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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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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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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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Join a Silent Discernment Retreat for Single Catholic Women
Silent Discernment Retreat for Single Catholic Women (Ages 18–35) “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) The Little Sisters of the Poor invite single Catholic women ages 18–35 to a Silent Discernment Retreat focused on prayer, listening, and openness to God’s voice. This retreat includes: Holy Mass Eucharistic Adoration Spiritual talks Abundant silence, creating space for your heart to listen to the Lord   At the beginning and end of the retreat, participants will have time for conversation and sharing ...

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Sunday: Diocese-Wide Young Adult Mass with Bishop Reidy
Young adults from throughout the Diocese of Norwich are invited to gather for Mass with Bishop Richard F. Reidy on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel on the University of Connecticut campus in Storrs. A reception will follow Mass. Event Details What: Mass for Young Adults with Bishop Richard F. Reidy When: Sunday, February 1, 2026  |  7:00 p.m. Where: St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel (UConn campus), Storrs, CT 06268 After Mass: Reception to follow  

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Save the Date: Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti  Invites You to “For the Love of a Child Charity Gala”
    Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti  Invites You to the 19th Annual Gala   For the Love of a Child Charity Gala   Saturday, April 18, 2026 A Villa Louisa, 60 Villa Louisa Rd., Bolton, CT The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, of the Diocese of Norwich invites you to join him in this event that benefits the children who live in the Archdiocese of Port-au-of Prince, Haiti. Cocktails and appetizers at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner buffet. Special Guest Speaker, Haitian crafts, artwork and silent auction. Tickets are $100...

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Secure Your Spot at Steubenville East, July 24-26
STEUBENVILLE EAST - HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WELCOME Join teens from across the U.S. for three days of fellowship, faith, and worship at Steubenville East in Springfield, MA, from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26. This event is open to 8th–12th graders, with a total cost of $415, which covers the conference, meals, housing for 4, and transportation. A $100 deposit is required by the beginning of February to reserve your spot with Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry. To register, please speak with your Youth Minister or Catechetical Leader. For any questions, ...

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Latest Articles
In Memoriam: Reverend John Stanley Gwudz (1946–2026)
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Diocese of Norwich Invites Families to Ski with Bishop Reidy at Wachusett Mountain
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Save the Date: Annual Priests’ Dinner
Catholic Charities is Seeking Volunteers for Several Roles
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Sunday: Diocese-Wide Young Adult Mass with Bishop Reidy
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Click to view album: Bowling with Bishop Reidy 2025
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    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294