’t Over Yet
Why August Belongs to Mary
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    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294