Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

Sharing the Reason for the Season - Your Nativity Crèche Photos Wanted
Holiday Greetings from the Communications Office!     In 2023, the world commemorates the 800th anniversary of a timeless Christmas tradition— the Nativity scene, or Christmas crèche. In the year 1223, St. Francis of Assisi brought the Nativity to life in Grec...

Read More

An Advent Family Blessing

Posted on November 23, 2023 in: ADVENT

An Advent Family Blessing
An Advent Family Blessing   In the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…   Loving Father,   We ask that you bless this family and all the families who are faithfully trying to build your Kingdom here on earth.    Help t...

Read More

Welcoming the Stranger: Archbishop Kevin S. Randall Embraces Diversity, Service in Bangladesh as Church's new Apostolic Nuncio
Archbishop Kevin S. Randall had the opportunity recently to celebrate Mass with members of Connecticut’s Bangladeshi community, a tight-knit group of about 600 worshipers based in Manchester.  A well-traveled man who has served in Roman Catholic diplomatic posts on four continents, Arc...

Read More

Bishop's Column -  Glory to God in the Highest
November/December 2023 Four County Catholic "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."   My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As we approach Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas I am reminded of the above verse from the Gospel of Luke which ...

Read More

Bishop
U.S. Bishops Mark Thirty Years Since Release of “Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish”
  WASHINGTON - On November 17, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the statement, “Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish.” This landmark statement continues to serve as the guiding document for ...

Read More

Page 68 of 192First   Previous   63  64  65  66  67  [68]  69  70  71  72  Next   Last   

Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

January 1: A Holy Day of Obligation

Posted on December 23, 2025 in: News, Events

8515

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: “...

Read More

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...

Read More

Mass at Midnight Returns to Saint Patrick Cathedral This Christmas Eve
Diocese Welcomes All to Midnight Mass There is something unforgettable about a church filled in the quiet hours of Christmas Eve, when the city has gone still and the only sound is familiar carols rising into the rafters. This year, the Diocese of Norwich invites you to experience that moment again as Mass at Midnight returns to the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Christmas Eve. The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy will be the celebrant. Plan to arrive early, as the Cathedral choir will begin singing Christmas carols about 30 minutes before Mass begins, helping to prepare...

Read More

Jennifer Harding named new Executive Director of Outreach to Haiti
Outreach to Haiti has welcomed Jennifer “Jen” Harding as its new Executive Director, succeeding Susan Wallace, who served the ministry since June 2019.   Jen brings extensive experience in international development and a strong commitment to compassionate, community-driven service. “At the heart of this work is walking alongside Haitian communities with humility and hope, listening first and building together,” Jen shared.   Jen joins Outreach to Haiti with 20 years of experience leading health and community programs in Afri...

Read More

Blessing of the Christmas Manger

Posted on December 16, 2025 in: ADVENT

539

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—or at another suitable time. Many families and parishes set up their mangers earlier in Advent. It is perfectly appropriate to bless the nativity scene when it is first displayed, even if the figure of the Infant Jesus has not yet been placed. When the Baby Jesus is added—t...

Read More

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 remember not only Christ’s coming, but also those who still wait for redemption in the midst of suffering—like our brothers and sisters in Haiti. The people of Haiti know well the twists and turns of an arduous journey as they travel a rugged road, trusting it will lead to ...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Join Bishop Reidy for Ice Skating on Jan. 19th
Bishop Richard Reidy's Christmas Message to the Diocese of Norwich
Celebrate the Closing of the Jubilee Year of 2025
January 1: A Holy Day of Obligation
Monthly Pro-Life Mass to be Held January 3rd
Watch the Replay: Festival of Lessons & Carols at Saint Patrick Cathedral
Calendar of Parish Events from Around the Diocese
Jennifer Harding named new Executive Director of Outreach to Haiti
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Bowling with Bishop Reidy 2025
Click to view album: Ninety-Fifth Anniversary of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

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