Bishop Reidy with PPFOA Executive Director Julie Fitts Ritter and members of the Board of Directors in the Padre Pio Chapel during his recent visit to the Padre Pio Foundation of America in Cromwell. CROMWELL, Conn. — The Padre Pio Foundation of America (PPFOA) recently welcomed Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, for a special visit to learn more about the organization and its commitment to carrying forward Padre Pio’s spiritual and charitable mission. During his visit, Bishop Reidy met with the PPFOA’s staff, Board of Directors, and Padre Pio Pr...

Read More

COVENTRY, Conn. — Bishop Richard F. Reidy joined veterans, runners, walkers and community members on Saturday, November 7, for the 11th annual Connecticut Veterans Day Race in Coventry, offering an opening prayer in recognition of the courage, service and sacrifice of our nation's military veterans. During the opening ceremonies, Bishop Reidy delivered a heartfelt invocation honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. He expressed gratitude for their sacrifices and offered prayers for the runners, walkers and ruckers participat...

Read More

Men's Recovery Ministry Upcoming 11th Step Retreat for Men Offers Spiritual Grounding Ahead of the Holiday Season Participants in recovery are invited to join Fr. Tom Hoar, SSE, for a specialized weekend retreat focused on personal growth, reflection, and lasting stability. Navigating the period between Thanksgiving and the New Year can present unique obstacles for individuals in recovery. To help maintain balance and intentional grounding before the busy holiday schedule begins, a special upcoming program offers a dedicated space to pause, reflect, and est...

Read More

The Return “The Return,” an emotional depiction of a World War I soldier kneeling before a crucifix inside the Church of the Holy Innocents on West 37th and Broadway in lower Manhattan built in 1866. Both the crucifix and the church are still in place today. God of peace, we pray for those who have served our nation and have laid down their lives to protect and defend our freedom. We pray for those who have fought, whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war, whose nights are haunted by memories too painful for the light of day. We pray for those who se...

Read More

November 5, 2026 Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, has made the following clergy and diocesan appointments in the Diocese of Norwich   CLERGY APPOINTMENT   Reverend Arul Sahayam Joseph, new to Diocese, to Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish-St. Mary, Coventry; St. Thomas Aquinas, Storrs. Effective:  November 2, 2026.                                                                 &nb...

Read More

The Evangelization & Discipleship Ministry includes the End of Life Ministry, which facilitates the production of cremation boxes made by retired carpenters, cabinet makers and shop teachers in our diocese. These retired craftsmen are using their gift and talents (and donating their time and treasure) to craft a cremation box that is available to anyone in need of one, free of charge. Some boxes come unpainted and unstatined which allows a person or family to personalize it themselves. Other boxes are stained a dark mahogoney or painted brown for a “class...

Read More

NORWICH — The Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti celebrated its 40th anniversary on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick church hall, marking four decades of providing critical aid, healthcare, and educational support to communities in Haiti. A Blessing and Message from Bishop Reidy Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti Executive Director Sandra Chipanta speaking at the 40th Anniversary Celebration. The event began with a blessing and message from Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, who recognized the ministry's essential wo...

Read More

Judith (Judy) Hughes — Funeral arrangements are included at the end of this tribute. — It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Judith (Judy) Hughes, whose nearly five decades of faithful service and dedication to spiritual renewal touched countless lives throughout the Diocese of Norwich. Judy began her ministry in the late 1970s working alongside Father Ray Introvigne at the Spiritual Renewal Center in Norwich. She later became associate director and, in 1994, was appointed co-director. Together, they led parish missions, retreats...

Read More

Pope Leo XIV and Bob Dylan conversing at the Vatican on Nov. 4, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV welcomed legendary American singer-songwriter and 2016 Nobel Prize in literature laureate Bob Dylan to the Vatican on Wednesday, Nov. 4. During the meeting, for which Dylan wore a black-hooded jacket, the Holy Father presented him with a rosary, while the 85-year-old singer gifted the pontiff a copy of his autobiography, “Chronicles: Volume One,” according to Vatican News. Dylan is in Rome for a Thursday, Nov. 5, concert at the Palazzo dello Spor...

Read More

The Diocese of Norwich mourns the passing of Reverend Edward J. Wisneski, a retired priest of the Diocese, who died Friday, October 30, 2026, at Saint Joseph Living Center in Windham. He was 86 years old. Father Wisneski was born December 7, 1939, in Middletown, Connecticut. He attended St. John School and Middletown High School before continuing his education at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and Fairfield University. He pursued his priestly formation at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, where he studied philosophy and theology. He was ...

Read More