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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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“The Spirit of Christmas” Offers Delightful Day at McGivney Pilgrimage Center
If your family is looking for a way to make the Christmas season more meaningful and joyful, the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center in New Haven offers a free, faith-filled and fun outing. This year the museum, operated by the Knights of Columbus, is inviting visitors to “The Spirit...

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Your Guide to Church Bazaar and Craft Fairs and Other Events
Use the Handy List Below to See Where All the Best Church Bazaars and Craft Fairs are Being Held Throughout the Diocese. You Can Also Add Events to Your Google Calendar from Ours.          Saturday, December 13 Cookie Sale and Basket Raffle ...

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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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Pope Leo XIV Proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year

Posted on January 13, 2026 in: News

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Pope Leo XIV Proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence. This Franciscan Jubilee Year, considered a gift for the entire Church and an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal, was inaugurated on Jan. 10 with a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See. Until Jan. 10 of next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under t...

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9 Days for Life Novena Begins Friday, January 16th
The 9 Days for Life Novena, an annual prayer initiative for the protection of human life, will begin on Friday, January 16th, inviting Catholics across the country to unite in prayer, reflection, and action. Sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 9 Days for Life is a novena dedicated to fostering a deeper respect for the dignity of every human person, from conception to natural death. Each of the nine days includes a specific intention, a brief reflection, and suggested actions designed to help participants actively build a culture of life in thei...

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Diocese of Norwich to Host Rock Climbing Event with Bishop Reidy
The Diocese of Norwich is inviting families and individuals of all ages to reach new heights— literally— at a free indoor rock climbing event on Saturday, February 7, at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury. Adding to the excitement, Bishop Richard Reidy will be in attendance, offering participants a special opportunity to share in an evening of fellowship, encouragement, and fun with the diocesan shepherd. Designed as a welcoming experience for beginners and seasoned climbers alike, the event will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and provides a safe, supervised...

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Join Us Jan. 22: Cathedral Mass on the Eve of the March for Life
The Diocese of Norwich invites you to join us for Mass on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich, as we prepare in prayer for the March for Life in Washington, D.C. All are welcome—whether you are traveling to Washington or remaining here at home. Let us unite around the Eucharist and entrust this witness to the Lord. Bus Departure (Registered Pilgrims) For those who are registered for the bus trip, the bus will depart for Washington, D.C. immediately following Mass. Please plan to arrive early to allow for an on-...

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Knights of Columbus Celebrate Fourth Degree Exemplification at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
The Knights of Columbus held an Exemplification of the Fourth Degree on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Norwich, marking a significant moment in the life of the Order and the Diocese. The Fourth Degree, the highest degree within the Knights of Columbus, emphasizes the principle of Patriotism and calls members to live their Catholic faith in faithful service to God, country, and community. The day began with Mass at 10:30 a.m., which was celebrated at the cathedral and offered in prayer for the candidates and their families. Following Mass...

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St. Vincent de Paul Middletown Celebrates Groundbreaking for St. Vincent’s Commons
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, St. Vincent de Paul Middletown celebrated a major milestone with the groundbreaking of St. Vincent’s Commons at 12 Liberty Street in Middletown—a visible sign that the mission is moving forward, not just in words, but in bricks and mortar. The ceremony brought together supporters, community partners, and guests for an upbeat, hope-filled moment: prayers offered, plans shared, and then the symbolic “shovels in the ground” that officially marked the start of what will become St. Vincent’s Commons. Executive Di...

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