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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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Candlelight, Kindness, and Cold Ice — Join Bishop Reidy for Two Special Events
This Advent and winter, the Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Norwich Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry invites teens, young adults, families, and parishioners of every age to gather with our new bishop, Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, for two grace-filled events. On Thursda...

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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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The Humble Servant – A Deacon’s Heart

Posted on December 03, 2025 in: News

The Humble Servant – A Deacon’s Heart
  The permanent deacon is an ordained minister who receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders and is called to a life of service to the People of God in the ministries of the liturgy, the word, and charity. The permanent deacon is called to be a living “image of Christ” (Imago Christi...

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Lifting Our Spouse Up When Faced with Challenges
While bicycling, my husband and I stopped by a pond and noticed a small turtle climbing onto a log in the water. The turtle struggled several times, slipping into the water and trying again before achieving his goal. I commented to my husband, “Too bad the turtle didn’t have someone to l...

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Gratitude Should Accompany Your Turkey and Pie, Pope Says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Thanksgiving is a "beautiful feast" that reminds everyone to be grateful for the gifts they have been given, Pope Leo XIV said. "Say thank you to someone," the pope suggested two days before the U.S. holiday when he met reporters outside his residence in ...

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Finding the Gospel in our Holiday Movies

Posted on November 26, 2025 in: ADVENT

Finding the Gospel in our Holiday Movies
Each Advent, as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, we’re drawn to the warmth of familiar Christmas stories. We dust off old DVDs, queue up streaming favorites, and settle in with cocoa, popcorn,and twinkling lights — yet beneath the nostalgia, many of these films quietly pro...

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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 Parish Events   Classes & Formation Wednesday, September 3 – May 13 Certificate P...

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In Memoriam- Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC

Posted on January 08, 2026 in: News

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In Memoriam- Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC
Sister Mary Mercedes Cook, SCMC, entered eternal life on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following a long illness. Her final years were spent at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, where she received compassionate care. Born Jacqueline Fayre Cook in Hagerstown, Maryland, on December 18, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Garland and Anita (Willis) Cook. Her family later moved to Norwich, Connecticut. She graduated from the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic and entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church in 1958. She professed perpet...

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Young Adult Retreat: Encounter the Eucharist Through Friendships
Young adults ages 18 to 39 are invited to a day of prayer, fellowship, and renewal on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Saint Michael the Archangel Church, 60 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck. Inspired by the witness of the newly canonized Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, the retreat will explore a central question: How can young adults encounter the Eucharist through friendships? Retreat Schedule 9:30 a.m. Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (Celebrant: Fr. Jeffrey Ellis, Vocation Director) Talk 1: Ethan Roberts, UConn FOCUS Missionary Small-group discussion following the first talk...

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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 Helps Neighbors in Need Through CCHD Grants
Bishop Reidy Awards Catholic Campaign for Human Development Grants to Local Organizations Serving Those in Need Bishop Richard F. Reidy distributed Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) grants to several local organizations dedicated to serving those in need across the region. Funded through the generosity of parishioners throughout the Diocese of Norwich, these grants help alleviate poverty and support life-changing programs in our communities. The following organizations were awarded CCHD grants for their exceptional service: Birthright of Greater Nor...

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