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Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene
    In its present form, the custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ owes its origin to St. Francis of Assisi, who made the Christmas crèche or manger for Christmas Eve of 1223. The blessing of the Christmas manger or nativity scene may take place on the ...

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Hand-made Hats and Scarves Make Tree Warm and Toasty
A warm and toasty Christmas tree designed by the Diocesan Office of Faith Events (OFE) will not only bring joy to those who see it but warmth from winter’s cold for all those who benefit from it. Called ‘The Warm and Toasty Tree,’ it is filled with 150 knit and crocheted hats an...

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5 Things to Know and Share about St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas, whose feast day is celebrated on Dec. 6, is well known as possibly the real-life inspiration for the beloved Christmas character of Santa Claus. Not a lot is known about the historical Nicholas, who was bishop of Myra, a Greek city in modern-day Turkey, during the fourth century A.D. ...

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Pope Francis: Like Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mothers can be Great Evangelizers Today
Our Lady of Guadalupe proclaimed the Gospel in “mother tongue,” Pope Francis said in a message that highlighted the important role mothers play in passing on the faith to the next generation. The pope spoke about how the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531 helped to spread the...

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Emulating the Holy Family: A Path to a Meaningful Christmas
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, the season of Advent beckons Catholic families to prepare their hearts and homes for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. In this busy world, where commercialism often overshadows the true meaning of Christmas, there is no better time to t...

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Bethlehem Welcomes Advent 2023 with Quieter Procession, Still with Hope
JERUSALEM - On Dec. 2, like every evening before Advent, the city where Jesus was born welcomed the custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, and the Franciscan friars for their annual procession into the city of Bethlehem. This year, however, due to the ongoing conflict, the solemnity of...

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What are the Precepts of the Church?

Posted on November 30, 2023 in: Reflections

What are the Precepts of the Church?
Have you ever questioned or wondered about some aspect of the Catholic faith? Well now is your chance to do just that! Four County Catholic Magazine is introducing a new column entitled A QUESTION OF FAITH. Every edition will offer our readers’ the opportunity to ask and have their questions a...

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Preparing Heart and Home: Meaningful Advent Activities for Families
Beyond the glittering lights and festive decorations, the holy season of Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and homes to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, there are numerous activities that families can engage in to make this season more meaningful and spi...

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COP 28: U.S. Bishops Call for International Climate Policies that Promote Justice
WASHINGTON – The United Nations will convene their annual meeting on climate, COP28, on November 30. In advance of the meeting, Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on&n...

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Where has the Reverence Gone? 

Posted on November 28, 2023 in: Reflections

Where has the Reverence Gone? 
As I begin writing this piece, I am suddenly aware of the fact that this will raise some eyebrows, but here goes: Where has the awe and devotion gone at Mass? A picture is worth a thousand words, but as Jesus well understood, a story can often get one’s point across very effectively. My sto...

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January 1: A Holy Day of Obligation

Posted on December 23, 2025 in: News, Events

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January 1: A Holy Day of Obligation
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God On January 1, Catholics honor Mary’s unique role in salvation history with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a Holy Day of Obligation. This feast underscores Mary’s title as Theotokos, or “God-bearer,” a doctrine officially declared at the Council of Ephesus in 431. At the close of the council, the faithful filled the streets, joyfully proclaiming, “Praised be the Theotokos!” Mary’s title as “Mother of God” is rooted in the Incarnation, where, as St. Paul teaches: “...

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Celebrate the Closing of the Jubilee Year of 2025
Join Bishop Richard F. Reidy on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Saint Patrick Cathedral, Norwich, for the closing of the Jubilee Year with Confessions beginning at 12:30 p.m. (priests available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation), followed by Adoration and choral Vespers (Liturgy of the Hours) at 2:00 p.m. See Letter from the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy below   “May the light of Christian hope illumine every man and woman, as a message of God’s love addressed to all!” — Pope Francis My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, On the...

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Join the Diocese on an Overnight Pilgrimage to the 2026 March for Life
Join the Diocese of Norwich for an overnight pilgrimage to the 2026 March for Life in Washington, D.C., January 22–24. The cost is $55 for transportation only ($2 additional fee when paying through VANCO). Our pilgrimage will begin with Mass with our Bishop at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Thursday, January 22, at 7:30 PM, with bus departure immediately following. We will begin our return to Norwich in the early evening on Friday, January 23, following the March. To register, visit https://bit.ly/VANCO or email atejada@norwichdiocese.net to speak with Alv...

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Watch the Replay of Christmas Midnight Mass

Posted on December 25, 2025 in: News

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Watch the Replay of Christmas Midnight Mass
Couldn't Make it to Midnight Mass? Don't worry, we captured it all right here for you. Enjoy! Merry Christmas!

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Watch the Replay: Festival of Lessons & Carols at Saint Patrick Cathedral
The Diocese of Norwich invites you to watch the replay of the Festival of Lessons and Carols, held Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy presided over this cherished Advent tradition that weaves together Sacred Scripture and sacred music as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Throughout the service, Cathedral lectors proclaimed the readings that trace God’s saving plan, leading to the joyful proclamation of Christ’s birth. The Cathedral was filled with choral selections, organ...

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Bishop Richard Reidy's Christmas Message to the Diocese of Norwich
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, During the ordination of a bishop, two deacons hold an open Gospel book over the head of the new bishop as the Ordination prayer is read. By tradition, the new bishop picks a Gospel passage to which the book is opened. I chose, "... Do not be afraid; For behold, I proclaim to you, good news of great joy, that will be for all the people. Today, in the city of David, a Savior is born to you, who is Messiah and Lord." Those words, spoken to quaking shepherds keeping watch by night over their flock, evoked great joy. Wit...

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Latest Articles
As Holy Doors Close, Cardinals Emphasize God's Arms are Always Open
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Our Lady, Queen of Hope Award to Honor Women of Vision and Faith in the Diocese of Norwich
Watch the Replay of Christmas Midnight Mass
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    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294