All Diocesan Articles

An Unforgettable Speech I had the privilege of working at ESPN for 13 years, and during that time, I witnessed some incredible moments that transcended sports. One of the most powerful was Jim Valvano—Jimmy V—delivering his unforgettable speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards. Battling cancer, he spoke about what makes a good day: “Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think, you should spend some time in thought. And number three is you should have your emotions moved to tears. Could be happiness or joy, but think about it. If you lau...

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The Cathedral of St. Patrick’s in Norwich, CT is pleased to welcome Fr. Herald Joseph Brock, CFR (Franciscan Friars of the Renewal), for the 2026 Lenten Mission, on March 9–11, 2026, at 6:30 PM each evening. The Mission is open to all—please save the dates and help spread the word. A Lenten Mission is an invitation to “put out into the deep,” embrace deeper conversion, anchor ourselves more firmly in Christ, and rediscover our mission in Him. We look forward to gathering as a diocesan Church for these grace-filled evenings of clarity, e...

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Lent, a period of penitence and fasting, serves as an ideal time for the Sacrament of Reconcilliation due to its deep emphasis on introspection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. This season offers a profound opportunity to receive God's mercy, cleanse the soul, and renew one's relationship with God.    Lent calls us to return to God with all one's heart, making it a spiritually enriching experience that enhances the Lenten journey towards Easter's promise of redemption and new life.   A Beautiful Act of Contrition Fo...

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Calling it a "cause for great joy," Bishop Richard F. Reidy welcomed 250 people on the road to becoming Catholic or completing their initiation during the Diocese of Norwich's annual Rite of Election.  The Rite of Election on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick was a watershed in several ways for the Diocese of Norwich. This year, the diocese welcomed 98 catechumens, along with 152 candidates, making for the highest combined total for the Diocese of Norwich in 10 years.  This is another step toward their journ...

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On Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., the Cathedral of St. Patrick will resonate with the stirring sounds of sacred music as the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus present a special Palm Sunday concert. Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada and Chorus Director Daniel McDavitt, the evening promises a moving meditation through music at the threshold of Holy Week. The concert will feature Dan Forrest’s Requiem, a profound and contemporary work known for its striking beauty and emotio...

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This Lent, the Diocese’s Evangelization and Discipleship Ministry is inviting the faithful to enter more deeply into Christ’s Passion through a virtual series of Stations of the Cross— prayed with a different spiritual lens each week. The Way of the Cross will take place on Friday evenings throughout Lent at 7 p.m. Participants are welcome to join from home, gathering online in prayer and reflection. Each week, the Stations will be contemplated through a unique focus, helping participants encounter Christ’s suffering in the lived experiences of ot...

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