Home/Stay Informed/News

News

News

Watch the Replay of Christmas Midnight Mass

Posted on December 25, 2025 in: News

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!

Read More

January 1: A Holy Day of Obligation

Posted on December 23, 2025 in: News, Events

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

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...

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

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

Christmas Creche, Tree Are Signs of Hope, Pope Says
Pope Leo XIV asked Catholics to reflect on the meaning behind Nativity scenes and brightly lit Christmas trees, and to ask God offer the gift of peace and fraternity. He also called for prayers for all those who suffer because of war and violence, saying, "We must eliminate hatred from our hearts."   VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Nativity scene and the Christmas tree are signs of faith and hope, Pope Leo XIV said. "As we contemplate them in our homes, parishes and town squares, let us ask the Lord to renew in us the gift of peace and fraternity,&quo...

Read More

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 opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the night then moved into a bilingual Eucharistic celebration with Bishop Richard F. Reidy as principal celebrant, joined by priests from parishes across the Diocese and faithful who traveled from near and far to honor Mary under her b...

Read More

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 Our Lady of La Salette, Brooklyn • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Join us for our annual sale and raffle. This event sells out quickly, so please arrive early.   Saturday, December 13 Christmas Cookie Sale St. Mark Church Hall, Westbrook • 9:00 AM – 12:00 P...

Read More

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 fall day. This year we honored the commitment of three people who have spent their careers dedicated to our diocesan Catholic school system while enjoying the melodious voices of the Saint Patrick Cathedral Choir as they filled the room singing “God Bless America” and &l...

Read More

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 window, we would set out into the neighborhood. We stopped at houses along the way, including the rectory and the bishop’s house, before ending at Sheltering Arms, a senior residence in Norwich. The night always ended back at home with mugs of hot chocolate and slow cookers f...

Read More

Signup for Weekly Newsletter

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